Canada Travel Blog
Discover Canada Through Our Stories
At Canada by Design, our vacations are inspired by our own adventures, be it heli-hiking in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, taking the train through a winter wonderland, driving along the rugged east coast or searching for polar bears on Manitoba's tundra. Our team has traveled by rail, car and coach from coast to coast to ensure every detail of our trips are up to our standards, and to pick up expert tips and recommendations to pass on to you, our travelers. So go ahead, settle in and dive into one of our stories. It might just spark an idea or inspire you to plan your next trip.
Winter in the Rockies: 9 Best Ways to Warm Up in Canada
Discover the wonder of the Rockies in winter. Learn how to slow down and relax, get active with unique activities, and find festive magic in the mountains.
Where to See the Northern Lights: 3 Magical Destinations
Head to the beautiful Arctic North to see the northern lights dance across the winter night in one of our northern lights tours in Canada and Alaska.
Three Unforgettable Snow Train Journeys Through Canada
Discover the magic of Canada's winter by rail! Explore snow-covered landscapes and iconic destinations with our top Canadian snow train trips for 2024/25.
Fall in Vancouver: Must-Do Autumn Adventures
Explore fall’s vibrant beauty in Vancouver with exclusive June-October offers. Not ready for 2024? Secure your 2025 trip at 2024 prices!
Churchill‘s Autumn Wildlife Spectacle: Polar Bears, Belugas, and Auroras
Witness polar bears, beluga whales, and Northern Lights in Churchill, Manitoba—an autumn adventure offering unparalleled Arctic wildlife and breathtaking beauty.
A Road Trip for Your Bucket List
Embark on an unforgettable Atlantic Canada road trip! Book your 2025 adventure at 2024 prices and explore Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, PEI, and New Brunswick.
An Unforgettable Autumn Adventure in Jasper
Experience Jasper's autumn magic! Discover vibrant fall foliage, mild weather, and fewer crowds in the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy exclusive deals for June-October, or book 2025 now at 2024 prices!
Discover the Magic of Canmore and Kananaskis
Explore stunning landscapes, vibrant arts, and thrilling outdoor adventures. Book now for exclusive June-Oct offers or 2025 at 2024 prices!
From Polar Bears to Northern Lights: 7 Compelling Reasons to Visit Churchill, Manitoba
Discover the allure of Churchill, Manitoba, the Polar Bear Capital of the World. Encounter majestic polar bears, playful beluga whales, and mesmerizing Northern Lights.
Exploring the Heart of Alberta From Cities to Mountains
Embark on a Rockies adventure starting or ending in vibrant Edmonton or Calgary for an unforgettable journey blending urban excitement with natural beauty.
Vancouver's Cherry Blossoms and Seasonal Delights
Experience Vancouver‘s Cherry Blossom Festival and Spring Splendor! Plan your Vancouver vacation package now for an unforgettable spring escape filled with pink hues, snow-capped mountains, and seasonal delights.
Discovering Jasper, Alberta this Summer
Discover the allure of Jasper, Alberta with our exclusive packages! Experience the Canadian Rockies by rail or self-drive and save big with our limited-time offer. Book now!
Embrace the Splendor of the Canadian Rockies
Embrace the Splendor of the Canadian Rockies this summer. Explore vibrant landscapes, cultural delights, and natural wonders in Alberta's enchanting wildlife.
Unforgettable Canadian Rockies Train Tours for 2024
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Canadian Rockies with our iconic Rocky Mountaineer train tours. Book now and enjoy up to $3,000 in savings per couple!
Elevate Your Canadian Rockies Winter Experience
Winter in the Canadian Rockies is nothing short of magical, and we're here to make it an experience you'll treasure forever. Between the enchanting destinations of Jasper, Banff & Lake Louise, you'll find yourself in a true winter wonderland.
Your Winter Journey in Canmore and Kananaskis
Discover winter wonders in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. From thrilling outdoor adventures to luxurious stays and diverse culinary delights, Canmore and Kananaskis beckon.
Canada's Most Enchanting Christmas Markets
Discover enchanting Christmas markets across Canada – from Toronto's European-inspired magic to Vancouver's waterfront elegance. Immerse in holiday joy with our curated packages!
Celebrate Christmas in Canada's Enchanting Destinations!
The magic of a Canadian Christmas awaits you this holiday season. From the glittering ice castles of Banff to the snow-dusted peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Canada offers enchanting winter wonderlands perfect for creating cherished memories.
5 Reasons to Experience Whistler in the Wintertime
Dive into an unforgettable winter adventure with our exclusive 2023/24 Whistler Stay and Ski Packages! Visit Whistler's Winter Wonderland and enjoy Canada's premier ski resorts & activities.
The Best Winter Train Trips in Canada
Traveling aboard VIA Rail into a sparkling wonderland of ice and snow, there really is nothing quite like these 4 winter train vacations in Canada.
Unforgettable Journey on the Snow Train to the Canadian Rockies
Embark on an unforgettable Snow Train journey through Canada's winter wonderland. Cozy cabins, scenic vistas, and gourmet dining await.
Your Guide to Vancouver Island’s Famous Storm Season
From roaring waves to cozy fireside moments, embrace the awe-inspiring power of Vancouver Island's Storm Season with Canada By Design.
The Rise of Polar Bear Safaris; A Bucket-List Summer Adventure
Canada By Design's carefully crafted packages allow you to immerse yourself in the Arctic wilderness, encounter captivating wildlife, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
21 Amazing Things to Do in Vancouver, British Columbia
From iconic experiences like Granville Island and Stanley Park to lesser-known attractions, here are all the best things to do in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The Ultimate Calgary Stampede Experience
Are you ready for the ultimate Stampede experience? Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Stampede-goer, there's always something new and exciting to experience and we happen to have itineraries that include your tickets.
6 Canadian Train Trips to Book for a Summer Vacation
Embrace the beauty of a Canadian adventure with Canada's leading rail specialist and save up to $3,000 per couple on your 2024 Canadian Rail Vacations (Limited Time Offer).
The Best of Atlantic Canada
With over 20 years of expertise and established partnerships, we guarantee quality experiences at competitive rates, covering the best of Canada from coast to coast. Explore our Atlantic Canada trip ideas and contact us for your free custom quote.
The Top 10 Reasons to Visit Alberta Canada
Discover the top 10 reasons to visit Alberta, Canada's best-kept secret - home to majestic mountains, prairies, desert badlands, vast forests, glaciers and lakes.
How to Plan a Winter Wonderland Rail Trip Through the Rockies
With over 22 years of experience planning customized dream trips to the Canadian Rocky Mountains, will make your trip even more exceptional than you imagined.
15 Must-Do Experiences in the Canadian Rocky Mountains
Most of our itineraries in the Canadian Rocky Mountains offer your choice of included tours. Here we outline what many of those are, plus add an extra few.
How to Plan a Trip to Eastern Canada
Discover how to plan a trip to Eastern Canada, from the nation's capital city of Ottawa and metropolitan Toronto to the historic Quebec City and vibrant Montreal.
5 Authentic Cultural Experiences on a Road Trip in British Columbia
Discover authentic cultural experiences in British Columbia. At Canada by Design, our vacations are inspired by our own adventures and are customizable to ensure every detail is covered so you can relax and enjoy the drive.
What to Expect on Summer Churchill Polar Bear Tours
Summer polar bear tours in Churchill are filled with incredible Canadian wildlife, remote wilderness, authentic activities and local culture.
Why the Yukon Road Trip Needs to Be on Your Bucket List
With thousands of miles of roads, long summer days, friendly locals and scenic vistas, the Yukon road trip has long been a bucket list adventure for many.
All your Questions about Atlantic Canada, Answered
When travelers first find themselves intrigued by Atlantic Canada, they have a lot of questions. Luckily, we're experts in it all. Here are all your questions, answered.
How to Plan the Perfect Summer Trip to Alberta
Discover how to plan the perfect summer trip to Alberta in three easy steps. See the Rockies, alpine towns, national parks and Calgary Stampede.
A Winter Guide to Polar Bear Tours in Canada
With Canada home to 60 percent of the world’s polar bear population, there's simply nowhere better to go for polar bear viewing tours. Discover our top itineraries.
4 Winter Train Vacations in Canada for a Magical Adventure
Traveling aboard VIA Rail into a sparkling wonderland of ice and snow, there really is nothing quite like these 4 winter train vacations in Canada.
72 Hours of Winter in Edmonton
The largest northernmost metropolis and also the capital city of Alberta, there's a lot more to Edmonton than first meets the eye, especially in winter. Discover the best activities, festivals, restaurants and more!
72 Hours of Winter in Calgary
When we think about planning a trip to Calgary, Alberta, we oftentimes think of summer. What most don't know, however, is that winter offers its own exceptional experiences.
The Travel Expert's Guide to Jasper, Alberta
A small alpine town situated within the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, it's important to understand what separates Jasper from the rest (and why you absolutely have to visit).
The Travel Expert's Guide to Banff and Lake Louise
For over 21 years our Travel Designers have been visiting and planning dream trips in Banff and Lake Louise. Here we answer your frequently asked questions for the region.
Winter in Alberta: The Ultimate Trip-Planning Guide
With over 21 years of experience planning winter vacations in Canada, we've created our own Alberta trip-planning guide complete with recommended itineraries.
The Best Summer Road Trips in Western Canada
With travel to Canada from the US once again an option, a road trip is a great way to safely see new sights. Whether it's to the Canadian Rockies, Vancouver Island or the Yukon, our team will ensure it all goes smoothly.
7 Very Canadian Trips for the Ultimate Summer Adventure
If you're seeking a very Canadian trip with polar bears, golden wheat fields, great beer and authentic Canadian accents, here we highlight our ultimate summer adventures in Churchill, Saskatoon and Atlantic Canada.
Unique Things to Do in Vancouver, BC and Beyond
Whether it's a floatplane journey to Bowen Island to enjoy a gourmet private picnic or a boat tour to watch seals and spectacular sunsets, we've got the best things to do in Vancouver, BC and beyond.
Rocky Mountain Vacations to Escape to Post-Pandemic
As we step out of a global pandemic and into what we hope will be a promising future for travel, we couldn’t think of anything more ideal than a Rocky Mountain vacation in Alberta.
Our Favorite Canadian Rockies Train Trips
As we wind down what has been an unprecedented year, we begin to strategize: What are the best Canadian train trips to book for 2023? The answer, as always, lays in the uniqueness of the individual.
6 Classic Rail Vacations in Canada
Discover 6 classic rail vacations in Canada onboard both VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer as we take you through the Rocky Mountains, along the East Coast and over to the Maritimes.
15 Must-Do Experiences in Atlantic Canada
Intriguing and alluring, Atlantic Canada calls travelers who seek authentic experiences in spectacular landscapes. Here we share the 15 must-do experiences in Atlantic Canada.
The Top 20 Bucketlist Trips in Canada
Whether it's dancing under the northern lights, bonding with grizzly bears in temperate rainforest or road tripping along the rugged coast of the Atlantic, we all have a list of dream bucketlist trips in Canada.
12 Festive Things to Do in Vancouver, Tried & Tested by Local Experts
Whether it's a Whistler ski trip, a winter train journey to the Rockies or a northern lights adventure that brings you to the city, extend your stay with these 12 festive things to do in Vancouver.
VIDEO: Unique Canadian Wilderness Resorts by Canada Travel Experts
When you picture a once-in-a-lifetime vacation in Canada, what do you see? For our team of Canada travel experts, unique Canadian wilderness resorts are inarguably part of the picture.
72 Hours of Winter in Vancouver
The theory that Canada completely freezes over in the winter is a myth. Uncover what makes Vancouver the ultimate winter destination and learn what to do, where to stay, what to eat and where to go, all curated by Canada travel experts.
Heli-Hiking in the Canadian Rockies: Tips by Canada Travel Experts
From soaring over glaciers to strolling near spires, our heli-hiking trip in the Canadian Rockies wow-ed us with stunning landscapes, spoiled us with attentive service, and inspired us to share the adventure with other travelers.
6 Magical Winter Vacations in Canada for Making Memories Together
Looking for the best winter vacations in Canada? As Canada Travel Experts we're well-versed in everything the season has to offer, and here we'll outline the best winter vacations for making memories together.
Canada Train Tours, Self-Drives & Lodges: 3 Ways to Reconnect with What Really Matters
This summer, we're calling on you to reconnect with what really matters by spending time with those you care about. Our legendary train tours, must-do Canadian road trips and once-in-a-lifetime wilderness lodges are just the ticket.
How to Plan a Trip to Atlantic Canada
The East Coast of Canada has undeniable appeal, yet understanding where to start, how to get around, where to stay and what to do requires extensive research unless you have someone to turn to for expert insight. Enter Canada by Design.
Video: Canada Travel Experts Reveal our Most Popular Winter Trip
Winter travel in Canada has been on the rise, and it isn't hard to see why. With crackling fires, cozy lodges, sparkling snow and frozen waterfalls, it's your opportunity to see this magical season at its best – and we've got it all on video.
The Way to Winter in Alberta: 3 Secrets to the Perfect Trip
If the wintery air has been whispering to you of a magical place abroad, allow us to let you in on a secret. Alberta is Western Canada's very own winter wonderland and yields the kind of festive experiences that holiday dreams are made of.
How to Travel Beyond, According to Canada Travel Experts
Travel means something so different to everyone, and is much too personal for such a broad, all-encompassing term. We asked our Canada travel experts to unpack what it means to Travel Beyond, and relate it to their personal experiences. Take a look and let us know, what type of traveller are you?
Dinosaurs, Lakes and Glaciers: Expert Approved Trip Ideas in Alberta, Canada
As Canada's 4th largest province, Alberta entices travelers with over 600 lakes, 75 provincial parks, 5 national parks, and 587 species of wildlife to discover. After 18 years of designing (and experiencing) Canada travel itineraries, we know a thing or two about the must-do activities in Alberta, Canada.
Bear & Wildlife Viewing in BC - Farewell Harbour Lodge
From a grizzly bear stare-down in the Great Bear Rainforest to gasp-worthy humpback whale sightings, discover tales and travel tips from our wilderness adventure at Farewell Harbour Lodge in BC.
Road Trip in Newfoundland: a Travel Experts' Guide
The must see highlights, best driving routes, and tastiest seafood spots on an 11 day road trip in Newfoundland, Canada. The ultimate guide to your driving trip in Newfoundland.
11 Winter Wonderland Trip Ideas in the Canadian Rockies
Last March, alongside a few travel experts from the Canada by Design team, I embarked on an action packed 6 night journey through Alberta's Rocky Mountains on a mission to scout as many new winter experiences as possible.
Bear Viewing Adventures at Knight Inlet Lodge
We just returned from a grizzly bear viewing adventure at Knight Inlet Lodge with full hearts and full memory cards! Discover the best time to see bears, our favorite memories, and other tips from the 4 epic days of bear viewing, sea kayaking, and whale watching.
4 Reasons Travel Addicts Love Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia - the land of endless seacoast, Alexander Keith's beer and the friendliest people in the world. It's often overlooked as a travel destination, but is increasingly on more people's radar, and here you'll see why.
5 Reasons to Experience Quebec City in the Wintertime
Quebec City's winter season has grown increasingly popular over the years putting it on the map as a top destination for celebrating the holidays in. Find out why visitors are braving a little Canadian cold for a lifetime of winter-wonderland memories.