Tailormade Holidays in Canada

Tour Code: TCAN

Enquire Now Saved Tours

Sample Itineraries

The kaleidoscope of colour that encapsulates the Canadian ‘fall’ provides a spectacular backdrop to magnificent wildlife, which includes numerous bears and whales. In the cold tundra of the north, Polar Bears can be found alongside other impressive Arctic specialists. Create your own Tailormade holiday to Canada with dates and an itinerary to suit you. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

Canada The West: Self-drive

13 Days

More Info

Spirit Bears, Grizzlies & Humpbacks - Cruising the Great Bear Rainforest

10 Days

More Info

When to Go

Good Time to Go

March to November

Best Time to Go

April to November

Speak to a travel expert

Georgie Dodds

Tailormade Manager

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

Great Bear Rainforest
Vancouver Island
Churchill
Quebec & Bay of Fundy
+1 more

View all

Summary

Canada is the second largest country in the world and a truly outstanding wildlife destination. Covering almost nine million square kilometres, it is home to a wonderfully diverse range of habitats and landscapes, from the cold Arctic tundra of the north to the high rocky peaks and vivid turquoise lakes of the Rocky Mountains in the west. Moving east – beyond Canada’s wheat belt and flat central prairies – lie the Great Lakes, the St Lawrence River and the spectacular Niagara Falls. The land here is clothed in broadleaf forests that turn a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges and golds each ‘Fall’. Canada’s eastern seaboard has much to offer too, from the Bay of Fundy’s impressive tides (the highest in the world) to the architecture and history of Quebec City and iceberg-dotted coastline of Newfoundland. Canada’s wildlife cannot fail to impress! Each spring, millions of songbirds fan out into its vast forests to breed, concentrating in May and September at a few key bottlenecks – especially around the Great Lakes – to offer some of the best, and most exciting, birding in all of North America! On a larger scale, Caribou, Wolves and Moose, plus Grizzly, Black and Polar Bears all inhabit Canada’s vast wilderness areas, whilst the surrounding seas are home to a wonderful variety of marine mammals including Orca, Blue, Fin and Humpback Whales, Beluga and the bizarre Narwhal. Wildlife and landscapes aside, the locals are warm and friendly, the food is delicious and there are some spectacular lodges in which to stay. With so much variety on offer and such a vast country to explore, Canada is a truly exciting option for a Tailormade wildlife holiday.

Our Locations

The 'Great Bear Rainforest' protects one of the largest remaining tracts of temperate rainforest left in the world. Stretching along the intricate, island-dotted, coastline of British Columbia, from Vancouver Island north to the Alaskan border, this is a region of spectacular natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Ancient Western Red Cedars – some over 1,000 years old – grow alongside towering Western Hemlocks, Amabilis Fir and Sitka Spruce, each dripping with curtains of lichens and moss, and bisected by numerous glacier-fed streams which flow into the maze of narrow channels, fjords and wooded islands of the fabled ‘Inside Passage’. On land, the forests, estuaries and rocky beaches are patrolled by Black Bears (including the occasional ‘Spirit Bear’, a rare white genetic variant), Grey Wolves, Cougars and, of course, the ‘Great Bear’ itself, the Grizzly! Overhead soar Bald Eagles, whilst offshore Humpback Whales return every summer, joining pods of Orcas, Grey Whales, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Steller’s Sea Lions and numerous seabirds including Rhinoceros Auklets, the diminutive Marbled Murrelet, Red-necked and Slavonian Grebes, Black and Surf Scoters and parties of twirling Red-necked Phalaropes.

Accommodation in Great Bear Rainforest

The journey from Vancouver to Vancouver Island is breathtaking. The ferry offers exciting opportunities for a variety of cetaceans and seabirds, with each season bringing its own delights. Bald Eagles are common, and this is a key migratory route for waterbirds including Surf, White-winged and Black Scoter, Pacific Diver, Western and Red-necked Grebes and the beautiful Harlequin Duck. Both Dall’s and Harbour Porpoises patrol these waters, alongside playful pods of Pacific White-sided Dolphins, which move into the area each spring. The pods of salmon-eating 'Resident' Orcas for which this region is famous arrive in June, but the mammal-eating 'Transients’ live in these waters year-round, although their predatory lifestyle makes them a more secretive animal and less easy to view.

Vancouver Island offers some wonderfully varied scenery. The towering Mackenzie Range is breathtaking, and Kennedy Lake offers lush temperate rainforest wilderness. The spectacular Pacific Rim National Park, which spans more than 130 kilometres of west coast shoreline, is a dramatic area of rocky headlands and pristine sandy beaches pounded by the full force of the Pacific Ocean and backed by some of the region’s last remaining old-growth coastal rainforest. It lies on the main migratory route of the Grey Whale as the species moves between Mexico’s Baja Peninsula and its summer feeding haunt in the Bering Sea. Some, however, remain around Tofino and Ucluelet for the summer. The Pacific Rim is one of the best places in the world from which to observe these magnificent creatures and, whilst scanning for whales (either on land or by boat), plenty of other species may also be seen including Steller’s Sea Lion, Sea Otter, Humpback Whale, a transient pod of Orca, Pigeon Guillemot, Harlequin Duck or the beautiful Tufted Puffin. The mystical rainforests, with their towering Western Red Cedars and moss-covered Sitka Spruce, offer an intriguing avifauna, alongside noisy Red Squirrels and the enigmatic Banana Slug.

Zeballos, in the northwest of the Island, is home to the charismatic Sea Otter and, whilst there are no Grizzly Bears on Vancouver Island, Black Bears are commonly seen – some 10,000 live here! No stay on Vancouver Island is complete without a couple of nights in either Telegraph Cove or Port McNeil and a boat trip out onto Johnstone Strait, the summer and early autumn haunt of the island’s ‘Northern Resident’ Orcas. This is one of the best places to view this impressive cetacean anywhere in the world as the whales tend to favour the strait at this time of year and their movements are monitored by the local whale researchers and the whale-watching operators.

Accommodation in Vancouver Island

Wickaninnish Inn

Details

Beluga Whales shutterstock_1394133827.jpg

There is much to explore across this superbly diverse and beautiful region of Canada, with its towering mountain ranges, spectacular waterways, historic cities, boreal forests, breathtaking coastline and a wonderful array of wildlife, alongside a rich culture and indigenous heritage.

Québec’s extensive boreal forests, some of which encompass part of the mighty Appalachian Range, are outstanding and harbour such delights as Spruce Grouse, Canada Jay, Boreal Chickadee and Black-backed Woodpecker. The region also offers the visitor some wonderful mammals. Highlights include Moose and Beaver in Fundy National Park, Black Bear and Woodland Caribou in the Parc de la Gaspésie and many more besides.

Spring and autumn see the mass migration of birds through eastern Canada and the many wetlands, forests, and coastal habitats offer wonderful opportunities to witness this natural spectacle. Highlights might include Snow Goose, Cape May, Northern Parula, Black-and-White and Blackburnian Warblers (amongst many others), Swainson’s Thrush, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Northern Saw-whet Owl. The vast mudflats of the Bay of Fundy and the wetlands that edge the beautiful Ile Miscou to the north attract numerous waders and other waterbirds including White-rumped, Semi-palmated, Stilt, Baird’s and Least Sandpipers, Long-billed and Short-billed Dowitchers and Hudsonian Godwit.

In the ‘fall’, as the landscape becomes swathed in a spectacular reds, oranges and golds of autumn, an interesting variety of cetaceans and seabirds crowd into the Bay of Fundy. Fin and Humpback Whales, Atlantic White-sided Dolphin and even the rare Northern Right Whale, are all possible along with Great Shearwater and Wilson’s Petrel. Here, one can also stay on Grand Manan Island, a jewel in the Fundy Isle network, dotted with picturesque fishing villages and offering some of the most exciting migration birding in Canada. Québec’s St Lawrence Seaway, too, will feature as a highlight of any autumnal trip, when Blue, Humpback, Fin and Minke Whales can be viewed, alongside a small resident population of Beluga Whales.

Founded as a fur trading post in 1608, Québec City – the cradle of French civilisation in North America – must surely rank as one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its uninterrupted views of the St. Lawrence River (one of Canada’s most important migration ‘flyways’), its narrow streets rising steeply from the port to form a winding maze inside the city walls, bordered by brightly painted houses, museums and boutiques. Its beautiful old quarter is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The impressive waterfall at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, is also found nearby. Higher than Niagara Falls, in winter it becomes a vertical wall of ice and offers a true challenge to climbers seeking thrill and adventure.

Niagara Falls, Canada shutterstock_373218787.jpg

Southern Ontario offers an interesting mix of exciting wildlife and spectacular scenery, and is an excellent option for self-drive exploration.

Between Lakes Erie and Ontario and straddling the United States and Canadian border lies Niagara Falls, one of the world’s great natural wonders. Niagara is actually a group of three waterfalls, with Horseshoe Falls the largest, and the only one to lie on Canadian soil. The combined flow rate of Niagara is the highest of any across North America and, with a drop exceeding 50 metres, this is an unmissable sight!

Lying at the southernmost extremity of mainland Canada, Point Pelee National Park is probably the most famous migration hotspot in all of North America! Jutting south into Lake Eire, the point is the first landfall for weary spring migrants crossing the lake on their way north and, as such, can experience huge falls of birds given the right weather conditions. In May the trees can be festooned with a kaleidoscope of colourful American warblers, plus numerous other vireos, thrushes, orioles, sparrows and buntings. During the summer months, you can wander the trails or take to the water by canoe as cicadas bring the forest alive around you. In autumn, thousands of vibrant Monarch Butterflies pass through as they make their incredible journey south to the mountains of central Mexico. For a few very special days, the butterflies rest here, before taking off across Lake Erie – a truly spectacular sight.

To the north of Toronto lies Algonquin Provincial Park, a vast area of mixed southern hardwood and northern coniferous forests dotted with a plethora of sparkling lakes. As well as offering numerous hiking trails, the park may be explored by canoe, drifting through the glassy water as it reflects the deep greens of the surrounding forest. Algonquin is home to some of the best of Canada’s wildlife, with highlights including Moose, White-tailed Deer, Beaver and Black Bear. Indeed, this is one of the best places in Ontario for Moose sightings! Over 270 bird species have been recorded within the park including Canada Jay, Spruce Grouse, Pine Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting and plenty of Common Loons (Great Northern Diver). This area is particularly picturesque in the ‘fall’, when the forests burst into intense reds, oranges and golds that simply take one’s breath away.

With these fantastic locations, and many, many others besides – all easily accessible by car – it will be difficult to leave!

View Map

View key locations on the map.

Sample Itineraries

A self-drive exploration of breathtaking Vancouver Island in search of a plethora of wildlife, from Grey Whales and Orcas to Black Bears and birds!

Day

Fly Vancouver

Day

Vancouver

Days

3 - 4

Victoria

Days

5 - 6

Ucluelet

Day

Campbell River

Days

8 - 9

Knight Inlet Lodge

Day

Campbell River

Day

Tsawwassen, Vancouver

Day

Depart Vancouver

Day

Arrive London

13 Days (Flight Inclusive)

Enquire Now

A 10-day holiday to coastal British Columbia including a 7-night wildlife cruise through the Great Bear Rainforest

Day

Fly Vancouver and overnight

Day

Fly Bella Bella; embark 'Island Roamer' and begin cruise

Days

3 - 8

Great Bear Rainforest cruise

Day

Disembark 'Island Roamer' and fly London

Day

Arrive London

10 Days (Flight Inclusive)

Enquire Now

The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

Excellent local naturalist guides are available as well as specialist birding guides.

When to Visit

Canada has much to offer the naturalist throughout the year, with each season bringing its own special highlights. Birders traditionally tend to favour the spring and autumn months, lured by spectacular migrations and the chance of some rarities, as well as the promise of sunny days and comfortable temperatures. Late summer/early autumn is a particularly good time to search for Grizzly, Black and Spirit Bears on the west coast, when bears are more active as they fatten-up prior to hibernation, and the Pacific salmon return to the rivers. The summer and autumn months are also excellent times for cetacean watching. Those keen to see Polar Bears in Churchill should consider travelling in October and November, when the bears are returning to the Hudson Bay sea ice from their summer residence further inland. Summer walking safaris here can also be productive for Polar Bears too, however, and this is also when thousands of Beluga Whales can be seen in the mouth of the Churchill River. Autumn and winter are the best times to visit for the Northern Lights. The ‘fall’ colours of eastern Canada are simply spectacular, and many choose to visit this region in September and October to view this natural wonder, taking advantage, too, of the autumn bird and Monarch migrations and the numerous cetaceans that linger along the coast.

Getting Around

Canada is served by an excellent road network so self-drive is an excellent option. Due to the wilderness nature of some of our favourite locations, sometimes internal flights are also needed. There are also a number of wonderful cruise options, such as those around the Great Bear Rainforest.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!

Georgie Dodds

Tailormade Manager

Email 1-844-433-9473

Why Choose Naturetrek?

50+ Trustpilot Reviews

45+ Google Reviews

Click any badge to read more reviews

Gallery

Humpback Whale, British Colombia, Canada

Wildlife Tours in Africa

Wildlife Tours in Asia

Wildlife Tours in Australasia

Wildlife Tours in Caribbean

Wildlife Tours in Central America

Wildlife Tours in Europe

Wildlife Tours in Middle East

Wildlife Tours in North America

Wildlife Tours in Polar

Wildlife Tours in South America

Wildlife Tours in United Kingdom

Birds

Mammals

Cruises

Polar

Ways to Travel

Special Interest

Holiday Type

Tailormade Regions

About Naturetrek

Events & News

Tailormade Holidays in Canada

Sample Itineraries

Canada The West: Self-drive

Spirit Bears, Grizzlies & Humpbacks - Cruising the Great Bear Rainforest

When to Go

Good Time to Go

Best Time to Go

Speak to a travel expert

Georgie Dodds

Where to Go

Summary

Our Locations

Great Bear Rainforest

Accommodation in Great Bear Rainforest

Great Bear Lodge

Knight Inlet Lodge

Farewell Harbour Lodge

Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

Spirit Bear Lodge

Vancouver Island

Accommodation in Vancouver Island

Wickaninnish Inn

Eastern Canada – Québec & Bay of Fundy

Niagara Falls and South-east Ontaraio

View Map

Sample Itineraries

Canada The West: Self-drive

Spirit Bears, Grizzlies & Humpbacks - Cruising the Great Bear Rainforest

The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

When to Visit

Getting Around

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

Georgie Dodds

Why Choose Naturetrek?

Gallery

01962 733051

Our tours

about us

Legal & Info

My Saved Tours

Saved Tours

{{ result.name }}