Canada City Breaks

A guide to Canada

Canada is a country of extremes. It’s a vast, beautiful place with some of the most spectacular scenery in the world; Western Canada is world-famous for its stunning countryside, while Eastern Canada is a hotchpotch of European culture and charm. Temperatures here can range from a sweltering 40 degrees Celsius in summer months, to minus 40 (and colder) in certain parts during the winter. Wildlife lovers have the chance to see grizzly bear, moose, polar bear and humpback whales in the Maple-syrup and Mountie country of the north. It would be asking a lot to expect Canada’s cities to match the splendour of its natural beauty, but amazingly that’s exactly what they do; Montreal and Vancouver both regularly feature in the top 20 most liveable cities in the world, providing the best quality of life on the planet for their residents.

Stunning countryside, vibrant cities

French-speaking Montreal, with its refined European atmosphere and grand old buildings, oozes style and sophistication in a way many other Northern American cities simply can’t. The nightlife here is world-class; after hours, the city pulsates with creativity and unrestrained joie de vivre, making this one of the top clubbing spots around. The city is a melting pot of different ethnicities from across the globe, making it a truly cosmopolitan metropolis, and the music, art and film scenes here are incendiary; some of the most innovative indie bands of recent years hail from Montreal and the film industry is one of the most respected in the world.

Hugely diverse region, plenty of choice

Overlooking the charcoal waters of Lake Ontario towards New York State, Toronto has partly absorbed American culture, while at the same time maintaining a fierce independence. It is an enlightened, liberal, multicultural city, Canada’s largest metropolis, and a fantastic choice for a getaway. Gleaming skyscrapers soar into the sky, leafy residential areas and wide open parks space out the city, quaint Victorian terraces line the streets and a cacophony of restaurants, bars, clubs, art galleries, museums and opera venues give Toronto a unique vibrancy. Visiting in September gives the opportunity to experience the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), whilst during December, you can take in the city-wide Santa Claus Parade.