Canada

Thinking of going skiing this year, but not sure where your budget can take you? Let us help you with a few options. You have to be quick though before these well-kept skiing and snowboarding secrets are discovered by the masses.  Destination ranges from Europe, North America to the Far East. Some of these were once used as Winter Olympic destinations.

Put together any list of North America's top 10 scenic roads, and few in the know would fail to include the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia among their number.  The 298km highway loops around the Cape Breton Peninsula at the northern tip of the province, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of St Lawrence.

Canada has over 125,000 miles of coastline - that's more than any other country on earth; by a long stretch. Of the many miles on offer, two regions from opposing oceans stand out. Here we take a look at their relative merits.

Alberta’s skiing scene aside, there are plenty of other reasons to add a winter break to this Canadian province to your bucket list. From delicious food, nightlife and culture to other outdoor pursuits, there’s plenty on offer to make sure a holiday to here is one to remember – and we’ve rounded up just a few of our favourites. 

Keep your cool on an ice walk

The Canadian province of Alberta becomes a snow-filled wonderland when winter swings around.  Therefore, for an epic, picturesque and action-packed winter break that’s a little more far-flung than the same old haunts in the Alps, a trip out west to Canada is just the tonic for the snow-loving holidaymaker. Whether you live for the pistes, love a taste of après culture or just fancy warming your toes in front of the fire after a day out soaking up mountain air and the dramatic sights of the Canadian Rockies, the province of Alberta is a great place to do this.

With its shimmering harbour, sparkling ocean and stunning skyline, cosmopolitan Vancouver is frequently voted as one of the most liveable cities in the world - and it is easy to see why. Surrounded by mountains and over-looking the island-speckled Pacific, Vancouver has it all. Beaches and seaside promenades, Stanley park, the world's largest and most beautiful urban space, and the dizzying Capilano Suspension Bridge in the city's very own rainforest.

Canada is big – so big that it can be difficult to work out how to see everything you want to see. But a well-planned short break will allow you to enjoy the best of the lakes, mountains, forests, waterfalls and vibrant cities that this land of adventure offers.  The thundering sound of torrents of raging water dramatically rushing over the spectacular Niagara Falls sending a misty spray high into the air, probably tops everyone’s list of unforgettable must-see-sights on a trip to Canada.

Cosmopolitan Toronto, with its iconic CN Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in North America, world-class gastronomy and lively, yet easy-going vibe, is a great starting point to discover the natural wonders of Canada.  From here, you can explore the thundering cascades of Niagara Falls – which have to be on everyone’s list of must-sees on a trip to this vast land of lakes, mountains, forests and rivers.

For your next short break, try combining a hip city break, incredible natural scenery and star gazing in Alberta's City of Edmonton and Jasper National Park.  The cool cultural city of Edmonton allows you to indulge in a vibrant food scene – dine at award-winning restaurants such as Corso 32, uncover some of the best Canadian cuisine such as the farm to table dishes offered at RGE RD, and sip on craft beers at Mercer Tavern, located in the new Ice District. Edmonton’s food landscape is inventive and diverse, just like the people who started the restaurants.

Are you planning your winter short break and torn between the bright lights and great food of an urban escape and the adrenaline rush of a skiing holiday? My I suggest a visit to Vancouver and Whistler where you'll have the best of both.  Choosing between a city break or skiing holiday can cause a real dilemma, because you need guarantee snow and that is not usually guarantee when combine with a city break, but!  Fly to Vancouver and you can have your cake, eat it, and be on world-class slopes a few hours later, without breaking the bank.