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Australians love Canada and Alaska, and rightly so. We share a similar history, system of government and sense of humour, and we both know who the Queen is! Canadians are friendly and welcoming. They love their country and love showing visitors around. And for the visitor, Canada does not fail to impress. From cosmopolitan vibrant Vancouver to the grandeur of the Rockies, there is something for everyone.
One of personal travel managers, Cheryl John’s favourite regions to visit and send her clients to is Canada and Alaska. Cheryl shares with us her top five Canadian and Alaskan experiences.
Vancouver is a very walkable city. The suburb of Gastown is a glimpse of the past with great bistros and quirky coffee shops. Stanley Park is the lungs and playground of the city and whether you bike, run or walk, or take a guided tour, you can lose yourself in nature at every turn. The totem poles are fascinating!
Victoria on Vancouver Island across the straits is world famous for the Butchart Gardens. A repurposed quarry, you have to see the place to believe the variety, and the hugeness of some of the flowers. I was there in early September and there were flowers everywhere. Long days of sunshine allow the blooms to grow to a size we just don’t experience.
The most spectacular plane flight I have ever taken was the floatplane from Victoria to Whistler, the ski resort west of the Rockies and home to Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. Flying over the only runway in the world that closes for whales, the coastal islands, Vancouver city views, and up over the Rockies which are so close it feels like you can reach out and touch the mountain tops has to be experienced to be believed. Make sure your camera is fully charged and you have lots of space on your memory card. You will need it!
The Inside Passage cruise is arguably the second best cruise in the world (topped only by Antarctica, but much more accessible). Sail north from Vancouver and up to Seward where you can spend an extra few days in the enchanting Alaskan hinterland. The deep blue ice at Mendenhal Glacier is just a taste of what spectacles are to come. If you’re in luck, on a clear day you can also see Denali, the highest peak in North America. Also called Mt McKinley by some after the US President of the day, Denali is vast, beautiful, snow covered and dramatic.
The fjords and glaciers at Glacier Bay are out of this world, and the crack of the ice calving is truly memorable. I thought it would be impossible to beat – until we sailed into College Fjord. The scale of these glaciers is mind-blowing and they are stunningly arranged in a giant horseshoe. Nearby Jaw Point is named for the jaw dropping view you will see as you sail past – but if you want to see it, go late in the season as its a conservation area for local wildlife during breeding season.
Canada and Alaska will certainly leave you reaching for superlatives. To find out more or to book your next adventure to this intriguing region, contact personal travel manager Cheryl John on 0407 931 229 or [email protected].
About the author: Cheryl John has been working in the travel industry since 1999, and has been exploring the world for more decades than she’s willing to admit! Cheryl loves sharing her first-hand knowledge of destinations with her clients, enabling them to enjoy a truly authentic experience.
We at Travel Managers Australia recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of New South Wales.
