EASTERN CANADA

Toronto is a sophisticated, cosmopolitan city with fun and enlightening things happening around every corner. Around half of all Toronto ‘locals’ were born somewhere else. Start wandering the neighbourhoods and you’ll find ethnic enclaves with the delicious food and fascinating culture that goes with them, and uniquely Canadian experiences too.

You can’t miss this iconic visitor experience. Niagara Falls is spectacular by day or night and just a two hour drive south of Toronto, right on the border of the USA. The best time to see the falls in all their glory is mid-May to mid-September, however it does get crowded in the peak July/August months.

Old Montréal is European in character and the primary language spoken here is French. Cobblestone streets, a café culture and historic 17th and 18th century architecture all contribute to the quaint charm that is unique amongst cities in North America. So put on your walking shoes and head out to discover this beautiful city.

If you’re a first-time visitor to Québec, it may be worth writing on your hand: ‘I am in Canada’. The cobbled streets, 17th century houses, the walled clifftop location above the St. Lawrence River and conversations taking place in French all around you - you may start to wonder which continent you’re on. With typically Gallic flair, the predominantly Francophone locals have created a yearround carnival atmosphere, with street performers, festivals and exhibitions.

Nova Scotia is home to stunning natural beauty, an exciting and diverse culture, a rich heritage and warm, friendly people. From whale watching and sea kayaking to hiking through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia has a lot to offer. Take a drive along one of the world’s most scenic drives – Cabot Trail or wander round the streets of historic Lunenburg.

In Nova Scotia, Halifax is perfect for exploring on foot, with beautiful tree-lined streets, international restaurants and galleries. Spend your morning visiting some of Halifax’s highlights and the city’s vibrant waterfront is a great place to start. Lively Historic Properties is three city blocks of Canada’s oldest surviving group of waterfront warehouses - now home to a diverse collection of speciality boutiques, pubs and restaurants.

Prince Edward Island is one of eastern Canada's maritime provinces. This large island is marked by red-sand beaches, lighthouses, and fertile farmland, and is renowned for seafood like lobster and mussels. Charlottetown, the capital, is home to Victorian government buildings and the modern Confederation Centre of the Arts, with a theatre and art gallery.

Churchill is one of the few human settlements where polar bears can be observed in the wild. Prime viewing times are in October and November, when the bears begin their move from their summer habitat on the tundra back to seal-hunting territory – the pack ice that forms every winter over Hudson Bay. One of the best ways to see the polar bears is in one of the unique local tundra vehicles, designed to move smoothly over snow and ice.