five fun ways to visit canada this summer (and one in the fall).

As it is, every year, July 1 will be Canada Day.  But this year, it won't just be any Canada Day--it's the 150th Anniversary of Canada's confederation! Happy Birthday Canada!

If you're still on the fence about where to go on your summer vacation this year, we thought we'd suggest a couple of fabulous Canada trips offered by some of our favorite travel providers. And, of course, we could book any of these for you, if you want to give us a ring!

The Calgary Stampede in Mid-July!

This four-day tour offered by our preferred travel provider, Globus, gets you admission to the Calgary Stampede grounds, where you can explore at your leisure.  Step through the gates of Stampede Park into a world of wonder, fun, and “Wild West” excitement, and, of course, lots of rodeo action! Stroll the streets of a recreated frontier town and walk back in time on a  behind-the-scenes visit to an authentic First Nations Village, where you’ll learn more about the Native people, hear their stories, and meet a tribal elder. You can enjoy a wide variety of exciting talent at the many entertainment stages, then maybe head into the dazzling array of exhibits and displays of Western art. Then, in the evening, why not watch the heart-stopping Chuckwagon Races, an amazing contest of nerves and horsepower. Sound like fun? Giddy-up!

Cross Canada By Rail!

Another preferred provider, Cosmos, is offering a  cross-country adventure across Canada beginning in Toronto, ending in Vancouver, with beautiful scenery and fun-filled activities in some of Canada’s most popular cities, along the way. From Toronto to Jasper. you'll travel In refurbished art deco rail cars and domed observation cars, enjoying views of the ever-changing landscapes as you leisurely travel through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. But this is more than just a train ride. It also includes a boat cruise past Niagra Falls, all-terrain vehicle rides on the Columbia Icefield (an expanse of ice that is 1,200-feet thick), visits to incredible National Parks, and time to enjoy cities like Toronto, Victoria, and Vancouver. What a fantastic vacation!

Cruise the Northwest Passage!

We've written about this one, before, but it's just so good, I couldn't forgive myself if we didn't give it another plug. Crystal Cruises has a luxury arctic journey through the Northwest Passage from Sitka, Alaska, around the Aleutian Islands, through the Bering Strait, and then across the Canadian Arctic. You'll go miles above the Arctic Circle, stopping along the way in remote villages in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Canada.  There are a couple of stops in Greenland, too, before you cruise the Labrador Sea and down the eastern Canadian coast to your final stop in New York City.  Along the way, you sail through unparalleled landscapes of grand glaciers, stunning fjords, and rare wildlife sightings as you learn the Arctic culture and meet its fascinating people.

Tour the Maritime Provinces!

Tauck (another preferred provider) has a gorgeous 11-day trip through Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Time seems to stand still in the Canadian Maritimes, preserving a way of life that honors the land and sea and a cultural mix of early French, Irish, Scottish and English influences. Halifax invites reflection with gracious Victorian parks and gardens. Fishing hamlets in Nova Scotia celebrate their rich seafaring heritage. Diverse cultural influences are chronicled in Lunenburg; in Acadian rug-making traditions that produced "talking" works of art chronicling the struggles of pioneer families; and at the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts. Culinary specialties are on the menu from fresh lobster on Prince Edward Island to a Nova Scotia oyster shucking demonstration to a “Kitchen Party” at the Keltic Lodge. Tauck's New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia tour immerses you in the lure and lore of this down-to-earth, mystical world of mountain lakes, eagles, whales, fishermen, and the sea. If that description has you ready to pack your bags, send us a note, and we'll start working on booking that trip for you!

Montréal and Québec City!

It feels like you've gone to Europe, even if you're just a short flight from home.  Montréal has amazing art, culture, and food, and terrific nightlife, to boot.  Go up to the "mont" in Montréal, for a great view of the city.  Or, just sit on a rooftop lounge overlooking the St. Laurence river with a lovely glass of wine.  Then, meander northeast a bit to Québec City.  It's much smaller, but it's completely gorgeous, and it's the only walled city in North America! Even if you don't stay at the Château Frontenac--the breathtaking, iconic, castle-like hotel--you should definitely stop in for a look. Take the funicular down to the old town and walk through the narrow streets looking at shops and stopping in restaurants.  It's a great weekend away to do one or the other, but you could combine both for a longer visit.  Many of our preferred providers can put packages together to give you a chance to sample all of the fun and beauty of Québec's cities!

Canadian Polar Bear Experience!

It's not in the summer, but this one is really amazing, so we had to include it! From preferred provider G-Adventures National Geographic Journeys, we can book you on a November journey to Churchill, Manitoba to watch polar bears in their natural habitat! You'll travel with a naturalist expert from Polar Bears International, one of the world's leading organizations dedicated to protecting these amazing animals. Think about what your friends will say, when you tell them about your visit to the vast wilderness of the Canadian Arctic. Have a picnic lunch on the tundra and opt to go dogsledding in the region's breathtaking landscapes. Maybe catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights? This is definitely an unconventional wildlife adventure for the unconventional traveler.