Canada

GOOD GORGED

We uncover a side of Canada for the goosebumps and the tastebuds.

Canada is the type of destination that reaches into your soul.

Its mind bending landscapes are otherworldly and the diversity of experiences right across the country’s massive compass can make a traveller feel like they’re in ten different countries, not ten different provinces.

But what makes the second largest country in the world extra special? It's because with every gorge, canyon, turquoise lake, snow-capped mountain range and waterfall, likewise its historic cities are equally filled with hyper-local, gastronomic adventures to tickle your tastebuds.

Have you ever been drunk on beers made from icebergs? What about an adventure searching out the best Poutine in all of Montreal? Did you know Vancouver’s coffee scene now rivals that of Melbourne, Australia?

For food, fun and frivolity all in the one adventure, Canada has it all. Here’s just a handful of provinces and territories where you can absolutely lose yourself in nature, a food coma, or at the bottom of a pint glass.

1. BRITISH COLUMBIA

BIG GORGE

On Vancouver Island you can ride on six zip lines through the ancient rock canyon of the Winchee (Kennedy) River. An eco-adventure not to be missed, pair this wild adventure with a stay on a remote floating lodge. Knight Inlet lodge is an awesome place for grizzly bear spotting in the summer.

BE GORGE-D

For a nice cup of Joe, look no further than the cobblestoned streets of Gastown, Vancouver. Cute, stylish and modern takes on the world’s favourite caffeinated drink are literally on every corner. The coffee culture here rivals that of Melbourne and Milan. But for something a little extra, why not try Nemesis where your barista will happily pair your coffee with a complimentary cookie. Delish.

2. ONTARIO

BIG GORGE

Canada’s capital is home to the famed Rideau Canal which connects the city of Ottaway to Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River at Kingston. At 202 kilometres long, you can hire kayaks or canoes and explore Ottawa’s historic locks on the city’s outskirts. In winter, the canal transforms the world’s largest ice skating rink.

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With its cool climate and some of the highest snowfall of any country Canada wouldn’t be anyone’s first thought when choosing a wine destination. Yet, Ontario is developing a reputation for producing excellent quality wine, with their own unique specialty – Ice Wine (Eiswein). Ice Wine is made from grapes that were frozen before being harvested. We recommend a Cabernet Franc from Peller Estates Winery, best enjoyed on a lounge carved out of ice at the same winery’s igloo-like 10Below Icewine Lounge.

3. MANITOBA

BIG GORGE

Enjoy a trek across the arctic tundra and tucked up against a log fire at the Seal River Heritage Lodge in Churchill during this epic summer safari through Manitoba. Summer in Churchill is the best time to see beluga whales and polar bears who have just come off the ice.

BE GORGE-D

Could Winnipeg be home to the best curry and Roti in the world? Travellers to Famena's Famous Roti & Curry in the city centre seem to think so. This low-key eatery in the city centre is seriously hyped up on Google reviews and serves up Caribbean roti-wrapped curries that melt in your mouth. Sit at the circular counter, or do what lots of locals do and simply stand outside at the kitchen vents to take in the spiced aromas.

4. NEWFOUNDLAND

BIG GORGE

A UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 1,805 square kilometres Gros Morne National Park on Newfoundland’s wild west coast is about as big and gorgeous as it gets on Canada’s eastern seaboard. Hike to the top of the 10 Mile Pond Gorge for the sort of views that will take your breath away. Just a three hour drive north, you’ll also find L'anse aux Meadows Historical Site which is a Norse (Viking) settlement dating to approximately 1,000 years ago.

BE GORGE-D

Amongst the cobblestoned streets and delightful jelly bean-coloured houses of St John's (the capital city of Newfoundland) are a smattering of beautiful, modern restaurants exemplifying the island’s farm-to-table approach and its epicurean capabilities. Perch yourself up at Chinched Restaurant, which is a deli-cum-bar serving mouth watering charcuterie boards, sausage platters, local oysters and arguably the best cocktails in all of Canada.

5. QUEBEC

BIG GORGE

Get vertical and climb high above the Gros Bras valley on the Mont-du-lac-des-Cygnes Via Ferrata. One of the biggest Via Ferrata courses outside Europe, this is an experience not for the faint of heart.

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‘Poutine’ is Quebec slang for “a mess” and if you’ve seen a typical appropriation of this iconic dish in Montreal, it's not too far from the truth. And there’s no better place than Montreal to try your first ever poutine (a dish of hot chips and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy). But not all poutines are created equal and no visit to this city is complete without a late-night line up (usually a little tipsy) outside La Banquise. With 30 different types of poutine on offer, there's also craft beer on tap here to wash it all down.

get in the know Canada has less gravity than anywhere else in the world, which means you'll be lighter here than anywhere else. Space for another round of poutine then!