Self drive holidays in Canada

What could be better than driving through valleys beneath snow-topped rocky mountains, past crystal clear lakes, and seeing incredible wildlife while you’re at it? A self-drive holiday in west Canada gives you the chance to drive across Vancouver Island at your own pace and stop at some of the quaint towns along the shoreline – Cowichan Bay near Victoria is a must if you like colourful floating boathouses. Venture around the lush mountains of Whistler before heading to the desert areas around Kamloops, Thompson River and Clinton – you’ll feel like you’re in the wild west. Explore the Rocky Mountains from Banff and Lake Louise, through Icefields Parkway and its famous glacier (considered to be one of the best drives on earth) and on up to Jasper.  Find your own perfect spots to stop for lunch in the national parks among the towering trees and emerald lakes.

Explore Ontario on the east side of Canada before heading west. Fly into Toronto and spend a few days  soaking up the atmosphere of this cosmopolitan city with its trendy bars and eateries on every corner. Toronto is renowned for its theatre scene, great shopping and pretty harbour tours out to Lake Ontario.  You can then pick up your hire car and drive to Niagara Falls, it’s just over an hour away and follows the banks of Lake Ontario. Enjoy picturesque stops around the lake en route or head into one either Burlington or Hamilton City to discover a little more about life in Ontario.  In Niagara Falls you can take in the splendour of the Falls in many different ways from ziplining across it, a boat trip around it to flying overhead!