The country of 3,855,100 sq mi (ca. 10 million km2) has more lakes than the rest of the world combined and half of it is covered by forests. A paradise for nature lovers! The highest mountain in Canada is called Mount Logan, standing 19,551 ft (5959 meters) high and is the second highest mountain in North America. Canada borders the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Arctic Ocean to the north. As a result, there are tons of beautiful places to discover. No matter if in winter or in summer, there is an endless variety of things to see! The unspoiled nature and diversity of this country never ceases to amaze.
This incredible natural scenery is obviously also inhabited by fascinating wildlife. 200 species of mammals, 630 species of birds and countless fish. There are plenty of animals to see and marvel at on a tour in the Canadian wilderness.
Canada offers something for every taste, whether it's along the water or through the mountains. Here are 2 tours that are definitely worth exploring.
For those motorcyclists who like to feel the beautiful sea breeze while riding and want to have a nice view of the water, this tour is just right. This tour is perfect for bikers who want to experience Canada's culture and coasts without having to ride through the big cities.
Starting in Bonaventure, the route follows the southern east coast along the Atlantic Ocean eastward to Perce. The route continues on Route 132 in the direction of Gaspé. On this route, you are tangibly close to the Atlantic Ocean and have beautiful small stretches through forests in between. Canada is famous for its incredible views. From Gaspé, the route continues north to Mont-Louis passing many small towns along the ocean.
The next stop is Marsoui, a small village in the Quebec region. The unspoiled nature in this area shows itself in the form of small creeks, flowering plants and, of course, the ocean. In this picturesque village, you can take a break, enjoy some food and continue your journey towards your destination. Following Route 132 Quest, you will then arrive at your destination along the village of Tourelle: Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. Here, you will find beautiful national parks Canada is famous for, among other attractions. Explore the area and visit some local museums. You can even visit a small chocolate store which is a famous sight in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts.
If you want to drive a little further, you can go to the next largest town called Matane. Matane is a wonderful town for delicious food and drinks as well as getting some rest on your trip.
If you don't want to go to Matane, you can exit at Sainte-Anne-des-Monts onto the Route du Parc road and from there ride next to the Petite Rivière Sainte-Anne river to Cap-Seize. In Cap-Seize there are many beautiful hotels and hiking trails, so you are not tied to the motorcycle here, but can explore the wonderful nature on foot.
Are you still waiting for a sign to go on an adventure along the coast of Canada? Here it is!
Click here for the coastal tour
For all the mountain lovers, there are also plenty of opportunities to let off some steam in Canada. With its numerous provinces, forests and mountains, Canada is basically a big playground for all adventurers of winding roads.
On the Kootenay-Columbia Highway, our journey takes us north to Radium Hot Springs. From there, it's on to Forsters Landing Road to drive the beautiful forests of Canada, breathe the fresh air and unwind. From Forsters Landing Road, you'll continue north on Red Rock Road past beautiful lakes and mountains. Finally, you'll hit Steamboat Mountain Road which is 7.91 miles (12.74 km) long and offers a beautiful view of untouched nature. Thanks to the altitude differences in Canada, you can enjoy ever-changing views. No matter if you drive past the forests or right through the middle of them, it's always breathtaking!
From Steamboat Mountain Road, you'll head onto Brisco Road which will take you to Brisco. Brisco is home to Brisco Falls that you can reach in just 7 minutes – a great place to take a little walk and stretch your legs. The best time to visit this little walking route is from April to September, so you can enjoy the best mix between waterfalls and woods. From Brisco Road, you'll head onto Bugaboo Creek Forest Service Road. On this road, you will pass through the forests of Canada over Bugaboo Creek to find a popular steakhouse named after it. Here, you can enjoy a great steak or a hearty burger to fuel up the energy for the rest of the trip.
Time to head back to the Bobbie Burns Forest Service Road and continue up north. Along Vowell Creek on the Vowell Creek Forest Service Road, you can enjoy the most scenic views of Canada. Due to the altitude you can look over the forests and have a perfect view of the mountains – ideal moment to take a nice break and enjoy the sight.
Back along Vowell Creek, continue on Spillimacheen Forest Service Road and then Crestook Mainline. From the Crestbook mainline, you'll enter Sanborn Road. Along this road, you will pass numerous lakes and rivers, including the Columbia River which flows from Canada into the United States. The Columbia River has many important streams and dams. You simply cross the river on Sanborn Road and turn onto the Kootenay Columbia Highway which takes you to Golden. Near Golden there are many national parks that you can visit as a small stopover. From Golden, you drive along the Trans-Canada Highway. After driving through the forests and mountains of Canada you finally arrive at your destination.
For those who want to go on and visit a big city, you can drive further east to Calgary. Calgary is a cosmopolitan city with many skyscrapers and is located in the province of Alberta. Every year in July, Calgary hosts the Calgary Stampede, the largest rodeo show in the world. The city is also home to the Calgary Tower, a 190-meter-high television tower with a glass viewing platform. The Calgary Tower is illuminated with an LED light show every morning before sunrise and every evening until midnight to celebrate holidays and special occasions. An unforgettable experience! From the observation deck, you can see all the way to the Rocky Mountains. Since 2005, you can even find an area with a glass floor. Only for those with strong nerves! With a height of 626 feet (190.8 m), it is the highest observation tower with a 360 degree viewing platform outside of Toronto in Canada!
The perfect tour for every motorcyclist who enjoys untouched nature, mountains and endless landscapes!
Click here for the mountain tour
Canada is famous for its ice wine which is made from frozen grapes. Canadians also love "Macaroni and Cheese" and prefer to use cheddar for it. This mix of pasta and lots of cheese is definitely a classic when you go to Canada. Not to forget the famous maple syrup that is best enjoyed with some pancakes. Did you know that over 200,000 pancakes are served during the annual, world-renowned rodeo show of Calgary Stampede?
For donut lovers, Canada is a true paradise. Canada has more donut stores than any other country. But there is so much more to taste! Canadian cuisine places great emphasis on taking advantage of the natural environment. Along the coast, you're more likely to find fish while in the inland forests restaurants serve wild game.
What do I need to know about entering Canada?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the regulations for entry can change frequently, so it is advisable to check again with the official agencies in Canada before each tour to make sure you have enough information. Transit regulations can also change constantly. By doing a simple Google search for the official representation of Canada, you can find all information about the current situation. To enter Canada, you will need either a passport, a temporary passport, or a children's passport if you wish to enter with your children. Identity cards are not accepted.
If you are an EU citizen and do not plan to stay in Canada for more than 6 months, you do not need a visa (the same applies to UK and Swiss citizens). However, you will need an electronic travel authorization if you enter Canada by plane. If you are arriving by car or motorcycle via land or sea, however, you do not need another permit. The permit costs 5 Euros (ca. $5 US) and the form can be found on the Canadian government website. Apply for the travel permit as early as possible so you can be sure that the procedure will be completed as soon as you are ready to leave.
The same applies for the entry into Canada from the United States. For air and land travel, you will need a travel permit and your passport. Make sure you apply for this well in advance so that you can travel as planned.
Entry requirements are always subject to change, so please double check before you travel. You can check the requirements in a few clicks on the website of the Canadian government.
We hope we could give you a great insight into the diversity of Canada and inspire you for a scenic vacation.
If you can't get enough, click here for our tour recommendations in Canada!
Get to know the most beautiful sides of Canada.