14 Dec 2022
Canadian adventures await
Filled with the grandeur of open spaces, loads of exciting activities and the friendliest of people, Canada is the perfect setting for intrepid adventures and fun-filled family holidays alike.
With flights available year-round from Christchurch to Vancouver via Fiji, it’s time to put this beautiful country back on your bucket list.
Getting there
Fly from Christchurch to Vancouver via Nadi (Fiji) with Fiji Airways. Travel winter or summer – there’s plenty to do all year round – and enjoy an island stopover on your way!
Van-tastic!
Landing in Vancouver makes for an amazing start to your Canadian holiday. This stunning city is fringed by rugged mountains, towering forests and ocean waters teeming with wildlife. Roam amongst eclectic neighbourhoods and treat yourself to food, fashion, culture and coffee. Winter or summer, indoors or out, Vancouver is a sparkling destination with so much to offer the whole family.
Vancouver Top 5 To-Do's
- Christmas Market – Every Kiwi should experience at least one winter Christmas! Vancouver’s European-inspired Christmas village will immerse you in the festive spirit. Stroll twinkling pathways and indulge in fresh baked goods, hand-crafted gifts and lively entertainment.
- Granville Island – Enjoy this melting pot of heritage and culture, packed with eateries, art studios, theatres, breweries, boutique shops and the bustling public market.
- Stanley Park – This 1,000-acre urban oasis is the living heart of the city. Walk or cycle its vast network of trails and meander the 8.8km seawall and beaches.
- Outdoor adventures – From the infamous Grouse Grind to a variety of skiing, boarding, biking and hiking hotspots, the Vancouver area is an adventurer’s paradise.
- World-class cuisine – Chinese feasts, sumptuous sushi, foraged fare and wild caught seafood… tummy rumbling yet? Vancouver’s vibrant culinary scene will inspire you with amazing flavours and Insta-worthy plates.
Whistler Wonderland
Whisk yourself, friends and family up to the breathtaking alpine playground of Whistler. Majestic mountains and vast skies form an epic backdrop to a holiday you’ll never forget. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, discerning traveller or fun-loving family there’s something for everyone here.
Whistler Top 5 To-Do's
- Winter sports – Whistler is a mecca for skiers and snowboarders, but there’s so much more as well – ziplining, dogsledding, rock climbing, heli skiing, ice cave tours, snowmobiling and the bubly™ Tube Park to name just a few.
- Summer sports – The fun doesn’t melt away with the snow! Whistler and Blackcomb mountains also feature a huge network of mountain biking, hiking and walking trails.
- Peak 2 Peak gondola – Take an exhilarating ride between the two mountains. You’ll traverse a full 4.4km suspended 500m above the valley floor, in the comfort of an enclosed cocoon.
- Arts and culture – Learn about the Indigenous peoples at the Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre, check out the Audain Art Museum or visit the many creative shops and studios in Whistler Village.
- Vallea Lumina – Whistler’s newest attraction is a multimedia night walk through the old growth forest of Cougar Mountain. An unforgettable evening, perfect for all ages.
Calgary Capers
Extend your Canadian foray east with a visit to Calgary, the ‘cowboy capital’. This young metropolis sits on the western edge of the Great Plains, in the foothills of the spectacular Canadian Rockies. Calgary is best known for its famous rodeo and winter sports, and there’s a whole heap more besides…
Calgary Top 5 To-Do's
- The Calgary Stampede – This century old show offers one of the most entertaining displays of Wild West heritage. On for ten action-packed days every July, it’s well worth planning your Canadian holiday around.
- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump – This Unesco World Heritage Site is known for its exquisite preservation of Plains People hunting techniques, culture and traditions.
- Catch a Flames Game – No trip to Canada would be complete without catching the action at the rink! After seeing the Calgary Flames ‘on ice’, head over to the Canada Sports Hall of Fame, a sure-fire winner for sports buffs.
- Royal Tyrrell Museum – Alberta is a paleontology playground, featuring some of the richest dinosaur deposits on earth. Head to Drumheller, just 1.5 hours drive and 65 million years back in time, where you can see thirty of the most complete dinosaur skeletons in the world.
- The Rockies – For a truly moving journey, travel overland through the Rocky Mountains. The Rocky Mountaineer train offers four unforgettable routes, winding its way past vast canyons, turquoise lakes and jagged peaks as it transports you in total luxury to your destination.
Canada’s vast landscapes and array of attractions make it a spectacular place to visit at any time of year. Whether you’re enticed by the idea of a wintery Christmas or summer vacation, travelling solo, with friends or the whole family, a Canadian holiday is a magical experience you won’t soon forget.
