Canada has always been the kind of place that makes Australians go weak at the knees – those snow-dusted peaks, lakes the colour of gemstones, and cities with just enough European polish to make a cappuccino feel continental. But in 2026, the country is quietly refreshing its tourism offering with experiences that surprise even seasoned travellers.
For Starts at 60 explorers with a month to play, the best journeys mix rail, sea, and the occasional off-road jaunt, with an emphasis on comfort, culture and the kind of wilderness moments that lodge themselves in the memory for good.
Here are seven new reasons to head north next year.
1. Nordic wellness at Basin Glacial Waters, Lake Louise
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has always been the grande dame of the Rockies, but 2026 brings a sparkling new drawcard – the Basin Glacial Waters spa. The complex offers infinity pools fed by glacier melt, aromatherapy steam rooms, and sauna rituals designed for slow, restorative afternoons. Views of the Victoria Glacier are a constant companion, changing with the light in a way that makes even the most dedicated spa-goer linger.
2. The Trans-Canadian rail in style
There’s something deeply civilised about crossing a country by train, and in Canada, it becomes a journey in its own right. Pair VIA Rail’s classic The Canadian with the Rocky Mountaineer for a rail experience that delivers both nostalgia and indulgence. Expect glass-domed observation cars, white-linen dining, and the rhythmic click-clack of wheels on rails as prairies roll into mountains and mountains fall away to ocean.
3. Whale watching off Vancouver Island
Canada’s west coast waters are teeming in summer, when orcas, humpbacks and minke whales follow the salmon runs. New eco-cruises from Vancouver Island focus on wildlife encounters in small groups, swapping the megaphone commentary for naturalist-led conversations on deck. If the whales are feeling playful, expect breaches and tail slaps against a backdrop of forested islands and snow-capped peaks.
4. Foraging and Feasting with indigenous guides
Inland British Columbia has long been fertile ground for mushrooms, berries and herbs – but now, visitors can join Indigenous guides for a seasonal forage. The experience ends with a chef-led meal prepared from the day’s harvest, paired with botanical cocktails and served at a long table beneath the pines. It’s as much a lesson in cultural connection as it is in flavour.
5. Culinary kayaking in the Bay of Fundy
On Canada’s east coast, the Bay of Fundy is famous for the world’s highest tides, but 2026 brings a delicious twist – culinary kayaking. Paddle along dramatic cliffs and sheltered coves before pulling up to a secluded beach for a campfire salmon feast. The day ends with a sky full of stars and the soft slap of the tide returning.
6. Ottawa’s cultural renaissance
Once bypassed for bigger-name cities, Ottawa is suddenly having a moment. A new direct flight from London has brought a wave of international visitors, and the capital is responding with fresh energy. There’s a surge in Indigenous art at the National Gallery, powwow-inspired festivals, and inventive dining in heritage buildings like Riviera and Atelier. Compact, walkable and crowd-free, Ottawa rewards the curious.
7. Regenerative journeys into Canada’s Wild North
The Yukon, Nunavut and parts of northern Ontario are welcoming visitors through regenerative tourism projects designed to protect fragile landscapes and sustain local communities. Travellers can expect guided tundra hikes, nights in eco-lodges and opportunities to take part in conservation work. The remoteness is part of the appeal – it’s an antidote to the over-tourism creeping into some parts of the country.
Planning the perfect month
A well-paced itinerary might begin with a week in British Columbia – splitting time between Vancouver Island and the mainland – before boarding The Canadian eastwards. Add a stop in Ottawa for a cultural reset before swinging down to the Bay of Fundy, and end in the far north for a final taste of wilderness.
With Canada’s domestic tourism at record highs, booking well ahead is essential. The rewards, however, are considerable – a country that feels both familiar and completely new, framed by the luxury of time and the thrill of discovery.
For all your travel needs contact the Travel at 60 team on 1300 414 198.
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