House of travel Canada & Alaska Brochure 2017 | Page 6

6 TIPS
for your
Canada & Alaska
Holiday
Spectacular
seasons Wildlife on
the move Trains, planes
and automobiles
The seasons vary considerably
in Canada and Alaska, and days,
just like in New Zealand, can
experience multiple weather
changes. In Alberta, the
temperature once changed from
-19ºC to 22ºC in just one hour. From giant moose with jutting
antlers to polar bears in the very
north, the wildlife here is as
abundant as the maple syrup (or
Alaskan salmon). Everyone knows of the USA and
Route 66, but Canada is just as
epic for a road trip. This is history,
culture and natural beauty at its
very best, and with a massive
terrain of 9.985 million km²,
discovering this diverse land by
road is an absolute pleasure.
Coastline, prairies, mountains and
emerald lakes, it’s all in Canada.
Autumn in Canada’s north-west
territories brings breath taking
auroras and the great caribou
migration, while winter calls for
cosy log cabins and a roaring
fire. Winter enthusiasts will
revel in Alaska, when outdoor
adventures abound (dog mushing,
snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing
and snowmobiling) and the
northern lights are in full glow.
There are dozens of Alaskan events
taking place in late February and
March. Then, in spring, Canadian
ice melts and bears awaken from
their slumber. Come summer,
everyone is outdoors again, but
this time in 25ºC sunshine.
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Enjoy real-life encounters with
enormous whales; there are more
than 30 species in the Canadian
oceans, many of which are quite
acrobatic. Tour boats are kitted out
with whale-watching mod cons such
as elevated viewing platforms, 360
degree lookouts and hydrophones.
To witness the formidable ‘salmon
runs’ in all its leaping, writhing
glory, Autumn brings a mass of
thrashing salmon heading steadily
up Canada and Alaska’s streams.
Notably Adams River in British
Columbia, home to one of the
world’s most celebrated salmon
runs. Optimum grizzly bear viewing
months fall between spring and
autumn, before they take a gigantic
bear-sized nap for winter.
The renowned Rocky Mountaineer
showcases North America’s
highest peaks, while the Alaska
Railroad network is immensely
popular in summer, its wide
windows and domes providing the
perfect vantage point.
Alaska is also famed for its float
planes. As the largest state in the
U.S., it’s also the least accessible
by road. Providing the perfect
excuse to take to the skies from
the water. What an experience!