Atlantic Canada is full of icons from Peggy's Cove to the Bay of Fundy. But there are plenty more amazing experiences in Atlantic Canada that can be added to a longer itinerary, so you can fully experience this rich and beautiful part of Canada. At Anderson Vacations we're experts in travel to Atlantic Canada, so we offer tours and packages full of both iconic AND unique and authentic experiences. Check out these 5 off-the-beaten-path activities: 1. Minister's Island, St. Andrews, New Brunswick:Drive across the ocean floor at low tide to Minister's Island in St. Andrews. Featuring regular live music performances, the island is home to a 50-room mansion built by the Van Horne family in the 1890s. The island is only accessible during low tide, which means you may end up spending 6 hours on the island! Bring a picnic or get lunch from the on-island restaurants, and spend the day exploring this incredible little island. 2.  Oak Island, Nova Scotia:Explore the site of one of the longest running hunts for lost treasure on Oak Island. Explore the island that inspired the History Channel TV Series "The Curse Of Oak Island". Get swept up in the long storied history of Blackbeard's treasure, or did it belong to Marie Antoinette? There are several competing theories about the treasure found on this island, which includes several ancient coins and a lead cross, supposedly dated to 1200 AD. 3. Western Brook Pond Fjord Boat Tour, Newfoundland and Labrador:A boat tour is the only alternative to a helicopter ride for viewing Western Brook. Prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning glacier-carved fjord, the sight of waterfalls cascading down from 2000 feet, the cliffs that have stood for billions of years, and the opportunity to catch glimpses of wildlife. 4. Culinary Walking Tour of Charlottetown, Prince Edward IslandFind out why Prince Edward Island is called Canada's Food Island! Explore the fresh seafood, lobster sushi, mussels, craft beer, chocolate-dipped potato chips, hand-cut fries, Lebanese specialties, and the famous COWS ice cream. With a full stomach, explore the countless walking trails along this beautiful province.  5. Africville Museum, Halifax, Nova ScotiaAfricville was a small community of African Nova Scotians that was formed by former slaves and black loyalists. The town is rich with the history of the freed slaves and their resilience in a land that wasn't quite ready to fully accept them. Visit the historic village and the Seaview African United Baptist Church that was established at Africville in 1849.  Every one of these unique destinations creates an off-the-beaten-path experience you can not miss. Once you've tried all the hot spots, come explore the rest of Atlantic Canada. Dive into the diverse history that shaped Canada, and explore the hidden landscapes beyond the shorelines. Atlantic Canada has so much to explore, find it with Anderson Vacations!  

Ontario is a winter wonderland, offering endless opportunities to enjoy the season's best. From snow-capped mountains to frozen lakes, the province is full of places to explore and things to do. If you're looking for some winter inspiration, here are the top five things to do in Ontario during the winter months.1. Hit the slopes at Blue MountainLocated just two hours north of Toronto, Blue Mountain is Ontario's largest mountain resort. With 43 trails and a vertical drop of 720 feet, it's the perfect place to ski, snowboard, or snowshoe. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, Blue Mountain has something for everyone. Plus, the village is packed with shops, restaurants, and spas, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day on the slopes.2. Visit the Niagara-On-The-Lake Icewine festivalEvery January, Niagara-On-The-Lake hosts the Icewine festival, a celebration of Ontario's famous icewine. The festival features a range of events, including tastings, ice sculpture competitions, and food pairings. If you're a wine lover, this is an event you won't want to miss.3. Escape to Algonquin Park in a cozy cabinAlgonquin Park is one of Ontario's most stunning natural areas, with 7,630 square kilometers of wilderness to explore. During the winter months, the park is a peaceful and serene place to visit. Book a cozy cabin, snuggle up by the fireplace, and enjoy the winter landscape. If you're feeling adventurous, try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on one of the park's many trails.4. Skate on the Rideau Canal in OttawaThe Rideau Canal is the world's largest skating rink, stretching 7.8 kilometers through the heart of Ottawa. When the canal freezes over, it becomes a winter wonderland, with skaters of all ages gliding across the ice. Rent a pair of skates and enjoy this quintessentially Canadian experience.5. Go Ice Fishing on Lake SuperiorLake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes and is an impressive sight at any time of year. During the winter months, the lake freezes over, creating a stunning icy landscape. Drive along the shoreline or take a guided tour to catch some fresh fish for lunch.Ontario is full of amazing winter experiences. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or someone who just wants to relax and take in the scenery, there's something for everyone in this beautiful province.

Ontario, Canada's largest province, is a diverse and beautiful destination that offers something for everyone. From the stunning natural beauty of Niagara Falls and Algonquin Provincial Park to the cultural attractions of Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. With Anderson Vacations, travelers can enjoy a wide range of curated tours and activities designed to showcase the best of Ontario. In this post, we'll highlight the top 5 activities to do in Ontario this summer, so you can plan your dream trip to this incredible province!1. Enjoy the beaches of one of Ontario's 250,000 lakes.Ontario is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and Lake Huron (below) is a great example. Spend a day relaxing on the sandy shores or swimming in the crystal-clear water. Anderson Vacations offers custom self-drive packages where you can explore the towns and beaches along Lake Huron's coastline.2. Take a boat tour of the Thousand Islands.The Thousand Islands is a stunning archipelago of islands located in the St. Lawrence River. Take a scenic boat tour to explore the islands, see the historic Boldt Castle, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.3. Take a wine tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake.Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming town located near Niagara Falls, known for its beautiful vineyards and wineries. Enjoy a wine tasting tour or a relaxing picnic in the vineyards.4. Explore Algonquin Provincial ParkAlgonquin Provincial Park is a beautiful wilderness area in Ontario that offers opportunities for camping, canoeing, and hiking in the summer months. Book a summery wilderness getaway with Anderson Vacations and stay in the park in a rustic log cabin with guided canoeing and other activities.5. Take a scenic drive along the Niagara ParkwayThe Niagara Parkway is a beautiful scenic drive that follows the Niagara River from Niagara Falls to Fort Erie. Enjoy stunning views of the river, the gorge, and the surrounding countryside.

Atlantic Canada is one of our most popular destinations for a reason! The breathtaking landscapes, incredibly kind hospitality culture, and of course the delicious fresh seafood make it one of the best destinations in Canada. Wether it's Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Prince Edward Island, we've got the best activities for you to plan your dream trip. We've highlighted the top 10 most popular activities in Atlantic Canada for you:1. Lighthouses: Atlantic Canada is full of beautiful and historic lighthouses, such as the iconic Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia (pictured), Cape Spear in Newfoundland (the most easterly point in all of North America) and many more in all 4 Atlantic provinces. Visiting a lighthouse is one of the most popular tourist activities in Atlantic Canada, as visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the lighthouse and the rugged coastline, and often quaint nearby fishing villages as well. 2. The Hopewell Rocks: The Bay of Fundy experiences the largest tides in the world, and a great place to see this for yourself is at the Hopewell Rocks (also known as the Flowerpot Rocks), a popular attraction in New Brunswick. Visitors can walk on the ocean floor during low tide and explore the unique rock formations. During high tide, the rocks are completely submerged, and guests can kayak around the rocks they previously walked under. 3. Iceberg Alley: Located off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, Iceberg Alley is a stretch of ocean where icebergs drift south from the Arctic. Visitors can take a boat tour to see these majestic natural wonders up close, and sometimes (if you're lucky) they can be seen from the shore as well. 4. Green Gables Heritage Place: Located in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, Green Gables is the setting for Lucy Maud Montgomery's beloved novel, Anne of Green Gables. Visitors can tour the historic site, which includes the original house that inspired Montgomery's story, as well as the beautiful gardens and walking trails. A must-visit for literature and history buffs alike!5. Cape Breton Highlands National Park: Located in northern Nova Scotia, this park is home to some of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. Visitors can hike the Cabot Trail, explore the Acadian culture, and take in the stunning ocean views. (Photo by Tourism Nova Scotia)6. Lobster Dinner: Atlantic Canada is known for its delicious seafood, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy it - such as a lobster dinner cruise on Shediac Bay in New Brunswick, which is a must-do activity for seafood lovers. (Photo by Destination Canada)7. Lunenburg: A UNESCO World Heritage Site - one of only two urban communities in North America with the designation - Lunenburg is known for its colorful wooden houses, historic buildings, and beautiful waterfront. Visitors can explore the town's many art galleries, shops, and restaurants, or take a cruise on the Lunenburg waterfront. (Photo by Acorn Art & Photgraphy / Tourism Nova Scotia)8. Charlottetown: As the capital of PEI, Charlottetown is known for its historic architecture, charming shops, and lively arts scene. Visitors can take a walking tour of the city, visit the Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place, or catch a show at the Confederation Centre of the Arts.9. Gros Morne: A UNESCO World Heritage site located in Newfoundland and Labrador, Gros Morne National Park is known for its beautiful mountains, fjords, and forests. Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching in this pristine wilderness area.10. Whale Watching: There are many differents types of whales that can be viewed in summer or fall in the waters of Atlantic Canada. Take a boat tour, or at peak whale watching seasons you may even be lucky enough to see them from the shore!Atlantic Canada offers a range of activites for any traveller; let us help you plan your dream trip! From escorted tours with like minded travellers, to uniquely crafted custom itineraries for Independent Travel, we have something for everyone. Explore Atlantic Canada with Anderson Vacations!

Yellowknife is arguably the best place in the world to view the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), which can be seen up to 240 nights a year! Although some months are better than others to view the Aurora, there are definitely benefits to going to Yellowknife at any time of the year. This blog post is in order from BEST to LEAST BEST as there is never a bad time to explore beautiful Yellowknife.    1. September  A time of the year when the rows of tamarack trees start to change into a brilliant bright yellow and the days begin to get shorter is considered the best time to see the Northern Lights! The chances of seeing Aurora on a September night are highly likely with opportunities to take incredible photos of it reflecting on lakes and bodies of water and the ability to stay outside longer with warmer temperatures.   2. August Almost as great of a month to go as September with slightly warmer weather and once again the opportunity to take incredible photos from the reflection of water. The trees won't quite be changing colours, but you can take in the summer weather and enjoy more time outdoors without worrying about being too bundled up. 3. April  Known as a time of year when the Aurora Borealis dances above you in mystical blues and greens with spring just around the corner and warmer temperatures to come. Enjoy long bright sunny days with an average of 14 hours of sunlight a day during April.   4. March March is a very exciting time of the year to head to Yellowknife, not only for the incredible Aurora Viewing opportunities but for winter activities as well. The annual Snow King Festival begins in March when a giant snow castle is built with various activities from children's play and art exhibits to live music and transforming the castle into a dance party.  5. January Winter in Yellowknife is the place to be with an abundance of unique experiences to fill your day before you head out for Aurora Viewing in the evening. Take your shot at dog sledding and breathe in the fresh, brisk air, or go ice-fishing on the frozen Great Slave Lake in heated shacks.  6. February One of the coldest months to go, which typically means clear skies as clouds do not form after -32C. This significantly increases the chance of seeing Aurora as the temperatures can plummet to a chilling -40C! Although there are "better" months than others to see the Northern Lights, there are also benefits to going at any time of the year. 

Alberta is a winter wonderland from the months of December to March with an abundance of activities all over... so bundle up and embrace the crisp, refreshing winter weather with some of these incredible experiences!  1. Painted Warriors Lodge An Indigenous lead and owned lodge that offers a variety of incredible experiences - from archery and horseback riding to an overnight winter glamping experience. There is truly something for everyone. Go on the Bimmaagimose Snowshoe experience (Bimaagimose, meaning he/she snowshoes along. Pronounced bee-mah-gi-mo-say) and immerse yourself into a one-of-a-kind Indigenous winter story. Painted Warriors Lodge is a true escape from the fast-paced world and gives you the opportunity to connect with nature.  2. Elk Island National Park  Explore Canada's largest completely enclosed National Park just 35 minutes from Edmonton. It's the perfect place to enjoy the wilderness in the winter and see stunning nature - you may even run into a traffic jam with a bison! Elk Island National Park is the perfect spot for adventurers and wildlife lovers alike with experiences like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to stunning nature walks through forests freshly coated with snow. Check out this custom sample itinerary that includes the Elk Island experience - all of the itineraries at Anderson Vacation are customizable!  3. Dogsledding in Grande Prairie  Learn how to musk a dog in Grand Prairie with Elevation Sled Dogs who offer three different experiences, The Evergreen Expeditions Day trip, The Night Rider and customizable group experiences. Feel the fresh winter air as you are pulled through lush snowy boreal forests by super athlete Iditarod Alaskan Huskies. Connect with nature and the dogs in this must-try experience.  4. Sundre Winter Medicine Walk   Located in the small town of Sundre, just 100km northwest of Calgary lies an eye-opening experience that teaches you about the medicines of the Boreal forest from a Cree perspective. The Mahikan Sundre Medicine Walk begins with a group introduction and a customary lay of tobacco by the guide before heading out on the Plant Walk. You will learn about the history of the area and how to harvest different medicines that are crucial for survival in the area. This experience will change your perspective on the land and the natural gifts it provides.  5. Go Skiing at Canyon Ski Resort   Just a 30-minute drive from Red Deer Alberta is home to the largest Ski Resort outside of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Although it is a non-mountain resort, there are over 23 different runs, 6 ski-lifts and an impressive 80 acres of skiable land. Canyon Ski Resort is an awesome place for families and beginner skiers to practice their skills but there are also several black diamond runs for the more experienced folks. If skiing or snowboarding isn't your thing, check out the Snow Tube Park, or the cozy lodge for a warm beverage by the fire.  6. Abraham Lake Ice Walks  Nordegg Adventures offers guided ice walks on Abraham Lake in search of the ice bubbles and quirky formations that are caused by methane getting captured in the ice. This phenomenon has made the area famous for having people come from all over in search of ice bubbles. They also offer a starry night and ice bubble experience or combine your half-day Ice Walk with an Ice Waterfall tour in the afternoon for the ultimate winter adventure!   7. Winter Day trip to Drumheller  Drumheller is known as the "Dinosaur Capital of the World" but is also a beautiful winter haven with rolling hills covered in snow that are perfect for tobogganing. Just northeast of Calgary, it is a great destination for families to escape in the winter and explore the vast Badlands of Alberta.  8. Ice on Whyte  Check out the Ice on Whyte festival featuring an array of impressive ice sculptures and carving demonstrations in Edmonton. The winter festival runs from January 24 to January 29, 2023, featuring some of Canada's best ice carvers. Be inspired and take your shot at a carving lesson suitable for all ages, or go on an Ice on Whyte food walk tour.  9. Once Upon a Christmas  Experience the magic of the holidays at Heritage Park located in Calgary, as you are pulled through a winter wonderland by a horse-drawn carriage. Pass through impressive Christmas displays and twinkling light shows with visits from Santa and options for scavenger hunts, crafts, music, entertainment and so much more! This experience runs from November 26th to December 18th, 2022.  10. Skate at Olympic Plaza The massive outdoor rink is located in the heart of downtown Calgary and is a must-do winter experience! Grab yourself a warm beverage and a pair of skates and glide your way around the rink surrounded by twinkling lights and crackling fires to keep you cozy. After you are done, grab a bite nearby at Stephen Avenue known for the city's best restaurants and shopping.