Test your knowledge about Canada's great outdoors

Canada features an impressive network of trails for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. From the majestic mountains in the West to the colourful Maritime culture of the East, and from the freshwater of the Great Lakes to the unimaginable scale of the vast North, there is no shortage of beauty and wonder awaiting active travellers. But how well do you know about Canada's great outdoors?

Answer these 10 quick questions, and make sure to share with fellow hikers and see how much they know about the trails in Canada.

How'd you go? Let us know how you rated in our quiz in the comments section and if you know a fun fact, share it below!

Plan for a longer holiday, put your mind onto 'airplane mode' and seek out these remote places – only accessible by foot – at a more relaxed pace to truly connect with the wilderness.

It's all about travelling less and seeing more. Seeing more of the beautiful wildlife, admiring natural landscapes few others ever will, interacting with local communities who rarely see westerners and setting yourself on a path of self discovery and personal achievement, all while leaving a small environmental footprint on your BIG trekking adventure.

Experience more of the destination within a destination on these world-class long-distance walking holidays which will see you switching off and reinvigorating yourself in some of the world's most remote and sublime wilderness locations.

Bhutan Snowman Trek

Undertaken by only a handful of trekkers each season, it’s our most challenging Bhutan trek.

How long is it? Around 250km
Duration of trek: 27 days
Difficulty: Graded 8 – Exploratory trekking. Designed for experienced adventurers seeking a challenge.
Start and end point: Paro

What makes it special? Crossing 11 passes over 4500 metres in some of the most isolated regions of Bhutan. You’ll absorb magnificent mountain views, explore hidden valleys and bask in the serenity of high-altitude lakes. You may even encounter fresh tracks from the elusive snow leopard like our 2019 trekkers!

When to go: October. This is an ideal time to appreciate Bhutan’s autumnal colours and experience sublime mountain views. A number of cultural and religious events occur during October, including the special Jomolhari festival.

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Transcaucasian Trail

Be one of the first to experience the recently opened Transcaucasian trail brimming with history and scenic brilliance.

How long is it? Once completed, it will extend more than 3,000km in length through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, connecting more than 20 national parks and protected areas.
Duration of trek: While the full route is still being developed, you can trek sections of the trail in Armenia and Georgia over 18 days, the only two countries adequately mapped so far.
Difficulty: Graded 5 – Moderate. Designed for those with reasonable fitness and health and who have a relatively active lifestyle.

What makes it special? The Caucasus is among the most inaccessible mountains in the world and the newly opened trail is anticipated by hiking enthusiasts as the next big thing in trekking. Delight in the scenic panoramas of mountains, rivers and glaciers that await you in Georgia, or head to historic Armenia along the Caucasian Silk route exploring ancient monasteries and stunning mountain landscapes.

When to go: May to September

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Ultimate K2 Trek

The Karakoram range of Pakistan offers celestial isolation amid a constant backdrop of towering peaks and breathtaking glacial landscapes.

Duration of trek: 25 days
Start and end point: Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan region
Difficulty: Graded 8 – Exploratory trekking & entry level mountaineering. Designed for experienced trekkers comfortable travelling in adverse weather conditions, preferably at altitude. Expect remote and poorly defined trails and challenging moraine walking.

What makes it special? Find yourself surrounded by the highest concentration of 8,000-metre peaks on the planet. From the "Throne Room of the Mountain Gods" to the Baltoro glacier (one of the longest glaciers in the world outside the polar regions), it's not hard to see why Pakistan's Karakoram ranges have captured the imagination of trekkers and mountaineers for decades.

In addition to trekking to the base of the world’s second highest peak (8611m), the legendary Gondogoro Pass promises one of the most dramatic mountain vistas anywhere on Earth. Our K2 trekking expedition is one of the finest high altitude scenic treks on offer with few travellers in sight.

When to go: June

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Nepal’s Great Himalaya Trail

From east to west, encounter some of the wildest and most remote mountain environments imaginable.

How long is it? Winding between the largest mountains and remotest communities on the planet, the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) will ultimately connect five Asian countries (Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan) spanning 4500km.

Duration of trek: 5 months to complete the full Nepal traverse, or trek sections ranging from 18 to 34 days.
Start point: Kanchengjunga, Nepal's far east | End point: Yari Valley, Nepal's far west
Difficulty: Graded 9 – Intermediate Mountaineering Expedition. Designed for experienced multi-day trekkers who have hiked at altitude. Basic mountaineering skills are recommended as is a love for the outdoors and perhaps most importantly, a positive attitude.

What makes it special? A true exploratory experience, it takes in spectacular vistas of all of Nepal’s 8,000-metre peaks, whilst giving trekkers the opportunity to experience remote cultures in hidden corners of the country and spreading the benefits of tourism in isolated communities.

When to go: The full GHT departs in February and concludes in July.

Find out more

Larapinta Trail

One of Australia’s ‘Great Walks’, the Larapinta Trail is one of the world's most remarkable desert walks.

How long is it? 223km
Duration of trek: 14 days from end to end. Broken up into 12 sections, you can also choose to trek certain sections ranging from 3 days to 12 days.
Start point: Old Telegraph Station, Alice Springs | End point: Mt Sonder
Difficulty: Graded 6 – Moderate to Challenging. Designed for seasoned walkers who can manage to walk around 6 to 12 hours a day. On some days, you’ll be walking up to 30kms.

What makes it special? Follow the spine of the West MacDonnel Ranges to trek over remote ridges and canyons, cool off in beautiful waterholes, walk through beautiful river red gums and marvel at vividly-coloured mineral ochre pits.

One of the biggest surprises about trekking across Australia’s Red Centre is the diversity of its terrain and the wildlife you’ll encounter. From endless desert plains to colourful palettes of yellow, purple, red and blue wildflowers, the area is home to more than 767 species of flora and over 180 unique species of birds.

Considered a highlight is the exhilarating trek up Mt Sonder (1380m) – one of the highest peaks west of the Great Dividing Range – where you are greeted with an unforgettable sunrise.

When to go: The trekking season runs between April and September when walking conditions are most favourable with clearer skies and splendid stargazing opportunities. Hit the trail in April, May or September to witness wildflowers in full bloom, or enjoy cooler and more favourable temperatures between June to August.

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John Muir Trail

Considered one of the finest hikes in North America, this iconic US trail traverses the stunning Sierra mountain range from Mt Whitney to Yosemite.

How long is it? Around 340km
Duration of trek: 23 days
Difficulty: Graded 7 – Challenging. Designed for experienced adventurers who have completed multi-day hikes with a full pack (up to 20kgs). Days can involve up to 10 hours of exercise (hiking around 10-24 km per day) in very remote and rugged terrain.
Start point: Cottonwood Lakes, California | End point: Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park, California

What makes it special? Cross 3000 and 4000-metre mountain passes, walking among alpine peaks, glacier-gouged canyons, forested valleys and crystal-clear lakes. Sections of the trail will see you venturing far off the beaten track and over the course of the trip, you will have gained over 12000 metres in ascents (averaging about 600m per day) – an epic yet rewarding challenge to add to your trekking wishlist.

When to go: July to September

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Jordan Trail

Cross Jordan on foot along this recently established trail dubbed the ‘Inca Trail of the Middle East’.

How long is it? 650km and a 40-day trekking route crossing the entire country. You can experience a taster of some of the best parts of the Jordan Trail on our highlights trek.
Duration of highlights trek: 10 days
Difficulty: Graded 5 – Moderate. Designed for walkers who are comfortable trekking in warm conditions and up and down hills. Expect up to 6-9 hours of walking a day at a steady pace, often on unmarked trails.
Start point and end point: Amman

What makes it special? Let dramatic desert landscapes, striking cliffs and rugged ‘wadis’ unfold on this cross-country trek. The full trail stretches from Egypt to Aqaba and on to Damascus, incorporating ancient paths to archaeological monuments, including the Red Rose City of Petra and historical ruins of Jerash and Ajlun, which showcase the Kingdom’s illustrious past.

Those short on time can experience some of the best and lesser known parts of the Jordan Trail on the highlights tour – from the forested Ajlun Reserve in the north to the crystal waters of the Red Sea in the south. The hike up Jabal Um Ad Dami, Jordan’s highest peak, is a climatic way to end the trek with majestic summit views of Wadi Rum’s Mars-like landscapes across to Saudi Arabia.

When to go: March to June, September to November

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Canada's East Coast Trail

Explore the outermost reaches of North America on one of the world's top coastal hikes.

How long is it? Around 336km
Duration of highlights trek: 10 days hiking almost 89km
Difficulty: Graded 5 – Moderate. Designed for walkers who have a good level of fitness. A bonus if you enjoy exploring rugged coastlines.
Start and end point of highlights self-guided trek: St. John's, Newfoundland

What makes it special? Enjoy ocean splendours from the shore while traversing towering cliffs and headlands, sea stacks, coves, and deep fjords. Canada's East Coast Trail is a series of 25 wilderness paths along Newfoundland's dramatic and rugged Avalon Peninsula; ranked the world's top coastal destination in 2016 by National Geographic.

Along the way, enjoy picturesque bay-side communities, abandoned settlements, ecological reserves, and a special lighthouse picnic. There is also a real possibility of spotting whales, puffins, moose, or even icebergs. Discover this exciting part of Canada on foot on one of our many walks that take in sections of the East Coast Trail.

When to go: June to October

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Australia's Great Tasmanian Traverse

An epic adventure walking, rafting, flying and sailing across Tasmania from north to south – this is the ultimate bucket list adventure Down Under.

How long is it? Approximately 300km
Duration of adventure: 39 days
Difficulty: Graded 7 – Challenging. Designed for healthy and fit adventurers. All adrenaline-seekers apply! Treks may involve carrying a full pack between 18 and 22kg. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions.
Start point: Launceston | End point: Hobart

What makes it special? Okay, it's not purely a walk but it is definitely worthy of this list. The traverse combines four of Tasmania's greatest multi-day treks (which reach the summit of its highest and most iconic peaks) and a thrilling rafting experience on the iconic Franklin River, rated by many as the world's greatest wilderness rafting trip. Explore Australia's island state from the quiet rural communities of the north to the wild and isolated reaches of the south, completing the Coast to Cradle Trail, Overland Track, Frenchman's Cap Trek, Franklin River Rafting and South Coast Track.

Encapsulating the pristine scenery that Tassie is so well known for, the five-week expedition takes in Australia's wilderness frontiers which cross remote parts that have remained untouched for centuries.

When to go: Departs February

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Off road cycling holidays can be hard to find as maps and route notes are less available. The terrain may be undeveloped or the weather conditions may make the tracks less (if not at all) accessible at certain times of the year.

Taking you away from the highway and into the hills and vast valleys, check out these unique and memorable bike tours that take you off the beaten track.

With the latest addition of mountain biking in Ladakh, these below destinations have just become more accessible for you.

Ladakh, India

Snowcapped peaks, high mountain passes and striking moonscapes dotted with prayer flags and Buddhist monasteries await you in this remote and majestic Himalayan region. Explore Ladakh at handle bar height on some of the world's highest roads

It's an unmissable corner in the Indian Himalayas with rugged landscapes, Champa nomadic encampments, remote Buddhist settlements and spectacular lakes.

Normally travelled by trekkers, you can be one of the very few to delve into Ladakh on a mountain bike crossing three passes over 5000m on a route never commercially cycled before. The challenging two-wheel expedition will be led by avid cyclist and adventurer Kate Leeming, who designed and tested this stunning route and will see you camping beside lakes whose clarity and colour you would never think possible if not seeing them with your own eyes.

Mountain Bike through the remote Indian Himalaya >

Quebec, Canada

Just two hours north of Quebec City, you will find Saint-Jean Lake. There is a circuit around the lake that offers a gentle ride through peaceful farmland, green forests, quaint towns and secluded beaches. Most other travellers will come to this area by other means of transportation so you will find the track is often for yourselves. Along the way, you will encounter many small tourist attractions. Truly discover the region and indulge in the route’s namesake – blueberries, of course! They grow wild and are farmed extensively throughout the area. You will find them sold by the basket, in pies, chocolates and, for a real local delicacy, combined with local game meat.

Cycle Quebec’s Blueberry fields >

Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa

Experience the culture, nature, cuisine and attractions of this diverse region at handlebar level as you pedal your way through scenic provinces in North-Eastern South Africa. Combined with a safari experience in the world-renowned Kruger National Park, you'll also go in search for the Big 5 on a game drive. Major highlights on our cycling route include riding through the majestic Wolkberg Mountain range of Limpopo and visiting the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon and the picturesque Panorama Route - with the Three Rondavels and Bourke's Luck Potholes. Taking an exploratory ride through the bushveld where it'll feel like a safari cycle as you enjoy personal encounters with some of the animals of the African Bush. You can also opt for an e-bike for that extra assistance, so you can enjoy every enchanting side road you pass without physical limitations.

Cycle to South Africa's picturesque north >

Mandalay Region, Myanmar

Explore upper Myanmar by bike, following trails that are mostly off the beaten track. Start in Mandalay, the last royal capital of Myanmar and where the Royal Palace can still be visited, and cycle to Bagan. This city is home to one of Southeast Asia’s finest collections of ancient pagodas and temples of a bygone era with intricate carvings, murals and astonishing architecture. In between both destinations you’ll find timeless villages where you can observe the traditional way of life. For stunning panoramic views, climb the 700 steps from the golden temple at the summit of sacred Mount Popa. For bustling local markets, handicrafts and stilted villages, go off-road cycling on the shores of Inle Lake.

Cycle from Mandalay to Bagan in Myanmar >

Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

Are you looking for exhilarating mountain biking adventures with a twist? Ever thought about going on an off-road cycling holiday to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan? The countries were once part of the Silk Road and their grasslands are dotted with nomads and yurts. Perhaps unexpectedly, in this area it’s possible to have a helicopter drop you (including bike) off at altitudes of 3,500m from where you can take an unforgettable yet daunting descent (1,300m!) on switchback trails and forest dirt roads. If you also like some pampering, in the remote Karkara Valley we stay at a property with a traditional sauna and a bar.

Heli-bike through Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan >

Southern Alps to Pacific Ocean, New Zealand

In a country where most visitors go on a self drive holiday, why not consider a cycling holiday that takes you away from the popular trails? From the mighty Southern Alps to Ocean this spectacular trail takes you past the turquoise blue lakes at Tekapo and the golden tussock lands of the Mackenzie Country with superb mountain backdrops of New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook.

Get the chance to soak in the local hot pools, enjoy a lakeside picnic and savour delicious local produce and wines prepared by an award winning chef. This region of New Zealand is great for an off-road cycling adventure that includes ancient Maori rock art and dramatic limestone landscapes.

Cycle off the beaten track in New Zealand >

Feel like exploring one of these destinations on an off road cycle adventure? At World Expeditions we’ve been operating active adventure holidays since 1975 and while some of these trips have been running for a longer time already, others have a more exploratory character. For more information and booking details, contact our team of travel experts around the world.

From multi-day hikes and rich cultural experiences, to some of the world’s best cycle touring opportunities, Canada promises one epic outdoor adventure after another.

For those who enjoy doing their own thing when it comes to travel and going independent rather than with a guided group, but haven’t got the time to sort logistics (think: route planning, accommodation, etc.) for their dream trip, a self-guided walk or cycling experience in Canada is a must.

Great Canadian Trails (GCT), World Expeditions’ active Canadian holidays division, offers a number of these types of trips that are perfect for the time-poor adventurous traveller. With the advantage of well-researched routes, combined with the attraction of being able to choose your travelling partner(s) yourself (or go solo), it’s easy to see why these trips are viewed as the perfect, hassle-free way to maximise time at one of the many specky destinations on offer.

Being able to arrive at that dream destination – say, the East Coast Trail, the Sunshine Coast’s Hut to Hut walking trail, or Prince Edward Island – and have a map, route guide, historical info on the region you’re exploring, pre-booked accommodation, transfers where needed, and your luggage already on the way to the first night’s destination means you can just focus on enjoying the adventure itself.

The East Coast Trail skirts the cliffs at Cape Spear Lighthouse. Photo: Barrett & MacKay Photo

And there are plenty of self-guided experiences to choose from, as well as a variety of ways to experience the one destination. An example of this is the famous East Coast Trail (ECT); the full East Coast Trail is a 10-day walking extravaganza following the Newfoundland coastline, and one for relatively experienced walkers.

For those who aren’t up to this, there’s the East Coast Experience, which gives you the option of day hikes along popular sections of the ECT, and thus allowing you to still experience this famous long-distance trail.

'The Cribbies' on Newfoundland's East Coast Trail. Photo: Barrett & MacKay Photo

Another self-guided walk is Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula Traverse, a 10-day taster of the huge 885km Bruce Trail (Canada’s oldest marked footpath) and regarded as the most scenic part of that huge trail; walking near the edge of high cliffs, overlooking some of Canada’s Great Lakes scenery, is unforgettable, as is staying in the many quaint inns that GCT has pre-booked for you. Sounds tough, eh?

Tackling a self-guided cycling trip in Canada can seem daunting but, again, with GCT’s pre-planned adventures, there’s really nothing you have to do; simply turn up and jump on your bike for the first of what will no doubt be a number of awesome days.

Riding along scenic trail bridges in Canada's East Coast. Photo: Guy Wilkinson

Whether it is cycling around Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula for eight days, or heading to the more remote Prince Edward Island (north of Nova Scotia) for a week of two-wheeled exploration, by having everything pre-organised (bike, maps, accommodation, luggage transfer) all you have to do is soak up that wind-in-the-hair feeling and the beautiful scenery. For wine buffs, it’s hard to go past the cruisy cycling experience that is riding part of the Trans Canada Trail (a nice, flat route) through BC’s Okanagan winery region.

Views from Kettle Valley Winery. Photo: Annika Rautiola

With self-guided adventures covering all parts of Canada, GCT has solved the one big problem for the more independent-minded traveller – all you need to do now is take your pick and get psyched to enjoy maximum Canada immersion!

Words by Justin Walker
Featured image: Mark Daffey

It's the first contact point for most Australians heading to Canada, and for an initial introduction to the raft of adventurous activities this country has to offer, British Columbia (BC) packs in plenty. Whether it is multi-day walks, sea kayak exploration, wildlife viewing or cycling, BC will keep you well entertained.

Walks that pack a punch

For hikers, BC is brilliant. Vancouver Island’s West Coast Trail (WCT) is rated as one of the world’s 10 best multi-day hikes – and with good reason. This epic hiking experience is a moderate-to-challenging ramble along the island’s southwestern coastline, through the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

The ladder down to Tsusiat Falls on the WCT. Photo: Nicole Moreau

It follows the route of an old rescue track that authorities (and survivors) used when the oft-wild seas of the Pacific Ocean wrecked ships off the island’s coast.

The terrain lurches from long, sandy beaches to dense rainforest and rivers, through to root-filled tracks, old (and new) duckboard sections and more than 70 ladders that take you over the most challenging parts of the track – and deliver you at day’s end to your beachside campsite.

A very different walk can be tackled in BC’s northwest, on the 53km Chilkoot Trail. This retraces the route used originally by the Tlingit First Nations people, then by desperate treasure-hunters in the late 1800s, lured from the world over by the siren call of the Klondike Gold Rush.

The Chilkoot starts across the US border in Dyea, Alaska, travelling through coastal forest, before taking you back into Canada and northwest BC where you climb high above the tree line before crossing the often snow-covered Chilkoot Pass (1074m).

Take a wild adventure through coastal rainforests along the Chilkoot Trail, passing small lakes, creeks and rock outcrops

Why heli-hiking is the next best thing

Hiking in BC doesn’t have to mean lugging your pack and heading off into the wild for a week or more, though. Heli-hiking is a brilliant option, as are lodge-based walking adventures, such as those found in the Bugaboos mountain range in eastern BC.

Imagine being transported by helicopter to a trailhead, walking for most of the day (or being a bit more adventurous and trying a few via ferrate routes), then being picked up and flown back to the lodge for a shower, dinner and a few celebratory drinks at the lodge bar. Yes, please!

Drink in stunning ridge top views following a helicopter drop-off in the Purcell Mountains

Other hiking options include hut-to-hut adventures, such as a six-day sojourn through Wells Gray Provincial Park in central-eastern BC, and also the beautiful Sunshine Coast hut-to-hut adventure, in BC’s south-west corner, is another great multi-day experience with the benefit of walking with light day-packs, and having your food dropped at each hut.

And, after walking the Sunshine Coast and not wanting to leave, you can also explore this region by sea kayak.

Where to spot the best wildlife in British Columbia

Other water-based adventures on offer in the province include the chance to explore Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off the BC coast often referred to as ‘Canada’s Galapagos’ due to its rich and unique marine life.

It is also the spiritual home of the Haida First Nations people, with some of the islands containing historic sites, such as villages and engraved totem/burial poles.

Of course, a trip to BC isn’t complete without the chance to view one of the province’s most famous wild residents: bears. There are numerous bear lodges that provide some amazing close-up viewing opportunities.

Haida Gwaii is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the striking black Oystercatcher. Photo: B. Whittington

Yep, no matter how long you think you have to ‘do’ BC, it will never be enough. But it does means you have the perfect excuse to plan a return trip…

Words by Justin Walker

Want to test your limits and travel to a place you thought you couldn’t on your own? Ladies, it’s time to book that trip and consider a solo mission.

We’re encouraging strong, daring and active women to take up an adventure challenge. Your mission – should you choose to accept – will involve friendship, amazing nature encounters and a chance for women-to-women exchanges among locals.

It’s time to hop on the bandwagon for a female-centric tour and explore a destination from a different woman’s lens. Here are some reasons why you should swap your high heels (or, for many of us, our sensible shoes) for a pair of hiking boots.

1. A different dynamic

Trekking through rugged terrains or going on a horseback ride for the first time can feel more manageable among peers, even if they are strangers. Building basic skills together and learning about a new culture with others adds to the group experience. In a way, there is an unspoken sisterhood of support, camaraderie and a sense of security.

We’re celebrating women who test their limits, are gutsy and who seek out adventures this International Women’s Day. Are you up for the challenge? Photo: Ross Daubney

“Joining a trip where you can go at your own pace and push personal boundaries in a fun, supportive and nurturing environment is a winning combination,” says Kate Harper, NSW manager of World Expedition’s specialised tours.

2. Let your hair down

To truly connect you must disconnect from the stresses of everyday life.

“Women’s only groups often give women that extra freedom to truly be themselves – a freedom to fully experience a place, try new things, and to push themselves in ways they might not feel they can do in mixed group situations,” explains Harper.

The shared experience away from family and work pressures can foster deep connections and comfort among those who are at different stages of their life. It’s also an opportune way to be involved in things you otherwise thought you couldn’t do on your own.

Two paddlers navigate their canoe through the autumn landscape of the Yukon River. Travellers camped on the banks of the Yukon River in authentic northern wilderness and explored the gold rush relics on the way. Photo: Frits Meyst.

3. Feel included

One of the highlights of travelling with other females who have a passion for life and travel is the bond you create over your collective experiences.

The energy from a group of women empowering other women allows you to test your limits and re-discover yourself and your potentials.

“Women like the bonding and friendships that can develop travelling with a group of like-minded, adventurous women,” Harper explains.

Bond with other adventurous souls on our trekking expeditions. Photo: Tim Charody

“The shared experience of facing challenges and new encounters in a fun, safe and supportive environment, nurtures the soul for many women and is the reason why many women choose to travel on all female adventures.”

No matter your situation you are sure to meet like-minded travellers who are keen to seek new experiences and adventures.

Trip picks for female solo travellers

At the heart of each World Expeditions’ Women’s Adventures, is a commitment to an individual’s wellbeing and the opportunity to forge authentic cultural understandings and explorations in the places you visit.

There are opportunities for fun times and, wherever possible, a female local leader will accompany your small group. Our female tours cater for women with our minimal impact philosophy in respect of the environment you are visiting or staying in.

Ladies, it’s time to head out to a real adventure mixed with a bit of comfort and a real immersion into the local culture. From Australia's iconic Laraprinta Trail to trekking along ancient Inca routes to Machu Picchu, where would you like to visit?

   •  Larapinta Trail, Australia –  walk the best sections of Australia's most celebrated desert walk while sleeping under the stars in comfortable and exclusive semi-permanent camps. It's no wonder it's one of our most popular treks! The trip includes a private bush tucker cooking experience and cultural understanding talk.

   •  Annapurna regions, Nepal – our fully supported treks in the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges take you through small villages among stunning mountain sceneries or enjoy some yoga under the soaring peaks to keep you inspired.

   •  Mt Salcantay & Machu Picchu, Peru – a favourite choice among female travellers are our active adventures through Peru's cultural and physical wonderlands. You can trek on the flanks of Mt Salcantay, coupled with time in the Sacred Valley where you meet local women of the valley. See the amazing ruins at Machu Picchu and have time to wander and explore Cusco at your own pace.

Local women of Huilloc displaying their handicrafts and weaving. Photo: Mark Tipple

   •  Yukon, Canada – paddle the mighty Yukon River on an introductory canoe trip and spot all sorts of wildlife including the iconic Canadian beaver and otters. Walk in breathtaking national parks, learn about Canada’s First Nations and have dinner over a scenic picnic campfire after your day’s trek.

   •  Torres del Paine, Patagonia – experience Patagonia's most stunning national park while camping under the backdrop of the stunning peaks of Torres del Paine. Stay in fully sustainable eco-campsites in the dramatic Towers of Paine with trekking, nature walks and bike excursions.

   •  Skaftafell National Park, Iceland – embark on an amazing trek through stunning rhyolite landscapes, traversing along the third largest geothermal zone in the world. Trek on a glacier in Skaftafell National Park, snorkel between tectonic plates and soak in a natural hot spring.

View our complete list of Women’s Adventures and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded female travellers in some of the most spectacular destinations.

Have you travelled solo? What were your experiences like? Let us know in the comments below.

When thinking of world famous lakes to visit for an action-packed adventure holiday, certainly places like the great lakes of Canada, Peru or Nepal come to mind. In this post we share six world famous lakes with you, some well known and some a little less. How about Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Peru’s Lake Titicaca with its cultural interest, or Myanmar’s Inle Lake and the one-legged rowers? The world hides some other less obvious lakes that are well worth a visit. Ever thought of taking a holiday to see Lake Victoria (from Victoria Falls)? Lake Sevan in Armenia? Or Nepal’s stunning Gokyo Lakes that you can only reach by hiking remote trails?

Canada: Lake Louise

©Banff Lake Louise Tourism

Lake Louise is the serene turquoise lake that you know from images of Canada’s national parks of Banff and Jasper. Surrounded by limestone mountains and alpine trees, it is one for the bucket list. Experience the lake on a comfort hiking trip in the majesty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Spring departures of the 7-day Canadian Rockies Adventure trip are in June >>

There is a selection of trips that take in Lake Louise and depart several times of year.

Nepal: Gokyo Lakes

Be one of the few people to admire the sublime Gokyo Lakes in Nepal’s Himalayas. Take a spectacular high altitude trek to the Gokyo Lakes with a crossing of the Renjo La into the Thame Valley and get unparalleled views of Mount Everest. Or make a traverse from the Gokyo Lakes to Kala Pattar via Everest Base Camp, Namche Bazaar, and Thyangboche Monastery.

Spring departures of the 17-day Gokyo and the Renjo La trip are in March, April and May >>

Spring departures of the 21-day Everest Circuit & the Cho La trip are in March, April and early May >>

Peru: Lake Titicaca

Cross the vast high altiplano on a remote journey to the shores of Lake Titicaca. The lake is on the border between Peru and Bolivia and said to be the birthplace of the Incas. Around the lake, visit the floating reed islands of the intriguing Uros Indians, spot rare wildlife and learn more about the farmers of the lake. Combine Lake Titicaca with a visit to the Inca ruins at Machu Picchu and the city of Cusco.

There are many spring departures of the 16-day Best of Peru trip in March, April, May & June >>

There are many spring departures of the 19-day Best of Peru & Bolivia trip in March, April, May & June >>

Spring departures of the 11-day Cultural Highlights of Peru trip are in March, April, May and June >>

Note that if Inca Trail permits are sold out, you can do an alternative trek to Machu Picchu (avoiding the classic route that is known as the Inca Trail).

Myanmar (Burma): Inle Lake

Close to the Shan mountain range town of Kalaw lies Myanmar’s largest freshwater lake: Inle Lake. It is most known for the one-leg rowers that you can find scattered on the lake on their fishing trips. But there is more to this large water. Explore around bustling local markets, float along stilted villages and floating gardens of the Intha people and soak up breath-taking views.

Spring departures of the 12-day Myanmar Adventure trip are in April, May and June >>

Spring departures of the 11-day Cycle Myanmar trip are in March, April, May and June >>

Spring departures of the 13-day Bike, Hike & Kayak Myanmar trip are in March-June >>

Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania: Lake Victoria

Discover the stunning, scenic geography and wildlife of East Africa on one of these active and adventurous safaris. In Tanzania, spend a night on the shores of Africa's largest lake: Lake Victoria. To quote the great explorer John Hanning Speke, after whom the stunning place of our campsite is named, “…during the sunsets, and they can be astonishing at times, both sky and lake glow together in a magnificent explosion of theatrical light.” That’s quite a call coming from someone as well travelled as he, so have your camera charged and ready to fire! Over on the other side of Lake Victoria, you can take a trip to watch birdlife in Uganda.

The Spring departure of the 11-day Kenya & Tanzania Migration Safari trip is in June >>

Spring departures of the 15-day Masai Mara & Uganda Wildlife Safari trip are in March-May >>

The Spring departure of the 12-day Kenya and Tanzania Raft, Bike & Hike trip is in June >>

Armenia: Lake Sevan

Armenia was once one of the most powerful empires in Asia and Lake Sevan is a highlight on our trips to Armenia. Travel for example with renowned photographer Richard I’Anson (who contributes to many Lonely Planet guidebooks) to journey Iran, Armenia and Georgia. Or take an adventure touring holiday from Iran to Tblisi via Armenia.

Spring departures of the 16-day Iran to Tblisi via Armenia trip are in April and May >>

The unique departure of the 18-day Iran, Armenia & Georgia with Richard I’Anson trip is on 22 May 2017 and has limited availability >>

Download the trip notes on the holiday of your interest or contact our teams of travel experts around the world for more information.

There are plenty of reasons to celebrate Canada at the moment!

Lonely Planet has just named Canada their #1 destination for 2017 and the timing couldn't be better with the nation celebrating its 150th birthday next year. The final sections of the Trans Canada Trail, the world's longest network of recreational trails, are targeted to be completed in time for the celebration and the landmark anniversary will also see visitors enjoying free entry to National Parks across the country throughout the year.

A world first when it was established in 1911, Canada's National Park system today looks after more than 200 incredible National Parks, marine conservation areas and historic sites in every province and territory. With 47 National Parks and Reserves, dozens of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves, hundreds of thousands of lakes, a handful of stunning mountain ranges, and the longest coastline in the world, it’s no easy task creating a ‘best of’ list of Canada's natural attractions. We’ve done our best and highlighted some personal favourites, but we invite and expect you to add your own! Feature Image: Ben Morin

1. NAHANNI NATIONAL PARK, Northwest Territories

The Nahanni River. Photographer: Noel Hendrickson

Amongst the World’s first ever UNESCO designated sites, this is a no-brainer for a top natural attraction. The iconic Nahanni River (the Naha Dehé in native Dene) runs 540km from the Mackenzie Mountains, with whitewater rushing through four of Canada’s deepest river canyons, past sulphur hot springs, granite peaks, alpine tundra, a unique limestone cave system, and enormous waterfalls including Virginia Falls which plunges into the river from a height nearly twice that of Niagara Falls. This is truly one of North America’s most spectacular, wild rivers.

See it for yourself: Nahanni River Adventure 

2. COASTAL RAINFOREST, British Columbia

Hiking the West Coast Trail. Photographer: Nicole Moreau

The largest remaining intact temperate rainforest in the world, British Columbia's Coastal Rainforest is not only visually stunning, it also features the highest biomass by area of any ecosystem on earth. Amongst hundreds of species of plants and animals, fungi and lichens, the forest provides critical habitat for bald eagles, wild pacific salmon, grizzlies, black bears, and the rare Kermode (or ‘Spirit’) bear. More than half of the area is considered old-growth forest, with some trees as old as 1000 years! Of the most impressive are the gigantic Douglas Fir, Red Cedar, and Sitka Spruce trees which can be found scattered throughout Vancouver Island, the Great Bear Rainforest, and Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve.

See it for yourself: West Coast Trail, Tofino Coastal Explorer, Haida Gwaii Adventure, Grizzly Bear Nature Adventure.

3. THE CANADIAN ARCTIC, Nunavut

Croker Bay on Baffin Island

Though enormous in area, encompassing everything above the Arctic Circle, east of Alaska and west of Greenland, the far north of Canada represents less than 1% of the nation’s population. The result is vast, pristine wilderness and gigantic natural space with a landscape dominated by tundra, rock, snow and ice. During springtime in April and May, the floe edge (where the open sea meets the frozen sea) becomes one of the most dramatic and dynamic ecosystems on Earth, where arctic wildlife including walruses, seals, polar bears, narwhals, bowhead and beluga whales gather in abundance. At summer solstice, the ‘midnight sun’ shines for up to 24 hours; whereas during winter months, from October to March, one may experience only a few hours of sunshine per day, meaning plenty of deep dark skies and a front row seat for the magical Northern Lights.

See it for yourself: Northwest Passage East to West, Northwest Passage West to East, Arctic Safari

4. GROS MORNE NATIONAL PARK, Newfoundland & Labrador

Atop the Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park

Most recognized for its dramatic fjords (a-la-Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism ads), Gros Morne National Park has also been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The park is a geologist’s dream. Its Long Range Mountains represent one of the most northerly sections of the great Appalachian Mountain Range and, together with the fjords, provide an outstanding demonstration of glacier-scoured headlands in an ocean setting. This striking green landscape is set in strong contrast to the park’s copper-coloured Tablelands, a moon-like landscape where deep ocean crust and the rocks of the earth’s mantle lie exposed; one of the world’s best and most jaw-dropping illustrations of the process of plate tectonics.

See if for yourself: Gros Morne Traverse

5. THE BAY OF FUNDY, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia

Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick

Twice each day, 160 billion tonnes of seawater flow in and out of the Bay of Fundy, resulting in the world’s highest recorded tides and one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. It is an incredibe experience to walk on the ocean’s floor at low tide, and then watch as water rises up to 50 feet above where you were just standing. Sea stacks and caves have been carved out of the landscape by the immense energy of the tides, and the huge intertidal zone is a highly productive, diverse natural ecosystem and part of a greater UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve. The mud flats are the perfect stop-over for millions of shorebirds migrating south each year, and the ‘neck’ of the bay is one of the best places for spotting humpback, finback, and right whales.

See if for yourself: Fundy Footpath Fall Colours 

6. THE GREAT LAKES, Ontario

View from the Top of The Giant, Ontario. Photo credit: OTMPC

Viewed from land or from air, the Great Lakes stretch far and wide giving an appearance more akin to a sea than to a freshwater lake. The series of five interconnected lakes from east to west are: Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior. The only one outside of the province of Ontario (and Canada) is Lake Michigan, which is completely within the USA. Together, the lakes contain 21% of the world’s surface fresh water by volume, and Lake Superior alone is larger than many countries! The water’s surface level drops about 100m from Lake Superior to Lake Ontario, with the most dramatic drop occurring at a natural wonder on its own – Niagara Falls - on the river between Erie and Ontario.

See if for yourself: Superior Fall Adventure, Bruce Peninsula Traverse, Niagara Wines and Waterfront Trail by Bike

7. CANADIAN ROCKY MOUNTAINS, Alberta & British Columbia

Parker Ridge Trail in Banff, Alberta. Photographer: Ben Morin

To just about everyone, apart from those who live in western Canada, the term “Rockies” represents just about all of the mountains from Alberta westward. This, of course, is not the case, as there are other mountain chains west of the Rockies, including the Coast and Columbia ranges and sub-ranges like the Purcells and Selkirks. The Rockies, specifically, are the rugged mountain peaks that form the spine of the Continental Divide and the border between the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. Renowned for their scenic splendor (and earning yet another claim to UNESCO status), the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks are comprised of Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Yoho National Parks and Mount Robson, Mount Assiniboine, and Hamber Provincial Parks. Together, they form a striking mountain landscape of icefields, canyons, glaciers, alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and beautifully folded and uplifted sedimentary rocks. The perfect playground for adventure!

See it for yourself: Canadian Rockies Adventure, High Trails of the Canadian Rockies, Rocky Mountain Winter Adventure, Canadian Rockies Mountaineering Course, Yoho Peaks Expedition, Wapta Icefield Traverse