North Americans are prone to boasting but when you’re one-twentieth of the world’s land surface you would, so it’s legitimate to set Race Across the World in Canada.
The BBC show sees teams of two compete in a sprint to a final destination.
Stopping at a number of checkpoints along the way.
Each duo has a limited budget, no mobile phone access and are not allowed to take a single flight.
Not surprising that they didn’t ask me along.
As I went into meltdown when I left my mobile behind in Mississippi.
Race Across Canada, of course, conjures up one of those madcap old road trip films.
And as much fun as it would be to channel your inner Burt Reynolds there are more relaxed drive holidays across the country.
And that’s where our friends at Canadian Sky, part of the Tropical Sky family, come in.
With these recommendations that match the adventures on Race Across The World.
Easy BC
The opening episode begins in Vancouver with teams having to find their way out of Stanley Park.
And into the wilderness of British Colombia and the magnificent Vancouver Island.
This self-drive itinerary is the perfect way to discover Vancouver Island.
A circular route from the waterfront capital of Victoria in British Columbia…
You’ll explore this laid-back city on foot and then drive through parks and coastal routes.
Take a bear-watching excursion at Campbell River to see grizzlies in their natural habitat.
And head to Canadian surf capital Tofino.
From Tofino, drive to world killer whale hub Telegraph Cove and take a whale-watching cruise.
A 13-night tour of Vancouver Island, departs 13th September 2023 from €3,199pps, including return flights, accommodation, and fully comprehensive car hire.
Yes Yukon
Spend 11 nights travelling the Yukon with this fantastic itinerary, spending time in Whitehorse, experiencing the renowned
Join the Gold Rush to Skagway and take in White Pass and Yukon Route Railway.
On this independent tour, with all hotels, transport and excursions booked in advance.
Spend three nights in a log cabin, trek and kayak to your heart’s content.
And take a day trip to the mountains of the Kluane National Park.
Experience a guided tour of Whitehorse and the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and enjoy time in Dawson City, including a historic tour of the gold fields.
An 11-night tour of the Yukon, departing 23rd August, is priced from €4,129pps, including return flights, accommodation and transfers.
Horsing around
Neigh bother! Over seven days this horse riding package kicks off in Banff.
Followed by one night at the Sundance Lodge, then three nights at Halfway Lodge, and a final night on the return ride at Sundance Lodge.
Guests will embark on a riding excursion of approximately five hours.
A seven-night riding tour of the Yukon, departing 6th September, is priced from €3,249pps, including return flights, accommodation, transfers and daily riding excursions.
Manitoba Big Five
And we have all gone in search of the Big Five in Africa.
But did you know about the Manitoba Big Five which you can do on your Race Across the World in Canada?
Well, it’s a black bear, polar bear, moose, beluga whale and bison.
Begin the adventure in the Riding Mountain National Park, with a wildlife drive.
Then, fly north to the town of Churchill on the edge of the tundra.
Churchill sees more than 300 nights of Northern Lights activity each year.
The final part of the adventure is on board a Tundra Buggy and involves looking out for summer polars bear roaming the waters of Hudson Bay.
A seven-night tour of Manitoba, departing 7th August, is priced from €7,269pps including return flights, accommodation and all excursions.
Ontario an old friend
And a chance to see beyond the Toronto of my brother’s younger days and discover Superior and Huron, the Canadian Great Lakes.
Not that you should miss Toronto, being sure to visit the famous Ripley’s aquarium.
Home to 450 ocean and freshwater creatures, before heading into the hills and sparkling lakes of Muskoka.
Hike the wilderness trails at Algonguin Provincial Park, then travel onto the dramatic landscapes of Killarney.
Come again, but this is as beautiful as its famous Irish namesake.
A highlight of the tour is the unique Manitoulin Island on Lake Huron where. you should hike, bike and kayak.
The tour ends with a loop back towards Toronto via Niagara-on-the-Lake and take in a Hornblower cruise.
A 14-night self-drive tour of the Canadian Great Lakes, departing 22nd September, is priced from €2,679pps, including flights, accommodation and fully comprehensive car hire.
Quebec mais oui
This independent rail tour on VIA Rail takes you to Toronto, Ottawa and French Canada, Montreal and Quebec City.
Enjoy a full day trip to Niagara Falls, join a sightseeing tour of capital Ottawa, explore the beautiful walled city of Quebec, and discover Montreal with its thriving arts scene and quaint old town.
A nine-night rail tour, departing 18th October, is priced from €2,449pps, including return flights, accommodation and rail transfers with VIA.
New Scotland, Nova Scotia
Another rail route and we recommend North American rail service after our Amtrak trip through New England.
Meander through Quebec and New Brunswick en route to Nova Scotia on your Race Across The World Canada.
Starting with a few days in Halifax, discover the fascinating maritime city before boarding the Ocean train for a two-day journey through Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Then board VIA rail to follow the St Lawrence river to Montreal and take in a three-hour city tour to see all the highlights.
The final leg takes travellers from Quebec along the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor and through Ontario to Toronto.
A seven-night rail tour, departing 13th October, is priced from €1,949pps, including return flights, accommodation and rail travel.
New find, Newfoundland
A real blockbuster, a 19-night tour taking in the many national parks of the Atlantic Canada region.
Take scenic hiking trails to spot exotic wildlife and hospitable locals in Nova Scotia.
Visit Gros Morne National park in Newfoundland, with rugged cliffs, waterfalls and glacial fjords and Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island.
More hiking in Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, spotting birds, wildlife and moose along the way.
End the trip with a visit to the iconic Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick and marvel at the Bay of Fundy.
A 19-night tour through Atlantic Canada, departing 5th September, is priced from €3,499pps, including return flights, accommodation and fully inclusive car hire.
And after all of that you’ll be able to say you’ve covered 2 per cent of the world’s land mass on your Race Across the World in Canada.
Heck it’s a start.
