Canada offers a raft of exciting holiday options

Bales Worldwide has introduced a raft of exciting options for its Canada and Alaska programme for 2009/10, including new itineraries in the Atlantic Provinces, an incredible river journey through Yukon and a taste bud tantalising wine route in British Columbia.

This year’s programme includes one escorted holiday and 11 suggested itineraries, with numerous other tailor made options. Prices start from £1375 for the eight day ‘Quebec in Winter’ journey, including return flights with Air Canada.

The programme concentrates on independent travel options and incorporates many suggested itineraries, including self-drive itineraries, rail journeys, city breaks, plus Arctic and Alaska cruising options. The full programme is available as a printed brochure, as well as to read online via Balesworldwide.com.

The Great River Journey - Yukon
Brand new to Bales for 2009 is the Great River Journey, a unique eight day wilderness safari along the mighty Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson City. This 600km trip (which was first introduced in 2008) takes you through the historic and scenic grandeur of this spectacular landscape in a private riverboat - the ideal way to explore the region’s natural and cultural treasures. The boat only takes small groups of no more than 10 people, making it an intimate experience.

You will travel along the river, enjoying frequent landings to view wildlife and stopping overnight at secluded lodges, before the tour finishes eight days later in Dawson City. Marvel at the incredible flora and fauna, explore the many historical sites, learn from the experienced local guide, relax in the unique lodges, and revel in this wonderful wilderness landscape. For the more adventurous, there is the opportunity to undertake parts of the journey under you own steam in canoes or kayaks.

Prices start from £5490 per person for the 9 day itinerary, based on two sharing, including return flights with Air Canada, internal flights with Air North and most meals.

Golden Circle - Yukon self drive
If water is not your thing then why not explore the stunning Yukon region by car? The Golden Circle self drive route operates between mid-May and mid- September, to tie in with the seasonal opening of the famous ‘Top of the World Highway’. This remarkable road covers 105km, from Dawson City to the US border, traversing a landscape of dramatic hills and valleys with endless vistas across the Yukon.

Bales’ suggested 10 day self-drive itinerary takes you through the region’s major highlights, including the remote capital of Whitehorse, the goldfields of Klondike and Dawson City (heart of a 19th century goldrush) and Kluane National Park. This is one of North America’s most scenic drives and makes for a perfect holiday for those with a love of the open road.

Prices start from £2195 per person for 10 days, based on two sharing, including return international flights with Air Canada, 4 wheel drive hire and some excursions and meals.

Raise a Glass to Canadian wine – Self Drive Itinerary
For wine connoisseurs, Bales is offering a self drive route through British Columbia, taking in wineries along the way. The region is home to more than 25 wineries, lush vineyards and spectacular scenery. The wine route starts in Vancouver and heads through Whistler, Kamloops and Penticton – exploring the Vineyards of Thompson Okanagan - before returning to Vancouver and a journey across to Parksville on Victoria Island. Drive through breathtaking scenery, taste some top vintages, find out more about the small, independent wine makers on route and even try the local ice wine. Why not visit during the annual Okanagan Spring Wine Festivals (30 April – 9 May 2009) and enjoy some of the 100+ events that take place in the region.

Prices for 13 day holiday start from £2075 per person, based on two sharing, including first class accommodation and car hire.

Atlantic Provinces
New to Bales for 2009, the Atlantic Provinces of Canada’s rugged East coast offers a great option, only a short 5 hour flight from the UK.

Bales’ 16 day suggested itinerary of the area is designed to give you a flavour of this little visited region. Start out in the historic harbour city of Halifax in Nova Scotia, the coastal gateway to the Atlantic Provinces. Spend two days discovering the city, before driving along the ‘Lighthouse Route’ to visit the historic fishing community of Peggy’s Cove and overnight in Kejimkujik National Park. Day 4 sees you drive to Digby, the ferry gateway to New Brunswick, before enjoying two days exploring this maritime province.

Drive along the Bay of Fundy shores and view the dramatic sandstone formations of the Hopewell Rocks. Day 7 to 9 take in Prince Edward island, known as the ‘Garden of the Gulf’ – a green province of sandy beaches, lush rolling hills and a slow paced way of life. On Day 10 take the ferry to Nova Scotia for 5 days exploring the famous Cabot Trail, before heading back to Halifax.

Prices start from £1,025 per person based on two sharing for a 10 day holiday (excluding international flights).

For reservations go to Balesworldwide.com.