1/10 Ski in Banff
Why go? A powder-lovers paradise and the ‘world’s biggest playground’, Banff National Park has three major resorts nestled within the parks boundaries: Lake Louise Ski Area, Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay. All three areas have nursery slopes and special ‘slow-zones’ for beginners.
Activities: The ski-season here is the longest in North America, running from November to May and when not hurtling down the slopes, you can be horse or dog sledding, snow-shoeing or taking a wildlife tour.
Book:Virgin Holidays offers seven-night ski holidays in Banff; from £945 per person including flights.
2/10 Go wild in Jasper
Why go? Jasper National Park is the largest park in the Canadian Rockies, a wild, untamed place where grizzlies, elk and moose outnumber the people living and visiting here.
Activities: Think rivers, glaciers, soaring mountainous peaks and flower-filled meadows. Jasper is the go-to place for nature and wildlife lovers, with 615km of trails, over 80 campsites and comfortable lodges.
Visit: For moreinformation on opening times, camping and things to do at Jasper national park visit pc.gc.ca
3/10 Three Bars Ranch
Why go? Saddle up and learn how to be a cowboy at Three Bars Ranch in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park.
Activities: This family-friendly and family-run ranch specialises in creating bespoke horse-riding programmes for kids and adults of all abilities. It also has a diverse activity programme for non-riders including rafting and archery.
Book: A six night stay costs from £1,283 per adult and from £442 for children under six.
4/10 Little Point Peleea
Why go? Tiny by Canada standards, Point Pelee National Park is our recommendation for the ultimate in rare bird spotting. In mid-May, birds flock here to use the park as a natural stop-over: there are over 360 species or warblers, flycatchers and thrushes making the wetland marshes their home.
Activities: As well as using the walking trails, you can take a canoe out to get really up-close and personal.
Visit: For Point Pelee National Park visitor information visit pc.gc.ca