Canada is big enough to make choosing where to go a holiday in itself. Sandra Potter, founder of Frontier Travel, returns to Destination Unlocked to help us find our way, from the lakes and mountains of the Rockies to Québec City’s historic streets and the icebergs off Newfoundland.

Joining Daniel Edward for a coast-to-coast conversation, Sandra shares the places she loves, the journeys she recommends and the decisions that can make a Canadian holiday work better. Having lived in Vancouver and built a travel business that began with Canadian skiing, she brings decades of experience and plenty of strong opinions.

Cities with their own character

Toronto has distinctive neighbourhoods and an impressive restaurant scene; Montréal offers a different cultural flavour; and Québec City has left Daniel with some of his favourite Canadian memories. Sandra explains why Vancouver remains her favourite city, with ocean, mountains and outdoor adventures close at hand. Across the water, Victoria offers another rewarding stop, while Tofino is her choice for a few days off.

Into the Canadian Rockies

We explore Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, compare skiing holidays in Alberta and Whistler, and consider what makes a winter visit rewarding even when you aren’t spending every day on the slopes. For train lovers, there’s a discussion of VIA Rail’s Canadian and Rocky Mountaineer, including why travelling through the mountains in daylight matters.

Waterfalls, coastal towns and icebergs

Further east, we consider Niagara Falls and Sandra’s preference for staying in Niagara-on-the-Lake, before turning to Ottawa, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Expect Peggy’s Cove, colourful coastal towns, maritime history and the appeal of spotting an iceberg from shore.

A taste of Canada

There’s also time for food: lobster on the Atlantic coast, salmon in the west, Québec’s poutine and Daniel’s enthusiasm for sharing a BeaverTail. Sandra introduces her favourite Canadian cocktail, the Caesar, and shares the places and experiences that make her want to return.

Meet Sandra Potter

Sandra Potter founded Frontier Travel, a specialist in tailor-made North American holidays. Read Sandra’s guest profile and hear her earlier conversation with Daniel about 250 years of American Independence.

Plan your Canadian adventure

Start with our Canada destination hub, then explore the practical guides below. Follow Destination Unlocked wherever you listen for a different destination each week, explored through conversation with someone who knows it well.

Useful planning links: Frontier Canada.

Canada in photographs

Practical guides for your trip

Planning Your First Trip to Canada: Where to Go and What to Leave for Next Time

Rocky Mountaineer or VIA Rail? Choosing Your Canadian Train Journey

Vancouver and Vancouver Island: City Life, Victoria and Time Out in Tofino

Atlantic Canada: Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and the Appeal of Iceberg Alley