Between city skylines and coniferous forests

RIEDEL Magazine, Issue 03 Autumn 2025 | Text: Stephanie Geiger | Reading time: 6 minutes

To the east lies the Atlantic, to the west the Pacific, and in between lies Canada, stretching across the entire continent. Canada is a land of diversity and contrasts: From glittering metropolises such as Toronto and Vancouver to the secluded coniferous forests of the north, from the French-speaking elegance of Québec to the majestic Rocky Mountains in Alberta, vibrant modernity and remote wilderness coexist harmoniously in this country. Text: Stephanie Geiger

Note on the edition

This article is taken from the Autumn/Winter 2025/26 issue of RIEDEL Magazine. Recommendations regarding restaurants, hotels and the best times to travel are correct as at the time of publication. Before travelling, please check entry requirements and opening hours separately.

A destination for nature and culture

High-rises of a city centre in warm evening light, in front a canal and trees with bright red autumn foliage. — Montreal – the largest city in the province of Québec – is an absolute highlight, particularly in autumn with its colourful deciduous trees.

Because it appeals to both nature lovers and culture enthusiasts, Canada is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination. Its unspoilt natural beauty – with its national parks, mountains, lakes and forests – combined with its vibrant cities makes Canada a diverse travel destination. The summer months from June to September are particularly popular with travellers for hiking in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and visiting the national parks, as well as for road trips through the major cities. But Canada also promises pure travelling pleasure in autumn and winter.

Where the mountains meet the skyline

Massive hotel building with towers and steep roofs looms over the old town, the river in the morning light in the background. — The Château Frontenac, in the heart of Québec City, is a luxury hotel – and it’s certainly not just a sight to behold from the outside.

It is probably quite difficult to explore such a vast country with such diversity all at once. Vancouver, for example, is representative of the country’s fascinating cities: the city’s location alone, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and majestic mountains, is breathtaking. Here, urban lifestyle blends with spectacular natural surroundings. The city captivates visitors with its multicultural atmosphere, mild climate and a vibrant creative scene.

Trendy neighbourhoods such as Gastown, with its cobbled streets and steam train, the hip Mount Pleasant with its street art and craft beer, or the sun-drenched Kitsilano by the beach are all waiting to be explored. Unforgettable highlights include Stanley Park, the dizzying Capilano Suspension Bridge and Granville Island with its lively market. Vancouver is the perfect destination for anyone looking to combine culture, outdoor adventures and cosmopolitan charm.

Autumnal magic during the Indian Summer

A woman hiker crosses a wide wooden bridge towards a hillside in autumn colours, with a rocky mountain range behind. — If you’re travelling to Canada, you mustn’t leave your walking boots and rucksack at home. It’s simply spectacular.

If you want to experience the Indian Summer, you should travel to Canada towards the end of September or the beginning of October. The Canadian autumn and the iconic change in the colour of the leaves as the days grow shorter are legendary. At this time, the landscapes and forests exude a special magic. Bright reds, oranges and yellows adorn the trees from coast to coast. You can combine a visit in autumn with a trip to the Canadian north. The best time to see the Northern Lights is in the Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta and the Northwest Territories – specifically from September to May.

The Canadian autumn and the iconic change in the colour of the leaves as the days grow shorter are legendary.

Aerial view of the horseshoe-shaped waterfall, with turquoise water plunging over its edge into a cloud of spray. — Niagara Falls: Travelling there once and seeing for yourself how the river that connects Lake Erie and Lake Ontario plunges spectacularly some 60 metres into the depths is surely a bucket-list moment for quite a few people.

Travellers from Bavaria’s ‘Land of Five Lakes’ in particular will feel almost at home by the five Great Lakes of North America. Toronto, which is always well worth a visit, lies on Lake Ontario, the smallest of the five lakes, though it is still slightly larger than the whole of Upper Bavaria. The border with the United States runs through the lake. Anyone visiting the area should, of course, not miss the chance to visit Niagara Falls. Here, the River Niagara, which connects Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, plunges almost 60 metres into the depths.

Turquoise mountain lake between rugged peaks, with large boulders on the shore in the foreground. — One of Canada’s most famous lakes: Moraine Lake. Its turquoise colour and the ‘Ten Peaks’ in the background create a scene you’ll never forget.

Canada’s lakes are enchanting

With around two million lakes covering some eight per cent of its land area, Canada is the country with the most lakes in the world. In the Rocky Mountains, these eight lakes are definitely among the must-see highlights: Pyramid Lake is picturesquely situated in Jasper National Park and enchants visitors with its small island and views of Pyramid Mountain. Lake Louise is an iconic postcard scene with turquoise waters and a glacier panorama. Not far from there lies the dramatically beautiful Moraine Lake, framed by the ‘Ten Peaks’. Medicine Lake remains a geological mystery due to its seasonal drop in water levels (it is almost empty in autumn).

Maligne Lake, which almost every Canadian has a photo of at home, is famous for Spirit Island, an island covered in dense fir trees. Further west in British Columbia lies the remote Gwillim Lake, an insider’s tip for hikers and those seeking peace and quiet. Bowron Lake is a paradise for canoeists who venture on the famous circular trip through the wilderness. And right in the south, on the border with the USA, Upper Waterton Lake sparkles with crystal-clear water and an alpine backdrop. Each of these lakes offers a unique experience of nature – ranging from the mystical to the majestic.

With around two million lakes covering some eight per cent of its land area, Canada is the country with the most lakes in the world.

A pointed rocky peak is reflected in a still mountain lake in the morning light, with a few conifers standing on the shore. — Often referred to as the ‘Matterhorn of the Rocky Mountains’: Mount Assiniboine, at 3,618 m the highest peak in the Southern Continental Ranges.

Canada is a country of impressive scenic diversity and cultural depth. In particular, the history and present-day lives of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit – their languages, spiritual knowledge and artistic expressions – are not only a testament to a history stretching back millennia, but also living contributions to today’s society.

Canada is certainly worth a visit. But is a single trip really enough to do justice to this fascinating country? Discover it for yourself.

A single car drives along an empty road through trees with golden-yellow foliage, with a snow-covered mountain peak behind. — A road trip through Canada may involve a lot of driving, but you won’t stop marvelling for a single second: as here, driving through Jasper National Park.

Culinary delights and style: top tips for Vancouver

Vancouver boasts an innovative dining scene, ranging from modern fusion restaurants to authentic Asian cuisine. With a focus on sustainability and local ingredients, it is a particular treat for foodies who value quality and creativity. Numerous restaurants have been awarded a star for their cuisine.

At AnnaLena, you really must opt for the seasonally inspired tasting menu. The farm-to-table cuisine by head chef Andrea Carlson at Burdock & Co. is also outstanding. Published on Main follows a similar philosophy: cooking exclusively with ingredients sourced from local farmers. The same applies to Barbara, where you can watch the chefs at work from the counter. Okeya Kyujiro and Masayoshi promise an excellent Japanese omakase experience. The five-seat counter restaurant Sushi Masuda is also well worth a visit. At Kissa Tanto, the atmosphere is reminiscent of the jazz cafés of 1960s Tokyo. And at St. Lawrence, lovers of French cuisine will be in their element.

There’s often just a few steps between superb food and a restful night’s sleep – a stylish stay is guaranteed at these hotels: at the Loden Vancouver in the heart of Coal Harbour; at the L’Hermitage Hotel, within walking distance of the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Queen Elizabeth Theatre; at the Fairmont Pacific Rim; or at The Westin Bayshore, which welcomes its guests in breathtakingly beautiful surroundings.

RIEDEL’s perspective

The article itself draws the parallel: anyone who calls the Five Lakes Region home will recognise something familiar in the Great Lakes. Both are landscapes where water sets the pace and plots of land on the shore are rare. Anyone returning from a trip with the idea of a lakeside home in mind will find it easier to find one on their doorstep than on Lake Ontario.

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