Your first experience of Taiwan is likely going to be when you fly into its capital, Taipei. As soon as you step out onto the street, you'll be struck by the mesmerizing blend of traditional culture and modern hustle and bustle.
Perhaps the best place to see this is from the top of Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world, which still offers gorgeous panoramic views. After getting the lay of the land, heading to the almost 300-year-old Longshan Temple or National Palace Museum will give you your first taste of Taiwan's unique history.
Snorkelling in Taiwan’s crystal-clear waters reveals vibrant marine life and coral reefs.Courtesy of Taiwan Tourism Administration
Speaking of taste, a trip to Taiwan is as much a vacation for your taste buds as it is for your body and soul. Taipei's Shilin, Raohe and Ningxia night markets are internationally renowned for mouthwatering street food, including stinky tofu (don't knock it until you try it), oyster omelets, pork buns and almost anything you can think of fried on a stick.
It's not all walking food, of course. Taiwan is also home to multiple Michelin-starred restaurants for a world-class dining experience you can't get anywhere else, like the contemporary Taiwanese spot Taïrroir and Le Palais for Cantonese.
Taiwan is a foodie’s paradise, from Michelin-star gourmet creations to delectable street foods.Courtesy of Taiwan Tourism Administration
Of course, there's so much more to Taiwan than Taipei, and your escape wouldn't be complete without exploring the gorgeous natural landscape that emerges when you head out of the city.
Thanks to high-speed rail, trains, and buses, most of Taiwan is easily accessible by public transport. Must-see spots include Mt. Xue and its stunning glacial cirques, Shifen Waterfall (also known as "Little Niagara"), the stunningly reflective Sun Moon Lake and Tainan — known for its century-old fortresses and temples.
From cycling the East Rift Valley to hiking through Taroko and Alishan, there's plenty to do for the active traveller. You can explore the lush mountain forests riding a 112-year-old Alishan Forest Railway, which takes you on a 44-mile (70-kilometre) scenic journey into the southern city of Chiayi and brings passengers high into Taiwan's verdant mountain ranges.
If you get hungry along the way, not to worry, the train will stop halfway through the five-hour journey at Fenqihu, a mountain village known for delicious bento boxes and aiyu jelly — a refreshing fig-based dessert that's perfect for a mid-ride treat.
Explore diverse landscapes via Hualien's 10+ bicycle paths and bike-friendly train network.Courtesy of Taiwan Tourism Administration
Another reason to consider Taiwan for your next escape is that the Taiwanese have been putting a lot of effort into supporting Canadian travellers. You can find up-to-date, bilingual information online. B.C. residents can also visit the Taiwan Tourism Information Centre in Vancouver to learn more in person.
Finally, if you need any more encouragement to plan a trip to Taiwan, you could win some pocket money if you enter the country before September 30, 2025. Through its "Taiwan the Lucky Land" Campaign, Taiwan will reward independent travellers with NT$5,000 travel credit (about CA$230 at the time of writing) to make their Taiwanese adventure even more memorable.
Taiwan offers hikes through forests, along coasts, and up mountains with glacier-carved views.Courtesy of Taiwan Tourism Administration
Taiwan is a gem in East Asia that has everything you could want for an unforgettable escape. With so much to discover, Taiwan is ready to welcome you on the journey of a lifetime.
