In this article we’re going crazy for all things Canada, because let’s face it, this beautiful country is worth going crazy for!
With over 40 National Parks and National Park Reserves, stunning scenery around every corner and some of the friendliest people living there, there really is no need to think twice about heading to the adventure lover’s paradise.
However, if you need some motivation to travel here, or need some help deciding on what to see or do in this vast and fascinating country, then look no further.
Why Visit Canada
Exploring Canada is quite a unique experience. You can travel through Canada on its own or as an extension of a trip through the United States.
Canada is colder than most destinations but this country’s spectacular sights like the world famous Niagara Falls and a sporty outdoors life makes it a travellers paradise.
A mixture of British and French tradition flavoured by its close proximity to the United States of America is evident in the warm and friendly nature of the Canadian people.
Canada has similar services and facilities to the United States of America and the relaxed life and scenic wilderness makes for for a backpacking or overland adventure trip.
If winter sports, water activities and wide open plains of untouched natural beauty excite you, then this country is a must.
Here are some reasons you will love Canada:
• A range of outdoor activities including skiing, kayaking/canoeing, hiking and camping.
• First world infrastructure within the major cities mixed with an outdoors lifestyle makes for perfect urban escapes.
• Reasonable accommodation offering both affordability and adventure with luxury hotels, backpacker hostels, home and farm stays.
• Tour company packages allow you to explore ocean towns along Nova Scotia or hike through the Rockies at rock bottom prices.
• You can opt for a tourist visa or work visa – both are fairly easy to obtain.
Best Attractions
Stretching from the Pacific to the Atlantic, a choice of modern cities and a range of terrains and large tracts of wilderness means that you will experience a wealth of natural beauty and biodiversity as you discover Canada.
Here is where you should go:
1. Niagara Falls
Beautiful images of Niagara Falls recently made headlines after they actually froze over, during North America’s ‘Big Freeze’.
For anyone that doesn’t know, Niagara Falls is the name of the three waterfalls that separate New York State and the Canadian Province of Ontario with highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world!
Can I get an “Oooohh”! This is one of the most popular things to do in eastern Canada and ride on the ‘Maid of the Mist’ cruise before you travel to the Canadian side of the falls.
The Maid of the Mist sightseeing boat tour allows you to experience the full force of the falls, up close and personal, just be prepared to get a little wet.
You can find a range of accommodation, tours and hikes revolving around this natural marvel. Affordable and entertaining, Niagara Falls has something for every interest, from casinos to fishing trips and festivals.
2. Toronto
Toronto in the province of Ontario is often hailed as the cultural, entertainment and financial capital of Canada. A multicultural, first world city, Toronto offers the true urban escape with a mix of both city life and natural beauty.
Toronto has so many attractions and is home to the CN Tower. One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. It used to be the tallest free-standing structure on earth, so we’d say it’s definitely worth a look and we are pretty sure you’ll find the view impressive too.
If you’re feeling rather daring then why not brave the EdgeWalk and take a walk around the outside of the roof. Whatever you do, don’t look down!
3. Banff National Park
The oldest National Park in Canada and set in the very heart of the Canadian Rockies, this place will truly take your breath away. With an array of spectacular wildlife in every direction, you will need your camera ready at all times.
Spend your time walking around some of the 1600 kilometres of trails and glacier fed lakes (you will have never seen lakes so blue!), then head up to Banff Upper Hot Springs to relax and rest your tired legs… perfection!
4. Wells Gray Provincial Park
Even though this is not officially a National Park, Wells Gray is up there with the best of them. This beautiful park has miles and miles of forest, mountains, and rivers, filled with wildlife.
If waterfalls are your thing, then you won’t be disappointed, there are over forty falls within the park; if you forget your camera here, you will be kicking yourself for a long time!
Some trips here include an overnight canoe trip through the park, which really allows you to become ‘at one’ with nature. This is also one of the best places to see bears in Canada.
5. Whistler
Ahh Whistler, the place where every other word spoken is ‘adventure’ or ‘extreme’. This snow covered town, just two hours north of Vancouver is the epicentre for all things adventure related.
The town of Whistler located is famed for its snow capped mountain peaks, Whistler is a skiing paradise located near the coast. A small town feel with all the world class skiing and holiday facilities, Whistler gives you a taste of Canada’s snowy side.
With some of the world’s best ski slopes, hiking trails and a pretty awesome mountain bike park thrown in for good measure – Whistler is awesome to visit all year round.
6. Calgary
Calgary has long been a popular city in Canada, winning numerous awards for being the best city to live and it has recently made it on to a recent New York Times’ ’52 places to go’ list, so now you definitely have to go!
Sitting picturesquely between the Canadian Prairies and the Canadian Rockies, what makes Calgary so famous is the annual Calgary Stampede in July.
From music events, to traditional food tasting and Rodeo shows, the Calgary Stampede definitely lives up to its name of ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’!
7. Quebec
Quebec is steeped in history and culture and has the appearance of a European village rather than the capital of a province.
The compact size of Quebec City makes it the perfect place to wander and take in all that it has to offer. You will find it hard not to stumble across the picturesque Chateau Frontenac, which towers above this beautiful city oozing in French heritage.
If you’re there in the winter make sure you stick around for the Quebec Winter Carnival, said to be the world’s largest and most spectacular carnival.
Before arriving, make sure you brush up on your “bonjour’s” and your “s’il vous plaît’s” and learn some essential French for tourists!
8. Lake Superior
If you’re fan of lakes, then this is the one to visit.
Lake Superior is considered the largest freshwater lake in the world in surface area, impressive ay?
The surrounding area is equally impressive, with a coastline of beaches and river valleys and beautiful waterfalls, you won’t want to leave.
9. Vancouver
Vancouver is a popular city in British Columbia, with spectacular nature and scenery. The city centre is a hive of activity with sports, art, theatre and live music.
No trip would be complete without seeing Vancouver Island. This is one of the most diverse eco-systems on earth and is a must see when in western Canada.
Ranging for almost 300 miles in length and 50 miles across, there is enough space for you not to bump into anyone and you will almost start to think you have landed on another planet.
Make sure you keep your cameras at the ready as Vancouver Island is a hotspot for some fascinating wildlife, if you would like to go whale watching in Canada, this region is a hotspot.
10. Canadian Prairies
Are you looking to go off the beaten track and get off the tourist trail? Go explore the Canadian Prairies, an area which covers three Canadian Provinces, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
This sprawling area of land is often over looked, but the 800 kilometre drive through this sparsely populated area won’t disappoint.
The seemingly endless landscape will make the mountains of the Rockies feel almost claustrophobic. There are lots of amazing scenic drives you can do here where one moment you are cruising in glorious sunshine, and the next you are watching a thunderstorm rolling by.
Canada Travel Tips
Health & Safety
Canada is known for being a fairly safe country with lower incidences of crime and terrorist threats than the United States. If backpacking through the wilderness, heed the advice of the local authorities with regards to dangerous wildlife. Visiting Canada does not require any special traveller’s vaccinations but insect repellent and other measures to prevent mosquito bites are advisable given reports of the West Nile virus.
Plan a Trip to Canada
If after seeing all these incredible destinations you are already starting to pack your bags and check for the next available flight to Canada, then you won’t be disappointed.
