Canada

CANADA

Canada is the land of vast wilderness, diverse cultures, and unique cities. Montreal is the old one, Toronto the big one, and Victoria and Vancouver are the mild wet ones on the Pacific.

In Montreal, the fusion of French and English cultures creates a European ambiance. Old Montreal keeps its 1600s street plan, which is why nothing there runs in a straight line. Be sure to savor incredible cuisine options in Montreal, from Portuguese to French to Asian cuisines. Apparently Montreal has more restaurants per capita than New York City!

Just west of Montreal is the capital city of Canada, Ottawa. It is located in the southern portion of the province of Ontario across the bridge from Quebec. It is the political centre of the country and home to the federal government, the Parliament of Canada, and various foreign embassies. Rivers run through and around Ottawa making it a beautiful place to visit in the warmer weather and enjoy activities on the rivers. There are also ice skating options in the winter on portions of the river when it gets cold enough. The Canadian capital buildings Gothic revival architecture and grandeur make this smaller Canadian city worth seeing more than anything. Parliament Hill alone attracts approximately three million visitors each year.

Just a quick flight or train ride southwest of Ottawa, you will find Toronto, a big city located right on lake Ontario. It is the fourth-most populous city in North America. The skyline showcases the CN Tower against its modern highrises. About half of Toronto was born outside Canada, and the food follows. You can eat your way through a dozen countries without changing subway lines. Kensington Market and the Distillery District are the two neighbourhoods people go to just to walk around.

In Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, history meets coastal beauty. Stroll along Inner Harbour’s promenade, explore the oldest Chinatown in Canada, take a day trip to the striking Butchart Gardens in nearby Brentwood Bay, or plan for afternoon tea. Compared to the rest of Canada Victoria has relatively mild weather year round.

Just across the bay you will find Vancouver, a metropolis on the Pacific coast, with an urban environment surrounded by natural wonders. Here, you can find cuisines from around the world, explore many different neighborhoods, and also enjoy a serious arts and music scene.

Set in the Mountains of BC above Vancouver is Whistler, a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Ski down powdery slopes in winter and hike or mountain bike along scenic trails in summer, then relax at one of the incredible alpine spas afterward. There are also lots of bars and restaurants to enjoy in the alpine village at the end of the day.

Some honorable mention places in Canada we would like to spend more time include, Quebec City, Halifax and Calgary; Quebec City is the capital of Canada’s Quebec province and one of North America’s oldest cities. Its Old Town is the only walled city north of Mexico, and the Château Frontenac overlooks the St. Lawrence River. Quebec City offers a distinctly French-Canadian atmosphere with its historic fortifications and independent boutiques galore.

Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is an Atlantic port city with a long maritime history dating back to its founding in 1749. Known for its waterfront boardwalk and hilltop Citadel fortress, it also has a modern culture of seafood, music, and friendly East Coast hospitality.

Calgary is a major city in Alberta, known as the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. In Calgary we see cowboy heritage, industry, urban development and the mountainous outdoors converge in one place.

Although we mostly highlight the cities here, Canada is so much more than its urban areas. Most of it is empty. The Rockies in the west, the Maritimes in the east, and a great deal of forest in between. The indigenous regions and norther arctic areas. Canada has more lake surface than every other country combined, and in the north you can see the aurora on a clear night for most of the year. We have a lifetime of exploring to do beyond the cities and towns that make up Canada!

Canada

NORTH AMERICA