There are few destinations in the world that offer travelers as much variety as Canada. No matter what your passion is – sailing, skiing, hiking, exploring museums or simply enjoying the finest cuisines in the world – you’ll find it here.
The reason? Simply put, Canada is huge. The east of the country is an enticing combination of New York City’s hustle and bustle mixed with a distinct European flavor, while in the west you have some of the most incredible landscapes and beautiful countryside of anywhere in the world. Meanwhile, in the wilds of Canada’s northern outposts, visitors can become at one with nature like nowhere else on earth. One thing’s for sure, there’s a lot more to Canada than just mounted police and maple syrup.
As Big and Diverse as They Come
It’s simply impossible not to like Canada. Just go ahead and try not to. Cities like Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto, vibrant cultural melting pots one and all, offer a quality of life that can compete with any place in the world. Don’t like the idea of that? Then visit North America’s oldest city, St. John’s in Newfoundland, for a most unforgettable history lesson. And for those who are not enamored of Canada’s colonial past, there’s the prospect of snowboarding, skiing, hiking, hunting and then some at breathtaking mountains like those in the Jasper and Banff national parks.
For the more adventurous, the Northwest Territories behold nature at its most pristine – home of the indigenous Inuit people, this vast, empty, snow carpeted landscape is at times almost surreal, such is its loneliness and mystique. It’s also home to some of Canada’s best wildlife, including bears, deer, sea lions and more.
Canada Friendliness
One undeniable fact is the overwhelming hospitality and friendliness of the Canadian people, which is something of a mystery considering the often bitter temperatures – Canada is officially the world’s coldest country. Take the town of Snag in Yukon, which recorded the coldest ever temperature in the continent – a bone chilling minus 62.8°C.
For a country written off by Voltaire as just a “few acres of snow”, Canada has come a long way. With its vastness, its natural resources and its multicultural makeup, Canada offers a quality of life and an opportunity for discovery that is as enviable as they come.
Budget for one week: More than 1000 Euro
Taxes and gratuities: Gratuity is recommended
Local currency: Canadian Dollar
Spoken language and/or official language: English and French
Area: 9,984,670 km2 (3,854,085 sq mi)
Population: 34,599,000
Sanitary requirements: You can drink tap water anywhere in Canada
Major cities: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa–Gatineau, Calgary, and Edmonton.
Images courtesy: Laszlo Ilyies and Wikipedia
