CANADA TRAVEL GUIDE
A land of great natural beauty, Canada is culturally similar to the US but at the same time its urban centres offer a unique, distinctive and unmistakably Canadian feel. As a tourist destination the country’s 10 provinces each offer their own selection of trademark attractions - both natural and manmade.
Ottawa is the country’s capital but is often bypassed for cities such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, where the architecture is thought by many to be more striking, the natural surroundings more beautiful and the ambience more cosmopolitan. In winter, the mountainous areas of Canada’s two western-most provinces, British Columbia and Alberta, are ideal locations for winter sports, whereas the beaches on both coasts offer water sports and relaxation opportunities in summer.
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CANADA WEATHER - When to Go
Northern Canada is close to the Arctic Circle so it receives some severe weather conditions. As a result, it is sparsely habited. Few tourists venture to this part of the country and the lack of infrastructure is indicative of this. Most areas in the southern region of the country, where the majority of Canadians reside, experience cold winters with sub-zero temperatures and abundant snowfall, particularly the Prairies. The exception is British Columbia, which experiences mild winters.
The summer season is a good time to visit Canada if you enjoy warm weather. During the main summer months, the mercury can rise as high as 30°C. Humidity levels can be high and this can bring afternoon storms in some locations, so it’s wise to pack waterproof clothing. If you prefer things cooler, then consider visiting in the late spring or early autumn when daytime temperatures are still pleasant and the humidity is considerably less pronounced.
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CANADA HIGHLIGHTS - Places to Visit
- Toronto: is home to around 2 million people and boasts a decent cosmopolitan and cultural scene that rivals many of North America’s best cities. Toronto’s attractions are abundant, from museums and interesting landmarks, to excellent dining and shopping facilities (including many in underground malls – ideal for the freezing winters). Few visitors miss the CN Tower, a 553m high structure with a viewing platform that offers the perfect vantage point from which to view the city. Aesthetic enthusiasts, meanwhile, generally head for the Art Gallery of Toronto and the Royal Ontario Museum, the latter being especially impressive with its six million-piece collection of artworks. The Harbourfront, Toronto Islands (a 10 minute ferry ride away), Chinatown, the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Bata Shoe Museum are all worth exploring. In the evening, try watching a Blue Jays baseball game at the Skydome, or a Maple Leafs ice hockey match.
- Niagara Falls: refers both to a city and the awesome waterfalls that are its main attraction. The city of Niagara Falls draws visitors with the stunning natural splendour of the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Boat trips are available that offer a different perspective to that available on dry land; alternatively, you can take a helicopter tour for an aerial view of the falls’ magnificence. The city itself offers some great dining and nightlife options, but an overnight excursion is usually long enough. It is easy to visit Niagara Falls as a day-trip form Toronto.
- Vancouver: is a visually striking city hailed as one of the best in the world to live in, offering a solid mix of nature, culture and 21st century amenities. With the coast on its doorstep, the city offers not only significant natural beauty but also opportunities for beach and water sport activities during the summer. In the city centre, the downtown district is brimming with interesting architecture plus a plethora of great restaurants, cafés and bars. Vancouver’s Chinatown is the world’s second largest and is a bustling neighbourhood with an authentic Eastern ambience. If sightseeing is your thing, then don’t miss out on Stanley Park, Gastown, Science World, Vancouver Aquarium, Granville Island, UBC’s Museum of Anthropology, Grouse Mountain, the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Enjoy it - Vancouver is awesome.
- Vancouver Island and Victoria: Victoria is the biggest city on Vancouver Island, which is the largest island that can be found off of the west coast of North America. Features include numerous historical places of interest such as Craigdarroch Castle, Emily Carr House and the Victoria Police Department Station Museum (which houses over a century and half of policing artefacts). Beaches and wineries are also worth visiting here. In springtime approximately 20,000 grey whales pass by near Vancouver Island’s west coast (on the world’s longest mammal migration as they travel from Mexico up to Alaska). And around this time enormous flocks of Brant Geese descend upon the island too. If not visiting in spring, wildlife lovers can still indulge in the wonders of the ocean by taking a tour to view orcas at very close range by kayak in the months July through to August.
- Whistler: One of Canada’s most popular resorts, Whistler is the ideal location for those seeking adventure. Adrenaline pumping excursions include zip lining between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, going on a 4x4 trip over the Horstman Glacier or hiking over the various glaciers in the area. Winter-time activities include skiing, snowboarding and snow-shoeing in the excellent snow-conditions that can be found here. Expect lots of fellow tourists here – it’s a popular place, located 120km from Vancouver.
- Calgary: Prime attractions include the Fort Calgary Historic site, the Olympic Park and the Heritage Park Historical Village which displays working models of historic vehicles such as a paddlewheel boat, electric street car and a steam train. Calgary has an interesting mix of extremely modern architecture juxtaposed with historical features. This can be observed downtown. The city also hosts an extremely popular rodeo event – the Calgary Stampede – billed as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. This 10-day July event features bull riding, bareback and wild pony races among other events. Calgary is also known for its ecotourism and adventure tourism opportunities due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains. One can enjoy a hike in the region, take a trip to the Columbia Ice Field, explore caves, fly fish, ski, travel the area in dog sleds or adventure in the Rockies in snow shoes.
- Banff: Banff, near Calgary, is a major tourist attraction due to its hot springs and gorgeous mountainous surroundings. Outdoor sports are a major part of the attraction and include scrambling, hiking and biking in the Rocky Mountains and over the ice fields. Skiing is also renowned here with the two major ski resorts being Ski Norquay and Sunshine Village. One can also visit the nearby lakes of Louise, Minnewanka and Moraine and various beautiful waterfalls. The Banff Upper Hot Springs in Sulphur Mountain are not to be missed as is the breathtaking gondola lift that ascends to the top of the mountain.
- Edmonton: is the capital of the province of Alberta and is a city surrounded by natural beauty and filled with green parks, picturesque neighbourhoods and multi-cultural influences. In the city centre, visitors will find one of the world’s largest shopping malls (West Edmonton Mall) as well as attractions such as the Royal Alberta Museum, TELUS World of Science and the Art Gallery of Alberta. When the sun sets over the city, night owls head for White Avenue, where an abundance of restaurants, bars and nightclubs await.
- Montreal: has an exciting French flavour presiding throughout, making it a city for culture enthusiasts and Francophiles alike. It’s also a destination for anyone turned on by adjectives such as hip, chic and sophisticated, such is the ambience in its downtown area. The St Denis district with its trendy cafés and bars is reminiscent of parts of modern Paris, while the 200-year-old market square offers a distinct impression of the France of yesterday. Highlights on the city’s attraction list include the stunning gardens of Jardine Botanique, the fine views of Parc du Mont-Royal and the architectural splendour of Notre-Dame Basilica and Oratoire St-Joseph.
- Quebec City is one of the oldest settlements of Europeans in Northern America. The Museum of Civilisation, Notre Dame-des-Victoires Church (built in 1605) and Place Royale which is the city’s oldest area are some of the main attractions. Many of the city’s main sites can be reached on foot, although the city is quite hilly. While in Quebec City you can also go on whale watching cruises or visit the nearby Montmorency Falls, the Ice Hotel and the Mont-Sainte-Anne Ski Resort. The 17-day Winter Carnival (which starts on the first Friday of January) is the city’s largest and most festive event and is in fact the world’s biggest winter celebration.
- Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. Important sites include Parliament Hill, Notre Dame Basilica, Byward Market and Rideau Hall. Among the many museums one should not miss the Canadian Museum of Civilisation, the Canadian War Museum and the National Gallery of Canada. The Ottawa River makes for a lovely way to explore the area and white-water rafting tours are available that make for an ideal day-trip. Leisurely boat trips are also available. For the active, in winter, the Rideau Canal in the city freezes and you can skate along it. Parliament Square in Ottawa is THE place to be for Canada Day – 1st July.
- Halifax in Nova Scotia is located on the Atlantic coast of Canada. This cultural centre is great for nightlife, live entertainment and theatre. The Neptune theatre, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and the Symphony Nova Scotia are only some of the attractions on offer. As a result of cultural and artistic strengths it is also the location for many festivals such as the Atlantic Jazz Festival, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo and Shakespeare by the sea. Halifax is also a centre for military and maritime traditions. A tour of the many maritime museums will surely include a visit to Peggy’s Cove, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Neptune and visits to the surrounding islands of Prince Edward and Cape Breton among others.
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CANADA HOSPITALITY - Eat, Drink, Sleep
- Food and Eating Out: Canada’s cuisine differs across the country, with some provinces incorporating largely British and American influences and Quebec drawing on its French heritage. Chinese immigrants have also brought their cuisine with them over the years, and Chinese restaurants are widespread. Don’t miss the sweet treat that is maple syrup or the numerous international options available in the big cities.
- Entertainment and Nightlife: Nightlife is at its most vibrant in the three main cities of Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, and covers everything from cinema and theatre to bars, live music venues and nightclubs. In cities with significant French populations, visitors will find plenty of venues at which to enjoy a glass of wine or two.
- Accommodation: All the major international hotel chains have establishments in Canada so finding quality accommodation is not an issue. It is easy to find cheaper independent hotels and backpacker-friendly hostels. The standard of rooms and service is generally high.
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CANADA FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
Lots of flight options exist to get to Canada from the UK, particularly if you are flying to Toronto.
Along with British Airways flights from London, it’s worth having a look at Thomas Cook and Canadian Affair charter flights from regional airports. If heading to Montreal, Air France is your best option probably, flying via Paris.
For other flight options from the UK to Canada, try Expedia.co.uk or Skyscanner.
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