Commonly referred to as the ‘Great White North’ and as the largest nation in North America, Canada is blessed with one of the most multicultural communities in the world. This, despite the fact that most parts of the country are of French and British descent.
With its varied landscape, Canada is loved by many people all over the world. It has a myriad of vibrant cities, not to mention awe-inspiring scenery that makes you feel one with nature. It is made up of vast stretches of land and surrounded by spectacular, jaw-dropping coastlines, virgin forests and spacious prairies, not to mention the arctic planes in the North. Canada is truly a jewel of the north and should be one of the top 10 destinations on any traveller’s list of places to visit.
If you’re lucky enough to be travelling to this beautiful country but you’re not sure where to start your visit, here is a list of some of the best places to begin your exciting exploration of the ‘Great White North’.
Prince Edward Island
Although it is the smallest province in Canada, it is filled with historic architecture, beautiful idyllic beaches, red rocky cliffs, and fresh, and delicious seafood. Prince Edward Island gained global popularity after the publication of the 1908 Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novella by the title of ‘Anne of Green Gables’.
Vancouver
With a variety of outdoor activities that are bound to keep you entertained, Vancouver is the ideal place to visit. Not only does it offer scenic landscapes, and miles of coastline, but also immense mountain ranges. This is the perfect location for the thrill-seekers and the outdoorsy types, who can go after adventure and fun, on urban beaches and in beautiful parks. Vancouver offers an all-in-one package of activities from swimming in the ocean, through snow skiing in the mountains, to rollerblading through huge parks. Stanley Park, for instance, is the star of Vancouver as it covers a large area of gardens, woodlands and green spaces. It is absolutely perfect for a family outing. Food lovers won’t be left out either. Stroll through Chinatown or Granville and give your taste buds the delight of a lifetime. As a very busy city, Vancouver is always buzzing with life, so you can expect a lot of events taking place here, most notably music and art festivals!
Calgary
Hiking trails, ski slopes, these are just a top of the list of activities to explore in Calgary. Situated at the foothills of the internationally renowned Canadian Rockies, the city is a necessary stop for winter sports lovers. World class athletes train here at the Olympic Park, which is also open for training to tourists. Still not convinced? The availability of reliable Wi-Fi spots throughout the city makes playing casino online another great way to spend time here. There is also the famous Stephen Avenue Walk where shoppers can whip out their cards and indulge in some great shopping along this glitzy avenue, visit Heritage Park and relive the days of the Wild Wild West or head over to Saddledome to cheer for the local sports team. Calgary is not just a city of slopes and skiing, there are other great activities that you can engage in to make your trip memorable.
Toronto
The CN Tower offers tourist the chance to walk on the edge. Take the Edge Walk on the landmark of Toronto which is its tallest attraction. The tower is 553.33 meters high. It is bound to give you the thrill of a lifetime. Take the walk around this roof to put a new spin on the words ‘feeling on top of the world’. It is a great adrenaline rush in addition to having an observation deck with the view of the whole city. Want to experience some divine food? Visit the revolving restaurant for some tasty treats, also located at the CN Tower. Other activities common in Toronto include shopping, theatre, sports, the arts, and visiting galleries. This metropolitan hub has got you covered. Rich in cultural diversity from Little India, through Greektown, to Koreatown, Toronto transports tourists between a variety of cultures with ease. This is definitely one of the top cities to visit. Want to learn more about Toronto? Read my Toronto Travel Guide!
Montreal
This Canadian city promises endless fun for tourists travelling solo and for families. It is the location of historic sites, museums, shopping districts, and as such, Montreal is a must visit. The site of La Ronde Amusement Park is one of the best family-friendly locations. The Vieux-Montreal is an 18th-century building featuring small souvenir shops and museums. Montreal Biodome and La Ronde Amusement Park are perfect locations to keep your kids entertained when visiting. Be among some of the lucky tourists who get to visit the Notre Dame Basilica or the Underground city with its shopping malls and museums.
Ottawa
Home to the parliament of Canada, Ottawa is the capital of the ‘Great White North’ and it is designed to woo travellers from around the world. With everything to do or see within walking distance, the capital of Canada is a delight. Home to a diverse multicultural group, thousands of immigrants flock to Ottawa. Here are a few must-do activities for this great place: a tour of Parliament Hill, a stroll along the Rideau Canal, a visit to the Canadian Museum of Civilization and to the National Gallery of Canada. The beauty of Ottawa is that you can get to enjoy these sites and visit at zero cost.
Yukon
Home to the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, this remote and sparsely populated place is perfect to visit, particularly during winter. Often underrated, Yukon is a jewel in Canada and should be on your bucket list to visit. Where else can you take a dog sled ride after all?
From metropolitan cities to being one with nature, Canada caters to all kinds of tourist with its diverse cities built to entertain and keep you enthralled all through your visit.