Photo by CC user Socceronly on Wikimedia Commons
Looking to plan a trip to Canada? In this post, we’ll profile several destinations that should feature on your travel itinerary while you are touring around up in the Great White North.
1) Vancouver
If you are entering the country from the west, make sure that you make Vancouver your first stop. While it is one of this nation’s youngest cities, it has come a long way in a short time, has it arguably has the greatest collection of cutting edge skyscrapers of any major center in Canada.
This density, along with the region’s mountainous terrain and ocean frontage has created the perfect intersection of urban amenities and natural attractions.
From the North Shore Mountains to Stanley Park, there are plenty of spots to get in touch with this region’s West Coast rainforest once you’ve had your fill of world-class restaurants and shopping as well.
Even if you don’t begin your journey here, make sure you make plenty of room in your itinerary for a visit of a few days before heading home.
2) Canadian Rockies
Western Canada has more than this nation’s share of mountain ranges, but if you only have time to enjoy one of them, focus your attention on the Canadian Rockies.
From the cute mountain town of Jasper to the timeless beauty of Lake Louise to the less-trafficked confines of Waterton Lakes, there is more to this region than Banff.
We don’t mean to slag its most popular destination though, as its gondola, accessible alpine hiking trails, and its proximity to two popular ski resorts makes spending time there a foregone conclusion for any visitor to the Canadian Rockies.
3) Niagara Falls
Out east, there is no natural sight that has captured the imagination of foreign visitors quite like Niagara Falls. Standing out brilliantly to the less-imposing American Falls, the Horseshoe Falls sit on the Canadian side of the border.
Louder, fuller and more photogenic, travelers can take the Maid of the Mist cruise right up to the edge of the gorge, or they walk in behind the flume (protect your electronics, as its gets wet in both spots).
With tons of restaurants, casinos, and other diversions, there are plenty of other things to do to round out your day at the Falls afterward.
4) Montreal
The largest French-speaking city in the world outside of France, Montreal has a cultural pedigree that is tough to find elsewhere in North America.
Its Old Town will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe, and Guy Laliberte’s Cirque du Soleil plays shows under a big tent on the waterfront all summer.
At night, St. Catherine’s Street and Rue Peel are the places to be, as both these spots have plenty of bars, pubs, and clubs to appeal to those of all interests.