By Canada remains one of the countries that continues to haunt my travel daydreams, and a destination I’d sorely like to explore someday. While my upcoming Great US Road Trip takes me perilously close to the Great White North, it doesn’t quite take me into the land of donuts, moose, and stunning landscapes.
FlightHub has been kind enough to submit this little teaser to get your travel taste buds tingling.
Canada: East, West, and Everything in Between
Let’s start off by saying Canada is big. I mean, really big. The country is second only to Russia in size and that’s saying something. So FlightHub decided to put together a list of the best things to do while visiting the Great White North.
Visit the Maritimes
Eastern Canada is home to some of Canada’s most stunning natural landscapes. Start your East to West tour by visiting St. John, Newfoundland. The folks from FlightHub suggest hiking your way to Cape Spear, the most eastern point of the continent and watch where the sun first rises and kisses the eastern shores. Also used as a lookout during the Second World War, explore the old fort and let the history of the place move you. While in St. John, you should also consider eating local delicacies like cod tongue and their famous fish’n’chips, and don’t forget to get ’Screached In’!
Shimmy your way to Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is like no other place in Canada. Enjoy the beautiful and preserved architecture of the old fishing towns of Lunenburg. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, explore the winding narrow roads and gaze on the unchanged architectural style of the town. In Halifax, walk along the historic water front and retrace the steps of many Canadian immigrants by beginning your walk at Pier 21. While you’re there, FlightHub thinks you to load up on all the fresh Halifax lobster you can find!
La Belle Province
Ahh, Quebec. How could you go wrong when history, culture, arts and food melt together in a convenient little treat known as poutine? In Quebec City, step into the Old World charm and walk along cobblestone streets of Old Quebec. Visit the Montmorency water falls, or gaze on the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Quebec. In Montreal, enjoy the hundreds of cafés and foodie go-to’s like Schwartz Smoke Meat, or Joe Beef. Are the Habs playing? Grab a beer at Ye Old Orchard Pub and cheer on the local NHL team! Take a quick hike up Mont Royal and get a bird’s eye view of the city from the many lookouts.
On your way to Ontario
As the second largest province in the country (following Quebec), and home to the country’s capitol your first stop, according to FlightHub, should be in Ottawa. If you’re visiting in the winter, lace up those skates and hit the Rideau Canal for some fun in the winter sun. Visit Parliament Hill and see where the country’s government and political elite come to play. Get ready to get busy in the 6, otherwise known as Toronto. FlightHub thinks you should check out a Raptors game, or see if the Maple Leafs are in town! Run through the 6 without any woes and get the party started with AGO First Thursdays.
Magnificent Manitoba
Beginning the official trek westward, Manitoba has something for everyone. Lose yourself in Assiniboine Park, situated in the middle of the city of Winnipeg. Winnipeg is also home to the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, a world-class national exhibit that’ll bring deeper meaning to Canada’s global humanitarian efforts. Think you’re fearless? Then plan a day at Adrenaline Adventures, where your daring and nerves are tested by zip lines, high-ropes, and much more.
Stunning Saskatchewan
Prairie country is alive and well in Saskatchewan. Think you have what it takes to explore the great north? Then FlightHub suggests packing up your gear and making your way to Athabasca Sand Dunes National Park. With no permanent residence, community, facilities, or roads in or around the park, this adventure isn’t for the faint of heart. Heading southward, stop by the provincial capital of Regina, where art and culture blend seamlessly together at the MacKenzie Art Gallery. Still jonesing for some nature? Then FlightHub Review thinks Wascana Centre Park is the perfect place to lose yourself in the city.
Alberta Strong and Free
You’re in cowboy country now! The Calgary Stampede is an annual rodeo that takes place in July and had a record attendance of 1,4 million people! Talk about a showdown! If rodeos aren’t you thing, FlightHub suggests heading over to one of the most famous national lakes in Canada: Lake Louise. Nestled near Banff National park, this breathtaking landscape is typically described as heaven on earth and makes for a great photo op. If you’re looking for something a little less touristy without losing the natural beauty Alberta has to offer, then FlightHub recommends Moraine Lake. Also part of Banff National Park, the crystal clear water and the awe-inspiring mountain views will leave you wanting more and more from Alberta.
Beautiful British Columbia
Finally, all the way west! Bordering the Pacific Ocean, British Columbia is home to the famous Rockies and beautiful beaches. Play in a vibrant city in the heart of Mother Nature, Vancouver has it all. From the historic district of Gastown, or trendy shops on Robson Street, wine and dine the day and night away in style. Surrounded by magnificent mountain ranges, looking for natural beauty in the city is as easy as looking up. Feeling adventurous? Why not walk over the Capilano Suspension bridge? Suspended over 229ft in the air, do you think you’d have the nerve to walk it?
Thinking of visiting Canada? Check out FlightHub and start your great Canadian journey!
Image Credits
- Cape Spear – Trudy
- Lunenburg – Blake Wile
- Cathedral-Basilica of Notre Dame de Quebec – Tony Webster
- Rideau Canal – Mikey G Ottawa
- Canadian Museum of Human Rights – Rick Harris
- Athabasca Falls – Samantha Marx
- Moraine Lake – JoBar123
- Haida Gwaii – Hello BC
