The
second-largest country in the world, Canada has no shortage of beautiful
landscapes and unique sites for travelers to explore. From coast to coast to
coast, the country is home to vibrant and culturally rich cities, along with
incredible natural wonders.
Stretching from
the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts, this former French and British colony has a
rich heritage from the North Coast Indians of British Columbia to the French
explorers of Quebec. Since both French and English are the national languages,
a visit to Canada is like visiting two countries.
Canada has a
large domestic and foreign tourism industry. Its incredible geographical
variety is a significant tourist attractor. Much of the country’s tourism is
centered in the following (busiest) regions: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver,
Niagara Falls, Canadian Rockies. British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, and the
national capital Ottawa.
The bulk of
Canada’s tourism comes from Canadians traveling in and exploring their own
country. In 2012, over 16 million tourists arrived in Canada, bringing US$17.4
billion in international tourism receipts to the economy. Domestic and
international tourism combined directly contributes 1% of Canada’s total GDP
and supports 309,000 jobs in the country.
Here are some
of the greatest attractions in Canada:
Niagara Falls
It is one of
the most famous natural attractions in Canada, bringing in millions of tourists
every year. Niagara Falls is a series of three waterfalls- American and Bridal
Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls (the largest of them)- situated on the border of
Ontario and New York. You will enjoy a walk down Niagara’s outrageous Clifton
Hill leading to the gorge and falls or taking a boat ride on Maid of the Mist,
the falls’ oldest attraction.
Hotel de Glace
This unique
hotel in Quebec City is built every year from more than 15,000 tonnes of snow.
The hotel features 36 rooms, a bar, and an outdoor spa with saunas. The
temperature in the hotel is between -3°C and -5°C, so guests bundle up in
arctic sleeping bags through the night. While prices for overnight stays are
steep, the hotel also offers tours for visitors just passing through.
Banff National Park
Banff National
Park lies in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in the province of Alberta and
showcases some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery. Turquoise-colored lakes,
snow-capped peaks, and glaciers are all easily accessible in this stunning
park.
The jewel of
the park is Lake Louise, where green waters reflect the surrounding mountains
and glaciers, and visitors can stroll easily around the shores. There is plenty
to do at the lake, including booking a serene gondola ride in the summer and
ice skating in the winter months.
Moraine Lake
Another impressive alpine lake with even more
dramatic surroundings. This glacier-fed lake is a gorgeous blue-green
surrounded by mountains in Alberta. Hiking Trails and canoeing provide
spectacular views of the lake.
Bay of Fundy
The Bay of
Fundy, located on the Atlantic coast in eastern Canada, is famous for its high
tides. Because of the unique shape of the bay, the difference in water level
between high tide and low tide can be as much as 16 meters. Some of the most
popular locations and sights along the Bay of Fundy are the cliffs and rock
formations at Hopewell Cape, Fundy National Park, the Fundy Trail Parkway, and
Grand Manan Island.
Calgary Stampede
This 10-day
event, held in July, is one of the most widely anticipated events in Western
Canada. The Calgary Stampede, one of the most famous rodeos in the world,
traces its origins back to the traveling wild west shows of the late 1800s and
early 1900s.
At the Stampede
Grounds are daily rodeo events drawing participants from across North America,
thrill rides, games, food, and the nightly Grandstand Show. Around town,
free “Stampede Breakfasts” are
hosted by numerous establishments, live concerts, a carnival, lots of food and
dancing happens. A 4 km parade opens what Calgary calls “the greatest outdoor
show on earth”.
Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto
ROM is Canada’s
largest museum and houses more than six million displays, including a
90-foot-long Baurosaurus, a
900-carat cerussite gem, and a rare bust of Cleopatra VII. But the building
itself is just as fascinating as what is inside. In 2007, the ROM opened the
Lee-Chin Crystal designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. The unusual,
crystal-like design is said to have been inspired by the museum’s rock and gem
collection. It stands adjacent to the ROM’s original building and its
impressive exterior is made of 75 percent glass and 25 percent brushed
aluminum.
Old Montreal
Old Montreal,
lined with beautiful historic buildings, is a go-to place for shopping and fine
dining. While Montreal itself is a vibrant modern city, most of the tourist
come to visit Old Montreal. Some of the must-see places in Old Montreal include
Rue Bonsecours and the landmark Marché Bonsecours in the old town hall
building, the Notre-Dame Basilica, the Place Jacques-Cartier, and the 1870s
City Hall.
Churchill and Polar Bears
Churchill, a
small town in Manitoba, draws huge crowds every year to see its most famous
inhabitants, the polar bears. Nicknamed the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,”
it is one of the top tourist attractions in Canada. In addition to polar bears,
Churchill is also a popular place for viewing beluga whales, birds, and the
aurora borealis.
Victoria’s Inner Harbour
This is a great
place for strolling, relaxing, shopping, dining, and watching street performers
all against the backdrop of the harbor, there is water on one side and stately
government buildings on the other. The city hosts a classic boat festival on
Labour Day in September, with the harbor filling up with wooden boats. Visitors
can also navigate the harbor on kayaks or tour boats.
The
historic Empress Hotel, a Victoria landmark, is the centerpiece of this place.
Gros Morne National Park
Newfoundland’s
Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cliff walls,
waterfalls, and rock formations carved by glacier-fed waters- this place has a
lot to offer to the visitors. Most of the tourists come here during summers for
hiking, wildlife viewing, and kayaking. In winter, the park remains open for
snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
There is so much more to Canada that can be written or
told. This is a place that is worth exploring and imbibing everything that it
has to offer.
