Canada is on the back doorstep for many Americans and probably a country where you have all been but that does not mean you cannot go back. As someone who has worked in Canada, even I am tempted to get back on an airplane and commute the estimated 3335.6 miles or so. Why? Well, because truth be told when I was working I did not manage to explore all the areas that I wanted so there are places in Canada that I feel should go to visit but here lies the difficulty. Just where shall I start…
With a landmass of almost nine million square kilometers, Canada can be considered to be the second largest country in the world It is bounded to the west by the Pacific Ocean and Alaska, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean to the north-east by Greenland, to the south by the continent of Northern America and to the north lies the polar ice caps. What is left of them?
The landscape is appealing because it is extremely diverse, ranging from the Arctic tundra of the north to the great wheat lands in the center. If this feels too flat then Canada also is home to the spectacular Rocky Mountains found in the west and in the southeast there are the Great Lakes, the St Lawrence River and the not forgetting the mighty Niagara Falls.
Canada offers a bit of everything geographically and this may be why many people, including myself, actually happen to like it because it offers wonderful wilderness experiences with wildlife and vibrant cities with amiable citizens. The country is divided into ten provinces and three territories, all of which have their own distinct character and traditions.
Now, I know, that the average reader in Upscale Living Magazine wants something more than just this visiting some of the key birding sites in the pine-clad Cascade Mountains near Vancouver or taking a ferry to watch for whales, dolphins, and seabirds before crossing up to the north-west of the island for say a three-night stay at Great Bear Lodge, a floating wilderness lodge situated amongst stunning scenery. Suggesting something away from the tranquility and harmonious atmosphere that this gives one will suggest offering the alternative.
Consider taking a cruise to Canada! You may be tempted to leave out the outstanding urban centers that serve as embarkation and disembarkation points but here is a little suggestion – do not. If you do, you will miss out on world-class cities like Vancouver, Victoria, Montréal, and Québec City to name but a few. Explore the classic sites by taking on art and architecture tours or introduce one to the culinary and cultural highlights. For example, by visiting Victoria, known as Canada’s ‘garden city,’ one can book to go in the helicopters and seaplanes that transport passengers to and from the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island and back to Victoria. Other sightseeing options include the Inner Harbour, Butchart Gardens, Parliament Buildings, Royal B.C. Museum and many others.
At Victoria, why not consider booking at the Fairmont Empress as it provides luxurious accommodation? If these West Coast Wonders do not grab you, then how about, Eastern cities like Montréal and Québec City are two of the largest Canadian French-speaking cosmopolitan cities providing an opportunity to practice those linguistic skills. Although rest assured for all those who feel daunted by the prospect of grappling with foreign verbs, they do speak American too!
When in Montréal consider the fine dining as an art form, and think about reserving at the Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel, as it offers an ideal base for exploring Notre Dame Basilica and the other historic buildings of Old Montréal. The provincial capital of Québec City is a UNESCO World Heritage City and the only walled city in North America. Its cobbled pedestrian quarter is as romantic as it is historic; consider the city’s landmark hotel the Fairmont Château Frontenac as it overlooks the St. Lawrence River.
Of course, there is also the middle, the North, and south Canada to discover! There is a lot to do here too and if like me, there always seems to be so little time to do everything that you want, how about considering combining all the best that the Rockies seems to provide? One can go for a drive and combine adrenaline-fueled activities staying at the region’s most luxurious hotels and resorts in Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise experiencing the Calgary Stampede.
If this article has not whetted your appetite for Spring Awakening in Canada then clearly I am selling Canada short and for that, I can only say ‘C’est la vie!’
