Canada
With a geography as diverse as its history and people, Canada is an exciting country to explore. Few places on earth have natural wonders as awe inspiring as Canada. From coast to coast, each province offers its share of unique wonders. Whether it is the pristine beauty of a northern lake, the rugged expanse of the Rocky Mountains, the rolling grasslands of the prairies, the iconic red soils and lighthouse of the Maritimes, or the rich history and architecture, Canada inspires awe and offers an endless list of possibilities.
Ottawa
First stop is the capital city, Ottawa, and the Parliament of Canada. One of Canada’s most beautiful architectural features, the Parliament of Canada building has breathtaking architecture, sculpture and art and is a must see!
Old Quebec
Old Quebec is the only walled city north of Mexico and the oldest in North America. With over 500 years of history, the architecture in Old Quebec is some of the oldest, and most astounding, in Canada. Enjoy the mix of heritage, culture, architecture and art. It is also home to cobblestone streets and the iconic Château Frontenac.
Another architectural wonder is the Notre Dame Basilica Cathedral in Quebec. Notre Dame was the first cathedral built in North America. Located on the same site since 1647, the Cathedral has been burnt to the ground, rebuilt, and undergone many changes over the years. The Basilica made headlines in 1994 when singer Céline Dion was married there!
Niagara Falls
You can’t go to Canada without experiencing the ferocity of the Niagara Falls. The Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls (Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil). Each second, thousands of tonnes of water spills over the falls, producing the highest flow rate of any waterfall on earth.
Did you know…people have tightroped over the falls. The first one in 1859 and the second in 2012. If that’s not crazy enough, the first person to take the plunge over the falls in a barrel was a 63-year-old school teacher named Annie Edson Taylor on the 24 October 1901!
Churchill in Manitoba
Known as the polar bear capital of the world, Churchill is located on the shores of Hudson Bay. The subarctic community boasts a large tourist industry, with many people flocking for their chance of spotting a polar bear or a beluga whale.
Banff National Park
From here, go to Lake Louise in Banff National Park in Alberta. Established in 1885 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff is renowned for the beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the lush unspoiled landscapes, and unique thermal hot springs. With over 1,000 miles of hike-able trails in the summer, pristine lakes to canoe or kayak, and superb skiing in the winter, Banff is truly an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Lake Louise is one of its many lakes and was named after Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter – Princess Louise Caroline Alberta.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
The Alberta Badlands are home to tens of thousands of dinosaur fossils, dating back some 75 million years! You can view them in sediment at Dinosaur Provincial Park, or see the complete dinosaur fossils on display at the Royal Tyrell Museum.
Whistler Blackcomb
If you enjoy winter sports, then Whistler Blackcomb in British Colombia is the place for you. The venue for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler is any winter sports enthusiast’s dream! It is one of the top resorts in North America so a great place to spend a week or 10 days skiing or snowboarding!
Nahanni National Park Reserve
A place of unparalleled natural beauty, this 30,000 sq km UNESCO World Heritage National Park is divided by the epic South Nahanni River which twists its way for some 500 km through the jagged Mackenzie Mountains. The animal world of this reserve is rich with large populations of grizzly bears, reindeers, wolves and other mammals inhabiting the territory – so beware!
