10 Great Reasons to Visit Canada and more about the Country
As I write this from my home in Southern California thinking about Canada to me seems almost like the United States. Of course Canadians will almost surely disagree with that. Actually there are way more than 10 great reasons to visit Canada. A trip through that big neighbouring country is just as exciting as travelling through the U.S.
Not very many places offer such fun and diversity as Canada. It’s a place where you can start the day with a dip in the ocean before hitting the ski slopes that same afternoon. This part of North America is vast. It is scarcely populated compared to its huge area. For that reason, it’s a huge wilderness, wild and unforgiving. Yet it is home to almost 40 million people.
Located in the northern part of the continent, Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. It extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean.
There are currently 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada as of July 2019. There are 9 cultural sites, 10 natural sites, and 1 mixed site. Canada has the longest ski season in the world. You can find some of the most spectacular natural wonders there. That’s no small reason tourists continue to flock to Canada in record numbers.
10 Great Reasons to Visit Canada
by Travel ESP
Published on Youtube on Aug 2, 2019
Here’s a bit of information about the country and just ten of the many reasons why you have to visit Canada since it should be at the top of your travel list.
The Northern Lights
In many places in Canada, you can observe this natural phenomenon of glowing dancing lights which is a common occurrence.
The sun’s charged particles interacting with the molecules and atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere causes this unusual sight. The celestial light display is observed in several locations in the country. The northern areas of Canada are the most likely areas to observe the full display of these Northern Lights.
Here are five of the best places to see the Northern Lights
- Whitehorse, Yukon
- Dempster Highway, Yukon
- Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
- Iqaluit, Nunavut
- Northern Labrador, Newfoundland/Labrador
You can see the forecast for the Northern Lights at aurora-service.org
Hint: You’re more likely able to witness the full effect of the Northern Lights the further north you travel.
Canada is the World’s Second-largest Country
Canada is the world’s second-largest country by total area, and its common border with the United States is the world’s longest land border.
The land that is now Canada has been inhabited for millennia by various Aboriginal peoples. Beginning in the late 15th century, British and French colonial expeditions explored, and later settled the region’s Atlantic coast.
France ceded nearly all of its colonies in North America to the United Kingdom in 1763 after the French and Indian War.
In 1867, with the union of three British North American colonies through Confederation, the country was formed as a federal dominion of four provinces. This began an accretion of provinces and territories culminating in the Canada Act 1982.
This large northern country is a federal state governed as a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state.
The country is officially bilingual and multicultural at the federal level. It has a growing population. From a population of approximately 35 million in 2013, it has grown. The 2016 census shows a population of 35,151,728. That’s compared to the United States 2017 estimated population right below it of 325,719,178.
Canada’s advanced economy is one of the largest in the world. It relies chiefly upon its abundant natural resources and well-developed trade networks. Networks especially with the United States, with which it has had a long and complex relationship.
Niagara Falls – a Top Tourist Attraction
Niagara Falls is one of North America’s top tourist destinations. There are three separate falls that makeup Niagara Falls. These form a border with the United States between Canada’s Ontario Province and the United States.
Most visitors find that the Canadian side offers the best viewing. Also, Canada has many more additional attractions than on the US side of the falls. In fact, Horseshoe Falls, one of the three falls, can only be clearly seen from the Canadian side.
There are lots of things in Niagara Falls including strolling through the incredible Butterfly Conservatory where you can view over 2000 free-flying butterflies fluttering all around you. You can take the Journey Behind the Falls. It’s an adventure with a unique perspective on how intense the falls really are.
Want to get wet? Taking a trip on the Hornblower Niagara Cruise will get you soaked. Viewing the falls from this angle is different and shows you the tremendous strength of the mighty Niagara. Live in the moment. Absorb and appreciate this natural wonder.
If you like birds you’ll like the Bird Kingdom. It’s the largest indoor free-flying aviary in the world and it’s there in Niagara Falls. You will experience lots of free-flying exotic birds in the multi-level aviary. There is an indoor jungle where you can take pictures behind the waterfall. Another experience you can have up-close holding or feed some of the birds.
Explore indoor activities along with Clifton Hill!. Check out Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum or even try a haunted house!
If you’re the adventurous type why not take a hike? It’s a great way to disconnect from the hustle-bustle of the world around you and reconnect with your thoughts. Niagara River Recreation Trail and Niagara Glen are wonderful places to ignite your senses and get away from the entire hustle-bustle around the area.
Canada as it is Now
Canada is a developed country, with sixteenth-highest per capita income globally. Canada has the 12th highest ranking in human development. Subsequently, the country ranks among the highest in international measurements of education and government transparency.
Also among highest in civil liberties, quality of life, and economic freedom. It is a recognized middle power and a member of many international institutions. Its advanced economy is the tenth-largest in the world,
Canada’s name comes from the St. Lawrence Iroquoian word Kanata, meaning “village” or “settlement”. The Dominion of Newfoundland (now Newfoundland and Labrador) was unified with Canada in 1949.
The implementation of official bilingualism of English and French came in 1969. In 2009, the country’s economy suffered in the worldwide Great Recession. Since then it has rebounded modestly.
See Polar Bears in their Natural Habitat
Here is a great cold-weather activity that’s right there in nature. Visit the shores of the icy Hudson Bay in the northern part of Manitoba. There is the tiny village of Churchill. It is about as remote as you can get.
Although quiet and remote this unassuming little town has one great thing going for it. Guess what? It attracts thousands of tourists each year. All of them are looking to meet some of the local residents. But they’re not just ordinary residents, but polar bears!
Go there in the fall when prime viewing times are in October and November. That’s just as the ice starts to form on the bay. It’s the main food source of polar bears and seals which return in large numbers.
The Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies stretching across more than 1,500 kilometers or 932 miles across the border regions of British Columbia and Alberta.
Hop onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, one of the most iconic railway journeys in the world. This railway has four main routes:
1) The historically significant First Passage to the West route (Banff/Calgary to Vancouver)
2) The Journey to the Clouds route, which will take you on a mountain pass through the Rockies (Vancouver-Jasper)
3) See bald eagles, ospreys, and bears on the Rainforest to Gold Rush route (Whistler-Quesnel-Jasper)
4) Whistler Sea to Sky Climb returns day trip (North Vancouver-Whistler).
The Rocky Mountains naturally attract outdoor adventurists and nature lovers. Also, all those people who enjoy winter sports of all kinds.
There are beautiful mountain peaks, stunning lakes, and wildlife of many kinds. There are lots of guided tours available across the area. Go when the weather is warm and moderate and there are all kinds of guided tours and activities available. Same in the winter, but it can get pretty cold.
Nonetheless, there are plenty of things you can do in the winter. That includes wildlife tours, ice climbing, dog sledging, skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife tours, winter sightseeing tours, and more.
No matter what the season, Canada brings you up close to nature on a huge scale. There is every kind of outdoor adventure made available. From the dizzying heights of the impressive Rockies, it’s easy to go wild in Canada’s great outdoors.
Enjoy hiking trails, remote wilderness lodges, jaw-dropping mountains, water activities and so much more. All this and more make the ‘Rockies’ an absolute must-see destination if you’re in the area.
A Few Statistics
According to the 2019 census estimate, Canada now has a population of 37,602,103 people. Its population density, at 3.92 inhabitants per square kilometer (10.2/sq mi), is still among the lowest in the world.
The most densely populated part of the country is the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. It is situated in Southern Quebec and Southern Ontario along the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.
The Capital is Ottawa. Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the provincial capital of Ontario. Its population as of 2016 was 2,731,571 but over 5 and a half million people live in the Toronto metropolitan area. The population density of the city is 11,226/sq mi.
Canadians are very friendly
Canadians are often voted among the friendliest people in the world. With lots of nature within seeing distance, mountain views from most cities there is a liberal, laid-back lifestyle
In the country. It’s a big country and relatively few people for such a large country. Canada is the second-largest country in the world.
Canadians are proud of their country. They are eager to share their country with you. So, if you find yourself lost in Canada, ask a local for directions. You’re very likely to get a warm, helpful response. The country seems infused with a good nature and desire to help.
You’ll probably get a warmer welcome outside of the large cities. But that’s probably expected in most countries. Rural people like to take more time to interact with one another and get to know you better.
Lots of People are going to Canada
The 2011 Canadian census of about 33 million was an increase of around 5.9 percent over the 2006 figure. Between 1990 and 2008, the population increased by 5.6 million, equivalent to 20.4 percent overall growth.
The 2016 census shows a population of 35,151,728. That’s compared to the United States 2017 estimated population right below it of 325,719,178. The 2019 second quarter population estimate is 37,602,103. As you can see more people are moving to Canada as the years go by.
The main cause of population growth is immigration and, to a lesser extent, natural growth. About four-fifths of the population lives within 150 kilometers (93 mi) of the United States border. Approximately 80 percent of Canadians live in urban areas.
They are concentrated in the Quebec City–Windsor Corridor and the British Columbia Lower Mainland. The remaining concentrations are in the Calgary–Edmonton Corridor in Alberta.
In common with many other developed countries, Canada is experiencing a demographic shift towards an older population. There are more retirees and fewer people of working age. In 2006, the average age was 39.5 years; by 2011, it had risen to approximately 39.9 years. As of 2013, the average life expectancy for Canadians was 81 years.
French Influence within Canada
French Canadians are descendants of Canada’s colonial-era French settlers.
Here’s a bit of history about why there is a French influence in Canada.
The British started exploring and colonizing North America in the late 16th century. Gradually, throughout the 18th century, Great Britain started acquiring the territory from France that the French had colonized. After the French and Indian War, Great Britain and Spain acquired all of France’s territory in Canada in 1763 with the Treaty of Paris.
People of French heritage make up the majority of native speakers of French in Canada. They, in turn, account for about 22 per cent of the country’s total population. The majority of French Canadians reside in Quebec, where they make up the majority of the province’s population. However, French-Canadian minority communities exist in all other Canadian provinces and territories as well.
For a taste of the French influence, consider a visit to Montreal and Quebec City. Other than the language and culture, French influences extend to architecture, food, and wine.
Incredible Snowfields and Winter Adventures
Loaded with snow adventures from east to west, snowboarding and skiing are the obvious pastimes in these areas. However, winter sports also include ice skating, ice fishing, as well as other outdoor activities like snowmobiling and downhill tubing and sledding.
The Rocky Mountains are natural areas of the country where many top winter resorts reside. It’s where visitors will find every kind of winter activity available. A holiday in Banff or Whistler is the perfect start to a winter getaway. It has picture-perfect scenery also extending to Lake Louise.
The small mountain town of Banff Canada can easily take your breath away due to its extraordinary geographical location. The spectacular natural surroundings of Banff easily make it one of the most visited towns in Western Canada. It attracts millions of visitors each year.
Although small, Banff has enough accommodations and commercial establishments to facilitate visitors without disrupting the environment. The small town is so scenic that it seems like every section is a great spot to take postcard-worthy photos. By visiting Banff Canada, you will additionally have the privilege of exploring the wonderful Banff National Park. It is hailed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cities in Canada
These are the 10 largest cities (see chart) in the country where many tourists are likely to visit.
Notice five of them are in Ontario Province. Most of these cities are relatively close to the United States.
In fact, there’s where most of the population of Canada resides.
Living in California, the obvious western city to visit in Canada is Vancouver, which is located in British Columbia. Being one of the most culturally diverse cities in Canada it reminds me of Southern California where there are also people from all over the world.
Vancouver has a beautiful aquarium and several lovely parks. The New York Times once called this vibrant city “Manhattan with mountains.” Vancouver is also a seaport.
It has eight public beaches on the ocean and one on a lake. Here are a few more must-see attractions in Vancouver; Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Vancouver Aquarium, H.R. Macmillan Space Centre, and Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours.
Vancouver is a city that is cosmopolitan yet outdoorsy at the same time. The city has a great blend of scenic beauty, delicious international cuisines, fantastic shopping, cutting-edge art and innovative architecture, all just minutes away from hiking, skiing, fishing and boating. This is just what any traveller could ask for.
Visit Toronto, Canada’s largest city
Toronto, Canada’s most populous city has a lot to offer. The culture is rather unique and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Toronto has more than 2.6 million people thus ensuring this capital of Ontario province offers plenty of things for visitors to see and do.
The city is known for its professional sports teams, including baseball’s Blue Jays and hockey’s Maple Leafs. Toronto is a vibrant city, with its restored Victorian buildings, its large Chinatown, and its skyscrapers.
There are many tourist attractions which include world-class museums, lots of dining options, great shopping, and summer and winter outdoor activities. Although everyone mentions the famous CN Tower, the best attractions in Toronto include Frank Gehry-designed buildings, museums, and more.
Then there’s the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, Aga Khan Museum, and the Ontario Science Center. That’s not all, but I cannot list here everything one can visit or enjoy in this great city. However, here’s a few attractions to enjoy; Toronto Islands, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, High Park, Scarborough Bluffs, and Allan Gardens Conservatory.
Want to eat or shop? Check these out; Alo Restaurat, Byblos, Edulis, Kiin, or Patois. If you’re visiting in September check out the Toronto International Film Festival or the JFL42 Comedy Festival. Depending on the month you visit there’s the Toronto Fringe Festival, the Hot Docs Film Festival, the Canadian National Exhibition, or the Toronto ComiCon. You’ll never get bored in Toronto.
Maple Syrup
Canada’s national flag has a maple leaf symbol on it. Here’s why. Not only is this proud, sturdy tree found throughout Canada, but it produces one of the country’s staple foods – maple syrup! Boy is it good! No artificial flavours for Canadians.
When it comes to pancakes, waffles, or desserts, well no imitations allowed! Only 100% pure Canadian maple syrup will do. It’s really a delicious topping that everyone should try and enjoy.
Is this great tasting syrup something too good to be true? Consider this:
In fact, climate change is already making things more volatile for syrup producers. In 2012, maple production fell by 54 percent in Ontario and by 12.5 percent in Canada over all, according to data from the Canadian government, because of an unusually warm spring.
This matters because Canada produces roughly 70 percent of the world’s maple syrup. That was worth about $370 million in 2017. Be sure to taste some of this delicious maple syrup when you visit Canada.
Canada’s Symbols
Canada’s national symbols are influenced by natural, historical, and Aboriginal sources. The use of the maple leaf as a Canadian symbol dates to the early 18th century.
The maple leaf is depicted on Canada’s current and previous flags, on the penny, and on the Arms of Canada. Other prominent symbols include the beaver, Canada Goose, Common Loon, the Crown, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and more recently, the totem pole and Inuksuk.
About the Author
Charles is selling most of his valuable domain names. He also reviews PLR Suppliers.
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