TRICIA STEVENS
PERSPECTIVES
CANADA
Located on the continent of North America, Canada is the second largest country in the world (after Russia) and shares the longest international border in the world with the USA (8,891 km in length). Canada also shares the largest waterfall in the world by volume (with the USA) and with 48 national parks and reserves, along with roughly 3 million lakes, there is no shortage of picturesque scenery to discover.
ABSOLUTE MUSTS
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto is the largest city in Canada with over 180 languages and dialects spoken. As one of the most multicultural cities on the planet, Toronto offers endless dining opportunities including cuisine representing countries from all over the world. Discover Toronto’s many neighbourhoods including Little Italy, Little Portugal, and Chinatown. Check out the unique shops in Kensington Market, the high-end shops in Yorkville, the historic Distillery District, The Beaches, the Financial District, and the bustling Entertainment District. Be sure to visit Casa Loma which is the only truly authentic castle in North America. Enjoy a panoramic view from a height of 1,815 feet atop the CN Tower, or enjoy a quiet escape in one of the 1,500+ parks scattered throughout the city and take a trip to Toronto Island for an escape from the city streets (and admire the panoramic view of the skyline). Get lost in the underground PATH system which is the largest (continuous) underground shopping mall in North America housing 1200+ stores, stroll down a portion of the popular Yonge Street which is the longest street in the world (1,896km long), and catch a ballgame at the first stadium in the world to have a fully retractable roof. There is SO much to do here!
Quebec City, Quebec
The name Quebec comes from the Algonquin word ‘kebec’ which means ‘place where the river narrows’. Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Quebec and discover the oldest streets in North America. Check out the charming cobblestoned Petit-Champlain Street, walk the oldest staircase in Quebec City (Escalier Casse-Cou), bask in the beauty of Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame, admire the French architecture, and visit the city’s most famous landmark (as well as most photographed), Chateau Frontenac. This year-round fairytale destination offers beauty and charm throughout every season of the year.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Falls is the largest waterfall in Canada by volume of water and is made up of three separate falls. The largest is the Horseshoe Falls (Canadian Falls), followed by the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. The falls are roughly 12,000 years old. Niagara comes from the Iroquois word “Onguiaahra” meaning “The Strait”. It is also believed that the name comes from another native word meaning “Thundering Waters”. More than 168,000 cubic metres of water go over the Horseshoe Falls every minute during the daytime summer hours. Check out the Journey Behind the Falls attraction for an up close view of the falls from behind and below or enjoy the views from the 764 foot high Skylon Tower observation deck. Better yet, enjoy a delicious dinner in the Skylon Tower’s revolving floor restaurant.
Banff National Park, Ontario
Canada’s oldest national park is 6,641 square kilometres and provides stunning scenery from jagged mountain ranges to the fullest green forests, to ice fields, and glaciers. Banff National Park was established in 1885 and is located in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. The main town in the park is Banff and is located in Bow River Valley. A few incredible lakes to check out include Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, Lake Louise, and Lake Minnewanka. Spend your days hiking through this stunning location and rest your tired legs at the end of the day in a soothing hot spring on Sulphur Mountain.
Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Algonquin Park was established in 1893 and is the first provincial park in Ontario. Within its 7,630 square kilometer area (12% of this being water), it is home to 1,000+ plant species and 200 vertebrates. Visitors can enjoy its many recreational options including hiking, camping, biking, and canoeing. The park has also inspired artists such as Tom Thompson and the Group of Seven.
