| 1. CN Tower |
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Pride of place on my mum’s mantelpiece is a glass model of the CN tower. I’ve often looked at it and wondered what the real thing must be like. It’s one of the world’s tallest structures at over 550 metres high and from that height you can imagine what the views are like over Toronto and the state of Ontario. I’m surprised that you can’t see the whole of Canada from that height! You wouldn’t want to walk it so there’s a lift that takes you to the Sky Pod from where you’ll get the great views. |
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| 2. Rocky Mountains |
Although the Rocky Mountains also stretch into the US, Canada can rightly claim them as their own. My parents were lucky enough to be able to take a train ride from Vancouver to Jasper although it’s possible to do the trip from Toronto too or to take a different line and go from Vancouver to Calgary via Banff. The journey takes in some spectacular scenery, soaring mountains and deep river valleys crossed by seemingly flimsy iron bridges. At other times the track skirts the mountains with steep drops down to the valley floor. The scenery is so different in winter compared to summer and if you get the chance, do both.
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| 3. Banff National Park and Lake Louise |
Picture what you think wild Canada looks like; huge mountains, crystal clear mill pond lakes and sweeping forests and you’ll have an idea of what Banff National Park is like. UNESCO have designated it a World Heritage Site for its astounding and unspoilt beauty. Nearby are the famous Lake Louise and Lake Louise Ski Resort. This is the great Canadian outdoors, the area is very popular with people who enjoy hiking, camping, skiing, hunting and fishing and is a spectacular setting for them. For more sedentary folk, the area also abounds in wildlife with Golden Eagle, Elk and Bear seen regularly. You can also take the gondola up to Sulphur Mountain for an amazing view over the landscape.
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| 4. Stanley Park |
Famed around the world, Vancouver’s Stanley Park deserves its plaudits. It covers an area of over 1,000 acres and is bounded by the Sea Wall, a 5 mile route around the park that is popular with walkers, roller bladers and it has a cycling route. On the Wall you’ll pass ancient temperate rainforests and bays fringed with sandy beaches. Within the park there are so many activities for families. Choose from a miniature farm, an aquarium, a waterpark and sports facilities such as tennis courts and swimming pools. A wonderful experience and a great way to see all the park has to offer is to take a horse drawn carriage ride.
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| 5. Whistler Blackcomb |
My parents are a little long in the tooth for snowboarding but they still spent a few days at Whistler Resort. It prides itself on being one of the largest and highly thought of ski and snowboard centres in the world. Snow is pretty much guaranteed here - over 33 feet of snow on average each year. My parents found plenty to do including simply enjoying the facilities of their 5-star hotel. The resort was part of Canada’s Winter Olympic venues for 2010 and the coverage has added greatly to the popularity of the resort.
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| 6. Winter Carnival |
The French city of Quebec is famous for its winter carnival, the Carnaval de Québec. It’s the largest winter carnival in the world and barely is New Year over than the Carnival begins. Over the next 20 days such entertainment as snow baths, ice slides, snow sculptures and many more is enjoyed by the tens of thousands that travel from all over the world. There’s even an ice hotel for people to stay at if they’re hardy enough.
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| 7. Polar Bear Vigil |
A very unusual one now; if you visit Churchill in Manitoba in autumn you may be lucky enough to spot a polar bear migration. Unknown to many, polar bears don’t spend the winter on the ice of Hudson Bay but instead return to land. Here in Churchill it’s possible to watch as dozens amble by on their way to their winter hibernation destinations.
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| 8. Calgary Stampede and Rodeo |
Another world famous Canadian tradition is the Calgary Stampede and Rodeo. This celebrates the times when cattle, which had been enjoying the verdant summer pasture outside the town, were herded or stampeded into the town. The stampede features a rodeo with a prize of a million dollars, wagon racing and a fabulous evening show. During the annual event, the whole town gets into party mode.
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| 9. The Columbia Ice Field |
Canada is full of wonderful experiences and one of my parents’ favourites was the coach tour that took them to the Columbia Ice Field. Here, the coach stops right on the surface of the glacier and intrepid passengers can choose to walk out across the ice. Care is needed because of the danger of crevasses but the experience of standing on millions of cubic feet of slow moving ice is exhilarating. Take a warm coat because it is really cold at all times of the year.
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| 10. Shopping at the West Edmonton Mall |
Even if you hate shopping you need to experience this shopping mall. It’s the biggest one in the world and people travel from all over Canada and the US to experience it. With over 800 shops, theme parks and various other entertainments you wouldn’t associate with a shopping mall including a water park! There are several multiplex cinemas, bowling and scores of restaurants. We’d recommend buying the map and guide to the mall otherwise you’re sure to get lost here and don’t forget to decide on meeting points!
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