5 popular travel destinations in Canada
With the Canadian dollar holding such low value compared to the U.S. dollar and Euro, most Canadians have two options - travel on a tight budget, or staying within Canada. But given the size of the country and number of tourist spots, there is no shortage of options out there. Here is some guidance for determining what to see for your upcoming Canadian vacation.
Montreal
Arguably the most popular of all Canadian destinations, Montreal mixes European charm with a bustling, modern city feel. A large park right in the middle of the city provides an outlet for outdoors-type people to hike, bird-watch or laze about by the lake. The city also has a small beach and is within driving distance of multiple ski hills.
Toronto
A few hours away from Montreal is Toronto, Canada’s largest city. The city boasts many cultural offerings like plays and live music. Shopping aficionados will love Toronto -- the city is filled with hot chain stores and restaurants, including Canada’s only outlet of the Japanese clothing store Uniqlo, and one of Canada’s few Chipotle restaurants.
Niagara Falls
Day trip enthusiasts will also find Toronto a great base from which to visit some other popular destinations in Canada. From Toronto, you can easily visit Niagara Falls, where you can take a tour behind the falls and ride up to the giant cascade on the famous Maid of the Mist boat (now called the Hornblower, sadly). After you’ve seen the Falls, stop by some of the museums in town, like the Niagara Falls History Museum and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.
Banff/Jasper
You may think you’ve seen mountains, but they’re nothing compared to the miles and miles of mountain peaks you’ll encounter if you visit Banff or Jasper. These two idyllic little towns are tucked into the Canadian Rockies. Banff, in the south, is most easily accessible through Calgary, while Jasper, in the north, is most accessible via Edmonton. A visit to the Canadian Rockies is one of the most popular destinations in Canada because of the untamed beauty of the mountains and trees, as well as the awe-inspiring colour of the lakes.
Vancouver
Rarely below freezing and with little snow, Vancouver is not a stereotypical Canadian city. The city is home to a large park called Stanley Park, a large Chinatown and an aquarium. Since the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the Olympic area has been open to visitors and is worth checking out. Nature lovers can go for a hike on nearby Grouse Mountain, walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge or take a cruise of the harbour. Like Toronto and Montreal, there’s no shortage of activities on Canada's prominent westcost destination.
If you decide to take a vacation this summer, consider staying in Canada. Although transportation costs are high, your dollar will stretch further, allowing you to do more and see more of our wonderful country. The five destinations above are spread throughout the country, so regardless of whether you live in the east, the center or the west, you’re sure to find a destination that’s nearby and interesting.