Quick tips for a 2 week vacation in Canada
Canada is an enormous country with a lot to see, regardless of whether you love vacationing in cities or in nature. With so much to see and so little vacation time, you will need to meticulously plan in order to cram as much as possible into a two week vacation in Canada.
Where to Go
Canada is large, and is one of the least densely populated countries on earth. While tiny Macao and Hong Kong have respective population densities of 22,478 and 6,655 people per square kilometer, Canada has a population density of 3.6. This means that Canada has a lot of empty space – and, with only two weeks to visit Canada, you're going to have to accept that you're going to miss almost all of it.
Canada’s largest cities are Toronto and Montreal (in the east), and Vancouver and Calgary (in the west). The Canadian Rockies are found in the west and the historic forts and towns of colonial Canada are found in the east. There is no shortage of beautiful parks to camp in any province.
Transportation
Once you’ve decided where to visit, you’ll have to research transportation options. In central and western Canada (aside from Vancouver), renting a car is a must as there are few options for public transportation. The same is true in the Maritime provinces and in northern Canada. Vancouver, Quebec and southern Ontario are very well-connected and car-less travelers can get by using public transportation. If you're travelling across a wide distance in Canada, go over your options.
Accommodation
It’s unlikely that you’ll want to stay in only one place for your entire two week vacation in Canada. Home-sharing sites, hotels and campgrounds are all excellent options for accommodation. In Canada, hostels are less popular than in Europe, and the quality of available hostels reflects their lack of popularity. If possible, try to find an accommodation option that provides free breakfast to stretch your dollar further.
What to See
Canada is too large and varied to itemize all the must-see attractions. The Maritime provinces, northern Ontario, northern Canada and the Canadian Rockies are all breathtakingly beautiful in their own unique ways. In the older cities, the historic centers (including Quebec, the only remaining walled city in North America north of Mexico) cannot be missed. Sports buffs can visit former-Olympic sites in Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver or watch one of Canada’s many sports teams in action.
Where to Eat
From traditional foods to new creations, a two week vacation in Canada would be incomplete without tasting some of the local delicacies. There are some famous dishes, like Quebec's poutine and Ottawa's beaver tails, but each part of the country has a unique flavour to offer. Consult a tour book or area-specific website for more information regarding the famous foods of your destination.
Taking a two week vacation in Canada is a dream for millions of people worldwide. From the majestic Canadian Rockies to the walled city of Quebec, the country has something for everyone. When planning a trip, narrow down the areas of Canada that you would like to visit, then examine your transportation and accommodation options. Once that’s all settled, it’s time to make a list of must-see attractions or events. Foodies will have a particularly great time in Canada – a country that has invented and exported dozens of delicious (albeit unhealthy) delicacies.