Maple syrup, ice hockey, poutine, Northern Lights - Canada is a smorgasbord of enchanting travel experiences.
Here is the list of the top reasons why Canada should be on your bucket list:
Everything is Bigger in Canada
Canada is the second largest country in the world. Spread across six time zones, Canada covers a vast expanse of area, cuisines, arts, and cultures. Just like the size of the country, everything is big in Canada - big malls, big ice-skating rinks, big landscapes, and big hearts. Ottawa's Rideau Canal is the largest ice skating rink in the world, while West Edmonton Mall in Alberta is the largest shopping mall in North America.
The Great Outdoors
An endless range of landscapes spreads across the vast country of Canada. From glistening glaciers, dense rainforests, towering mountains, remote beaches and even rare deserts, the country symbolises the glory of nature. Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park in northern Saskatchewan is a desert in the country's oasis, while Niagara Falls are its pride and joy. Flora and fauna abound here.
The islands of Gwaii Haanas contain endless beaches, hidden hot springs, temperate rainforests, art galleries, a national park, and a heritage site. The oceans house almost 12 different whale species, and you can howl with the wolves in Ontario's Algonquin Provincial Park. You can witness the legendary migration of caribou in Newfoundland, and snorkel with Belugas in Manitoba. You can greet polar bears in Churchill, and spot a stray moose crossing the street.
Nature's Marvels
You can view the legendary Northern Lights in any of the provinces in the north, especially the Yukon Territory. The best time to view them is the winter season, and the sight is worth tolerating the sub-zero temperatures for. There are also 37 National Parks in Canada, and you must visit a few to be able to truly admire Canada's natural bounty. The best 5 to visit are Kluane National Park, Tombstone National Park, Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, Jasper National Park and Banff National Park.
Adventure Extravaganza
Canada offers great opportunities to adventure lovers, from kayaking on South Nahanni River, skiing on the Rocky Mountains, surfing Nova Scotia's swells and snowboarding Whistler's mountains to strolling Vancouver's Stanley Park and swimming in Prince Edward Island's beaches. Toronto's CN Tower, the tallest skyscraper in North America, allows you to step out on the tower's rim to lean over the city with harnesses! Sports are also a big part of the culture of the country, ice hockey being Canada's most popular.
Foodie Fare
With Canada's vast expanse comes its diversity in food. Maple syrup is Canada's staple accompaniment to every meal. Poutine, a classical Canadian dish from the province of Quebec, consists of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. With distinctive seafood and seasonal fruits and vegetables, and wine to accompany, Canada offers varied culinary delights to all.
Artistic Flair
The arts make up an essential part of the cultural landscape of Canada. The world's second-largest International Fringe Theatre Festival is held in Edmonton. Ottawa's National Gallery is a mega museum in Ontario. Montreal is home to the Jazz Festival as well as Cirque du Soleil, the world's most renowned circus. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is a yearly star-studded event. Ontario's Stratford Festival is North America's largest classical repertory theatre.
Canada offers the most enthralling experiences to every traveller. Make sure you put it on your bucket list!