Lumberjacks, beavers, hockey fanatics, Mounties and maple syrup spring immediately to mind. While Canada certainly provides all of these traditional associations in abundance, this awe-inspiring country has so much more to offer than a slew of cliches. With its unrivalled outdoor adventure facilities, its unforgettable natural landscapes and its exceptionally cosmopolitan and progressive cities, Canada has plenty to offer those seeking cutting-edge culture as well as adventure junkies looking for a serious adrenaline kick. Popular tourist destinations include: the magnificent Rocky Mountains around Banff and Lake Louise, high-end luxury ski resorts such as Whistler and Blackcomb, the French-speaking cities of Montreal or Quebec, or the uber-cool and perpetually bustling urban centres of Vancouver or Toronto. Whether visiting an Inuit lodge in Nunavut, taking a dog-sled ride through the Yukon to view the spectacular northern lights blaze across the night sky, or indulging in some lovely high tea on Vancouver Island, you are bound to find plenty of activities to keep you blissfully engaged in this exceptionally diverse and incomprehensibly vast nation.
A significant stop on the Trans-Canada trek, Winnipeg, the Manitoba capital, provides an enticing combination of culture, history, nature, and renowned fringe-theatre productions. There’s something for everyone: gallery-hopping in the historic Exchange District, tours of the Canadian Mint, and ‘glow-in-the-dark mini-golf’ at U-Puttz Amusement Centre. Nature lovers will enjoy getting up-close and personal with Bison at FortWhyte Alive, star-gazing at the Manitoba Museum Planetarium, and walking the city’s signature trail ‘The Loop. Make sure to spend a morning browsing the excellent St Norbert Farmers’ Market, too.
Set between Ontario and Saskatchewan, Manitoba is a nature lover’s dream – home to polar bears, beluga whales, sparkling lakes, pristine rivers, alpine forests, rugged mountain peaks, and two national parks. Take in some of the world’s most phenomenal views of the Northern Lights from the remote town of Churchill; or visit Riding Mountain and Wapusk national parks, famous for their exceptional scenery, abundant wildlife, and fantastic opportunities for camping, hiking, and kayaking. Highlights of Manitoba’s social calendar include the Manito Ahbee Festival in Winnipeg, which celebrates indigenous arts, music, and culture; and the legendary Manitoba Stampede, one of Canada’s most celebrated rodeos, held in the small and hospitable town of Morris.
As previously described
