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.
Set on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal, the largest city in Canada’s Quebec Province, is famous for its arts, design, and fantastic cuisine. Visitors can discover the country’s history along the cobbled streets of Old Montreal, with show-off buildings like the Basilique Notre-Dame stupefying its guests with its intricate domes. Gourmands delight in sensational Canadian food as well as everything from irresistible patisseries, to old Jewish delis, to hipster bars serving spectacular flavours all night. Art and design adorn the city, from sensational raw street art to chic, modern galleries. Featuring around 250 theatre and dance companies and more than 90 festivals, Montreal overflows with the arts. Explore the city by climbing or taking a bus up Mount Royal to scan the horizon or cycling along the picturesque riverside pathways on a public bike.
