Go Canada!

All across the country of Canada are beautiful places, distinct and remarkable. In addition to the country being so vast, it is well known for the magnificent natural beauty. Most people visiting Canada head to the backcountry where they can hike, camp, and fish but there are other places in this vast country just as exceptional. A unique blend of United States culture, influences, and traditions of Latin America, Europe, and Asia, and a thriving society of its own is just one of the many aspects that make Canada so wonderful. Today, Canada has a total population of 31 million people.

Prior to the discovery of Christopher Columbus, prehistoric tribes from Asia ventured across the Bering Strait and then the Vikings tried to settle in the northern region of Newfoundland around 1000 AD. However, by the time people from Europe arrived, the Indian tribes of Canada had already established customs, languages, and patterns of trading, religion, laws, arts and crafts, and governments.

Canada

Two specific explorers played an important role in the development and growth of Canada to include Jacques Cartier who made the first claim on the St. Lawrence River and surrounding area in 1534, and Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Quebec in the early 1600s. Soon fur trade began and the French and British were now sharing the country and found that they co-existed well. However, in 1745, one of the French forts in Nova Scotia was captured by the British and from that point on, struggles existed as to who would control the country.

The Seven Years’ War started in 1759 when the British defeated the French in Quebec City. Then just four years later, French handed Canada over to Britain at the Treaty of Paris. When the American Revolution ended in 1783, approximately 50,000 Britain’s had come from the United States balancing out the population. Then in 1912, all of the Canadian provinces with the exception of Newfoundland had joined the same government.

Over the years, the country of Canada has grown in popularity and today, you will still find a nice blend of cultures, notably the French. The two primary languages spoken there are English and French and as you shop in grocery stores, you will notice that one side of products are written in French and the other in English. Even maps, tourist brochures, and other types of documents are written bilingually.

In many parts of Canada, there are strong architectural influences of the French, especially in Quebec. There, the music, food, and even religion are very focused on the French. However, as you make your way through various regions, you will discover about every ethnic food in the world. For example, in Toronto, you can travel down Yonge Street where you will see one restaurant lined up after another, offering Greek, East Indian, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other types of cuisine.

However, some of the traditional dishes that are absolutely, wonderful include French pea soup, meat pies known as Tourtieres, and French fries that are covered with gravy and cheese curds called Poutine. Other dishes include meat, chicken, or clam pie called Rapie pie, which is covered with grated potato from which all starch has been removed. If you love maple syrup, Quebec is the world’s largest producer of some of the finest syrup you will ever taste. In addition, seafood and cheese are popular staples found in most provinces.

If you enjoy a beer or glass of wine and live in Canada, you must buy your alcoholic beverages from government stores with the exception of Quebec where you can buy at convenience stores or better known, Dipanneurs. Cigarettes are very expensive, about double what you would pay in the United States. While these two things cost a lot and have some regulations, other things are extremely affordable. Because of the exchange rate from the United States to Canada, if you love to shop and want to enjoy an affordable vacation, Canada would be an ideal destination.

Canada is the world’s second largest country, only following Russia. Stretching out 4,775 miles from east to west and then another 2,850 miles from north to south., interestingly, approximately 90% of the country lives in the south that borders the United States. The country is very diverse as far as environment, featuring beautiful lakes and rivers but the country also offers plains, mountain ranges, and a small desert area.

When it comes to flora and fauna, Canada has some of the most magnificent collection you will ever see. Covering eight vegetation zones allows the growth of thousands of magnificent plants, flowers, and trees. For instance, you will commonly see balsam, Douglas fir, and white or black spruce. With such diverse land, you also see a huge array of wildlife to include all types of bears such as grizzly, black, brown, and even polar bears. Additionally, beaver, coyote, lynx, cougar, wolf, buffalo, moose, caribou, deer, and elk, not to include the 500 species of birds such as the Canadian goose and great blue heron call this country home.

The seasons of Canada vary from one region to another but regardless, there are four specific seasons. Typically, the further north you travel the colder the climate will become, which is why most people live in the southern region where temperatures are more comfortable. Although the winters can be long and hard, and the rainy season miserable, the spring, and summer months are magnificent with temperatures averaging between 76 and 80 degrees.

For activities, this country offers all types of fun things to do, which is why it is such a great travel destination for families. The Winter Festival takes place in Quebec City during the last two weeks of February. During this festival, you can enjoy ice sculptures, colorful parades, dancing, music, and a snow slide. Winterlude is Ottawa’s winter festival, lasting three weeks in February. Now, if you enjoy Jazz, you certainly do not want to miss the Montreal Jazz Festival in June. During this event, you will be treated to some of the finest jazz in all of Canada.

Remember that each area of Canada offers something unique.

In Ottawa, the capital, there are many historical places to visit.
Toronto is the largest city where more than 100 different languages are spoken. Extremely diverse, Toronto offers excellent nightlife, wonderful restaurants, and killer shopping. Of course, Toronto is only a short drive to the world famous Niagara Falls.
Then in Montreal, you will find some of the most stunning geographical area of all with rushing waters and a charming city.
The city of Vancouver is considered the most beautiful city in Canada. The terrain is hilly and the atmosphere fun and hospitable.
Then you have Quebec City, the true heart of French Canada with European influence and ambience.
The city of Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and features the world’s largest harbor on the Atlantic side. A busy city, there is always something to do. In Winnipeg, you will find a little more rustic atmosphere. There, many Victorian structures still sand and the history of the Plains Indians is strong and interesting.
For the city of Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, this too is a wild west type atmosphere. There are a number of great museums and the largest planetarium in all of Canada.
Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island, the smallest Canadian province, which is a quiet and charming town, perfect for peace and relaxation.
For St. John’s, this is a rugged island capital and North America’s oldest city. There you will feel right at home, enjoy spectacular fishing, and have the chance to learn about the Beothuck tribe legacy.
Finally, you might consider a trip to Nunavut in the northwest territory. As the newest of all territories, this is an isolated city offering excellent hiking trails and the third largest national park in Canada.

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Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

Go Canada!

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