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In such a vast and diverse country, it is difficult to narrow down the attractions to only ten "must sees". However,
there are some stand-out sights and activities that shouldn't be
missed. The following top ten list covers Canada from west to east,
north and south. These ten attractions highlight Canada in all its
glory.
Take a Train Ride through the Canadian Rockies
One of the Canada vacation packages that allows visitors to see a lot while sitting back and relaxing is the Rocky Mountain train. VIA Rail offers service from Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Vancouver to Jasper. The Rocky Mountain Rail Tour Company will take you from Vancouver to Banff and on to Calgary.
The latter company offers a service called the “Canadian Rockies
Highlights” which consists of 5 nights and 6 days on the train.
Highlights include some of the most popular tourist attractions in
Canada, such as: tours of Yoho National Park and Banff Townsite,
accommodation at the amazing Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and
admission to Vancouver Observation Deck at Harbour Centre and Calgary
Tower.
Catch a Chinook on the Campbell River
Fishing in Canada is an experience like no other. Imagine snagging a
70lb. King Salmon on your line! If you've dreamt of bragging to your
friends about catching “the big one,” the Campbell River is the place
where your dream could be realized. Set on the east coast of central
Vancouver Island, the Campbell River has long been known as the “Salmon
Capital of the World” and boasts some of the best fishing in Canada.
Some fishing tour companies in this area cater to wealthy corporate
clientele, but there are also many options for the budget-minded
fisherperson. Fishing is not the only highlight of the Campbell River.
Tours, day trips, workshops and family events also focus on species of
wildlife such as bears, eagles, and of course, salmon
Live It Up at the Carnaval de Quebec
You don't have to buy expensive Canada vacation packages to have a good time in Quebec.
One of the greatest tourist attractions in Canada, the Quebec Winter
Carnival, is very affordable. Only $7 CDN buys a pass for 17 days of
festivities and gives you access to over 300 activities and shows. The
world's biggest winter celebration and third largest carnival, the
Carnaval de Quebec in Quebec City, is an attraction not to be missed.
This two and a half week party is held annually beginning in late
January. People from all over the world come for the unique winter
attractions. Ice fishing, concerts, dogsled rides, slide runs, snow
baths, parades, Ice Tower, skating, snow sculptures and horse-drawn
sleigh rides are some of the highlights. For a truly one-of-a-kind
winter experience, spend a night at the famous Ice Hotel.
Be a Whistler Ski Bunny
The term 'skiing in Canada'
has become synonymous with the words 'Whistler Blackcomb', one of the
sites of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Whistler Blackcomb is one of the
largest ski and snowboard resorts in the world with around 8,000 acres
of terrain. Skiers and snowboarders alike flock to Whistler, British
Columbia for world-class snow conditions. Whistler Blackcomb is skiing
in Canada at its best. Even those who don't care for snow sports will
enjoy Whistler Village's charm. Top-notch hotels, restaurants, spas and
shopping make it a place worth visiting any time of year.
Take a Wine Tour in the Okanagan
The Okanagan Valley put Canada on the vintner's map by producing
outstanding wines with authentic British Columbian flavor. B.C. is
gaining a reputation as being the “California of the north” in its
production of outstanding vintages. The arid climate and terraced
landscape of the Okanagan Valley make it an ideal region for wine
production. During the spring summer and fall, wine festivals and
tasting abound in this region. The public is welcome at most wineries
for tours and tasting. You may be able to see the entire process of
winemaking, from crushing to labeling. Set in a picturesque mountain
setting, the Okanagan Valley vineyards and wineries are at their best
when weather is warm.
Play Anne of Green Gables
If you are a fan of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel, Anne of Green
Gables, seeing the inspiration for the book will be an unforgettable
experience. On Prince Edward Island, part of the P.E.I. National Park,
Green Gables has been named an historic site. In real life,
Montgomery's cousins called Green Gables home. A monument and plaque
were erected in 1948 to honor Lucy Maud Montgomery at the Green Gables
farm. Perhaps it is not the most common of tourist attractions in
Canada, but for all of those Anne lovers, it is an important one.
Watch a Hockey Game
To experience something authentically Canadian (and to make some easy
friends) the formula is simple: try out the sport that Canada loves.
You don't have to strap on skates and try your luck at shooting the
puck. You don't even have to shell out big bucks for game tickets (but
if you can, go for it!). All you need is a sports bar and a game
schedule. Hockey games are on from fall through spring, so it's easy to
find a time that works into your travel schedule. Sit back, sip a
Kokanee, and enjoy.
Admire Haida Totem Poles
Named a World Heritage site, the Haida totem poles on SGaang Gwaii are a piece of Canadian history.
SGaang Gwaii, also known as Anthony Island, is located off the west
coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands in British Columbia. You'll find
the poles in the village of Ninstints (Nans Dins). Carved mortuary and
memorial poles along with remains of houses reflect the Haida people's
way of life. The Haida people, who still inhabit the area, have a close
relationship to the land and sea, which is commemorated at this site.
Spot a Polar Bear in Manitoba
It's not difficult to figure out why the tiny town of Churchill,
Manitoba is known as the “polar bear capital of the world”. Every year
around September, residents greet some very special visitors: polar
bears. Polar Bear watching tours catch a glimpse of the bears as they
move between the ice and the land at this time of year. If you aren't
lucky enough to make it to Churchill in September, try passing by from
late June until late August. Churchill is also known as the “beluga
whale capital of the world” during these months. Stay and enjoy the
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), one of the most spectacular tourist
attractions in Canada.
Skate Through Town on the Rideau Canal Skateway
From late December until late February, the Rideau Canal freezes and
the result is the longest ice-skating in the world. Enjoy 7.8km (4.5
miles) of uninterrupted skating on this 'roadway' of ice in Ottawa, Ontario. The Rideau Canal Skateway is ideal for people of all ages who want to skate, walk or sled through the capital city.
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