Canada – the northern brother of the USA – is one of the most popular travel destinations year after year – not for nothing. One of the reasons for this is the enormous diversity that Canada can boast. This ranges from wild natural spaces to cultural highlights and exciting metropolises.
Natural beauty in Canada
One of the main attractions of the sprawling state is its unspoiled nature, which can be found in no less than 47 national parks and numerous other protected areas. But the beautiful landscapes also invite you to visit outside of them – especially the east coast and the many lakes provide enchanting views. In line with this, Canada has a variety of outdoor activities on offer, especially boat and kayak tours, hiking and cycling, camping, fishing and horseback riding.
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is the oldest of Canada’s national parks and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Especially the beautiful Moraine Lake adorns many postcards and also the 20 dollar bill. The park is very well equipped with trails for walking, biking and horseback riding. The animals native there include many birds, but also large mammals such as bears, moose and wolves.
Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park combines some of Canada’s most spectacular waterfalls, such as Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls, as well as glaciers and impressive mountain peaks. In addition to the ice fields, popular destinations include Lake Maligne and Lake Medicine, which are surrounded by magnificent mountain panoramas.
Wood-Buffalo National Park
If you want to see buffalo, you have the best chances here: More than 6000 specimens are at home in the area of Canada’s largest national park with 45,000 hectares. It is also one of the light protection areas and therefore promises particularly clear views of the starry sky. In addition, it is exceptionally rich in species and large salt flats are also part of its biotopes. Last but not least, the longest beaver dam in the world is located here at 850 meters.
Mingan Archipelago National Park
This national park is largely located on islands on the east coast of Québec and impresses in particular with its unreal limestone formations on the beach. However, it is also ideal for hiking or boat trips, with the former partly leading through the wetlands on wooden footbridges. Many marine animals and birds can be observed, including various species of seals and whales as well as puffins. There is also an interesting maritime museum.
Pacific Rim National Park
Pacific Rim National Park is divided into several parts, each with its own charm. Here you can hike rainforest as well as rocks and long, white beaches. In addition, there are countless islands, some of which can be explored by boat. With a bit of luck, it is possible to observe killer whales or humpback whales, which occur here seasonally. To the west there is a campsite in the immediate vicinity of the Tsusiat waterfall.
Fascinating cities
Canada also offers a lot of choice for a city trip – its metropolises could not be more different and exciting. Canada stands out especially when it comes to musical and gastronomic matters.
Ottawa
Canada’s capital Ottawa on the river of the same name is less large than other metropolitan areas, but all the more picturesque. Therefore, it is the ideal place for long bike rides and walks. Particular attention is paid to the city’s many neo-Gothic buildings, such as the Parliament Library and the Parliament itself, as well as Notre Dame Cathedral with its special interior décor. For those interested in art and architecture, the Nationalgalerie is a great destination.
Toronto
Toronto combines the modern image of an international metropolis with the magnificent backdrop of Lake Ontario. The city is shaped by a variety of different cultures, which are reflected in an incredible selection of music events, cafés and restaurants – especially those interested in culinary delights are in the right place here. The offer ranges from first-class street food at the Kensington Market to Michelin-starred restaurants. Of course, the possibility of a day trip to Niagara Falls should not be concealed.
Vancouver
The location between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains alone makes Vancouver something special. This is a particularly good place to shop and stroll – for example in the lovingly renovated harbour district. In addition, the city is home to many interesting cultural treasures such as art galleries and theaters. This also includes curiosities such as a steam-powered clock in Gastown that whistles every quarter of an hour. A tip for those with a head for heights is the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a free-floating suspension bridge in a nearby park.
Montréal
Montréal is located directly on Mont Royal, from which you can also enjoy an excellent view over the city. Like so many places, it is also surrounded by water: the St. Lawrence River and the Ottawa. History is also very much alive here and can be discovered on a tour of Old Montréal. Equally exciting is a visit to the Biosphère, which houses the interactive environmental museum.
Calgary
Calgary, Canada’s fourth-largest metropolis, is located between the mouth of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. It presents an interesting mix of historic charm and modern architecture. Therefore, holidaymakers should not miss a visit to the classic salon as well as the magnificent view from the 190-metre-high Calgary Tower. Apart from that, the city is home to some special museums, including one on the life of the Chinese in Canada and the Glenbow Museum, where one million exhibits tell the story of the country’s culture and history.
Halifax
Let’s go to Nova Scotia! This region is known for natural beauty like no other, and Halifax is an excellent starting point for excursions of all kinds. The most important attraction of the city is Fort George, a star-shaped citadel. But other historical places such as Pier 21 are also of great importance for the history of the country. Gourmets will get their money’s worth with fresh seafood, while those who like to go out will enjoy the colourful nightlife.
