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10 Best Ways to Discover Canada

June 22, 2013

See Canada's Greatest Natural Wonder at Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is simply magical. For generations, it's been the sight of weddings and honeymoons. Generations of acrobats and stunt people have attempted to conquer the Falls by crossing them on rope or going over them in a barrel. It's a mixture of beauty and power that draws millions of people each year to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls, New York lies south of the border) to take in the view from the 167-foot "Horseshoe" Falls.

Photo courtesy of Artur Staszewski
Take in Toronto From the Top of the CN Tower

Toronto is a vast and exciting city. There's plenty to see and do in this "city of neighbourhoods," and trying to cover it all in a day, or even a weekend, is impossible. But a trip up to the top of the city's most famous icon, the 1,800-foot-tall CN Tower, gives visitors the opportunity to discover Toronto from a bird's eye view in all directions. Thrill seekers who want an even more unique view of the city can look down on Toronto from the CN Tower's glass observation floor, or even get harnessed in for EdgeWalk an outdoor walk around the top of the tower!

Photo courtesy of CN Tower
Whale Watch on the West Coast

Whale watching is a awe-inspiring experience and should not be missed if you have the opportunity while in British Columbia. The best time to see Orcas is March through October when pods of nearly 100 whales at a time cruise through the waterways. There are a number of tour operators and some conveniently leave Granville Island and Waterfront Station. Occasionally a pod of whales will make their way into the Burrard Inlet and pass by Stanley Park, so keep that camera ready!

Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/Vancouver Whale Watch
Share in Canada's Love for Hockey

A huge number of Canadians, in all provinces across the country, live for hockey. Canadians unite around their shared love for the sport when our national team plays in tournaments or the Winter Olympics. And they become rivals when their cities' NHL teams play each other. If you can, get tickets to see the Toronto Maple Leafs or Montreal Canadiens play in front of their intense hometown crowds. If you can't catch a game live, you can learn all about the evolution of hockey at Toronto's Hockey Hall of Fame.

Photo courtesy of Nems
Explore Canada's Cultural Diversity

Canada's diversity can be seen from coast to coast! Major cities across the country have neighborhoods that are home to different cultures and nationalities and it's a real treat to explore the sights and flavors from around the world right without leaving Canada. Vancouver's Chinatown has a ton of fascinating stores that have all sorts of trinkets, home decor, edible goodies and special teas. Keep an eye out for cultural celebrations in whatever city you're visiting because these happen year-round.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden (Facebook)
Immerse in French Canadian Culture

Whether you're walking the streets of Old Quebec City or Vieux-Montréal, the cobbled streets, classic architecture and French signs will make you feel like you're in Europe. Eclectic Montreal delights with French-Canadian cuisine and jazz tunes, while the hundred-year-old Le Fairmont Château Frontenac dominates the skyline of Quebec City – Canada's oldest walled city, perched along the banks of the St. Lawrence River.

Photo courtesy of Luke
Paddle the Coast near Halifax

Life on the water is what Canada's beautiful Maritimes are about. Paddling a kayak is an especially great way to get close to this other perspective. Beautiful out-islands, whales, sunsets and coastal panoramas all await discovery from your very own kayak. . . if only for a few hours.

Photo courtesy of East Coast Outfitters
Take a Train Across the Canadian Rockies

It's hard to imagine a better way to experience the scenery of Alberta, Banff, Jasper and the Canadian Rockies than from the tracks of the Canadian Pacific Railway. From the window of your passenger car, you'll see old growth forests, glacier-fed rivers and maybe even a grizzly bear or mountain goat.

Photo courtesy of Steve Jurvetson
Drive Cape Breton's Cabot Trail

Scottish immigrants loved the highlands of Nova Scotia, citing its geographic similarity to home. This stunning drive provides great views, as well as the chance to whale watch from the west coast of Cape Breton. Don't miss the opportunity to attend a ceilidh for a taste of fantastic Celtic music.

Photo courtesy of Michael Sprague
Take in the Calgary Stampede

Each year, more than 700,000 visitors attend the 100 plus events at Calgary Stampede, known as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth." This celebration of Western heritage includes a rodeo, chuckwagon derby, nightly grandstand entertainment, a parade and an impressive lineup of country music royalty – plenty of reasons to visit Calgary in July.

Photo courtesy of Shane Kuhn - Calgary Stampede

About Natasha John

Natasha is not born and raised in Vancouver, but is pretty certain it's her spirit hometown. After jumping around Canada, Texas, Arkansas and the UK, she has her feet firmly planted in Vancouver's beaches.

When Natasha's not freelance writing and copywriting, she's either cooking up a storm in her kitchen, kicking back with friends over a glass of wine or exploring the North Shore with her fiancé.