Canada: Travel's Understated Treasure

The second largest country in the world should by nofound elsewhere. Travel west into Canada's serene
means stand in the shadow of its more boisterousbackwoods to discover Vancouver, a metropolitan
southern neighbor. Canada's 10 million squarediamond in the rough of British Columbia's rugged
kilometers of land, lakes and life brings its ownwilderness. Ski Whistler's nearby slopes or enjoy a
signature flavor to the North American continent.day of sailing, then flex your cosmopolitan muscle in
Travel through Canada is a truly mind-openingthe evening with a stroll through the acclaimed
experience for even the most seasoned vacationer.Vancouver Art Gallery and appetizers at Canada
The region has been inhabited since the retreat ofPlace.
the last ice age, creating nearly 10,000 years ofVisit Vancouver for a taste of Canada's blossoming
aboriginal history. Vikings roamed Canada's arcticmulticulturalism and international flavor. For a slower
shores long before Europeans began bickering overand more intimate pace, discover Nova Scotia's
land rights during the 16th century. The Frenchcapital of Halifax in the northeast. This revamped
settlers founded Quebec City in 1608 while Britishharbor town has become Canada's Hollywood, with a
explorers populated the Atlantic seaboard andlarge number of movies and shows being filmed along
Hudson Bay. European wars exacerbatedthe charming avenues.
Franco-British tensions until the American RevolutionUnlimited Supply of Adventure
sent British refugees north, tipping the balance awayCanada's Northwest and Yukon Territories offer
from the French. Canada was finally unified under asome of the most pristine stretches of natural
constitution in 1867, while maintaining ties to thebeauty in North America, along with the best light
British crown. Since then, a large Quebec sovereigntyshow around complements of the Aurora Borealis.
movement has emerged in the French speakingKluane National Park protects Yukon's World Heritage
province and has gained momentum at the federalSites and Canada's highest peak. In Alberta, Banff
level.and Jasper National Parks provide the most
Canada's Untainted Urban Gemsspectacular views from the Canadian Rockies and a
Canada's cities are as diverse as its territory isvisit to Canada's Glacier National Park, British Columbia,
expansive. French-speaking Montreal is the largestis imperative to witness the retreating ancient
city in Quebec and arguably the liveliest in Canada.glaciers. With 39 National Parks and Reserves, Canada
After the 1976 Montreal Olympics, the Biodome deprovides an infinite stock of breathtaking encounters.
Montreal filled in the empty stadium with four activelyDue to Canada's extreme northern latitude, travel is
maintained ecosystems and numerous living exhibits.best enjoyed during the summer months of July and
The collection of species is nothing short ofAugust, even if the days are extremely long or
phenomenal. Montreal has a thriving museum cultureendless. Winter sports can be enjoyed in many
(buy a 3-museum pass) and an irresistible nightlife,resorts year-round; however, December and January
boasting the largest dance floor in the country and atend to be unbearably cold and dark, particularly in
pioneering music scene with an eclecticism not to bethe northern regions.