• Rent a bike and spend a day riding the Lake Minnewanka loop. With picnic tables available, you can pack a picnic lunch, relax, and reconnect with nature.
• Spend the day at Johnson’s Canyon and hike the trail to seven waterfalls.
• Relax at the Upper Hot Springs, just south of town. These thermal springs draw bathers year-round to their warm, soothing waters. The complex includes a large outdoor pool, a wading pool, and an indoor spa. Several shops and a café are also available.
• Banff is full of corner stores where you can get fresh sweets, like fudge and chocolate. Hard candy, freshly brewed coffee, and cinnamon buns are also popular treats.
• Discover the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, which houses thousands of items, including journals, photographs, and artifacts relating to mountain climbing and exploration. The exhibits and log structures provide fascinating insight into the history of the region.
• Enjoy afternoon tea at the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. Gaze out upon breathtaking vistas of Bow Valley as you enjoy a refreshing cup of tea and delectable pastries in a relaxing atmosphere.

Don’t forget your sunglasses as we travel by car down the coast of California all the way to beautiful National Parks of the country and through the sunny Rockies. This type of vacation will allow you to take in the gorgeous views of the west coast while capturing the breathtaking sites of the great outdoors.

We begin our journey exploring the infamous Alcatraz Island off of Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. From there we will venture south towards the glamorous Los Angeles where we can scope out celebrities, visit Hollywood and shop along Rodeo Drive. After a few days cruising down the coast of California it’s time to drop off the car and travel via plane to our next vacation destination.

We arrive in Salt Lake City where we begin our next big adventure exploring the National Parks of America. We will search for wildlife at Grand Teton National Park in Jackson, then head to the world’s first national park, Yellowstone. We will spend the day discovering some of the parks highlights, including the Grand Canyon and the Fountain Paint Pots.

We then head to Jasper and Calgary to discover the “Jewel of the Rockies”. The is a lake located in a small glacial valley surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Why not visit Canada Olympic Park where we can experience the views of the Rocky Mountains while in Calgary. We will then enjoy some leisure time exploring our last two national parks, Jasper and Banff.

So get ready for a drive through the greatest National Parks in the world and along the magnificent west coast. Whatever comes your way, these driving vacations will surely be an unforgettable experience.

The picture perfect beauty of Atlantic Canada is an ideal getaway. Lose yourself in dreams of exploring the natural beauty of the Hopewell Rocks, home to the highest tides in the world, viewing the spectacular scenery of Gros Morne National Park, taking in the beauty of Peggy’s Cove famed lighthouse and craggy coastline, and exploring the Green Gables farmhouse from the famous novel, Anne of Green Gables.

Because of its irregular shape and many bays and inlets, Prince Edward Island has a long coastline. It has communities with unique flavor, and secret treasures tucked away and quietly awaiting discovery. Learn more about the history, the culture and things to see and do in Price Edward Island at www.tourismpei.com

In every way the phenomenal Bay of Fundy region fills you with awe.  Can you believe that the world’s highest tides ebb and flow with the height of a four-storey building here?  You’re anxious to walk on the ocean floor as you are amazed to learn that six hours later 100 billion tons of sea water will simply wash your footprints away.  Learn more at www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca

Nova Scotia is one of the friendliest places on earth. We invite you to discover the seven regions of Nova Scotia and all the experiences they have to offer. Whether you’re an urbanite wanting to shop and pamper yourself, a history buff interested in Atlantic Canada’s heritage, a foodie in search of the best seafood, or an outdoorsman excited to begin a new adventure, Nova Scotia has something spectacular for you. Get more at www.novascotia.com

This is where the sun rises first. Where Vikings landed over 1,000 years ago. This place is home to the oldest settlement and the oldest city in North America, but is the youngest province of Canada. A vast land, with a relatively small population, Newfoundland and Labrador has some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Head to www.newfoundlandlabrador.com to learn more about this unique destination.

When visiting Western Canada, make sure to tour Vancouver.  Here are some must-see sights of Canada’s “Pearl of the Pacific,” Vancouver:

• Visit Granville Island. Once home to factories, it now features a Public Market, an art school, shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries, a hotel, and a great deal more. Pick up fresh produce from market vendors and enjoy a picnic in one of the parks.
• Journey to Burrard Inlet and head toward Kitsilano for a short walk along the funky shops and cafés of West 4th. Turn right on Arbutus to arrive at Vanier Park for a beautiful view of Vancouver and its bridges.
• Enjoy breakfast at Sophie’s Cosmos Café on trendy 4th Avenue. Enjoy favorites such as Belgian Waffles, Eggs Benedict, and Spanish Omelets.
• Hop on a water taxi in False Creek and use that as your main mode of transportation to Yaletown, Granville Island, and the Science Center. The water taxi is a terrific and inexpensive way to get a harbor tour and transfer all at once!
• Take the sea bus across to Lonsdale Quay, where you’ll get a different perspective of Vancouver. You can even try a BeaverTail, a local pastry delicacy, at the Market.
• Visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and journey back in time to 15th century China for a “window to another world.” Enjoy the garden rain or shine; then relax over a delicious cup of steaming Chinese tea.
• Spend time at Queen Elizabeth Park and Bloedel Floral Conservatory. This gem of a park features spectacular views of the north shore, the mountains, and Vancouver’s skyline. The silver-domed conservatory features flowers, quiet ponds, ducks, wild birds and butterflies, and numerous climactic zones, including a desert area and a simulated tropical forest with plants, birds, and fish from South America, Mexico, and Africa.
• Visit Gastown, considered the birthplace of the city. See architecture from the early 1900s as well as cobblestones, Victorian street fixtures, and Gastown’s most famous resident: the Gastown Steam Clock. You’ll also find boutiques, galleries, and many options for eating.
• Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Vancouver, its bustling harbor, the Pacific Ocean, and the majestic North Shore Mountains from the Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre. Glass elevators whisk you 130 meters (430 feet) skyward from street level to the Observation Deck in a mere 40 seconds.
• Sample local ales at the Yaletown Brewery, situated in one of Vancouver’s trendiest neighborhoods. Sit on the patio and people watch or enjoy a bit to eat and a game of pool.
• Spend time at the Vancouver Art Gallery, which features nearly 10,000 works of art—among the most valuable collections in Canada. Explore on your own, take a guided tour, visit the gallery store, or enjoy a bite to eat in the café.

When you vacation in Calgary, the Nashville of the North, you will not only be certain to hear some country tunes, but to also take in the beautiful city skyline.

History of Canada

Canada’s prehistory dates back thousands of years, with indigenous tribes having developed a prosperous way of life centuries before the arrival of European explorers. French explorers Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain are credited with staking the first claim on Canadian land in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. Just as the French began to thrive by investing in the Canadian fur trade, Britain joined the game by establishing the Hudson Bay Company in 1670. For a while, the two European countries coexisted in the new territory peacefully.

In short order, however, the hostilities of Europe’s Seven Years’ War spilled over into North America, and after several years of fighting, the British defeated the French at Quebec City. The Treaty of Paris in 1763 transferred power over Canada into British hands. In 1867, Britain was fearful of losing Canada, as it had the American colonies, and proclaimed the British North America Act, which became the equivalent of Canada’s constitution. By 1912, all provinces had become part of the central government-save Newfoundland, which held out until 1949.

Throughout the twentieth century, Canada grew in stature and prosperity, becoming a voluntary member of the British Commonwealth in 1931 and fighting alongside the U.S. and Britain in WWI and WWII. In the years following WWII, an influx of immigrants flooded the country, and Canada became a markedly diverse and multicultural nation. The social upheaval of the 1960s brought resentment to the surface between French-speaking Quebec and the rest of Canada. The resulting quest for a separate, independent Quebec continues to this day, with popular opinion on the matter constantly changing.

Canada Fast Facts

Capital: Ottawa

Population: 33 million

Language: English, French

Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD)

Time Zone: EST minus 0-4 hours

Electricity: 110/120V, 60Hz

Canada Weather

Canada enjoys four distinct seasons with very long winters. The North is colder, the South is warmer and more populated, and the East and West coasts are very wet. Most of the rain falls in the winter months. Pack warm clothing, a heavy coat and boots in winter. Bring lightweight clothing in summer. Rain gear is recommended on the Coasts year-round.

Cosmopolitan cities combine with some of the world’s most perfect natural beauty in one fun and easy-going vacation destination – Canada.  On your vacation to Calgary, here are some must-see sights:

• Visit Art Central, which consists of 57 artist studios, galleries, and cafés in downtown Calgary. Check for special events, exhibits, and activities held throughout the year.
• Soar to new heights at the Calgary Tower. The Tower has become the City of Calgary’s most famous and identifiable physical landmark. One of the first towers of its kind, the Calgary Tower offers the best view in Calgary and is a must-see.
• Visit the Glenbow Museum. With a museum, art gallery, library, and archive all under one roof, Glenbow boasts over a million artifacts and some 28,000 works of art. It is one of the largest museums in Canada.
• Enjoy a visit to Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut. This Belgian immigrant to Calgary now produces some of the best chocolate in the world, and is given as gifts to visiting dignitaries. There are nine locations in Calgary.
• Relive the Winter Olympics at Canada Olympic Park. Visit the Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum, journey to the top of the Ski Jump Tower, or stop by the Ice House and Luge. Other available activities include zip-trekking, mountain biking, mini-golf, and wall climbing.

If you are in Alberta, Canada during July you definitely don’t want to miss the Calgary Stampede! Held for 10 days every summer, this celebration of the western spirit attracts more than 1.2 million visitors. The Calgary Stampede is the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and mixes the thrills of professional rodeo with live music, an agricultural show and fairground fun. Watch brave cowboys battle bucking broncos, wrestle steers, ride bulls and show off their skills in calf-roping contests in the more traditional rodeo events. Attend Chuckwagon Races which give a whole new meaning to high-speed horse power, with thoroughbreds pulling specially designed wagons at incredible speeds. A ticket to the Chuckwagon Races also gets you entry to the Grandstand show, so it is worth your money to see it. One of the biggest highlights of the whole week is the Stampede Parade that happens on opening day. This tradition shows off an array of chuckwagons and outriders, heavy horses, antique vehicles and beautiful rodeo queens and princesses that the whole family is sure to enjoy and is always a hands-down crowd favorite of locals and visitors alike. Finally, don’t stand out like a sore thumb in this energetic crowd, so channel your inner Lone Ranger and be sure to wear your jeans, western-style shirt, cowboy boots and your hat. You’ll be yellin’ “Yee-ha” in no time!

Put away that suit and tie and pack your camera and your appetite. Canada is about to show you its hospitality by sharing its beauty, art, history, and cuisine specialties!

We will be traveling through some of the must see sites in Canada over the next few weeks and you’re invited! Whatever your interests include, Canada has a vacation spot just for you!

If architecture, history, and art capture your attention, then you should jump at the opportunity to visit the 34 museums in Montreal. If you’re a more laid back tourist, then hop on the water taxi or find peace in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver. Or maybe the way to your heart is through your stomach? In that case you might want to travel to Quebec City to sample the regional specialty poutine, or venture to a Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut location in Calgary for some of the best chocolate in the world! And if that wasn’t enough, Calgary also celebrates the great western spirit every year with a Calgary Stampede!

So get ready to plan your favorite Canadian vacation as we bring the must see sites to life, dive into more travel information, learn how to tip in Canada, and even change into our cowboy hats and western-style attire as we learn more about the Calgary Stampede!