Any Travels

Those expecting Canada to be a blander version of the USA should check their assumptions at the door. Canada's wild northern frontier, which has etched itself into the national psyche, and its distinct patchwork of peoples have created a country that is decidedly different from its brash neighbour.

It's the edginess between Canada's indigenous, French and British traditions that gives the nation its complex three-dimensional character. Add to this a constant infusion of US culture and a plethora of traditions brought by migrants, and you have a thriving multicultural society.

With its history, people, landscape and natural beauty, Canada offers an abundance of well-known cities, attractions, parks and regions that make for wonderful destinations whether you're looking for a trip that's educational, inspiring or just plain fun. But don't pass up a chance to explore the less-travelled areas, too - at the fringes of the inhabited world, great challenges, eye-opening experiences and hospitable people await.

Canada is one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world. It has many interesting cities, like Toronto, North Vancouver or Montreal. But also some of the most impressive nature, which is great for outdoor activities, like hiking, skiing, rafting and fishing. Canada boasts a wide, diverse culture, which we celebrate with pride, and there is simply no way to see everything in one trip - or even in a lifetime. Full of surprises, Canada is simply the most astonishingly beautiful country in the world.

For those wanting to take advantage of the outdoors, best time is to visit in the summer. For those wanting to experience everything Canada has to offer, visit in the winter. Temperatures range from plus 40 C in summer to minus 40 C in the winter, so dress accordingly!

With Canada as your chosen holiday destination - the challenge is now where to go and what to see and do. To make the most of your precious time in this vast Continent.

Canada has a deliciously rich culture if you take the time to explore it and view it as distinct from its louder neighbour. Its cultural heritage draws from the traditions of its native peoples, its French influence and its English flavours, manifesting itself in the work of some amazing writers (Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro, Michael Ondaatje, Mordecai Richler and Douglas Coupland to name a few), world-renowned musicians such as Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and kd lang and innovative film makers who capture the elusive nature of the Canadian psyche.

Events
The Quebec City Winter Carnival, which takes place during the last two weeks of February, features parades, ice sculptures, a snow slide, dances and music. Ottawa's three-week Winterlude fetes all things snowy in February. The Montreal Jazz Festival at the end of June and the Ottawa International Jazz Festival in July both attract international and local players. Two major events in Toronto are Caribana, held in August, which is a cultural exchange offering ethnic music, dance and food, and the Gay Pride Day Parade through the downtown area, which takes place in June. In September, there's the Toronto International Film Festival. Calgary hosts the popular Calgary Stampede in July, the highlight of which is the chuck wagon race and rodeo. In the west, Victoria celebrates the First Peoples' Festival in August with traditional craftwork, dancing and war-canoe rides.