This past July, Canada has celebrated its 150th birthday, bringing more and more tourists from around the world eager to experience this amazing country.
With that said, you’ve probably noticed this spike of interest in Canada and may be wondering if it’s worth a visit.
A Canadian myself, I thought I would share a few of my favourite things about my country, and why you should experience it for yourself if you haven’t already. Let’s dive in!
To Experience the Seasons
Those of you from warmer climates close to the equator and coast lines may have never experienced the variety of the four seasons.
Although I’m enjoying the year-long warmth in my current country of Australia, I loved growing up in Canada and experiencing the activities that come with each season.
Fall is my favourite, and I miss the beautiful trees, cozy weather, and delicious apples. Going to the pumpkin patch each year and sipping some hot apple cider while weaving through the corn mazes is about as festive as it gets!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLuHimpBDlp/?taken-by=miranda.menelaws&hl=en
In the long Alberta winters, my big sister and I were master snow-fort builders as we waddled around in our ridiculous snow suits with bright red noses.
Springtime in Canada is often short-lived but deeply longed for after the winter seems endless. But on a nice day, the little cities and towns suddenly burst to life, everyone and their dog are out on the streets with a smile on their faces enjoying the nice weather. Bold and beautiful tulips peek out to say hello during the mild spring days. Although spring is a “tease” at times, it’s so fun to watch life sprout.
As for summer, it’s never put to waste! Everyone is barbecuing, camping, heading to the lake, you name it! It’s all about making the most of the beautiful weather, picking fresh berries and enjoying the long days and short nights.
So, if you’re wanting to experience a “true” winter, spring, fall, etc. definitely spend a year in the Great North, it’s so interesting to observe all the changes and distinct activities that arise with something as simple as the changing weather.
To Enjoy Vast Landscapes & Variety
Canada is MASSIVE. Seriously, it’s the second largest country (area wise) after Russia, so you can bet that there’s so much variety from sea to shining sea.
Most of the major Canadian cities and landmarks hover close to the US border, and there’s a freeway and a train line that can take you across the country if you’re feeling ambitious and wanting to spend some time exploring.
The west coast (my home!) is gorgeous in my unbiased opinion 😉 But for real, you get the beautiful ocean, jaw dropping mountain views, mild rainy winters, it’s pretty much paradise. Vancouver is a bustling city filled with charm, and even the backdrop of many TV shows and movies (check out my guide to the Filming Landmarks of Greater Vancouver!)
Rainy winters in Vancouver
Heading east, you drive through the gorgeous Rocky Mountains into Alberta (my childhood home) and enjoy the quieter prairie life as you pass through those interior provinces.
Ontario is home to the popular city of Toronto, and also the capital city of Canada, Ottawa. Definitely check out our beautiful Parliament buildings in all their glory.
Past Ontario, you head into Quebec, the French-speaking province of Canada. I lived here for about a year, and was shocked at the cultural differences, despite being in my native country still. It really is a mix of French and Canadian culture, and it’s filled with quaint older buildings and gorgeous churches from when Canada was first being settled. It’s extremely charming to say the least as you pass through smaller villages, and bigger cities like Montreal and Quebec City.
Beautiful architecture throughout Montreal
Before you know it, you’ll hit the Maritime provinces on the Atlantic coast. It’s a totally different scene and experience to the West coast with some beautiful beaches and quaint sea-side towns.
You can even head north and experience some of the arctic provinces! I never have personally, but I think it would be such an interesting experience. You may even get to see the Northern Lights in all its glory.
To Enjoy the Friendly Culture
Canadians are notorious for being friendly, personable people (not trying to sound narcissistic 😉 ) and in all honesty I think it’s a true stereotype! We may not be as hospitable as other countries, but we are definitely friendly, polite, and approachable.
I’m always a little jolted when I return home to BC, I forget about how much friendly small talk with strangers happen (my introvert nightmare). It’s generally a friendly country, where people will go out of their way to help others, or just have a nice chat.
I catch myself holding doors open for too long when I’m overseas and then being befuddled when others don’t always go out of their way to do the same. There’s no place like home in this regard, what can I say! Canada is truly filled with friendly and polite people, which makes it great as a tourist since someone will always be happy to lend you a hand if you’re lost or needing recommendations.
Hopefully this post has inspired you to take a trip over to Canada and experience all of the unique features it has to offer.
Have you ever been to Canada? What sort of qualities or characteristics did you find original and enjoyable? I would love to hear all about it in the comments below!
Miranda's Muses 