Canada is a great destination for backpackers who wish to experience the wilderness and real beauty of North America. The people of Canada are very easy-going and cities such as Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal are places well worth a visit. Canada is one of the largest countries in the world. You can’t just hit the road and expect to be in the other end of the country within 24 hours. It usually takes days, so be prepared!
What to see in Canada
Most people come to Canada to enjoy the fantastic national parks in the western provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. Here you will find stunning national parks such as Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Glacier, located in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. You can also visit Vancouver Island, which is known for its unspoiled seashores and British charm in the provincial capital of Victoria. The centre of Canada is characterised by miles and miles of prairie lands. The fun returns when you reach the eastern provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.
It sure gets cold in Canada
Even though Canadians have plenty of square kilometres per resident, most of the population lives in close proximity to the US border. Up north the roads are scarce and winter hits hard from October to May. No one really bothers going there unless they have a profound interest in tundra and polar conditions. However, if you are a winter sports enthusiast and enjoy skiing, snowboarding, skating, ice hockey etc., then Canada is a cool place to visit during winter. Banff and Whistler in western Canada are some of the greatest ski resorts in the world and each year thousands of backpackers travel to Canada to enjoy the true meaning of powder snow.
Travel east in Canada
Canada is a lot more than Rocky Mountains and grizzly bears. In the easternmost part of the country you'll find the maritime provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. These smaller provinces have a lot of charm and Canadian history to offer. Don't miss out on the heritage site Louisbourg and Cape Bretton Highlands National Park at the very top of Nova Scotia.
Citylife in Canada
When talking about great city experiences in North America, New York, San Francisco and Washington DC always come to mind. And the metropolises of Canada are often overlooked, which is a shame. In the Northwest, Vancouver is far more interesting than Seattle just a couple of hours away and in the province of Ontario you can enjoy a couple of days in Toronto, the largest city in Canada. It is possible to fly directly to Toronto from several European cities, which makes Toronto a good starting point for a North American journey. Montreal and Ottawa are located in the French-speaking province of Quebec with a culture that is different from the rest of the Continent.