This is My Canada

Things to do in Canada.
The coastline of Vancouver, British Columbia.

The more I travel, the more I realize how incredible Canada is. I love the variety of activities, our distinct four seasons, the diversity of our population, and our stunning scenery. This is a country that has it all and I’m so proud to call it home.

In a bid to promote Canada as a tourist destination and to highlight why it’s so damn awesome, Pamela from Savoir Faire Abroad started a travel blogging roulette about Canada brought to you by Canadian Bloggers. Essentially, we’re sharing 5 points about what we love most about Canada and then tagging 3 more travel bloggers to do the same. A big shout out to Alicia, of My Life Untethered, who tagged me to join in on the fun. So let’s get this party started, eh?!

Multiculturalism

Diversity in Toronto
Toronto’s Skyline

Born and raised in Toronto, I’ve been surrounded by a plethora of cultures all my life. I love the diversity that the city offers and the opportunity to learn about the different individuals who make up our vibrant city. It’s a miniature world here in Toronto, with distinct neighbourhoods built around various cultures and an array of ethnic foods to suit anyone’s taste buds. After I’ve been outside of Canada for any length of time, I love returning knowing that I’ll be able to find that particular dish I experienced abroad and be able to relate to the culture on a deeper level.

Experience Canada in Any Season

Camping in Canada
Camping at Sauble Falls, Ontario.

Yes, we may lie in the Northern Hemisphere, but that doesn’t mean we’re covered in snow year-round (well parts of us might be, but you’d have to go to the northern half of the country to experience that). Canada has 4 equal-length seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Depending on what you’re into, there’s an endless array of things to do in this country in any season; road tripping the Maritimes, wandering the cobblestone streets in Montreal, getting your adrenaline rush atop the CN Tower’s Edge Walk, camping in one of our national parks, skiing in the Rocky Mountains, and surfing off the coast of British Columbia.

From Big Cities to Uninhabited Wilderness

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia. Photo credit: Alina Seagal

With a landmass of about 10 million square kilometers and only a population of about 35 million, it’s safe to say there’s a lot to this country. Not only is our population diverse, but also the landscape of our country is varied from coast to coast. We’ve got sweeping coastlines, culturally rich urban centers, desert-like topography in the Badlands of Alberta, and towering snow-capped peaks in the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re into living it up in the big cities or getting away from it all in the wilderness, Canada has an endless supply of destinations and experiences to keep you busy for years.

A Thriving Craft Beer Scene

Craft beer in Toronto
Touring Great Lakes Brewery. Left to Right: Crazy Canuck Pale Ale, Red Leaf, and Devil’s Pale Ale.

Like most countries in the world, Canadians love beer. While the industry is dominated by a few big name brands, craft breweries are making a considerable impact with beer lovers in the country. This means more variety and a chance to support local businesses. About half of the over 100 craft brewers nation-wide can be found in Southern Ontario, and, as I found out recently, the best way to take them in is on a craft beer tour.

Festivals

Festivals in Canada
The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival (aka Caribana). Photo credit: torontolife.com

If any of the above points haven’t yet convinced you why you should be making a trip to Canada, then one of these festivals should peak your interest. Showcasing some of the best in Canadian culture, there are a number of festivals that attract an international crowd year after year. There’s the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival (commonly known as Caribana), the Toronto International Film Festival, and the Pride Parade in Ontario, and the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Just For Laughs, and Carnival in Quebec City, Quebec.

Of course, there’s so much more to Canada than what I’ve written about, so I’m going to tag three more Canadian Bloggers to share what makes Canada special to them. I can’t wait to read what Natalie from Near Afar, Kristen from Hopscotch the Globe, and Mariellen from Breathe Dream Go have to say! And be sure to follow the roulette on Twitter with the #MyCanada hashtag.

 

18 thoughts on “This is My Canada

  1. I swear, Canada has some of the BEST craft brews. I actually miss them when I travel. Fabulous post! Viva la Canada!! Or is that ‘le Canada’…. Crap. Long live Canada 🙂

    1. Thanks so much Pamela!! I honestly think that my new-found love for beer is due to the fact that I’ve been trying all kinds of Canadian craft beers. They’re good enough to convert this one time beer hater!

  2. Love it and agree with you on all points! I’ve been discovering so many craft beers across Canada and could write an entire post on my fave ones! Hahah possible future blog roulette? I think so!

  3. Our multiculturalism is one of the things that I love most about Canada too – and that shot of Toronto’s skyline is awesome! After reading your list, I realized that I haven’t taken my kids to any of our big Canadian festivals – that has got to be one of our goals for 2013.

    1. Thanks Lisa! One of the best ways to grab a good shot of the Toronto skyline is from the Toronto Island Ferry. And it helps when it’s a beautiful sunny day 🙂

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