Canada Local Attractions

For an unforgettable girlfriend getaway, Steveston Village in Richmond, British Columbia is just the place. While Steveston is proud to be Canada’s largest commercial fishing harbour, a love of fish isn't required to make a trip here enjoyable. Officially part of Richmond, Steveston is situated at the end of No. 1 Road where the Fraser River and the Strait of Georgia merge.

The best wines in the world seem to come from temperate, warm places like France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, South America and California. It sometimes comes as a surprise to people, then, that Canada—often associated with cold, harsh weather patterns—has a booming wine industry that has been producing world-class vintages for decades. Canadian wine has garnered the country international recognition as a producer of fine, award-winning vino.

Big, bustling Toronto—Canada’s most populous and eclectic city—offers a diversity and energy like nowhere else. But with a bit of planning, a convenient base downtown and thanks to the inner city’s excellent public transit system, visitors can more than scratch the surface of this brimming city in a couple of tightly-packed days.

In the early 17th century, a group of French colonists ventured from France to the northern coastal regions of North America. In 1604, the group established the first permanent French settlement in North America at Port-Royal, in present-day Nova Scotia. The area eventually became known as Acadia, and the people and their decedents known as Acadians.

Upon thinking of Canada, one cannot suppress images of open space, diverse landscapes and striking hospitality spread among urban centres and rural communities. With a total area of 9,984,670 sq km (3,855,103 sq mi), plus natural attractions such as...

The Parry Sound area of Ontario sits high on a ledge of rock and water – the great Canadian Shield. It’s a spectacular assemblage of geography that combines rugged Georgian Bay shoreline with hundreds of thousands of lakes the glaciers left behind in their haste to head south. No wonder the passion for exploration has permeated the culture here for hundreds of years. Today, the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV), or quad, is one of the area’s most popular past times that combines this culture of exploration with a helping of adventure and a healthy dose of adrenalin.

Despite the early discovery of the Athabasca River as a trade route, its importance as a stepping stone to Canada's North remained unrecognized until the 1870's.

Camping is one of the fastest growing recreational activities. More and more families are packing tent or trailer and heading to one of Alberta’s many provincial parks and campgrounds.

There's a well-known Gaelic greeting on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia that goes like this: "Ciad Mile Failte" (pronounced Key-ut me-luh fal-chuh). This short expression translates to "one hundred thousand welcomes," which is exactly the warm approach Cape Breton residents take as they share their Celtic culture with others.

Montreal is a rich and vibrant city that boasts a uniqueness born partly from it being the largest French-speaking city in North America. Activities abound in Québec's cultural hub, from diverse festivals and numerous museums to the city's thriving bi-cultural music and art scene.

There's a famous line that reads "life is like a box of chocolates..." but luckily for chocolate lovers there are several sweet tooth attractions that look outside of the box. These candy attractions range from a mystical chocolate world to a relaxing chocolate spa to a high end chocolate fashion show.

Known as the cultural hub of Canada, Ottawa is home to a vast array of art galleries, museums, fine dining, architecture and shopping. It is also one of the country's most picturesque cities with well-maintained parks, gardens and pedestrian pathways. Despite all the amazing amenities and attractions Ottawa has to

Although Quebec City exudes a strong European personality, it also offers its own vibrant French Canadian culture. With little boutiques, cafes, cobbled streets and magnificent architecture, Quebec City boasts over 400 years of rich history worth taking a tour of. Luckily for tourists,

For vacationers looking closer to home for new surprises, it's time to consider Winnipeg. And it will surprise. Yes, Winnipeg's winters can be cold—it's a Canadian prairie city after all. And it's true Winnipeg has a healthy population of mosquitoes—where there's nature, there's bugs. But what someone from outside of Manitoba probably doesn't know is that Winnipeg...

The coolest season in the world is a Canadian winter—and not just because it gets so darned cold here. Simply put, Canada is a big place with unlimited wintertime possibilities. The country spans from Newfoundland and the Atlantic Ocean to Vancouver Island and the Pacific, with borders that reach from

Each year, the Calgary Stampede storms the city with a momentum that has wrangled up much interest since its first rodeo in September of 1912. Now held annually in July, the city relives its western heritage with an event that Calgary deems as "the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth". The whole city gets involved with shops adding wooden, ranch-like storefronts, restaurants transforming into saloons, and people sportin' western duds. But don't expect any tumbleweeds...

Music and a good time have always gone hand in hand, and in a city that has produced some great talents, like the composer and trumpeter Alan Matheson, country singer Paul Brant, and the 80s hit band Loverboy, as well as singer/songwriters Jann Arden and Feist, it only becomes more evident why. To understand this, just head out to any of Calgary's pubs, clubs or venues, like Broken City, the Beat Niq, Vern's Tavern or the Ironwood, on any night of the week, and a party will likely be found with a band playing and a crowd dancing.

In the past few decades, Canada has started to shed its image as a frigid land of vast wilderness in favour of a sophisticated, urban persona. Canada's major cities are now being seen for what they are—vibrant, modern hubs of activity. The country's urban centres boast many attractions, one of the most significant being their world-class shopping facilities.

Employing the skills of thousands of artisans over the course of months, if not years, architecture is far and away society’s most complex form of artistic expression. From complex pedestrian walkway systems to elegant Victorian hotel resorts, the following WorldWeb.com travel guide will point out ten of Canada’s greatest architectural wonders.

From coast to coast, festivals across Canada mirror the multicultural and diverse makeup of a relatively young nation. Whether it be a musical spectacle on a sweltering summer day or a mid-winter outdoor hullabaloo, these multifarious celebrations attract festival goers from every corner of the country and beyond. There are festivals for the young, the old, the music lover, the outdoor enthusiast and everyone in between.

Exhibiting the flora of Canada's vast landscapes and often exotic species from afar, the country's public gardens foster an appreciation of the planet's diverse, precious and vital plant life, and offer brightly coloured, sweet-scented and lovingly tended natural sanctuaries for anyone to enjoy. The Great White North's publicly accessible gardens bloom among the world's best and here are WorldWeb.com's Top 10 picks.

Stretching from Nova Scotia in the east to Vancouver Island in the west, Canada boasts more than 2,500 museums that range from large metropolitan galleries to small community museums and chronicle everything from prehistoric dinosaur remains to the latest developments in science and technology. No clay shard, no centuries-old painting, no children’s toy is left unturned or unexamined for the 59 million visitors who pass through the country’s museums each year.

O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! —yes, the national anthem sure says a lot about this Canada's character, yet this poetic tribute could still use one more adjective, like big or maybe huge.

There's no better way to relax than to get pampered at a spa. Whether trying to leave the stresses of everyday life behind for awhile or celebrating a special occasion with some friends, one of the many numerous spa treatments offered at some of Canada's best spas are bound to hit the spot

The cowboy is a North American icon. From the prairies of Alberta to the ranches of Texas, the boot-kickin’, Stetson-wearin’ man has long been a symbol of the Wild West. Today, such figures can still be spotted across Canada, especially at summer rodeos. Amidst a flurry of chaps and spurs, country music and clowns, rodeo grounds come alive with bucking bulls and barrel-racing horses in a posse of action-packed performances.

Most of what lures the theme park enthusiast to the best amusement parks in Canada are the thrill rides. Ever wonder why the frazzled-looking visitor who just got off that massive, wooden, fear-inducing roller coaster practically runs back to the long line that they were just complaining about an hour earlier?

More and more people are discovering the benefits of a weekly yoga class to relieve stress and bring balance into their daily lives. So why not consider combining yoga with a vacation for the ultimate retreat? It’s a trip that can bring health and rejuvenation...

Although widely regarded as a hotbed for Winter sports, regardless of the time of year Canada hosts a large array of top-notch sporting events. Spanning sports as diverse as ice-hockey and equestrian show jumping, to golf and Formula One racing, no sport is ill-represented in this country of 33 million inhabitants.

Carnaval de Quebec brings a true "joie de vivre" - joy of life - to Quebec City during the cold winter months. Carnaval (as it is referred to in French) takes place annually from late January to early February and continues for 17 days. More than 300 activities and events occur around Quebec City during Carnaval that are sure to be enjoyable for everyone. The locations of the activities and events are called Bonhommries. Carnaval de Quebec is the world's largest "snow-oriented" winter carnival, as well as the third largest annual carnival in the world, falling only behind Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans.

In Canada, the big cities are few and far between. In Alberta, the regional megalopolis and the “heart of the new west” is Calgary. With over one million citizens, it's the largest city east if the Rockies and west of Ontario. But with so many Calgarians taking to the streets, it can get pretty hectic. For travellers and city-folk who are tired of the hustle and bustle of cowtown and want to take a short break, Calgary is in a perfect spot for day trip adventures out of town.

Canada has the reputation of the frozen north, but to Martin Luther King and thousands of other black Americans, Canada was a sort of North Star—a gleaming beacon of hope that they followed and fought their way to. From 1840 to 1860, Canada emblemized freedom from oppression, and it was there that many brave enslaved people risked their lives to enter. This struggle was known as the Underground Railroad.

Hailed as one of Canada’s greatest drives, the Icefields Parkway is a scenic highway officially running from Lake Louise to the town of Jasper and straight through the majestic Canadian Rockies. Stretching 230 km (142 mi), the Parkway travels alongside age-old icefields, vast alpine forests, turquoise glacial lakes and permanently snow-capped mountains

Economuseum may be a relatively new term within the travel lexicon, but the concept’s popularity is definitely picking up momentum as travellers seek alternatives that are educational, interactive and closer to home. In an economuseum, artisans and craftspeople open their studios to the public to provide

Hardworking, corporate, hustle and bustle; these are just some of the words that may come to mind when thinking of Calgary. The city has a get-down-to-business attitude but it also has a gentle, welcoming side. More inviting words can also describe Calgary, such as family, friendly and

Canadians welcome, celebrate and appreciate summertime in a way that only residents of a country which receives six months of cold and snowy winters can. For many, one of the most anticipated and exciting aspects of summer, along with the long days and hot weather, are the many music festivals that take place in the country between June and September.

Traveling south from Calgary often to be destination oriented. We usually have a definite place to go and a limited time to get there. Fortunately, one of the most dramatic sites in southern Alberta is only a short side trip away.

History runs deep at the easternmost point of Canada, where a rich heritage is preserved in museums, archaeological sites, historical attractions and strong ties to tradition. Located on the southeast portion of Newfoundland, the Avalon Peninsula was one of the first European-settled areas in North America, with colonies established in the early 17th century.

Between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, BC Ferries' fleet of vessels have become a common part of the local scenery. Each day from early morning till late evening, these massive vehicles effortlessly navigate through the often tight waterways that separate the Southern Gulf Islands.

An ailing man in his 80s, once physically strong but still strong in spirit, stands silently, listening to his own breath that inhales the air of freedom as he stands on Canadian soil remembering the land that he fought for. With courage, he remembers friends, family and allies whose breaths were taken away by war.

Lethbridge, Alberta was developed around three core industries back in late 1882: coal mining, railways, and irrigated agriculture. A lot has changed in this rapidly growing community since those days

People need something to smile about during the winter and swooshing down snowy slopes on a pair of skis or a snowboard seems to do the trick. Skiing (and boarding) is enjoyed by many, from kids who haven't even been walking long to cautious moms to extreme sport junkies. It's something that the entire family can enjoy and even better when ski resorts

Saint Patrick's Day is an Irish tradition long celebrated far beyond Ireland's borders. Green-clad, Guinness-drinking, Irish-jigging people across the globe get together on this festive day of March to share tales of leprechauns and shenanigans, look for lucky shamrocks and gawk at grand parades, all for the love of

A great way to combat the sweltering heat on a hot summer day is to make a splash at a waterpark. There are a wide variety of parks all over North America where visitors can experience slippery loops, drops and

Unlocking a fascinating world perhaps otherwise only seen in nature documentaries or on an African safari, today’s zoos are losing a tarnished reputation of cruelty and are instead heralded as environmental blessings. The world’s greatest zoos are committed to the conservation of wildlife and its natural environment and are making a positive impact on the survival of threatened species in the wild.

British Columbia’s Okanagan region is a paddler’s paradise with an abundance of lakes and rivers that offer a variety of experiences and sights for both novices and experts. Whether paddlers are looking to participate in one of the many dragon boat festivals or solo across a quiet lake, there are endless opportunities to enjoy this relaxing and athletic pastime.

Churchill, Manitoba is uniquely situated on a polar bear migratory route, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and adventurers. Although bears are present in the area year round, the best time to observe these wild animals is...

Thousands of Calgarians and tourists alike use Calgary Transit to get around the city, many using the Calgary light rail transit system, more commonly known as the Calgary LRT or C-Train. With 36 stations at present and two major

A sure cure for the winter blues, recreational snowmobiling is an ideal way to enjoy the inevitable winter weather of Eastern Canada. And where better to make the most of the snow than in New Brunswick, the snowiest of all the Atlantic provinces...

Split from the rest of the province by the St. Lawrence River, Quebec's southern arm extends itself over Vermont, Maine and New Brunswick before finally ending in the river's gulf, which has the distinction of being the largest estuary in the world. The fertile river valley is the province's most populated area, and as the St. Lawrence acted as one of the main entry points for exploration of the interior of North America, the area's communities and landscapes factor heavily in Canada's history.

The Crowsnest Pass is an area that has become synonymous with coal. This is a valley that not only echoes with the voices of countless miners, but with the cries of joy from people experiencing it’s newest attraction—Snowmobiling.

Since the first twinkle of gold was spotted in Rabbit Creek—now Bonanza Creek—by intrepid gold hunters back in 1896, hardened sourdoughs (experienced prospectors) and amateur panners have journeyed to the Yukon with hopes of striking it rich in this wild and generous landscape.

Surprisingly, there is a plethora of unique, unusual and eye-catching landmarks that can be found in every province of Canada. In fact, these often entertaining sights are more likely found in smaller towns, where tourists are lured in to take a picture or buy a trinket of these one-of-a-kind discoveries.

Born of cowboys and the wild frontier back in 1875, Calgary is a city that today boasts the best of both the old west and a modern metropolis. Located in southern Alberta, Calgary is known as the Heart of the New West™ and its deep-rooted western hospitality nurtures a familiar small town spirit in what is actually a big, bustling, cosmopolitan city.

You don’t need to be a tea-totaller to enjoy Victoria’s most popular brew. Tea has a grand tradition here that stems back to the city’s British roots. Over the years, it has morphed into a tradition that is uniquely Victorian, becoming integral to the city’s identity.