By Megan Mattingly-Arthur
Reasons to Visit Canada
is a great place to visit for Americans who are traveling outside the
United States for the first time--or the 10th time. The same goes for travelers from all over the world. The country has all the amenities U.S. travelers have come to expect, while still offering plenty of new things to see and do. If you're considering a vacation to Canada, here are a few reasons to visit.
Prince Edward Island
A charming island in eastern Canada, Prince Edward is the smallest province in the nation, both in land area and population. Prince Edward Island is known for its sandstone cliffs, rolling hills and friendly residents. It is also the setting of Lucy Maud Montgomery's beloved "Anne of Green Gables" book series. If you're fortunate enough to visit Prince Edward Island during the Charlottetown Festival, you may have the opportunity to see "Anne of Green Gables: The Musical," which has been performed during the festival for more than four decades.
West Edmonton Mall
Located in the province of Alberta, the West Edmonton Mall is North America's largest shopping and entertainment center. Spanning the equivalent of 48 city blocks, the West Edmonton Mall features more than 800 stores, 100 restaurants, nine parks and attractions and two on-site hotels. One of the mall's premier attractions, World Waterpark, has the world's largest indoor wave pool.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Formed in 1920, by the merger of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police and the Dominion Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are Canada's federal police force. Unlike many federal police forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police take a front-line approach to their work and many of Canada's provinces have chosen to contract their law enforcement duties to the "Mounties." Visitors can learn more about the history and responsibilities of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Museum in Regina.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Museum
Regina, SK S4P 3J7
Canada
(306) 780-5838
www.rcmpheritagecentre.com
Canadian Maple Syrup
Canada produces some of the world's finest maple syrup. During your visit you can learn about the history of maple syrup production at the Maple Syrup Museum in St. Jacobs, Ontario. Visitors to the museum can examine artifacts used in early maple syrup production as well as photographs. No visit to the Maple Syrup Museum is complete without tasting a bit of the delicious syrup for yourself.
Third Floor of The Mill
1441 King St. North
St. Jacobs, Ontario
Canada
(519) 664-1232
www.stjacobs.com/html/village_museums.html#maple
Canadian Niagara Falls
Straddling the border of Canada and the United States is Niagara Falls, one of the most popular tourist destinations in both Canada and New York State. The falls are divided into two distinct sets known as the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. Canada's Horseshoe Falls are more than 170 feet high, the American Falls 100 feet high.
Resources
About the Author:
Megan Mattingly-Arthur has been writing professionally since 1998. She has contributed to various publications, including "Teen Voices" and "Positive Teens" magazines, as well as a book, "The Young Writer's Guide to Getting Published." Mattingly-Arthur is studying travel and tourism through Penn Foster Career School.
Photo Credits:
Benjamin Earwicker
