By Isabel Prontes
Canada is a vast, beautiful nation chock-full of interesting vacation destinations, whether you want to stroll down the rustic streets of the Francophone Quebec City in the province of Quebec, or go hiking amid the Alpine charm of Whistler. If you are planning a summer trip to Canada, here are some ideas to get you started.
Quebec City
Quebec City is the capital of Quebec province. It is a French-speaking city and has the distinction of being one of North America's oldest and most historical places, full of rich heritage and culture. Strolling through the city's "Old Town" district is a relaxing and charming way to spend a summer afternoon. The Petit-Champlain historical district, the stunning Notre Dame de Quebec Cathedral and the St. Lawrence River are all must-sees while vacationing in Quebec City.
Whistler
Whistler, a town in the province of British Columbia, is one of Canada's most popular and busy vacation spots. It is a pleasant Alpine village with an outdoorsy, traditional appeal. Nestled in the picturesque Coast Mountains, Whistler is full of fun, including bars, entertainment centers, restaurants and shops (more than 200 of them). It is an arts and culture hub, with many galleries. There are also hiking trails, golf courses and mountain biking locales to explore while visiting Whistler.
Halifax
Halifax is the capital city of the province of Nova Scotia, in eastern Canada. Established in 1749, it is full of history and is a great summer vacation spot if you like exploring museums, art galleries, historical landmarks and churches. There are also a lot of adorable sidewalk cafes and shopping centers. Halifax Harbour is a summertime locale for activities such as kayaking, birdwatching and sailing. There are also a lot of good hiking trails and campgrounds in the area.
Vancouver
Vancouver is in British Columbia, on the west coast of Canada, where the scenic Western Mountains meet the shining waters of the Pacific Ocean. It is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and urban area. Vancouver is full of summertime attractions, from outdoor live music events at Stanley Park to English Bay beach, where visitors can enjoy recreational activities like kayaking and volleyball, have barbecues, and check out the diverse local wildlife.
Stanley Park
845 Avison Way
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6G 1A1 Canada
(604) 681-8847
English Bay Beach
Alongside Beach Avenue
between Denman and Burrard streets
Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada
(604) 257-8400
Toronto
Toronto, in Ontario, is Canada's biggest city. It is a major hub for shopping, sports, live music, theater and festivals and is full of both modern and historical attractions. Some great Toronto venues for the performing arts include Roy Thomson Hall and the Toronto Centre for the Arts. Among the city's summer festivals is Caribana (which takes place from the middle of July to the beginning of August), a street festival that celebrates all things Caribbean. If you like restaurants and shopping, Yorkville is the best district in the city for you to visit.
Roy Thomson Hall
60 Simcoe St.
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2H5 Canada
(416) 872-4255
Toronto Centre for the Arts
5040 Yonge St.
Toronto, Ontario
M2N 6R8 Canada
(416) 733-9388
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
