The best of Canada: Five great spots in four provinces

Oh, Canada! Top-notched civility, universal healthcare, and a penchant for the word “Eh,” Justin Trudeau’s home is more than just the maple syrup and the winter it consistently (and tempestuously) serves. This Anglo-Franco nation offers just the right mix of rural and urban wonders with well-preserved national parks and well-planned cityscapes. While it’s one of the largest landmasses on earth, a quick and short visit to Canada can already give you the reason why it’s called the Great White North. Here are some of the best places to see in Canada:

Stanley Park, British Columbia

Got a day in Vancouver? Go to Stanley Park. As one of the most famous parks in the world, Stanley Park has a well-kept yet natural array of flora and fauna. Check out the flowers in the rose garden or the aquatic creatures in the Vancouver Aquarium, jog around the seawall or just sit down and enjoy the view. You may also find it therapeutic to read the inscriptions on the benches. Hungry from all the walking? Go restaurant hopping on nearby West End.

Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta

Canadian Rockies, eh? Perhaps one of the most picturesque spots in the world. Ride a Banff gondola for a 360-degree view of the snow-capped mountains. A short drive could also bring you to nearby Lake Louise where you can walk around or kayak your way through the bluest of sulfuric waters. Got more energy? Climb up to Mirror Lake and then up some more to Lake Agnes. These are just a few of the many sites to see around the Banff-Lake Louise area.

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Nahy-ag-ruh, the most well-known, well-visited, well-photographed falls in the world. Sandwiched between Canada and the US, Niagara Falls is a marvel of nature with a beauty that’s unmatched regardless of seasons. Adventurous enough? Ride the Hornblower. Got (many) dollars to spare? Ride the helicopter. Want to know more? Check out the Skylon Tower and watch the Legends of Niagara Falls.

Parliament Hill, Ontario

Justin Trudeau sighting is not guaranteed, but a greater appreciation of Canada’s founding 150 years ago should bring you to the seat of its federal government in the City of Ottawa. The gothic revival style of its buildings is a cut out from the pages of a fairytale. Enter the Parliament to find out about Canada’s history and climb up the Peace Tower for a view of the Ottawa River.

Vieux Montréal, Québec

When Leonard Cohen sang about Suzanne--the one who serves tea and oranges that come all the way from China--he was in the oldest part of his home city of Montréal. Vieux Montréal or Old Montréal on the eastern side showcases the Vieux-Port or the Old Port where tourists can enjoy public art, scientific knowledge at the Montréal Science Centre, adventure, and scenery at the Montreal Observation Wheel. On the west side is the Place d’Armes where the tourists can visit the Notre-Dame Basilica--a replica of the golden church with the same name in Paris.

They say that Canada is a North American and a quasi-European country yet it has forged its own unique identity with citizens who imbibe Canadian values and preserve both natural wonders and human-made structures. Canada can ignite your love for nature and appreciation for the history and achievements of humankind. Make sure to see these spots (and some more) when you visit this wonderful country.

Have fun, eh!