High Park - Toronto
The eastern part of Canada, in provinces such as Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island, is full of rich history from the earliest days of settlement in what was then the Canadian wilderness area. Some of the most rugged sections of coastline are found in Nova Scotia, where seaports such as Liverpool and Tusket offer opportunities for deep sea fishing, strolling through the town's shops and markets, or participating in one of many local festivals during the year. You can even go surfing on Lawrencetown Beach, but be sure to bring your winterized wetsuit for that kind of adventure!
Newfoundland is another historic province, going back literally thousands of years. There are numerous interesting historic sites in the capital of St. John's, including Cabot Tower, Signal Hill, and the Basilica of St. John the Baptist. Visitors to Newfoundland are often struck by how remote yet accessible it is, and just how many unique geographical features it contains. There are steep fjords along the coast, lush green valleys, and crystal clear lakes with dramatic waterfalls. If you want to go whale watching or simply take a general boat tour of the Atlantic coastal area, look for some excellent charter operators in Ray Bulls, St. John's, and most of the other cities and seaports along the coast.
Science World - Vancouver
Prince Edward Island is another memorable vacation destination in Canada. It is the smallest province in the country, but there is certainly no shortage of activities and lush scenery. Look for excellent seafood restaurants serving the freshest local oysters and lobster, and be sure to visit Province House National Historic Site where the earliest planning for the Canadian nation took place. Perhaps most famous of all is Cavendish, a lovely town on the northern coast of the island. It was the childhood home of Lucy Maud Montgomery, who grew up to write the famous book series Anne of Green Gables. The original Green Gables house is open to visitors, and the village of Avonlea is close by with its wonderful shops and markets.
In striking comparison to the Atlantic coast provinces, think about spending your vacation in the amazing province of Alberta, located in the central part of Canada. It is a place with an entire array of geography, including farmland, desert, modern cities, and stunning mountains. Stop by the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Drumheller to see a huge collection of dinosaur fossils collected in and around Alberta, or head into the heartland of Alberta for water sports in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter. The two most famous cities in Alberta, Edmonton and Calgary, are vacation destinations all their own. Don't miss the Calgary Stampede Rodeo and plan to spend plenty of time in the West Edmonton Mall, where you will find over 100 restaurants, over 800 stores, and an indoor water park among other things.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Finally, when you venture out to the westernmost part of Canada you find British Columbia, a province with a bustling modern city (Vancouver) as well as resort and recreational spots such as Penticton, Kelowna, and Vernon. Vancouver will be host to the 2010 Winter Olympics, making it a particularly interesting place to visit. If skiing and winter sports are most interesting to you, there is Whistler Mountain, Banff National Park, and Jasper National Park. Head up into the northern parts of British Columbia where you will find traditional native villages and have the opportunity to experience the native culture of the area.
A vacation in Canada is truly a wonderful opportunity to see all different kinds of attractions, scenery, and locations. It's a "don't miss" vacation spot for sure!
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