Canada / Travel

Why You Should Visit Canada in 2017 and Beyond

There’s only 3 months left of 2017, so there is still time for you to visit Canada before we tick into 2018. So why not swap your Christmas list for a Canadian bucket list. Here are some reasons why you should start booking your next flights out.

1. Most Liveable

According to Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Countries to visit in 2017, Canada takes the leaderboard. And it’s easy to see why. Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary all feature in the top 10 most liveable cities of 2016. Vancouver boasts world-class adventures in the city and on her doorstep, and when you’re attracting 15 million tourists each year, they must be doing something right.

2. Canadian birthday celebration

2017 marks Canada’s 150th birthday so you can expect the country to celebrate in style. In celebration, 47 of the country’s national parks are offering free entry for 2017. You can get your free 2017 Discovery Pass from here and it’s valid for the whole of 2017 to visit Canada’s Parks from coast to coast. Let the exploration begin!

3. Winter Sports

If you’re visiting in the next few months, then from the end of November, Vancouver makes a great destination for skiing and snowboarding. Hire a car and drive to Whistler which is located a couple of hours outside of Vancouver. They hosted the 2010 Winter Olympic’s here, so you can expect to challenge this world class sports venue to your hearts content.


Tips and Recommendations

Travelling and Sightseeing:

Vancouver:

  • Vancouver’s transportation network is good compared to some of the other larger cities, and most of the city can be easily navigated on foot.
  • Aquabus Ferries are foot passenger ferries. They are perfect for travelling between Granville Island, False Creek and downtown Vancouver and offer fun 25 minute sightseeing cruises too.
  • Hire a bike and cycle through the city. There are bike rental facilities located near Stanly Park. This park boasts over 1000 acres of land for you to venture, have fun and relax.
  • October to April is also hockey season, so try and catch the Vancouver Canucks playing in the Rogers Arena.

Toronto:

  • The road to Niagara Falls can be heavily congested, particularly around the winter time. Avoid departing and returning to the city during peak hours and if possible hire a car located outside central Toronto.
  • Toronto is a known sports hub because of it’s distinct seasons and diverse landscape. Like Vancouver, in the winter there are many places to ski and snowboard and kayak and surf in the lakes during the summer.

Montréal:

  • Register online for free Montréal tours.
  • Bike tours are great, but they are not free.
  • Montreal’s love for cycling is unbelievable. Although winter can be harsh on the road towards Mount Royal. The Route Verte is 3293 miles (5298km) long and operates all year round. If this is too much for you, then try the cycle path through downtown. It is extremely beginners and family friendly as it is the width of a car lane and separated from the road by a cement curb.

Food:

Vancouver:

Vancouver’s food is as diverse as the city itself and you will definitely be able to find something that tickles your fancy. If you like a good drink, then the selection of craft breweries, microbreweries and distilleries will definitely keep you busy. Everyone likes a good celebration and Vancouver’s drink and food festivals throughout the year are bound to tantalise some of your tastebuds. If all fails, you can always sign up to drink tours that are offered throughout the year.

Toronto:

You can find authentic eating in Chinatown, Little Italy and Little India, it is varied and diverse but the locals are advocates for poutine. Visit the Distillery District and Toronto’s rooftop bars, jazz clubs and sports bars. And don’t forget to pay Lawrence Market a visit too. You will not be disappointed as there is always something to suit every taste and mood.

Montréal:

Being an ex-French colony, French cuisine can be found all over Montréal, especially the bakeries and cafes. But don’t limit yourself to just French grub, there is so much on offer. Try tapas and Italian inspired menus and if you’re feeling adventurous, head to Imadake for their sake bombs!

Remember: There is a strong culture of tipping in Canada and it is customary to tip between 15-20% in restaurants. Less for poorer service and more for exceptionally good service.


Recommended Visits:

Vancouver:

Grouse Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Granville Island, Olympic Park, Stanley Park. Whistler and Sea to Sky (Squamish) if you have time to venture outside of Vancouver.

Toronto:

Niagara Falls, Spadina House, Scarborough Bluffs, BAPS Shri Swanminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple, Evergreen Brick Works.

Montréal:

Notre-Dame, Old Port, Mont Royal, Downtown, Gay Village, Garden’s of Light.

Do you live in Canada? or have you visited this beautiful country in the past? What are your recommendations and tips for navigating and making the most of your time there?

Thanks for reading and until next time…

Love, MsMamaBean x


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Comments

3 October 2017 at 12:02 pm

This sounds amazing and Canada is somewhere I would love to visit. My parents went a few years ago and still talk about it now! #bigpinklink



3 October 2017 at 12:28 pm

Some great tips here! I have so many places on my list that I want to travel to! #bigpinklink



3 October 2017 at 3:48 pm

I visited Montreal when I was younger and had a blast, its someplace I’d like to return too. Niagra Falls is on the list of places I need to go too #dreamteam



3 October 2017 at 5:35 pm

I always tell my husband we belong in Canada. We love winter, the mountains, hockey and I am a sucker for French. He just laughs but we may need to make a trip soon to check it all out. Thank you about the discovery pass I didn’t know about it good thing to keep in mind.



3 October 2017 at 6:26 pm

you make a very convincing argument – i haven’t been to canada since i was a teen which was like a hundred years ago so i think its time i make it back!



3 October 2017 at 6:48 pm

I always hear great things about Canada! Hopefully hubby and I can make a road trip out of it someday!



3 October 2017 at 8:39 pm

I’ve never been to Canada before but it’s definately on the list of places I want to visit. #twinklytuesday



4 October 2017 at 12:18 am

I think you picked the three best cities. Ottawa and Quebec City are very cool too. So many fun things in all of them.



4 October 2017 at 12:52 pm

Love, love, LOVE Canada. I always joke that if I am ever going to move anywhere, it’s going to be there. We have family out in Vancouver who adore the lifestyle. Thanks so much for sharing with the #DreamTeam x



channelislandmama
4 October 2017 at 2:25 pm

gosh I’d love to visit – it’s been on my wish list for ages. I feel like i’d need a good long trip though to fit in as much as possible. thanks for all the recommendations – will save for my future trip to Canada! #bigpinklink



5 October 2017 at 5:51 pm

Woo Canada! We really do kick butt. People should come for the maple syrup alone!



5 October 2017 at 6:16 pm

I moved to Vancouver from England a few years ago and absolutely love it. It’s such a great place to live.



6 October 2017 at 3:01 am

I’ve already heard so many great things about Canada! Your information just added to the list of reasons why I must visit this country!

http://www.officiallychic.com



Aarika
8 October 2017 at 2:10 am

I want to visit Canada immediately! I have a few friends that live in Alberta, and I’m dying to visit them. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful reasons for what makes Canada so awesome. Cheers! =)



8 October 2017 at 8:49 am

Ooh you’ve made me want to book flights this minute!! I loved visiting Canada and will definitely go again, I’m not sure we’ll make it before the end of 2017 though. Thanks for being a fab linker this week. #bigpinklink



9 October 2017 at 12:48 am

We’ve been to Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler and I can easily become and expat, especially these days! Bring it on, I love you Canada! #dreamteam xoxo



Bar
9 October 2017 at 6:25 pm

I haven’t been to Canada in a while- but after reading this I def wouldn’t mind heading back!



lea kucherovsky
9 October 2017 at 6:41 pm

I love to travel. After reading this, Canada is next on my list!!! I love your format as well!



9 October 2017 at 7:18 pm

I accidentally ended up in Montreal many years ago (getting lost on an Amtrak train does that) – but if I ever get to Canada for real again…



Priyadarshini Rajendran
10 October 2017 at 6:52 am

I was always wondering about this. Great post and I am thinking of visiting Canada again.



10 October 2017 at 9:52 am

I went to Canada many years ago with the school and it’s definitely somewhere I’d like to visit as an adult! Thanks for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday and sorry for the late commenting



urbansoulalchemy2013
11 October 2017 at 5:49 am

I live in Canada 🙂 The food is definitely incredible in all three of the mentioned cities. I’m surprised Calgary is not mentioned, as it is usually tied in with mentions of the larger cities.



    11 October 2017 at 11:59 am

    Thanks for reading! I haven’t mentioned Calgary as I’ve only included cities that I have visited and only wanted to provide information first hand. Maybe next time I will get to visit this great city too! X



13 November 2017 at 8:06 pm

I haven’t been to Canada since I was in high school! I’d love to visit again maybe when my kiddos are a little older.
-Mama from Mama Writes Reviews



cupcake1007
14 November 2017 at 2:25 am

I love winter sports. Canada is amazing. There are several spots on my travel wishlist and youre giving me the wandering bug with this post! ❤️



Natalie
14 November 2017 at 6:15 pm

I’ve only been to the west side of Canada but I loved it. Hoping to go back soon, when the kiddos are a bit older!



14 November 2017 at 7:40 pm

My grandparents were born in Canada, I was so little when we went to visit that I don’t remember so I would love t go again! Sounds amazing!



15 November 2017 at 3:40 am

I would love to visit Canada some day! It’s a beuatiful country, but I’m in the middle of the US and miles from everywhere!



10 December 2017 at 8:33 am

Beautiful country, Next month my family trip 5 days Vancouver.



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