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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