I love the freedom to walk on any street, any time of day or night, and feel safe. I love that I never have to worry about my bags being stolen or my personal belongings left unattended. I love how people are polite and generally well mannered.
When discovering Canada, I love going to markets and wandering through the different shops, looking at their products and wares. I love seeing how other people live, what they choose to eat, what kind of music they listen to, what kind of fashion they wear…and although these things may seem small, they tell me a lot about the culture.
What’s the best time to travel to Canada? Canada’s seasons are opposite those of the United States, with winter coming in July and August and summer running from November to February. Winter months are typically more expensive than the summer months. While some great deals are available during the winter, they’re not as plentiful as they are during the summer months. If possible, plan your trip during the summer months when everything will be slightly less expensive. The best time of year to travel to Canada is between June and August when cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal enjoy a warmer climate.
A little about Canada
Canada is a federal parliamentary democracy consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Canada has a huge landmass compared to its population of around 35 million people, making it the second-largest country in the world by total area (behind Russia). Canada shares land borders with the United States to the south (the longest border between two countries in the world) and with the US state of Alaska to the northwest. To the north lies the Arctic Ocean, covering 8% of Canada’s total surface area.
Eclectic cities filled with culture and history
Canada borders the United States. We share a lot of the same culture, but there are still some distinct differences between Canadians and Americans. The conversations between the two countries are always interesting, and I find myself learning a lot from the U.S., especially when they’re talking about celebrities like Justin Bieber or how to make good pancakes. Although our cultures may be similar, they’re not identical.
I’m proud of the artists and national symbols
I love that Canada has such vibrant art scenes from coast to coast! So many talented Canadian artists have created beautiful works of art for us to enjoy. Like the maple leaf and the beaver, their national symbols are also one of my favorite things about Canada because they’re incorporated into so many parts of daily life (like on candy bars!).
Tolerance: Canada is a very tolerant country. It’s very accepting of different races and religions, which means that people from around the world can live here without feeling discriminated against. For example, Toronto is considered one of the most diverse cities in the world!
Healthcare: Medical care is universal in Canada. Medical care is provided to all Canadians regardless of income or pre-existing conditions. All basic healthcare needs are covered (including prescription medications), but some services are not covered (dental, eye care).
Running water: Running water isn’t just available…it’s actually FREE! While Americans pay an average of $1,200 per year on utilities, Canadians pay nothing to have running water at home.
Touring Canada in Winter If you come from the United States or Europe, the best time to visit Canada is in winter. It will be cold, but it’s also when most of the country’s attractions are open. Winter sports, like skiing, snowshoeing and dogsledding, are all popular in winter. There is also plenty of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. When it’s cold outside, there are plenty of indoor activities available such as visiting museums, shopping, eating at restaurants and enjoying nightlife if your city has it.
