VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
From sea to Sea. True north strong and free. The land of breathtaking sites, inspiring diversity and deeply rooted histories.
The only way to believe it is to see it for yourself; from gravy covered French fries to astonishing natural sites, join us as we discover this North American gem and reveal what makes this country a legend amongst travelers.
Explorers, are you ready?
Welcome to Canada. Let’s start with the basics.
Nearly 36 million people call Canada their home. While that may sound like a lot of people, the nation covers a massive 9.98 million square kilometers, making it the world’s second largest country, after Russia. The country also leads the world in education, with over half of Canadians holding a college degree.
There are two official languages in Canada, French and English. In primary school, it’s a requirement for English speakers to learn French, in order to foster bilingualism. And speaking both languages will come in handy to visit the dominantly French speaking province of Quebec.
But it’s not your only option for a good time; Canada has nine other provinces and three territories that its residents call home.
Across this expansive and geographically diverse land mass, where you can find everything from mountain ranges to Prairie lands. You’ll discover that Canada also has more freshwater lakes than all the rest of the world’s lakes combined. So many lakes in fact, the country has simply numbered many of them, as opposed to providing each of them with their own name.
And not only are Canadians some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet they also share the largest unprotected border in the world.
These days the country is proud to celebrate this impressive backdrop with over 15 million travelers every year.
Let’s find out what adventures await you in Canada.
Adrenaline junkies need to look no further to find experiences that are sure to get the heart thumping in their chests.
If you are a fan of winter activities, then consider yourself especially lucky. In western Canada there are world-class mountains right for skiing and snowboarding; from the famous Whistler – Blackcomb, to Cypress Mountain and Big White, you can’t call yourself a snow bunny if you haven’t conquered British Columbia’s slopes.
If an invigoratingly chilly hike is more your thing, then embark on a Glacier tour, trekking the rugged 10,000 years old ice fields of Alberta’s Icefields Parkway; one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world; you drive, trek and drink from the staggeringly beautiful forces of Mother Nature.
Afterward you’ll certainly have earned that soak in Banff’s Upper Hot Springs.
Winter time offers a never- ending itinerary of exhilarating activities. Travelers can go snowmobiling along starkly white trails, or even skating down impressive natural ice rinks like the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Ontario.
Case in point, the Canadian winter does not disappoint thrill-seekers. Once the ice melts, consider a canoe or kayak ride on one of the country’s countless lakes and rivers.
Favorite spots of the locals include Lake Beauvert in Fairmont Jasper Park lodge, and the emerald waters of Moraine Lake; both of which can be found in the province of Alberta.
Though, some would argue that the best place to explore via kayak and canoe would be at twenty-nine thousand kilometers of coastline in in Newfoundland, including 9656 km of bays, breathtaking fjords, guts and inlets that will leave you awestruck.
And on the note of majestic sights, impressive wildlife runs abound the Canadian wilderness. You can go whale watching on the coast of Eastern Canada; a particularly popular activity in Nova Scotia.
And while you’re enjoying the icebergs in Newfoundland, you may even get to witness the quirky puffin population’s mating season, or travel into remote forest throughout the country to capture the sights of beavers, moose, and bears of every variety. Head to Northern Ontario, and you may be lucky enough to listen to the calls of the provincial bird, the loon.
Once you’ve enjoyed the call of the wild, it’s time to head back into Canada’s cities to partake in the unique festivals and cultural celebrations. Every year, people from all over head to Calgary, Alberta, to enjoy the Calgary Stampede, an annual rodeo, exhibitions and festivals held each July.
You will also want to witness the way of life of Canada’s First Nation people. Attend a totem raising ceremony in British Columbia’s Kitselas Canyon, or head to Winnipeg and immerse yourself in native culture at the Manito Ahbee Festival.
If you’re a music lover, Canada will not disappoint you either. Cross the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and Ottawa Bluesfest off your list, while also swinging by the East Coast to let the spirit of the region’s Celtic inspired music carry you away.
But we haven’t forgot about the sport fanatics. Those of you who love the thrill of the game will want to catch a curling match or enjoy a game of hockey at the Maple Leafs Garden.
Once you’re truly tuckered out from all the exciting activities you’ve crossed off your bucket list, then enjoy a winery tour and find your Nirvana.
Excellent locations to take a winery tour include Ontario Prince Edward county, not to be confused with Prince Edward Island.And, of course,Niagara- on- the- Lake. The bonus of visiting Niagara’s wine region is that you are only a short drive from the world renowned Niagara Falls.
Now that we’ve addressed what to do once you arrive, we certainly need to share with you when to visit.
Despite popular belief, Canada isn’t actually that cold; winter runs strong from December through March, with typically rainy Spring weather occurring from April do mid-June.
Summer, also the high season for tourism, begins near the end of June and runs through nearly the end of September.
Fall can last from October until close to the end of December, depending on how Mother Nature feels each year.
You may think it’s risky to visit during Fall, as things can begin to get a little colder, but taking the risk is the only way to witness the majesty of a potential Indian Summer.
Experience the scenic Fall Foliage where the country’s thick wooded areas begin to undergo the dramatic transformations, as the leaves change colors yet another year.
And remember, cold temperature can cause rapid fat loss if you aren’t careful. So, don’t be afraid to double down on your carb intake! Which serves as the perfect introduction to what one must eat and drink while exploring the country.
In major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, it’s not uncommon to find delicious Mexican, Thai and Chinese food all on the same street. Though it’s the undeniably Canadian foods, such as poutine that the country is known for.
Expertly deep-fried French fries, drowned in the perfect ratio of gravy and cheese curds, poutine is a spectacularly indulgent dish that deserves to be graced by your taste buds.
Next, swap your traditional bacon for peameal bacon, which comes from the pig’s belly.
If you’re sitting down for breakfast, don’t forget the authentic Canadian maple syrup, which comes thick, sweet and anywhere from Amber to Golden in color.
If the thought of seafood makes you drool, then get yourself to Eastern Canada to enjoy freshly caught lobsters, crabs and oysters.
On the West coast, sit yourself down to mouth watering servings of Pacific salmon, mackerel and black cod. We promise you won’t be disappointed.
Never one to shy away from desserts, Canada also offers delicious donut holes, beaver tails, which are flattened donuts covered in brown sugar and classic toppings like chocolate or butterscotch sauce, and the truly unique Nanaimo bars.
But what do you drink to wash down all these belt-tightening treats?
Well, the country has an irresistible craft brewery scene and of course classic beers like the pale lager Molson and India- Pale Ale Alexander Keith’s should be sampled.
Perhaps you are craving a truly unique drink. If so try the distinctly Canadian beverage, the Caesar, which typically contains vodka, Clamato juice, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce and is served with ice in a large, celery salt- rimmed glass. Perfect to help pick you backup after a particularly rough night.
Oh and that’s nothing like enjoying a glass of ice wine after dinner. This dessert wine is made from grapes frozen on the vine and is popular not only in Canada but Germany as well.
Or if you’re looking to keep a clear head, then sit down to a tall cold glass of apple cider from one of Ontario’s many apple farms.
No matter how you choose to eat and drink your way around the country one thing’s for sure you won’t be disappointed.
With so many varied and inspiring landscapes to discover, one visit to this incredible Northern nation will surely not be enough. Canada is the type of country that will beckon to you again and again and will leave you breathless every single time.
So what are you waiting for?
We hope these tips ensure that next Great Canadian Adventure will be a truly astonishing one and if you still can’t get enough and check-out Days to come for more inspiration and travel tips, and if you are ready to experience the country for yourself, simply visit tourradar.com today.
As they say in Canada, farewell and au revoir for now.
Double down:
To continue to do something in an even more determined way than before.
Double up:
To share something, especially a room, with someone else.
To receive or use two of something
VOCABULARY SELF -TEST
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GEMS
Precious stones
FOSTER
To encourage the development or growth of ideas or feelings
HANDY
useful or convenient
EXPANSIVE
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covering a large area
Prairie
a wide area of flat land without trees in Canada and the northern US
Backdrop
a large piece of cloth with buildings, countryside, etc. painted on it, hung at the back of a stage
Adrenaline
a hormone produced by the body when a person is frightened, angry, or excited
Junky
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someone who cannot stop taking illegal drugs
Bunny
rabbit
Embark
to go onto a ship
a large mass of ice that moves slowly
Trek
to walk a long distance, usually over land such as hills, mountains, or forests
Rugged
(Land) wild and not even; not easy to travel over
Staggering
shocking because of being extremely large
Drown
To die through submersion in and inhalation of water.
To leave something in liquid.
Exhilarating
making you feel very excited and happy
Snowmobile
Starkly
CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
very obviously and clearly
Thrill
a feeling of extreme excitement
Seek
to try to find or get something
Canoe
Kayak
Lodge
a small house in the country, used especially by people on holiday or taking part in sports
Emerald
a bright green colour
Bay
Fjord
a long strip of sea between steep hills
Gut
narrow coastal body of water, a channel or strait
Inlet
a narrow strip of water that goes from a sea or lake into the land or between islands
Awestruck
filled with feelings of admiration or respect
beautiful, powerful, or causing great admiration and respect
Puffin
Mate
Come together for breeding
Beaver
Moose
Loon
a large North American bird that eats fish
Partake
to eat or drink
Stampede
an occasion when many large animals or many people suddenly all move quickly and in an uncontrolled way, usually in the same direction at the same time, especially because of fear
Rodeo
a sport and public entertainment in which cowboys show different skills by riding wild horses and catching cows with ropes
Totem
an object that is respected by a group of people, especially for religious reasons
of an ancient European people who are related to the Irish, Scots, Welsh, and Bretons, or of their language or culture
Tucker
Exhaust
Bucket list
a list of the things that a person would like to do or achieve before they die
Nirvana
a state of freedom from all suffering that Buddhists believe can be achieved by removing all personal wishes
Bonus
an extra amount of money that is given to you as a present or reward for good work as well as the money you were expecting
Fall Foliage
Undeniable
Certainly true
Drown
to cover or be covered, especially with a liquid
Taste buds
a group of cells, found especially on the tongue, that allow different tastes to be recognized
Bacon
meat from the back or sides of a pig, often eaten fried in thin slices
Peameal Bacon
Peameal bacon (also known as cornmeal bacon) is a wet-cured, unsmoked back bacon made from trimmed lean boneless pork loin rolled in cornmeal
Amber
a hard, transparent, yellowish-brown substance that was formed in ancient times from resin
Drool
to allow saliva (= liquid in the mouth) to flow out of your mouth
Amber
a hard, transparent, yellowish-brown substance that was formed in ancient times from resin
Drool
to allow saliva (= liquid in the mouth) to flow out of your mouth