Best of Canada - Cities and towns

Canada is a huge country and it can be tricky to decide where to head; east, west, north, or right in the middle? Note that this list is personal to me and reflects my opinion as well as the opinion of travelers which I have met as they journeyed in Canada.

From far & wide – what I haven't seen but wish to see.

Dawson city, Yukon

One of the original city of the Klondike Gold Rush, it’s small and well preserved town with all the old fashion and cowboy style! I would like to tour the true great white north someday and Dawson City is a promising stop on the way! I've heard a lot about the city, from legends to true story and it's just so captivating!

A legeng among others...

Did you ever hear about that famous shot of Yukon Gold Whisky which you drink with a human toe in the glass? No you did not read wrong. There is really a bar that serves a shot which is famously called the Sourtoe. No you don't swallow the legendary toe but it has to touch your lips! OMG. I know! Would you do it ?

CBC Canada published a paper about a man who swallowed the human toe and paid the fine... funny story here!

Sand Banks, Ontario

I’ve heard great comments from a few families about going to Sand Banks for some summer camping. Warning: you must book early! This destination might just end up on my list this summer/fall 2017, let's see if I get to book anything!

Whistler, B-C

If there is one famous ski resort in North America, it’s got to be Whistler. I have passed through but never been to. It’s definitely somewhere I will go next time I head to Vancouver, most likely in winter! I’d gladly get my snowblades ski on and hit the slopes! How about snowshoes up and snowblades down? Sounds like a great challenge to me.

Many people I’ve met say that the best and ideal road trip is to leave from Horseshoe bay in Vancouver, head to Squamish for some hikes and outdoor sports and then continue onto Whistler. We, Canadian, call it the Sea-to-sky country! The mountains are stunning and the surrounding country land is all about nature and calmness.

Okanagan Valley

It's high on my list! Mostly, the Okanagan valley is a nice region in British-Columbia and the perfect place for any outdoor activities. Plus, the region is known to produce the best fruits in Canada. And... who says fruits says grapes... who says grapes says ? Wine! Indeed, the Okanagan county is high on my list as I'm dreaming of a week end of winery tours!

I know...

There's much more to see in my big country, I know! I've only put the highest and most accessible things for me to plan in a "near" future!

Suggestions ?

Please, leave comments below and tell me what's not to be missed in Canada! Merci :)

Ô Canada – what I’ve seen and liked the most.

Québec City

It’s with a very biased opinion that I put my hometown on top of this list. Quebec is a lovely city, often reminding fellow Canadians of Europe. Everyone likes Québec City; it’s not too big and not too small, has no insane traffic, just regular traffic, has plenty of great restaurants, has a charming architecture and passionate citizens who make the city lively and authentic. Parlez-vous Français?

Montréal

It’s there because it’s a major city in Eastern Canada and I’ve recently relocated in Montreal. That being said, I have not had the chance to explore as much and I’d like to. I will this summer and quickly make a list of my best addresses!

St-Andrews, New-Brunswick

St-Andrews-by-the-sea of it’s full name, is a lovely town nestled on the eastern coast on the edge of the Passamaquoddy Bay which falls into the majestic Bay of Fundy. By the way, the Bay of Fundy viewed from the sky is simply stunning. The town is nice, people are welcoming and the food is good. Stay at the Algonquin Resort if you have the chance, it’s beautiful and peaceful there.

Vancouver & Vancouver Island (Victoria, Nanaimo, Tofino, Ucluelet, etc.)

The mega-city of Vancouver is nice of course, but what I like most about is hanging around English Bay by a sunny day, hiding beer cans in our shoes and enjoying the views, the sun, the company, etc. Vancouver, in the best areas, has great vibes. I also love walking in the gay village, with the street crosswalks painted with the rainbow colors. It’s peaceful and there’s plenty of nice clothing stores around.

Victoria; I have lived there, on the University campus, for two months over the summer in 2008. That was my first attempt to learn and speak English, I was 18 years old. From the first look, I loved Victoria as it reminded me of Quebec City with all the charm, small shops and tons of parks and gardens. Victoria came along with a promise of freedom I was feeling for the first time in my life and the feeling lived on through the summer and the adventures.

Nanaimo; the Nanaimo bars are a stand alone, freaking good, reason to visit Nanaimo.

vancouver island best of canada tofino beach

Tofino; Yes, the long beach of Tofino is where they filmed some Twilight movies scenes! Mostly, Tofino is all about cold water surfing and old growth forest! The surf is hard, waves are insane (for the very beginner I was anyway!) and the water temperature, even in July, requires a full 7 mm dry suit. With the boots!

As for the old growth forest, it's simply magical. It's impressive to walk along all the enormous centennial trees and maple leafs are so big they seem from another planet.

Calgary & Edmonton

I've lived in both cities, Edmonton for 1 year and Calgary for 4 years. It would be hard to try to decide which city is best but I personally preferred Calgary. There's a lot to do in both cities, a lot of nice restaurants to try and attractions such as the West Edmonton Mall or the Calgary Stampede!

One of Calgary's advantage is sure to enjoy the 'backsplash' view of the mountains from a lot of points in the city. Running around the Glenmore Reservoir every week, contemplating the rockies and this big lake-like water bassin. It was peaceful and energizing at once. The other advantage of Calgary is the proximity of the rocky mountains. Indeed, in less than 1 hour you go through Kananaskis county and get into the Canmore and Banff area. From Edmonton, it takes about 4 hours to get to Jasper.

The Canadian Rockies

Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, etc.

Do I need to introduce those towns of Alberta ? Don't think so! I was lucky enough to travel though the Canadian rockies a lot and in many ways. I tried all the accommodation types in the region as I stayed in different campgrounds, in regular hotels of the Banff Lodging Co. and also in Fairmont Hotels such as the Chateau Lake Louise.

My "must dos" of the rockies :