11 Things Not to Do on a Plane

When we board a plane, the goal is simple: to get to our destination as safely and pleasantly as possible. But sometimes we get in our own way.

To be a safer and more courteous traveler, don't make the following 11 airplane mistakes. Avoiding some of these behaviors will keep you from getting on your fellow fliers' nerves; avoiding others could even save your life. Read on to learn what not to do on a plane.

1. Don't try a new medication for the first time.

Where would you rather be when you discover that Ambien makes you hallucinate or that you're allergic to your new iron supplement -- at home, with easy access to your doctor and a local hospital, or in a metal tube hurtling 35,000 feet above the Pacific? Never take a medicine in flight that you haven't already taken for a test run at home.

2. Don't tune out the safety briefing.

Yeah, yeah -- the briefing is boring, you've heard it a million times and you already know how to buckle a seatbelt. As tedious as it seems, though, the information could save your life one day. At the very least, take a few seconds to figure out where the nearest emergency exit is and how many rows away it is from your seat. (In a dark or smoky cabin, you'll want to be able to count the rows by touching the seats as you make your way toward an exit.)

3. Don't joke about bombs.

No one is going to laugh at your one-liner about guns, weapons or anything else that could be taken as threatening -- particularly not the flight attendants, who have the power to remove you from a flight if they think there's even the slightest chance you might pose a security risk.

4. Don't recline your seat during mealtimes.

One of the biggest debates in the travel world is whether it's okay to recline your seat at all. Whichever side of the issue you take, I think all of us can agree that once the food and drink carts start rolling down the aisles, it's only courteous to make sure your seat is upright so the person behind you can have full access to his or her tray.

5. Don't eat stinky food.

Speaking of mealtimes, give your seatmates a break -- don't show up for your flight with a tuna sandwich or a plate of onion rings. Not only will they stink while you're eating them, but they'll also ensure that you have bad breath for the rest of the flight.

6. Don't drink too much.

No one will complain if you have a glass of wine with dinner, but over-indulging in alcohol can have consequences ranging from dehydration to even getting kicked off the plane for disorderly behavior. Remember: No one wants to sit next to the guy who reeks of alcohol, passes out on your shoulder or throws up on your shoes.

7. Don't abuse the flight attendant call button.

The flight attendants' first priority is to keep you safe, not to cater to your every whim, so use discretion when deciding when to hit that call button. If you're feeling ill, or you're thirsty on an overnight flight when the lights are out and getting up would wake your sleeping seatmates, feel free to hit the button. If the flight attendants are already serving dinner and you decide you need a drink right now, suck it up and be patient.

8. Don't put your carry-on in an overhead bin where you're not sitting.

As pet peeves go, this is one of our biggest -- when the person in 33A puts her carry-on in the bin above row 16, ensuring that there won't be enough space for the people actually sitting in row 16 to stow their own bags. This means people in the front of the plane end up having to put their bags toward the back, which leads to passengers trying to go against the stream of traffic when it comes time to deplane. Do everyone a favor and use your own overhead bin space unless there's no alternative.

9. Don't put a bag overhead if it's small enough to go under the seat in front of you.

In other carry-on shenanigans, please don't be the person who puts your rolling suitcase and your backpack and your coat into the overhead bin on a full flight. Leave space for other people's stuff by putting your personal item under the seat in front of you, and squeezing your coat into the empty spaces left after everyone else has fit their larger bags into the bin.

10. Don't inflict your feet on other passengers.

We have no problem with people slipping off their shoes to be more comfortable on a long flight -- with a few important exceptions.

First, your feet should be as unobtrusive as possible to everyone else (so don't prop them on top of a seatback, or wriggle them into the gap between the wall of the plane and the poor person in the seat in front of you who just wants to lean against the window without getting a faceful of your bare toes). Second, put your shoes back on before you go to the lavatory (because ew). And finally, if you know you're prone to bromodosis -- the polite scientific term for smelly feet -- be considerate of your fellow passengers and leave your shoes on.

Source - https://goo.gl/tJLY3Y

Top Destinations to Visit in Europe

From major metropolises to charming, overlooked locales, Europe is brimming with cities everyone should visit. But where does a penny-pinching, adventure-seeking twentysomething even begin when it comes to traveling Europe?

The big players -- London, Paris, Amsterdam -- are great. Those should be on everyone's bucket list. For millennials, these 20 cities offer delicious street food, hip hostels, cozy cafes and many glimpses into new cultures.

And there's a bonus -- these beautiful cities are even worth visiting if you're not exactly in your 20s anymore.

1) Berlin, Germany

By day, Berlin is a cultural wonderland, with an impressive roster of museums, art galleries and historic neighborhoods to explore. By night, Berlin boasts some of the best nightlife Europe has to offer -- whether you want to listen to some low-key live music or rave the night away, there's a club for every style.

2) Riga, Latvia

Riga was named a 2014 European Capital of Culture for good reason. There's iconic architecture, museums, the historic center (which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and lots of festivities to attend.

3) Stockholm, Sweden

Hip, exciting and undeniably beautiful, Stockholm should be high on your bucket list. Summer is the ideal time to visit, when the skies are extra blue and you can spend the day wandering the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan. Explorers can make an excursion to some of roughly 30,000 islands that make up the skärgård archipelago.

4) Copenhagen, Denmark

The capital of Denmark is possibily one of the most charming, friendliest cities on Earth. Hop on a bicycle and explore the historic canals and squares while admiring the city's eye-catching architecture. Be sure to pay a visit to Tivoli Gardens, the nearby amusement park that's more than 170 years old. And, of course, get cozy at a bar or cafe and chat up those friendly locals.

5) Budapest, Hungary

The "hipster capital of Europe" is also possibly the most beautiful spot on the continent. The "playground of twentysomethings" is, clearly, perfect for young travelers looking for cultural enrichment and some uber-cool nightlife. Check out District VII's offbeat shops and cafes, pop into a "ruin pub," visit a few museums and ogle the city's gorgeous architecture.

6) Fira, Greece

If you're backpacking through cities, you'll eventually need a place to slow down, relax and admire some gorgeous scenery. The island of Santorini is that place. From soaring cliffs to the Aegean Sea's sapphire water, there's no shortage of beautiful landscapes. From Fira, head to Ancient Thira or hop over to Oia and take in one of their famed sunsets. You can also sample delicious Greek cuisine and sunbathe on the island's black sand beaches.

7) Oslo, Norway

Norway is the greatest place on Earth. So its capital, Oslo, is pretty excellent. And yes, the country is expensive, but can be done on a budget. Set on a backdrop of forested hills and the Oslo Fjord, the city has no shortage of natural beauty. The city also offers some unique museums, like the Viking Ship Museum and the Nobel Peace Centre.

Source - http://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/european-cities-visit-in-your-twenties_n_5504944

How to Book the Cheapest Flight Possible to Anywhere

We’ve all experienced the tiresome, repeated searching when trying to book the cheapest possible flights to any given destination. With endless search engines and continually fluctuating prices, the approach to frugal flight booking is overwhelming. Here’s some key tips that will save you time, frustration and most importantly money when booking your next flight.

1. Keep your searches top secret

You’re not crazy for thinking that a flight price has changed after searching it a few times in your web browser. Based on the cookies in your browser, flight prices do increase when a particular route is repeatedly searched, as the site wants to scare you into booking the flight quickly before prices get even higher. Always search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode to see the lowest prices.

In Google Chrome or Safari, incognito is enabled by hitting Command (or “Control” if using PC), Shift, “N”. For Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer, hit Command (or “Control” if using a PC), Shift, “P”. This will open a new browser window where your information is not tracked, thus not inflating prices as you search. Note: if you’re using an older version of OS X, open Safari then click “Safari” in the menu bar, and select “Private Browsing”.

Your cookies are reset each time you re-open an incognito window. So if you want to start with a clean slate for each flight search (so your previous searches aren’t “remembered”, potentially inflating costs), close all your incognito windows, open a new one, and then perform your flight search.

2. Identify the cheapest day to fly out

While many theories exist around booking specifically on a Tuesday to save money, the reality is there is no consistent truth to exactly which days are cheapest to fly. Most of the time it is cheaper to leave on a weekday, though this isn’t always the case. Your best strategy is to get a quick visual of prices for a whole month to see what days are cheapest for your specific route.

3. Befriend budget airlines

Budget airlines offer significantly cheaper tickets than their full-service counterparts. It should be obvious, but this comes with compromises such as less leg room and no “free” food/drink on-board (which by the way, is normally covered in your higher-priced ticket with full-service airlines).

• Check where the airport location is (some budget airlines fly to airports further out of  town).
• Ensure you’ve booked & paid for your luggage allowance. Adhere to restrictions on weight, height, and  of bags allowed. Some airlines (e.g. Ryanair) will charge hefty fee if you’re over. Remember, paying only for the exact luggage space/weight you need is how budget airlines keep their prices lower than traditional airlines!
• Read the fine print. The best example is that Ryanair WILL CHARGE A FEE if you do not print your own ticket or adhere to their strict luggage weight and dimensions. A warning of this fee is clearly stated in all capital letters in the first sentence of your e-confirmation. In a nutshell, always read and follow instructions

4. Book long-haul flights yourself for less!

If you’re flying somewhere that involves a transfer, say from Canada to Australia which typically involves Canada to LA, then LA to Australia, consider that it may be cheaper to book these two legs separately on your own by adding another destination to your trip. It should go without saying that in doing this, you should not book tight layovers. I repeat: do not book layovers that are hours apart! This approach is for those who want to create an additional destination of a few days or more, before catching their next flight.

First, do your research: are there budget airlines unique to the country you’re flying out of and where you’re headed to? Booking with a budget Australian airline from Sydney to Honolulu, then an American one from Honolulu to Montreal saved us over $400 each when flying back from Australia to Canada earlier this year. This allowed us to create a thrifty five-day stopover in Hawaii on our way back, which was less exhausting and a lot cheaper!

It should be said that a travel agent can be used to do the legwork of booking long-haul flights with strategic multi-day layovers. We have not done this ourselves but it’s certainly worked for others. If you can show an agent a cheaper price online, they may match it, plus include a few days’ stopover in a desired spot if that is what you’re seeking.

5. Don’t forget about local airlines

While the above search engines are great, they do not always include small airlines, especially in less popularly booked routes and/or in remote regions. If you’re flying somewhere obscure, Google search and ask around if there exists a local airline. While in South America we learnt that the LADE Air in Argentina (flown by military pilots) has crazy cheap flights to Patagonia, which is of course not listed in mass search engines online.

When you do find small airlines, even if they are listed in a search engine results, it often pays to check the company site which may reveal exclusive online offers not found in a regular search engine. For example, when flying in Western Canada, I found that Hawk Air, a small and local company offers weekly deals on certain days. Be sure to double check!

6. If you know when and where you’re going, don’t wait to book

Rarely ever do airline tickets get cheaper as your departure date approaches, especially if you need to fly on a certain date. Budget airlines typically offer low rates as a baseline price, and as these tickets sell, the remaining ones increase in cost. This is very typical in Europe and Australia. If you know when and where you’re going, don’t wait on an unknown sale. More often than not, your biggest savings come from booking far ahead when you can.

Source - http://thriftynomads.com/booking-cheapest-flight-possible-anywhere/

Canada Shopping and Nightlife

Shopping in Canada

You’ll have no trouble buying large vats of maple syrup or cuddly polar bears galore. If you’re looking for something more original, check out the extensive range of fine Canadian crafts available, such as art woodcarvings, leather goods, pottery, jewellery and native artworks.

Sports lovers might enjoying kitting themselves out in an ice hockey strip: take your pick from NHL teams the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers or Vancouver Canucks.

Outdoors enthusiasts meanwhile will find a vast selection of stores selling all the must-have gear and clothing. Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) has branches across the country, sells everything you could possibly need for trips into the backcountry, and is something of a Canadian institution.

Canada boasts a strong tradition of microbreweries, and a few bottles of the local ale make for a unique and consumable gift. Edible treats include salmon candy (chewy strips of smoked salmon steeped in honey and spices), fireweed honey and a smorgasbord of specialist chutneys, pickles and sauces.

This being North America, shopping malls are everywhere; if you’re a mall fanatic, make a pilgrimage to the country’s (and previously the world’s) largest, the West Edmonton Mall in Alberta. With more than 800 shops, a water park, ice rink, amusement park, aquarium, cinemas, restaurants, clubs and even two hotels, there are no shortage of outlets to splash your cash.

There are three different forms of sales tax throughout Canada; these are added onto the price of goods at the till. A 5% goods and service tax (GST) is levied on most goods and services in Canada. In addition, most jurisdictions (except Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon) levy a provincial service tax (PST) of 5 to 10% in shops, restaurants and short-term accommodation.

In the provinces of British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario, a harmonised sales tax (HST) of 12 to 15% has replaced the GST and PST. Residents of British Columbia voted to bring back PST following a referendum on HST in 2011 however; PST will return in April 2013. Note that visitors may no longer reclaim GST or HST on accommodation and any goods purchased and taken out of the country.
Shopping hours:

Mon-Sat 0900-1800, with late-night shopping in some stores Thurs-Fri, up to 2100 (malls in large cities are often open until 2100 Mon-Fri). Some shops and stores are also open on Sunday, and some are open 24 hours a day.
Note:

Some countries have restrictions against the import of endangered animal species products, such as products made from polar bear, seal, walrus or whale, so you should check entry regulations in your home country before departure; some of these products may also require a Canadian export certificate.

Nightlife in Canada

Canadian nightlife isn’t solely oriented around boozing. But if you’re up for a few drinks, most cities have a pleasant selection of casual brewpubs and hipster lounges. In many cases, the most popular bars are connected to stylish hotels. The major cities have at least a handful of nightclubs playing music to suit most tastes. Live music’s popular too – try Nova Scotia for traditional Celtic music with a Canadian slant or Alberta for boot-stomping cowboy tunes.

A night out in Canada is just as likely to be centred around eating, and the country’s considerable ethnic diversity means you’re in for a treat, with an enormous variety of food available. Vancouver is the place to head for sushi, while Montreal is renowned for poutine - a stodgy dish of fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy.

Canadians also love hanging out at coffee bars and these tend to stay open late, making a nice alternative to sitting in the pub.

Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Winnipeg are centres for ballet, opera and classical music, with visits from leading orchestras and internationally renowned performers.

Entertainment in the more remote towns is scarce, but it’s always worth having a few beers in the local bar where you’re likely to encounter a few characters. 

Source - http://www.worldtravelguide.net/canada/shopping-nightlife

Our Top 6 Lakes in the Canadian Rockies

 

The Canadian Rockies offer a wealth of lakes for your viewing, swimming, boating and exploring pleasure. It was hard for us to pick a favourite, so here is our Top 6 Lakes in the Canadian Rockies.

Lake Minnewanka - Banff

The largest lake in Banff National Park is nestled between mountain scenery and is cloaked in history. A cruise on board the Banff Lake Cruise, with experienced captains and entertaining guides, will delve you into the past yet transport you in to the present of the beauty surrounding you. You may choose to rent a pedal boat and explore the water’s edge, hike on local trails or use it as the centre-point for amazing photography in all seasons. Lake Minnewanka is also a popular spot for scuba-diving in the Rockies for exploration of the submerged village of Minnewanka Landing. 

Peyto Lake - Icefields Parkway 

One of the most awe-inspiring lakes in the Canadian Rockies is easily accessible from a viewing platform high on the mountainside. Watch the glacier-fed turquoise waters sneak into view as you complete the short pathway to the view point. These mountainous lakes get their vibrant turquoise tint from rock flour, or glacial flour that is picked up during the melting process. Peyto Lake received its name from Bill Peyto, a significant man of history in the Rockies; an early mountain guide in Banff National Park.

Lake Louise – Lake Louise

A destination in itself and needs no introduction, this Iconic lake of the Rockies is cuddled by towering peaks and mesmerizing glaciers. Discovering the Rockies is simple onboard a sightseeing excursion such as the Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls tour - visit Lake Louise and gain a bonus of a visit to Moraine Lake. Lake Louise, beautiful in every season offers canoeing opportunities to explore the water’s edge and popular hiking trails in the summer. In winter, the lake is a host to the Ice Magic Festival showcasing a stunning carved Ice Castle on the surface of the lake. 

Pyramid Lake - Jasper

A warmer lake in the Jasper area offering another unique perspective of the Rockies as Pyramid Mountain towers over the lake below. Stroll over to the island on foot-bridge, canoe across the lake to the secluded lake beaches or look for wildlife along the shore! Swimming is also popular in this temperate water. For those who wish to visit in the winter, this lake turns in to a winter wonderland with cross country skiing and sleigh rides. 

 Maligne Lake - Jasper

The largest glacier-fed lake in the Canadian Rockies is a must-see! Not only that, it holds the iconic Spirit Island only accessible by boat. Hop aboard the Maligne Lake Cruise and be transported to this magical place. For those experienced in kayaking or canoeing, you may choose to paddle the almost 30km round-trip to the island itself. The lake goes further past the island and ends with a small campsite at Coronet Creek at the 22 km mark (if you are daring enough to embark on a multi-day canoe trip).

Johnson Lake - Banff

Trust a local, this is a top pick for summer relaxation! This is a great place for a cool-off as the water is the perfect temperature for swimming or a float on a warm day. A quick exploratory loop around the lake gives you great view points within a small distance and it’s an achievable hike even with small children. You may even come across the Red Chairs (Parks Canada initiative) to sit and enjoy this unparalleled landscape.

There are so many more lakes we could list; however, we hope this compilation offers some inspiration for your travels! 

Blog Resource By -https://www.brewster.ca/explore/travel-blog/august-2016/our-top-6-lakes-in-the-canadian-rockies/

The 10 best budget summer activities in Canada

Sure, you can blow your life savings on a posh, five-star hotel in one of Canada’s big cities. But there are tons of inexpensive ways to enjoy both big cities and smaller destinations across this great country of ours. Here are a few budget-friendly options for the final weeks of summer.

Photo courtesy by Jim Byers

MONTREAL

A bird’s eye view, and a serious rush for $19.99. That’s a good deal for a fantastic city like Montreal, where the folks at Montreal Zip Line will send you on a 366-meter-long zipline over the water down at the city’s glistening waterfront. They also have a “quick jump” over a 24-meter tower. If that’s too ambitious, you can always scarf down a smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz’s for less than $10.

WHITEHORSE

One of my favourite things to do in the area is to take the easy but dramatic walk along Miles Canyon. It’s a deep, rocky chasm lined with orange-brown rock and a fairly fast-flowing Yukon River. There also are biking trails and great spots for a picnic. The Yukon Conservation Society offers free guided walks.

TWILLINGATE, NEWFOUNDLAND

The icebergs may not be around this late in summer, but a walk among the headlands of Twillingate is about as wonderful an experience as you’ll find in this great province. The nearby town of Crow Head has a small park called Sea Breeze Municipal Park, with old machinery scattered about and magnificent scenery.

TORONTO

Folks tend to be surprised to find a lovely, old-style farm a few blocks from bustling Bloor Street. But that’s what you’ll get at Riverdale Farm. It’s a free (although with donations encouraged), city-run farm with horses and chickens and pigs and baah-ing sheep that will delight the kids. There’s a lovely park next door for a picnic, and a nice shop for ice cream, too.

VANCOUVER

The Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver is great, but it can be costly for families. The bridge at nearby Lynn Canyon is free, and there’s also a lovely waterfall nearby and great hiking trails all around. All you’ll need to spend is bus fare or a bit of gas to get you there from downtown.

EAST POINT LIGHTHOUSE, PEI

Prince Edward Island has more of a few lighthouses, but I like this one as it’s quite pretty and less crowded than some of the lighthouses you’ll find near Charlottetown. The lighthouse sits near a pretty series of cliffs where the Gulf of St. Lawrence meets the Northumberland Strait. Admission is just $6 for adults and $15 for a family.

REGINA

We Canadians love our Mounties, and there’s no place better to celebrate their work and legacy than the RCMP Heritage Centre in this Saskatchewan City. Adult admission is just $10, but you can get a family pass for two adults and up to five kids for $30. The centre features self-guided audio tours, an RCMP Musical Ride virtual reality show and much more.

HALIFAX

The Citadel is one of the most historic fortifications in Canada. Built in 1856, the military fortress is officially called Fort George. You’ll get excellent views of the city from here, too. It’s said the Citadel is haunted. It costs just $11.70 for adults and $5.80 for kids. No charge for ghosts.

WINNIPEG

The Winnipeg Goldeyes are a minor league team playing in a truly wonderful stadium (Shaw Park) on the edge of downtown. With tickets priced from just $10, you should have plenty of cash left over for some peanuts and Cracker Jack. They have pre-game picnics, too, with hot dog or hamburger meals or even chicken and ribs. The season goes until Sept.

Source - http://goo.gl/EIVU92 

Canada Travel Guide

Canada is a country filled with wonderfully friendly people, classy cities, and a diverse, beautiful landscape. From the ice in the Yukon, to beaches on the east coast, the mountains of Calgary to the rain forests of Vancouver, Canada is a country that is often skipped over on many world trips, and doesn’t get as much attention as it should. It’s a tremendously beautiful country with a lot to offer—I love our friendly neighbor to the north, and believe it’s underrated. Added bonus: It’s easy to get a working holiday visa here. This travel guide will help you plan a trip!

 

Destination Guides for Canada

• Calgary
• Montreal
• Nova Scotia
• Toronto
• Vancouver
• Vancouver Island 

Typical Costs

Accommodation – Rates can vary a lot depending on what city you’re staying in. On average, you’ll wind up paying about 30 CAD for a dorm room at a hostel while you should expect to pay around 65 CAD for a budget hotel room.

Food – Food can be inexpensive as long as you stick to cooking for yourself or hit pubs. Conversely, a meal out at restaurant will cost you around 20-34 CAD! Cheap sandwich shops and fast food are your best bet and will be less than 13 CAD per meal. If you are going to cook your own food, expect to pay between 50-100 CAD per week.

Transportation – This is a big country, and it’s hard to get around without a car. Within city limits, you’ll find great public transportation networks, especially the metro system which is about 3 CAD for a one way ticket. There is a train service (VIA Rail) that runs from coast to coast and is very scenic, though not cheap. Companies like Greyhound and Red Arrow offer long-haul bus service across the country that are decent, but don’t make for the comfiest of conditions. There have been numerous reported instances of theft, so be on your guard and watch your belongings. If you’re going between provinces or staying a while in the country, consider renting a car for between 35-80 CAD per day. As your last alternative, you can fly, but since the country has only two major airlines (WestJet and Air Canada) prices are often very high.

Activities – Canada has a lot of outdoor activities. No matter what part of the country you are in, there is always something to do. Costs range from 20-over 100 CAD depending what you are doing and if you need a guide.

Money Saving Tips

Use coupon sites – If you know your stops ahead of time, monitor sites like Living Social and Groupon for local deals and saving. There are always good listings on some top restaurants and attractions.

Outdoor summer festivals – Since Canadians are stuck indoors all winter, they love to make the most of hot days by packing in lots of festivals into the short summer. Many of these, like Heritage Days (Edmonton), Kits Days (Vancouver), and Caribana (Toronto), are free. Check out upcoming events online in every city you visit.

Outdoor activities – A vast country with a relatively minuscule population leaves lots of potential for outdoor exposure here. Rent a pair of cross-country skis or snowshoes in the winter, enjoy the free use of many trails (versus expensive downhill lift passes), bike, hike, kayak, or canoe in the summer. The cost of most equipment rental will be under 80 CAD for a day, and you can explore many areas at no further cost.

Top Things to See and Do in Canada

The Calgary Stampede – During July, thousands of people descend to Calgary for this multi-day rodeo, drinking event, and carnival. It’s where everyone pretends to be a cowboy for a few days. It’s a lot of fun, and you’ll meet tons of people from around the world. It’s one of Canada’s premier events.

Hit the slopes – The mountains in Canada offer great skiing and snowboarding during the winter. You can visit popular Banff for a great mountain town and excellent trails. It’s quite busy during the winter months with all the snowbirds. Banff is just the most popular place to go but there are tons of other good skiing destinations in the country.

Vancouver – Vancouver is one of my favorite cities in the world, and in my opinion, the best in Canada (sorry, everywhere else!). I love how you can be downtown in a thriving metropolitan city, and then ten minutes later be hiking the mountains. Vancouver blends nature and civilization very well. Add in good weather, great Asian food, friendly people, and a great music scene, and the city becomes a must see destination in my opinion. Plus, it’s located in British Columbia, one of the prettiest regions in Canada. Double bonus.

Visit Vancouver Island – Take a few days off from the city to explore this western island. Try the delicious seafood, go for a hike, spot some whale, shop, and lounge on the beach. This a a place to just sit and relax. Since it is so close to Vancouver, it’s a popular getaway with the locals during the summer.

Hike the Rainforest – Hike the Pacific Rim National Forest for a wonderful look at some temperate rain forests. It’s one of the most popular parks in Canada, but if you can’t make it here, there beautiful forests all over British Columbia just waiting to be discovered.

Visit the Galleries of Toronto – Toronto has some of the best exhibits in the country, so take a day or two just to admire the art of the city. On Wednesdays, galleries will often give a discount.

Montreal – This beautiful city in Quebec offers people a look at the French side of the country. Beautiful streets, an underground mall, jazz clubs, and amazing cuisine make this the hippest and most romantic city in all the country. After Vancouver, it’s my second favorite spot in Canada.

Take a road trip – This huge country is best explored by car. You can see tiny little towns, majestic mountains, amazing countryside, and plenty of off-the-beaten-track places. If you have a lot of time, this is your best and cheapest option to see the country.

Quebec City – There is more to Quebec province than Montreal and Quebec City’s Old Town offers cobblestone walkways, well-preserved 17th century architecture, café culture and the only North American fortress that still exists.

The Atlantic Provinces – Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia are great places to go explore, especially during the summer. If you want to spend your days hiking, kayaking, relaxing by the ocean, and whale watching, this is the place to do it. This is where you’ll find some of the best seafood and shellfish in Canada as the Grand Banks are just off the coast. Plus, these provinces are said to have the friendliest people in all of Canada.

Toronto – While this isn’t my favorite spot in Canada, it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area to hit the many museums and enjoy delicious Asian food. It’s no Vancouver but it’s a pretty awesome, hip, and arty city!

Kelowna – Go where the Canadians spend their vacation. Warm in the summer and mild in the winter, this glacial valley has some of the best weather in the entire country. There is a marina and many golf courses. Nearby is a great wine district.

Churchill, Manitoba – This might be a small town in the middle of nowhere, but it also happens to be the Polar Bear Capital of the World, the Beluga Whale Capital of the World, and one of the best places to view the Aurora Borealis. Mother nature is alive and thriving here.

Niagara Falls – This is one of the most highly visited attractions in the entire continent. You never imagine how big it is until you see it up close and you never envision so much mist either. I really enjoyed seeing it. The town is a touristy, cheesy dump though.

The Yukon – The Yukon is the perfect place to fill your nature desires. The chances of seeing a bear, elk, or deer. Hardly anyone ever visits the Yukon as visitors tend to stick to the major cities and park in the south of the country. But definitely consider visiting because you’ll find yourself and nature in perfect harmony.

Jasper and the Columbia Icefield – If you’re in Alberta and heading to Banff or Calgary, why not move a bit further north. The Icefields Parkway connects Banff and Jasper, and this mountain highway must be one of the most scenic drives in the world. Stop along the way at the Columbia Icefield, an enormous (325 square km) icefield that feeds into eight glaciers. Once in Jasper, visit Maligne Canyon for some beautiful hiking and (frozen) waterfalls or hit Marmot Basin for some great skiing.

Resource :- http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-guides/canada-travel-tips/