When to go
Check any of the travel websites and you'll find that Canada is one of the top picks for travelers wanting a unique vacation experience. There are so many choices and vacation deals to be had that you may end up having to go there more than once. From the western coast to the eastern coast, Canada offers activities that will suit the needs of anyone traveling that direction. Popular cities in Canada include Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal.
Summer, from late June to August, is the best time of year to visit Canada. Naturally, everyone else visits Canada during this time as well, so travel deals are harder to find. There is a magic to be found in the winter, though, and many travel discounts as well. If you don't mind the cold, a winter vacation in Canada can be sensational.
How to get there
There are roughly thirteen international airports in Canada with incoming flights from around the world. Cheap airline tickets for any of the airlines going into Canada are relatively easy to find during the off-season. During the high season, airline ticket prices go up, but there are deals to be had if you're willing to look a bit. Each airport is accessible to a nearby city and they all have rental car companies where you can find great car deals. If you're in the U.S. and want to drive, there are several highways that cross the border into the different areas of Canada. Be sure to have the appropriate items with you when you cross. Things change from time to time, but its always a good idea to have a copy of your birth certificate, drivers license and a valid passport.
Where to stay
There are plenty of hotel deals to be found in Canada and knowing where to stay is half the battle. For accommodations that are more intimate and out of the way, Laurel Cottage Bed and Breakfast (41 Bank Road, Eastport, Newfoundland) is a great out of the way spot that lies about an hour east of Gander International Airport. The Metterra Hotel on Whyte (10454 82 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta) is a boutique style hotel that offers higher end rooms and service and features a complimentary wine and cheese tasting in the evening. The Holiday Inn Barrie in Ontario (20 Fairview Road, Barrie, Ontario) offers great service and warm hospitality at reasonable rates. Its a hub for many business travelers but caters to leisure travelers with its location near local attractions such as Kempenfest and Lake Simcoe.
What to do
Finding cheap hotel rooms can be a tough call in such a beautiful country, but finding something to do all across Canada is easy. Many of the top travel deals from local agencies or travel sites offer a plethora of opportunities for fun and relaxation. At the top of many peoples list of things to do in Canada is a visit to Niagara Falls. The Horseshoe Falls are probably the best-known waterfalls in the world and are a sight to behold. Another stop on a tour of Canada might include Cape Breton Island. Just off the tip of Nova Scotia, this island beckons you with its Celtic heritage and the Cabot Trail. For anyone interested in history, Ottawa is a wonderful city to visit. Steeped in tradition, this city cherishes its historical buildings, but enjoys itself in the winter by using the Rideau Canal as the worlds largest ice-skating rink.
Where to eat
Canada offers the vacationing traveler a multitude of culinary delights. Play Food and Wine (1 York St. Ottawa, Ontario) solves the problem of never knowing what to order by offering pre-made plates with small portions that can be sampled throughout your meal. Campagnolo (1022 Main St. Vancouver, British Columbia) is an Italian eatery that features gourmet style cuisine at an affordable price and a 25-seat wine bar that helps get you into the mood for some amazing comfort food. DNA Restaurant (355 rue Marguerite DYouville Montreal, Quebec) is an award-winning restaurant that utilizes off-beat ingredients such as pork belly and squid for its dishes. The atmosphere is casual and inviting.