Canada 

Canada, oh Canada, what a beauty. This North American country often gets overshadowed by its neighbor, the United States, but when it comes down to the punch, it holds its own. 

One of the great facts about Canada is that it’s one of the most diverse countries in the world, featuring a rich mix of history and culture found throughout its cities and towns. It boasts incredible landscapes ranging from Canada’s most stunning lakes and Niagara Falls to the Rocky Mountains and British Columbian coast. 

As you can tell, I’m very fond of Canada. There’s a lot to see and do in the second-largest country in the world, so let’s see what awaits you in the sweet Land of Maple Syrup.

Exploring the Great Canadian Cities

There are over 30 major cities in Canada. Some of the most popular include Ottawa, Toronto, Quebec, Edmonton, Calgary, Halifax and Montreal. 

There’s an interesting mix of some of the most dangerous cities in Canada and some of the most beautiful cities in Canada. Here’s what you can expect: 

Ottawa

Ottawa is Canada’s beloved capital city. Here, you’ll find some of the most iconic landmarks in Canada, including the Parliament Building and the National Gallery of Canada. If you’re a history buff, this is the place to be, as Ottawa is home to the Canadian Museum of History and Canadian War Museum.

Other things you can look forward to on an Ottawa tour include visits to the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum. But, a visit to the capital can be about something other than history and facts, as there are loads of other fun things to do in Ottawa. 

One of these includes Winterlude, a month-long ice skating event along the Rideau Canal. There’s also the Canadian Tulip Festival and Bluesfest Jazz Festival. If you are a foodie, Ottawa is home to the renowned Byward Market restaurants, where you’ll find an array of eclectic cuisines. 

To top off a marvellous day of exploring, look at one of these incredible spots to watch the sunset in Ottawa. It’s something you won’t want to miss out on – I promise.

Halifax 

One of Canada’s best coastal cities has got to be (well, at least in my opinion) – Halifax. Most people think that Halifax isn’t an exciting city (myself included before I went there). On the contrary, there are several fun things to do in Halifax. An excellent place to start exploring is the Halifax Waterfront. 

From there, you can walk around or rent a segway or bicycle to explore all the gems on the waterfront. Another exciting activity is taking a Halifax Harbour hopper tour. 

After a fun time exploring the harbour and waterfront areas, visit the Halifax Farmers Market. It’s the oldest market in North America, first opening in 1750. I’m a big fan of visiting farmers’ markets as they provide authentic experiences and help give you a real feel of a city or town. 

To me, Halifax Farmers Market is no different, and here, you can find an incredible range of fresh produce. It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat and drink, as there are loads of restaurants and wine-sampling stalls.

Exploring Canada’s Provinces 

Canada is massive and has a total of 10 provinces and four maritime territories, which form what’s called the Atlantic Provinces. 

Nova Scotia 

Nova Scotia, meaning “New Scotland” in Latin, is one of Canada’s four coastal provinces and borders the mighty Atlantic Ocean. It’s no surprise then that it has a rich seafaring history. 

Let me tell you there’s a lot you’ll want to do on your Nova Scotia itinerary. During winter, the province feels rugged and wild, with intense storms, thick snow, and the ocean freezing over in certain towns. 

It’s a completely different place in summer, however, so a few things you can look forward to are hiking, heading to the beach, and tucking into mouth-watering lobster meals.

Wolfville 

One place that’s got to be on your list of places to visit is the idyllic town of Wolfville in the Annapolis Valley. It’s one of the wine-producing regions in Canada. Naturally, if you’re a wine lover, I recommend visiting one or a few of Wolfville’s Wineries. 

Most people aren’t aware that Canada is a wine-producing country, so visiting Wolfville is a great way to learn more about the wine produced here. 

Another place I recommend checking out while in the area is the Wolfville Farmers Market. Originally opened in 1992, it’s a hot spot for over 65 artisanals, musicians, chefs, and local producers. 

Wolfville has a real homely feel, and the locals are warm and friendly. Nowhere is this more apparent than at the Farmers Market. You can enjoy the warm atmosphere as you grab something to eat or drink or hang around and listen to the live entertainment.

Lunenburg

Another place that I highly recommend checking out while in Nova Scotia is the stunning port town of Lunenburg. It’s only an hour’s drive from Wolfville and two hours from Halifax. 

Its trademark is the colorful houses along the harbor, which immediately catch your eye. There are plenty of exciting things to do in Lunenburg. Some of my favourites include taking a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, embarking on a walking tour, and visiting the Iron Works Distillery. 

Another special that you can’t miss out on is Lunenburg Old Town. It’s one of the only urban places in North America that’s been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s no shortage of hidden gems that await you there.

New Brunswick 

New Brunswick is another one of Canada’s maritime provinces and borders Nova Scotia. It’s one of the most unique provinces in Canada as it’s the only province with English and French as its official languages. 

It’s also home to Canada’s 15 First Nation communities, which include various indigenous groups such as the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik. As you would have guessed, there are a number of interesting things to do in New Brunswick. 

One of these includes whale watching in St. Andrews, a charming little town with touches of British colonial history. 

I absolutely fell in love with New Brunswick when I first visited. There are a great number of hotels in New Brunswick to stay in and some fantastic New Brunswick tours that you can look into before visiting. I hope you have a memorable stay and happy travels!