First Time In Canada? Here’s What You Need To Know

The Great White North, as Canada is known, is a wonderful destination for a vacation whether you’re a nature-lover, city dweller, or anything in between. The massive country has every type of terrain you could look for, and it just beautiful. It boasts 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so you’ll never run out of exciting places to visit. Of course, Canadians are known for their friendliness, and this reputation exists for a reason. Ready for your trip to Canada, eh?

Many people wonder when it the best time to visit Canada. Of course, it’s known for its cold weather for a reason. In order to enjoy fair weather and avoid the busy crowds that summer attracts, it’s best to visit Canada in the fall months of September and November. This way, you’ll also get to experience the gorgeous foliage as well.

You can also choose to visit in July so that you can catch the Calgary Stampede, which happens to be the largest rodeo in the world. Anyone who’s a fan of cowboy culture will surely get a kick out of this experience.

Of course, for lovers of winter outdoor sports, visiting during colder months is easy to do, since the winter is so long here. Two of the best mountains for skiing are Mont Tremblant and Whistler, but there are plenty more you can check out as well.

Of course, the cold weather means that throughout the years, Canadians have had to come up with delicious, warm fare to keep them satiated through the grueling winter months. Nowadays, you can experience a lot of delicious Canadian staples through its bustling food truck scene, which is especially prevalent in British Columbia.

So what should you eat? Make sure to try out poutine, an incredible dish made up of fries, cheese curds, melted cheese, and gravy. It’s sinfully delicious. BeaverTails are irresistible fried dough breads that come with any topping your heart desires, from Nutella to M&Ms and cinnamon sugar.

Another staple is Pâté Chinois, which is similar to shepherd’s pie but also has creamed corn inside. Lastly, you can’t visit Canada without trying a Caesar Cocktail, which consists of vodka, tomato and clam juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.

You may have already heard of this place, but if you’ve never experienced a doughnut and coffee from Tim Hortons, you certainly must have a try. Of course, Timmies has expanded to other places around the world, but trying it out while in Canada is a must.

British Columbia’s largest city, Vancouver, is a must-see. This is seriously one of the coolest cities out there, with a vibrant food scene, bustling craft beer center, and of course, breathtaking landscapes.

Toronto is another great city to visit, as it is one of the most diverse cities on Earth. There are over 140 languages spoken here, with more than half of its residents having been born outside of Canada.

Quebec City’s culture incorporates elements of Europe, North America, and Canada. Most of its residents speak French, and you’ll find breathtaking architecture here.

Montreal is the largest city in Quebec province, and it’s a classic massive metropolis with beautiful buildings. Set on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, this beautiful city has plenty of museums and cultural sites to visit.