Canada is the highest-ranked country in the Americas region, ranked fifth out of the 133 countries surveyed. It has jumped four places this year beating the United States for the top regional spot.
Canada's natural resources, 9 world Heritage natural sites make it a tourist's delight. Many international fairs and exhibitions are held in the country. Canada's air transport infrastructure is ranked 1st out of all countries.
International tourist arrivals (thousands), 2009 -- 27,931
International tourism receipts (US$ millions), 2009 -- 25,486
Top Places to See in Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa is the Capital City of Canada and a great place to soak in Canadian culture. The Changing of the Guard on Parliament Hill or the RCMP march are always popular sights, along with some world class museums. There are also many parks and bike paths that make summer outdoors fun. The winters aren't bad either. The Rideau Canal, which connects the Ottawa River to the Great Lakes for leisure boaters, makes for the longest skating rink in the world when it freezes.
Banff National Park
Canada's finest (and first) national park, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, about an hour's drive from the city of Calgary, Alberta. Enjoy the towering mountains in summer and winter, and beautiful glacial blue mountain lakes in the warm months. The town of Banff is a small but vibrant tourist centre; however, to restrict your visit ot the national park to the townsite would be a horrible mistake. Lake Louise is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vieux Quebec (Old Quebec)
In 2008, Quebec City will celebrate its four hundredth anniversary. Old Quebec is filled with history, from the Notre Dame des Victoires church in the lower town, built on the site of Champlain's original "Habitation de Quebec", to the 19th-century Citadel and fortifications which surround the Upper Town of Old Quebec. Although Vieux Quebec has a number of excellent museums, its cobblestone streets are full of life, with excellent restaurants and varied shopping. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Prince Edward Island National Park
This beautiful park stretches along the eastern shores of Prince Edward Island. Ocean beaches with warm water, red sand dunes, and stunning views are among the natural charms of this park. Inland, the home which was to become a setting for L. M. Montgomery's wonderful Anne of Green Gables books is also a part of this park.
Fortress Louisbourg
In the 18th century, Louisbourg was a bustling French outpost on the eastern edge of North America. Today, after painstaking research from colonial records and archeological work, a large part of the town has been rebuilt and restored to the way it looked in the days of the French regime. Costumed interpreters play the roles of soldiers, merchants, innkeepers, and other townsfolk, and vividly bring the history of Louisbourg to life.
Waterton Lakes National Park
The Canadian Rockies have an incredible diversity of scenes. At Waterton Lakes National Park, the mountains rise abruptly and majestically above the flat prairie. Startlingly beautiful.
Icefields Parkway
This mountain highway connects Lake Louise to Jasper. Although it only takes three hours to do the entire trip (one way), it would be a crime to just drive it without stopping. Not only are the views totally breathtaking, but there are also many chances to stop, walk, and explore. Mountain caribou and grizzly bears can be seen by the roadside. The views on the south journey are strikingly different from those on the northbound trip, but both routes are equally dazzling; don't make the mistake of only travelling the road one way, or of thinking that you'll drive slowly and enjoy the view one way, and then return without stopping. Make sure to fill your vehicle with gas before your departure from Banff or Jasper; the sole service station, at Saskatchewan River Crossing, has very high gas prices.
Niagra Falls, Ontario
It's one of those unfortunate 'luck of the draw' things I'm afraid to say, because the majority of the Falls are technically in the United States. This would be fine except that to see it, you have to be on the Canadian side. That's why Niagara Falls lands on Canada's Top-Ten list. To get to the other side there is a pedestrian bridge that links Canada with the United States without the inconvenience of border patrols, yeah!
This tourist town is great for sightseeing and if you happen to be in Toronto, Niagara Falls is not far. Niagara Falls is also a popular place to get married, competing with Las Vegas for favourite wedding destinations. Niagara Falls was also rated as the World's Most Romantic Place.
This tourist town is great for sightseeing and if you happen to be in Toronto, Niagara Falls is not far. Niagara Falls is also a popular place to get married, competing with Las Vegas for favourite wedding destinations. Niagara Falls was also rated as the World's Most Romantic Place.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is a great place to see and do anything and everything. You can enjoy the city's night life, ski at Whistler and go whale-watching along the coast. Camping, hiking, and boating are also just a few of the things you can do when in town. If you love the outdoors and want to see some real wildlife, Vancouver should be on your itinerary.
Banff National Park
Vieux Quebec (Old Quebec)
In 2008, Quebec City will celebrate its four hundredth anniversary. Old Quebec is filled with history, from the Notre Dame des Victoires church in the lower town, built on the site of Champlain's original "Habitation de Quebec", to the 19th-century Citadel and fortifications which surround the Upper Town of Old Quebec. Although Vieux Quebec has a number of excellent museums, its cobblestone streets are full of life, with excellent restaurants and varied shopping. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Prince Edward Island National Park
This beautiful park stretches along the eastern shores of Prince Edward Island. Ocean beaches with warm water, red sand dunes, and stunning views are among the natural charms of this park. Inland, the home which was to become a setting for L. M. Montgomery's wonderful Anne of Green Gables books is also a part of this park.
Fortress Louisbourg
In the 18th century, Louisbourg was a bustling French outpost on the eastern edge of North America. Today, after painstaking research from colonial records and archeological work, a large part of the town has been rebuilt and restored to the way it looked in the days of the French regime. Costumed interpreters play the roles of soldiers, merchants, innkeepers, and other townsfolk, and vividly bring the history of Louisbourg to life.
Waterton Lakes National Park
The Canadian Rockies have an incredible diversity of scenes. At Waterton Lakes National Park, the mountains rise abruptly and majestically above the flat prairie. Startlingly beautiful.
Icefields Parkway
This mountain highway connects Lake Louise to Jasper. Although it only takes three hours to do the entire trip (one way), it would be a crime to just drive it without stopping. Not only are the views totally breathtaking, but there are also many chances to stop, walk, and explore. Mountain caribou and grizzly bears can be seen by the roadside. The views on the south journey are strikingly different from those on the northbound trip, but both routes are equally dazzling; don't make the mistake of only travelling the road one way, or of thinking that you'll drive slowly and enjoy the view one way, and then return without stopping. Make sure to fill your vehicle with gas before your departure from Banff or Jasper; the sole service station, at Saskatchewan River Crossing, has very high gas prices.
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