Canada

Canada is a country in the northern part of North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean. Canada’s capital is Ottawa, and its three largest metropolitan areas are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

During my career as a travel advisor, I have traveled Canada end to end, and I have been to most of the major Canadian cities, more than once. Canada is easy to get to by plane, car or rail. Trains are one of the best ways to see some great scenery, history, animals and visit some great restaurants, museums and meet great locals. Trains travel all across Canada by rail starting in Toronto, then connecting in Jasper to the Rocky Mountaineer to include Lake Louise, Banff, Jasper and onto Vancouver. Train on the Rocky Mountaineer including a start point of Calgary! Toronto is the home of the Niagara Falls, and it is just north of Detroit, so it is easy to travel to.

I personally have been coast to coast by plane, train, car or cruise. I’m been to Vancouver many times, each experience was totally different in addition I’ve been to Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Lake Louise, Banff, and Calgary to name of few. Canada is so convenient to get to, it is worth the time to enjoy the country just north of our border.

Montreal

North is Montreal, a cosmopolitan city with great culture and food. There is also the amazing underground city, and of course, Old Town.

Montreal is a wonderful French city. I flew here for a few nights prior to taking a train to Quebec City for the start of a Holland America cruise that ended in Boston. There were some truly amazing sights. Cruising is truly a home away from home and allows total comfort and the ability to see many places.

Nova Scotia

Cruising is a wonderful way to see get to Alaska and Canada, starting in one of my favorite cities in the world Vancouver. Or start in Quebec City to view the fabulous and beautiful fall colors by sailing through the St. Lawrence seaway up to the gorgeous Nova Scotia and beyond. So many options to see this immense country and many do not require flying!

Quebec

A short train ride north is Quebec City. This is a French community, but it is so warm and inviting. The beautiful hotel Frontenac stands above the city with her glory and ghost stories. Quebec City is the entrance way to the St. Lawrence Seaway for trade and cruise ships. I’ve taken this trip twice, once on MSC Cruises from East to West; and once on Holland America Cruise from West to East. We went out of Canada into Nova Scotia, PEI- Prince Edward Island down to Bar Harbour, Maine. Then we ended in Boston. This is one of my favorite trips because it is relaxing, and there’s plenty to do, see and experience throughout this fabulous country.

Rocky MOuntaineer Train

Continuing on to Jaspar, Lake Louise, Banff and Kananaskis Park to end in Calgary is a journey worth taking via the Rocky Mountaineer Train. Ive experienced parts of this train trip twice, and it is an amazing way to sit back in luxury and see the country.

toronto

Going east, I’ve been to Toronto, the home of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Just north of the USA border, it is easy to get to via train, car or plane.

vancouver

In the far west is the British Columbia. Vancouver is one of my favorite cities in the world. It is the doorway to a vast amount of activities, parks and museums, restaurants and unique areas like Gastown and Grandville Island. The Capilano Bridge, Grouse Mountain and Stanley Park are just some of the great spots. Whistler Mountain Ski area is a short distance away, and a wonderful area.