January 31, 2013, by Malvika Johal

The best of Canada

Whether you are looking to book your summer holidays or a  ski break, surely some insider knowledge from fellow UoN alumni is worth taking into consideration? 

In this three part series, guest blogger, Veronica Fynn (Public Health, 2006) has compiled her list of must see places in Canada!

Starting with her top three…

1.The Canadian Rockies, BC/Alberta

Moraine Lake, Canadian Rockies

Towering over the plains of Alberta and British Columbia are the peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains – mighty, rugged, and exquisite. Each season in the Rockies has its own special beauty and selection of activities. Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Fernie, Kimberley, Waterton, Canmore, Kananaskis, Invermere, Revelstoke, Golden, Valemount and Cranbrook are alpine towns sprinkled throughout the Canadian Rockies and are ideal starting points for mountain adventures. The Icefields Parkway is also an ideal area for exploring Canada’s wild. Kananaskis Country, Waterton, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Glacier and Yoho National Parks are recreational areas with alpine activities and splendour. The hot springs at Radium, Fairmont and Nakusp are rejuvenating and can be enjoyed year round. The Rocky Mountains of Canada are a vast land – filled with inspiring scenery, wildlife, a multitude of recreational activities for all ages and a lot of unique opportunities that only the people who live in this area know about. Live the dream and see our towns in their incredible splendour.  http://www.canadianrockies.com; http://www.canadianrockies.net

 

2. Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls, Canada is a destination unlike any other. From the top of Skylon Tower (775 feet up) to the base of Horseshoe Falls (188 feet down), Niagara Falls is an awe-inspiring Ontario Canada vacation destination.

niagara-river-horseshoe-falls_36361 The Falls give off a round-the-clock roar, a refreshing – and surprisingly far-reaching – mist, and a reminder of just how wondrous our natural world is. From the marvel of gazing at the Falls from innumerable look-out points to adrenaline-fueled activities like whitewater jet boats, there are many ways to experience them, including an array of Niagara Falls attractions for all ages. For those that long to get up close to the Falls, don your famous blue slicker and jump aboard the Maid of the Mist Niagara Falls to go right up to the base, walk behind them at Journey Behind the Falls, or fly over them on a helicopter ride. And that’s just the beginning. Even at night the Falls are impressive. The nightly illumination means you can enjoy them anywhere you have a Falls view – from your Niagara hotel, restaurant, cocktail lounge or observation deck. Every Friday-Sunday during the summer months and on special occasions, Falls Fireworks add a little extra colour to the display. If you can tear yourself away, Niagara Falls is a bustling destination full of activities for most everyone – vineyards and world-class golf courses, kid fun at Clifton Hill, fine dining and casual eateries, casinos and live Niagara entertainment, spas and leisurely country drives to Niagara-on-the-Lake, cycling adventures and hiking trails. Visit the New Niagara Falls and experience it forever! http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/

3. The Forks, Manitoba

The forks

Winnipeg’s most popular tourist attraction has been a meeting place for 6,000 years. Built at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, this 20 million dollar 9 acre site, is a joy to all. 80 year old railway stalls were converted to shops and restaurants in 1987.

There was also a 6 story glass tower and observation deck built. First Europeans came here by canoe and started the first settlement in 1738. In 1870 steamboats replaced canoes.  In 1890 the railway replaced steamboats. This waterfront park has a river walk system running from Kildonan Park to the Legislative grounds and beyond. The walkway was under water last spring due to Red River flooding. Pan Am Games logos could be seen everywhere in 1998-1999.

http://www.winterpeg.com/Town/the-forks.htm

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