canada

It's not a proper trek through Canada without our guide to the best sights and activities our northern neighbor has to offer.

Land of Ice and Snow(forts)
As a lifelong resident of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, smack-dab in the middle of the Prairie provinces of Canada, I have developed a love/hate relationship with our winters. The “love” portion of this attitude stems from many fond childhood memories. To say that I adored winter as a child would have been an understatement. Growing up, winter was always regarded amongst the children of the neighborhood as a season of opportunity. As the first snow fell, often as early as October, my young mind filled with visions of snow fort building and backyard skating rink construction. Grassy hills became dusted slopes of pure ice, complete with ramps that could most definitely break your neck if you failed to stick the landing. Whatever the activity, freezing your fingers, face, and toes was worth it. How is it that young children are able to remain seemingly oblivious to the minus thirty temperatures? I am not quite sure... Why, I once tried, and almost got away with camping out overnight in a small, backyard snow cave only to be stopped by my parents on account of the fact that they didn’t want me losing any major appendages at age nine.
By Aiden MW8 years ago in Wander
Canada: A Guide to the Provinces
Many people have a tough time distinguishing Americans Between Canadians, here is one thing you need to know, overall Canadians are much nicer than Americans, and that’s it. Canada and America have had a very long history together. Mostly involving empires such as the British and French invasions of North America. Because of the French taking over the province of Quebec from 1534-1763 and the British later taking control of the whole country of Canada from 1763 to somewhere in the 20th century (Its very widely disputed even today to when Great Britain officially lost control over Canada, it kind of still does). Since of the French occupation of Canada the province of Quebec speaks French, and the rest of Canada speaks primarily English (Although they are both official languages of Canada, even all their signs and official speeches and tweets made by the prime minister are “required” to be in both English and French). Although there are a few accents in the different regions, most of the younger Canadians speak in the “General North American” accent, though people in the maritime provinces tend to have a more Irish accent, Canadians with the stereotypical Canadian accent pronounce their "ou" sound differently than Americans. They also tend to use the exclamation "eh" and to use words that Americans don't. They say the last letter in the alphabet as "zed" and Americans say it as "zee,"
By Benjamin Pla8 years ago in Wander
How to Be Canadian
Here's a list of how to be Canadian and what makes things Canadian. This is also to separate the misconceptions of Canada. Manners. Remember to say thank-you and please when offered a service. This is what makes us "nice" by saying the proper things and also we say, "sorry" a lot. Not all Canadians are nice. Many people who travel believe that Canadians are nice. Not all of us are. I have dealt with people that really need to get their manners checked. I work in the service industry and I have met my fair share of "mean" people. Not all of our milk comes in bags. Milk in bags is more a eastern Canadian thing, but if you go to the west, we have regular cardboard milk cartons and plastic cartons as well. Yes, our money looks like monopoly money, it's fun and colorful. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. We like our colorful money and that way you can look in your wallet and know right away how much money we have. It's the Eastern Canadians that pronounce things funny (mostly Nova Scotia and Newfoundland) not all of us pronounce "about" as "Aboot" that is a misconception. Maple Syrup. The province of Quebec is known for their maple syrup farms because they have the right climate to grow maple trees, which produce the syrup. Maple syrup can literally go on anything. Tim Hortons. Yes, lately the brand has not been doing well due to employee care, but it is Canadian. This is the place to get coffee and doughnuts, it is affordable and yummy despite what some people say. However, I have had better coffee than Tim Hortons. Also, Tim Hortons are almost everywhere! Our healthcare system. It's free and we don't have to worry about getting sick and not being able to get better. That is all I will say on this topic due to the fact this may upset some people. The Canadian Rockies. The rockies are great for skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities. It is about a 30 minutes from Calgary, Alberta to the Rockies, so, when in the mood, there's an opportunity. Ryan Gosling. Yes, he's ours. Ketchup Chips. Yes, it sounds a little gross and maybe weird, but it's yummy! Beavertails. No, they are not actual beaver tails. A beaver tail is a yummy carnival food that is deep fried dough and chocolate. Totally worth the calories. Ceaser's. For those unfamiliar with the Ceaser's drink it contains clamato juice (yes, it does contain clam juice) and then Worcestershire sauce with hot sauce mixed together and then a shot of vodka and some kind of fun garnish like pickles or pepperoni stick. Kinder Surprise Eggs. Yes, they do exist in the U.S, but the ones in the U.S do not come with a toy. So we get the fun little toys to build. We have the better beer, it is not the best, but it is better than what is sold in the U.S., that is for sure. American beer kind of tastes like distilled water...so not very beer tasting. Don't be surprised if it's minus 20 outside and you see people drinking slurpees or ice cream. We like cold yummy treats, what can I say? A misconception about Canada is how we wear shorts in minus 20, (okay, some people do) but for the most part we know how to dress for the cold water. Having to dig up you car in winter. "Dude, where's my car?" and it's buried under the heaps of snow we sometimes get. OH MY GOSH Poutine! Best invention ever, cheese curds, gravy and put fries with that and you've got yourself delicious fatness ready to be consumed. All dressed chips, best chips ever made! Our metric system makes sense. Temperature measured in Celsius. It's kilometers not miles. Our sports. Our sports are lacrosse and hockey and we will destroy you in both. (mostly Hockey because we get angry with it). Nothing is better than truly Canadian beef. Another Misconception: Polar Bears. No, we do not keep them as pets nor do we see them everyday. Igloos, not all of us live in igloos...yeah they're called houses. In Western Canada, we don't call police "Mounties," they are often referred to as "cops" or "police." We don't allow guns. Not everyone speaks French. In eastern Canada maybe there will be a greater percentage, but most of us don't speak French. It is only Quebec. Canada is second largest country in the world. Some people think our money smell like maple syrup...umm...no. That's not a thing. Sorry.
By Ada Zuba8 years ago in Wander
Kelowna: Canada’s Paradise
On the west coast of Canada exists one of the most beautiful and mysterious cities—Kelowna. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also one of the warmest places in its country. If you are looking for a beautiful destination surrounded by nature, Kelowna would be a good place to visit. Furthermore, you might even see Ogopogo, the wild beast living in Okanagan lake. It is merely a legend nowadays, but a lot of citizens through history have testified to have seen the monster. I have not encountered that beast while in Kelowna, but I sure had a lot of adventures.
By Twinkle8 years ago in Wander
Hemlock Shores
In Bala, Ontario there is a cottage that is a must stay rental for a vacationers. This cottage, also known as Hemlock Shores, is located on Hesner’s Lake which is located right at the heart of Bala.
By Liana Hewitt8 years ago in Wander
7 Places You Should Visit in Ontario This Summer
Sometimes the best places to explore can be found in your own backyard. The Canadian province of Ontario has a number of breathtaking historical sites, artistic collections, and natural landscapes that are worth taking a day to enjoy with your friends or family this summer.
By Ryan Northrup8 years ago in Wander
Toronto: Always Something to Do in Any Season
A trip to Toronto, Ontario, Canada presents you with an opportunity to enjoy diverse activities. This city, on Lake Ontario, offers a myriad of things to do, places to go, and events to see. Toronto is the capital city of the Province of Ontario, and as such, offers much to suit all tastes.
By Michael Ugulini8 years ago in Wander
Immigrating to Canada: A Descriptive Narrative of My Personal Experience
Immigration is a word that sometimes evokes controversy among certain groups of people or some countries. This controversy is usually due the political nature of the discussion the immigration subject brings forth. Some say immigration takes away jobs from native-born individuals, others say immigration boosts up the crime rate of the country while some even say immigrants don't pay taxes but considering this matter without understanding first the historical/economical background data available will lead you to a false conclusion.
By Fernando Gadelha8 years ago in Wander
Surviving a Canadian Winter
Surviving a Canadian Winter, A how-to guide on getting familiar with living with a lot of snow in Canada. You have probably heard of the great north where land is covered by snow for a good part of the year. Yes, Canada, Canada has been a subject of discussion for a lot of foreigners that consider moving there. They expect to have some adaptation regarding the cold but they often don’t think about the amount of snow. As beautiful as snow can be, it can most often also make life difficult in a huge amount.
By Twinkle8 years ago in Wander
Valuable Life Lessons That I Learned Growing Up in Vancouver
Looking back at this post, I realize that some of these might sound a bit... obvious. But how often does one remind themselves to do these simple yet excruciatingly difficult things and eventually find themselves not actually doing them until it's too damn late?! It is precisely those 'ugh–damnit' moments that encouraged me to write about the valuable-yet-simple life lessons that living and growing up in Vancouver has taught me over the years. An umbrella-in-the-face nudge, just to remind you, if you will. So roll out your yoga mat, strap in and channel your inner Buddha; here are some of my most valuable life lessons I learned growing up in Vancouver.
By Delilah Jayde8 years ago in Wander
Good Bye Vancouver and Hello Toronto
I have lived in Vancouver for thirty-seven and half years, and I have just left this beautiful city to seek a new life. One would think that by now I would be settled and not wanting such an extreme change, but after so long and still not a feeling of belonging, I am in discovery of what else is out there.
By Sara Troy8 years ago in Wander
Garibaldi Lake
The Garibaldi hike is rated one of the most scenic hikes in the Vancouver area. It has fantastic views of Garibaldi Lake, the Garibaldi Park Mountain range, and the infamous Black Tusk, not to mention it's easily accessible and well maintained, making it great choice for all hiking abilities and ages.
By Tatiana Ragsdale8 years ago in Wander