Travel Guides: All Countries / North America / Canada
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| | | Big country |  | Why go on holiday to Canada?
There's more to Canada than wide open spaces and Niagara Falls. French and British traditions mix with numerous other cultural influences brought by migrants from all over the world.
The cities are generally large and modern, while the flora and fauna are spectacular.
How much does it cost?
Prices can vary dramatically depending on the seasons and where you're headed. The cheapest flights start from £200. Short breaks from £350 (three-night stay in Toronto), mid-range hotels from £35 per room, motels from £25.
When should I go?
There's something worth going for all year round. The warmest area of this huge country is along the US border.
Overall warmest areas are British Columbia's south and central coast and southern Ontario.
Summer temperatures here are in the mid and upper-20Cs (70s). British Columbia gets the warmest summers and most sunshine.
Ontario and Quebec have warm summers with not much rain. Summers in the Yukon and Northwest Territories can be pleasantly warm and have very long daylight hours.
Canadian winters are long and in most of the country temperatures drop to -18C (-7F).
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| | | Cities and wilderness |  | What should I do when I'm there?
With Mont Royal dominating the skyline, Montreal is a stylish and proud city with a European streak. The old precinct has some great buildings and the Point-a-Calliere, the Museum of Archaeology and History.
Hilly Vancouver, with its stunning ocean views, seldom fails to win a place in any visitor's heart. The Victorian Gastown area and Stanley Park are highlights, along with the natural wonders of Vancouver Island.
The sprawling Rocky Mountains are barely contained within the Banff and Jasper national parks. Moraine Lake and the Columbia Icefields are must-sees.
The vast prairies offer lots for bike riders and walkers. The Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a fascinating Blackfoot Indian heritage sight.
Is Canada good for outdoor activities?
You bet, Canada has the lot. Many parks provide outfitters for canoeing, kayaking and white-water rafting. There's surfing on the east coast and skiers are spoilt for choice. Eco-tourism is well established in Canada, and relatively inexpensive.
What's off the beaten track?
Who said Canada was boring? The Prince Edward Island Potato Museum in the far-east town of O'Leary is worth a visit. The Arctic Northern Games, up north in Inuvik, is a feast of traditional Dene and Inuit sports and crafts.
Wells Gray Provincial Park in British Columbia's Caribou Islands is a huge, undeveloped wilderness park with scenic waterfalls.
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| | | Dancez! | | Where's good for nightlife?
Toronto has the country's largest theatre scene - dinner theatre is also popular here. Montreal has the longest drinking hours - clubs serve alcohol til 3am in this lively night city.
Vancouver buzzes with clubs, music, theatre and dance - check the Georgia Straight which comes out on Thursdays for details.
Rue Saint Jean in Quebec City is alive at night.
Though small, the city has plenty of nightspots and lots of restaurants have live music. Check out the French entertainment paper Voir for ideas.
What's the food like?
Canada's cultural diversity is reflected in its cuisine. Cities have all the Greek, Italian, Mexican and Chinese restaurants you would expect.
On the east coast, greasy spoons abound, varying from excellent to awful. Home- produced cheese and fruit are superb.
Both coasts boast wonderful seafood, salmon, crab, lobster and scallops. French food is a treat in Quebec and if you get the chance, be sure to try Native Indian food like buffalo meat and wild rice.
What should I buy?
Every region has its specialities - try smoked or fresh salmon from British Columbia (you can get it shipped home), maple syrup from Quebec or rye whiskey from all over.
Western-style gear is big in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Hudson's Bay blankets and wool coats are traditional.
What is there for children to do?
Apart from exploring the great outdoors, Toronto has several good museums for kids - check out the Children's Own Museum for two to eight-year-olds, the Ontario Science Centre for older kids and Paramount Canada's Wonderland theme park.
The Vancouver Aquarium is Canada's largest. Whale watching off the western shore of Victoria is magical for kids.
Tourist office
Visit Canada, PO Box 5396, Northampton, NN1 2FA. Tel. 0906 871 5000 (60p a minute).
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