When discussing Canada, the majority of those who have been lucky enough to visit will immediately conjure up images of the spectacular natural beauty that is found throughout the destination. Whilst this is understandable and more than sufficient reason to visit, the lively cosmopolitan cities each with their own distinctive character and range of cultural attractions should not be overlooked. No Canada holiday is complete without visiting at least one of the following fantastic cities:
Vancouver
Vancouver is, arguably, the cultural capital of Canada. Holidays to Vancouver can in-volve art shows, festivals, local theatre and an electric nightlife – sounds good, right? It is also famous for its fabulous dining scene with a wide array of street food vendors and Asian restaurants found throughout the city – foodies will love it here! Shopping oppor-tunities are excellent, especially if you like attractive vintage shops selling a wide range of items.
This all creates a cool, laid-back vibe in Vancouver which means that you can simply meander the streets and soak up the atmosphere. It is also a great base for getting out into nature and exploring the beautiful snow-capped peaks, which are just over an hour away by road.
Montreal
Montreal has many cultural highlights with something for every type of traveller. Old Montreal is a must-visit with cool architecture, cobbled streets and a friendly atmosphere. Be sure to check out Place d’Armes, which is a picturesque ancient public square that is an ideal spot for chilling out with a cold beer while you do some people watching. Other highlights in the city include the Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Chapel, Montreal Town Hall and, of course, restaurants offering the tantalising local cuisine.
If possible, try to make sure your holiday coincides with one of the many art festivals held throughout the year as there is a unique and impressive artistic side to the city.
Toronto
It is rare that you get a city which has can boast the ideal blend of modernity and authen-tic character, but Toronto treads the line perfectly and is one of the more vibrant destina-tions of North America. Rise high up into the clouds for breathtaking views over the city from the CN Tower, or enjoy a meal with panoramic views at its cool revolving 360 Res-taurant.
Other notable highlights here include The Royal Ontario Museum, which is one of the biggest museums on the continent with a range of fascinating exhibits showcasing art, culture, archaeology and natural history. The Toronto Zoo is a popular place with animal lovers with over 5,000 species on show, whilst a helicopter tour of Niagara Falls is some-thing that the best Canada holidays include.
Outstanding natural beauty is often what people think of first when visualising Canada. Holidays here will certainly prove this to be true, but the country is also home to a handful of cool, friendly and vibrant cities that are oozing with charm and culture. Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto are three excellent examples, and cities that any traveller will love exploring.
John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays for or over 30 years. Recently his recommended Canada holidays have been included in Prestige’s luxury holiday portfolio. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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