Canada

Ontario

Ontario is the most populous of the provinces of Canada and, with its privileged position bordering the Great Lakes, boasts some of the most beautiful locations in Canada. Perhaps the most famous tourist destination in Ontario is Niagara Falls. Whilst the falls are every bit as spectacular as you've heard, don't forget that there's a vast wilderness at your disposal and the falls are only one of the natural phenomena to see in this part of the country.

Canada's capital, Ottawa, sits in the east of the province and is well worth a visit for its great museums and galleries and the spectacular gothic revival parliament buildings. The jewel in Ontario's crown though is Toronto, an economic hub and a cultural melting point with some of the best nightlife, markets and thespian scenes in North America.

Quebec

Located in the east of Canada, Quebec is the largest province in Canada and set apart from the rest of the country, not only because its official language is French, but also by its distinctly European vibe. The province has plenty to offer to tourists of different inclinations. There are plenty of provincial parks, ranging from the small and orderly to vast expanses of wilderness. Be sure to go on one of the many whale watching cruises and to check out the incredible Montmorency falls which are higher than the Niagara Falls!

The two major cities in Quebec are the provincial capital, Quebec City and the cultural and economic hub of Montreal. Quebec City was the capital of New France since the 16th century and boasts a beautiful old city with UNESCO World Heritage status. Montreal too displays a rich array of old French architecture as well as a modern, cosmopolitan downtown and a vibrant nightlife.

British Columbia

British Columbia lies on Canada's mountainous Pacific Coast and boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in Canada. The numerous mountain ranges which run through the province provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, skiing and other winter sports with Whistler being perhaps the most popular skiing resort in the country. Elsewhere, the Okanagoa Valley is a region of outstanding natural beauty with its vast lake and orcharded countryside providing a fine home for a burgeoning eco tourism industry.

Vancouver, the largest city in British Columbia is frequently ranked as one of the best places to live in the world. With the beautiful Stanley Park, numerous sandy beaches, gorgeous architecture, bustling markets and a rich art scene, it's not hard to see why.

The Prairies

The vast interior of Canada is comprised of the Prairies, baffling in their very size and remoteness. This is where you'll find Canada's most famous national parks - Banff and Jasper - which contain vast vistas of the Rocky Mountains, alpine forests, and glaciers. Saskatchewan is (depending on your viewpoint) one of Canada's most beautiful natural areas, or an interminably dull no man's land. In an area the size of France, a population equivalent to that of Birmingham live amongst a huge expanse of wheat fields broken only by the province's 100,000 lakes. As well as epic wildernesses, the Prairies are home to a number of cities- Calgary and Edmonton are especially worthy of note for their vibrant cultural identities, shopping opportunities, museums and beautiful parks.

Atlantic Provinces

Tucked away on the east coast of Canada, the Atlantic Provinces offer the beautiful regions of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Nova Scotia's beautiful old town of Halifax is the region's cultural and economic hub and boasts an extremely ethnically diverse population and some beautiful old architecture with a charming historic waterfront and old citadel. ST John's on the island of Newfoundland and Labrador is the oldest city in North America and is steeped in history and old architecture. Prince Edward is the smallest province in Canada and boasts some beautiful beaches fringed by sand dunes as well as some incredible seafood dining options.