It is probably no secret that the US has a soft spot in my heart. After wanting to move abroad for quite some time, I finally took the leap and packed my bags and moved from Germany to San Francisco and it was one of the best decisions I have made so far. And between my posts about Tips When Travelling To California or My Top 10 Things To Do In San Francisco, I cannot forget about Canada - America’s friendly neighbour in the North. And even though I have only been for a short visit, the country won over my heart instantly. And while I always support a good old trip to the US, here are a couple of reasons why you should definitely pay Canada a visit as well.
NATURE
This point really doesn’t need much further explanation but the nature in Canada is just stunning. There are 37 national parks in Canada, some of the most popular being Banff, Jasper and Kluane, with many, many hikes to offer.
Adventure
Naturally, if you have such great national parks there are obviously also many ways for great adventures. Whether you want to do a helicopter flight over the Rocky Mountains, hop on a boat to see the Niagara Falls up close, or do a several-day kayaking tour through Algonquin National Park - Canada’s got it.
Maple Syrup
Maple Syrup isn’t big in Germany and I didn’t come to fully appreciate it until I visited Canada. Now I am all about it. Put it on everything, it is one of nature’s most glorious phenomenons. Whether it is on pancakes, waffles, French toast or in my oatmeal.
Poutine
Their national dish includes fries. Is there anything else I need to say?
Indian Summer
Nowhere is the Indian summer to be said more beautiful than in Canada. Although we do have a similar phenomenon in Germany, the colors in Canada are definitely much brighter than what I am used to.
Tim Hortons
Even in the middle of nowhere, a Tim Hortons is probably never far away. And let me tell you - it could be worse. I am not really the biggest advocate for chains but I just can’t resist a visit to Tim Hortons. It seems to be an institution in itself in Canada. Their coffee is amazing though and you should definitely try their ‘Timbits’ - small donut bites in different favors.
Canadians
Last but not least - visit for the Canadians. I only ever heard positive things - and the usual How I Met Your Mother stereotypes - about Canadians and they seem to be indeed some of the friendliest people in the world (although I think it ties with the Irish). Many people are quick to help a lost tourist and ‘sorry’ seems to be their collective favorite word.
Have you been to Canada? Did I forget any reason why to love Canada?
Kate recommends: If you explore Canada’s nature, bring a copy of A Walk In The Woods by Bill Bryson. In his book, Bill and his friend Stephen Katy hike the longest continuous footpath in the world, the Appalachian Trail. Although the trail is not located in Canada, the book covers remote mountains, wilderness filled with bears, moose and other animals. In the middle of all this, Bill Bryson’s biggest with is not to die outdoors - which I could very much relate to as a German girl in the big, Canadian wilderness.