Canada

Canada is a large country located north of the United States and is and is a popular vacation destination for people who love the outdoors and outdoor activities. This webpage will provide a brief history of Canada and some great travel ideas.

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In One Paragraph
Canada is the world's second largest country by area, extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean. Occupying most of the northern portion of North America, Canada shares land borders with the United States to the south and to the northwest.

Inhabited originally by aboriginal peoples, Canada was founded as a union of British colonies, some of which had earlier been French colonies. Now a federal dominion of ten provinces and three territories, Canada peacefully obtained sovereignty from Britain in a process spanning from 1867 to 1982.

Canada is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, and defines itself as a bilingual and multicultural nation; both English and French are official languages. A technologically advanced and industrialized nation, its diversified economy relies heavily on an abundance of natural resources and on trade, particularly with the United States, with which Canada has had a long and complex relationship.

Crash Course History
Aboriginal tradition holds that the First Peoples have inhabited parts of what is now called Canada since the dawn of time. Archaeological records show that these lands have been inhabited for at least 10,000 years. Several Viking expeditions occurred circa AD 1000, with evidence of settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows.

British claims to North America date from 1497, when John Cabot reached what he called Newfoundland, though it is unclear whether Cabot landed in current Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, or Maine. French claims date from explorations by Jacques Cartier (from 1534) and Samuel de Champlain (from 1603). Neither Cabot's nor Cartier's explorations left any permanent settlers behind. On August 5, 1583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert claimed Newfoundland as England's first overseas colony under Royal Charter of Queen Elizabeth I. In 1604, French settlers were the first Europeans to settle permanently in what is now Canada. After an unsuccessful winter in St. Croix Island (today in Maine), they settled Port-Royal in what is now the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia, but moved to found Quebec City in 1608. The current Acadians are descendants of settlers who came later in the same century and re-founded Port-Royal. New France was generally the name given to the French colonies of Canada and Acadia (and later Louisiana).

British settlements were established along the Atlantic seaboard and around Hudson Bay. As these colonies expanded, a struggle for control of North America took place between 1689 and 1763 exacerbated by wars in Europe between France and Great Britain. France progressively lost territory to Great Britain, surrendering peninsular Nova Scotia in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht and the remainder of New France including what was left of Acadia in the Treaty of Paris (1763)

In 1864 and 1866, British North American politicians, in what became known as the Great Coalition, held three conferences to create a federal union. Spearheaded by John A. Macdonald, on July 1, 1867, three colonies—Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick—were granted a constitution, the British North America Act, by the United Kingdom, creating the Dominion of Canada. The term "Canadian Confederation" refers to this 1867 unification of the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec (formerly Canada East or Lower Canada), and Ontario (formerly Canada West or Upper Canada). The remaining British colonies and territories soon joined Confederation. By 1880 Canada included all of its present area except for Newfoundland and Labrador, which joined in 1949. (It should be noted that, although part of Canada, Alberta and Saskatchewan did not gain Provincial status until 1905.)

In 1919, Canada became a member of the League of Nations and, in the Imperial Conference of 1926, Canada assumed full control of its own through the Balfour Declaration. In 1927, Canada appointed its first ambassador to a foreign country, the United States. In 1931, the Statute of Westminster gave the Balfour Declaration constitutional force, confirming that no act of the UK's parliament would thereafter extend to Canada without its consent. Canadian citizenship was first distinguished from British in 1947; judicial appeals to the British Judicial Committee of the Privy Council ended in 1949. The power to amend Canada's constitution remained with the British parliament, although subject to the Statute of Westminster, until it was "patriated" to Canadian control by the Canada Act 1982.

Major Statistics

Area: 9,984,670 km²

Population: As of December 2005, its official population estimate is approximately 32.4 million.

Language: Canada defines itself as a bilingual and multicultural nation. Both English and French are official languages of the country. In the early 1970s, Canada began to adopt policies based on the concepts of cultural diversity and multiculturalism. Many Canadians now view this as one of the country's key attributes.

Currency: Canadian Dollar

Government: Canada is governed as a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. Canada's head of state is its monarch, who is represented in Canada by the Governor General. The head of government is the Prime Minister. The federal Parliament was recently dissolved and a general election will be held on 23 January 2006.

Major Provinces

Alberta 2,974,807

British Columbia 3,907,738

Manitoba 1,113,898

New Brunswick 738,133

Newfoundland/Labrador 551,792

Northwest Territory 37,360

Nova Scotia 909,282

Nunavut 27 219

Ontario 10,753,573

Prince Edward Island 134,557

Quebec 7,138,795

Saskatchewan 1,023,636

Yukon Territory 30,766

Destinations

Canada's Pacific - Paradise starting on the shore of the Pacific Ocean, Canada offers from the southern tip of Vancouver Island, to Prince Rupert in the Northwest. There are four particular areas, Vancouver Island, Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, and the Okanagan region. Remember to book your Flexipass if you wish to save and explore the islands along the coast of British Columbia.

The Canadian Rockies - From the interior of British Columbia eat into the heartland of Alberta the Rocky Mountains dominate Western Canada. See the grandeur of Lake Louise and know Banff and Jasper National Parks intimately. There are more than 40 different type of accommodation in two dozen towns, cities and villages.

Central Canada - From the roar of the falls in Niagara, water flows through the Great Lakes and down the historic waterway of the St. Lawrence River. In the north, the shores of the Arctic along salt water of James Bay frontier you can discover nature in the luxury of an Eco-lodge. Lakes and rivers link this vast region, the lure of the shops and soaring towers of Toronto and Montreal are matched by the historical richness of Ottawa and Kingston.

Quebec - Quebec City with its walled fortress dominates and controlled entry into Canada, down river the settlements of the British and French now go back several centuries where the history of these outposts mark the immigration to the new world. In Tadoussac where the fresh waters mix with the tidal waters creating a unique Eco system and feeding ground for whales and marine life. Here you can explore the Saguenay fjord, marvel at the towering cliffs, or become captivated by the Beluga, Minke, Blue, and smaller whales feeding.

Atlantic Canada - The Maritime heritage of the provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia goes back almost 500 years. In this region you can see the world's highest tides and later walk on the ocean floor, play in the red sands in Canada's ocean playground, explore a lighthouse along the shore or sample a single malt as you enjoy the Celtic heritage. Newfoundland and Labrador were explored by the Vikings more than 500 years before Columbus landed, but did not become part of Canada until 1949. On the "rock" you can explore at a leisurely pace, staying in seaside villages, take side trip to Labrador, or even a lighthouse.

Cuisine
Canadian cuisine varies widely from region to region. Generally, the traditional cuisine of English Canada is closely related to British and American cuisine, while the traditional cuisine of Québec and French Canada has evolved from French cuisine. The cuisine of the western provinces is heavily influenced by German, Ukrainian, Polish and Scandinavian cuisine. The traditional cuisine of The Arctic is based on wild game and Inuit and First Nations cooking methods. Newfoundland and Maritime cuisine derives mainly from British and Irish cooking, with a preference for salt-cured fish, beef, and pork.

A variety of dishes are uniquely Canadian, or have a distinctive Canadian style.

Poutine, a French-Canadian fast-food dish consisting of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy.

Cæsar cocktail, sometimes the Bloody Cæsar and usually just order as "a caesar", is made from vodka, clamato juice (clam/tomato juice), worcestershire sauce, tabasco, a rim of celery salt, and garnished traditionally with a stalk of celery, or more adventurously with a spoonful of horseradish, or a shot of beef bouillon. Invented in 1969 in Calgary, Alberta, by bartender Walter Chell to mark the opening of a new restaurant "Marco's"

Chinese smorgasbord - although found in the U.S. and other parts of Canada, this term and concept had its origins in early Gastown, c.1870 and resulted from the many Scandinavians working in the woods and mills around the shantytown getting the Chinese cook to put out a steam table on a sideboard, so they could "load up" and leave room on the dining table (presumably for "drink").

Lumberjack's Breakfast aka Logger's Breakfast, a gargantuan breakfast of three-plus eggs, ham, bacon and sausages plus several large pancakes. Invented by hotelier J. Houston c 1870, at his Granville Hotel on Water Street in old pre-railway Gastown in response to requests for his clientele for a better "feed" before starting a long, hard day of work.

Butter tart, a tart invented about 1915 in northern Ontario. The main ingredients for the filling include: butter, sugar and eggs, but raisins and pecans are often added for additional flavor.

Tourtière, a meat pie originating from Québec traditionally made from ground or shredded pork, onions, celery, and may utilize rolled oats as a thickener.

Ginger beef, a candied strip of beef, deep fried and served with a sweet and spicy ginger sauce. Created in Calgary, Alberta in the 1970s and now available in most Canadian Chinese restaurants.

The Nanaimo bar, a chocolate dessert taking its name from Nanaimo, British Columbia.

Peameal bacon, a pickled back bacon rolled in cornmeal. Generally called Canadian bacon outside of Canada. This so-called "Canadian bacon" is usually simply un-pickled back bacon.

Oka cheese, a popular semi-firm cheese made by Trappist monks in Oka, Québec

Egg Custard typically is made with maple syrup as opposed to corn syrup in the United States.

Donairs, a variation on the Middle-Eastern Döner kebab, are a street food originated in Halifax: they consist of slices of roast processed meat (made from spiced ground beef rather than lamb), and a sauce consisting of condensed milk, vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder. They are served on a pita loaf with diced onions and tomatoes.

Pogo, a hot dog sausage fried in batter, and served on a stick. Americans call them "Corn-Dogs"

Beaver Tail A large flat round of fried dough, sprinkled with powdered or cinnamon sugar. Also known as an Elephant Ear or a Moose Antler.

Holidays and Celebrations
Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15th), Boxing Day (December 26th), Canada Day (July 1st), Coptic New Year (September 11th), Icelandic Festival (August long weekend), Polar Bear Swim Day (December 26th), Thanksgiving (2nd Monday in October), Remembrance Day (November 11th), Victoria Day (the Monday before May 24th) and Waffle Day (March 25th).

Activities
Canada has a unique natural environment that offers many activities especially those of a physical manner. You can enjoy activities in Canada by yourself, with families, business colleagues and families. Self-guided or organized activities are equally enjoyable and you usually have the choice of either.

Canoeing & kayaking - Canada is famous for its canoeing which can be enjoyed almost anywhere. Anything from a gentle paddle in the afternoon to a weeklong white water challenge is on offer. National parks offer guided trips and information if you wish to direct yourself.

Hiking and Climbing - Wide ranges of hikes are available both in and out of parks. The best quality trails are found within the parks or those maintained by the Trans Canada Trail and provincial trail organizations. Trails and paths can be found of varying lengths and quality, winding through the Rocky Mountains, across the Prairies, along coastal cliffs and just about anywhere you can imagine.

Fishing - has become one of Canada's most popular activities amongst residents and visitors. Fishing licenses must be purchased and range in price and duration from each province. Check with tourist offices about licenses and also on consumption guidelines. Some areas where fishing is permitted contain pollutants and guidelines must be adhered to.

Snow Sports - Snow sports can be enjoyed in most places across Canada and snow on the ground can last for quite some time. It is worth checking on the ski conditions at each location you are thinking of visiting. Skidoo trails are available in nearly every province and territory. You can rent a skidoo for quite cheap in most places. Make sure you wrap up warm when going on a skidoo. The added wind from the speed of travel increases the chance of frostbite. A balaclava under your helmet to cover your chin and neck is recommended to avoid windburn.

Ice skating & Hockey - Ice skating during the winter months is available just about anywhere. Rinks when hockey is not being played are generally open to the public during set hours. Outside rinks in ponds, lakes and town squares are often maintained and provide excellent free skating. Organized hockey games are played by school leagues, provincial leagues and the National Hockey League (NHL), which includes American teams. Almost every town has a rink and a team. The higher up the league, the more expensive the ticket.

Swimming - can be found at most recreation centers, gyms and in some hotels. During the summer months it is possible to swim in many lakes and also in the sea on either coast. Be aware of any signs indicating where swimming is or is not allowed. During the spring, while the lakes are still frozen over, it is not uncommon to see local people cutting a hole in the ice and jumping in as part of their annual 'polar bear dip'. The New Year Polar Bear Swim in English Bay in Vancouver is the longest running.

Shopping - Canada offers many gift shops selling souvenirs for visitors. Typical items include maple syrup, t-shirts, and just about anything you can fit a Canadian flag on. Canada has an excellent selection of shops with many national and international retail stores. Clothing can be found at very good prices and if you are planning on exploring the outdoors there are usually a good selection of shops selling all you need in and around popular outdoor destinations. Bookstores are easy to find and stock a wide selection. In most provinces, alcohol can only be purchased at government run retail stores. Popular cities for shopping include Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

When To Go
When to go to Canada depends a lot on what you plan to do when you get there. Although much of Canada lies above the 49th parallel, and therefore has long and often intense winter weather, this isn't particularly a negative if you are going to Canada to ski. Although some tourist facilities in small centers are closed in winter, most remain open (after all, Canadians live in Canada year-round and require a full network of services).

Summer, from late June through August, brings the finest weather and not surprisingly the largest influx of travelers. Prices are highest, accommodations are frequently booked up, and crowds fill the wilderness. In many ways, the fall months, particularly September and October, are the most pleasant time to travel, as the weather is frequently very pleasant, the crowds have dispersed, and prices begin to fall. If you are looking for value, spring is the best time to visit Canada. However, it's not a good time to plan a trip centering on outdoor activities as it is also the "mud season" when all that snow melts.



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