THE VAST CANADA - a Canadian travel series

Looking for your next travel hotspot? Join us over the next three weeks as we explore all that makes Canada a must-see. This week we’ll take a look at an overview of the nation.

Canada is the second largest country in the world. Bordered by three oceans, the “Great White North” is as varied in its landscape, climate, and culture as it is vast in size. From high mountains, to prairie grasslands, to lush, diverse forests, innumerable lakes, and the permafrost of the arctic tundra, this country is one few travelers would be inclined to miss. It will take you 7 hours to fly from the eastern city of Halifax to Vancouver in the west, but the 10 provinces and 3 territories that make up the country are each so unique that we’re sure you’d want to make some stops along the way. English and French are the official languages of Canada, English being the one most commonly spoken (except in the province of Quebec).

Canada is a democratic country, with a parliamentary government. It is also part of the Commonwealth which means Queen Elizabeth II is the sovereign head of state. The Canadian government is made up of three levels, each of which has its own role and function: federal, provincial, and municipal. The Canadian economy is also made up of three major industries: service, manufacturing, and natural resources.

Three Aboriginal people groups exist in Canada – First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Those individuals who make up these group are the descendants of those who lived in Canada prior to the arrival of European settlers. “French Canadians” are the descendants of French settlers, and most reside in Quebec or smaller French-speaking communities across the nation. Most other Canadians are descendants of English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish migrants, though now approximately 20% of Canadian citizens are foreign-born. Today Canada is officially considered a multicultural nation. This rich mosaic is evidenced by the variety of cuisines, languages, cultural events and religions found within the nation’s borders.

In Canada, there are 4 seasons: spring, summer, fall/autumn and winter. Summer typically begins in June and ends in September, and snow falls in winter usually from December to March. Fall (September to December) marks the changing of the leaves, and Canada comes alive with displays of orange, yellow and red leaves. Spring (March-June) is marked by the melting of snow, the re-emergence of flora, and the birthing season of much wildlife. The temperature in Canada ranges from 20-30 degrees Celcius in the Summer to below zero in the winter (though northern regions have seen temperatures drop below -30 degrees Celcius!). Summer is ideal for hiking, camping, surfing, fishing and golfing. Winter is ideal for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, skating and snowmobiling. In most regions of Canada, though, festivals and events run year long. Helpful information on each of the territories’/province’s points of interest for travelers, including seasonal information (i.e., what to see when) is available here.

So there’s Canada! Its 9,970,610km2 of land mass, 2 million lakes, 40+ national parks, and 1000+ provincial/territorial parks are sure to dazzle any prospective traveler. Join us next week as we’ll detail travel within the nation, including transportation in some of its most populous , and popular, urban cities.