When making a list of destinations you’d like to visit, be sure to add Canada to the list.
Canada gets a lot of guff from us Americans, but the truth of the matter is that Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It’s the second largest country by land mass, and it has everything from snowy glaciers to some of the most enjoyable cities in the world. The people are friendly, the wilderness is vast, and you can get there with just a US passport. Here are our top three reasons for visiting Canada this year:
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Vancouver
Vancouver lies just a few hours north of Seattle. It has enormous glass buildings, excellent cuisine, stunning ocean views, microbreweries, and a huge regional park. Stanley Park is directly connected to the city and offers beautiful running trails, hiking trails, and cycling trails. There’s also a stunning lake and views of great bridges and nearby mountains. Plus, Vancouver is considered the Hollywood of the north, so you may just see your favorite TV star shooting a scene while you’re here.
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Montreal
Montreal is the heart of French Canada. It’s the second largest French-speaking city in the world, second only to Paris. And many people consider Montreal the Paris of North America. It’s a beautiful, vibrant city filled with old-world charm and new-world amenities. You’ll find brightly colored homes reminiscent of San Francisco, funky art galleries, great food, and charming people. It’s tres magnifique.
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The Outdoors
Love trees? Love mountains and lakes and sapphire blue skies? Canada has possibly the most beautiful landscapes found anywhere in North America. The forests go on forever. The mountains seem to pierce the sky. The snowy peaks and placid lakes pop up everywhere you look. Take a road trip through the Canadian Rockies, or head far north to catch a glimpse of the mystical Northern Lights. You can also head over to the Bay of Fundy to go whale watching and walk through the world’s highest tidal range. (Yes, it sounds nerdy, but we promise it’s really cool!)
If you’re a US citizen, all you need to travel to Canada is an active passport. If you’re not a US citizen, you’ll need a Canada visa. Obtaining a visa to Canada takes between five to six weeks and requires a passport, an application form, a family information form, and proof of your travel arrangements. To avoid delays, be sure to obtain your visa about three months in advance. If you have any questions or need help applying, contact Swift at any time.
