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There are many reasons to visit Canada in 2023, which we will be taking a closer look at right here. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, mesmerizing landscapes, rich culture, delicious cuisine, impressive cities, friendly people, and so much more.
There’s plenty for everyone who visits Canada to see and do, so let’s dive straight in to find out some of the best reasons to visit Canada this year.
Top reasons why you should visit Canada
There are literally hundreds of great reasons to visit Canada in 2023, but instead of listing them all, here are just a handful of top reasons. They include the following:
- Stunning natural beauty/national parks
- The Northern Lights display in the Yukon province
- Friendly and approachable people
- Delicious cuisine from Canada and around the world
- Unique wildlife (whale watching, Grizzly bears)
- Home to some of the world’s best land-based and online casinos
- Canada has a rich and diverse culture
- The cities in Canada, e.g., Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec, Vancouver, Calgary, etc., are amazing
- Has the iconic Rocky Mountaineer railway journey
- Great for winter and summer sports, and lots of activities for all types of travellers/tourists
Canada has it all, whether you’re looking to just relax and take it easy or a thrill-seeking adventure. There’s something for everyone, and one of the best times to visit is during the summer months.
Is Canada a good place for food lovers?
Canadian cuisine isn’t the world-renowned heavyweight that Mexico, Thailand, Japan, or even the USA has. However, foodies will love it here. The indigenous and native cuisines offer plenty of options, and the modern fusions and developments thanks to immigrants mean the Canadian food scene is routinely evolving and developing. There’s what’s classic, historical, and part of a deep and proud heritage. And there’s what’s new, groundbreaking, and part of a deep and proud heritage.
Poutine. Poutine is the place foodies have to try. This dish is globally recognized. It’s the most famous Canadian dish, a de facto national dish. French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, a 1950s Quebecois creation that served as a source of mockery until it rose to be revered. This is a must-have.
For dessert, there’s the Nanaimo bar. Its three layers consist of a coconut crumb, wafer, and nut base, custard in the middle, and a chocolate ganache on top. Variations exist, of course. The bar gets its name from Nanaimo, a city in British Columbia, but other regions and cities have their own ideas of what it should be.
Canada’s Inuit and Mètis populations have created incredible food over the course of their history. With renewed efforts to connect, respect, and lift the indigenous population back into the Canadian consciousness, its cuisine has garnered new attention. As such, there will be many restaurants and cafes you’ll be able to try elk, moose, and other game meats you may not be able to have elsewhere. Bannock, though, is a flatbread that’s all Canada’s own. That being said, there are many variations. Essentially, though, it’s flour, water, and fat or lard. Milk, sugar, and salt tend to be added – variations, variations, variations. Regardless, you must try some.
Is Canada a good place for culture lovers?
Canada is a vast place. What’s up North is not down South. What’s out East is not out West. Canada has a lot of different cultural destinations to offer new and seasoned travellers.
Quebec and Ontario are the two places most travelled to. For Quebec, Montreal, and Quebec City are the go-tos. In Montreal, the McCord Stewart Museum and the Centre PHI will give you a means of understanding the history of the city’s inhabitants and the future of its art scene. Museums are a reliable source of culture in Quebec City too, particularly old Quebec which dates back to the 17th century. The city’s regular cultural events will allow you to experience Quebec City’s arts and culinary scenes too.
Toronto and Ottawa are the big hitters in Ontario. Toronto has a strong and thriving performing arts scene, which means a visit to the Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts and the Meridian Arts Centre is a must. The Château Laurier and Confederation Square give you two essential Ottawian cultural monuments to visit before you head to Parliament Hill, the Golden Triangle, and the ByWard Market to get a sense of Ottawa’s retail options and impressive gothic architecture.
Is Canada a good place for casino lovers?
Yes. Canada is home to some of the world’s best land-based casinos. It also has several fully licensed online casinos controlled by some of the iGaming industry’s most trusted operators.
If you decide to play at an online casino and want tips to speed up payments, look for a fast payout online casino and only use a rapid deposit/withdrawal payment option as opposed to a money courier or bank check, which take much longer than digital wallets, credit & debit cards.
Some of the most iconic casinos you may want to check out during your stay in Canada are the Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino in Ontario, the Casino De Montreal in Quebec, and the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort in Ontario.
You also have the Casino Niagara in Ontario, the River Rock Casino Resort in British Columbia, and the River Cree Resort and Casino in Alberta.
Others include the Medicine Hat Lodge Resort in Alberta, the Northlands Park Racetrack and Casino, which is also in Alberta, the St. Eugene Golf Resort Casino in British Columbia, and the Casino Rama Resort in Ontario. Always check that you are of legal age before attempting to enter any of these venues.
What other things should I do when I next visit Canada?
If you visit Toronto, some of the most popular things to see and experience during your stay are the CN Tower, Toronto Islands, the Rogers Centre (home to the Blue Jays Baseball), the Royal Ontario Museum, and St. Lawrence Market.
You also have the Haunted Walks, the Trinity Bellwoods Park, the Distillery District, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and, not forgetting, Niagara Falls. Plus, many concert venues in Toronto and other Canadian cities have regular unforgettable shows performed by some of the world’s biggest artists.
Honourable mentions
There’s so much more to see and do in Canada, so if you manage to do any of the above and you still have time for more, then you also need to check out the Wonderland theme park in Vaughan, the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, the Toronto International Film Festival, and Sauble Beach.
You also have Wasaga Beach, the Fort William Historical Park, the Georgian Bay in Ontario, and the Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls. If that’s not enough to keep you going, remember to check out the Bruce Peninsula and Tobermory, the Cheltenham Badlands, and the Stratford Festival.
There’s also the Lake of the Woods, the Toronto Music Garden, Backyard Axe Throwing, the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre, and the Harbourfront Centre, to name just a handful of top ideas for when you next visit Canada.
As you can see, there’s so much to do and something for everyone. Before visiting Canada, remember to plan your trip well before you arrive to save time and hassle when you get there.
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