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    </div><ul><li><b>Craft Beer </b>— Despite the fact that Canada has its own beer, aptly named “Canadian”, I don’t recommend drinking it. Instead, Canada has a huge craft beer scene and you will find any number of micro-breweries in most cities and towns.</li><li><b>Tim Hortons Double Double Coffee </b>— Tim Hortons is Canada’s version of Dunkin’ Donuts. Ordering a ‘double double’ will get you a coffee with 2 creams and 2 sugars. You can also order triple-triples if you want more!</li><li><b>Screech </b>— Newfoundland has its own rum and yes, it might make you screech. To become a true islander, you will have to be <b>‘screeched in’ </b>by the locals. This also involves kissing a salted cod! It’s a right of passage for any visitor to ‘the rock’.</li></ul><h2 id="baf6">Iconic Landmarks</h2><p id="4ef1">Canada is a <b>MASSIVE</b> country (it spans 6 time zones!), and there are many, many, MANY things that could be deemed iconic. However, I will try to keep the list short and focused so you don’t get too overwhelmed.</p><ul><li><b>The Rocky Mountains</b> — You really should not miss these pristine mountains. Not only are the mountains amazing, but the air is also fresh and clean, the rivers and lakes are green/blue that is made possible by the melting glaciers, and the wildlife and nature are top-notch. There are many locations to enjoy, and you could spend months visiting them all. But even if you just pick one, you will not be disappointed.</li><li><b>Banff Springs Hotel </b>— Dubbed the <b>“Castle In The Rockies”</b>, the Banff Springs Hotel has accommodated a vast spectrum of the world’s elite, including royalty. It is well worth a visit to Banff to not only visit the town but to walk inside this glorious building.</li></ul><figure id="96d3"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*iwLVNm7ondgLfI_ryjriEg.jpeg"><figcaption>I am from Canmore in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. I know all about how stunning they are. Here we are looking at Elk in the river below the Three Sisters Mountains. Photo Credit: Author</figcaption></figure><ul><li><b>Niagara Falls </b>— Niagara Falls borders Canada and the US, but of course, the best side of the falls is on the Canadian side:) Either way, it is a pretty awesome spectacle and well worth the visit.</li><li><b>The Bay Of Fundy</b> — The Bay Of Fundy has the world's largest tides that reach heights of 40 feet (12 meters)! There are whole bays that empty out when the tide goes out, then fill in 6 hours later when they return. <b>It truly is something that is incredible to witness. </b>My favorite part of the bay was the Hopewell Rocks. When the tide is in they look like little islands and when it is out, they are massive columns of rock with puffs of green on top. It’s astounding to witness the difference.</li></ul><figure id="c625"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*-WJnTFW3zDNUGcD3PTXHZg.jpeg"><figcaption>The tide comes in to the top of the pillar just under the greenery! Hopewell Rocks circa 1999. Photo Credit: Author</figcaption></figure><ul><li><b>Takakkaw Falls</b> — The second tallest waterfall in Canada is a stunner! You will find this waterfall inside the Rockies while you are touring around Yoho National Park.</li><li><b>Vancouver Island — </b>The giant island on Canada's West Coast is home to stunning beauty. From tiny protected coves, and quaint hippy villages, to raw and rugged beaches, this island truly has it all. Take a trip off-island to one of the dozens of other smaller islands to learn how Westcoasters truly live at one with the land.</li><li><b>The Maritime Provinces</b> — The East Coast of Canada has its own sort of charm. Call it Canada’s version of Scotland or Ireland. The people are warm and friendly, they still host <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%A8ilidh"><i>Ceilidhs </i></a>(music parties) in their kitchens, and they are a barrel of fun! Take the ferry from Sydney, Nova Scotia to Newfoundland for a true locals experience. <b>Be forewarned, there is a bar on board, the band will be playing, and it is open almost all night!</b></li><li><b>Whistler/Blackcomb — </b>Canada is home to a multitude of famous ski hills, many of them in the Rocky Mountains. But a ski trip to Canada should not be complete without visiting Whistler Blackcomb on the West Coast. In fact, if you time your visit correctly, you can golf in Vancouver in the morning, and then head up to Whistler to ski in the afternoon. <b>Now I call that a great day!</b></li><li><b>CN Tower —</b> <a href="https://pursuit.ca/lifestyle/caeser-garnish-tips-for-summer/">Canada’s highest building </a>definitely deserves some attention. At 553.3m (1815.3ft) it is actually the tallest freestanding structure in the <b>Western Hemisphere</b>, and the 9th tallest building in the world. If you only visit Toronto for one reason, this would be a good one. <b>Watch out for the glass floor if you are scared of heights!</b></li></ul><div id="a21c" class="link-block">
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            <h2>CN Tower - Wikipedia</h2>
            <div><h3>The CN Tower ( French: Tour CN) is a 553.3 m-high (1,815.3 ft) concrete communications and observation tower in…</h3></div>
            <div><p>en.wikipedia.org</p></div>
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    </div><ul><li><b>Old Quebec City </b>— Find European-style history in Quebec City. The old city is a walled-in fortress and features tiny cobblestone streets and quaint charm. Try to speak French if you can, it will be appreciated in this very French city.</li><li><b>Canada’s Parliament Buildings in the capital city of Ottawa</b> — Time this with your skating trip (see below) and take in Canada’s government headquarters. Tours are available year-round.</li></ul><figure id="282d"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*Y5vqCh4CO77AbcDHS9rK8Q.jpeg"><figcaption>Digital Art by Chris DeCap — Artistic Voyages. Used with permission.</figcaption></figure><h2 id="0a82">Canadian Wildlife</h2><p id="6bb7">Even the most seasoned Canadians haven’t seen all of these, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t check them all! <b>PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS! Yes, even the cute ones. </b>Many wildlife attacks happen because humans are trying to feed the animals. <b>They are WILD!</b> They do not need to be fed!</p><ul><li>Beaver</li><li>Bears — Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Polar Bear, Spirit Bear</li><li>Killer Whale/Orca</li><li>Moose</li><li>Elk</li><li>Big Horn Sheep</li><li>Bald Eagle</li><li>Cougar/Mountain Lion</li><li>Narwhale</li><li>Caribou</li><li>Canada Goose</li><li>Loon</li><li>Buffalo</li><li>Wolves</li><li>Fox</li><li>Squirrel</li><li>Chipmunk</li></ul><h2 id="be62">Iconic Experiences</h2><p id="4417">This is just a short list of Canadian experiences that you can have while visiting. Of course, some of these are in the middle of winter, so only the brave will get to them.</p><ul><li><b>Viewing the northern lights</b> — is best done from a hot tub outside in the middle of winter.</li><li><b>Dog sledding </b>— a team of husky dogs will pull you on a sleigh through the vast Canadian wilderness. Bundle up!</li><li><b>Whale watching</b> — both coasts offer ample whale watching opportunities. But the West Coast has resident Orcas that are there year-round.</li><li><b>Train across the country </b>— spoil yourself with a train trip from Vancouver to Montreal. You will pass

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the most diverse landscapes and see some stunning scenery.</li><li><b>Frozen maple syrup lollipops in Quebec City — </b>Only the bravest of the brave can handle Quebec City in the winter. But if you are there, get a stick of maple syrup that is made by pouring hot syrup in the snow, and then twirled around a stick.</li><li><b>Spending your Loonies and Toonies — </b>Canada’s $1 and$ 2 coins are fondly called Loonies and Toonies. First came the loonie, named because of the loon on its front. The toonie came next and there was a nationwide vote that determined its name.</li><li><b>Kiss a cod while getting screeched in — </b>a must-have experience on the east coast.</li></ul><figure id="fc78"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/0*8VjbAc8h3FYMbQ6P"><figcaption>Adorable puffins! Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@aninahuber?utm_source=medium&utm_medium=referral">Anina Huber</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><ul><li><b>Puffin-watching tour from Newfoundland or Cape Breton, Nova Scotia— </b>head out on a boat to some rugged islands that house much of North America's puffin population.</li><li><b>Storm watching on the west coast — </b>watching the extreme west coast of Vancouver Island get pummeled by storms is an experience that you won’t soon forget. Sit inside by the fire, while mother nature throws her furry at the coastline. <b>You will have very big respect for her power after this experience.</b></li><li><b>Skating on the Rideau canal or one of Canada's many frozen lakes — </b>again, visiting Canada in the winter is not for the faint of heart. But if you are going to do it, get out on the frozen water and try your hand at one of Canadians' favorite pastimes, skating. In Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, you can even skate down the middle of the city on the frozen canal.</li><li><b>Ice fishing </b>— While you are out on the ice, give ice fishing a go. You will need an auger (a large drill to get through the ice), a fishing line, and some bait. Take a local with you to learn where the good spots are!</li></ul><figure id="b70c"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/0*4YcoIHB43ZxR5phm"><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@glennclaire?utm_source=medium&utm_medium=referral">Glenna Haug</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><ul><li><b>Skiing/Snowboarding — </b>Canada has some of the best winter recreational terrains in the world. Strap on your gear and hit the slopes! Make sure to sit in the hot tub at the end of the day and check out the Northern Lights!</li><li><b>Riding the roller coaster in West Edmonton Mall — </b>Now the second largest mall in North America it was downgraded from the <b>largest indoor shopping center in the world, </b>a record it held until 2004. Inside the mall, you can go to waterslides and a wave pool, hit the ice to go skating or take in the roller coaster at the theme park. Not to mention, shop until you drop!</li><li><b>Practice your French AND English! </b>— Canada is officially bilingual, and despite the fact that most of the French population is in the east, you will see French used throughout the country. All government signs are in both languages, as well as labels on all food products in stores and supermarkets.</li><li><b>Visit the maple trees as they turn their colors in the fall </b>— Specifically from Ontario to the East Coast, sometime in October, you can watch the leaves on the maple trees erupt into an astounding display of colors. This only happens once per year, so time your trip correctly to see this monumental display of Mother Nature’s beauty.</li><li><b>Watch the salmon run</b> — Fall also brings the return of the Pacific Salmon to their spawning grounds in lakes and river beds inland. Watch the salmon as they jump upstream to get back to where they were birthed, 4 years earlier! During some years, there will be so many salmon in a river that you can almost walk across them! <b>No, please don’t try this!</b></li><li><b>Witness the cherry blossoms emerge</b> — I’ve seen this starting as early as mid-January, but more often in March/April, the pink and white cherry blossoms will cover the trees on the West Coast. From Vancouver, all the way out to Vancouver Island, and many points in between, the trees and many surfaces will be covered in these delicate flower petals. While the rest of the country still sits in a deep freeze, the West Coast starts to come alive with life!</li></ul><h2 id="5ee5">Did you have enough time to see them all?</h2><p id="75a0">Canada is an incredibly huge country and even flying across it takes lots of time. So don’t go there planning to see it all and do it all at once. Trips to Canada should be broken up into bite-sized pieces and focused on specific locations so that you have time to do all that you need to do in each area.</p><p id="b789">One thing is for sure, though, no matter where you go, you will find some of the friendliest and most hospitable people in Canada. Canadians are proud of their country, and they are always happy to put their best foot forward to show their visitors a good time.</p><p id="7ee5"><b>Bring lots of money, Canada is not cheap! But long after your money is gone, you will remember your Canadian visit with great fondness.</b></p><p id="e8db">Thanks for joining me on a ‘tick list’ of Canada! As I said, I’m sure I have missed many things. This list is only from my own experiences. But if you want something added to the list, please leave me a comment. Also, thanks again to <a href="undefined">Malky McEwan</a> for the fun prompt!</p><p id="d816">Happy travels!</p><p id="4671">xo Jill</p><figure id="2471"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*IDlDKuxoG0gmCX-cVp-Utw.png"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><div id="7bcd" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/where-i-come-from-banff-canmore-canada-c8042c2afd8e"> <div> <div> <h2>Where I Come From — Banff/Canmore, Canada</h2> <div><h3>I was fortunate to grow up in two beautiful towns.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*9bVQUf6a63GuUV9b)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="5307"><i>Hi there, we are 2 Canadians, Jill and Chris from Artistic Voyages. We have been nomadic since 2017 living in numerous different countries, and experiencing the life and diversity of our planet on the ground and firsthand. We paint FREE murals in exchange for accommodation.<b> <a href="https://ko-fi.com/artisticvoyages">Check us out on Ko-fi!</a></b></i></p><p id="67ca"><b><i>Subscribe to Medium through my <a href="https://artisticvoyages.medium.com/membership">referral link</a> to get full access to my writing plus thousands of others! Plus sign up <a href="https://artisticvoyages.medium.com/subscribe">here</a> to get my articles by email!</i></b></p><p id="d712"><i>Join our adventure by hitting the links below!</i></p><p id="d28b"><a href="http://www.artisticvoyages.com/">Website</a> | <a href="http://www.instagram.com/artisticvoyages">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/artisticvoyages">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/artisticvoyages">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.patreon.com/artisticvoyages">Patreon</a>|<a href="http://www.youtube.com/c/artisticvoyages"> YouTube</a> | <a href="https://artisticvoyages.medium.com/">Medium</a></p></article></body>

THINGS TO DO | TRAVEL | CANADA

A Travel ‘Tick List’ For Canada — Things To Do and Try While Visiting

Is it your first time going to Canada? See how many of these you can tick off the list!

Author’s dirty old bag that she carries around the world. Photo Credit: Author

Thanks to Malky McEwan for his prompt to create a ‘tick list’, or bucket list, for guests that want to visit our own countries.

A Challenge for All Globetrotters — Create a Tick List for Your Own Country

Hand your guests a bucket list of suggestions

medium.com

Apparently, his hosts left one for him in his accommodation when he was in Australia. The list contains not just places to visit, but things to eat, wildlife to see, and iconic scenery, among others.

He has requested that other Globetrotters think of contributing their own lists for their own countries. Seeing that I lived on both the East and West Coasts of Canada, plus drove across it a couple of different times, I have seen my fair share of our vast country. Of course, I can only share what I know, and what I have seen.

But if you live in Canada, and you think something is missing, PLEASE LET ME KNOW in the comments! Maybe I can create a PART 2 with the extra information.

Traditional Grub

Malky’s List starts out with Traditional Grub. Because Canada is such a crazy melting pot of so many different cultures, it’s hard to really come up with traditional food. But we do have a few unique items that set us apart from the rest of the world.

Poutine — We thank the French Canadians for this one. Basically, it is french fries that are drowned in gravy, with cheese curds melted on top. OMG, I am drooling right now! There are MANY variations to this traditional one.

Try them, try them all!

You won’t believe it but we found Poutine in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico! Photo Credit: Author

Canadian Back Bacon — No eggs benedict is complete without Canadian back bacon to finish it off! Basically, it is bacon in a log shape that is cured, and it is delicious!
Maple Syrup — Eastern Canada is home to maple trees. You really haven't lived until you have had this flavourful sweet sap that comes from our trees.
Hawkins Cheezies — The US thinks that it has cheesy snacks down, but I can assure you that nobody does it better than Canadian-owned Hawkins Cheezies. Made with real powdered cheese, this is a favorite snack of many Canadians.

Cheezies - Wikipedia

Cheezies are a brand of cheese puff snack food made and sold in Canada by W. T. Hawkins Ltd. The snack is made from…

en.wikipedia.org

Canadian Pizza — So we have our own version of pizza. Canadian pizza is mostly bacon and cheddar. Yes, Canadians love cheddar cheese. And, yes, we do love bacon as well. Even that which is not Canadian back bacon. Just the normal bacon is fine as well. Okay, fine, most Canadians just love meat.
Pacific Salmon — Make sure you get WILD Pacific salmon and not the farmed salmon. It truly is melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Atlantic Lobster — You can’t imagine how good this stuff is. Really, make sure you wear a bib and hit up the East Coast for this treat, you won’t regret it.

Moose & Deer — But only if it is locally and legally hunted. Both can be out-of-this-world delicious!
Cod Tongue — A MUST if in Newfoundland, especially after you get screeched in! (See below.)
Bannock — Bannock is actually a traditional food, one that comes from our indigenous population. It is a type of bread and it is delicious!
BeaverTails — First you have to catch a beaver! Ha ha, only joking! BeaverTails are pastry that is made in the shape of a beavertail. It is then covered in a bunch of different sweet ingredients like chocolate syrup, cookie bits, and about a thousand other ingredients that you can choose from. Good luck deciding on a flavor, it is not easy.

BeaverTails - Wikipedia

BeaverTails ( French: Queues de Castor) is a Canadian restaurant chain, specializing in pastries known as BeaverTails…

en.wikipedia.org

Beverages To Try

Caesar — Invented in Canada this drink is a mix of Clamato Juice (clam and tomato juice pre-mixed), vodka, Worcestershire sauce, tabasco sauce, and celery salt. Caesars can be topped off with any number of garnishes and some can even feel like you are eating a meal in a drink! If you think this is the same as a Bloody Mary, think again!

This is WAY better!

The Ultimate Caesar Recipe And Garnish Guide

What on earth is a Bloody Mary? Caesars are Canada's national drink, and as warm weather, long weekends and cottage…

pursuit.ca

Craft Beer — Despite the fact that Canada has its own beer, aptly named “Canadian”, I don’t recommend drinking it. Instead, Canada has a huge craft beer scene and you will find any number of micro-breweries in most cities and towns.
Tim Hortons Double Double Coffee — Tim Hortons is Canada’s version of Dunkin’ Donuts. Ordering a ‘double double’ will get you a coffee with 2 creams and 2 sugars. You can also order triple-triples if you want more!
Screech — Newfoundland has its own rum and yes, it might make you screech. To become a true islander, you will have to be ‘screeched in’ by the locals. This also involves kissing a salted cod! It’s a right of passage for any visitor to ‘the rock’.

Iconic Landmarks

Canada is a MASSIVE country (it spans 6 time zones!), and there are many, many, MANY things that could be deemed iconic. However, I will try to keep the list short and focused so you don’t get too overwhelmed.

The Rocky Mountains — You really should not miss these pristine mountains. Not only are the mountains amazing, but the air is also fresh and clean, the rivers and lakes are green/blue that is made possible by the melting glaciers, and the wildlife and nature are top-notch. There are many locations to enjoy, and you could spend months visiting them all. But even if you just pick one, you will not be disappointed.
Banff Springs Hotel — Dubbed the “Castle In The Rockies”, the Banff Springs Hotel has accommodated a vast spectrum of the world’s elite, including royalty. It is well worth a visit to Banff to not only visit the town but to walk inside this glorious building.

I am from Canmore in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. I know all about how stunning they are. Here we are looking at Elk in the river below the Three Sisters Mountains. Photo Credit: Author

Niagara Falls — Niagara Falls borders Canada and the US, but of course, the best side of the falls is on the Canadian side:) Either way, it is a pretty awesome spectacle and well worth the visit.
The Bay Of Fundy — The Bay Of Fundy has the world's largest tides that reach heights of 40 feet (12 meters)! There are whole bays that empty out when the tide goes out, then fill in 6 hours later when they return. It truly is something that is incredible to witness. My favorite part of the bay was the Hopewell Rocks. When the tide is in they look like little islands and when it is out, they are massive columns of rock with puffs of green on top. It’s astounding to witness the difference.

The tide comes in to the top of the pillar just under the greenery! Hopewell Rocks circa 1999. Photo Credit: Author

Takakkaw Falls — The second tallest waterfall in Canada is a stunner! You will find this waterfall inside the Rockies while you are touring around Yoho National Park.
Vancouver Island — The giant island on Canada's West Coast is home to stunning beauty. From tiny protected coves, and quaint hippy villages, to raw and rugged beaches, this island truly has it all. Take a trip off-island to one of the dozens of other smaller islands to learn how Westcoasters truly live at one with the land.
The Maritime Provinces — The East Coast of Canada has its own sort of charm. Call it Canada’s version of Scotland or Ireland. The people are warm and friendly, they still host Ceilidhs (music parties) in their kitchens, and they are a barrel of fun! Take the ferry from Sydney, Nova Scotia to Newfoundland for a true locals experience. Be forewarned, there is a bar on board, the band will be playing, and it is open almost all night!
Whistler/Blackcomb — Canada is home to a multitude of famous ski hills, many of them in the Rocky Mountains. But a ski trip to Canada should not be complete without visiting Whistler Blackcomb on the West Coast. In fact, if you time your visit correctly, you can golf in Vancouver in the morning, and then head up to Whistler to ski in the afternoon. Now I call that a great day!
CN Tower — Canada’s highest building definitely deserves some attention. At 553.3m (1815.3ft) it is actually the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere, and the 9th tallest building in the world. If you only visit Toronto for one reason, this would be a good one. Watch out for the glass floor if you are scared of heights!

CN Tower - Wikipedia

The CN Tower ( French: Tour CN) is a 553.3 m-high (1,815.3 ft) concrete communications and observation tower in…

en.wikipedia.org

Old Quebec City — Find European-style history in Quebec City. The old city is a walled-in fortress and features tiny cobblestone streets and quaint charm. Try to speak French if you can, it will be appreciated in this very French city.
Canada’s Parliament Buildings in the capital city of Ottawa — Time this with your skating trip (see below) and take in Canada’s government headquarters. Tours are available year-round.

Digital Art by Chris DeCap — Artistic Voyages. Used with permission.

Canadian Wildlife

Even the most seasoned Canadians haven’t seen all of these, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t check them all! PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS! Yes, even the cute ones. Many wildlife attacks happen because humans are trying to feed the animals. They are WILD! They do not need to be fed!

Beaver
Bears — Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Polar Bear, Spirit Bear
Killer Whale/Orca
Moose
Elk
Big Horn Sheep
Bald Eagle
Cougar/Mountain Lion
Narwhale
Caribou
Canada Goose
Loon
Buffalo
Wolves
Fox
Squirrel
Chipmunk

Iconic Experiences

This is just a short list of Canadian experiences that you can have while visiting. Of course, some of these are in the middle of winter, so only the brave will get to them.

Viewing the northern lights — is best done from a hot tub outside in the middle of winter.
Dog sledding — a team of husky dogs will pull you on a sleigh through the vast Canadian wilderness. Bundle up!
Whale watching — both coasts offer ample whale watching opportunities. But the West Coast has resident Orcas that are there year-round.
Train across the country — spoil yourself with a train trip from Vancouver to Montreal. You will pass the most diverse landscapes and see some stunning scenery.
Frozen maple syrup lollipops in Quebec City — Only the bravest of the brave can handle Quebec City in the winter. But if you are there, get a stick of maple syrup that is made by pouring hot syrup in the snow, and then twirled around a stick.
Spending your Loonies and Toonies — Canada’s $1 and $2 coins are fondly called Loonies and Toonies. First came the loonie, named because of the loon on its front. The toonie came next and there was a nationwide vote that determined its name.
Kiss a cod while getting screeched in — a must-have experience on the east coast.

Adorable puffins! Photo by Anina Huber on Unsplash

Puffin-watching tour from Newfoundland or Cape Breton, Nova Scotia— head out on a boat to some rugged islands that house much of North America's puffin population.
Storm watching on the west coast — watching the extreme west coast of Vancouver Island get pummeled by storms is an experience that you won’t soon forget. Sit inside by the fire, while mother nature throws her furry at the coastline. You will have very big respect for her power after this experience.
Skating on the Rideau canal or one of Canada's many frozen lakes — again, visiting Canada in the winter is not for the faint of heart. But if you are going to do it, get out on the frozen water and try your hand at one of Canadians' favorite pastimes, skating. In Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, you can even skate down the middle of the city on the frozen canal.
Ice fishing — While you are out on the ice, give ice fishing a go. You will need an auger (a large drill to get through the ice), a fishing line, and some bait. Take a local with you to learn where the good spots are!

Skiing/Snowboarding — Canada has some of the best winter recreational terrains in the world. Strap on your gear and hit the slopes! Make sure to sit in the hot tub at the end of the day and check out the Northern Lights!
Riding the roller coaster in West Edmonton Mall — Now the second largest mall in North America it was downgraded from the largest indoor shopping center in the world, a record it held until 2004. Inside the mall, you can go to waterslides and a wave pool, hit the ice to go skating or take in the roller coaster at the theme park. Not to mention, shop until you drop!
Practice your French AND English! — Canada is officially bilingual, and despite the fact that most of the French population is in the east, you will see French used throughout the country. All government signs are in both languages, as well as labels on all food products in stores and supermarkets.
Visit the maple trees as they turn their colors in the fall — Specifically from Ontario to the East Coast, sometime in October, you can watch the leaves on the maple trees erupt into an astounding display of colors. This only happens once per year, so time your trip correctly to see this monumental display of Mother Nature’s beauty.
Watch the salmon run — Fall also brings the return of the Pacific Salmon to their spawning grounds in lakes and river beds inland. Watch the salmon as they jump upstream to get back to where they were birthed, 4 years earlier! During some years, there will be so many salmon in a river that you can almost walk across them! No, please don’t try this!
Witness the cherry blossoms emerge — I’ve seen this starting as early as mid-January, but more often in March/April, the pink and white cherry blossoms will cover the trees on the West Coast. From Vancouver, all the way out to Vancouver Island, and many points in between, the trees and many surfaces will be covered in these delicate flower petals. While the rest of the country still sits in a deep freeze, the West Coast starts to come alive with life!

Did you have enough time to see them all?

Canada is an incredibly huge country and even flying across it takes lots of time. So don’t go there planning to see it all and do it all at once. Trips to Canada should be broken up into bite-sized pieces and focused on specific locations so that you have time to do all that you need to do in each area.

One thing is for sure, though, no matter where you go, you will find some of the friendliest and most hospitable people in Canada. Canadians are proud of their country, and they are always happy to put their best foot forward to show their visitors a good time.

Bring lots of money, Canada is not cheap! But long after your money is gone, you will remember your Canadian visit with great fondness.

Thanks for joining me on a ‘tick list’ of Canada! As I said, I’m sure I have missed many things. This list is only from my own experiences. But if you want something added to the list, please leave me a comment. Also, thanks again to Malky McEwan for the fun prompt!

Happy travels!

xo Jill

Where I Come From — Banff/Canmore, Canada

I was fortunate to grow up in two beautiful towns.

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Hi there, we are 2 Canadians, Jill and Chris from Artistic Voyages. We have been nomadic since 2017 living in numerous different countries, and experiencing the life and diversity of our planet on the ground and firsthand. We paint FREE murals in exchange for accommodation. Check us out on Ko-fi!

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