Canada: It's Not Just For Fishing Anymore
by: ARA Content

(ARA) - During the winter months, our neighbor to the south draws the most attention from vacationing Americans. But our northerly neighbor, Canada, possesses many hidden hot spots of its own. For those seeking relaxation or adventure, the mountains, parks and cities of Canada offer value, recreation and culture all in one.

One of the hottest spots in Canada can be found in British Columbia, the western-most province of the country. The rising coastal mountains are now home to North America's largest ski resorts, Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain. These dramatic mountains rise up over a mile out of the valley and offer skiers of any level over 200 trails in more than 7,000 acres of mountainous terrain.

Skiing Magazine rated Whistler first overall in North America in 1995, 1996 and 1998, edging out such popular and expensive resorts like Vail and Aspen, Colorado. The overall rating includes not only magnificent ski slopes, but also the pedestrian-only Village with countless shops, restaurants and nightlife. The community atmosphere of Whistler and the value of the American dollar in Canada draw in skiers and snowboarders from all over the United States and the World.

Glacier National Park is another of Canada's most beautiful areas, with breath-taking views of lakes, waterfalls and mountains at every turn. The over 1 million acres of unspoiled land is located in the northwest corner of Montana and spills over the American border into Canada. It has been dubbed the "Crown of the Continent," with its cavernous valleys and jutting, razor-sharp peaks and unlike its larger counterparts in the U.S., such as Yellowstone and Yosemite, Glacier is one of the least crowded National Parks.

The number of people visiting the untouched terrain is no indication of the beauty the land holds for sightseers and outdoor adventurers. The park is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts waiting to spot one of the many species of wildlife in the park. Some of these wild animals include wolves, Rocky Mountain sheep and mountain lions. Glacier is also home to nearly 45 percent of the entire grizzly population, a beautiful animal -- from a distance.

Visitors can also take advantage of the Park's glorious hills and mountains with countless hiking and biking trails. Whether you prefer to ride horseback or in a car, Glacier's sights are equally amazing, and the solitude of the area allows you to delve even deeper into the roots of Mother Nature and the beauty she has created.

But not all of Canada's hot spots have their roots in the mountains. One city in particular is making an ever-increasing mark on Canadians, Americans and people worldwide. Toronto, the country's largest city, with over 2.5 million people, has become a cosmopolitan destination -- a characteristic that is rarely thought of when vacationers think of Canada.

One of the reasons for the changing perception of this city is its outstanding theatre and arts community. Along with prominent museums such as the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto now boasts one of the largest film festivals in the world. The festival is known for highlighting movie classics as well as premiering new releases. The 2000 festival saw the release of over 178 films, both from the U.S. and internationally.

Toronto's cultural community stretches along the Great Lake that it borders, Lake Ontario. It's in these neighborhoods where the city's Victorian past blends with the present to create a lakeshore atmosphere strong in historical tradition, but also brimming with the culture of today. The Harbourfront, a waterfront development encompassing ten acres on the water's edge, is also a beautiful place for Toronto first timers to get their feet wet. Packed with craft stores, restaurants and galleries, the area is a shining example of Toronto's overflowing culture.

With its extreme natural beauty and countless cultural destinations, Canada is a value that proves to be worth every dollar, Canadian and U.S. alike.