Toronto

Toronto is sometimes seen as the epicentre of Canada. Some would even title it as the 'New York City' of Canada. It is the Provincial capital of Ontario (see Provinces and Territories) It is a very clean, lively and safe city with over 2.4 million inhabitants, this makes it the largest city in Canada, and the 4th largest in North America. The home of the world's longest street, Yonge Street (pronounced 'young') which actually stretches all the way to the U.S. border in Rainy River, Ontario, 1,986 kilometres from the waterfront in Toronto. The city also boasts 'The world's tallest building and free standing structure'; the CN Tower (Canadian National) which is 1,815 ft., 5 inches (553.33m) as well as being home to the infamous Blue Jays Skydome where basbeball can be viewed with the retractable roof open in the summer. Not to mention the huge Air Canada center, where giant pop and rock concerts, basketball matches and WWE wrestling is often housed.

Vancouver

Mainland of the Pacific Ocean lies the unspoilt city of Vancouver. Although built-up and commercialised, Vancouver still possesses a beauty of natural parkland mixed with a dense cultural integration. Part of the greatness about this city is that it is built up, with unexpected scenery of mountians and water surrounding the aesthetic sky-line. Vancouver, being on the recieving end of the Pacific Ocean's high rainfall, is best to be visited for holiday season in June, July and August, where there is a lot to do and many festivals. However, the 2 main mountains; Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour Provincial Park, host many winter activities including ski-ing, snowboarding, ice-skating, hiking tours, and best of all the view of Vancouver and the surrounding areas. On a clear day Mount Baker and Seattle in Washington State (USA), can be seen.

A glowing metropolis of French-Canada. The firts thought of going to Quebec is that it's going to be tough for the English-speaking tourist. In actual fact, Montreal is very 'English' in terms of language. Try talking bad French to the people and their immediate response is usually; 'do you speak English'. The city is based around the mountain 'Mont Royal' giving the city it's name, and is situated on an island around 40km long. The people here are very European, 2/3 are French, but they have a certain urgency, more than compared to laid back Toronto it has to be said. So be carefull when crossing the road, and when out at night. It is the second largest city population-wise in Canada and is a great place to visit.

Niagara Falls

Definitely one of the most amazing tourist attractions to Canada with around 12 million visitors a year. People's opinion of this place differs; some say it is beutiful and amazing, other's say it is a tacky tourist spot. In my opinion, it is a great place to visit and it took my breath away, it's very hypnotic that it's easy ot get carried away and watch it all day! The touristy part mostly happens up a street called Lundy's Lane, where there's lots of Niagara Falls T-shirt shops, casino's and museaums etc. Mostly though it is tranquil even though there are lots of people about and was a big highlight for me, to see this wonder.

On the other side of the coin is the Canadian Rockies. A supreme stretch of the world which is awe-inspiring in everyway. Vast mountainous lands, wildlife, snow, and emerald-blue water's, with hosts of activites and no end to the amount of places to do them. Bannf, is to be said; the tourist hot-spot of the Rockies, where everyone goes - lots of ski-ing and mountain climbing here. Lake Louise is one of the most peacful, all though still touristy, with an amazing treck to the other side of the lake which is great fun. Jasper National Park, is where you would feel most at one with nature. It is less populous and is great fro horse-riding, cycling, whit-water rafting and anything with the open space.

The largest city in Alberta, Calgary is located in the south-western part of the province. Calgary is home to the world-famous "Calgary Exhibition and Stampede" which brings over 100,000 people a day in the 10-day festival. Concerts, shows, and exhibitions line Stampede Park and the downtown streets in the second week of July every year since 1912. Home to much of the Canadian oil and gas industry, Calgary is a vibrant modern city filled with skyscrapers and modern amenities. As with afore mentioned places in Alberta, Calgary has lots to do, and grouped with modernisms of downtown, it is an all round place.

No pictures of Ottawa as yet.
On the tip of Eastern Ontario, near Quebec, lies the Capital of Canada. It is the home of the country's parliamentary business and also the home of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) or 'Mounties'. The capital is said to be becoming more and more French, not just because of the fact that Hull, Quebec sits just over the Ottawa river, but because most federal government workers are required to be billingual. The city is said to be safe and clean and because there is no big industry; a very beutiful place to visit. This is one of the reasons it attracts 5 million tourists a year.