Top Tourist Sites » top destinations in Canada

Mont Tremblant Quebec

Tommy — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:59:36 +0000

Mont Tremblant Quebec is the best of all the Laurentian ski resorts, with the highest vertical drop in the region. The Laurentians are an easy 1.5-hour drive from Montreal. The hills, lovely scenery, and relaxed atmosphere make the Laurentians one of the most popular skiing destinations in eastern Canada. There is something for every level of skier here, from novice to hard-core expert. You can ski Mont Tremblant on one side for half of the day, then follow the sun to the other side of the mountain for the second half. Mont Tremblant Quebec has become a world-class ski resort, bringing in locals and visitors from around the world for an unforgettable skiing experience.

For first-time visitors, it can be a bit confusing as to what exactly the name Mont Tremblant refers to. This is because the name Mont Tremblant refers to a mountain, a village, and a provincial park. Mont Tremblant (or Mount Tremblant), the ski mountain and resort, is located just outside of Mont Tremblant Provincial Park. The village of Mont Tremblant Quebec is located at the foot of the mountain and has a chair lift to the peak of the mountain in summer and winter.

Fall Colors in Mont - Tremblant, Quebec, Canada

Mont Tremblant rentals

Mont Tremblant Quebec

Mont Tremblant in Quebec, Canada is one of the major resorts on the Fortress/Intrawest chopping block.

Stanley Park Vancouver

Tommy — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:36:06 +0000

Look at an aerial map of Vancouver and you’ll see the huge patch of green dominating the downtown peninsula. This green patch is Stanley Park Vancouver, the gem of the city that makes Vancouver what it is. The park is nearly 1000 acres in size, reflecting the city’s love for nature and appreciation for preserving green spaces, even in such a quickly-growing area.

Stanley Park is the largest urban park in North America, and opposed to other famous North American parks such as Central Park in New York, Stanley Park Vancouver is not just a manicured sprawl of lawns and neatly planted trees. What makes Stanley Park unique are the amazing views on the wrap-around Stanley Park seawall, the dense rainforests, the marshland, and the beaches.

Stanley Park Vancouver

North Shore view from Stanley Park - Vancouve

Stanley Park Vancouver

The World's Greatest Urban Parks: Stanley Park, Vancouver

Science World Vancouver

Tommy — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:26:11 +0000

The Science World ‘golf ball’ shape is a standout among Vancouver’s buildings. It is always easy to spot, shiny and round at the eastern end of False Creek. Science World Vancouver was originally built for Expo ’86. Though it is sometimes referred to as the ‘golf ball’, Science World is actually a geodesic dome, patented by inventor R. Buckminster Fuller. The architect who originally designed Science World for Expo was Bruno Freschi, later being transformed to what it is today by Boak Alexander.

Science World is one of the most educational Vancouver tourist attractions for people of all ages and interests. Kids can try out hands-on experiments, walk through a 1,700 sq. foot maze, create music, see how cyclones are created, and much more. The world of science becomes very real and tangible with every fun and interesting exhibition.

Science World Vancouver

Science World Vancouver at night

Science World Vancouver

Montreal Old Port, Quebec

Tommy — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:12:06 +0000

Montreal Old Port is the historic city center of the capital of Quebec. It is situated between the downtown skyscrapers and the Saint Lawrence River in Montreal. This popular tourist destination along the Montreal waterfront is also a highly popular gathering place for residents of the city who also enjoy the restaurants, cafes, boutiques, galleries, and lovely architecture. One of the great appeals of the Vieux Port in Montreal is that you are able to explore it on foot with great ease.

You can walk through the cobblestone streets and witness some of the most historic buildings in the city, including those built around the time of Montreal’s founding in 1642. From historic churches, museums, and monuments, to bustling cafes, restaurants, and public gathering places, the Montreal Old Port is easily one of the most exciting places to spend time in this city.

Old Port of Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Botanical Garden Montreal

Tommy — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:02:36 +0000

The Botanical Garden Montreal is a popular attraction for both residents and tourists of this city in Quebec. It comprises 185 acres of green spaces, themed gardens, and green houses in Maisonnueve Park, which also includes the Montreal Insectarium, a 9-hole golf course, and another 62 acres of public gathering spaces. The Jardin Botanique de Montreal is located at 4101 Sherbrooke Street East. It faces in the direction of Montreal Olympic Stadium.

The outdoor gardens at the Botanical Garden Montreal are generally snow-covered between April and November, but the greenhouses are open to the public throughout the year. The Jardin Botanique de Montreal was established in 1931 when the Great Depression was in full swing. It was commissioned to serve the cause of educating the general public as well as students in the field of horticulture. Now, some 80 years later, these legendary gardens in Montreal remain one of the most popular attractions in a city where there is no shortage of them. One of the things that sets this large park apart from many others is the thematic element of many of the gardens.

Chinese Garden in Montreal's Botanical Gardens

Botanical Garden Montreal, Canada

Montreal Botanical Gardens Fall

Botanical Garden Montreal, Canada

CN Tower Toronto

Tommy — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:55:08 +0000

The Canadian National tower, better known as the CN tower, is the highest free-standing structure in the world. It is one of the best-known Toronto attractions, as a standout on the Toronto city skyline. As soon as you get a first glace of the city, the slim shape of the Toronto CN tower will catch your eye. Located at the southern end of the city, near the lake, the CN tower Toronto measures 533 meters high (after the antenna was added in 1975).

Though the tower primarily functions for radio and television signals, it also has attractive features for visitors. At the top of the tower are a revolving CN tower restaurant and lookout platforms. Dining in the CN tower restaurant is expensive, but if you plan to eat there, you won’t have to pay the fee for riding up the elevator. You will have to pay, however, if you only plan to get a drink at the bar.

CN Tower Toronto, Canada

Casa Loma, Toronto, Canada

Tommy — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:42:25 +0000

Casa Loma is an impressive mansion that was constructed in Toronto between 1911 and 1914. It is now one of the many Toronto museums and a popular attraction for both domestic and international tourists visiting the city. Construction of the Casa Loma Castle in Toronto was commissioned by Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, who recruited a talented Canadian architect named E.J. Lennox to carry out the work. The advent of WWI temporarily put a halt to the construction of the residence, which was ultimately completed in 1914.

Everything is impressive about this construct in Toronto, from the stunning Casa Loma Ballroom to the very grounds on which the house sits, making this one of the most unique things to do in Toronto. The five acres of perfectly manicured land is the setting for not just the mansion itself, but also a carriage house, stables, towers, and a number of gardens, fountains, and other outdoor landscaping.

You can choose to take a tour of Casa Loma with a group or enjoy a self-guided, digital tour that is offered in any one of eight different languages, including German, Spanish, French, and Korean, just to name a few. It only costs $1 to get in to the impressive Casa Loma Castle in Toronto, making it more than worth the time and cost to see perhaps the most impressive one-time residence in all of Toronto. At the time it was constructed it only cost $3 million, a seemingly small amount considering the scope of the building project, but a monumental number for the day that reflects the complex layout and castle-like style of this huge mansion.

Casa Loma, Toronto, Canada

Casa Loma, Toronto view from above

Since its construction, Casa Loma has been a tourist attraction

Place Jacques Cartier, Montreal

Tommy — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:29:16 +0000

Place Jacques Cartier is where summer comes alive in Vieux Montreal (Old Montreal). This popular plaza is located across the street from the Hotel de Ville (City Hall) and is made up of two paved streets around a central promenade. Place Jacques Cartier is the place to go when weather shows signs of warmth. Montreal tourist attractions can be found here, to be sure, but the Place is also extremely popular with locals.

Place Jacques Cartier has all of the Montreal Canada attractions that the city is known for: outdoor cafes, street performers, jugglers, mimes, face painters, caricaturists, horse-drawn carriages, vendors—much unchanged over the past century. The Place Jacques Cartier is located near the Viex Port (Old Port) and affords some beautiful views. The Victorian street lamps and flower market add to the charm of the area. In the cafes spilling out onto the streets, tourists sit beside locals, sipping their coffees and Sangrias. The restaurants and cafes are bustling from morning until night, creating a cheerful atmosphere.

The buildings in the area from hotels, stores, and landmarks all blend together in Old World style. The Place De La Dauversiere, across from City Hall is a beautiful public garden restored in 1997. It’s no wonder Place Jacques Cartier is one of the most popular Montreal tourist attractions. The Montreal Canada attractions of Old Montreal can easily be reached from Place Jacques Cartier, making it a popular starting or ending point to the day.

Place Jacques Cartier The old square, Canada

Place Jacques Cartier and the Montreal City Hall

Montreal City Hall from Place Jacques Cartier

Place Jacques Cartier, Canada

Place Jacques Cartier, Canada at night

Vieux Montreal - Place Jacques Cartier

Place Jacques Cartier in Vieux Montreal

Lake Superior Canada

Tommy — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:19:13 +0000

Lake Superior Canada forms the border between Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the coast of Ontario. The biggest of the Great Lakes, and one of the largest lakes in the world, Lake Superior is a scenic playground in any season. Thunder Bay, the biggest city along the Canadian coast, has a rich array of building blocks for Canada Lake Superior vacations, as do the small neighboring communities. Anglers and boaters love this region, as do beach combers and people who want to vacation away from the ordinary.

Vibrant and friendly, Thunder Bay serves as a gateway city to outdoor recreation, as well as being an interesting place to explore in its own right. On the shores of Lake Superior and surrounded by lush, green forests and the Canadian Shield, the city is known as much for its location as anything else. Because of this, you’ll find many things to do on your Canada Lake Superior vacations that include Thunder Bay. Whether you’re into fishing, snowmobiling, or some other outdoor adventure, you’ll find it in and around the city. Of course, there are plenty of things to do indoors among museums, shops, and spas. You’ll also find plenty of hotels and restaurants to round out plans for your Great Lakes vacations.

Chapel Beach Lake Superior

The north of Lake Superior

Lake Superior Canada

Butchart Garden Victoria, Victoria

Tommy — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 08:40:06 +0000

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Visitors to Victoria will find that the famous destination of Butchart Gardens in Canada lives up to all of the fuss. Located in Victoria, Butchart Garden is a must-see for horticultural lovers on a Vancouver Island vacation. Even if you don’t know a rose from a dandelion, Butchart Garden is sure to impress. The Gardens were selected as a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004. Every year, about half a million visitors make their way through the Buchart Gardens, which includes 700 different species and more than a million plants.

The Butchart Gardens began as just a regular garden in Canada, by Jenny Butchart, wife of mine owner and pioneer of a cement company, Robert Butchart. The limestone quarry near their home had been exhausted, so Jenny set to covering the quarry with what is now the Sunken Garden. In 1904, the Sunken Garden was open to public display. A Rose Garden, Italian Garden and Japanese Garden were eventually added. As one Butchart Garden became four, the Butcharts decided to transform their home into a public attraction. The 20-hectare (50 acres) garden is now the most famous garden in Canada.

Butchart Garden Victoria