CANADA TRAVEL INFORMATION

People: Canada does have a mix of immigrants (ranging from Dutch, English, French to Chinese) and it‘s original inhabitants (First Nations tribes (so called Indians) and the Inuit (so called Eskimo‘s). All these people are happily living together and apart from the antagonism between the french and english speaking part (what on earth makes people spending time on matters like these?) all goes quite smoothly. The general Canadian is very friendly and much less outspoken than their southern neighbours of the USA. All in all it resembles much more Europe than the USA will ever do. Canada also has been quite self reflecting on how it has treated the original inhabitants of Canada; the Inuit has been given “back“ a huge chunk of land in the far north of the country which has been declared a separate Province. Score: 8

Landscape/Nature: very beautiful. Drive around the Rockies and you will see what I mean. But Canada also has Niagara Falls (don‘t mind the bus loads with Japanese), tundra‘s, rain forests on Vancouver Island and attractive lakes. Score: 8

Transport/Infratructure: Canada is readily accessible but because of its size the most convenient to explore with your own wheels. Roads are generally in good condition even in more remote areas. Between major towns trains do run of which some through beautiful mountainous areas like the Rockies. Of course also the Greyhound bus services are present. Score: 9

Wildlife/Animals: well, a difficult one. We are spoiled in Africa so that makes our judgement a very biased one. Of course there is wildlife around, ranging from chipmunks to bears to karibou to moose. Even wolves are present. However, to see any of the bigger animals is quite an accomplishment. Of course some species have wide territories, but others are just not as abundant as before. On the other hand is Canada still the best and easiest place to see polar bears (Churchill). Score: 7

Food: unfortunately Canada is moving more and more to the American fast food cuisine, although it is still very much possible to enjoy foreign cuisine like India, China and Thai. Try Vancouver% Also good fish dishes and everything quite readily available. Canada doesn‘t have a real cuisine of its own though. Score: 8

Climate: sorry, but the winters are just too cold% In cities like Toronto and Calgary temperatures will easily reach 30 to 40 degrees in summer, but might plummet to minus 20, 30 or even 40 in winter. Provinces like Yukon and North West Territories are beautiful, but rainy and wet most of the times with lots of annoying mosquitos. Score: 6

Culture: well, this has to come from the First Nation tribes and the Inuit. The Inuit are living in places like Inuvik at the Arctic Ocean, trying to adapt to modern life by eating fast food and consuming lots of alcohol. What a shame% In BC one can still find nice remnants of the First Nation tribes (like totems) but never really convincing. At least, not to us. Score: 6

Hygiene: this is western world so everything in order. Score: 9

Cost of Travelling: certainly NOT the cheapest country to travel, especially as a backpacker. You need to bring cash (or even better a credit card) because you will spend lots and fast. Score: 5

Safety/Stability: you can‘t get it better. Even in big cities like Toronto or Vancouver it is generally quite safe. Score: 9

Excitement/Adventure/Challenge: great country when you are 50 and above, but not the place to be for thrillseekers. Hiking is good but lots of silence and you don‘t really have to be afraid for the occasional bear. Score: 5

Overall score: 7.4

With this score Canada will NOT enter our top 10 of countries of the world to travel.