Second only to Russia in terms of its total area, Canada stretches
from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans and north to the frozen Arctic.
To the south, its land border with the United States is the longest in
the world. Canada’s population of around 34 million is concentrated in
the towns and cities of the Atlantic coast, around the Great Lakes and
in the far southwestern corner, which means that huge swathes of the
country are largely uninhabited. This wilderness is as diverse as it is
vast, containing row upon row of ice-capped mountains, huge lakes,
mighty rivers, dense forests, broad plateaux, wide open prairies,
steep-sided canyons, glaciers and ice fields, Arctic tundra and even the
odd patch of cactus-spattered desert or bizarre Badlands moonscapes.
Canada was occupied for centuries solely by peoples who revered and
respected their environment. These indigenous peoples, known as the
‘First Nations’, continue to influence Canadian identity through their
language, art and music. The Norseman Leif Eriksson reached the coast of
Newfoundland in 1000, but European exploration and settlement didn’t
start in earnest until after the arrival of John Cabot in 1497. For the
following three centuries, British and French colonists bickered over
territories in eastern Canada until the Seven Years’ War settled the
matter in Britain’s favour in 1763. During the 18th and 19th centuries,
beaver hunters for the Hudson Bay Company and gold rush speculators led
the charge westwards. The country was linked from coast to coast in 1885
by the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Travellers who choose to visit Canada tend to be nature lovers who
enjoy direct interaction with the great outdoors.
The country’s
sensational natural beauty, topographical variety and sport-minded
population combine to make this arguably the best destination in the
world for outdoor pursuits. Alternatively, head to the coasts for
sailing and fishing; Vancouver Island for kayaking, and to the Rockies
for biking, hiking, climbing, skiing and snowboarding. Canada is one of
the last easily accessible places where nature can be experienced in its
wildest and most pristine state, and the pleasant, easy-going nature of
its people ensures that travel here is easy, safe and relaxing.
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