From vast painterly landscapes to exciting winter adventures; from multicultural cities to thrilling, dirt-lined rodeos, the world’s second-largest country is as dazzling as it is hard to define.

Canadian culture

Big, boisterous and exceptionally beautiful, Canada is a traveller’s dream. Culturally, it’s a cross-stitch of a thousand threads, combining indigenous traditions, especially in its northern territories, with a mix of European, Asian and other immigrant influences. There’s a rich diversity that’s showcased across all ten provinces, although French-speaking Québec is regarded as one of the world’s finest examples of cultural preservation. Canada is tolerant, inviting, and, according to many, even friendlier than its flashy neighbour.

Canada's cities

This country’s cities are exciting and varied, each with a distinct character and charm, from the delightful, eighteenth-century architecture of Montréal to the Wild-West sensibilities of Calgary and the distinctly European atmosphere of Québec City, whose World-Heritage-listed old town is one of North America’s oldest settlements. Multicultural Toronto – gateway to Niagara Falls and the Great Lakes – is where you’ll find some of Canada’s finest restaurants, while the west-coast city of Vancouver is perfectly positioned to enjoy an endless array of mountain and coastal pursuits.

Canada's natural world

Canada’s greatest star is surely its natural world, stunningly diverse in topography and rich in animal life. Coastlines – all cragged cliffs and secluded bays – shelter whales, seals and dolphins, while inland the countryside mixes turquoise lakes and snowy mountain ranges with frozen tundra and endless forests,  home to birds, bears and bison. Listen carefully and you might even hear grey wolves howling in the distance.