Canada travel guide

If googling the words "suspension bridge" and "Vancouver", you'll most certainly come up with the über-touristy Capilano Suspension Bridge. The thing is, no local would be caught dead visiting the place. It's just for bus loads of conventioneers and cruise-ship day-trippers. Locals, instead, head to the much more serene (and frankly better) Lynn Canyon suspension bridge. Perhaps not quite as high or quite as long, the bridge in Lynn Canyon park however is much cooler. The added bonus of it being FREE can't hurt either. Beyond the bridge, some excellent, easy access hiking trails (namely the Baden-Powell trail) offer opportunities to further explore wonderful rainforest in what is essentially downtown Vancouver.

The words 'Canada' + 'history' might not seem like the most likely of pairings. After all, there aren't really that many buildings around which are older that a few hundred years. But when it comes to a bit of old world charm, British Columbia's capital, Victoria, is the place to be. Surrounding the cute little inner harbour, towering heritage buildings abound. From the Fairmont Empress hotel to the B.C. Legislature to the little shops on back streets, the architecture is unmatched anywhere else in the province. Plus, there's even shockingly easy access to watch the parliamentarians in action if that's what floats your boat.

The old part of Québec City is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the only remaining walled city in North America other than in Mexico. Walk through any of the four gates that surround the original town and feel transported into another time and place. Located high on a bluff overlooking the Saint Lawrence river, Vieux Québec is best enjoyed by foot. Alive with history, Basse-ville contains the 17th century Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church and at its heart, Place Royale. The historical market square is surrounded by restored 17th and 18th century buildings, housing chic boutiques and quaint restaurants for you to explore. After taking in the many museums and getting lost in the narrow lanes of the Old Town, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to rest your tired feet while continuing your Belle Province tour. Don't forget to visit the impressive parliament building located just outside the city's walls and the 22 bronze statues of men and women who played an important role in the province's history.

If running off a list of 'beach holiday destinations', Canada would probably be near the bottom of the list. But with more coastline than any other country on Earth, it would be logical that Canada has some darn fine beaches. And they don't come much finer than those in Pacific Rim National Park on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. The village of Tofino was once, not long ago, a tiny rain-soaked fishing village at the end of the Trans-Canada Highway. But these days, the ultra-cool surfer hippie scene has taken over. The waves, along the seemingly endless stream of pristine beaches, are finally attracting world wide attention. Although the summer is the busiest season, a visit during the wintery rainy season can be cool too. And storm watchers are rewarded with some of the wildest weather conditions.