Canada is the world's second largest country after Russia, bounded by the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans it's enormity covers 3.8 million square miles.

There is so much to see and do that a single visit to this vast country could not possibly do it justice.

Canada has far more to offer than just maple trees, Niagara Falls and open spaces!

Quebec is the largest province in Canada; its two major cities Quebec City and Montreal are both incredibly beautiful, with many cultural attractions and festivals.

Quebec City is the capital of the province, and considered by many to be one of Canada's most romantic cities.

Montreal is Canada's second largest city, overlooked by the impressive peak that gave its name to the city, Mont Royal. It is a cosmopolitan city that has great museums, restaurants and nightlife, it even has a rabbit warren of shops and restaurants underground if the weather gets too bad!

Ontario is situated in the centre of Canada and is one of the most visited areas in the country. It is home to Canada's capital (Ottawa) and its largest city (Toronto).

Ottawa is a beautiful city to visit, and a must if you happen to be in Ontario. As with any capital, it has a great selection of museums, restaurants and nightlife.

Toronto (from the Huron word meaning 'place of meeting') is where visitors can find the world's tallest building - the CN Tower, as well as over 5,000 restaurants and eateries, the longest street in the world (Yonge Street - at about 1,200 miles long) and the world's largest underground city.

Perhaps most famous in Ontario is Niagara Falls, definitely worth a visit, and every bit as spectacular as you would imagine.

Situated on the coast against a backdrop of stunning mountain peaks is the city of Vancouver. In the province of British Columbia it is known as 'Canada's most beautiful daughter', Vancouver manages to enchant everyone who spends any time there. It is full of first-rate museums and galleries, along with great markets and picturesque parks.

Also in the province of British Columbia is its capital Victoria, known to many as 'a little bit of England' visitors to Victoria will be able to take a stroll around one of the great gardens of the world, in the Butchart Gardens.

There is so much more to Canada, that to attempt to mention it all could take forever. There are the Canadian Rockies, which are perhaps the most beautiful mountain range in the world.

The Prairie Provinces is where visitors will find Lake Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and a veritable feast of picturesque parks.

All in all Canada is a great place to visit, the people are welcoming and friendly, and the scenery is breathtaking. There is plenty to see and do, and most visitors to Canada spend their time planning what to do when they return!

On the Atlantic Coast of Canada, the winter temperatures will be warmer than the interior regions, although summer temperatures are lower.

The interior of Canada in the south has very warm summers, but cold, long winters - average temperatures in Ottawa can be from 5-21 degrees Fahrenheit in January, and in July can be between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

The north of Canada is practically arctic in its conditions, with the north Canadian coast being permanently ice bound. (Except the Hudson Bay which is only frozen for around 8/9 months of the year)

There is so much to do in Canada, to be honest it would be easier to list the activities that are not available!

Canada is well known for its long and cold winters, which is great for any skiers, snowboarders, and fans of other snow-based activities. The main alpine ski resorts are in Ontario, Alberta and Quebec, the most popular is in Whistler, British Columbia.

Visit the Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-a-Calliere) in Montreal, a fascinating afternoon out for all.

Take in the scenery at one of the many parks in the Prairie Provinces; the Prince Albert National Park, the Riding National Park or the Hecla Island Provincial Park, all of which have miles of woodland, forests and a wide variety of wildlife.

A day at Niagara Falls is a must for anyone visiting Canada. Take the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour, the best way to appreciate the enormity of the amazing falls. (Waterproof clothing is advisable!)

If you are after a day at the beach, then your best bet is the east coast; Igonish Beach in Novia Scotia and the Melmerby and Caribou beaches near New Glasgow are some of the finest.

For any water babies feeling brave, why not have a go at white water rafting or kayaking? Most of the parks have the appropriate facilities, one of the best being the Kejiumkujik National Park in Novia Scotia.

Any outdoor activities can be highly recommended, as Canada has the space and the breathtaking scenery to make any activity thoroughly enjoyable. Hiking is particularly popular for this very reason; the many parks all have trails to suit any capability.

If you have difficulty suppressing the desire to shop, never fear, Canada has plenty to offer!

Edmonton is home to the largest shopping mall in the world - take sensible shoes and a chequebook!

In terms of nightlife, every big city has an array of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Most of the major hotels also provide entertainment for guests, whether it is dinner and dancing or live entertainment.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Lonely Planet Canada (7^th Edition) - Mark Lightfoot, et al (Paperback 25 November, 1999)

The Rough Guide to Canada - Tim Jepson, et al (Paperback 28 May, 1998)

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: 43 Canada - Phil Lee, Paul Waters (Paperback 18 May, 2000)

Living and Working in Canada - Janet MacDonald (Paperback 30 July, 1999)

If flora is up your street you can't miss the Toronto Flower show mid March every year.

Whistler hosts the World Ski & Snowboard Festival each year. A must for enthusiasts as this is the largest event in Northern America.

Mid May in Montreal, Wet and Wild & Hot and Dry is one huge party for gay and lesbians.

In June The Grand Prix comes to town, Montreal specifically. All the excitement of the Canadian stage….

23^rd June - every year in Granby those mad people make a giant omelette with 5,000 eggs. Why? I'm really not sure but it looks like fun!

Montreal International Jazz Festival - beginning of July every year - said rank amongst the world's greatest jazz festivals.

Through the whole of July, Lanaudiere International Festival in Joliette is Canada's largest classical musical festival.

10 days at the start of July in Old Quebec City, The Du Maurier Summer Festival fills the streets with music and gaiety, whilst at the same time in Calgary the Calgary Stampede celebrates cowboys and their culture.

Mid July, Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal, whilst almost immediately afterwards - The Vancouver International Comedy Festival - what can we say 15 days of rib tickling performances on 2 stages, runs from mid/end July into the first week of August

Mont-Sainte-Anne hosts a round of the UCI World Cup of Mountain Biking at the end of August each year

Toronto's Film Festival mid September ranks alongside the famous film festival venues around the world such as Cannes.

HOTELS IN CANADA

Hotels in Canada can vary in price; it is possible to find something to suit all budgets.

The more expensive hotel prices can range from £100-£1500 per night, in hotels such as the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel or the Le Centre Sheraton Hotel & Towers Montre in Montreal, both of which are 4* hotels situated in the hearts of their respective cities with great access to all attractions and nightlife.

Mid range hotels can cost in the region of £90 per night, for hotels like the Grand Hotel Toronto, whilst it is cheaper than the very expensive hotels it is nevertheless based in the centre of Toronto and is still close to all the attractions visitors would want to see.

For those travelling on a budget it is possible to find cheaper accommodation for around £20-30 per night in bed and breakfasts such as Cavendish House Bed & Breakfast in Toronto, and the Studios Quartier Latin in the heart of Montreal. As with all accommodation - you get what you pay for, but if your hotel is simply somewhere to base yourself during your stay, and you don't intend spending a great deal of time there, the cheaper options are more than suitable.

VISAS AND INNOCULATIONS

Visas are not usually required by UK citizens visiting for short periods. Please check with the Canadian High Commission or your travel agent

There are no immunisation requirements however, if you have not previously been immunised against diphtheria, polio or tetanus this is an ideal opportunity to have the immunisations carried out.