Increasingly, people are opting to explore their own backyards come vacation time, so it's no wonder that Americans are looking to their neighbors to the north for inspiration. Air Canada offers a many ways to see the Great White North thanks to a host of routes to popular cities throughout Canada.
Thinking of heading north on your next vacation? Why not visit one of these cities?
Montreal
Culture, culture, culture is the name of the game in this hip yet traditional city, where theater, art and music combine to offer what seems like non-stop festivals. In between bouts of street dancing and gallery viewings, visitors are advised to visit the Vieux-Montreal, where 18th-century buildings mix with hip boutiques.
Among the must-sees in town are St. Joseph's Oratory, the Biod?me de Montreal, the Parc du Mont-Royal, the Jean-Talon Market and the piece du resistance, the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal.
Toronto
Funky. Hip. Historic. Three small words for one great city.
Toronto is a fantastic family destination thanks to such activities as the Toronto Zoo, the Ontario Science Centre and the CN Tower, which offers bird's eye views of the city below.
Be sure to check out the St. Lawrence (food) and Kensington (a little bit of everything) Markets. History fans will enjoy the Royal Ontario Museum not only for the relics on display but for the hands-on gallery, where children can touch and explore to their heart's content.
Quebec City
For those who are yearning for a taste of Old Europe but are short on time, a visit to Quebec City might just do the trick. Old Quebec is filled with history and stunning architecture and unsurprisingly is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its walls encompass charming streets and quaint squares, where visitors can take a stroll, window shop or sit and enjoy a caf¨¦ au lait.
There's more to do than watch the world go by in Quebec City, however. Among the notable sites are the Place Royale, Notre Dame de Quebec Basilica, the Parliament building and the Plains of Abraham. You can also take a walk along the Terrasse Dufferin and snap a shot of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, the world's most photographed hotel.
Vancouver
Love the great outdoors? Want some urban culture thrown in for good measure? Then head to Vancouver, where thanks to a relatively mild year-round climate and plenty of rain, the great outdoors is a bit greater than average.
Be sure to visit the VanDusen Botanical Garden, which sits on 55 acres smack dab in the middle of town. Head up to Grouse Mountain for a view from the summit, or get some walking in at either Queen Elizabeth Park or Stanley Park.
Calgary
Canada's western territories may not be as populous as their East Coast cousins, but they are every bit as stunning.
Take Calgary, for example.
Located in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, this city is an ideal point from which to enjoy a host of winter sports. In fact, it was the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics. Today, the complex is used as a training ground for athletes and offers visitors ski lessons and the chance to try their hand at such zippy pastimes as the luge and bobsled.
The Calgary Stampede, which takes place every July, pays homage to the Wild West, with rodeos, races, concerts and a parade.
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