Discover Canada one Adventure at a Time

The great Canadian outdoors holds many wonders and adventures for travellers. The allure of an unspoiled paradise gets people off of the main road and into the back-country. An outdoor Canadian adventure is a great way to discover the natural beauty of the country.

There's a lots of things to do in Canada for people of all types of fitness levels and interests. From whale-watching to backpacking, to SCUBA diving to mountain hikes, there's an exciting journey waiting for all nature-lovers.

Touring one or two provinces will only give a slight glimpse at the unspoiled beauty of Canadian scenery. But if you travel to just one region, you'll find plenty of adventures, no matter the season.

Don't get the notion of adventure confused with extreme danger! A great adventure trip doesn't have to entail pain or physical exertion but can be as simple as a day hike along the coast or just wandering a new park across town.

The best way to enjoy a Canadian adventure is to select a place and activity that takes you away from your everyday routine and creates an experience you'll remember for the rest of your life.

Canada is a HUGE country and the best way to see the landscape is from a car. You'll be able to stop at roadside attractions, meet friendly people and see the country at your own pace.

The Trans Canada Highway is 7,821 kilometers (4860miles) long and goes through all 10 provinces, making it the world's longest national highway. Most people don't drive the whole distance but rather fly to one location and drive around the local area. Road trips in Canada are an excellent way to discover the land, the people and the culture.

For instance, a popular trip for international tourists is to fly into Calgary, Alberta and visit Banff National Park, 1.5 hours away. Southern Alberta is home to the Rocky Mountains, foothills and wide-open prairies. Also, a road trip in BC is a scenic marvel that will take you from mountain highs to coastal shores.

Some driving suggestions:

• Get a good provincial and city map. Provinces are so big that they take up the entire page and don't leave room for a detailed city view. A GPS unit has a small screen and may not provide enough long-distance detail.
• Bring lots of music. In some regions, towns are 200 kilometers (120 miles) apart with no radio stations in between.
• Always top up your tank since gas-stations can be far & few between. Warning signs are posted that state the distance to the next refueling station but don't take chances.
• Due to different climates & local customs, there are slight differences in driving laws across the country. For instance, in Quebec, you can't turn right on a red light but you can in the rest of the country; in Alberta, if there's an emergency vehicle on the side of the road, you can't go faster than 60 km/hr in the adjacent lane.

Know the road condition before you head you and drive accordingly. Here's a list of provincial highway driving conditions:

• BC
• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Ontario
• Quebec
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland
• Yukon
• Northwest Territory
• Nunavut Territory

Boating is one of the great summer activities for Canadians. Over 8 millions people play, fish, water-ski and lounge around the many lakes and coastal shores. Discovering the landscape from the water gives a whole new perspective and appreciation of the Canadian scenery.

Sailing - Daysailing is a popular sport on most large bodies of water across the country. On the BC coast, sailors will rent an oceanfront cottage on Vancouver Island and daysail the local waterways & coves. After a day of fishing and crabbing, coming home with the bounty of the sea makes for a great end to a relaxing day on the water.

Sailing is also popular on the many lakes on the prairies & the East. The Great Lakes are so huge that the distant shore can't be even seen. It's as if you're sailing on the ocean.

Canoeing and kayaking are also popular past-times on the water. These lightweight boats are portable by car and open up the all the waterways across the country. Beginners can enjoy the placid still waters of the lakes while the more advance paddlers can find excitement on the rivers.

One of our favourite trips is kayaking on Vancouver Island. You can enjoy a relaxing paddle in the sheltered waters of the Sooke Basin and then head out into the open water to enjoy the challenges of the Pacific Ocean.

Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the backcountry. You'll see and feel the rugged earth that makes Canada so wild and naturally beautiful. There's plenty of Canadian scenery and wildlife to see when you're on the trails and plenty of trails for hikers of all levels of fitness. Hiking for fitness is a great way to get in shape.

Those looking for a wilderness challenge may consider hiking the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, one of the famous multiday hikes in the world.

Less strenuous but just as scenic, a day hikes outside the major cities will reconnect to nature. Even though you'll be just beyond the urban world, the sparse population and abundant wildlife will transport you into a rural paradise.

Hikes take you on a journey through spectacular country. You don't have to be in perfect shape to appreciate the health benefits of clean air and exercise. Come prepared and plan ahead to ensure you get the most out of your day on the trails. Discovering Canada by foot is an excellent way to get in shape and to enjoy spectacular Canadian scenery.