Why You Must Go to Canada (And Why You’ll Regret Not Going Sooner)

Let me cut straight to the point: if you haven’t been to Canada yet, you’re missing out on one of the most underappreciated gems in the travel world. Sure, the country is famous for its politeness, hockey, and an unnerving amount of moose—but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Canada is massive, wild, and so jaw-droppingly beautiful it’ll make you rethink all those beach vacations you’ve been taking. As someone who’s spent over a decade roaming the globe, trust me—Canada needs to be on your radar. Let me show you why.

1. The Landscapes Will Make You Question Reality

Canada is a visual feast for the eyes. From the towering Rockies to the vast prairies, from crystal-clear lakes to the misty coasts, it’s like someone took all the best parts of nature, cranked up the saturation, and hit save. The scenery is so mind-blowingly gorgeous that it’ll make your phone’s photo storage cry for mercy. But who needs memory on a phone when you’ve got real-life memories that’ll stay with you forever?

Take Banff National Park for instance. When you first lay eyes on Lake Louise, with its absurdly turquoise water, you’ll think someone Photoshopped your brain. Nope, it’s real, and it’s surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks that look like they belong on the cover of a nature magazine. And then there’s the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia—think of it as Canada’s answer to California’s Pacific Coast Highway, but with more lobster and fewer convertible Mustangs.

Valuable Tip: Don’t try to conquer the whole country in one go. It’s huge. Unless you’re a long-haul trucker or enjoy marathon road trips, focus on one region and really dive in. You’ll thank me when you’re not driving for eight hours just to see more trees (though, to be fair, they’re very nice trees).

2. The Food Is Unexpectedly Amazing (And Full of Carbs)

Forget what you think you know about Canadian food. Yes, there’s poutine, and yes, it’s a glorious mess of fries, cheese curds, and gravy that will send you straight into a carb-induced euphoria. But there’s a lot more to Canadian cuisine than just that gut-busting dish (though you should eat as much poutine as humanly possible while you’re there).

In Montreal, you’ll find bagels that will make you reconsider your allegiance to New York’s version. Montreal bagels are boiled in honey water and baked in wood-fired ovens, giving them a sweet, chewy texture that’s downright addictive. And then there’s smoked meat, served on rye bread with mustard. It’s not just a sandwich—it’s a culinary rite of passage.

Heading west? Vancouver has some of the freshest seafood on the planet, thanks to its proximity to the Pacific. Whether it’s salmon, spot prawns, or Dungeness crab, Vancouver knows how to do seafood right. And let’s not forget about Toronto, where you can eat your way around the world in one city. From Little Italy to Chinatown to Greektown, it’s a global food tour without the jet lag.

Valuable Tip: If you go to Montreal, make sure to grab a beaver tail (don’t worry, it’s not actually from a beaver). It’s a fried dough pastry topped with everything from cinnamon sugar to Nutella. Perfect for when you need a sugar hit after climbing Mount Royal.

3. Canadians Are Freakishly Nice (And the Apologies Are Real)

If you’ve ever heard the stereotype that Canadians are friendly, well, it’s true. And it’s not just polite small talk; these people will go out of their way to help you. Get lost in a city? Someone will probably stop and give you detailed directions and maybe even offer you a ride. Ask for a restaurant recommendation? They’ll not only tell you where to go, they’ll insist on showing you a map and offering backup options in case the first place is closed.

And yes, they apologize for everything. Bump into someone? They’ll apologize to you, even though you’re the one who bulldozed them. Drop your coffee? The barista will probably apologize for not making your day better. It’s borderline absurd, but also incredibly endearing.

Valuable Tip: Lean into it. When in Canada, apologize for everything. You’ll fit right in, and it’s almost therapeutic. Step on someone’s shoe? “Sorry.” Open the door too wide? “Sorry.” Finish your poutine? “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.”

4. The Wilderness Is Wild (Like, Actually Wild)

Canada’s nature isn’t just pretty—it’s wild. As in, you-might-see-a-bear wild. Hiking through one of the many national parks (of which there are 48, by the way), you’ll quickly realize that you’re no longer at the top of the food chain. It’s exhilarating, humbling, and sometimes a little terrifying, but that’s the thrill of it.

Whistler, located a short drive from Vancouver, is a mecca for outdoor adventurers. Whether it’s skiing in the winter or mountain biking in the summer, you’ll find yourself surrounded by wilderness so pristine you’ll wonder how you ever tolerated city life. And then there’s Jasper and Yoho National Park, where the chance of running into wildlife (from moose to grizzlies) is as high as your odds of getting your socks knocked off by the views.

Valuable Tip: Do yourself a favor and take a guided wildlife tour. Not only will you see animals in their natural habitat, but you’ll also avoid becoming dinner for said animals. Plus, the guides always have the best stories.

5. The Cities Are Cool (Without Trying Too Hard)

Let’s talk about Canada’s cities. They’re cool in that laid-back, effortlessly stylish way that makes you wonder how they manage to be so, well, cool without breaking a sweat. Montreal feels like a slice of Europe, with its cobblestone streets, outdoor cafés, and a nightlife scene that will keep you up way past your bedtime. It’s the kind of place where you can sip on a Negroni in a speakeasy, wander through an art gallery, and catch a random jazz show all in the same evening.

Then there’s Toronto, which is as multicultural as they come. The CN Tower dominates the skyline, but it’s the neighborhoods that make this city shine. You can grab dim sum in Chinatown, nosh on pierogies in Little Poland, and end the night with a cocktail in a bar so hip it doesn’t even have a name.

Valuable Tip: In Toronto, skip the chain coffee shops and head to a local café. The baristas here take their coffee seriously, and you’ll never look at a generic latte the same way again.

The Bottom Line

Canada is a country that doesn’t scream for attention, but once you’ve been, it’s impossible to forget. Whether you’re diving into its culinary wonders, exploring its vast wilderness, or just soaking up the vibes in one of its endlessly cool cities, you’ll quickly realize that Canada is the real deal. So pack your bags, grab your parka (it gets chilly), and prepare for an adventure you didn’t even know you needed. And don’t forget to apologize for how long it took you to get there.