Last week I posted an open letter on Facebook to my American friends, of whom I have many (and fine people they are, too), encouraging them to support Canada, since the Republican administration in their country is actively going about trying to kneecap our economy (whether out of vindictiveness, ignorance, stupidity, Imperialism, expansion, or some poisonous cocktail of all of the above is unclear).
I suggested that a tangible way of showing their support would be to vacation north of the 49th parallel, thus allowing them to bring their dollars here (and exchange rates being what they are, they would in effect be getting every third day of their stay pretty much free compared with what they’d spend Stateside).
Americans are famously insular: as of 2024, only 51 per cent of Americans had a passport (as of 2022, 70 per cent of Canadians had one). They’re much less prone to travelling outside their borders than people in other countries, and it’s true that America has much to offer in terms of beautiful and interesting and historic places to visit. It’s a fact well-known to Canadians, who also love to visit America.
Not so much anymore, however. Many Canadians are boycotting travel to the States, or cancelling their plans to travel there. Some are choosing other international destinations: Mexico, for example, instead of Hawaii or Arizona, in the case of those seeking some heat. That’s an admirable decision, but I’d like to encourage my fellow Canucks to consider getting to know our own country better when it comes to holidays and travel.
Like the old song says, anything America can do, we can do — if not better, then at least as well. I’ve been fortunate enough to drive this country coast to coast more than once, and sample many of its delights, and I can say with complete confidence that whatever it is you’re looking for on a holiday to America you can also find here.
Love fishing? B.C. and Ontario are anglers' paradises. National parks? We've got 'em by the score, every bit as spectacular as most of what America can offer. Climbing, hiking, camping in summer, world-class skiing (and après-ski) in winter? Check. You want rugged? Head to one of our three territories.
Just want to hit the open road? How about a coast-to-coast trip of 7,821 kilometres on the Trans-Canada Highway? Check out the Dempster Highway, which is on many a motorist's bucket list, and will take you to the shore of the Arctic Ocean. For a less-demanding drive, try the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, with its achingly beautiful scenery.
The Maritime provinces are all gems, and there's something for everyone, whether it's visiting the birthplace of Anne of Green Gables, stepping back in time at the Fortress of Louisbourg, or exploring Newfoundland and Labrador. Speaking of Louisbourg, if it’s history you want then why not head to Barkerville, or (for something further afield) Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons in Ontario, which was founded in 1639? Kids will love being able to pretend they’re living in another time, but if it’s something more modern they hanker for, Canada’s Wonderland in Ontario features all the thrilling rides and attractions of the best amusement parks.
What's that you say? You want something more cosmopolitan? On peut faire du cosmopolite! Check out Quebec City for a taste of old France with a Canuck spin. Westerners love to hate Toronto, but it’s a vibrant city with a thriving theatre scene (or check out the Shaw and Stratford Festivals, where you'll find live theatre that rivals anything on Broadway or in the West End). Vancouver (and its suburb of Richmond) has some of the best Chinese cuisine in the world.
I could go on, but you get the picture. Whatever it is you look for when you go on vacation in the U.S. you can find in Canada, and you don’t have to worry about exchange rates. As for that passport 70 per cent of you have? Leave it at home.
