One of the world’s most “cold-kept” secrets, Canada may be endowed with weather that keeps its human population down, but this is a blessing in disguise for over 1, 400 species of animals that thrive in a country with the 3rd most fresh water and 3rd most forests in the world. To continue with our list of the Top Places to See Wildlife in Canada, here are the areas that came in a close 3rd and 4th place:

#3: Northern Canada / Northwest Territories
Certainly the most surreal experiences to be had in Canada are in its Northern regions, home to the awe-inspiring aurora or Northern Lights and, in certain areas like Yellowknife, a sun that never sets in the summer! With its vast stretches of forest, tundra, and pristine lakes, it is a land of extremes—and, accordingly, natural balance.

Animals to See in the Wild
Where there’s natural balance there’s natural abundance, and the ecological harmony of northern Canada is observed straightaway in its rare species, from white wolves and white whales to its thundering herds of bison, bears, moose and caribou. Nunavut, Canada’s largest province, is home to a herd of roughly 250,000 caribou. You can take a tour near Lake Beverly to see the herd (as well as some wolves) in summertime.

An animal seeing haven not to be missed in Canada’s North is Wood Buffalo National Park, located in northern parts of Alberta and southern parts of the Northwest Territories. It’s the country’s largest park, brimming with the world’s largest self-regulating herd of buffalo, composed of over half the buffalo population of Canada.

Where to Stay
Get a lodge or cottage that’s “dressed to the northern nines” in Churchill, Northern Manitoba. Here in the polar bear capital of Canada there’s many a cabin, lodge and cottage that would satisfy bear and Goldilocks alike, many just along Hudson Bay River. Imagine waking up and giving morning’s salutations to beluga whales, just a quick kayak trip from your front door!

If you’re looking to have the full, raw experience of the magical north, you can reserve a campsite or kitchen shelter around Yellowknife, capital of the Northwest Territories. Located in the North Slave region, with a great view of the aurora, a stay in one of these sites is sure to be both an affordable and enriching experience that will be nothing short of life-changing.

#4: British Columbia
Contrary to its reputation as Canada’s “cool” province, BC’s temperatures are mild, and its residents are welcomingly warm. It’s also the most biologically diverse province in Canada, home to three-quarters of Canada’s mammal species, and over 350 species of birds—over half of which breed nowhere else in the country.

Places to See Wildlife
The variety of landscapes present in the Cariboo Region enable a rich variety of habitats and according wildlife species. Large populations of ungulates include California Bighorn Sheep, woodland caribou, moose and mule deer. The plentiful rivers are home to a multifarious variety of waterfowl, including grebes, dabbling ducks, shorebirds and loons. You don’t have to fish around too much for lively waters in this province, and many of the Caribou Region’s large rivers host salmon, kokanee and steelhead. From July to September large salmon runs can be viewed in the Frasier, Chilcotin, Cariboo, Horsefly and Bella Coola Rivers.

Fish fanatics flock to Bella Coola, where rivers and streams flow through diverse landscapes, from glaciers to waterfalls to ancient forests. From mid-July to mid-August you can go on a special “snorkelling with salmon” tour. You can also take a tour from Port McNeil in Vancouver to see killer wales, minke whales, humpback whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Dall’s porpoises, eagles, and sea lions.

Places to Stay
BC has the most luxurious homes available in Canada, and you can surely find many BC cottages that, despite being surrounded by the ubiquitous presence of Mother Nature, are anything but rustic. If Bella Coola sounded beckoning to you, there are many fisherperson-geared accommodations available in the area that pretty much do everything for you but, well, fish the fish; many rentals provide equipment, supplies, bait, and, sometimes, even coolers of beer.

This is only a small bite off the beaver tail that is Canadian wildlife, so whichever province or territory you have a mind to visit, do not only expect animals, but be forewarned of them, and make sure to acquaint yourself with their less than savoury habits before visiting a specific area, lest you become a helpless “victim to the power of nature” like so many a hackneyed Canadian writer.

#1: Southern Ontario
With a full range of seasons with comparatively mild temperatures (-11 in February is the coldest average low), Southern Ontario offers the full Canadian Grade “Eh” experience!

Species to see in the Wild We from Ontario are so used to seeing some animals that we forget how lucky we are! Europeans that come to Southern Ontario delight in the abundance of Grey and Red Squirrels, as well as the fascinating flying squirrels, which are found in the Carolinian Forest, and now designated a Rare Species due to its dwindling habitat of mature hardwood. The considered lucky “white squirrels” can be seen at McNaughton Park in Exeter, Ontario.

In Southern Ontario (in areas of Elgin County especially) residents claim to have an overabundance of white-tailed deer that are so plentiful they eat up families’ gardens! Other animals are of course the ubiquitous groundhogs, as well as the less common coyotes, wolves, red foxes, possums, and chipmunks. In late summer you can sometimes be spellbound by the unforgettable experience of being passed by a cloud of millions of monarch butterflies, who gather in large groups on the north shore of Lake Erie whilst preparing to begin their fall migration. Oh, one more thing—those of you not from the area may also want to be prepared for the incredibly cute but frequently “imposing” visits of raccoons and skunks.

Places to Stay
Almost everyone who lives in Ontario has a cottage, cabin, or trailer that they visit to get away from every day life, and with good reason. Visitors to the area would feign pass up the experience of staying in a small house, chalet, or cabin, many available all along the Lake Erie and Lake Huron shorelines. Those who enjoy lakeside beaches, swimming, fishing, hiking, or simply being surrounded by the wonderful sights and sounds of nature will find that the plethora of cottage rentals Ontario has to offer confirm the proud claim that Southern Ontario truly is Cottage Country.

#2: Atlantic Canada / East Coast
Coming in at #2 is Atlantic Canada, composed of four distinct provinces all connected by their intimacy with the Atlantic Ocean, marked by unique natural wonders, breathtaking sea vistas, picturesque seaside towns and their world-famously friendly residents.

Species to see in the Wild
On Sable Island, Nova Scotia you can see what is likely the world’s largest herd of unmanaged horses, composed of over 300 wild horses of mixed breeds. You can also see harbour and grey seals. In Nova Scotia you can also spot many black bears and eastern coyotes, which can be twice the size of average coyotes found in Southwestern North America. Their size is thought to be the cause of past interbreeding with wolves as coyotes spread northward and eastward across North America. The Atlantic puffin is, surprise surprise, another frequently seen animal in the Atlantic provinces, and over 60% of its population breeds on the islands off of the east coast of Newfoundland, the province to which it is official animal. The mainland moose are also plentiful but can be a bit tricky to find, due to their thriving in remote areas with limited access. The main Nova Scotian areas where moose can be found are Tobeatic Region, Cobequid Mountains, Cobequid Mountains, Pictou-Antigonish highlands, as well as the interior of the eastern shore area.

Places to Stay
If you want to get a great view of the West Coast of Newfoundland, find an affordable cabin in Cormack, Newfoundland. You can find some of the best Newfoundland cabins just a few kilometres away from Gros Morne National Park and Deer Lake Airport, with a bounty of salmon fishing, golf, and animal spotting opportunities.

Read on for more ideal species-spotting locations in Canada!

With the travel budgets of North Americans challenged by high fuel costs and the weakened dollar, more and more travelers are choosing the hot deals of off-season travel over the hot weather of busy season travel. Instead of feeling low about increasingly low temperatures, why not take a vacation to a wholly new environment, where you can fall in love with fall all over again, just as you did as a child. Though fall might not be steamy, the right fall vacation spot can be dreamy- and with fewer crowds, wider availability and lower rental rates, you can more fully enjoy the kaleidoscope of fall colors and activities available. Below I have harvested together colorful guides for two ideal autumn vacation destinations.

Maine
A great spot for sightseeing of all sorts, fall foliage is no exception on the long list of visual feasts to delight your eyes with in Maine. With 17 million acres of forest, vivacious reds, yellows and oranges can be enjoyed throughout the state, framing your view of breathtaking coastal vistas, scenic byways, lovely lighthouses, historic sites, and a wide diversity of wildlife unrivaled in most other states. There are a myriad of options for enjoying Maine’s visual, biodiversical, and culturally rich splendor. If you can, you should take a drive on one of the state’s designated scenic byways, take a moose spotting safari or whale spotting tour, tour Maine’s historic sites and museums, and go antiquing in one of their many fabulous shops. To take full advantage of the fall experience, be sure to visit one of Maine’s apple orchards, where the States’ beautiful fall colours serve as an ideal backdrop for apple picking or savouring a glass of fresh cider. Fall in Maine is also perfect for sublimely picturesque golfing, hiking, biking, and, of course, sampling goods from the autumn harvest. For avid leaf spotters, the prime time to visit Northern Maine is the last week in September, while Central and Western Maine is in full fall foliage in the first week in October, and Coastal and Southern Maine is most colourful in the second and third weeks of October.

Nova Scotia
For a destination with as much character as it has beauty, Nova Scotia flourishes in a fiery eruption of fall colors and activities, brimming with an overabundance of natural beauty, harvests, celebrations, and festivals in the autumn season, including everything from film festivals to Octoberfest to pumpkin racing! A fall trip to Nova Scotia wouldn’t be complete without an exploration of the world-famous Cabot Trail, where autumn leaves are viewed at optimal brilliance from late September through October. You can even find everything from quaint to prestigious Nova Scotia cottages and cabins located in Cape Breton, directly on the Cabot trail itself. In fall, deep burgundies, glittering golds, and riveting reds are appreciated not only in the leaves, but in the wines, as the Annual Nova Scotia wine festival casts its spell from Sept. 13th to Oct. 14th. The Nova Scotia wine industry benefits from the province’s ideal climate and soil conditions, favouring unique and remarkable grape varietals. During the festival you can experience the distinctive passion and artistry of Nova Scotian winemakers first-hand, taking pleasure in wine tastings, grape stomps, gourmet dinners, classes, and food pairing events. Nova Scotia’s harvest season is another perk to visiting in this season, allowing you to enjoy the variety of succulent fresh produce available at farmer’s markets, harvest festivals, and u-picks. Don’t miss out on the famous Halifax farmer’s market, the oldest in North America, and a Saturday morning favourite. Refreshing not only for their fresh sea-salt air but for their unique ethos and vibrant artistic community, Nova Scotia has an endless array of culturally enriching fall festivals to choose from. Ships Company Theatre is a lively theatre company in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, widely acclaimed for their plays and film festivals, one of which is the Parrsboro Film Festival, running an exciting, jam-packed line-up from Oct. 14th-16th. The historic town of Parrsboro is located on the beautiful Bay of Fundy shore, and is imbued with as much beautiful and diverse geology as rich historic heritage. Be wowed by the world’s highest tides, some of the best seafood you can find in the country, and some of the most scenic and comfortable Nova Scotia cottages and cabins available. The number of exciting fall festivals in Nova Scotia can’t be overemphasized, and cater to almost every imaginable taste. They include the Valley Pumpkin Fest, Maritime Fall Fair, Celtic Colors International Festival, and the Halifax Pop Explosion Music Art and Culture festival, to name only a few. Come warm up to fall with Nova Scotia’s world-famously welcoming inhabitants and exciting array of fall-related celebrations!

So, instead of mourning the end of your summer, follow thousands of years of human tradition by celebrating the beauty and abundance of fall, because as far as a fun summer is measured by leisure, recreation, and all around enjoyment of the beauty of nature, “thy eternal summer shall not fade” in the right fall vacation destination.

Children love the outdoors. Children love to play. A province whose land is composed of 66% forest, and boasts 1/3 of the world’s fresh water, Ontario is the ultimate children’s playground, offering almost any outdoor sport imaginable. Here are some of the exciting activities you and your family can partake in when discovering Ontario, along with some of the best locations for enjoying them in the province.

Wildlife Spotting
A trip to Ontario wouldn’t be complete without catching exciting glimpses of wild animals in their natural habitat. Animal watching is an eco-friendly tourism option that Ontario is perfect for. Home to over 40 mammals, 30 types of amphibians, and more than 130 species of breeding birds, Algonquin Park is a great place to experience Ontario’s wildlife. Watch out while you are driving there; some of the best animal viewing opportunities in the area are right along Highway 60, as moose, for instance, are particularly drawn to the highway at certain times of year. You will have the most luck at spotting animals if you visit the park during the evening or, even better, early morning. Low-lying, wet areas such as bogs and beaver meadows are the preferred habit of many species and often allow for open vistas or breaks in the forest, making for ideal animal watching conditions. Algonquin Park’s interpretive walking trails can also be handy for families looking to explore Algonquin’s unique natural habitat and native species. Each trail is designed to explore a different aspect of Algonquin Park and has its own accompanying Trail Guide booklet.

Canoeing and Kayaking
With so many beautiful lakes and rivers, its no surprise that Ontario boasts the world’s best canoe and kayak waterways. And in all areas where kayaking and canoeing are popular, courses are available for all skill levels.

The Great Lakes are no doubt a “must-paddle” location for all canoe and kayak lovers. These enormous bodies of water were made famous by Canada’s famous Group of Seven painters, and continue to be a great source of inspiration and recreation for artists and nature lovers alike. The majestic, rocky shorelines, with cliffs topped with wind-tortured pines and spruce trees, all make the Great Lakes a perfectly picturesque setting for canoeing, awash with ideal paddling conditions. Though the vast lakes contain a multitude of ideal areas for canoeing or kayaking, some areas are obviously much safer than others, and it’s essential to use a guide for your first attempt at paddling on the Great Lakes. While the waters may seem calm in the morning, you may have significant seas to contend with into the afternoon.

As canoeing was originally the main source of transportation that settled our country, you and your family can learn as you paddle by taking a historic tour, following the route of the Voyageurs themselves over their famous fur trading route on Lake Superior and Georgian Bay. In Lake Huron, for instance, you can even have an authentic guided tour in a reproduction 10-passenger Voyageur canoe, where interpretive guides will discuss local history of the canoe as well as provide instructions and tips for manoeuvring canoes on “the big water.” Some of the many other great areas for canoeing and kayaking include: Hudson Bay, Ottawa Valley, and the Temagami Region.

Skiing
Ontario is rivalled only by Quebec for sheer number and variety of ski options, with over 120 cross country ski areas. Though it’s usually a pricey option, families with children in grades 4 and 5 are in luck; the Canadian Ski Council offers kids of this age a SnowPass, which for only $22 will include up to three free ski passes at each and every participating ski area in the region.

One of the most popular vacation areas in Ontario, Muskoka is known for its pine trees, granite rock shores, wild life, and ski hills. Though many come here to enjoy snow sports, winter is still Muskoka’s off-season, and you can find great deals on everything from plane fare to accommodations. With up to 5 months of winter, Muskoka is able to offer some of the finest skiing conditions in Ontario. Downhill skiers love Hidden Valley, with its 100m vertical drop and 11 runs, offering courses for all skill levels, while cross-country skiers can choose from the area’s many parks bedecked with pristinely groomed trails of varying lengths. Other popular winter activities in Muskoka include pond hockey, dogsledding, ice fishing, snowshoeing, curling and snow tubing. And of course the full winter experience here wouldn’t be complete without being able to curl up in front of the fireplace at your Muskoka cottage after a long day of outdoor winter fun. Muskoka has a long history of providing great accommodations, and you are sure to be able to find a Muskoka cottage nearby any of the many slopes that will be perfectly suited to you and your family’s needs.

Whether you are coming in summer, fall, winter or spring, Ontario’s stunning natural surroundings and famously friendly inhabitants will not fail to make your vacation one that your children will soon want to repeat. Start planning your family’s wilderness adventure in Ontario today!

PEI’s provincial motto is Parva sub ingenti (the small under the protection of the great), and the small province is pleasantly protected by warm ocean waters, themselves befriended by pristine sand beaches that many believe to be the finest in Canada! And if its relaxing, secluded, or romantic beach bliss you are seeking, have no fear – the crowds at all the beaches here are small, and the opportunities for unique beach bumming, learning, or adventuring are great!

In Pursuit of Calm Beach Bliss
A tourist hotspot that is mercifully well preserved and quiet, all the beaches in PEI are un-crowded and clean, however, if you are looking for the most unpopulated and pure PEI beach experience, consider settling in a spot closer to the south, east, or west coasts.

If you are going to PEI with your lover, long walks on the beach here are sure to teach you that clichés express truths; nothing could be more romantic than a walk along one of the many secluded beaches on PEI’s endless miles of immaculate shoreline. Especially romantic walks are to be had in Greenwich Dunes Trail in PEI National Park and Cedar Dunes. Enjoy an uninterrupted view of PEI’s breathtaking geology and vistas, without a sound to be heard but the voice of your lover, the cries of the gulls, and the caressing crashes of the waves.

Whether you are looking for a quiet, secluded affair with your lover or simply the ocean itself, there’s one notably noisy beach that you wouldn’t want to miss. Nominated one of the 7 Wonders of Canada by CBC, The Singing Sands Beach is located at Basin Head cape. Its white sands are a wonder that scientists are still striving to fully understand, producing a “singing” or whistling sound that fascinates and woos all who walk upon it. And speaking of long, romantic walks, you can experience this popular beach the most intimately by walking along its vast expanse of white sand to Bothwell Beach(much less busy than the beach’s boardwalk). Of course, to enjoy beach side romance to the fullest, it would be a PEI pity to miss out on the view from one of many beautiful beachside cottages PEI has to offer. Many of the beachside cottages in PEI are a steal, costing an average of $1,000 per week.

In Pursuit of Clams and Knowledge
Seafood lovers adore digging for their meals on one of the many clam-laden shorefronts of PEI. Clam digging takes place at low tide and is said to be best when it’s a full moon, as that when the tide is at its lowest. Finding clams can be a bit tricky at first but once you’ve become farmiliar with the signs (telltale holes and circles clam siphons leave behind while their feeding) it becomes quite easy. Just take care to avoid crushing the shells with your shovel (especially the soft-shelled clams!) by proceeding delicately with your shovel. If you prefer some fancy fishing, head out to Morell River to find Brook Trout, Salmon, and Rainbow Trout. If you prefer to enjoy nature in a less meddling manner, there are many great bird watching beaches to enjoy the 333 species of birds found in PEI, including Cabot Park, Souris Beach, and Panmure Island. Or, enjoy taking in PEI’s unique geology and ecology to the fullest by enrolling in a guided tour with any of the many beach interpretive programs offered at PEI National Park, as well as many other beaches

As Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote in “The Island Hymn”, “Prince Edward Isle, to thee / Our hearts shall faithful be / Where’er we dwell”; and, along with possibly the littlest bit of red clay stuck to your car, you’re sure to take home with you a love of Prince Edward Island you will never forget, as well as a longing to return to it.

In case there aren’t enough exciting things to be able to do in one province, BC’s beautiful beaches and majestic mountain backdrops make for a uniquely Canadian surfing experience. Every year endless surfers catch a wave over to one of BC’s beautiful, and, to borrow a surfer term from the 80s and 90s, “bodacious” beaches.

Tofino / Long Beach
The most popular surfing destination in Canada, Tofino offers year-round surfing and boasts the highest mean temperature in Canada (if you need to convince any Canadian non-surfers you are traveling with that this is the place to vacation to, you might want to mention this fact!). Long Beach is a breathtaking 20-km stretch of beach between Ucluelet and Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Vancouver Island has a lively community of surf enthusiasts, a plethora of outdoor activities, and accommodations that range from vacation homes with indoor jacuzzis and private decks to some of the best BC cabins you can coast by, furnished with the most modern and sleek furnishings, located directly on the ocean, and surrounded by forest. The ocean temperature here hovers around 50 degrees F all year-round, and can reach up to 58 degrees F in the summer. It does, however, rain a fair bit throughout the year, so let this encourage you to wear a full body wetsuit when you’re going surfing – as Parks Canada states that the majority of people they rescue are not wearing wetsuits. On the whole, Vancouver Island has both sandy and rocky beaches, so be wary of rocky outcroppings and riptides.

Jordan River
For a more low-profile surfing experience, Jordan River is located in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, along the West Coast Road, approximately 60 km northwest of Victoria. A well kept surfing secret, it is home to some seriously surf-avid locals, forming the Jordan River Surf Club. Though waters here are too calm for surfing in summer, and the waves here aren’t nearly as consistent or big as ones you will catch in Tofino, Jordan River and the Sooke region is a favored spot for winter surfing. On occasional feisty winter days, Pacific storms kick up the surf and draw many seasoned surfers. There are three different surfing spots at Jordan River: Sewers, Rock Piles, and The Point. A slightly longer and wider than normal board with three fins is an ideal choice for these waters, making catching and controlling waves much easier in more challenging conditions. Visitors, however, should be wary that they may not encounter surfing conditions if only visiting for a couple of days.

So reserve yourself a BC cabin, strap on your wetsuit and get ready to go surfing CUSA!

Everybody knows that Canada has majestic beauty to spare. Trees, mountains, plains… all of those things are beautiful, sure, but some of the most jaw-dropping wonders we have to offer come in the form of thousands of cubic meters of water crashing down every second – the waterfall. To see a massive waterfall up close is an amazing thing. It’s much more than just a stunning visual, but it’s a complete sensory experience. Complex natural beauty combined with the roar of water, the mist on your skin, and the smell of fresh air and water — similar to being at the seaside. Absolutely mesmerizing, and worth planning an entire vacation around. Here are some of Canada’s best, for some vacation inspiration.

Best Holiday Waterfall - Niagara Falls, ON
Let’s get the obvious out of the way. Niagara Falls sit prettily between the Ontario and New York border, meaning they can’t be claimed as an exclusively Canadian wonder (although the famous Horseshoe Falls are on the Canadian side). Niagara is considered one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Although it isn’t the tallest, the combined vertical drop and volume of water determine a waterfall’s prowess. Niagara has some serious bragging rights. She’s also got the Maid of the Mist Tour, and some 30 million tourists a year. She’s most definitely an A-list waterfall.

Best Adventure Waterfall - Helmcken Falls, BC
British Columbia is home to the tallest waterfalls in Canada. Helmcken is the fourth tallest at 141m tall. Just for some perspective, that’s nearly three times as high as Niagara. While there are taller, Helmcken is spectacular. It is located in the Wells Gray provincial park, making it a beautiful vacation for outdoors-folk. There are four marked trails that access the falls, and it’s open for summer and winter viewing. The winter temperatures make a stunning “ice cone” – a literal cone of ice that forms from the water spray freezing. The cone can grow to 50m in height alone. It’s an amazing effect. If you want to experience Helmcken Falls, try looking in the nearby Murtle River area for beautiful BC cabins and cottages.

Best Daytrip Waterfall - Montmorency Falls, QC
You’ll probably want to visit historic Quebec City at some point, as it’s an all around great vacation destination and tourist spot. But just 12km from the heart of Old Quebec City resides the amazing Chute Montmorency. It’s ideal to hike or bike out to when you need a refreshing day away from the city. These are the highest waterfalls in Quebec. Montmorency has great amenities and access points for supreme viewing, including a suspension bridge over the top of the falls and a gondola that takes you from the ground up, no hiking required.

So there you have it – the three best waterfalls in Canada, depending on how you want to see them. We highly suggest getting awestruck by some of these great Canadian natural beauties.

While we may not understand the fascination with reality stars that seem to become famous for no reason, fame itself is no new concept. It seems only natural to pick up a Star, People, or TMZ magazine. Humans have been trading stories about famous people since 1 AD. So don’t worry if you have a more-than-unhealthy love of star chasing. We totally get it. Which is why we’ve prepared this handy guide for your next celebrity-stalking vacation.

Toronto
It’s really all thanks to TIFF – the Toronto International Film Festival. TIFF has been around since 1976. It shows between three hundred to four hundred movies every year, and the stars come out in full force to support and promote their films. Toronto can be a pricey destination for some, especially if you really follow those stars – they tend to eat in rather expensive restaurants like Sotto Sotto (Jake Gyllenhaal), and stay in (surprise, surprise) very expensive accommodations. We suggest booking a beautiful Muskoka cottage and then popping into Toronto for a night or two to star search. It’s only a two-hour drive. Peak time: TIFF takes place during the first two weeks of September every year.

Vancouver
Vancouver is where you go when you want to see the stars at work, not at play. It’s the third largest film and television production center in North America after Los Angeles and New York. Some notable films that were shot in Vancouver include: Jumanji, Final Destination, The Butterfly Effect – and the list goes way, way on. And any true X-Files fan will tell you that the series was at its best when it was shot in Vancouver. The city also hosts the Vancouver International Film Festival, much smaller that TIFF. It shows Canadian and international films, and is a particular supporter of Asian films. Peak time: any time of year to find celebs on projects; first two weeks of October for VIFF.

Montreal
Third on the list for celeb-spotting, unless you’re interested in locally-famous Quebecois celebrities (then it’s #1!). Quebec has its own star system, so prepare to spot people like Mitsou, Xavier Dolan, and Lara Fabian receiving warm welcomes. If you’re lucky, you might catch Leonard Cohen out on The Main, or any number of thick-necked Montreal Canadiens. Montreal does host a festival of its own, the Montreal World Film Festival. It’s not a big draw for celebs, but you will see a fantastic selection of international films.Peak time: any time of year, likelihood of seeing A-listers: low. World Film Festival occurs end of August.

So you see, you wannabe paparazzi, there’s no need to travel to LA or Cannes just to star search. They’re here, hiding right in your backyard. Now grab your cameras, and get ready to sell those shots to some tabloids!

From its rich natural beauty to its dramatic falls, plentiful wine, and lively theatre scene, Niagara is a veritable Dionysian dream! There are many wet and wild things to do in the charmingly Canadian rendering of tourism that is Niagara Falls, Ontario—whether it be by land, water, or sky! Almost like a calmly Canadian alternative to Las Vegas, Niagara Falls is a world famous city of thrills where people come to get married, be awed by visual feasts, and shocked by others.



The Falls
Emptied from the four Upper Great Lakes into Niagara River, a staggering 1/5 of all the fresh water in the world eventually cascades over the falls, and over 12 million people flow into the city every year to see the stunning result . “Horseshoe Falls” is the name of the falls that are generally depicted in pictures of Niagara Falls, but the Niagara Falls also include the smaller American Falls (no Canadian wouldn’t relish their swift observation of this fact!), and the Bridal Veil Falls. TIP: Your Canadian girlfriend will really enjoy you pointing this out to her—before either of you have to join the crowd around the explanatory tourist signs to see what the deal is.

Ah, we must love human nature. For some reason when people look at the falls one of the first things they think about is whether it would be a good idea to jump down them. 15 people have attempted to jump, 5 didn’t make it. In any case, there are many facets of the falls and different ways to enjoy them—beyond the barrel:

• A trip to Niagara Falls would obviously not be complete without taking The Maid of the Mist boat tour that comes right up to the foot of the falls, with nothing between you and the awesome power of nature but one of those infamous blue, plastic parkas. In all seriousness, seeing the view of the 13 story falls from below is something you’ll never forget.

• For your senses to experience the world’s second largest waterfall in a whole different way, take a Journey Behind the Falls to hear the epic thundering of the Niagara Falls as you descend to observation decks that are literally right behind the falls.

• Head over in the evening for a different view of the falls, illuminated with lights and seasonal fireworks.

• You can even ride in a helicopter that will swoop you right down along the curve of the falls.

• Take an adrenaline racing ride aboard the Whirlpool Jet Boats, which starts just a half-mile from the falls, and builds in excitement as it approaches the Devil’s Hole Rapids, a bend in Niagara River where the water circles before heading downstream. You can also zip over the whirlpool by cable car.

Though you will definitely fall in love with falls, that’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy romancing with some of the many other attractions that Niagara Falls has to offer! Check out our other blog, “Stepping Out of The Mist—Thrills Outside of Niagara’s Falls” to step out of the mist and catch a glimpse of some of the many less thought of things that you can see and do in Niagara Falls!

With the great thrill of experiencing a world wonder, some spectacular features of Niagara can get muffled amidst the falls’ thundering roar. When you’re done with wet and wild fun at the falls, here are some other Niagara specialties you can whet your pallet with:

Wine & Theatre
When the momentous sublime of the falls become too overwhelming for your senses to process, you can take the edge off of your on-the-edge-of-the-world experience by sipping on some vintage chardonnay on one of Niagara-On-The-Lakes’ very popular wine tours! No, we do not mean ON Niagara Falls—Niagara-On-The-Lake is a historic gem of a city located just 20 minutes away from the falls. It sits on the corner edge of Lake Ontario where the Niagara River empties into the great lake, and is filled with great wineries, theatres, and beautifully well-preserved old mansions and houses. Niagara-On-The-Lake hosts educational wine tours that will take you to the largest underground barrel cellar in Ontario as well as some of the classic family wineries who are cornerstones in the industry. Niagara also annually hosts the Niagara Wine Festival, the largest wine festival in Canada. Along with it comes over 100 events, including winery tours, tastings, concerts, and one of Canada’s largest street parades!

Anyone with Dionysian proclivities should also know that Niagara-On-The-Lake hosts the very popular Shaw Festival, which performs a variety of works of George Bernard Shaw and playwrights writing of or about Shaw’s era. Many elegantly dressed theatre goers stroll their way through the tree-lined, flowery streets to partake in this great festival.

In keeping with its old-worldly class and sensibility, Niagara-On-The-Lake has no chain hotels or oversized lodgings. What it does have is some of the finest cottage rentals in Ontario, some even right on the edge of the beautiful Niagara Lake. Many lodgings here have vintage flair and historic resonance, and you can pretend you are in another time as you take a carriage ride into Niagara’s Old Town or through the city’s flowery streets.

Golf
If you’re a golf player, it would be tragic of you to miss out on what is often thought of as Canada’s best golf scene. There are over 40 Niagara Falls golf courses that offer excitement for every level of handicap. You can even experience the history of gold in downtown Niagara-On-The-Lake, which boasts of North America’s oldest golf course, Niagara-On-The-Lake Golf Club, or hear the thundering falls in the background as you golf at the historic Oakes Hall in Niagara Falls.

Family-Fun Activities
If your plans to languidly sip world famous wine, watch fine theatre, and play on exquisite golf courses are trumped by little ankle biters, don’t throw yourself in a barrel—Niagara Falls offers a myriad of fun and exciting activities for the whole family. Clifton Hill is a prime family location filled with thrills to compliment the exciting falls, with attractions like Ripley’s Believe or Not and a 53 metre high Niagara Skywheel. Children shouldn’t miss out on the educational and mesmerizing experiences to be had at the Niagara Falls Bird Kingdom, a controlled environment mimicking that of tropical rainforest where they can see and hear more than 300 species of tropical birds, or the Niagara Parks Butterfly conservatory, where over 2,000 butterflies flutter freely about your family.

Have fun falling in love with Niagara Falls, Ontario!