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Canada is well known as one of the world’s most naturally beautiful countries, and many an escorted tour will cover stunning countryside, the famous Rocky Mountains and the maritime provinces. What might be less well known is the abundance of excellent cities Canada has to offer. Over 80% of the population lives in urban areas, and many of the most historically and culturally important centres are located close to each other. Read on for tips on how to fit some of the best into just one trip. Toronto and Niagara Falls Toronto Canada’s largest city, Toronto is packed with skyscrapers and long streets – it’s even doubled for New York in a lot of famous movies! Its large size also means it has a lot to offer, from quirky neighbourhoods to first-class restaurants and theatres. Niagara Falls Drive out of the city for a few hours, hugging close to the majestic Lake Ontario, and you’ll eventually come to the famous falls. Pictures and videos might give you some idea what to expect, but nothing comes close to seeing their sublime beauty in person. Culture and Ceremony in Canada’s Capital Next, travel to the national capital at Ottawa. The Byward Market is a great place to start your wandering, with souvenirs to buy as well as good food and street performances to enjoy. And if you find yourself tired out, why not rest in the beautiful public gardens? By far the best reason to take an escorted tour to Ottawa, though, is to catch the changing of the guard on Parliament Hill. In front of the impressive building that houses both the Senate and the House of Commons, observers gather from June through August to see guards in red coats and beefeater hats perform a fantastic pageant. UK visitors might be surprised to note the parallels to the ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Natural Beauty and Ancient Streets in Québec City Québec has always been something of an outlier in Canada. While French is the national second language, it’s the first language in Québec, and French influence is strongly felt. Its unique culture makes the province perfect for travellers, and some of the best escorted tours will take some time here. Built on the mighty St Lawrence River in the seventeenth century, this city boasts imposing gates and intriguing centuries-old streets. What’s more, the river is a sight to behold. It flows all the way from Lake Ontario out to the ocean, and is tidal by the time it passes through Québec City. If you’re lucky, you might even see a whale! More to See in Montreal Montreal is one of the most lively locations in the country. Each of the island city’s neighbourhoods boasts a distinct style, with Ville Marie encapsulating everything from the vibrant downtown to the gentrifying Latin Quarter. Whether you arrive by escorted tour or not, make sure you get some time to explore Montreal for yourself. It often hosts festivals and events, and you can always find something incredible to see or do. If we had to recommend one experience as utterly unmissable, though, it would be the climb up Mont Royal for a spectacular view across the city. Breathtaking. You could, of course, stay in each of these destinations for days. An escorted tour is a great introduction to them, packing so much into such a short time that you’ll be making plans to go back as soon as you return home! Author Plate John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays for over 30 years. Recently his well-received escorted tour itineraries, which venture to the far corners of the globe, have been included in Prestige’s luxury holiday portfolio. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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