Travel Guides to Canada

2016 Travel Guide to Canada

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TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA MAN OF STEELE: SASKATCHEWAN Whether modelled by Nelson Eddy, Dudley Do-Right or an actual Mountie, the uniform of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is as much a national symbol as the beaver and back bacon. Those distinctive duds—think red serge tunic, dark blue breeches and high brown boots—are instantly recognizable. Offi cially adopted in 1904, the fl at-brimmed Stetson which caps the look was recom- mended by the most renowned Mountie of all, Sam Steele. Steele also helped establish the force's Regina headquarters in 1882, and the RCMP Heritage Centre there honours his achievements ( www.rcmphc.com). BEAR NECESSITIES: MANITOBA Polar Bears look adorable in zoos, but if you want to appreciate the true power of the planet's largest land predators, make tracks for Churchill. This tiny community on the western shore of Hudson Bay is one of the only human settlements where they can be seen in the wild. Because it sits on a polar bear migration route, hundreds pass through on their way to the ice fl oes in October and November. Other great white wonders also put in an appearance, specifi cally beluga whales. Thousands of them swim into the area between mid-June and mid-August ( www.everythingchurchill.com). FABULOUS FALLS: ONTARIO Explorers, artists, writers and royals have all been drawn to Niagara Falls. Ditto for newlyweds, who've been fl ocking to "The Honeymoon Capital of the World" since the early 19 th century. Yet none have made a bigger splash, literally or fi guratively, than the daredevils. Some, like tightrope walkers Jean François Gravelet—The Great Blondin—or Nik Wallenda, were seasoned pros when they tackled the Falls; others were rank amateurs, among them Annie Taylor. In 1901, the 63-year old teacher became the fi rst person to go over in a barrel ( www. imaxniagara.com/daredevil-exhibit). • WAR OF THE WORLDS: QUÉBEC Quaint, cobbled Vieux Québec seems like a fairy-tale locale. Horse-drawn calèches clip-clop down its streets, while pedestrians linger in the bistros and boutiques that occupy its historic buildings. But the 4.6 km (2.8 mi.) of fortifi cations ringing the old city are a reminder that this was once where British and French forces fought for colonial supremacy. The castle-like Fairmont Le Château Frontenac hotel recalls another war. Secret meetings there between Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and William Lyon Mackenzie King changed the course of WWII ( www.quebecregion.com). CHUrCHiLL, MB • traVeL MB QUÉBeC fortifiCationS • ParKS CanaDa niaGara faLLS, on • toUriSM PartnerSHiP of niaGara/nataSCHia WieLinK

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