Canada
The Place
Charles Dickens once described Canada as a land of "hope and promise". Today, it is that and more: a land of exuberant cities, striking scenery and diverse cultures. This hope and promise can be seen the entire length of Canada's 5,500-km border, from Montréal, with its old-world charm and new-age outlook; to Toronto, teeming with street energy, theatres and ethnic restaurants; to Vancouver, on the far west coast, where individuality is a valued trait and the pioneer spirit of a young culture pervades every aspect of life.
In between, and north of the big cities, lies some of the most beautiful landscape in the world. There are almost three dozen national parks, home to wild birds and brown bears. There are 68 designated "natural regions", 39 of them terrestrial and 29 of them marine. More than half the countryside is forest, and trees soaring to a height of more than 60 meters are not uncommon.
Theatres, art, restaurants, breathtaking scenery. Time to put all modesty aside, because Canada has a great deal to shout about.
