Canada is the second-largest country in the world, and if you asked any Canadian what the best country is, we’d respond with an enthusiastic “Canada!” So, at least for us, it was no surprise when Lonely Planet named Canada the number one place to visit in 2017.
One of the biggest reasons is that in 2017, Canada is celebrating its 150th birthday, which means lots of festivities. However, there are many reasons why you should book your ticket to visit us next year!
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1. Canada’s 150th Birthday
Canada celebrates its birthday every year on July 1st. But in 2017, we’ll be partying up large by celebrating ALL year long. Starting on New Year’s Eve, the party will begin with grand finale style firework shows, concerts, and so much more all across the country, and the festivities will continue throughout the year. From Vancouver to Newfoundland and Toronto to Nunavut, there will be festivals, parties, and a ton of extra events.
The biggest party will be on July 1st, Canada Day. When each big city across the country will try and outdo each other. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island – considered the birthplace of the Confederation, will do it up large with a ten-hour concert, a regatta, and more.
On the other side of the country, Vancouver will host a full-day music concert, parade, and fireworks. They are also hosting an eleven-day First Nations Festival. But Canada’s capital, Ottawa, is already boasting about having the BIGGEST party with an awesome firework display on Parliament Hill, live musical and theatrical performances, the new Cultural Village, a giant street party, and more to be announced.
Don’t underestimate your neighbors to the north, Canadians know how to party, and party we shall!
2. Free National Parks
Canada is a wildly diverse country. From the incredible Canadian Rockies in the west to the unbelievable Bay of Fundy in the east, Canada is home to so many different habitats. This makes our National Parks some of the most beautiful in the world. And thanks to Parks Canada, you can enjoy them for FREE in 2017. In celebration of our 150th birthday, Parks Canada is offering free admission to all of its National Parks.
But wait, there’s more! They are also opening up the doors of its National Heritage Sites for free too. There are over 45 National Parks in Canada and over 150 Heritage Sites. That adds up to huge savings and a great incentive for budget-minded travelers!
Not sure where to go? Some of the most popular National Parks include Alberta’s Banff and Jasper, Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula, and Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park.
More on Banff:
3. Budget Friendly
Whether you’re on a budget or not, Canada really is a budget-friendly destination for 2017. On top of all the free events and park entry, the Canadian dollar is weak right now. So, if you’re traveling from abroad, or just across the border, 2017 is the perfect time for the budget-minded traveler to visit Canada.
A trip to Canada in 2017 is a must for everyone. Even if you’ve been before, come celebrate with us in your best red and white. If you’ve never been, then allow Canada to knock your socks off in 2017!
Ready to Book Your Trip?
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7 replies on “3 Reasons to Visit Canada in 2017”
The capital of P.E.I is Charlottetown (not Charlotte) 🙂
Updated, thanks!
Hi Jackie…
Are you going to do any more podcasts? I have missed hearing your voice on my commute to and from work ?
Deb
Hi Deb! Yes I certainly am, should be back up and running within the next month 🙂 Thanks for asking and for listening!
That’s great news! Thanks for all you do Jackie
I was going to add the free national parks but I see you already have it there! What a sweet deal! (right now the dollar is roughly .25-.30 of the USD, so that means any Americans can generally take off 30% of EVERYTHING in the country! Woohoo!)
Woohoo indeed! Great excuse for Americans to exercise those unused passports.