Why Canada Should Be Your Next International Vacation

Your dollar goes a little bit further in Canada—at press time, the exchange rate is $1.26 CAD to $1 USD, according to XE.com. That means a bit of extra cash for lodging, food, activities, and souvenirs.

Want to take a road trip to Canada on a whim? All you have to do is grab your passport (or passport/NEXUS card) and show up—no complicated visas, entry fees, or travel vaccinations required. What could be easier?

Canada is a huge country that's as diverse as the United States. Whether you're in the mood for a bustling urban metropolis or a vast, empty countryside in the middle of nowhere, you can find it in Canada. You could go back every year and still have a new area to explore.

Want to immerse yourself in a foreign language? Head to Quebec, where the law actually states that French must be the main language on signage and employees must greet customers in French. (There's even an official language police that enforce these laws!) But you'll have a safety net in case you run into some comprehension trouble, as everyone generally speaks English as well.

Hungry for a foodie vacation? Canada is full of regional specialties that you won't find anywhere else. There's everything from amazing, fresh seafood to famous delicacies like poutine. If you need inspiration, check out Terroir et Saveurs, Quebec's agritourism association that highlights regional cuisine, activities, tastings, and food trails.

According to the Global Peace Index, Canada is the seventh most peaceful country in the world. (By contrast, the U.S. is ranked at number 101.) Canada generally has a lower crime rate than the United States, as well. Of course, you should always be on guard (especially against petty crimes like pickpocketing in major cities), but there's no reason to worry about your safety when visiting Canada.

Canada has it all—from magnificent mountains to spectacular coasts. There are 37 national parks and eight national park reserves that you can visit, so get your camera ready. Visit in the winter for snow-covered scenery or in the summer, when you can embrace the hot temperatures and explore the wilderness.

Canada has no shortage of festivals. No matter what time of year you're visiting, there's likely to be something fun going on for every interest. Schedule your trip around the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Celebration of Light, the Calgary Stampede, Pride Toronto, or one of hundreds of other events.

**You Might Also Like:

• 17 Surprising Reasons to Visit Quebec and Montreal This Summer
• Oh, Canada! 10 Classic Summer Trips North of the Border
• Summer Foods You Must Have in Canada

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