Like every year, Lonely Planet has just released its list of destinations to travel to in 2017. This usually includes emerging destinations that celebrate some kind of commemoration or that demand visibility for their merits to the attention of the traveler.
At the end of 2015, it was Botswana that was crowned the best country to visit in 2016 compared to others such as Japan, the United States, Latvia, Uruguay and Poland. Among the reasons were its beautiful landscapes, the enormous wildlife that inhabits them or the unknown Gaborone, the largest city in the country.
But What are the reasons that led Lonely Planet to choose Canada as the best country to visit in 2017?
There are several reasons why Canada occupies the first place in this ranking (we will reveal the rest of the winners later), some of which are: its large infrastructures dedicated to tourism, the next 150th anniversary of the country's independence that will be celebrated by all the highs and a weak Canadian dollar with which many international tourists will be able to do great things on their vacations.
Canada is synonymous with nature
Canada is a land blessed by nature. It is the second largest country on the planet with an endless variety of landscapes. Mountains, glaciers, rain forests, wheat fields, and high-surf beaches. Did you know that with the kilometers of coastline that Canada has, half the distance to the Moon would be covered by putting them in a straight line? And it is that there are three oceans that bathe its beaches: Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic.
Canada has a natural environment that often leaves the visitor speechless. Its famous National Parks are among the most beautiful in the world, especially those located in the Rocky Mountains. In addition, the Maligne, Louise and Moraine lakes are blue mirrors surrounded by mountains and lush forests. An idyllic picture that any traveler who visits them will never forget.
Watching grizzly bears at the Khutzeymateen Sanctuary, near Prince Rupert, is another incredible experience during your stay in Canada. Other very unique animals that can be seen here are polar bears, whales, and ballerina-legged elk.
Activities to do in Canada
Klondike
No matter what time of year we visit Canada, there are always interesting and exciting adventures to experience here. For example, heading north into the Yukon Territory, it is possible to follow in the footsteps of Jack London and the adventurers who followed the trail of gold on the Klondike River and in Dawson City, including via the legendary Chilkoot Pass. More laid-back adventures abound, such as strolling along Vancouver's Stanley Park Dam, bathing off the pink sand beaches of Prince Edward Island (IPE), or ice skating on Ottawa's Rideau Canal.
The delights of Canadian gastronomy
Although it is true that Canadian gastronomy does not have the international fame of French, Italian or Japanese, the country offers a great variety of local specialties in which raw materials take on special relevance. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a secret to discover, as are the seafood, fish, cheeses or the delicious wines that are grown in the valleys of Canada.
During a vacation in Canada it will be better not to take care of the line and indulge in the pleasure of gastronomy with dishes such as lobster with butter, salmon with scallops, berry pie or sea bream with sauce and cottage cheese.
A cultural event every month
Winter carnival. Via Simply Stamps.
From a cultural point of view, a trip to Canada can be very enriching. There are many museums, music clubs and festivals that exist throughout the country. If something stands out, it is that Canada always has to celebrate something during the year, so there are practically cultural events every month.: The Okanagan Ice Wine Festival in January, the Quebec Winter Carnival in February, the pow wow Regina in March, the ski festival and the snowboardWhistler in April, the Ottawa Tulip Festival in May, the Montreal Jazz Festival in June, the Calgary Stampede in July, the Acadian New Brunwick Festival in August, the Toronto Film Festival in September, the Oktoberfest in Kitchner in October, Hamilton's Aboriginal holiday in November, the Niagara Winter Festival in December.
What other countries does Lonely Planet recommend for 2017?
These are the 10 essential countries for next year:
- Canada
- Colombia
- Finland
- Dominica
- Nepal
- Shorts
- Mongolia
- Oman
- Myanmar
- Ethiopia