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The unspoiled beauty of Canada's vast landscapes seem to surpass
earthly banality. From the flawless Rocky Mountain lakes to undulating prairie fields and icicle-flanked fjords, the majority of Canada's land is populated with wildlife as 90% of the countries 28.5 million inhabitants reside within 100 miles of the Canadian-U.S. border.
While the U.S. gets hyped as a "melting pot," Canada has historically embraced multi-culturalism over conformity. The descendents of the French and British dominate from colonial times, and numerous other ethnic communities preserve their identities in their new homeland. Chinese, Italian, Ukrainians, Portuguese, Indians, Dutch, Polish, Greek and Spanish are just a few that contribute their diverse cuisine, character, and architecture to the intricate quilt of Canadian identity.
Northern Canada remains the least touched by the hands of
industrializing man. Here airplanes and all-terrain vehicles are
oftentimes the preferred means of transport. Wildlife viewing of
animals such as moose, red fox, marmot, bear, bison, coyote, and
fallow deer give a peak into perhaps how Canada's neighbor to the
south once was before colonial times, as it teems with creatures
pouncing through the forests and birds squawking overhead. The Western stretch of the country also possesses countless natural attractions, such as sparkling snow-capped mountains that offer pristine skiing conditions and the crashing vigorous waves of the Pacific, which attract wet-suit clad surfers.
Eastern Canada mixes cultured European character with Canada's
backcountry genuineness. Toronto's impressive urban architecture,
competitive restaurant scene and distinct ethnic neighborhoods fashion a superior metropolitan city. The European charm increases to the East, with the primarily French-influenced province of Quebec. Here French will be heard more commonly than the standard, but English still holds its title as official language. Along the Atlantic Coast, home to scrumptious fresh cod and lobster, grassy fields and flat beaches stretch over rolling hills. The picturesque Prince Edward Island makes a prime viewing point for burning red sunsets or the otherworldly aura of the Northern lights.
The maple leaf serves as a symbol for Canada, and also for its
production of 80% of the world's maple syrup. Festivals celebrating this sweet sap, with the tantalizing smells of just-risen pancakes, abound in small towns. From lumberjacking contests to the Calgary Stampede rodeo or the Toronto International Film Festival, Canada's environmental riches and cultural happenings are as vast and varied as its people.
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