Canada,our next trip in august. But canada is big and we are very undecided, we don't know which place to choose. Please if you know Canada or if you are from canada help us. We think all canada is beautiful. We prefer to visit park and to watch animals. (Bears?Beavers? ...Whales??)Thank you for your ideas. <BR>Roby & Raffy

My wife and I have visited Canada many times since 1986. I much prefer the Canadian Rockies. If I had to pick one park that is my favorite, it is Yoho National Park in the extreme eastern part of British Columbia. It is located just over the mountain from Banff Park -- Lake Louise to be exact. <BR>I have written quite a bit about this subject on this forum. I think you could do a search and find some previous postings. <BR>If I had to name one spot in Yoho I like, I would say Lake O'Hara. <BR>Also, the Icefields Parkway, which is a paved stretch of road from Lake Louise to the town of Jasper is a beautiful drive. Highly recommended. <BR>British Columbia has some beautiful places other than Yoho. It is a huge province with many, many scenic attractions. <BR>We have flown Air Canada into Calgary and rented a car for our trips. Or, depending on air fares, we have flown into Seattle and rented a car. Calgary is an OK place to visit and much different from the mountains because it is flat, but the mountains are not far away to the west.

There are interesting places to visit in Canada but without hesitation I would put the Rockies at the top. Way at the top.

I grew up in the BC Rockies though I left several years ago. However I have since been back. <BR> <BR>My favorite place, hands down, is the Windermere/Columbia valley. They are one in the same. Some refer to it as the Columbia Valley because of the Columbia river. I and my relatives have always referred to it as the Windermere Valley. In any event it is great no matter what you call it.

I'm an Ontario girl but I vote for the Rockies too. <BR> <BR>Consider flying into Calgary and driving from there to Vancouver.

Now that's a good question! Definately the Rockies as the other posters mentioned. I'd suggest flying into Vancouver and renting a car or take a bus tour of the "circle route" which will take you over to Banff, up to Jasper then back to Vancouver which has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. On the other side of the country are The Maritime provinces of Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland and New Brunswick which are great places to visit as well. Maybe keep them in mind for your second visit to Canada? Either one, you won't be dissappointed.

Hi, Roby. I am from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Canada is a very big country. I've spent most of my time in the west and have not be east of Quebec. If you wish to goto the parks and see animals (namely Big Horn Sheep, Mountain Goats and Elk) the goto the Banff and Jasper National Parks. The Yoho National Park is also very beutiful (one of my favorites!!) If you wish to see whales you have to goto the Queen Charolett Islands of the western coast of B.C. I doubt you will see bears or beavers unless you goto a zoo. Northern Saskatchewan is very beutiful as well. I used to do a lot of wilderness canoeing when I lived in Saskatchewan. Now that I am in Calgary, we go backpacking for a few days at a time. I've never seen a bear, but I've seens the signs left behind indicating that they were in the area shortly before we arrived at the camp site. Also saw cougar markings as well. <BR>Have a wonderful trip!!!

Bob, you read my mind. I want to surprise my husband with a romantic getaway for our 11th anniversary in early September. I've always wanted to see Lake Louise, but when I phoned the Chateau I wasn't knocked out by the attitude I recieved when inquiring about rates{which are toasty,availability and just a few brief questions. We don't mind spending a couple of dollars for a really special experience, but if we're going to spend a fortune and be treated like xxxx, we might as well go to Paris. Anyway, I made a reservation at the Emerald Lake Lodge. It seems equally beautiful without the attitude. Have you been there? Any thoughts? I'd love a beautiful lake view. LOL

Roby, <BR>You don't need to go all the way to the Queen Charlotte Islands to see whales. You can see them on trips out of Victoria or Tofino, BC to name just a couple. There is no guarantee you'll see whales but you may encounter seals, sea lions, porpoises and many birds. <BR> <BR>I have always seen bear in the Banff area.

I have not stayed at the Emerald Lake Lodge. But I have walked around the lake and the return route takes you through the lodge area. Our splurge, money wise, for that area has always been at a back country cabin known as Twin Falls Chalet. It is rustic, with no electricity. One has to be in the mood for what amounts to advanced camping. <BR>At least I don't pack a tent and sleeping bag for Twin Falls. But the food is incredible considering that it is packed in and cooked over a wood stove. From Twin Falls Chalet, we have been able to wander higher into the hanging valleys up above the main Yoho Valley. <BR>Another big splurge place that I would go to before any of the citified places is Lake O'Hara Lodge. It is very difficult to get reservations there at the height of the season, both summer and ski. Emerald Lake is beautiful, no question about it. But I prefer Lake O'Hara and several of the lakes around it such as Opabin and McArthur. Emerald Lake is larger than Lake O'Hara, but O'Hara in terms of its setting is in a class by itself.

The ALCAN from Dawson Creek to Whitehorse, Yukon; Banff/Jasper; Whistler B.C. and the Sea to Sky highway from Vancouver north.

I am very surprised to see that no one has yet recomended the atlantic provinces. The BC/ Alberta region is beautiful but it is not as unique as the maritimes. i would recomend new brunswick, nova scotia, PEI and especially Newfoundland. It is good to drive there because you get tons of amazing scenery. it is very relaxing. If you like animals you will find lots in Nfld. including whales, puffins, moose, bears, and there isn't any annoying animals like skunks and racoons (because it is an island). I am from ontario but I have been to all 10 provinces (sorry no territories) and i would recomend the maritimes <BR> <BR>ps. the people are really nice too.

Julie, <BR> <BR>definately stay at Emerald Lake lodge. The property is very beautiful perched out over Emerald Lake (which believe me lives up to its colourful name). The food is gourmet and their wine cellar is first rate. I don't know the type of accomodation you have booked but if you are looking for something romantic and deluxe -- see if their Point Cabin is available. It literally is perched out over Emerald Lake (you will never see your neighbours) and has plenty of room to spread out and relax (over 800 square feet). Add to this the enjoyment of a comfy chair in front of a fieldstone fireplace and a jaccuzi tub with a view out over the lake plus a wrap around deck and you have hit nirvana. <BR> <BR>It is no wonder Conde Nast Traveller had the Point Cabin as one of their "Rooms with a View" a few years back. <BR> <BR>Any other questions post them here and I will try to reply.

You obviously have plenty of great choices in Canada and I can't argue with any of them, but a "favorite" is hard for me to name; it's more a matter of what experience you are in the mood to have. You mention parks and animals in your question. Bob always has great advice, but to add a little: if you make it up to Jasper, the first 45 minutes or so PAST that town and toward Edmonton was where we saw the greatest amount of wildlife in the area. Give it a shot as a morning ride -- even if you don't plan to head all the way to Edmonton (which is a rather boring ride after that first wonderful section of roadway). Just to hitch a little on Tara's post with respect to the Maritimes, I'm always amazed at the kind of costs and crowds that folks are willing to put up with in the popular areas of the Northeastern U.S. during the tourist season when the Atlantic provinces of Canada have so much to offer and they are so much more reasonable in terms of expense. We have gone to various places in Canada for our summer vacations over the past four or five years -- it's just such an incredible value in comparison with the alternatives for summer travel. Happy Trails!

Hi! How about Manitoba! I am from Winnipeg and our province has alot to offer. We have some beautiful provincial parks- the Whiteshell being one of my favourites. If you are interested in seeing wildlife, we have black bears, deer, moose, etc. Winnipeg has plenty of events throughout the year especially during the summer. Folkarama is a huge cultural event. For two weeks, different cultural groups perform there dancing, serve their ethnic food- really interesting. Grand Beach is a popular area to go. Located on Lake Winnipeg. I could go on and on. Here are some websites that may help you get a better idea: <BR>www.tourism.winnipeg.mb.ca <BR>www.travelmanitoba.com <BR>http;//winnipeg.worldweb.com <BR> <BR>Well I hope you enjoy our beautiful country. Have a great trip!