Tuesday, 17 November 2009

Dido: Canada's so cool

Mountains, beaches, wilderness – it's got the lot

'My favourite place is Canada,' says Dido. 'I did a lot of writing there for my album Life For Rent. There were so many beautiful things to see.

'It has a really nice atmosphere about it and you can just meander about on your own and have a good time. I felt the healthiest I've ever been.'

Choose between these three unique areas of the country or visit them all.

The Province of Québec

Where is it?
To the east of Canada, bisected by the mighty St Lawrence River, Québec is the country's largest province and home to one of the biggest French-speaking populations in North America. It has an atmosphere so distinct from the rest of Canada that you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a different country.

Why go there?
To enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the St Lawrence River, one of the world's greatest waterways, and to visit the province's two major cities, the lovely capital Québec and exciting, multi-ethnic Montréal.

Must see must do

Québec
With its château-style buildings, meandering streets, Parisian atmosphere and cacophony
of voices speaking French – or rather Québecois, a version of French – you have to pinch yourself to remind you that you're still in Canada. The picturesque city is easily covered on foot, using the eyecatching Château Frontenac, set high up on a hill, as a landmark to stop you getting lost in the narrow streets.

The Old Port is now the most fashionable area of town, crammed with shops and bars. Other star sights are the Place Royale – a historic square popular with street performers – the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Fort Museum, which puts on sound and light shows as darkness falls.

Montréal
Canada's second largest city, which takes its name from Mont Royal, the 700ft hill at its heart, is a vibrant mosaic of cultures – its population has French, Italian and Irish origins – and architecture. Skyscrapers soar beside the spires of historic churches and the super-efficient metro includes 20 miles of underground malls full of well-lit shops, cafés and restaurants that blend effortlessly with the quaint streets of old Montréal.

St Lawrence River
If you want to escape the bustle of the city, head out to the wild and beautiful shores of the
St Lawrence. Minke whales are often spotted around the Gaspé Peninsula at the river's head and, during autumn, the banks are ablaze with stunning colours as the trees change colour. Tourist boats chug up and down, often stopping at the pretty riverside towns of Tadoussac and Sept-Îles.

The Maritime Provinces

Where is it?
On the eastern coast facing out towards the Atlantic, Canada's Maritime Provinces comprise Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Why go there?
Stunning coastal scenery, fine bays and great beaches.

Must see must do

Cape Breton Island
Connected to Nova Scotia on the mainland by a causeway, it offers wild beauty and grandeur on a manageable scale. The sensational Cabot Trail through the craggy Cape Breton Highlands is one of the most awe-inspiring tours in Canada.

The Acadian Peninsula
Jutting out into the sea from mainland New Brunswick is a world of quiet coastal villages and horse-drawn carts. Explore the sparkling, sandy beaches and wind-sculpted dunes at Kouchibouguac National Park or, for the more adventurous, try the park's Voyager Marine Adventure, a three-hour canoe paddle.

Prince Edward Island
It's the smallest province in Canada, but full of charm. From the sleepy capital Charlottetown to the untouched beaches, it has a relaxing air that draws visitors back again and again.

The Rocky Mountain Area

Where is it?
The Canadian Rockies sprawl across a band of land nearly 500 miles wide, sweeping through British Columbia and Alberta to the west of the country.

Why go there?
Amazing mountain landscape. Most of the area is protected in a series of national parks.

Must see must do

Calgary
It's full of skyscrapers and art galleries, yet Calgary still has the air of a frontier town, particularly during the 10 days in July when the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede – a huge celebration of cowboy culture including a parade, rodeos and chuck-wagon races – takes place.

The observation deck on the 626ft-high Calgary Tower offers panoramic views of the festivities. At other times, don't miss the Eau Claire Market, where walkways link to a footbridge leading to Prince Island Park and Calaway Park, western Canada's largest outdoor amusement park.

Banff National Park (pictured)
Breathtaking Banff is perhaps the most varied of Canada's many national parks. Visitors can enjoy glacier tours, wallow in natural hot springs and ride in a cable car or gondola up the Sulphur Mountain.

Fort Steele Heritage Town
This is a fantastic recreation of a typical gold rush town, featuring more than 60 restored buildings.