Discover Canada

Discover Canada

by Galina Yakovleva,

a teacher of English

school 44, Nizhni Novgorod

It’s a well-known fact that to get to know a country well during one visit is next to impossible. You can get only a brief glimpse of its main cities, traditions and way of life. To become familiar with a new place a person should stay there for long or to visit it many times.

Experienced travellers have worked out a more efficient way of “discovering” a country. First they browse the Internet in search of amazing facts and ideas. After finding out everything to catch their interest, these holidaymakers plan a route and make all necessary arrangements for a future journey, thus preparing themselves for a deeper insight into a country’s history and culture.

This was exactly the way which I followed when I made up my mind to enter the competition “Discover Canada”. Being a passionate traveller, I didn’t hesitate about choosing a topic. Of course, it should deal with the places I would like to visit. However, I was less certain, having to choose between many opportunities Canada can offer its guests. I was overwhelmed by the amount and variety of touristy sites and activities one can see and try in this country.

Which three destinations to choose? Should it be Quebec with its magnificent French culture and wonderful scenery? Or the Nunavut Territory where the Inuit people have preserved their unique lifestyle in the vast wilderness of ice and snow? Shall I enjoy the glamour and attractions of modern cities, like Toronto or Montreal, or get to the roots of Canada, which lie in its history and culture? Thinking everything over, I have decided on an ecological route. It’s a well-known fact that the country is one of the world’s centres for environmental tourism.

The first place to start the journey from would be the province of Ontario. Translated from Indian as “beautiful waters”, the province is famous for its numerous rivers, lakes and dense forests. The most fascinating sight there, of course, is the Niagara Falls. Its Canadian part, called Horseshoe, is one of the world’s wonders. I would both go on a boat trip “Maid of the Mist” to the very side of the waterfall and marvel at its might in a tunnel on a Journey Behind the Fall.

The Falls are not the only attraction here in Ontario. It would be an unforgettable experience to swim in one pool together with white bears at the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat. Protected by a thick glass, people can be close to these wild giants which are in danger of extinction.

Ontario is also the place where James Fenimore Cooper’s characters used to live and fight on the American frontier. As a teenager, I read all of his books and it would be great to visit one of the Indian reservations. As well as that, I’d be keen to make a tour of the Royal Ontario Museum, known for its collection of dinosaurs, which I have never seen before.

If I was tired of excursions, I’d be able to have a rest in Toronto Island’s Park on Lake Ontario. It’s a green oasis of wildlife which offers a wide range of activities from bird-watching to diving. The best time to stay in Toronto is July,1 or Canada’s Day. Seeing local people celebrate, you can feel their friendliness and open-heartedness and better understand the country’s national character. Of course, I couldn’t help walking along Toronto in the evening to admire its modern architecture and bright illumination.

To make the most of my journey I’d get on a Transcanadian train which would take me to British Columbia , right to its capital Vancouver. Riding on a double-decker train through the Prairie Provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchevan and Alberta would be thrilling, because the railway crosses the Canadian Rockies with evergreen forests, snow-capped mountains and sparkling glaciers, grand canyons and waterfalls.

Why have I chosen British Columbia as my second destination? Firstly, it’s on the Pacific coast, which means I can see the country in its diversity. Secondly, the province is famous for its spectacular scenery, mild climate and unique marine life. Since I saw the film “Stop Willy” I have been fascinated by whales. It would be a lifetime’s experience to go on a boat trip along the coast of the Island of Vancouver to see these wonderful mammals jump in the ocean, to listen to their songs and sighs. There’s an aquarium in Vancouver where people can see whales and other sea animals for long. It was in this very place where a baby whale was born for the first time in captivity. Now it must be four years old. This city has recently been much spoken about in the media because of the declaration, adopted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. It says that whales and dolphins are as intelligent as humans and they should be guaranteed the right for life and freedom.

I would also go down to the bottom of the sea in a submarine to watch underwater world. Who knows, maybe I’d even dare to try scuba-diving or wreck-diving which are said to be popular at the coast. It has always been my dream.

My second greatest love after the sea and its creatures is mountains. Maybe because I was born in the steppes of Ukraine, I have always been enchanted by their severe beauty. To pursue my interest I’d spend a day in Wistler or Mount Washington, Columbia’s popular winter sports centres or go camping in one of the National Parks.

The province also offers its guests lots of amusements. Take, for instance, the city of Vancouver, popular with tourists for its sandy beaches, emerald parks and varied leisure activities. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit this city is the best in the world for living. The city of Victoria appeals to those who are interested in the past. Although its history started at the beginning of the 18-th century, the city has preserved its Victorian style as well as British customs, such as English gardens and five o’clock tea.

After an exciting stay in British Columbia I would make for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador which is on the Atlantic coast. July is the best month to watch icebergs there. The Northern Peninsula is famous for its “Iceberg Alley”. Driven by the cold Labrador current from Greenland into the Atlantic, these huge icy mountains have different shapes (pinnacle, wedge or dome), sparkle with waterfalls and produce loud sounds when breaking. Their stunning beauty attracts those adventure-seekers who are not afraid of cold weather and long car rides. Some risk-takers go on a boat trip close to the icebergs. I would be among them. The bravest even try to climb an iceberg. If I was lucky, I could watch some humpback whales which are often seen there in summer.

On the way back to St. John I’d find time to visit L’Anse-Aux-Meadows which is the first European settlement in America, dating 11-th century. It’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, representing the Vikings’ village and other artifacts, found there in the 1960s.

Cold and tired, but overwhelmed with new experiences and emotions, I’d go back to Toronto just to board a plane and fly home, sweet home. Leaving the country, I’m taking with me some new knowledge. Now I will be able to explain to my students why Canada has long been in the list of top ten countries. High standards of living are ensured by the policy of ecological safety and environmental protection which is pursued by the government of the country and is supported by the people of Canada.

Of course, the journey I have created in my dreams is worth making in reality. Maybe, one day my ambition will come true. Those, who dream and strive, achieve much. A Chinese proverb says that a long way starts with the first step. I believe that by participating in the contest and writing this essay I have made it. Whatever the result, I am grateful for this chance.