Read Time: approx 5 minutes-ish
Many people knows Canada is the cold country north of the United States and their flag bears the Maple Leaf. The great country in this cold area of Earth is actually the second largest country in terms of land mass. Canada is also the country that recorded some of the coldest temperature in the world, -63 degree celsius. Yes, much colder than the temperature recorded in Singapore lately.
Canada is definitely not the first choice when it comes to travelling probably because there is not many direct flight there, but if you book 2-months ahead, you can get round ticket as cheap as less than S$900 with only 1 stop.
Canada is so huge that there is absolutely no way for you to explore the entire country but there are some activities and facts that stands-out from my research. Apart from the typical 5-stars hotel and the shopping, I hope the following activities would interest you.
Ottawa Jail Hostel
The jail was built in 1862 and was built next to a courthouse that was connected with an underground tunnel. The jail was decomissioned in 1972 and throughout its 110 years history, the jail only saw 3 executions.
The jail was purchased by hostelling international in 1972 and opened in 1973 as a hostel. They market it as a place for people who wishes to spend a night “in jail”. Some of the notable amenities include the lounge called “Mugshot”, the outdoor yard area becomes an open concept bar in the summer. You may also book a ghost tour or go visit the still fully functional gallow at the top floor of the building.
Address: 75 Nicholas St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7B9, Canada
Getting there: Alight at Bayview Metro Station, walk to Bayview 2A bus stop and take bus number 95 and alight 7 stops later at Mackenzie King 1A bus stop.
A night in this hostel shall cost you around S$96 if you book around 2-months in advance. But enjoy a S$15 cashback after your stay through this special Booking.com referral link.
(This is an affiliate link where you and I will enjoy cashback after booking a stay at no extra cost to you or me)
Sparkling Hill Resort and Spa – Cold Sauna
You may also try (probably) the 1 and only cold sauna in North America. The cold sauna, or Cryo Cold Treatments, are dubbed to have medical effects suitable for treating symptoms or conditions such as Rheumatoid Athristis, Blunt Joint Trauma and Inflammation.
However, the treatment may not be suitable for some people with certain medical condition such as people with pacemakers or allergic to cold. You may find more complete information on their official website: Sparkling Hill Resort – Cryo Cold Treatments
Address: 888 Sparkling Pl, Vernon, BC V1H 2K7, Canada
Getting there: Cab or Rent a car
Each Cryo Treatment is 3 minutes long and would cost you C$40 per session.
Northern Most Tourism – Grise Fiord
The settlement at Grise Fiord isn’t the northern most location in Canada with a population, the northern most location with human population will be Alert. But that place is off limit to you and me as it is a military settlement. However, Grise Fiord is a great place to stop by if you are visiting the Northern Region of Canada.
Grise Fiord is best known for its Ecotourism as people comes to this part of Canada to look at the Northern Wildlife and to hike.
Address: Grise Fiord, Ellesmere Island, Qikiqtaaluk Region, Nunavut, Canada
Getting There: Strictly by plane only as there is no roads leading to Grise Fiord, internal flights fly to Grise Fiord via Resolute from 3 major cities in Canada such as Ottawa, Montreal and Edmonton.
Flights fly to Grise Fiord twice weekly and may cost in excess of C$900 for 2-way flights.
National Parks so much bigger than Singapore
For instance, there is 2 National Parks in Canada that individually is already bigger than Israel and Denmark, and not surprising those 2 nations are definitely bigger than Singapore. These places looks like places where Game Of Thrones are filmed. Both National Park offers you varied experiences but the wildlife do not differ much, some of the more common wildlife you will see are bison, moose, grizzly bears (they may not be as scary as how they are portrayed) and more. These animals are rare in Singapore.
The Nahanni National Park
This is an UNESCO World Heritage Centre (yes, just like Singapore’s Botanical Garden, except much much bigger). There are guided tours including day flight giving you a bird’s eye view of the park, or you could canoe or hike up the Vampire Peak, the highest peak in Canada Northwestern Territory. You could also opt for a heli-hike which provides a less arduous experience to the top.
Address: Fort Smith, NT
Getting there: Getting to Nahanni National Park
Fees: Extensive list of Fees for all services and attractions
The Wood Buffalo National Park
Also an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from the Land Hiking and Air experience, you get to swim in a sinkhole, rent a cabin within the National Park. A visit to Wood Buffalo National Park is not a single day activity as there is many other attractions. Whether you are here to fish, or just wanting to observe wildlife while enjoying yourself in some outdoor activities such as canoeing, this place is a place for you. During winter, you may even ski in the National Park.
Address: 149 McDougal Road, Fort Smith, NT X0E 0P0
Getting there: Getting to Wood Buffalo National Park
Fees: Extensive list of Fees for all services and attractions
BONUS: 5th thing to do, taste the Canadian Maple Syrup
Canada is also home to the best Maple Syrup in the world.
If you are planning a trip to Canada, never forget to enjoy their pancakes with Signature Canadian Maple Syrup. You can get it anywhere in Canada in any diners. Just the thought of the syrup is enough to make many salivate.
If you are going to get that maple syrup, do let me know. I want it too. Because their Maple Syrup is Just Better Lah!
Just Better Lah! 