With almost all of the world’s ethnic groups represented in Canada, it’s hard not to find ethnic foods and recreation activities associated with specific cultures. Your international student advisor can help you get in touch with any number of ethnic clubs and associations. Canada’s post-secondary campuses aren’t only wired with the latest in sophisticated technology but also boast countless other modern amenities. From Olympic-quality sports facilities to public concert halls and art galleries, Canada’s post-secondary campuses offer you enormous possibilities for learning and leisure. Plus, you’ll have incredible opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and gain valuable experience through student-run governments, radio, newspapers, and businesses.
Shopping in Canada is very diverse, ranging from antique shops and fashion boutiques to factory outlets and malls providing excellent variety and value. Toronto is based in the area known as the Golden Horseshoe. Here you can find leather and suede fashions at the Olde Hide House in Acton; chocolatiers in downtown Burlington; or a gift along the waterfront at Bronte Village in Oakville. Looking for somewhere bigger? Then try the Eaton Centre in Toronto with a selection of more than 230 retailers and restaurants. www.torontoeatoncentre.com.
In Vancouver, located downtown, is the Pacific Centre, a shopping mall with way over 90 shops all-in-one convenient location www.pacificcentre.ca.
British Columbia is Canada’s westernmost province. British Columbia boasts designer boutiques in Burrard, Granville, and Robson. Ontario is located in the east-central province of Canada. Cruise along Rideau Canal, www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/index.aspx and stop off at ByWard farmer’s market. Neo-Gothic buildings of Parliament Hill in Ottawa are the setting for the ceremonial bagpipes and the march of pageantry. www.canada.ca/en/services/culture/cultural-attractions/attractions-canada-capital/parliament-hill.html. The Canadian Museum of Civilization houses the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles. www.historymuseum.ca/event/the-canadian-museum-of-civilization-your-country-your-world-your-museum/.
Follow the canoe routes of fur traders and Algonquins on one of Ontario’s 250,000 lakes, or shoot the rapids over 60,000 miles of river. www.algonquinpark.on.ca. In Toronto, visit the Royal Ontario Museum (don’t miss the Bat Cave), one of the world’s leading museums of natural history and world cultures. Take a stroll to Toronto’s castle on a hill, the historic Casa Loma. www.casaloma.org. Feeling a bit more energetic? Take a hike through the ancient eastern white cedars in the Niagara Escarpment. www.escarpment.org.
The above is just a small selection of attractions in Canada; for more inspiration, take a look at the following websites: uk.canada.travel/places-to-go, uk-keepexploring.canada.travel.
Canadians love their sports. Ice hockey (www.hockeycanada.ca) is Canada’s official national winter sport, while lacrosse (www.lacrosse.ca) is Canada’s oldest and official summer sport. Other sports that are followed include football (www.cfl.ca), which is Canadian football; the English version of football, called soccer (www.canadasoccer.com); and basketball (www.basketball.ca).
If you fancy following one of Toronto’s teams, they are listed below:
Most of Canada’s large towns have a vibrant nightlife and bar scene. Toronto provides numerous restaurants, bars, clubs, and lounges for both visitors and locals alike. Why not try College Street and West Queen West? For a list of clubs and bars in British Columbia, have a look at www.clubzone.com/h2/british_columbia.
If you fancy seeing the latest blockbuster, most large towns have a cinema. If you use your student ID, most offer discounted prices: www.cineplex.com, www.landmarkcinemas.com.
