Compass: Canada
“Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world”
-Jack Layton
O Canada! You big beautiful and wonderful land.
Travel to Canada on your next solo or family trip.There is so much to love about Canada–it’s vast beautiful wilderness, indigenous culture, stunning coastlines, historic attractions, inspiring islands, amazing wildlife, welcoming people and incredible food.
On this page you’ll find stories that showcase the wonderful things that Canada has to offer in addition to stories that put a spotlight on its negative past with First Nations people and other people of color. In this respect, Canada is no different from any other country in the world but we share these stories to acknowledge our history and celebrate our humanity.
Travel to Canada as there is so much to explore. Canada‘s major cities are beautiful mosaics of multiculturalism. Some say that diversity is in Canada‘s DNA and friendliness is in its waters.
Delight yourself as you explore through our stories about Canada.
Quebec City: Where New France celebrates its heritage
By Tonya FitzpatrickIn 1608 the first Europeans set foot on North American soil. Samuel de Champlain, considered to be the founding father of New France, built a settlement that would later be called Quebec City. Read more
Canada Events & Festivals History
Exploring the history and heritage of the Clayoquot Sound
By Sara PerilloWhy do certain experiences resonate with us the way they do? I spent a single day kayaking around the Clayoquot Sound – such an insignificant amount of time – and yet the experience was Read more
Canada Nature & Outdoors
Ultimate Road Trip to Tofino
By Sara PerilloTofino is a funky surfer town on the West Coast that has earned its reputation as Canada’s top adventure playground. With its sprawling beaches, wild inlets, and ancient rainforests, it’s easy to see why Tofino has become such a popular destination. Read more
Canada Nature & Outdoors Rail & Road Travel
Vancouver Island’s Juan de Fuca trail: A beginner hiker’s story
By Sara PerilloIt was a hot summer day when a friend of mine and I pulled into the parking lot of Sombrio Beach, on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. We planned to be there for the day and set up a shady spot on the sand to enjoy … Read more Read more
Canada Adventure Experiences Nature & Outdoors
Experiencing Toronto Like A Local
By Shahraz AliWhether you stay in Toronto for a week or a year, not a day will go by without you finding something new and exciting to do. Read more
Canada Experiences
Don’t Let a Socially-Distanced Winter Keep You Inside: Camping at Dee Lake Wilderness Resort
By Nikki GillinghamWinter camping, even in relatively mild temperatures, isn’t something to take lightly. It requires planning, preparation, and a bit of spirit to get you through the evening! Read more
Canada Backpacking & Camping Nature & Outdoors
How to Stay Safe on the Trails
By Nikki GillinghamWhether we identify as travellers or not, a lot of us are taking time during the pandemic to connect with nature. Depending on where you live in the world, restaurants, shops, and even parks have been closed, so a lot of us are hitting the trails to enjoy the fresh … Read more Read more
Canada Safety
Toronto-based travel journalist Helen Hatzis offers thoughts about Travel’s future
If you want to hear about what the future face of travel might look like post-coronavirus ask someone who travels for a living. That’s what we did when we sat down with fellow travel journalist Helen Hatzis of Trip Jaunt. In addition to being a travel journalist Helen is known … Read more Read more
Canada Insights
Travel Journalist Helen Hatzis, one of ‘Canada’s Nicest People’, on travel and life post-coronavirus
World Footprints sat down with fellow travel journalist Helen Hatzis, co-founder of Trip Jaunt, about the future face of travel for journalists and the traveling public post-coronavirus. Helen also talked about her community work including Aloha Toronto that earned her a Governor’s General Award and about the things that make … Read more Read more
Canada Insights Social Responsibility
From lockdown to isolation: My COVID-19-fuelled journey home
By Kellie PaxianMy greeting at YVR International Airport’s customs desk is about as warm as my farewell from Cape Town 27 hours earlier. Read more
Canada Experiences Social Responsibility
The Saanich Peninsula: A Family Farm Haven on Vancouver Island
By Christina NewberryWhen I arrive at Healing Farm, I have an overwhelming sense that I’ve come home. This 18-acre organic farm on Vancouver Island’s Saanich Peninsula is everything I love about this part of the world, where I grew up. Read more
Canada Agritourism Experiences Food & Drink History
TODAY IN HISTORY: Vancouver burns down (June 13, 1886)
Vancouver you’re on fire!!! On June 13, 1886, the newly incorporated city of Vancouver, British Columbia nearly burned to the ground. Officials attempted to clear brush with a controlled fire between Main and Cambie streets. However, during the controlled burn a strong wind arose off the Pacific Ocean and it … Read more Read more
Canada History
Quebec City’s New France Festival – a walk through Canadian history
Today on World Footprints we celebrate Canada’s Francophone roots in the Quebec region as we walk in the footsteps of history at the New France Festival in Quebec City. Plus, we’ll visit an Augustinian Monastery turned holistic spa and we’ll talk to an Old World wine merchant. The walled fortifications … Read more Read more
Canada Events & Festivals History
A Look at the Calgary Stampede – “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”
Because the world famous Calgary Stampede has just started, World Footprints takes a look back at our time at the rodeo. This rodeo spectacular IS the greatest outdoor show on earth. At Stampede you’ll find everything from Vegas & Broadway style shows to bull-riding, roping and an ice skating show … Read more Read more
Canada Family Travel Sports Events & Festivals
Sustainable Vancouver Island’s Marmot Sanctuary
By Sam TreacyOne way that residents of Vancouver Island really connect with the outdoors and wildlife is through the Marmot Refuge located close to Nanaimo. Read more
Canada Sustainability