If you go
Where to stay
Hotel Bonaventure
900 Rue de la Gauchetiere W., Montreal
800-267-2575
hotelbonaventure.com/en
The Bonaventure is an architecturally unique hotel that occupies the top two floors of a 17-story commercial building. Don’t miss the rooftop pool in this postmodern property. Rooms from $179 a night.
Where to eat
Cows
150 Queen St., Charlottetown
902-892-6969
The Charlottetown location is centrally located, and sells more than 30 varieties of ice cream and clever T-shirts and other gift items. Also, check out the creamery on 12 Milky Way in Charlottetown, which offers tours and even more cow-themed souvenirs. Cones from around $3.
Atwater Marche
138 Atwater Ave., Montreal
514-937-7754
One of Montreal’s largest farmers markets, located in an Art Deco building in the Little Burgundy area of town. It’s the place to go for fresh baguettes.
ByWard Market
55 ByWard Market Square, Ottawa
613-562-3325
One of Ottawa’s top tourist attractions, this shopping area is known for a lot of things, but for us it was mostly the nearby bakeries that took the cake. We found our hazelnut mousse birthday cake at The French Baker (119 Murray St.; frenchbaker.ca) for around $17.
Carousel Bakery (St. Lawrence Market)
92-95 Front St. E., Toronto
416-392-7219
This is where the Peameal Bacon Sandwich is made (about $5). Arrive early and stay away on weekends to avoid the long lines, but if you’re stuck, don’t worry — there’s plenty of other great food at this indoor market, including butchers, bakeries and tea shops.
The Hoito Restaurant
314 Bay St., Thunder Bay
807-345-6323
Located in a historic 1910 Finnish Labour Temple in Thunder Bay, this restaurant is known for its pancakes. A stack and a beverage will set you back around $5.
The Forks
1 Forks Market Rd., Winnipeg
888-942-6302
An indoor market conveniently located a few minutes’ walk from the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The place to go seemed to be Fergie’s Fish’n Chips (fergiesfishandchips.ca). Choose from cod, halibut or pickerel.
Coney Island Cafe
4908 Dewdney Ave., Regina
306-206-1711
A favorite of RCMP cadets and their parents, the poutine choices range from the conventional (fries with Montreal-style cheese curds and gravy; around $7) to the exotic (the “Elvis” has peanut butter and bacon; around $11).
What to do
Montreal On Wheels
514-866-0633
The company offers guided bike tours of the city, including the up-close adventure of biking on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal’s Formula One track. A three-hour tour costs $45.
Canadian Aviation and Space Museum
Rockcliffe Flying Club, 11 Aviation Pkwy., Ottawa
613-993-2010
A collection of more than 130 civilian and military aircraft, focused on Canadian aviation achievements. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Tuesdays. Adults around $10; children around $6.
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg
877-877-6037
A unique museum dedicated to the evolution and future of human rights. It features 11 separate galleries dedicated to an aspect of human rights, from indigenous rights to genocide.Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Wednesday, when it’s open until 9 p.m. Closed Monday. Adults around $14; kids ages 7 to 17, around $7.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Heritage Center
5907 Dewdney Ave., Regina
306-522-7333
A museum dedicated to the history of the Canada’s famous RCMP. Browse exhibits dedicated to the past, present and future of the Canadian national police service force, including uniforms, weapons and artifacts. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Adults around $8; kids 6 to 17 around $5.
Parliament
90 Wellington St., Ottawa
866-599-4999
The Gothic Parliament buildings, which overlook the Ottawa River, are a mandatory stop on your visit to Canada’s capital. The buildings are known for the many gargoyles carved into the stonework. Opening hours vary. Free tickets are distributed at 90 Wellington St., across from Parliament Hill, starting at 9 a.m. They’re generally available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Royal Tyrrell Museum
1500 N. Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller
403-823-7707
Perhaps the finest collection of fossil specimens in North America, if not on earth. The museum features ten galleries with 40 dinosaur skeletons. It may take more than a full day to get through all of the displays, but it’s well worth your time. Open Oct. 1 to May 14, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a. m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays, except for holidays; Adults around $14; kids ages 7 to 17 around $8.
Winsport
88 Canada Olympic Rd. SW. Calgary
403-247-5452, Ext. 4
North America’s fastest zip line offers the best views of Calgary from a decommissioned Olympic ski jump before sending you down at 74 mph. Hours of operation vary based on the time of year and weather. Tickets cost around $ 54 and includes access to all three ziplines including the Olympic ski jump.
Information
Canada.travel