Page 18 - 2026-2027 Travel Guide to Canada

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TAIL OF A GREY WHALE (ESCHRICHTIUS ROBUSTUS) WITH TOURIST BOAT IN
BACKGROUND NEAR TOFINO, VANCOUVER ISLAND • SL-PHOTOGRAPHY/ADOBE STOCK
13 Reasons Why
Canada Rocks
Canada, being the world’s second largest
country, covers a lot of ground. So its
far-flung boundaries encompass many
differences in terms of geography and
culture. One thing, however, remains
constant: wherever you go in this vast
land, you’re sure to find something
remarkable. Here are 13 of the reasons
why Canada rocks.
BY SUSAN MACCALLUM-WHITCOMB
1 14,000 SHADES OF GREY:
BRITISH COLUMBIA
In some places, red-breasted robins announce
the arrival of spring. On the western shore of
Vancouver Island, it’s the return of the grey
whales—some 14,000 of which swim by as they
make the 8,000-km (4,970-mi.) trip from the
balmy breeding lagoons of Mexico to feeding
grounds up north. Whale watching boats depart
from towns like Ucluelet and Tofino. But since the
massive marine mammals follow the coast
closely, you can also observe them without
leaving land. The peak viewing time in Pacific
Rim National Park Reserve is from March through
May (www.parkscanada.gc.ca/pacificrim).