But the very grand finale is an arboreal fireworks of brilliant colours that light up the forests of Ontario, Québec and the Maritime provinces. Hot on their trail from early September through October are legions of “leaf peepers”, enthusiasts who log in to autumn colour alerts to pinpoint peak times around which to plan their autumn vacations.

In Ontario, Algonquin Park is an iconic location to experience Mother Nature’s showy display, on a forest hike or a canoe journey across peaceful lakes blood-red with leafy reflections. Check out when the colours will peak, then hop the Algoma Central Railroad to travel by rail – as the Group of Seven painters did – to be inspired by the colours of the Agawa Canyon near Sault Ste. Marie.

Québec’s sugar maple trees make the province synonymous with fall colours. North of Montréal, European-styled Tremblant ski village celebrates fall with the Symphony of Colours arts and music festival from Sept. 10 to Oct. 10, set among the lakes and brilliant yellow birch and American beech forests of the Laurentian Mountains. South of Montréal, drift along on a calm, crisp autumn morning in a hot air balloon over giant pumpkin patches in the Montérégie region. In the New England-esque Eastern Townships, colours often continue until late October. Enjoy them amid the forest setting of chic Balnea Spa in Bromont or on a gourmet brunch, lunch or happy hour cruise aboard a deluxe new ship plying the forest-lined shores of Lake Memphremagog.

Fall foliage coincides with harvest time and both are celebrated on Prince Edward Island with oysters, mussels, clams, lobster, chowder and more during the Fall Flavours Festival from Sept. 2-25. The warm surrounding Gulf of St. Lawrence waters bless PEI with one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the Northeast.

In New Brunswick, take a road-trip on the Fundy Coastal Drive for vivacious reds and deep orange forests alongside some of the highest tides in the world on the Bay of Fundy. Watch for whales – it’s the season. And time your visit with a turkey dinner during Canada’s Thanksgiving Weekend on the second Monday in October.

Via Rail rolls along the rails at a leisurely pace through Eastern Canada’s fall spectacle from Toronto to Montréal en route to Halifax. From there, head out on your own by car on Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail, one of the world’s most scenic drives, as it winds and twists along Cape Breton’s northern shore. Overnight on the Trail at the seaside, Scottish-themed Keltic Lodge overlooking maple, birch, oak and mountain ash blanketing the Highlands in red and gold. And while you’re there, take in the province’s Celtic Colours International Festival from Oct. 7 to 15 – is there a better way to celebrate fall than with fiery fiddling and foliage?

Article courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission Media Centre

Writers Bio: Award-winning, Montréal, QC-based freelance writer and photographer Margo Pfeiff’s work has appeared in Lonely Planet guidebooks, Reader’s Digest, GEO,enRoute, explore, Canadian Geographic, Outpost, The Walrus, up here, LosAngeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, National Post and The Globe and Mail.She is working on a book about contemporary life in Nunavut.margo.pfeiff@gmail.com

Police reported nearly 2.1 million Criminal Code incidents last year, down about 77,000 from 2009. There were declines in a variety of crimes, including homicide, attempted murder, serious assaults and robbery and other property crimes. But there were increases in some areas, including sexual assault, firearms crimes, criminal harassment, child pornography and drug offences.

The Crime Severity Index reached its lowest point (82.7) since 1998, the first year for which Index data are available. The decline in crime severity in 2010 was seen virtually across the country. The only exceptions were increases in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Violent crime

Police reported just over 437,000 violent incidents in 2010, about 7,200 fewer than in the previous year. Violent crimes accounted for just over 1 in 5 offences.

The violent Crime Severity Index declined 6% in 2010 to 88.9, the fourth consecutive annual decrease. Decreases were reported in every province except Newfoundland and Labrador, where police reported a 13% increase.

There were 554 homicides, 56 fewer than in 2009. The national rate of 1.62 homicides per 100,000 population in 2010 was the lowest since 1966. The 10% decline in the homicide rate from 2009 to 2010 followed a decade of relative stability.

The national decline in the homicide rate was driven primarily by a large decrease in British Columbia, where the rate (1.83) was at an all-time low. However, the rate in this province was still slightly higher than the national average.

The number of attempted murders also declined, from 801 in 2009 to 693 in 2010. This resulted in the lowest rate for this offence in over 30 years.

Police reported more than 22,000 sexual assaults in 2010. This represented an increase of 5% in the rate since 2009, the first increase in sexual assault since 2005.

Non-violent crime

Similar to previous years, most crimes (79%) reported by police in 2010 were non-violent. Theft under $5,000, mischief and break-ins accounted for close to two-thirds of the almost 1.7 million non-violent offences.

The non-violent Crime Severity Index fell 6% in 2010 to 80.3, the seventh consecutive decline.

Police reported nearly 200,000 break-ins last year. The rate of break-ins fell 6% in 2010, continuing a steady decline since peaking in the early 1990s.

Nearly 93,000 motor vehicles were reported stolen in 2010. This represented a 15% drop in the rate since 2009 and a continuation of the downward trend seen since the mid-1990s.

Saskatchewan reported the highest rate of motor vehicle theft in 2010. This is a change from a decade-long trend which saw Manitoba reporting the highest rate among the provinces.

The national rate of impaired driving fell 6% from 2009, following three consecutive years of increase. However, the rate of impaired driving has generally been declining since peaking in 1981.

In 2010, police reported over 108,000 drug offences, about half of which were for possession of cannabis. The rate of drug offences increased 10% from 2009, continuing a general upward trend that began in the early 1990s.

Provinces and territories

Among the provinces, Alberta and British Columbia reported the largest declines in crime in 2010. The crime rate fell by 6% in both provinces, while the Crime Severity Index decreased by 8% in Alberta and 7% in British Columbia.

As in previous years, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories continued to report the highest Crime Severity Index values. Among the provinces, Saskatchewan reported the highest Crime Severity Index, followed by Manitoba and British Columbia. The lowest Crime Severity Index values were seen in Ontario, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

Metropolitan areas

The volume and severity of crime fell or remained stable across virtually all census metropolitan areas (CMAs) in 2010, including Canada’s 10 largest cities.

In 2010, three CMAs reported an increase in crime severity. St. John’s had the largest increase, up 12%, followed by Greater Sudbury (+4%) and Peterborough (+3%).

As has been the case since 1998, Regina reported the highest Crime Severity Index, followed by Saskatoon and Winnipeg. Calgary was the only western CMA to have a Crime Severity Index below the national average.

Guelph reported the lowest Crime Severity Index for the fourth year in a row, followed by Québec, Toronto and Ottawa.

Youth crime

Police reported that nearly 153,000 youth aged 12 to 17 were accused of a crime in 2010, almost 15,000 fewer than the previous year. The youth crime rate, which measures the overall volume of crime committed by youth, declined by 7%.

Youth crime rates declined for most offences in 2010, including homicide, serious assaults, motor vehicle thefts and break-ins. However, robbery was one of the few offences to show an increase for youth in 2010, up 2%.

The youth Crime Severity Index has also declined over the past 10 years, including a 6% drop in 2010. However, the severity of violent crime committed by youth has not seen the same decrease. Despite a 4% drop between 2009 and 2010, the youth violent Crime Severity Index was 5% higher than in 2000.

“Travellers spent $1 trillion on tourism globally in 2010 — that’s $3 billion dollars a day or $2 million a minute. We want more than our fair share of that revenue,” says Michele McKenzie, the president and CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission.

McKenzie recently announced the launch of “Signature Experiences Collection” at a tourism conference in Banff, Alta. It’s a compilation of 48 Canadian tourism enterprises from coast to coast to coast. It will be marketed in 11 countries and initially be rolled out in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Australia.

“Tourism is one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world and it’s become a very high stakes game and one in which countries are competing to win and Canada is competing to win,” McKenzie says.

“Winning countries are those that offer exotic experiences, a strong tourism brand, great infrastructure and effective collaboration between government and tourism partners.”

Canada’s Rocky Mountains, skiing and history aren’t enough to attract the international visitors flush with cash, although some tried and true events such as the Calgary Stampede, ice wine tours, Niagara Falls in Ontario and winery tours in British Columbia still make the grade.

Also on the list are the Grand Festival of Winter and the Ice Hotel in Quebec; iceberg viewing in Newfoundland and Labrador; the Plain of the Six Glaciers Tea House Ride in Alberta; dogsled adventures in the Northwest Territories, and a cowboy adventure in Saskatchewan.

“Simply having a positive image as a country does not translate into a compelling reason to visit,” says McKenzie.

“Our challenge was to inspire our customers with a Canada that offered more than spectacular scenery but to offer tourism experiences that rival those of even our most exotic competitors.”

The recession has taken a toll on the travel sector, says Kevin Stanton, owner and operator of Brewster Adventures in Banff. He says the program is needed to win international markets. The concept appears to be working.

“We sent some guests out on an overnight trip and halfway through their trip, a wild horse colt decided to join the people. That horse went all the way to their overnight camp and came back,” he said.

“Those international people will never forget that. It was an experience of a lifetime for them.”

The initiative should encourage the rest of the world to visit Canada, said Maxime Bernier, minister of state for small business and tourism. Bernier admits to having visited only one of the 48 experiences in the campaign — the Ice Hotel in Quebec City.

Canada has benefited from the publicity surrounding the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and more recently the visit by Prince William and Kate, he said.

“It’s something very special and also it was free all across the world in different markets like in the United Kingdom,” said Bernier.

“Experiences like that can also bring other international travellers here.”

An official with the Calgary Stampede estimates that international visitors have dropped off 5 to 10 per cent the past couple of years, but senses that things are beginning to turn around.

Lindsay Galloway said the publicity that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge gave to the Stampede, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2012, is priceless.

Prince William and his bride, Kate, wore western garb, including the famous white cowboy hats, while riding a stagecoach. They also took part in the Stampede parade.

“The coverage we’re receiving around the world is unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable. It’s great for the Stampede, it’s great for Alberta and the country,” he said.

“Them wearing cowboy hats is a lasting image around the world that will just serve our city so well.”

Provinces & Territories

Canada has ten province: Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. It also has three territories: Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory and Nunavut.

The main difference between provinces and territories is their constitution. Provinces exercise constitutional powers in their own right, whilst territories exercise delegated powers under the authority of the Parliament of Canada. Any changes to the constitution in the provinces is voted on, but in the territories it is not.

Capital Cities

The capital of Canada is Ottawa, located in Ontario. But strangely Ottawa is not the capital of Ontario, Toronto is. Each province and territory has its own capital city and some may not be the city you think.

• Alberta – Edmonton
• British Columbia – Victoria
• Saskatchewan – Regina
• Manitoba – Winnipeg
• Ontario – Toronto
• Quebec – Quebec City
• New Brunswick – Fredericton
• Nova Scotia – Halifax
• Prince Edward Island – Charlottetown
• Newfoundland & Labrador – St John’s
• Yukon Territory – Whitehorse
• Northwest Territories – Yellowknife
• Nunavut – Iqaluit

Every province and territory also has its own flower

Flowers

Every province and territory also has its own flower. If you don’t know what these look like refer to the image accompanying the article.

• Alberta – Wild Rose
• British Columbia  – Pacific Dogwood
• Saskatchewan – Western Red Lily
• Manitoba – Prairie Crocus
• Ontario – White Trillium
• Quebec – Blue Flag Iris
• New Brunswick – Purple Violet
• Nova Scotia – Mayflower
• Prince Edward Island – Lady’s Slipper
• Newfoundland & Labrador – Pitcher Plant
• Yukon Territory – Fireweed
• Northwest Territories – Mountain Averns
• Nunavut – Purple Saxifrage

All provinces and territories also have their own provincial birds

Birds

All provinces and territories also have their own provincial birds , again please refer to the images to put a name to a feather.

• Alberta – Great Horned Owl
• British Columbia – Steller’s jay
• Saskatchewan – Sharp Tailed Grouse
• Manitoba – Great Grey Owl
• Ontario – Common Loon
• Quebec – Snowy Owl
• New Brunswick – Black Capped Chickadee
• Nova Scotia – Osprey
• Prince Edward Island – Blue Jay
• Newfoundland & Labrador – Atlantic Puffin
• Yukon Territory – Common Raven
• Northwest Territories – Gry Falcon
• Nunavut – Rock Ptarmigan

Mottos

Did you know that each of the provinces also has a motto? Some are a little odd, but the one which we feel suits the province best is Prince Edward Island.

• Alberta – Strong and free
• British Columbia – Splendour without diminishment
• Saskatchewan – From many peoples, strength
• Manitoba – Glorious and free
• Ontario – Loyal she began and loyal she remains
• Quebec – I remember
• New Brunswick – Hope was restored
• Nova Scotia – One defends the other conquers
• Prince Edward Island – The small under the protection of the great
• Newfoundland & Labrador – Seek ye first the kingdom of God

Only Nunavut of the territories has a motto: Our land, our strength.

With an eclectic mix of restaurants, pubs, and cafes, there is something for every taste bud. Community and city-wide festivals and events fill the streets nearly every week of the year, offering exhilarating options from world class music, theatre, comedy, gaming and sport. Whether it’s a hotel, an enchanting inn or cozy Bed & Breakfast, Charlottetown is your home away from home.

As could be expected for the capital of Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), Canada’s smallest province in size and population, Charlottetown is a tiny, scenic city. Yet, as if a microcosm of the Island, Charlottetown is as vibrant and diverse as P.E.I. itself. A major player in Canadian history, Charlottetown has many historical monuments and museums. The city also possesses a thriving arts community, and a variety of shops and restaurants that can cater to any taste. Centrally situated on the south coast of the Island, Charlottetown has a sheltered harbour, a view of the Northumberland Strait, many green spaces, and beautiful architecture, much of it from the 19th century. Cliffs protect the city’s seaside entrance, while the Hillsborough watershed has resulted in surrounding plains and marshlands.

History

Charlottetown was originally founded when its protected position at the junction of two rivers close to the Hillsborough Bay was considered an ideal area for settlement by a British crown surveyor in 1764. Named after England’s Queen Charlotte, the area was quickly designated as the capital of what is now Prince Edward Island. As the centre of government on P.E.I., Charlottetown soon became the dominant town and voice of the province. Even today, the city is still the cultural and political heart of the island.

Charlottetown’s influence has not just extended to provincial affairs, however. Known as the birthplace of Confederation, Charlottetown played host to a meeting of prominent politicians in 1864. The Charlottetown Conference, which discussed the unification of several provinces, was a success, and in 1867, the Dominion of Canada was founded. In 1992, all eyes in Canada turned to Charlottetown again when the Charlottetown Accord, which would have granted Canada’s provinces more autonomy and given Quebec special status, was drafted here by the federal government. The highly unpopular accord was defeated in a countrywide referendum and lead to an election that saw the reigning party defeated.

Getting there and traveling around

Although known in myth for receiving large amounts of snow, Prince Edward Island in fact boasts some of the gentlest temperatures in Canada. Never too hot in the summer, never too cold in winter, Charlottetown’s temperature is moderated by its oceanside location. Temperatures range from -3°C to -11°C (26°F to 11°F) in winter, and average in the 20s and occasionally the low 30s (70s to 90s) during the summer. While July and August are the driest months, rain is frequent in the Atlantic provinces, so packing an umbrella is often useful.

There is very little public transportation on Prince Edward Island and Charlottetown is no exception, as its transit service only runs from approximately 9:30am to 2:30pm, Monday through Friday. No great skill is required when driving in Charlottetown as the streets are rarely crowded and parking is plentiful and cheap. Do keep in mind, however, that the city has several areas that are car-free; it’s far easier to just walk, especially since most places of interest are located within close distance of each other and the city is safe even at night.

To get to Charlottetown from outside of P.E.I., there are several different options available. The Confederation Bridge joining P.E.I. to New Brunswick provides a dramatic route for motor vehicles, and is approximately 56 km (35 mi) away from Charlottetown. From Nova Scotia, take the Northumberland Car Ferry to Wood Islands, P.E.I. or fly in from Halifax. There are also regular flights through Air Canada from Toronto, Ontario, and there are several discount providers that also offer flights from cities including Toronto, Montreal,Quebec and Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A., during the summer months. The Charlottetown Airport is located approximately 8 km (5 mi) from the city.

Accommodation

Accommodations in Charlottetown vary extensively, and many are only open during the incredibly busy summer. As such, it’s useful to book a room before arriving. From massive four-star chain hotels to tiny, shared-bathroom bed and breakfasts, Charlottetown has every type of accommodation, and many have harbour view rooms or are located in the city’s original buildings. Rates in Charlottetown are relatively inexpensive, and there is something to fit every budget and taste, although prices fluctuate wildly between seasons and even within the same category of lodging. Accommodations are located throughout the city, including residential areas, with the majority clustered around downtown Charlottetown and the TransCanada Highway.

Events & festivals

During its lifetime, Charlottetown has raised the ability to celebrate to an art form. This is a city of celebrations, and it seems that only a few weeks can go by before another ceilidh (dance or party) or festival occurs to the delight of locals and visitors. There is always anevent of some type occurring, especially during the summer months.

At the end of summer, the Festival of the Fathers occurs, which celebrates the Charlottetown Conference with re-enactments, interactive historical events, an historic gala ball and a pub crawl. The Festival of Lights meanwhile, is a three-day, four-night celebration of Canada Day, which includes top musicians from Canada and throughout the world, a massive fireworks display, a midway and a children’s village. There is also the P.E.I International Shellfish Festival, which is not to be missed by those who love seafood. The three day event, which includes local music, chowder competitions and oyster-shucking championships, is considered the largest kitchen party on the Island. Recently, the Jack Frost Children’s WinterFest has joined the Charlottetown lineup of festivals. This event features a massive ice castle, ice sculpting competitions, children’s stage and music shows.

The most famous of all these festivals, parties and celebrations is the Charlottetown Festival, a two-month long celebration of the performing arts. Located in and around theConfederation Centre of the Arts, the festival is best known for its yearly run of Anne of Green Gables: The Musical. This play tells the heartwarming story of P.E.I.’s most famous resident, red-haired Anne Shirley, and attracts thousands of visitors to the Island each summer.

Historical Attractions

As a capital city, Charlottetown has plenty of attractions. Exploring the city’s past at its many historical sites could take days; Founder’s Hall, Province House, Fanningbank,Beaconsfield House and many other buildings in the area each represent aspects of P.E.I.’s history. Province House, where the Charlottetown Conference was held and the current legislature sits is especially interesting. Guided tours and re-enactments of the conference occur throughout the summer. Founder’s Hall is a new attraction that is situated in a 1906 railway depot and is home to an interactive, multi-media self-guided tour of Canadian history since confederation, with special emphasis on P.E.I.’s role.

For those who like their architecture, there are many historical examples, from Victorian, lemon-yellow Beaconsfield House, to gothic St. Dustan’s Basilica, to the mid 19th-century grandeur of Province House. There are also several squares (Hillsborough, Kings, Rochford and Connaught) that were part of the original city where many fine mansions (some of them now bed and breakfasts) can be found.

Exploring on Foot

The city is laid out easily for walking. Between the original city’s boundaries of Euston and Water Streets are major thoroughfares where most of Charlottetown’s attractions and entertainment can be found. A large proportion of these streets lead to the harbour, where a boardwalk runs through several parks and past many of Charlottetown’s best and favourite shops and restaurants, including those of the popular Peake’s Wharf. Walking tours of the city are also available through Founder’s Hall, which provides a costumed guide to show visitors the sights and impart knowledge (and gossip) about Charlottetown’s early days.

Shopping

Although not to be compared with New York City, Paris, London or even Toronto, Charlottetown has the market covered when it comes to one-of-a-kind cottage-industry styleshops. From organic, P.E.I.-ingredient-made soaps and P.E.I. Dirt Shirts to stained glass windows and handmade furniture, Charlottetown’s shops can sate the crafter within while providing a wealth of souvenirs and gifts to take home. A large proportion of these smaller stores can be found around the harbour and on Queens Street and Victoria Row, while more traditional shops and chains are well represented at Charlottetown’s malls,Confederation Court Mall, and the Charlottetown Mall. P.E.I.’s ten percent Provincial Sales Tax (PST) applies to all non-essential goods (clothing, food and shoes are exempt), and is applied at the till along with the Canada-wide seven percent Government Sales Tax (GST).

The Arts

Charlottetown’s arts community, although not large, is well represented at many venues in town. Galleries specializing in the art of P.E.I. abound, and local paintings, crafts and prints are to be found throughout the city, including at the P.E.I. Gallery in the Guild, an artist-owned print gallery which offers visitors introductory lessons and access to the workrooms.

There are always plays occurring in Charlottetown; while most of these can be found throughout the year at the Confederation Centre of the Arts, two dinner theatres, a comedy sketch troupe and an outdoor Shakespearian theatre also operate during the summer. Several movie theatres reside in Charlottetown, including one that specializes in local, independent and art films, and live music and local bands can always be found in one of the city’s many bars and clubs.

P.E.I. writers are also well represented in Charlottetown. Several bookstores specialize in local authors and hold readings, discussion groups and signings around these authors’ works.

Outdoor Activities

Charlottetown has an abundance of natural attractions both within and just outside the city that provide plenty of recreational opportunities. There are many parks and green spaceswhere trails as well as tennis, basketball and volleyball courts can be found. Water sports are very popular in Charlottetown, and it is easy to experience sea kayaking, scuba diving or sailing in the area due to the large number of shops offering instruction and equipment. Several golf courses are located just outside of Charlottetown as is Confederation Trail, which provides ample opportunities for walking, birdwatching, bicycling or snowmobiling as it winds past the city. There are also several outdoors tour organizations operating out of Charlottetown, and fishing and hunting trips and tours of the area by boat, airplane andbicycle are all available. Seal watching is also a popular activity, and many boat tours out of the harbour offer visitors a chance to see seals at play in their natural habitat.

Dining

There is a wide range of dining options available in Charlottetown that cater to a variety of tastes. From mom and pop diners to seafood bars, fine dining rooms to a cornucopia of ethnic eateries, Charlottetown offers every type of dining experience. Food can also be found at many bars, and also at a number of the city’s independent coffee shops. The majority of restaurants are found in Old Charlottetown, with a large proportion either located on University Avenue or down by the harbour.

Nightlife

Charlottetown has a decent nightlife, and as benefits the home of the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College and several commercial colleges, there are a slew of barsand restaurants that stay open until all hours of the morning. Favourite bars for locals are the Olde Dublin Pub, where live Irish music, sing-alongs and plenty of Guinness may be found, and Peake’ s Quay, a restaurant and bar that transforms into a club complete with drink specials and the occasional live act during summer. Two other highly popular locales are Myron’s and Breakers, the first a dance club that sees a number of top musical acts, and the latter a billiards and drinks place where university students can be found. A weekly entertainment during the summer is the Friday Night Ceilidhs at Irish Hall, where locals and visitors gather to listen and dance to traditional Gaelic music.

For more information visit the main city website

For tourism information click here

Canada’s fourth quarter population growth was lower than in the same period in 2009 (+55,900). While growth due to natural increase was relatively stable, net international migration declined from 25,400 to 10,900.

This decline in net international migration can be explained by a larger decrease in non-permanent residents living in Canada. Immigration in the fourth quarter (57,700) was similar to the level observed in the same period in 2009 (56,400).

Atlantic Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador’s population remained virtually unchanged in the fourth quarter and was estimated at 509,100 on January 1, 2011.

Prince Edward Island posted a population of 143,500 as of January 1. The level of immigration to Prince Edward Island was, in relative terms, the highest amongst the provinces for the fourth consecutive quarter.

Nova Scotia’s population was estimated at 943,400 at the end of the fourth quarter. The province’s small decrease was mostly due to net outflows in interprovincial migration.

The population of New Brunswick was estimated at 753,200 as of January 1. During the fourth quarter, the province received more than 400 immigrants, the highest level for the fourth quarter since 1979.

Quebec’s population grew by nearly 11,000 (+0.1%) in the fourth quarter to 7,943,000 on January 1. The main factor in this demographic growth was natural increase (+6,700). The province had a slight net outflow from interprovincial migration (-400). Quebec usually experiences higher outflows of interprovincial migration.

In Ontario, the population was estimated at 13,282,400 on January 1, an increase of 13,900 (+0.1%) compared with October 1, 2010. Most of the province’s growth in the fourth quarter came from natural increase (+10,500).

Western Canada

Manitoba posted the fastest demographic growth in the country in the fourth quarter with an increase of over 3,600 (+0.3%). Net international migration (+2,600) was the principal factor for the demographic growth in the province. As of January 1, the population of Manitoba was estimated at 1,243,700.

The population of Saskatchewan increased by 2,300 (+0.2%) in the fourth quarter to 1,052,100. Natural growth (+1,100) and net inflows in international migration (+1,100) were the primary contributors to the demographic growth of the province.

Alberta’s population was estimated at 3,742,800 as of January 1, an increase of close to 7,700 (+0.2%) compared with October 1, 2010. The province’s population growth came mainly from natural increase (+7,200) and net inflows in interprovincial migration (+2,500).

The population of British Columbia had a small increase (+2,200) in the fourth quarter and was estimated at 4,554,100 on January 1. Natural increase (+2,500) was the main factor of the demographic growth in the province.

The territories

While the population of both Yukon and Northwest Territories decreased slightly in the fourth quarter, Nunavut’s remained virtually unchanged. The three territories had net outflows in interprovincial migration. As of January 1, Yukon’s population was estimated at 34,300, compared with 43,600 for the Northwest Territories and 33,300 for Nunavut.

Canada’s population growth in 2010

Canada’s population growth in 2010 was lower than that observed in 2009. The Canadian population increased by 375,600 (+1.1%) in 2010 compared with 394,400 the year before (+1.2%).

Canada received more than 280,000 immigrants in 2010, the highest level recorded since the 1950′s. This was 28,500 more immigrants than in 2009. Increases in immigration were recorded by most provinces and territories.

The increase in immigration in 2010 was offset by a decline in the net inflow of non-permanent residents. The net non-permanent residents was estimated at 12,900, down from 55,400 in 2009. As a result, net international migration in 2010 was estimated at 244,400, down from 258,900 the year before.

There were an estimated 382,000 births and 250,800 deaths in 2010, resulting in a natural increase of 131,200. This was lower than the natural increase of 135,600 recorded in 2009.

Prince Edward Island, Nunavut and all provinces west of Quebec recorded 2010 growth rates above the national average.

Chateau Frontenac

An architectural marvel constructed in 1893, this luxurious resort hotel defines Quebec City’s European-styled urban design. Steeped in history, Chateau Frontenac was designed to evoke renaissance-era castles and cathedrals. As such, the resort is defined by its several towers, thick foliage and brick facades. Visitors exploring the grounds cannot help but be amazed to know they are walking within the same confines that have housed celebrated guests such as King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt.

The hotel is also home to Le Champlain, a premiere fine-dining establishment. Dinner guests of this restaurant can enjoy a menu composed by executive chef Jean Soulard, which features traditional and contemporary French-Canadian cuisine.

More information:

Rogers Centre

At an estimated cost of $570 million, this sports and entertainment venue located in Toronto is noteworthy for its fan-friendly experience and innovative design. Opened in 1989, the Rogers Centre was originally known as the Skydome, and designed by Rod Robbie and Michael Allen to be the home of Toronto sport franchises the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Argonauts. The stadium is noteworthy for being the first complex in professional sports to have a fully-functional retractable roof, a necessity in dealing with Toronto’s inclement weather.

Tourists visiting the Rogers Centre can stay in the dome’s adjoining hotel, the Renaissance Toronto Hotel. A four-star hotel, guests of this establishment have the opportunity to stay in a room with a view of the Rogers Centre field. The Renaissance also provides modern amenities such as babysitting, wet-bar and wireless Internet access.

More information:

CN Tower

One of Ontario’s premiere tourist destinations, this freestanding structure has been a landmark of Toronto’s skyline since its erection in 1976. The architectural wonder stands 553 m (1814 ft) tall, making it the largest tower in Canada – by comparison the Calgary Tower measures in at 191 m (627 ft) – Originally constructed by the Canadian National Railway, the CN Tower was sold to the Canada Lands Company in 1995, but to this day it still maintains its primary function as a communication tower for several national broadcasters such as the CBC and Rogers Communications.

Travellers may be interested in making reservations to dine in the CN Tower’s fine-dining restaurant, the 360. An upscale dining experience, the restaurant is housed 351 m (1152 ft) up the tower and slowly revolves, giving guests a magnificent 360-degree view of Toronto and beyond.

More information:

Calgary’s Plus 15 Walkways

An architectural wonder based on its functionality and the sheer area it covers, the Plus 15 system is a series of 57 suspended walkways that connect almost every building in Calgary’s metropolitan centre. Constructed to alleviate traffic congestion and provide pedestrians with shelter from Calgary’s extreme winters, the Plus 15 spans over 16 km (10 mi), and connects buildings as varied as the Calgary Tower and the Sheraton Suites. This substantive system has become ingrained in Calgary’s popular culture, inspiring the major motion picture, Waydowntown, by local filmmaker Gary Burns and starring Tony-award winner Don Mckellar.

View the walkway map (PDF)

Centre Block

The focal point for political discourse in Canada, this complex’s current rendition was constructed in 1927. Modeled around modern gothic design, this wonder can be found on Parliament Hill and spans an area of approximately 10,000 sq m (32,000 sq ft). Inside Centre Block is the House of Commons, the Senate, and the offices of several high ranking government officials, not the least of which include the Prime Minister of Canada.

Attached to the Centre Block is the Peace Tower, which was commissioned in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I. Designed to mesh the rest of Parliament Hill, the tower is notable for containing the Books of Remembrance; a large document containing the names of all Canadian soldiers who gave their lives to military causes.

Halifax Citadel

28 years in the making, this historic military complex is a reminder of Halifax’s storied naval past. Completed in 1856, the Citadel is a classically-designed fortification that was originally commissioned to provide long-range defense against assaults from land and sea. Designated a national historic site by the government of Canada, the fort is now open to casual visitors, who will find military remnants such as ramparts, trenches, towers and shooting ranges.

Potential visitors to the Citadel should consider planning their trip around one of the Halifax Citadel Regimental Association’s living history re-enactments. Active year-round, this group enacts historically accurate activities such as gun firing, infantry maneuvers and military music performances.

Montreal’s Olympic Stadium

Known as much for its colourful history as it is for its design, Montreal’s Olympic Stadium is nonetheless an architectural wonder of Canada. Originally built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, due to a series of labour strikes and construction problems, the stadium was not officially completed until 1988. Barring its ample problems, the innovative design employed by French architect Roger Taillibert cannot be denied. In fact, the inclined tower attached to the stadium is still considered the tallest in the world.

While it no longer hosts Major League Baseball games, Olympic Stadium still books large sporting events and trade shows. In 2008, the stadium will host the Canadian Football League’s championship game, the Grey Cup.

More information:

Habitat 67

Designed by celebrated Canadian architect Moshe Safdie, Habitat 67 is an innovative residential condominium complex found in Montreal. Originally commissioned to demonstrate modern urban living for Montreal’s Expo 67, all 148 units were sold as private residences at the conclusion of the world fair. The design has been commended for its use of cubic structures – 354 in all – and its effort to include green space into each unit. To this day, Moshe Safdie regularly advises the Habitat 67 board on renovation and upkeep planning.

More information:

The Confederation Bridge

Completed in 1997, this bridge spans 12.9 km (8 mi), and connects the provinces of Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. Confederation Bridge is a wonder because of the social and economic impact it has had on the two provinces; its construction has been directly linked to an increase in tourism and trade.

Besides its value to PEI and New Brunswick’s economic well being, for tourists Confederation Bridge is a great way to travel from the island to the mainland. While driving along the bridge, travellers are presented with breathtaking views of the ocean, and the various sailboats and ships inhabiting it.

More information:

Canadian Museum of Civilization

One of Canada’s most popular museums, the Canadian Museum of Civilization building is a modern marvel designed by Douglas Cardinal. Completed in 1989, the museum covers over 100,000 sq m (328,000 sq ft), and has been heralded for its imaginative use of curved walls and abstract structures representing Canada’s diverse environments. Open year-round, visitors to the museum will find themselves immersed in permanent exhibits such as the Grand Hall which features an expansive collection of aboriginal artifacts, while the Canadian Personalities Hall, showcases rare photographs and memorabilia of some of Canada’s most influential residents.

More information:

Actual (not seasonally adjusted) national sales activity via the Multiple Listing Service^® (MLS^®) Systems of Canadian real estate Boards was down 14.4 per cent on a year-over-year basis in December 2010, which reflects record level sales for the month of December in 2009.  Activity in December 2010 ran slightly ahead of the ten year average for the month

The national trend for monthly sales remained stable in December, with seasonally adjusted sales activity having edged down by less than a percentage point from the previous month.  Led by Calgary, Winnipeg, and Hamilton-Burlington, seasonally adjusted sales activity was up month-to-month in half of local markets. Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal were among the markets that posted a small month-over-month decline in December.

“Overall sales activity has improved in recent months, but the upturn has been uneven among local markets,” said Georges Pahud, CREA President. “Housing market trends often differ due to a number of local factors, so buyers and sellers should consult their local  expert to understand how trends are shaping up in their market.”

National home sales activity improved steadily over the second half of 2010, with seasonally adjusted sales up 18.3 per cent in December compared to the recent low reached in July. As a result, seasonally adjusted activity in the fourth quarter of 2010 rose 12.1 per cent from third quarter levels, and was up less than a percentage point compared to second quarter activity.

“The hand off to 2011 for sales activity in the fourth quarter suggests that the continuation of low interest rates will further support the housing market,” said Gregory Klump, CREA’s Chief Economist. “Sales may be starting to plateau in some of Canada’s most active and expensive housing markets.  Combined with a pickup in new listings and further interest rate increases, the stage is being set for smaller price gains and a further deceleration in the growth of mortgage debt.”

Some 447,010 homes traded hands over Canadian MLS^® Systems in 2010, down 3.9 per cent from 2009. Annual sales activity was higher than CREA had forecast previously due to stronger than projected sales activity in the fourth quarter.

The number of new residential listings on Canadian MLS^® Systems held steady in December, rising by less than one percentage point on a seasonally adjusted basis. New listings remain 14.2 per cent below the recent peak reached in April 2010.

The housing market remained in balanced territory on a national basis in December, with sales as a percentage of new listings amounting to 55.2 per cent. Just over half of local markets in Canada were in balanced territory in December.

Three-quarters of the remaining local markets are sellers’ markets.  “With activity having returned to healthy levels and a firm floor under prices, many sellers who shied away from the market heading into the summer are expected to list their properties heading into the spring,” said Klump. “Sales in the months ahead are not expected to continue trending upward as steeply as they have in recent months, so an increase in new listings may return many sellers markets to balanced territory.”

The number of months of inventory represents the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity, and can be used to gauge the balance between housing supply and demand. The seasonally adjusted number of months of inventory stood at 5.8 months at the end of December on a national basis. This was unchanged from November, and remains 1.4 months below where it was in July.

The number of months of inventory in December rose compared to November levels in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and was down from the previous month in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Prince Edward Island.

The national average price for homes sold in December 2010 was $344,551, up two per cent from the same month last year, and stable compared to average price in October and November. About 60 per cent of local markets recorded year-over-year gains in December. Average price was down on a year-over-year basis in 30 per cent of local markets, and remained stable in the remainder.

The annual average price for homes sold via Canadian MLS^® Systems rose 5.8 per cent to $339,030.  Much of the increase reflects compositional factors within and across housing markets that caused average price to be skewed downward in 2009.

Canada’s best islands list

Wonder why so many Canadians think of themselves as “island folk”? Consider these gems. A list of Canada’s islands:

Newfoundland – An island of raw beauty and history dating back a thousand years (the island portion of the province Newfoundland and Labrador). Meet the most hospitable people on the face of the earth—really—on one of the most scenic islands in Canada.

Cape Breton Island – Stretching north from mainland Nova Scotia, Cape Breton boasts one of Canada’s most spectacular drives, hairpin turns and views along the Cabot Trail that would make a marine cry.

Prince Edward Island – The whole province is an island, highlighted by Charlottetown, the capital city where Canada was officially born. Home to rolling dunes and sunny beaches, it’s the ancestral home of the iconic fictional character “Anne of Green Gables.”

Grand Manan Island – A quirky and charming island in New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy, Grand Manan offers scenic trails, whale-watching, lighthouses galore. Quick ferry ride from mainland New Brunswick.

Île d’Orléans – Just east of Québec City in the St. Lawrence River, this island boasts a wealth of historic buildings 300 years old. History comes alive with interpreters in period costume showing you a glimpse of New France. Dine on fresh produce in Quebec’s garden.

Île de Montréal – Island folk meet city folk here, for the better part of downtown in Canada’s second biggest city is on an island in Quebec. Best island delis in the land, best shopping of any island and more restaurants than any other metropolitan island in Canada.

1000 Islands – Though Canada has to share some of these St. Lawrence gems (think forested hills punctuated by granite outcroppings) with neighbouring New York State in the US, there is no shortage in this summer playground in Ontario.

Toronto Islands – Kayak, bicycle and canoe rentals, an amusement park, formal gardens, a ghost, a quaint cottage community and a nude beach are highlights of this island archipelago, just a 10-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto, ON.

Pelee Island – The most southerly landfall in Canada, Pelee is surrounded by the balmy waters of Lake Erie in Ontario. It’s home to two nature reserves, secluded beaches and a great winery. Think Canada’s Caribbean.

30,000 Islands – Impressed by a mere thousand islands? How about 30,000 of them, snugged down along Georgian Bay’s east coast in south-central Ontario? Another boater and summer playground, it offers a close-up glimpse of prime Canadian Shield.

Manitoulin Island – The biggest freshwater island in the world guards Ontario’s Near North from the wrath of Lake Huron. It’s renowned for great biking and fishing and First Nations culture. Legendary home of Gitchi Manitou, the Great Spirit.

Baffin Island – This is Canada’s biggest island, capping off Nunavut, a territory so big it’s one-fifth of Canada. Home to the newest capital: Iqaluit. Hike, camp, kayak. See polar bears and the aurora borealis (Northern Lights). Experience Inuit culture and food first-hand.

Vancouver Island – You’ll find British Columbia’s capital, Victoria, here, the most westerly one in the country and a city almost more British than England itself. It’s a crown jewel of a king’s ransom of an island: seascapes and mountains, rainforest and world-famous gardens.

Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands) – A huge archipelago of islands off BC’s coast, its biodiversity has earned it the title of “Galapagos of the North.” This is the cultural home of the First Nations’ Haida. For the Haida, this is where time began.

Article courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission Media Centre

Multicultural Canada: During the third quarter, 84,200 immigrants arrived in Canada, 8,800 more than in the same quarter of 2009.

The increase in immigration was experienced by most of Canada’s provinces and territories. Some of them had the highest quarterly immigration levels since 1971, the first year covered by the current system of demographic accounts.

Despite the increase in immigration, Canada’s third-quarter population growth was only slightly higher than what was observed for the same quarter in 2009. The increase in immigration was partly offset by a decline in the net inflow of non-permanent residents.

Atlantic Canada

The population of Newfoundland and Labrador was estimated at 509,200 on October 1, 2010. Despite a net gain in international migration, it was the only province to post a population decline in the third quarter.

Prince Edward Island had the nation’s highest third-quarter growth rate. Its population increased by nearly 1,000 (+0.7%) to 143,200. The increase was largely due to immigration, as the province received 1,200 immigrants, the highest number since 1971.

Nova Scotia’s population grew by 1,400 (+0.1%) to 943,900. The increase was in part attributable to a net inflow of non-permanent residents (+1,400).

New Brunswick’s population totalled 752,800 as of October 1, up by 1,100 (+0.1%). The increase was primarily attributable to immigration, as the province received around 700 immigrants, the highest level observed since the second quarter of 1976.

Central Canada

Quebec’s population grew by 24,800 (+0.3%) to 7,932,100 during the third quarter. The province received 16,800 immigrants, the highest level since 1971.

During the third quarter, Quebec’s net interprovincial migration was close to zero, meaning that its number of in-migrants coming from other parts of the country equalled the number of people leaving the province for another location in Canada. With only a few exceptions, Quebec usually experiences losses in its migration exchanges with the other provinces and territories.

Ontario’s population totalled 13,268,600 on October 1, 2010, an increase of 57,900 (+0.4%). Net international migration, the most important factor in the province’s population growth, accounted for nearly 70% of Ontario’s third-quarter population increase.

Western Canada

Manitoba’s population as of October 1, 2010 was estimated at 1,240,000, up by 4,600 (+0.4%). The growth was primarily attributable to net international migration, estimated at 4,100. Manitoba received nearly 4,700 immigrants in the third quarter, the highest level since 1971.

Saskatchewan’s population increased by 4,100 (+0.4%) to reach 1,049,700 as of October 1. More than 60% of this growth was due to net international migration. Saskatchewan’s net interprovincial migration during the third quarter, which was slightly above zero, was much lower than in the same period in 2009.

Alberta’s population rose by 14,100 (+0.4%) to 3,735,100 in the third quarter. Unlike the situation in other provinces where migration is the key factor of population growth, nearly 60% of Alberta’s growth was due to natural increase, a much higher proportion than in any other province.

British Columbia posted an increase of 20,900 (+0.5%) in the third quarter as its population reached 4,551,900. The province received more than 13,200 immigrants in the third quarter, its highest level of immigration since the first quarter of 1997.

The territories

The population of the three territories was virtually unchanged in the third quarter. As of October 1, 2010, the Yukon’s population was estimated at 34,500, compared with 43,800 for the Northwest Territories and 33,300 for Nunavut.

This was the first decline since the annual Survey of Household Spending was introduced in 1997. During 2009, the annual average rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index was 0.3%.

Personal taxes accounted for 20.2% of the average household’s budget in 2009, while shelter represented 19.8%, transportation 13.7% and food 10.2%. These shares were virtually unchanged from 2008.

Excluding personal taxes, spending on goods and services was down 0.7% in 2009 from 2008.

Average household spending declined in five provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Ontario and Alberta. The largest declines occurred in Prince Edward Island (-3.1%), and in Alberta (-2.2%), where average spending was highest at $84,976. The largest increase was in Manitoba (+4.9%), largely the result of a 5.5% increase in spending on shelter and a 4.9% increase on transportation. Spending on other categories remained stable.

Less spending on discretionary items

Putting the squeeze on spending

Households reduced spending in 2009 on discretionary items or those that could be postponed, such as recreation and household furnishings.

One exception was spending for home repairs and maintenance, which increased 22% in 2009 over 2008. In large part, this was likely due to the federal government home renovation tax credit program.

The largest declines in spending were for recreation, which fell 5.5% to $3,840 on average. Lower spending on recreation vehicles led the decline in this category; for example, spending on snowmobiles fell 11%.

Declines were widespread in such areas as sports gear, computer equipment and photographic equipment. However, spending at movie theatres rose 8.7% to an average of $100 per household.

Spending on household furnishings and equipment fell 3.6% to an average of $1,900 per household. This decrease was largely the result of declines in spending for rugs, window coverings, art, antiques, and workshop tools. Spending for furniture and appliances remained steady.

Overall, spending for transportation remained virtually unchanged at $9,750 per household. The largest change in transportation was for leased automobiles, where spending fell 16%. Many major auto corporations halted leasing during the downturn in the fall of 2008 and did not resume until the fall of 2009.

Spending associated with moving, such as the hiring of movers, real estate commissions, appraisals and land transfer taxes all showed sharp declines.

Technological change continues to affect spending

Not all changes were associated with the economic downturn. Technological change continued to drive a number of long-term trends in spending.

Spending for cell phone services rose 13% to an average of $620, surpassing spending for landline telephone services for the first time. Spending for landline services fell 4.5% to $550.

Over 77% of households reported having at least one cell phone. The proportion of households with landline service declined to 89%, a level last seen in 1965.

Spending on audio players fell 38%, while it was down 9.2% on digital cameras. These declines occurred as more cell phones were capable of playing music and taking photos.

Spending on reading materials, such as newspapers and books, fell 8.3% to $230 per household, while average spending for Internet access grew 10% to $340 per household.

Home Internet access was reported by 78% of households in 2009, while 72% reported having a broadband connection, up from 67% in 2008.

Food, shelter, clothing account for over half of spending by lowest income households

52% went to food, shelter and clothing

The one-fifth of Canadian households with the lowest income spent an average of $23,860 in 2009. Of this, almost 52% went to food, shelter and clothing. Personal taxes represented 2.8% of their budget.

In contrast, the one-fifth of households with the highest income spent an average of $147,090. They allocated about 27% of their budgets to food, shelter and clothing, while 30% went to personal taxes. These proportions were similar to 2008.

The report “User Guide for the Survey of Household Spending,” 2009 (62F0026M2010006, free), which presents information about survey methodology, concepts, and data quality, is available online as part of the Household Expenditures Research Paper Series. From the Publications module, choose Publications by subject, then Income, pensions, spending and wealth, then Household spending and Savings and finally, Household Expenditures Research paper series.

Of course, the first Canadian cuisine is the indigenous food of our First Nations: the salmon, oysters and oolican of British Columbia’s coastal waters; the bison and wild Saskatoon berry of the Prairies; the moose and elk of the Canadian Shield; the seal, whale and caribou of the vast northern tundra.

Over the last 125 years, the waves of immigrants who have settled in pockets throughout the country have further defined the style of cooking and local specialties. In “Irish” Newfoundland and Labrador, it’s boiled corned beef and cabbage dinners. InVancouver, BC, it’s sushi and killer Cantonese. In Edmonton, AB, it’s the best perogies and cabbage rolls—thanks to the largest Ukrainian diaspora in the land.

Canada is a country of regions, and regional cuisine is all the rage here. Here’s a taste of what to expect as you cross from sea to shining sea to shining sea:

Atlantic Canada
The Atlantic provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick all have their own unique culinary charms, but they take many of their culinary cues from the sea. Commercial fisheries run the gamut from Digby scallops in Nova Scotia to Malpeque oysters in PEI to sweet Coldwater shrimp in Newfoundland. There’s also cod, mussels and lobster all around, and lush growing regions like the Annapolis Valley, NS, known for wonderful apples and now vineyards featuring the Maritime grape, L’Acadie Blanc. As in all parts of the country, the best chefs are using fresh, seasonal and local ingredients—from seaweed to PEI potatoes—in creative new ways.

Whether you tuck into a meal from a top chef or a lobster roll on the street, fresh seafood is always on the plate. In port towns like St. John’s, NL, and Halifax, NS, the pub culture runs deep, with some of the best places in the country to raise a pint accompanied by a casual meal and lively Maritime music.

Typical tastes:

• Crispy cod tongues and scrunchions in St. John’s, NL
• Rappie pie on the northeast Acadian shore of New Brunswick
• Seaweed pie in PEI
• Lobster (lobster suppers and lobster rolls)
• Fish & chips
• Rum cake
• Chowder

Hot spots:

• Tempest in Wolfville, NS
• Chives Canadian Bistro, Halifax, NS
• Fid Resto, Halifax, NS
• Le Caveau at Domaine de Grand Pré, NS
• The Battered Fish, Halifax, NS
• The Rooms Café, St. John’s, NL
• Bianca, St. John’s NL
• Claddagh Oyster House, Charlottetown, PEI

Quebec
La belle province is a massive place, stretching from the salt-lashed coast of the Gaspé Peninsula and tiny islands of Îles de la Madeleine, down the St. Lawrence River to historic Quebéc City, and further south to cosmopolitan Montréal. The northern reaches of the province are a wilderness of lakes and forests, filled with game such as deer and moose. The famed sugar bush comes alive from February to early spring—maple syrup season. Along the south shore, you’ll find the country’s best cheesemakers.

The culinary vibe takes much from the old-fashioned French cooking transplanted by some of the earliest Canadian immigrants more than 400 years ago—which is why you’ll find excellent French wines in the government-operated liquor stores—and restaurants in Old Québec serving pea soup and cassoulet. But the cities are cosmopolitan, and thanks to centuries of immigration, you’ll find excellent Jewish delis, Vietnamese bakeries and star chefs creating superb French-Canadian cuisine.

Typical tastes:

• Tourtière, a classic double-crusted meat pie made with pork (and sometimes game meats)
• Iced hard cider, a sweet dessert wine similar to icewine, but pressed from frozen apples
• Smoked meat sandwiches
• Poutine, French-Canadian fast food created by topping French fries with gravy and fresh cheese curds (and now all manner of other things from beefy meat sauce to curry)
• Maple syrup on snow, a sweet n’ chewy snack found at sugar shacks, or maple sugar pie and even maple wine
• Local cheeses

Hot spots:

• Au Pied de Cochon, Montréal
• Restaurant Toqué!, Montréal
• Restaurant Toast!, Québec City
• Schwartz’s, Montréal
• Aux Anciens Canadiens, Québec City
• Laurie Raphaël, Québec City

Ontario
Ontario is the heart of the country, home to the national capital of Ottawa, with its international embassies, and Toronto, the metropolitan area that is Canada’s most densely populated region. Stretching along the Great Lakes, there are temperate growing regions such as Niagara and Prince Edward County, both known for vineyards, apples and other tree fruit. From the lakes are pickerel and whitefish, and from the northern forests wild mushrooms, ramps and game.

While Ontario’s British history may be seen in local favourites like butter tarts and peameal bacon sandwiches, its capital, Toronto, is truly an international city with a multicultural past and present. This includes Greek restaurants along the Danforth, locovore charcuterie made on site at places like The Black Hoof, and pupusas and Chinese roast duck in funky Kensington Market. You’re never far from a great cup of coffee, an authentic Jamaican patty or a wine bar in Toronto. And with superb chef schools—like the Stratford Chefs School—nearby, the city lures some top Canadian chefs to its upscale dining spots.

Typical tastes:

• Peameal bacon sandwich, St. Lawrence Market
• Ontario cabernet franc (like those from Henry of Pelham Family Estate)
• BeaverTails before skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa
• Vidal or riesling icewine (for a treat, try Inniskillin’s Icewine Sparkling Vidal)
• Butter tarts
• Niagara peaches

Hot spots:
Gilead Café, Toronto
Buddha Dog, Picton
Dine @ Vineland Estates, Niagara
Le Cordon Bleu Bistro @ Signatures, Ottawa
SOMA Chocolatemaker, Toronto
Black Hoof, Toronto
Canoe, Toronto
North 44, Toronto
Anything to do with star-chef Michael Stadtländer.

Prairies
Once you get off of Ontario’s rocky Canadian Shield, you’re into the prairie provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Manitoba, with massive Lake Winnipeg and a connection to Hudson’s Bay, was a historic transportation hub, the end of the line for pioneers who set off from Winnipeg by wagon train and Red River cart to populate the west.

Fish and fishers factor into Prairies cuisine—Icelandic immigrants populated areas around Gimli on the namesake lake—fishing pickerel or walleye and smoking Winnipeg goldeye. From the land, game birds like duck and geese migrate through this region’s marshlands and end up in family freezers, and there are many shallow lakes where wild rice is produced. Grain is grown across the Prairies—wheat, barley, oats, canola, even Manitoba Harvest hemp—and other famous field crops like mustard, lentils and beans.

Saskatoon berries are also eaten across the Prairies (the dried berries plus bison make pemmican) and now there are U-picks for berries and even prairie sour cherries. Beyond pickerel, there’s sustainably farmed trout and Arctic char, birch syrup and enough malted Canadian barley for lots of good artisan beer labels and brew pubs. There’s also a strong Eastern European community in these two provinces, with many immigrants from Ukraine, Poland and Romania. The local ingredients and ethnic traditions influence chefs, so you’ll find things like crispy pickerel fillets and wild-mushroom perogies on some of the best menus.

Typical tastes:

• Red Fife wheat
• Saskatoon berries
• Smoked Winnipeg goldeye
• Wild rice
• Pickerel
• Prairie cherry spreads and chocolates
• Perogies

Hot spots:

• Janis and Remi Cousyn’s Calories restaurant and Souleio, Saskatoon, SK
• Weczeria, Saskatoon, SK
• Baba’s Perogies, Saskatoon, SK
• The Willow on Wascana, Regina, SK
• Current Restaurant and Lounge, Winnipeg, MB
• Smokin’ Okies BBQ, Regina, SK
• Bushwakker Brewpub, Regina, SK

Alberta
Alberta is both a prairie and mountain province, its foothills (where cattle ranching is king) the physical transition from one kind of geography to the other. Alberta farmers produce most of the country’s barley—to feed that cattle—so beef and beer are big on menus.

But Alberta is also a wealthy, oil-producing province with lots of jobs and corporate head offices, so you’ll see a kind of upscale, cosmopolitan cuisine here that is typical of larger centres. Wine bars with small plates to share are popular for downtown dining, and there are plenty of sushi bars, noodle houses, plus Italian, Indian and Tex-Mex spots.

In the mountain parks—from Kananaskis north to Banff and Jasper—a kind of unique Canadian Rocky Mountain cuisine, featuring wild game such as elk and bison, and foraged foods including mushrooms and berries, has been developed by chefs at Buffalo Mountain Lodge in Banff and other regional spots.

Still, the cowboy lifestyle is alive in Alberta and that beefy ranch and prairie farm vibe runs through many big city establishments, whether it’s nose-to-tail dining at Calgary’s CHARCUT or steak at Open Range. Top chefs feature local free-range meats and poultry—from Spragg’s pork and Sunworks Farm chicken to Driview Farms lamb—on their locally inspired menus, with wood-fired grills and rotisseries popular for cooking the meaty fare.

Typical tastes:

• Alberta Beef
• Big Rock beer
• Spolumbo’s sausages
• Valbella Gourmet Foods charcuterie (including wild game sausages)
• Sylvan Star Cheese aged Gouda
• Bernard Callebaut chocolates
• Bison (aka buffalo)
• Saskatoon pie

Hot spots:

• CHARCUT, Calgary
• NOtaBLE, Calgary
• Rouge, Calgary
• River Café and Boxwood, Calgary
• FARM, Calgary
• Spolumbo’s, Calgary
• The Bison, Banff
• Canadian Rocky Mountain cuisine at Buffalo Mountain Lodge, Banff
• Hardware Grill, Edmonton
• Culina Highlands, Edmonton
• ECOcafé at Pigeon Lake

British Columbia
British Columbia has a strong British past (especially evident during afternoon tea in the province’s capital, Victoria), but it’s also been a magnate for immigrants, including gold miners, lumberjacks, and the Japanese and Chinese immigrants of Vancouver and Richmond (the largest Chinatown in Canada).

On the food front, BC offers a wealth of riches—from beef and seafood to tree fruit and wine. The coastal communities are fishing communities, and BC is known for its wild sockeye, pink, coho, and Chinook salmon, deep-sea halibut and sablefish (a.k.a. black cod), Fanny Bay oysters and the wild spot prawns—some of the only sustainable shrimp around.

Delta is famed for growing cranberries and other vegetables, especially greenhouse tomatoes. The central Okanagan region, sprawling north to south along a chain of massive lakes, has peaches, apples, plums and wine grapes for making some of the country’s most intense and awarded wines.

Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are microclimates of their own, producing fresh fruit, wine grapes and woodlands bursting with chanterelle, morel and other wild fungi. In Whistler, Haida Gwaii and points north, look for smoked salmon, Matsutake, and coastal other First Nations cuisine.

Like the rest of the west coast, Vancouver is at once laid back, cosmopolitan and cutting-edge when it comes to cuisine. Here you’ll find some of the world’s top chefs—Daniel Boulud, Jean-Georges Vongerichten—with satellite restaurants, and some of Canada’s top culinary talents, including James Walt at Araxi in Whistler, Robert Clark at C Restaurant and David Hawksworth at Hawksworth. It’s here where forward-thinking culinary concepts start: Ocean Wise sustainable seafood, charcuterie, local culinary tourism (see Edible BC), wine and creative cocktail bars.

Tour around the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island or hit Vancouver’s Granville Island Public Market to see what fresh Canadian food is all about.

Typical tastes:

• Sockeye salmon
• Sushi
• Dim sum
• BC wines (especially pinot gris, chardonnay, riesling and pinot noir)
• First Nations cuisine (bannock with smoked salmon)
• Fanny Bay oysters
• Nanaimo bars
• Wild chanterelle mushrooms

Hot spots:

• Blue Water Café + Raw Bar, Vancouver
• Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca, Vancouver
• Salt Tasting Room, Vancouver
• Silk Road Tea, Victoria
• Araxi, Whistler
• Barefoot Bistro, Whistler
• Red Fish Blue Fish, Victoria
• KINGYO IZAKAYA, Vancouver
• Sun Sui Wah Seafood, Vancouver and Richmond
• Campagnolo, Vancouver
• RauDZ, Kelowna
• JAPA DOG (creative street food), Vancouver
• Tojo’s, Vancouver
• Sooke Harbour House, Vancouver Island
• Spinnakers, Victoria

Article courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission Media Centre:

Writers Bio: Cinda Chavich is the former food editor and senior feature writer for the Calgary Herald and the Calgary Sun. Specializing in cuisine, cultural history, eco-travel, lifestyle and trends, Chavich contributes to The Globe and Mail, CBC radio, Avenue (Calgary), Chatelaine, Canadian Geographic, Westworld, up!, Wine Access, Food Service & Hospitality and Alberta Parent, as well as American publications Wine Spectator, Cooking Light and Relish. From cod tongues in Newfoundland to truffles in northern Italy, Chavich is keen to explore the unique corners of Canada. www.tastereport.com.