Fast facts

Current weather in Toronto

Overcast 37 ^oF
Humidity: 75%
Wind: SW at 13 mph

Geography
Area: 9.9 million sq. km. (3.8 million sq. mi.); second-largest country in the world. 

Cities: Capital-Ottawa (pop. 1.1 million)
Other major cities - Toronto (5.1 million)
Montreal (3.6 million)
Vancouver (2.1 million)
Calgary (1.1 million)
Edmonton (1.0 million)
Quebec City (0.7 million)
Winnipeg (0.7 million)
Hamilton (0.7 million)

Terrain: Mostly plains with mountains in the west and lowlands in the southeast. 

Climate: Temperate to arctic.

People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Canadian(s). 

Population (2009 est.): 33.7 million. 

Ethnic groups: British/Irish 28%, French 23%, other European 15%, Asian/Arab/African 6%, indigenous Amerindian 2%, mixed background 26%.

Religions: Roman Catholic 43.6%, Protestant 29.2%, other Christian 4.3%, Muslim 2.0%, Jewish 1.1%

Languages: English (official) 57.8%, French (official) 22.1%, other 20.1% (including Chinese and aboriginal languages). 

Education: Literacy - 99% of population aged 15 and over has at least a ninth-grade education. 

Health: Infant mortality rate--5.4/1,000. Life expectancy--77.7 yrs. male, 82.5 yrs. female.

U.S.-CANADA RELATIONS
The relationship between the United States and Canada is the closest and most extensive in the world. It is reflected in the staggering volume of bilateral trade--the equivalent of $1.6 billion a day in goods--as well as in people-to-people contact. About 300,000 people cross the shared border every day.

Places of interest/attractions

Yukon

One of three territories, the Yukon is situated in the northwest corner of Canada's continental mainland, isolated by mountains. The name “Yukon” originated from the Locheux native word "Yuk-un-ah," meaning "Great River," referring to the Yukon River that flows across the territory into Alaska. The largely untouched landscape is ideal for activities like river rafting, fishing, hiking, camping, canoeing and cycling. Take in the sights and sounds of Ivvavik National Park or experience dog and sled kennel tours to get a unique feel for the northern lifestyle.  For those who prefer sightseeing, the range of wildlife is amazing, especially in the spring. The Yukon also boasts an excellent highway system that provides stunning views of the undulating and rugged terrain. With its deep historical roots, the capital city of Whitehorse has become a popular tourist destination. Whitehorse became famous as the center of the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th Century.

Ontario

An eastern-central province, Ontario is bordered by Manitoba and Québec. To the north lies a largely untouched landscape of forests and lakes, while the most heavily populated areas around Toronto and Ottawa are located in the southern region of the province. “Ontario” is thought to have originated from the Native Iroquoian word "Kanadario,” which means “beautiful waters.” With more than 250,000 lakes and thousands of kilometers of rivers and streams, the province is home to a quarter of the world’s freshwater sources. Some of the best canoeing around is to be found in Ontario. The natural beauty of Ontario comes to life in popular tourist destinations like Algonquin Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park, and Niagara Falls.  
The major urban centers of Ontario show the true ethnic diversity of the province. As one of the largest cities in the world, Toronto is home to over 80 different ethnic groups. With an exciting nightlife, thriving music scene, and professional sports teams the city offers non-stop action. The Royal Ontario Museum, which displays world-renowned art, history and science collections, continues to make Toronto a hub for world-class culture.  In Ottawa, the Canadian capital, tourists get a chance to visit some of the province’s most historically significant buildings. Home to Parliament Hill and the Prime Minister of Canada, Ottawa is a major stage for the Canadian political system.

Northwest Territories and Nunavut

While the Northwest Territories has been part of Canada since 1870, Nunavut became Canada’s third territory on April 1, 1999. Formed from the eastern part of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut encompasses a massive portion of Canadian’s Arctic territory. “Nunavut” is an Inuktitut word meaning "our land," and this new territory is home to 25,000 residents, about 80 percent of who are Inuit. Combined, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut account for over two- million square kilometers of mountains, forests and tundra highlighted by hundreds of clean rivers and thousands of pristine lakes. Visitors come to view rare wildlife species from white wolves to white whales. In the distance herds of bison, prowling bears, moose and caribou can be heard roaming the frozen tundra. While wildlife viewing opportunities are legendary in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Nahanni National Park has also become a popular tourist attraction. Here you can gear up for some canoeing, hiking, snowmobiling and/or dog sledding.  Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, is the main city center for the region, and is the perfect starting point for your adventures.

Two of the biggest attractions in northern Canada are the long summer days of the “Midnight Sun,” and the aurora borealis or Northern Lights that can be seen in the night sky from late August until January.  A fiercely proud people, residents of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut encourage tourism, welcoming visitors with open arms, eager to display their hand crafted arts and tell the stories of their rich history

Popular Activities

Canoeing- There are over 1 million lakes in Canada and countless river systems. Trips vary from easy day trips to remote wilderness expeditions lasting weeks or more.

Drive to the Arctic Circle- The Dempster highway starts in Dawson City, Yukon and runs all the way to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories located north of the Arctic Circle. There you can bask in the “midnight sun” during the summer season

Visit Banff and Jasper National Parks- Wildlife viewing, trekking, glaciers, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the Canadian Rocky Mountains highlight these two famous Natural Parks located in Alberta.

Watch the Northern Lights- More easily seen in winter, but possible anytime of year in Canada, the Aurora Borealis is one of the best light shows around.  

Take a tour of Quebec- that includes Montreal, Quebec City (with its European feel), and Mont Tremblant National Park (one of Canada’s most famous National Parks)

Fishing- Home to some of the best freshwater fishing in the world, the ultimate experience is a paddle in or fly-in fishing experience on a remote, undeveloped lake in the immense Canadian Shield region.

Ride the Canadian Rail to Churchill from Winnipeg to see the polar bears in their natural environment

Alpine Skiing at Whistler, near Vancouver in British Columbia, home of the last winter Olympic Games.

Travel programs

There are a large variety of custom programs available upon request that can incorporate any combination of the country’s main national parks, attractions, and popular activities. Contact us to get started!  

One area we specialize in is canoe trips in Canada.

One of our very best is our 8-day Northwest Ontario Wilderness Canoe Trip: starting from $1,395 per person.

The trip starts out in Red Lake, Ontario where you will meet your experienced Eriks Adventures guide upon arrival and proceed to a welcome dinner to go over trip logistics and packing. Overnight in a local motel or bunkhouse.  In the morning we will head via a shuttle, with our gear, for an entry point to the park off an old logging road.  This is where we will begin 7 days of paddling and camping through beautiful untouched Canadian Shield Wilderness. We will see waterfalls, paddle and swim pristine “drinking water pure” lakes, cook our own meals, go fishing for pike, walleye and trout; eating some of the freshly caught fish.  Perhaps we will see wildlife such as caribou, bear, moose, wolves, eagles, loons, and beavers.  We will relax and watch beautiful sunsets, and also see millions of stars in the clear, dark night skies.

We will see ancient pictographs, rocky cliffs, and hopefully catch the Northern Lights in the evening.  Only maybe will we even see other persons our whole time out in the wilderness.  We will trace routes First Nations people and fur traders used long ago.  In addition we will learn the geography and history of this unique ecosystem, and practice environmentally friendly wilderness etiquette during our visit to this unspoiled land.

After traveling from lake to lake over portages and unmarked trails making a nice loop where we will see some of the park’s finest features; we will return via shuttle to the town of Red Lake.  There we will unwind, take hot showers, have lunch, and head for home.

Included in trip:

Motel or bunkhouse accommodations the first night in Red Lake.

Dinner at local restaurant first night.

All canoes, camping equipment, food, and supplies for the duration of the canoe trip.

4WD Shuttle to and from Red lake to the Parklands, and our starting point.

All camping permits and daily fees.

7 days/ 6 nights canoeing and camping.

Services of an experienced wilderness trip leader (also qualified in first aid).

Portable satellite phone service (in case of emergency only).

The best season for this trip is June-September. Contact us for more details!

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