Canada’s wild northern frontier has etched itself into the national psyche, and its distinct patchwork of peoples has created a country that is decidedly different from its southern neighbour. It’s the sovereignty of Canada’s indigenous, French and British traditions that gives the nation its complex three-dimensional character. Add to this a constant infusion of US culture and a plethora of traditions brought by immigrants, and you have thriving multicultural society.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

March to November-spring, summer and autumn

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCES

Gorging on a whopping big lobster supper the delectable Prince Edward lsland Checking out fog-bound Halifax, one of the world’s largest natural harbours Chilling out in the old town of Montreal-the streets are filled with musicians, restaurants, groove shops and a general atmosphere of bonhomie Spotting arctic wildlife in Churchill-from polar bears and beluga whales to caribou and arctic foxes Hiking in Auyuituq National Park, a pristine wilderness of mountains, valleys, fjords and meadows Visiting the historic Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows Canoeing in Algonquin Provincial Park

GETTING UNDER THE SKIN

Read Margaret Atwood’s Booker Prize-wining Blind Assassin, and Michael Ondaatje’s ln the Skin of a Lion, both set in 1930s Canada

Listen to Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Ron Sexsmith and the Cowboy Junkies

Watch Bruce Macdonald’s Dance Me Outside about contemporary Native lndian life

Eat Oka cheese from Quebec or maple syrup (best served on pancakes with ice cream)

Drink VO (‘Very Own’) rye whisky, or a cherry cider

IN A WORD

Parlez-vous anglais? (do you speak English?)

TRADEMARKS

Moose and bears; the Rockies; smoked salmon; Bryan Adams; maple trees

SURPRISES

Halifax was the base of rescue operation for the Titanic tragedy. The plains people, such as the Cree and Blackfoot, were forced into the Europeans’ world by the virtual extinction of the buffalo.

Canadians can lay claim to quite an assortment of the products of human ingenuity, a real mixed bag of inventions and firsts… Greenpeace, one of the world’s predominant environmental groups, was founded in Vancouver. On the hand, the green plastic garbage bag was also created in Canada. Two Canadians that 1980s classic, Trivial Pursuit, a board game that outsold Monopoly. The inexpensive Laser sailboat, globally popular, was designed by Canadians. lce hockey was developed in the mid-1800s. And, to the chagrin of country’s US friends, it should be noted that the game of basketball was created by a Canadian.