A-Z Top 2 Countries||Canada vs China, Pt 1
Hope you have all enjoyed reading my last A-Z Top 2 Countries post, Brazil vs Belgium. I'm back again with a new set of countries to compare this time, Canada and China. I haven't been lucky enough to visit either countries but I have heard amazing things from those who have. Thought I would do my own research and decide which country I want to visit at the end of each post. I will be primarily focusing on Toronto in Canada and Hong Kong in China.Please share your stories with me if you have been lucky enough to visit either, would love to hear about them.
Canada||The Facts
Canada is located in North America. It is the worlds second largest country. The Capital of Canada Is Ottawa, the largest City is Toronto (most think this is the capital because of it's size). Its location is very unique, the majority of it's land is dominated by forests and the Rocky Mountains. Canada also experiences extremely cold weather especially during the winter months, southerly areas are in fact warm during the summer.
Most Canadian's that live in America own a Dual Citizenship, because even though both countries share a boarder they are not classed as one country (A lot of people get confused and think that Canada is part of the USA, however it is not, it is a state of its own, a bit like Mexico and USA) Canada and America have the longest land boarder in the world.
Something I particularly find interesting being from the UK is that we share our Queen, Elizabeth II with Canada, she is also their Monarch too. This is because Canada is a constitutional monarchy country as well as a federal parliamentary democracy. Canada is known for a few things including the Maple leaf (featured on their flag) and Maple syrup, Poutine, Beaver's, The Niagara Falls, Hockey/ Ice Hockey, Skiing and Extreme cold weather- I could go on.
Getting here||Flights
Getting to Canada is just as easy/difficult as flying anywhere long haul. There are certain things you need to know and need to prepare before you visit depending on where you are coming from.
Visa's
If you are a British Citizen flying from the UK, you don't usually need a visa if in Canada for a short period of time. It gets a bit more complicated if you want to stay for a long time or if you are a different type of British nationality. You can check all your entry requirements with the Canadian High Commission before you book your trip/fly. When you arrive into Canada you will need to be able to show that you have enough funds to support yourself during the time you are there, even if you are staying with friends/family.
Make sure you get your visas from reputable companies and genuine websites, there are some unauthorised websites out there who charge for submitting visa's, make sure you don't get caught out.
If you have a criminal record or if you have been arrested you are not allowed to enter Canada (this goes for the USA also) you can check this on the Canadian High Commission website before you travel).
Starting from March 15th 2016 Canada has implemented a new entry requirement called an 'Electronic Travel Authorization' (eTA) this means that travellers who do not normally need a visa will need to an eTA before flying or transiting through Canada. According to the Gov.uk website 'this applies to foreign nationals who are visa-exempt and who travel to Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S citizens and travellers with a valid visa. The application process takes a few minutes and costs CA7$, it is attached to your passport and valid for 5 years unless your expiry date of your passport is sooner.
If you need any help on this including see this article on Tripadvisor.
Airports and flights
Canada has many International Airports, the top 10 busiest ranked by passenger traffic (as of 2015), are 1. Toronto Pearson International Airport 2. Vancouver International Airport 3. Montreal- Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport 4. Calgary International Airport 5. Edmonton International Airport 6. Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport 7. Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport 8. Halifax Stanfield International Airport 9. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport 10. Victoria International Airport.
Flights from the UK to Toronto Pearson International Airport flying with British Airways are from just £384.00 return.
Flights from the USA to Toronto Person International Airport flying with Air Canada from just £75.00 one way.
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| Photo Credit: Flickr |
Getting here||Flights
Getting to Canada is just as easy/difficult as flying anywhere long haul. There are certain things you need to know and need to prepare before you visit depending on where you are coming from.
Visa's
If you are a British Citizen flying from the UK, you don't usually need a visa if in Canada for a short period of time. It gets a bit more complicated if you want to stay for a long time or if you are a different type of British nationality. You can check all your entry requirements with the Canadian High Commission before you book your trip/fly. When you arrive into Canada you will need to be able to show that you have enough funds to support yourself during the time you are there, even if you are staying with friends/family.
Make sure you get your visas from reputable companies and genuine websites, there are some unauthorised websites out there who charge for submitting visa's, make sure you don't get caught out.
If you have a criminal record or if you have been arrested you are not allowed to enter Canada (this goes for the USA also) you can check this on the Canadian High Commission website before you travel).
Starting from March 15th 2016 Canada has implemented a new entry requirement called an 'Electronic Travel Authorization' (eTA) this means that travellers who do not normally need a visa will need to an eTA before flying or transiting through Canada. According to the Gov.uk website 'this applies to foreign nationals who are visa-exempt and who travel to Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S citizens and travellers with a valid visa. The application process takes a few minutes and costs CA7$, it is attached to your passport and valid for 5 years unless your expiry date of your passport is sooner.
If you need any help on this including see this article on Tripadvisor.
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| Photo Credit: expatica |
Airports and flights
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| Photo Credit: bc.ctvnews |
Canada has many International Airports, the top 10 busiest ranked by passenger traffic (as of 2015), are 1. Toronto Pearson International Airport 2. Vancouver International Airport 3. Montreal- Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport 4. Calgary International Airport 5. Edmonton International Airport 6. Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport 7. Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport 8. Halifax Stanfield International Airport 9. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport 10. Victoria International Airport.
Flights from the UK to Toronto Pearson International Airport flying with British Airways are from just £384.00 return.
Flights from the USA to Toronto Person International Airport flying with Air Canada from just £75.00 one way.
Where to stay||Hotels
So now you have finally got here, you are probably going to be jumping into a cab or trying to figure out Canada's transport system to take you to your hotel. Hopefully you will all be like me and have your hotel securely booked and confirmation printed before you arrive in hand ready to check in. (I am terrible and have to everything planned at least a month in advance). If you are one of these people who does things on a whim and books their hotel when they arrive- I envy you, but I also want to act as your go to hotel guide-r. So here's an amazing hotel in Toronto I want to recommend you consider.
Surprisingly there are only 7, 5 star hotels I have found on the internet. For a large city like Toronto I found this quite surprising, but I can't complain because it certainly makes my job a lot easier.
I have chosen to showcase today the beautiful and very extravagent 5 star hotel 'Shangri- La Hotel Toronto' here's what you need to know.
Located in the city centre of Toronto sandwiched between the city's Financial and Entertainment districts lies this luxury hotel. It offers some amazing rooms and facilities including an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna as well as a fantastic and well reviewed restaurant on site. One thing which I find attractive about this hotel are the rooms. Each room offers a city view and some of the best technical gadgets you can imagine, including an Ipad and a 46 inch LCD flat screen TV in every room. Guests can also enjoy use of the 'Nespresso' Coffee machine and a full stocked Mini Bar during their stay. The bathrooms also offer bath tubs and showers and are very spacious and modernly designed.
If you are someone who enjoy's keeping fit and eating relatively healthy whilst away this could be an ideal place for you. As a guest you can take advantage of the fitness centre which includes training equipment as well as a state of the art Yoga studio. If you are feeling thirsty after your work out, why not grab a healthy juice or smoothie from the Health Club's juice bar.
In terms of the restaurant and bar facilities here, they are named one of the best in the city. Be sure to reserve a table at 'Bosk Restaurant' which offers international cuisine with an Asian touch. The restaurant is open daily and serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. The hotel also has another 2 bars inside.
You have most probably come to Toronto to also check out some of its sights, if you stay here you will be near loads of great landmarks including the very famous CN Towers (0.6 miles away), Bishop's Block (located behind the hotel) and The Distillery Historical District (1.9 miles away). The nearest Metro Station to the hotel is Osgoode, which is just minutes away.
What to do||Sightseeing
Sightseeing in any new city is an important part of the whole experience. It is great opportunity to meet people as well, especially if you are a solo traveller. Half the time when you are a tourist sightseeing you end up getting lost and finding all little places the guide books don't tell you about. Here's some sights and landmarks you might want to visit on your trip to Toronto, Canada.
1. CN Tower
2. Toronto Islands
3. China Town, Toronto
4. Royal Ontario Museum
5. Yorkville, Toronto
6. Casa Loma
7. Canada's Wonderland
8. The Beaches
9. Hockey Hall of Fame
Where to eat||Restaurants/Bars
If there is one thing the Canadian's know how to do well and that is eat. (just like its transatlantic neighbour USA) Canada is of course known for a few food traditions including Maple Syrup (best served over warm pancakes with crispy bacon mmm) and a dish I still cannot get my head around Pountine. That stuff is everywhere in Canada, it originally originated from Quebec but is popular in all states, for those who aren't familiar with it it is basically French Fries and Cheese Curds topped with a generous lashing of Gravy. Doesn't sound at all appealing to me, but I am told it is very nice!
You can find many restaurant/cafes or street food vendors which sell this stuff in Toronto, if you want to try it I would recommend getting it from 'Nom Nom Nom Crepes' which is independently voted Toronto's best shop for Poutine. The guy who owns the street vendor is called Marc Perraut and he is actually from Montreal. He has a real passion for French street food (being French Canadian himself). His dish is very authentic as the cheese curds are home made. It is very good value for money as well prices start from around 6$ (Traditional Poutine).
How to get around||Transport
Getting around can be easy in Toronto especially if you are staying in the City centre. They have a great public transport network including Trains, Buses, 'Street Cars' (bit like Trams I think) and Subways.
The main operating provider of the public transport here is run by The Toronto Transit Commission. The standard fare on Toronto Transit is $2.75 per person. Concession charges are $1.85.
If you plan to get to places via the subway note that Toronto has 3 subway lines, the 'Bloor/Danforth' line which runs east to west, the 'Yonge Street' and 'University' lines running north to south. If travelling underground isn't for you why not check out Toronto Street Cars which run along all major streets in downtown.
So that completes our first instalment of my A-Z Top 2 Countries guide of Canada. How many of you have been to Toronto and loved every minute of it? I would love to know.
Make sure you come back soon to see what China has to offer next.
So now you have finally got here, you are probably going to be jumping into a cab or trying to figure out Canada's transport system to take you to your hotel. Hopefully you will all be like me and have your hotel securely booked and confirmation printed before you arrive in hand ready to check in. (I am terrible and have to everything planned at least a month in advance). If you are one of these people who does things on a whim and books their hotel when they arrive- I envy you, but I also want to act as your go to hotel guide-r. So here's an amazing hotel in Toronto I want to recommend you consider.
Surprisingly there are only 7, 5 star hotels I have found on the internet. For a large city like Toronto I found this quite surprising, but I can't complain because it certainly makes my job a lot easier.
I have chosen to showcase today the beautiful and very extravagent 5 star hotel 'Shangri- La Hotel Toronto' here's what you need to know.
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| Photo Credit: West Bank Corp |
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| Photo Credit: quadracapital |
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| Photo Credit: blogto |
If you are someone who enjoy's keeping fit and eating relatively healthy whilst away this could be an ideal place for you. As a guest you can take advantage of the fitness centre which includes training equipment as well as a state of the art Yoga studio. If you are feeling thirsty after your work out, why not grab a healthy juice or smoothie from the Health Club's juice bar.
In terms of the restaurant and bar facilities here, they are named one of the best in the city. Be sure to reserve a table at 'Bosk Restaurant' which offers international cuisine with an Asian touch. The restaurant is open daily and serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. The hotel also has another 2 bars inside.
You have most probably come to Toronto to also check out some of its sights, if you stay here you will be near loads of great landmarks including the very famous CN Towers (0.6 miles away), Bishop's Block (located behind the hotel) and The Distillery Historical District (1.9 miles away). The nearest Metro Station to the hotel is Osgoode, which is just minutes away.
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| Photo Credit: eccentrich |
Prices start from £215.00 a night for a 'Deluxe King room', based on 2 people sharing. (Breakfast not included) click here to book your stay today.
What to do||Sightseeing
Sightseeing in any new city is an important part of the whole experience. It is great opportunity to meet people as well, especially if you are a solo traveller. Half the time when you are a tourist sightseeing you end up getting lost and finding all little places the guide books don't tell you about. Here's some sights and landmarks you might want to visit on your trip to Toronto, Canada.
1. CN Tower
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| Photo Credit: CBC.ca |
2. Toronto Islands
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| Photo Credit: Toronto-Travel-Guide |
3. China Town, Toronto
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| Photo Credit: joplus2.blog |
4. Royal Ontario Museum
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| Photo Credit: waltersgroupinc |
5. Yorkville, Toronto
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| Photo Credit: urbantoronto |
6. Casa Loma
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| Photo Credit: hita |
7. Canada's Wonderland
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| Photo Credit: boomtown |
8. The Beaches
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| Photo Credit: penthousequeen |
9. Hockey Hall of Fame
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| Photo Credit: deafhockey |
Where to eat||Restaurants/Bars
If there is one thing the Canadian's know how to do well and that is eat. (just like its transatlantic neighbour USA) Canada is of course known for a few food traditions including Maple Syrup (best served over warm pancakes with crispy bacon mmm) and a dish I still cannot get my head around Pountine. That stuff is everywhere in Canada, it originally originated from Quebec but is popular in all states, for those who aren't familiar with it it is basically French Fries and Cheese Curds topped with a generous lashing of Gravy. Doesn't sound at all appealing to me, but I am told it is very nice!
 |
| Photo Credit: Cheese.wika |
How to get around||Transport
Getting around can be easy in Toronto especially if you are staying in the City centre. They have a great public transport network including Trains, Buses, 'Street Cars' (bit like Trams I think) and Subways.
The main operating provider of the public transport here is run by The Toronto Transit Commission. The standard fare on Toronto Transit is $2.75 per person. Concession charges are $1.85.
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| Photo Credit: Wiki |
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| Photo Credit: reddit |
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| Photo Credit: tourbytransit |
So that completes our first instalment of my A-Z Top 2 Countries guide of Canada. How many of you have been to Toronto and loved every minute of it? I would love to know.
Make sure you come back soon to see what China has to offer next.
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