Despite being the second largest country in the world by total area, not to mention our geographic neighbor, Canada simply isn't at the top of most Americans' travel agenda. It's no surprise, really – in a country fueled by a never-ending fountain of razzle-dazzle, the calm humility of Canada seems too jarring a change of pace. With 24-hour whirlwind destinations like Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles and Mexico so closely at hand, how could Canada be expected to compete?

Yet, our noble neighbors to the north are as worthy of our attention if not more so, and there are plenty of reasons why. We will discuss these reasons in-depth below, but the central argument for Canada is that unlike many of the most popular American tourist destinations, Canada is still very real. Its brilliant landscapes, charming cosmopolitan cities, and welcoming people exist still in service of themselves, not the beck and call of tourists. As a result, a trip to Canada isn't just another empty-calorie vacation; it's a worthwhile life-building experience.

Here we'll discuss some just a few of the reasons why Canada should be at the top of your travel agenda. The article is followed by a discussion of the regions of Canada in brief with hotel recommendations.

Reason #1 – Nature/Wildlife

For sure, Canada is rich with contemporary pleasures. Major cities exude an enticing blend of modern convenience and old-world charm, and they'll have their say on this list, but Canada's iconic signature is the profound natural beauty of this largely untouched land. With cascading snow-covered mountains, sweeping forests flecked with green and white, and absorbing expanses of sparkling lakes, ponds, and streams, nature-lovers may find it difficult not to be overwhelmed.

The calm, reflective vistas of Canada, from the eastern to western shores, can add a degree of serenity to any vacation, and no first-time trip to the north is complete without an engaging nature tour. Quebec and British Columbia are especially well-suited to nature and wildlife excursions, although you can hardly go wrong regardless of where you stay.

Reason #2 – Natural Attractions

This is a similar reason but with more of a checklist bent. The list of famous natural wonders goes on and on in Canada, and no matter which you choose to visit you're in for a breathtaking morning or afternoon.

The northern fingers of the Rocky Mountains create an awe-striking backdrop for much of British Columbia and Alberta. In Atlantic Canada, near Nova Scotia, the remarkable Bay of Fundy routinely turns the sharpest tides in the world as 100 billion tons of water roll in and out like clockwork. The enrapturing majesty of Niagara Falls is an obvious choice for Ontario, and there's no better place in the world to see the luminous sparkle of the Aurora Borealis, often called the Northern Lights.

Reason #3 – Outdoor Activities

As long as we're admiring the Canadian outdoors, why not do something while we're out there? From glorious nature hikes to tranquil fishing trips, the rolling peaks and valleys of Canada offer so much more than the occasional photo opportunity. Not surprisingly, skiing and snowboarding are big game in Canada year-round, especially in Alberta and the middle-to-northern reaches of British Columbia.

More surprising, though, is the more than 650 pristine golf courses you can find scattered throughout the province of Ontario, one of North America's highest-rated golfing regions. For a sportier, back-to-nature engagement, there's always mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, river rafting, rock climbing, even snowshoeing. The water-bound sports in Atlantic Canada are among the best.

Reason #4 – Sensational Cities

Don't get the impression that Canada is just one big summer camp. Canada's major cities are each distinct in their own right, but they also have a few things in common. Most notably, these cities have each managed the right blend of eclectic, old-world personality and contemporary and technological convenience. The city of Vancouver, British Columbia, for instance, is rife with "American" touches including many of our chain restaurants and stores and even an eye for our architecture. Yet unmistakable influences of past British occupiers, as well as the generous diversity of the burgeoning Asian population, have developed a landscape spotted with flourishes of global appeal. It would seem an American city from first glance, but even a short walk in town will reveal its scintillating subtleties.

Vancouver isn't the only one, of course. The Quebec city of Montreal has a skyline towering with domes and gothic spires, yet the city is also home to numerous aerospace giants and multimedia technology companies. In fact, it has one of the largest unbroken wireless Internet networks in the world. With so much to see, and such affable surroundings in which to go exploring, cities like Vancouver, Montreal, Victoria, Ottawa, Halifax, Toronto and others can stand up to New York, Chicago and Los Angeles any day.

Reason #5 – Festivals

With such a deliberate, inviting demeanor about them, you might be surprised to find that Canadians love to party, but don't let that stop you from joining in. Every province in the country puts on a host of events and festivals that attract way more than the locals, and they're not always the kinds of parties you'd expect.

In Toronto, for example, you can attend the Caribana Festival, which believe it or not is North America's largest Caribbean festival. Nearly a twenty-day event, Caribana is an explosive Masquerade and Carnival celebrating Calypso and steel drum music, reggae, and of course soulful Caribbean cuisine. Keeping things big, Montreal is the annual host of the International Jazz Festival, currently the world's largest. In 2007, total attendance for this raucous event topped over 2.1 million.

But we have jazz and Caribbean festivals in the U.S., you say? Then head to Prince Edward Island (PEI) for the summer-long Charlottetown Festival. Along with parties and other festival events, this tradition celebrates Canada's most famous literary work, "Anne of Green Gables," with daily performances of the musical adaptation.

Reason #6 – It's Cheap

Well, cheaper than you might expect. While this has dwindled slightly in recent years, Americans have typically enjoyed a positive return on the exchange rate to Canadian dollars. Regardless of that, however, Canada is still a cheap out-of-the-country choice by virtue of its non-tourist economy. As was said up top, the cities and towns of Canada exist to serve and support their residents, not pilfer every last dime from a visitor's pockets.

Many Canadian cities rank among the world's cheapest, and even at their most expensive are reasonable by U.S. standards, so what better way to get out of the country without paying an arm and a leg?

Reason #7 – Easy Transportation

Relative to most other foreign countries, Canada is remarkably easy to get into, especially if you have children. As of this writing, citizens of the United States do not require a visa or passport to enter Canada. However, proof of citizenship is required so if you don't want to carry your passport, a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID together will work. If you're border-crossing by vehicle, be prepared to answer the standard three questions ("Where are you from?", Where are you going?", "How long will you be staying?). Answer sincerely, professionally, and politely, and you won't encounter any problems.

When entering by flight, it's the same deal. Border guards and customs agents tend to be very polite and courteous. Besides potential traffic at vehicle crossings (which are much worse around holidays), getting in to Canada is easier than any other foreign country.

So What are You Waiting For?

The list of reasons to choose Canada over any other travel destination this year goes on and on, but after seven quick reasons, do you really need to hear any more? Discover our neighbors to the north on an invigorating Canada vacation as soon as possible. A land of simple pleasures is waiting.

Note to Reader’s: The remainder of the article is dedicated to hotel recommendations.

Lodging Recommendations

Quebec: Architecture, history, music, and personality – no language barrier should keep the spirited traveler away from this magical place.

Inspired hotels in Quebec by Holiday Inn.

Ontario: Variety of experience is the calling card of Ontario, Canada. Excursions to untamed wilds and fanciful modern delights are both at your fingertips.

Energetic Ontario vacations and hotels by Holiday Inn.

Atlantic Canada: Stand on the eastern shore of New Foundland and Labrador and be the first person on the entire continent to see the sunrise. How's that for a "glowing" endorsement?

Excellent Moncton and Nova Scotia hotels by Holiday Inn.

British Columbia: Cities like Vancouver and Victoria speak to the subtle yet unmistakable diversity of the Canada travel experience. History meets industry, hospitality meets fashion.

Full-service British Columbia hotels in Vancouver by Holiday Inn.