Canada and Mexico

Our Neighbors

The United States has two neighboring countries--Canada to our north and Mexico to our south.

Each country is unique with a variety of things to do and see. Many people travel to these countries every year. Let’s take a trip to some of the amazing places that make each a top spot to travel.

First stop: Canada

Canada is filled with mountains, lakes, wildlife, and has a rich French and Indian influence.

Alberta, Canada, has the Canadian Rocky Mountains going through it. This is home to the country’s oldest national park and the most scenic road in the world called the Icefield Parkway.

Just south is Calgary, Albert, Canada.

The Calgary Stampede is a ten-day rodeo and festival that dates back to the late 1800s. This tradition brings millions of people each year. People refer to it as the greatest outdoor show on Earth.

Calgary also has the largest living history museum in the country. If you want to see real-life demonstrations on how life was in the past, this is a place to go.

Moving east is the city of Quebec City, Quebec. This is one of the oldest cities in North America. French explorers settled here in the early 1600s.

Because Canada has a colder climate, in Quebec City an annual Winter Carnival is held, where you’ll find ice sculptures, parades, skating rinks, and ice canoe races.

Ontario, Canada, is home to the world’s largest skating rink, spanning 4.8 miles long which attracts millions each year.

Niagara Falls, the widest waterfall in Canada, is a spectacular site to be seen. Horseshoe falls on the Canadian side is part of a group of three waterfalls on the Canada/United States border and is visited by over 20 million people each year.

There is so much to see and do in our neighbor to the north.

Now let’s travel to our neighbor to the south--Mexico.

Like Canada, Mexico has mountains and wildlife all throughout the country. It also is lined with tropical beaches.

One thing unique about Mexico is its many ancient ruins that have been preserved for thousands of years. The Aztec Mayan ruins are located throughout the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Early Aztec and Mayan civilizations built cities in Mexico, creating pyramids, rock sculptures and the first known written language. These ruins have survived thousands of years.

The Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon are pyramids located in Teotihuacan. Less than half a mile apart from each other, tourists from all over come to climb these massive pyramids.

Ek’ Balam consists of 45 structures. Tulum is located on the east coast on the Caribbean Sea. The Temple of the God of Wind guards the sea entrance to Tulum.

Coba, located in between two lagoons, means "waters stirred by the wind." Tourists can walk the white roads from each settlement.

Chichen Itza, home to pyramid of Kukulkan or also called "El Castillo," the castle, is a step pyramid that stands 100 feet high. The images on the structure’s steps appear to move with the light during the spring equinox.

Mexico City is the largest city in North America, followed by New York City and Los Angeles. It is the capital of Mexico. The culture is colorful and vibrant that celebrates traditions passed down from generations past.

Most people know Mexico is known for its beaches. With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, vacationers are going to experience some of the best beaches.

Cancun is known for white, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. But there is also an underwater museum unlike anything else in the world just off the coast of Cancun. This underwater museum has over 500 sculptures.

Xel-Há Park is an aquatic theme park located in Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is a natural aquarium with hundreds of species, great for snorkeling and swimming with dolphins.

Copper Canyon, located in Chihuahua, is a series of canyons in northwestern Mexico. Copper Canyon is larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon in the United States. It gets its name from the copper/green hue along the canyon walls.

Mexico is a vibrant country filled with culture and traditions passed on from generations. People are proud of their heritage and the ancestors that came before them.

When it’s time to book your next adventure, maybe Canada and Mexico will be on your list!