Travel

By: Laura Wei

Travel, a word so full of energy, is an exploration that is never ending – a lifestyle that is natural and unrestrained. Canada is the world’s second largest country, surrounded by three oceans at three sides. It has breathtaking mountains, rippling lakes, bustling cities, and beautiful villages. Canada is not just a country with long history of immigration–it is also a dream destination for many travelers. However, research by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and data from 2002 to 2013 shows that while the number of international tourists in many countries have increased, international travel to Canada has declined by nearly three hundred million in a decade. Research also shows that in 2011, the Canadian tourism deficit reached $15.9 billion, while the data in 2012 was replaced by $17.3 billion. International travelers in Canada purchase much less than Canadians spend abroad. What has caused the tourism deficit to increase? Why did Canada fall in international tourism rankings from seventh place to seventeenth place? I think there are various factors that answer these two questions.

Canada’s tourism attractions rely heavily on its natural environment.

This is one of the country’s main characteristics and it limits Canada’s tourism prospects. France is the country that receives the most international tourism. Its red wine, art, architecture, history, and culture make it a unique destination. China has also experienced growing popularity in international tourism, due to its long and rich history, beautiful natural scenery, delicious cuisine, and modern cities. The United States’ diverse attractions, world-famous national parks, outlets shopping, and modern cities also attract many tourists from all over the world. These countries, which already have various tourism-promotion initiatives, have made further investments in tourism. However, Canada’s budget in the global tourism market was cut by $58 million between 2013 and 2014. The global tourism-marketing budget of New York City alone exceeded the entire country of Canada’s tourism budget. This is just one reason why Canada’s tourism industry has failed to develop.

Travel costs in Canada are higher compared to other countries. There is a travel peak from May to October of each year, where prices for airlines, hotel, and ground transportation all increase at the same time. The operating costs for tourism companies–and travelers–are higher during these months. The higher costs sometimes translate to better service. Many travelers who have visited Canada are impressed with the Canadian tourism industry, stating that their tour guides provided them with higher quality professional services compared to other countries. The high taxes in Canada are a challenge to the tourism industry. More than 220,000 tax-refund shops in European airports and cities provide rebate services to an average of over 22,000 tourists every day. However, Canada has no value-added tax (VAT) refund service.

Government support is necessary to strengthen a country’s tourism industry. The Canadian government has taken steps to attract international tourists in recent years, such as simplifying the visa application process and providing ten-year visas to residents of China, India, and Brazil. This new policy has definitely strengthened the tourism industry in Canada. At the same time, the falling exchange rate between Canadian dollars against RMB has also encouraged many Chinese tourists to come to Canada and explore its beauty.

Modern tourists prefer Foreign Independent Tours (F.I.T.) to large group tours, because F.I.T. tours enable a high degree of traveler freedom. This trend has pushed many travel agencies to offer more F.I.T. travel itineraries. Road trips are also popular with Chinese tourists. The Chinese car rental industry has limited choices and high costs, whereas car rental in Canada is very convenient. There are promotions that allow tourists to rent cars for less than 20 dollars a day. The ability to rent a car erases the inconveniences associated with relying on public transportation and gives travelers more freedom. The Internet makes car rental reservations easier and faster. Many tourists finish their booking before they arrive in Canada. Upon arrival, a free shuttle takes them to the car rental agency, and after a quick check-in, tourists can embark on their travels in the rented car.

Compared with visitors, immigrants have the ability to enjoy the beauty of the country throughout the year. Many immigrants prefer Vancouver due to its mild and seasonal climate, and Chinese immigrants have a significant presence in the city. Vancouver is a leisurely and quiet place compared to the fast-paced lifestyle in China. The city’s unique natural environment enables residents and visitors to enjoy many outdoor activities. Besides well-known activities such as golf, skiing, rock climbing, hiking, and horse riding, Chinese immigrants enjoy hunting and sea fishing.

Canada has two separate hunting seasons. The black bear can be hunted in spring, while the hunting in autumn is more diverse. White-tailed deer, elk, moose, caribou, pronghorn, brown bear, and mountain lions are all in season during this time. While hunting, people can enjoy views of the surrounding forests and idyllic scenery. Sea fishing is a completely different experience. Every summer, sea fishing enthusiasts take their own or rented yachts out to sea with friends. Whether a person is new to fishing or is an experienced fisherman, the deep sea has a great deal to offer, such as salmon, halibut, stone fish, and crabs.

The tourism industry in Canada needs more development and there is room to improve the country’s tourism policy. However, the country’s unique and breathtaking natural environment is one-of-a-kind. Travelers who like to explore will find that the diverse environments in Canada are beyond imagination and that each of the four seasons brings different experiences. The snow-capped mountains, the oceans and lakes, forests, and spectacular views of the aurora borealis became unforgettable memories for anybody who travels to this beautiful country.

<h3>Top 5 Places to Go In British Columbia</h3> British Columbia is wildly popular as a travel destination as its immense natural beauty boasts dozens of spectacular places to explore.  It offers diverse outdoor adventure in BC’s fabulous parks, lakes, rivers and rugged British Columbia. Below is a sampling of some of  the best the province has to offer. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-91" src="http://caifumagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/2-0892-web.jpg" alt="2-0892-web" width="972" height="358" /> <h3>Haida Gwaii – Mystical islands with a rich cultural history</h3> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-92" src="http://caifumagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/6-0691-web.jpg" alt="6-0691-web" width="717" height="478" />Haida Gwaii, a series of islands at the most westerly point of Northern British Columbia, is a world class destination for the  adventurous traveler, it is chosen as one of National Geographic‘s 20 Best Trips 2015. This remote and rugged archipelago is  steeped in the ancient culture of the Haida First Nation. Here glorious old-growth rainforest is surrounded by an incredibly rich  marine environment, both home to unique subspecies found only on these magical islands. Gwaii Haanas, a highly protected area  overseen jointly by Parks Canada and the Haida Nation, is home to extraordinary natural scenery and cultural treasures, including  ancient totems that are slowly decaying and being reclaimed by the land. The serenity and cultural richness of Haida Gwaii make it  a one-of-a kind, unforgettable destination. Its ancient temperate rainforests, quaint villages, secluded inlets, and beaches that  stretch as far as the eye can see will make your visit memorable. Don’t miss: . Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SGang Gwaay . Gain some historical perspective at the Haida Heritage Centre . Watch for marine life as you kayak through Burnaby Narrows . Stroll along 100 km/60 mi of beaches at Naikoon Provincial Park <h3>Vancouver – Urban playground in the heart of nature</h3> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-91" src="http://caifumagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/2-0892-web.jpg" alt="2-0892-web" width="972" height="358" /> Vancouver was recognized as the top city in Canada in Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2014 World’s Best Awards. It offers travelers  both outstanding opportunities for outdoor adventure and the sophisticated amenities of a world-class city. While this sea-level  port city is known for its temperate climate, the surrounding snow-covered slopes are perfect for winter sports and breathtaking  views of the city twinkling below. Vancouver is one of the few places in the world where it’s possible to ski in the morning and sail  in the afternoon. Whether you’re strolling along the seawall, shopping on Robson Street or exploring historic Gastown, you can  catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean or the rainforest-covered Coast Mountains from almost anywhere in the city – so close you  can practically reach out and touch them. Rent a kayak and paddle scenic waterways, hike or ski in the North Shore Mountains,  or just chill at the beach. At the end of the day, linger over a glass of BC wine, gaze out at the scenery over a locally inspired meal  on a waterfront patio, and find inspiration for the next day’s adventure. Don’t miss: . Cycle the nine-km/six-mi Stanley Park seawall . Browse artisanal food vendors, fresh produce stalls and original artwork at the Granville Island Public Market . Get elevated on the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Grouse Mountain Skyride . Learn about BC’s First Nations at the Museum of Anthropology . Kick back in the sand at Kitsilano Beach <h3>Canadian Rockies – Awe inspiring peaks, impossibly blue lakes</h3> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-93" src="http://caifumagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/rockies-1024x790.jpg" alt="rockies-1024x790" width="1024" height="790" /> Four of British Columbia’s seven national parks are located here, and wildlife flourishes. United Nations Educational, Scientific, and  Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site along the BC/Alberta border,  in part because of this spectacular beauty. The area is also globally significant because of the Burgess Shale fossil site, which shows  in amazing detail what the Earth was like more than half a billion years ago. The Rockies evoke images of towering, snow-capped  peaks, turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls and dense evergreen forests. This jaw-dropping, Rocky Mountain scenery – the kind  that stays with you long after you’ve returned home – stretches the entire length of the province. Outdoor pursuits here are epic.  The area is one of Canada’s pre-eminent destinations for hiking and mountain biking, as well as for whitewater rafting. Golf  courses are the perfect combination of challenging and stunningly beautiful, and the region is internationally renowned for its  abundant fishing locales. There are also opportunities to visit wonderfully restored heritage towns, thriving arts communities and  gold rush boomtowns. Accommodations range from wilderness camping to luxurious stays in a natural setting. Don’t miss: . Gaze at stunning Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies . Hike in Yoho National Park for a couple of hours or a couple of days . Keep an eye out for wildlife along the highway . Immerse yourself in luxurious hot springs at Radium, Fairmont and Lussier . Experience the thrill of rafting the Kicking Horse River <h3>Great Bear Rainforest – Home of the elusive Spirit Bear</h3> <img class="size-full wp-image-94 aligncenter" src="http://caifumagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/s6-0047-web.jpg" alt="s6-0047-web" width="597" height="553" /> The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the most pristine wilderness environments on earth, a vast tract of temperate rainforest stretching some 400 km/250 mi along the central and north coast of British Columbia. This section of BC’s Central Coast is remote and there are few roads within its boundaries, which contributes to a feeling of peace and serenity – of truly being in nature – for all who visit. This raw and powerful landscape exists as it did thousands of years ago. Here, ocean and land are bound together in a dynamic convergence of nature that has been called “the last magnificent stand of the great North American rainforest.” BC’s First Nations have called this stretch of coastline home for thousands of years, and their influence is strongly felt. It is also home to an abundance of marine life, from whales to dolphins to sea otters. Add the fact that it is the only place in the world to see the rare white Kermode (Spirit) bear, and a trip to the Great Bear Rainforest is an experience unlike any other. National Geographic hails the Great Bear Rainforest as one of its “Best Trips 2013.” Don’t miss: <ul>  <li>Book a sailing tour in search of the magnificent spirit bear</li>  <li>Hike to a waterfall in the Bella Coola Valley</li>  <li>Explore the Big House and learn about First Nations culture in the coastal village of Klemtu</li>  <li>Cruise the Inside Passage with BC Ferries</li> </ul> <h3>Whistler – Arguably the planet’s top all-season resort</h3> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-90" src="http://caifumagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/2-0634-web.jpg" alt="2-0634-web" width="715" height="480" /> The Whistler Blackcomb resort appears regularly in “Best of” lists from around the globe, winning for its incomparable skiing and boarding, as well as for its hotels, restaurants and golf courses. Whistler became even more world-renowned as the site of the alpine and Nordic venues for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Skiers and boarders can explore more terrain here than anywhere else on the continent, with the summits of two legendary mountains – Whistler and Blackcomb – connected by the spectacular PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. In summer, the pedestrian village is alive with hikers, mountain bikers, golfers and people watchers. Even the drive will make your heart skip a beat: access from Vancouver is via the Sea-to-Sky Highway, which follows a stunning coastline for much of its length. British Columbia is wildly popular as a travel destination as its immense natural beauty boasts dozens of spectacular places to explore.  It offers diverse outdoor adventure in BC’s fabulous parks, lakes, rivers and rugged British Columbia. Below is a sampling of some of  the best the province has to offer. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-91" src="http://caifumagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/2-0892-web.jpg" alt="2-0892-web" width="972" height="358" /> <h3>Haida Gwaii – Mystical islands with a rich cultural history</h3> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-92" src="http://caifumagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/6-0691-web.jpg" alt="6-0691-web" width="717" height="478" />Haida Gwaii, a series of islands at the most westerly point of Northern British Columbia, is a world class destination for the  adventurous traveler, it is chosen as one of National Geographic‘s 20 Best Trips 2015. This remote and rugged archipelago is  steeped in the ancient culture of the Haida First Nation. Here glorious old-growth rainforest is surrounded by an incredibly rich  marine environment, both home to unique subspecies found only on these magical islands. Gwaii Haanas, a highly protected area  overseen jointly by Parks Canada and the Haida Nation, is home to extraordinary natural scenery and cultural treasures, including  ancient totems that are slowly decaying and being reclaimed by the land. The serenity and cultural richness of Haida Gwaii make it  a one-of-a kind, unforgettable destination. Its ancient temperate rainforests, quaint villages, secluded inlets, and beaches that  stretch as far as the eye can see will make your visit memorable. Don’t miss: . Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SGang Gwaay . Gain some historical perspective at the Haida Heritage Centre . Watch for marine life as you kayak through Burnaby Narrows . Stroll along 100 km/60 mi of beaches at Naikoon Provincial Park <h3>Vancouver – Urban playground in the heart of nature</h3> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-91" src="http://caifumagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/2-0892-web.jpg" alt="2-0892-web" width="972" height="358" /> Vancouver was recognized as the top city in Canada in Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2014 World’s Best Awards. It offers travelers  both outstanding opportunities for outdoor adventure and the sophisticated amenities of a world-class city. While this sea-level  port city is known for its temperate climate, the surrounding snow-covered slopes are perfect for winter sports and breathtaking  views of the city twinkling below. Vancouver is one of the few places in the world where it’s possible to ski in the morning and sail  in the afternoon. Whether you’re strolling along the seawall, shopping on Robson Street or exploring historic Gastown, you can  catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean or the rainforest-covered Coast Mountains from almost anywhere in the city – so close you  can practically reach out and touch them. Rent a kayak and paddle scenic waterways, hike or ski in the North Shore Mountains,  or just chill at the beach. At the end of the day, linger over a glass of BC wine, gaze out at the scenery over a locally inspired meal  on a waterfront patio, and find inspiration for the next day’s adventure. Don’t miss: . Cycle the nine-km/six-mi Stanley Park seawall . Browse artisanal food vendors, fresh produce stalls and original artwork at the Granville Island Public Market . Get elevated on the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Grouse Mountain Skyride . Learn about BC’s First Nations at the Museum of Anthropology . Kick back in the sand at Kitsilano Beach <h3>Canadian Rockies – Awe inspiring peaks, impossibly blue lakes</h3> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-93" src="http://caifumagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/rockies-1024x790.jpg" alt="rockies-1024x790" width="1024" height="790" /> Four of British Columbia’s seven national parks are located here, and wildlife flourishes. United Nations Educational, Scientific, and  Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site along the BC/Alberta border,  in part because of this spectacular beauty. The area is also globally significant because of the Burgess Shale fossil site, which shows  in amazing detail what the Earth was like more than half a billion years ago. The Rockies evoke images of towering, snow-capped  peaks, turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls and dense evergreen forests. This jaw-dropping, Rocky Mountain scenery – the kind  that stays with you long after you’ve returned home – stretches the entire length of the province. Outdoor pursuits here are epic.  The area is one of Canada’s pre-eminent destinations for hiking and mountain biking, as well as for whitewater rafting. Golf  courses are the perfect combination of challenging and stunningly beautiful, and the region is internationally renowned for its  abundant fishing locales. There are also opportunities to visit wonderfully restored heritage towns, thriving arts communities and  gold rush boomtowns. Accommodations range from wilderness camping to luxurious stays in a natural setting. Don’t miss: . Gaze at stunning Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies . Hike in Yoho National Park for a couple of hours or a couple of days . Keep an eye out for wildlife along the highway . Immerse yourself in luxurious hot springs at Radium, Fairmont and Lussier . Experience the thrill of rafting the Kicking Horse River <h3>Great Bear Rainforest – Home of the elusive Spirit Bear</h3> <img class="size-full wp-image-94 aligncenter" src="http://caifumagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/s6-0047-web.jpg" alt="s6-0047-web" width="597" height="553" /> The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the most pristine wilderness environments on earth, a vast tract of temperate rainforest stretching some 400 km/250 mi along the central and north coast of British Columbia. This section of BC’s Central Coast is remote and there are few roads within its boundaries, which contributes to a feeling of peace and serenity – of truly being in nature – for all who visit. This raw and powerful landscape exists as it did thousands of years ago. Here, ocean and land are bound together in a dynamic convergence of nature that has been called “the last magnificent stand of the great North American rainforest.” BC’s First Nations have called this stretch of coastline home for thousands of years, and their influence is strongly felt. It is also home to an abundance of marine life, from whales to dolphins to sea otters. Add the fact that it is the only place in the world to see the rare white Kermode (Spirit) bear, and a trip to the Great Bear Rainforest is an experience unlike any other. National Geographic hails the Great Bear Rainforest as one of its “Best Trips 2013.” Don’t miss: <ul>  <li>Book a sailing tour in search of the magnificent spirit bear</li>  <li>Hike to a waterfall in the Bella Coola Valley</li>  <li>Explore the Big House and learn about First Nations culture in the coastal village of Klemtu</li>  <li>Cruise the Inside Passage with BC Ferries</li> </ul> <h3>Whistler – Arguably the planet’s top all-season resort</h3> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-90" src="http://caifumagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/2-0634-web.jpg" alt="2-0634-web" width="715" height="480" /> The Whistler Blackcomb resort appears regularly in “Best of” lists from around the globe, winning for its incomparable skiing and boarding, as well as for its hotels, restaurants and golf courses. Whistler became even more world-renowned as the site of the alpine and Nordic venues for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Skiers and boarders can explore more terrain here than anywhere else on the continent, with the summits of two legendary mountains – Whistler and Blackcomb – connected by the spectacular PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. In summer, the pedestrian village is alive with hikers, mountain bikers, golfers and people watchers. Even the drive will make your heart skip a beat: access from Vancouver is via the Sea-to-Sky Highway, which follows a stunning coastline for much of its length