Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here.
I’ve been fortunate to travel well outside the bounds of Kansas City. Traveling is an incredible opportunity to broaden your experiences and gain a greater perspective of the world. I always enjoy soaking up the culture and noteworthy attractions wherever I end up. One of my favorite trips has been to Canada. With stunning views and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to suggest it as your next travel destination. If you’re looking to travel there soon, here’s my take on the people, food, and my favorite sights the country has to offer!
The People
The infamous stereotype about Canadians’ kindness rang true during my journey. Locals were eager to show me and other tourists the best places to go for food and other. Everywhere I visited felt welcoming and inviting for those visiting for the first time. Don’t be afraid to reach out! Some of the best moments I’ve had when traveling were getting to connect with people from all over the globe.
The Food
During my trip, I sampled some of Canada’s famous poutine and was very impressed. The fries are salty and savory like most cheese fries here in the States, but the gravy really does provide a unique spin on it!
If you’ve never tried real maple syrup, make it a priority the next time you’re in Canada. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back to store-bought. You can even drizzle a little on a slice of pizza, just like the locals.
The Sights
Canada has some remarkable nature for those of all ages to admire. Algonquin National Park for starters is a provincial park established in 1893, making it the oldest in all of Canada. Visit the various lakes to observe the wildlife or get a better view of sights like the Oxtongue River by hiking one of the park’s many trails.
The Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada, housing over 5,000 animals from over 500 species. This is a great spot for any nature lovers looking to get up close to animals or families looking for a good place to take the kids. Though nothing can beat the Kansas City Zoo, Toronto provides visitors the opportunity to observe the most taxonomically diverse group of animals in the world.
My personal favorite sight was by and far Niagara Falls. Getting to witness the powerful rush of the water is an exhilarating experience, just make sure to steer clear of the edge of the river. You and your family can catch a cruise to the base of the falls or get a view from above atop the Skylon Tower.
If it is your first time traveling outside the country, consider visiting our neighbors to the north. There are enough similarities to the U.S. to ease you into international traveling with enough new tastes and sights to give you a great experience.
Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri.
Michael Gortenburg 