It’s been years since the U.S. has looked so lovingly upon its neighbor to the north, Canada.
Sure, there were Expo 67 and the 1976 Olympics, when Montreal was the center of the world. Sure, Bob and Doug McKenzie invited us to the “Great White North” in 1980 and had a big hit with their song “Take Off.”
But recently, the country some wags have called “America’s Hat” has been more in the news than ever, thanks to its handsome prime minister and our less-than-handsome election campaign.
Described by Vogue as “dashing” and “strikingly young and wavy-haired,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reviving the Trudeaumania inspired by his father’s entry into politics. Frolicking with pandas and a knack for selfies have only deepened the younger Trudeau’s appeal.
As the new prime minister launches into his country’s first official visit and state dinner in 19 years, here are some reasons why Canada is always in season — even when it’s underneath several feet of snow:
A warm welcome
Canadian radio DJ Rob Calabrese created the “Cape Breton If Trump Wins” site in late February as a joke.
But a few weeks and more than 800,000 clicks later, he says that thousands of his U.S. neighbors are seriously considering a move to Canada if Donald Trump becomes president.
It’s actually much harder to immigrate to Canada than simply fleeing north in your packed Prius, but Trudeau has put out the welcome mat.
“Cape Breton is lovely all times of the year,” Trudeau said. “And if people do want to make choices that perhaps suit their lifestyles better, Canada is always welcoming.”
Creative exports
While Canada has long provided Hollywood with a diverse collection of talent, there’s a wide array to admire right now.
Rachel McAdams was recently nominated for an Academy Award for her role in best-picture winner “Spotlight,” Ryan Reynolds has gained a new following with “Deadpool,” and Drake’s “Hotline Bling” made a big splash in 2015.
Ellen Page, Seth Rogan and television and movie star Michael J. Fox, whose foundation may help unlock the clues to a cure for Parkinson’s disease, are also bringing Canada to Hollywood.
And we always enjoy the work of that mighty fine Ryan Gosling. Gosling is always having a moment.
The redheaded orphan who put Prince Edward Island on the map for young readers may be fictional, but the “Anne of Green Gables” series by Lucy Maude Montgomery has lured generations of tourists to the picturesque island.
The author’s birthplace is a museum, and the Green Gables Heritage Place features a house like the one Anne occupied. And yes, there are Anne tours.
Natural beauty and cultural preservation
Americans have the Colorado Rockies and the 59 parks of the National Park Service. But Canadians have incredible, wild protected nature as well. Ask a Canadian, and they’ll tell you (politely) that they prefer the Canadian Rockies.
We recommend starting with Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park.
For travelers looking for a bit of Old World charm, there’s the lovely city of Montreal, where many residents don’t mind if your French is terrible. Are you trying? That counts for something.
Stay longer and learn how to speak the North American version of French, all the while reading all official government publications and commercial product labeling in both English and French.
Bon voyage/enjoy your trip!
