Canada: iBestTravel 2017 Destination of the Year

Our neighbor to the north sparked our imagination this year. Read on to find out why we named Canada the iBestTravel 2017 Destination of the Year.

In the lead-up to last year’s election, both sides threw around a lot of empty threats regarding moving to Canada. There’s always been something a little funny about the Canada line – perhaps because even the best of us have occasionally regarded our northern ally as something of a precocious younger sibling, a preternaturally cheerful and polite nation where everyone plays hockey and rocks out to Bryan Adams between visits to the local Tim Horton’s. (Yeah, okay, we were pretty stuck on stereotypes.)

However, this year, as we watched our own country grow more and more divided, Canada suddenly seemed to come into its own. Moreover, the birthday celebration helped: Canada turned 150 this year, and celebrated the sesquicentennial with a full year of events and celebrations across the country. New murals were revealed in Vancouver, commissioned from First Nations artists, performances of Canadian works by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and dazzling light shows in Montreal to commemorate its own 375th anniversary. Consequently, across the country, Canada’s national parks offered free admission all year long, which, coupled with the favorable exchange rate, compelled American travelers to venture north to see the glacial lakes of Banff and the polar bears of Churchill.

Moreover, we’ve watched in recent years as Canada became a leader in innovation, investing resources and time into AI, biotechnology, and efforts to attract major global tech companies. They have doubled down on their efforts to mitigate climate change, and this year established a new infrastructure bank that will start with $35 billion to fund new public works across the country. There’s a brand-new Arctic highway, a light-rail system being developed for Montreal, and pilot research is underway into the potential for a high-speed rail link from Vancouver to Seattle. Furthermore, Air Canada is planning to add more planes in response to increased passenger demand, while a new terminal in Arctic Canada will enhance travel to its most northerly regions.

Selecting iBestTravel’s Destination of the Year is not an exact science. Yes, we analyze data such as arrival statistics and consult our preferred travel agents for trending insights, but we also consider cultural relevance and that elusive quality known as buzz. In 2017, all signs pointed north. It is evident that travelers have become increasingly aware of the country’s remarkable blend of world-class cities, breathtaking natural wonders, rich culture, and diverse cuisine.