As immigration lawyers we are frequently consulted by people who are frustrated by their inability to travel internationally due to a lack of a valid travel document. Whether it is a person who can’t obtain a passport or has an expired PR card, there are many individuals who come to consult with us about how they can travel internationally while their passport, PR card application or citizenship applications are sorted out. Often there is nothing we can do to facilitate or expedite the issuance of this identification or status. However, there is a lot that we can recommend in Canada to satisfy the travelling wanderlust of our clientele.
Admittedly, the lack of freedom to travel at will is frustrating. We have clients who have PR card and citizenship applications that have been pending for many, many years. There are clients who can’t establish their identity due to crises in their country of nationality. Such individuals feel “trapped” in Canada. Well, I would urge you to think about the place that you are trapped in and reach out to the four corners of this vast nation to experience all that Canada has to offer.
There is something to see and experience in each and every Canadian province and territory and I can’t begin to provide you with an exhaustive list. But I can share with you some of my favourite Canadian experiences from coast to coast:
- Visit the east coast of Vancouver Island to experience Tofino and Ucluelet. Venture up to Telegraph Cove and go whale watching or on a grizzly bear tour. The Broughton Archipelago has one of the largest grizzly bear populations in the world.
- Take a trip to Banff and Lake Louise in Alberta. The views of the Bow Valley from the Banff Springs Hotel are some of the best that Canada has to offer and the walk around Lake Louise is beautiful. Continue up to Jasper National Park and take in the Columbia Icefields along the way.
- Don’t underestimate the Canadian prairies and if you have an opportunity, join in a Canadian grain harvest. Be sure to take in the Canadian Human Rights Museum in Winnipeg and visit the Gimli fish market.
- Canada’s capital city of Ottawa is a treasure trove of tourism delight for each and every season: from the tulip festival in spring to skating on the Rideau Canal in winter to visiting the Parliament buildings and all the many museums year round, Ottawa is a vacationer’s delight.
- Montreal and Quebec City are not to be missed. Full of history, outstanding architecture and amazing cuisine, these two cities (and the villages in between) provide a tremendous insight into Canada’s history. Summertime offers the Montreal Jazz festival and winter brings the Carnaval de Quebec in Quebec City. And don’t miss the spring time experience of brunch at a “Cabane Au Sucre” when the maple syrup begins to run.
- The Maritimes are full of outstanding experiences – from Fort Louisburg in Cape Breton to the fishing village of Lunenberg, Nova Scotia – the sea calls out to you. Take in a lobster Church supper in Prince Edward Island. Enjoy a boat tour in Newfoundland to see the puffins or the icebergs and be sure to get “screeched in”. Or venture to Fogo Island to see how the hardy Newfies have transitioned from the demise of the cod fishery.
- Don’t miss out on Canada’s northern territories full of amazing wilderness experiences. The Dawson City Museum tells of the fortunes (and losses) of the Canadian gold rush. The Northern Lights (also known as the Aurora Borealis) are a natural spectacular not to be missed and can be seen from much of Canada’s north. Be brave and go dogsledding!
- Canada has a tremendous park system with many national, provincial and territorial parks, several offer camping facilities. For a list of Canada’s national parks: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np
These places are just the tip of the iceberg (pun intended) in terms of Canadian tourism experiences. There is something for everyone from coast to coast and much in between. These suggestions don’t touch upon the numerous local festivals and celebrations that provide a multitude of travel experiences in Canada and that we can all participate in. Thankfully this is open to all of us who are living in Canada.
Rather than dwell upon what you can’t do, I would encourage you to think about that which you can do. I have been representing one of my clients for over thirty years and he has been unable to obtain a valid identity document throughout that time period. The consequences to him have been far greater than not being able to travel internationally – he can’t go to post secondary school at preferred tuition rates as he is not a permanent resident, he can’t get a loan for his business at favourable rates, and he can’t get a mortgage for a house. I expressed these limitations once to what I thought was a hard-hearted immigration officer who replied to me by saying “ Well, he gets to stay in Canada!”. (He can’t be removed from Canada without a valid identity and/or travel document). That comment has stuck with me and I have pondered this sentiment for many years and I have come to appreciate the merit of what the officer stated. Being “stuck” in Canada is far from really being stuck. And this particular client has made a strong life for himself with a family of five Canadian born children and a thriving business. He has learned to accept that his “plight” is actually not that bad.
In our blogs, we traditionally focus on immigration procedure, policy or statistics with a view to assisting people how to obtain their immigration goals. However, in the midst of summer vacation time, and with people seeking where to go and travel, it is worth contemplating why people strive to come to live here and how we help people “become” Canadian. Our country is a vast land with tremendous oceans, mountains, coastlines, lakes, parks and vibrant towns and cities. There is so much to do and see in Canada. Regardless of the season or the region, Canada has a lot to offer and enjoy year round. Embrace the Canadian experience!
