16 Days Central North America: USA and Canada

About the destination: The history, art, culture and beauty of Minneapolis, Minnesota state capital, are marvels that must be experienced rather than witnessed. Nature meets skyscrapers, blending together to create unique sights and attractions that can only be experienced in Minneapolis. Tour the city with a knowledgeable guide, or venture into an adventure of your own; either way, the life of this city will unfold before your eyes. In Minneapolis, spectators become participants, so get ready to immerse yourself in its culture. Don’t miss a kayak tour on the Mississippi River.

About the destination: Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of Manitoba, it is the heart of the Canadian Prairies. It is a multicultural and diverse city full of friendly people with welcoming spirit. The Forks is Winnipeg's major tourist draw. Located where the Assiniboine and Red Rivers meet, the site includes a 9-acre park and scenic river walkway. There is a farmers market and small restaurants in the main building on the lower floor. Upstairs there are many small shops and craft stores for everyone in the family to find something. Outside there is a Riverwalk which takes you from the Forks to the Legislature building. The Manitoba Legislature was completed in 1920. The building style is neo-classical, incorporating Greek, Roman and Egyptian motifs and elements. Winnipeg's museum complex includes the Museum of Man and Nature, an interactive Science Centre and the Planetarium. The Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature is Manitoba's largest heritage centre. Winnipeg has a ton of home-grown entertainment. There are sports teams, theatre, ballet and the Winnipeg Symphony. Winnipeg is small town friendly but with big town fun.

About the destination: Saskatoon is a city in central Saskatchewan in Canada. With a metropolitan population of about 257,000 people, it is the province's largest city. It's a little oasis among wheat fields. Saskatoon is located along the South Saskatchewan River and is known as a city of bridges, which has led, along with its cultural sophistication and wealth of Art Nouveau architecture, to its nickname as the Paris of the Prairies. The Bessborough Hotel overlooks the Saskatchewan River and is probably the most famous landmark in the city. Be sure to check out the six bridges.

About the destination: Calgary, Alberta's largest city, is a product of oil culture, and is situated where the prairies end and the foothills begin. Calgary is located about an hour’s drive east of the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains. And, despite the fact that Alberta is considered a prairie province, the city is moderately hilly. Boasting a modern skyline with diverse architecture, Calgary is a great urban city with opportunities for dining, shopping and entertainment. Considered to be a national historic site, the City Hall, a magnificent sandstone structure, was constructed in 1911, in place of an earlier wooden structure. Constructed in 1968, the iconic Calgary Tower is one of the tallest structures in Canada. At the top, you are treated to an excellent view of Calgary. Located outside of Calgary, Banff National Park is spread over a massive area, and offers spectacular mountain scenery. Friendly, relaxed, bustling and laid back, Calgary balances the modern and the traditional with pioneer charm.

About the destination: The city of Edmonton is the capital of the Province of Alberta and its cultural, governmental and educational centre. It hosts a year-round slate of festivals, reflected in the nickname "The Festival City." Edmonton has a relatively dry climate, and is one of Canada’s sunniest cities. The city features a great deal of tourist attractions, including North America’s largest mall, the West Edmonton Mall. Opened in 1981, it features numerous indoor attractions, such as a skating rink, amusement park and water park, as well as over 800 shops, a hotel and a New Orleans-themed bar section. The Fort Edmonton Park, Canada's largest living history museum, is also found in Edmonton. Edmonton traditionally has been a hub for Albertan petrochemical industries, earning it the nickname "Oil Capital of Canada" and is now one of Canada's fastest growing cities. The city itself is a fine visit but what makes it even more special is its people. Edmonton is a big city with a small city atmosphere.