Page 29 - StudyTravel Magazine April 2025 Issue

DESTINATION

HIDDEN GEMS

“Shubie Park in Halifax is a wonderful
spot to be surrounded by nature,
go for a walk or hike, and go
swimming, kayaking or
canoeing. We also have

an active surfing
community here.”
Christina Koop,
Oxford Inter-
national
Montréal is a www.oxfordinter-
national.com
bilingual city with a “International
students should
rich mix of culture check out the
Bloedel Conserva-
and global infl uences tory, located in Queen
Elizabeth Park in
Vancouver. It’s an indoor

tropical garden filled with
exotic plants and birds, offering

a peaceful escape from the city’s hus-

bilingual city, offering a rich Vancouver Island which means the tle and bustle—ideal for a quiet retreat
mix of French-Canadian and climate is more comfortable year- or a break from studies.” Christina
English-Canadian culture, as round. “Victoria is the capital of British Koop, Oxford International
well as global influences from its many Columbia and is celebrated as the

immigrant populations. It’s also known ‘Garden City’ for its many beautiful “The Bruce Trail and Ball’s Falls
as a city with rich arts and culture, gardens which blossom almost Conservation Area stand out as
the birthplace to Cirque du Soleil, and year-around,” she says, adding, highlights in the Niagara region. The
home to the world-renowned Montréal “International students say they fall Bruce Trail winds through breathtaking
Jazz festival.” in love with the natural beauty of the escarpment landscapes, offering a

Outdoor activities feature highly in island – rocky coastline, lush rain peaceful escape to decompress after
a typically Canadian lifestyle, in both forests, parks and beaches.” long hours of studying. Meanwhile,
winter and summer. “Students can’t Of course, Vancouver and Toronto Ball’s Falls combines scenic hiking

miss a visit to Mount Royal (Mont- offer students a typical big city expe- trails with the beauty of cascading
Royal), the city’s namesake, which rience with opportunities for jobs and waterfalls and a touch of history.
offers fantastic views of downtown, further education on their doorstep. With calming surroundings, fresh

and opportunities to hike, jog, cycle, But Canada has no shortage of big- air, and the gentle rhythm of nature,
picnic, or go snowshoeing, tobog- ticket natural attractions. According both locations provide the perfect
ganing or ice skating in the winter. In to Gary Torravillle at Niagara College space to reset and recharge.” Gary
summer, [students should] check out www.niagaracollege.ca in ON, the Torraville, Niagara College
the weekly Tam-Tams drum circle on Niagara region attracts over 13 million
Sunday evenings,” says Vinnie. visitors a year to explore more than “Two gems of Victoria’s Chinatown are
Canada’s climate can be harsh in 2,800 tourist attractions. “A must-see Fan Tan and Dragon Alley. Fan Tan Alley
winter, with temperatures reaching is the world-famous Niagara Falls. is North America’s narrowest commer-
minus 40 degrees centigrade in some Whether you choose a boat ride to feel cial street and Dragon Alley is a unique
of the inland regions of Canada. Paula the mist up close or enjoy the stun- maze of shops, restaurants and
Jamieson from Royal Roads University ning views from nearby parks, Niagara studios. As one student described,
www.royalroads.ca in Victoria, BC Falls is an unforgettable experience.” it is compact and walkable.” Paula
says that the university is located on bethan@studytravel.network Jamieson, Royal Roads Uni

26 STUDYTRAVEL MAGAZINE