Canada _ Nature for Hire

By Gregory Curley

Contributing writer

Many regard Canada as nature’s playground _ the rustic retreat our southern counterparts continually poke fun at.

It certainly doesn’t boast the glitzy glamour or Vegas, nor the palm fringed boardwalks of California’s west coast, or even the arresting allure of Hollywood’s tinsel town.

Yet, what it lacks in urban refinement, its far-reaching, wonderfully idyllic, hedonistic ``cottage country’’ appeal seems to do more than its share to make up for it. Saddled in an age of creeping chaos, swelling in the shadows of technological advance, more and more people simply want to get away from it all, opting instead to sink safely into natural wonder for a while. And Canada does a fine job in offering just that.

Absent are the hazy skylines draped in neon, shimmering across open waters. Gone are the myriad wide cosmopolitan stretches of city thoroughfare, dotted with dizzying streams of fashionable boutiques. Instead, ruling in favour over the numbing fluorescence are breathtaking vistas smothered in pristine beauty, reclusive log cabin resorts tucked away from sight and scores of furry creatures scurrying about freely in the woods.

Indeed, Canada is catching the spillover _ those tired with the maddening rush and swelling growth _ from its neighbours. And with its high level of safety afforded to travellers, it’s fast becoming a richly unique retreat Koreans have grown fascinated with.

Often regarded as a region with tremendous, dynamic potential, Korea’s tourism industry has been flourishing nicely ever since the government relaxed its tax restrictions on outbound travel in 1987. Long since coined as the ``hermit kingdom,’’ its recovery from the economic crisis in the late 1990s paved the way even further for business to muscle up its appeal, sending Koreans overseas at alarming rates.

Travel to Canada alone within recent years has grown exponentially. While the U.S. has been a recurring favorite because of Korea’s strong historical, economic and educational ties, Canada is steadily reeling in huge numbers, luring Koreans with its unrivalled, vast open expanses of unfettered beauty and untamed wilderness.

Big cities don’t dazzle Koreans. Their feelings seem to gravitate more so toward iconic offerings _ signposts denoting longstanding traditions or cultural benchmarks symbolizing strengthened heritage.

Ontario still remains the most popular choice of provinces _ with Niagra Falls as a ``must-see’’ attraction. British Columbia and Alberta, both rich in reclusive landscapes, also rank high on itineraries as well. Quebec’s tasteful European flavour invites those seeking romance. And the pure shores of Halifax’s east coast, bundled with warm local hospitality, will make anyone feel right at home.

Such patterns are not overly surprising given Korea’s fondness for scenic beauty. As congested as the peninsula can be, shouldering a swelling population, one only has to wander a little off the beaten path to discover preserved landscapes boasting a wealth of natural habitat.

Dotting the topography are a string of impressive national parks, hosting glorious trails that snake up to the cliffs of staggering peaks boasting spectacular panoramic views. Off the southeastern coast stretches an archipelago of verdant islands, surrounded by a rich abundance of marine wildlife. Even more impressive is the hidden gem of Udo, a tiny pocket of land layered in volcanic ash just east of Jeju Island. Koreans are environmentally conscious and appreciate the opportunity to view untouched wilderness. Canada is largely unsurpassed in this area _ even notching past both New Zealand and Australia as an ultimate destination.

When planning your trip, most natives will suggest choosing only a handful of highlights to see on a visit through. Given its sheer size, the impossibility of taking it all in at once is inevitable. Regardless, visitors can rest assured feeling welcome wherever their choices lie. With a lengthy stream of immigration throughout the centuries, Canadians value multiculturalism, which, in itself, presents tremendous opportunity.

Historically, Canada is a federation and surprisingly under populated. Its 10 provinces and three territories house fewer than 33 million ethnically diverse citizens, one of the lowest in the world, ranking 36th on the global population survey. Cementing its rural status even further is the origin of its name. ``Canada’’ comes from the St. Lawrence Iroquoian word meaning ``village’’ or ``settlement.’’ Yet, it was only until shortly after the British North American Act of 1867 was signed, that it assumed its current title.

From fresh water lakes, world-class ski resorts, astonishing hiking trails, international festivals, magnificent museums and beautifully historic cities, Canada remains a haven for Koreans waiting to be chartered, all the while retaining its well-garnered spot on the map.

The only limitation I daresay needs fine-tuning would be to make several of these hideaways more accessible to the frenzy of hungry adventurists. Good news travels fast, and a few of Canada’s highlights suffer slightly from capacity constraints.

However, I’m sure the supply curve will taper out accordingly to the exponential demand in due time. Until then, extinguish all fleeting sparks of interest in the casinos and theme parks of the world, and experience the real thing just a little ways further up north. I promise you, nature awaits and its call should certainly be heeded.