🇨🇦 КАНАДА — Большое путешествие: Торонто, Монреаль, Ванкувер, Ниагара и природа Банфа | Trip Life

🇨🇦 КАНАДА — Большое путешествие: Торонто, Монреаль, Ванкувер, Ниагара и природа Банфа | Trip Life

Canada is a country of contrasts that amazes every traveler with its nature, vibrant cities, and warm hospitality. There’s plenty to see, do, and be inspired by. In this episode, we’ll travel across Canada from east to west, visiting Toronto—the amount of dirt and homeless people is truly irritating . We’ll visit Niagara Falls—it’s simply “wow!” We’ll see cozy Quebec City. We’ll find a Ukrainian cafe in Montreal. The name of the business here has a French element. We’ll meet a girl who moved to Canada. 95% of my clients are Ukrainian. There are a lot of us here. A lot. In the city center, they’re given drugs, almost all of them high. We’ll visit the incredible Banff National Park. We’ll stroll around Vancouver. No, friends, this is really scary! We set off, and about halfway there, I turned around. So, get comfortable—it’s going to be incredibly interesting! This is a country that offers a wealth of opportunities for everyone. Friends, welcome! Hi! You’re on our family channel, TL F. Our family has finally made it to Canada! Over the next 10 days, we’ll visit amazing places in this country—from the vibrant streets of Toronto to the incredible Niagara Falls, from diverse and cultural Montreal to tranquil Quebec. Friends, in the second episode, we’ll explore the simply magnificent Canadian nature and its many lakes. For this, we’ll fly to Calgary specifically for this, and also visit Canada’s westernmost city, Vancouver. Well, let’s go watch the episode! Before entering Canada, you need a visa. If you don’t have a European passport, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa. This can be done through your embassy or visa application center. We submitted our documents in Warsaw, at a large visa center where mostly Ukrainians came for the CUAET program—a temporary residence and work permit for up to three years. We were lucky: our visas were issued in just two weeks. The validity period turned out to be very generous—until the expiration of our passports, almost 10 years. Our children received four-year visas. After that, it was time to choose tickets. There are tons of options: there are direct flights from Europe, including Warsaw. But we found a more affordable route with a transfer in Reykjavik. First, we flew Wizz Air to Iceland, and from there, we switched to Play (they no longer fly) or Icelandair. This turned out to be both cheaper and more convenient: you don’t have to sit on a plane for 10 hours straight; you can split the flight into four and six hours and see Reykjavik at the same time. Upon arrival in Canada, we were greeted by the fastest possible passport control. Not a single question, not a single stamp. Honestly, we’ve never gone through passport control so quickly. They have this system: you scan your passport, get your photo taken right away, and they give you a ticket like this. At the exit, they simply ask: “How long will you be here? ” “Ten days.” “What’s your plan?” “Such and such.” And that’s it! They didn’t open your passport or look at your visa—they just ticked a box: Welcome to Canada! Damn, if only the US would let you in like that! I’m shocked. So we found ourselves in the country’s largest city—Toronto. Toronto is Canada’s largest city and an important international hub for business, finance, science, art, and culture. It’s renowned for its multiculturalism, high quality of life, and developed educational infrastructure with leading universities. The city is also recognized as one of the best destinations for business tourism. We arrived in Toronto on June 29th—the very day of the Pride Parade, one of the largest in North America. Why here? Because Canada, and especially Toronto, are among the most tolerant places in the world. The city annually hosts tens of thousands of participants and hundreds of thousands of spectators. Tolerance is Toronto’s calling card. More than half of its residents are immigrants, and they strive to make room for everyone. Toronto is often compared to New York. Of course, there are similarities—in the name, the rhythm, and perhaps financially and culturally: both are large cities, neither is the capital of their country. But frankly, even at first, second, or third glance, Toronto is still a far cry from New York. So, perhaps, they are compared in other ways, but on the surface, New York is New York. However, this tolerance has a downside. There are noticeably many homeless people on the streets of Toronto. The reason is expensive real estate, high taxes, and problems with affordable housing. Plus, since 2018, substances have been fully legalized in Canada, so the smell of weed is a familiar part of the city. And for heavy users, the government has introduced a controversial practice: distributing substances under the supervision of doctors. It’s believed this reduces street crime. Does it work? Let’s move on to Calgary. A friend of ours lives there, and she kindly agreed to tell us about life in Canada in general. Nadezhda has been living here for about two years. She’s a makeup artist and the founder of a beauty studio in downtown Calgary. — So, the homeless are mostly concentrated in the city center? — Yes. They aren’t in the residential areas—they have nothing to do there. In the center, they have places to spend the night and where they’ll be fed. And, unfortunately, in the very center of the city, they ’re being given substances that almost all of them are under the influence of. — Wait, is this official? Why do they even support such a policy? — Well, the government thinks these people are sick and that they need drugs. This supposedly makes them less aggressive. Although, when they come out of this state, on the contrary, they become very aggressive—until they get a new part. And yet, Toronto is not only about social problems. It is home to a large number of shops and boutiques, restaurants and bars, as well as numerous attractions. For example, the Kensington Market area is known for its unique and colorful atmosphere, combining Victorian architecture with brightly colored buildings in the style of the sixties. In 2005, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. The market streets are home to more than 240 local businesses: grocery stores, vintage clothing stores, restaurants, and specialty shops. Friends, before you lies the synonym of steadfastness, fortitude, and integrity. And I’m not talking about myself, but about this Half House. And the most interesting thing is how this house came to be. In the 1970s, it was a full-fledged house. A developer was buying up all the surrounding buildings to build new ones. But a certain Mr. Walkus categorically refused to sell his house. Ultimately, exactly half the building was demolished, leaving the other half to the owners, who still own it to this day. A special address was even created for the house—54 1/2 Patrick Street. Just like 9 3/4 from Harry Potter! This is how integrity transformed an ordinary house into a true Toronto icon. So, if you’re in the city, be sure to visit Half House. We highly recommend visiting the St. Lawrence Market—one of the busiest in Toronto. It’s ranked among the top ten largest markets in Canada, and in April 2012, it was named the world’s best food marketplace. The St. Lawrence Market is divided into two sections, each serving a specific purpose. The north wing houses farm stands, while the south wing houses butcher shops, restaurants, and cafes. The St. Lawrence Market boasts an incredible abundance of fresh, high-quality produce to suit every taste. These are mainly products produced in the province of Ontario: milk, artisan cheese, fish, seafood, meat, pastries, vegetables, fruits, and much more. So, that’s what we get. This is a dish for about 12 euros. You get lobster in a bun and French fries. I think it’s very tasty. Diverse Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Canada is known for its policy of attracting immigrants from all over the world, and the majority of them settle in Toronto. Thanks to this, various ethnic communities are forming in the metropolis, which add their own special flavor to the life of the city. – How did Canada welcome you? How did Calgary welcome you? – I think Canada welcomed me with open arms. Compared to, for example, Italy, where I had a very difficult time, in Canada I very quickly felt almost at home. This country appealed to me right away. At first, I moved to the small town of Vihan, three hours from Calgary, but I quickly realized it wasn’t for me and moved to Calgary itself. There, I adapted very quickly and realized this was my place. I love it here. And that, I think, is the whole point of Canada—you become a Canadian here very quickly, you become one of our own, because it’s a country of immigrants. Anyway, the fire or bonfire you see behind me is our sacred fire. It’s a ceremony. — You mean there’s a ceremony going on now? — Yes. — What do you call it? — The place of execution. — The place of execution? Do you understand me? I know something from my ex-boyfriend. I dated a Ukrainian for almost two years. I’m from Saskatchewan, which is in Canada. I remember 1,800 Ukrainians arriving during a heavy snowfall—and the locals were very helpful to these guys. There’s an organization called the Métis Society that helps Ukrainians and locals work together. — Are they French Métis? — Yes. Where I come from, there are a lot of Ukrainians. They are mostly farmers. They often spend time with us. — And what are you doing here now? — We are protesting. We were just about to tell you: this building right here is the Ontario Legislature. So, our being right next to it is the main aspect of the protest. – Yeah, I get it. – The same way the Russians are treating you, they’re treating us here. Only not as brutally, but in a more sneaky way. First, they’ll take the farmland, and then they’ll start taking the rest. – Okay, I can help you. – Yes, I see on the flyer that you can donate $5. – You can keep it. – Okay, thanks. We’ll keep that information. There you go. Guys, we thought there were actually homeless people here, right? She asked us not to go inside, but it turns out they’re here to protest. Over there, in front of this building, they’re sitting and protesting laws that they believe violate their rights. And, of course, they’re collecting donations – five American dollars each. Let’s help the girls protesting. Freedom! Angela Davis! Okay. So that’s how it works: you think they’re homeless, but in reality, they’re just people protesting. Damn, there are a lot of protests here. It says here—they’re protesting that people have no place to live, they’re protesting that bears are being abused, and there are a ton of other protests. Good for you for protesting… It’s just a shame there’s nothing better to do. Now it’s time to see Toronto from a different perspective. We’re going on a boat ride on Lake Ontario. From the water, the city reveals itself in a completely different light: glass towers reflect the sunset, skyscrapers line up perfectly, and the famous silhouette of the CN Tower seems to hover above the horizon. The breeze off the lake brings a cool breeze, and at that moment you realize—Toronto truly is a global metropolis. From the shore, everything seems huge and noisy, but from the water, it’s calm and majestic. This is the best angle to fall in love with the city. Friends, here it is—the CN Tower, the tallest tower in Canada and probably the most recognizable building in the country. Imagine, it was the tallest building in the world from 1976 to 2007—a whopping 31 years! I think holding the title of tallest building for 31 years is impressive, especially in an age where someone strives to build something even taller every year. In 2007, Taipei 101 overtook it, holding the title for only three years, and then the Burj Khalifa took over. And although the Burj Khalifa has held the record for 15 years now, I doubt it will be able to break the CN Tower’s achievement. Surely, somewhere in Saudi Arabia, they’re already building something taller. Since then, the tower has become a hallmark of Canada and the country’s main observation deck—with a restaurant at a dizzying height. Canadians generally adore observation towers. The first icon was the Skylon Tower in Niagara, then the Calgary Tower appeared, a little later the Vancouver Lookout, and in Montreal, the famous leaning Montréal Tower near the Olympic Stadium. Each has its own character, but the queen of panoramas is still the CN Tower in Toronto. Be prepared for long lines, but to avoid them, simply reserve a table at the restaurant upstairs. The minimum order for the cuisine is $75 CAD per person, and this price already includes the ascent and access to the observatory. After dinner, you can safely head to the observation deck. The restaurant itself rotates smoothly—a full circle every 72 minutes. Romance with a view of all of Ontario included. Friends, today we came to try the famous Toronto pastry, “Beaver Tails,” which are actually shaped like a beaver’s tail. What is it? “Beaver Tails” are a Canadian dessert: a flat, elongated dough made from wheat flour, deep-fried until golden brown. It is decorated with various sweet toppings—cinnamon sugar, chocolate, fruit, nuts, or whipped cream. These treats are often sold at street vendors, especially at winter festivals, skating rinks, and ski resorts. Despite the name, this dessert has nothing to do with beaver meat—it’s just the shape that resembles the animal’s tail. There’s even a registered retail chain in Canada, Beavertails, which serves the most delicious and popular “beaver tails.” Canada is the second-largest country in the world. It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific and Arctic Oceans—almost 10 million square kilometers. It’s a constitutional monarchy: formally, the country is ruled by the British monarch, but in reality, it’s ruled by an elected parliament and prime minister. The currency is the Canadian dollar, and yes, bills with beautiful colorful designs are in circulation, not just paper money. We’ll find out a little later who helped build this country and what place Ukrainians play in this history. For now, our journey leads to Canada’s first wonder: Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is one of the most popular attractions in the world. It is among the tallest, most powerful, and most beautiful waterfalls on the planet. It stands 53 meters high and is over a kilometer wide. Niagara Falls is located on the border between the United States and Canada, between the two cities of the same name—Niagara Falls (New York, USA) and Niagara Falls (Ontario, Canada). The twin cities are connected by a bridge, and the falls themselves are located on the Niagara River, which connects Lake Erie with Lake Ontario. The falls are made up of three distinct sections: the Horseshoe Falls, the largest on the Canadian side;
the American Falls; and Bridal Veil Falls, also on the American side.
They form a single natural complex, stunning in its power and beauty. Which side is better to visit – the Canadian or the American? It all depends on what you’re looking for. The Canadian side offers the best panoramic views of all three falls, including the famous Horseshoe Falls. It has more entertainment, restaurants, and tourist attractions, and is also home to the Skylon Tower with an observation deck. If you prefer peace and quiet, the American side offers the chance to enjoy nature away from the hustle and bustle. You can take a Niagara Falls cruise from both sides. The best time to go is summer, although it’s important to keep in mind that this is the peak tourist season, and there are a huge number of people here. Spring and fall can be cool and foggy, and in winter, temperatures are usually below freezing. Now about the cruises themselves. There’s an American company with blue boats , and a Canadian company with red ones. So, I filmed for about 20 minutes and noticed something interesting: the American ship approaches the largest falls, circles around a bit, and then leaves. But the Canadians walk right into the center of the falls and stand there for about 10 minutes! I don’t know what happens to people at that moment, but when I was on the American ship, I was soaked in seconds. Now imagine: on the Canadian ship, they stand under the streams of water for ten minutes. Rumor has it that they are given shower gel along with their raincoats. 😄 Girls, my advice: if you’re going on a cruise, no makeup or hairstyles! Just put your hair up in a bun, no makeup, and off you go, under the Niagara shower! 🚢💦 As for attempts to overcome Niagara Falls, in the late 19th century, many extreme sports enthusiasts tried to go down Niagara Falls, but such attempts ended tragically. The first person to do this was American Annie Taylor. She floated down the raging stream in a barrel and survived. Such attempts are now strictly prohibited. Friends, we were driving from Niagara Falls, near Hamilton. Before reaching Toronto, we decided to stop by a magnificent location and remind you all, or rather, show you, a beautiful place you’ve probably never seen in the summer. You’ve always seen it and know it in the fall. This is the place. Now try to guess what this place is. Okay, okay—here’s a photo. And I think it becomes clear to you right away. This is exactly where this photo was taken, guys. Nadya went dancing. This is exactly where the Windows XP wallpaper—Autumn—was made. We’ll leave the address (2270 8 Side Road, Burlington, ON L7P 0M7, Canada), and be sure—if you’re here in the fall, stop by and enjoy the aesthetic pleasure. We’re in Quebec—this is exactly where the French first arrived in the 15th century. This is where they came to found their first settlement, which they named Quebec. And the first thing that strikes you about Quebec is the fortress. I’ve always wondered: why is it here? After all, if you try to look for fortresses on Google Maps, you’ll find almost none in North America—they’re all in Europe, where there were constant wars. But it turns out that when the British captured Quebec following the Seven Years’ War (for those interested, read up on it; it took place in the 18th century), the French completely lost their entire province. They soon lost Louisiana and New Orleans as well. The British were deeply afraid that the Americans would attack their lands after gaining independence. And in fact, that’s what happened—but the Americans failed. Therefore, this territory remained British for a long time. Quebec City is the capital of the Canadian province of the same name, known for its rich history, French culture, and well-preserved European character. It is the oldest city in North America, whose fortifications are the only ones in North America that have survived to this day and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The official language of the city is French, which distinguishes it from the rest of English-speaking Canada. Today, Quebec is a thriving economic hub with developed sectors in biotechnology, tourism, healthcare, and insurance. We were lucky enough to visit during a very big holiday. ChatGPT said: And today, July 1st, Canada is celebrating a grand holiday—Canada Day. It’s something like Independence Day, only in Canada it’s called Canada Day. This holiday was established even before the country actually gained independence. Although Canada is essentially independent legally, it is still part of the British Commonwealth, and the Queen is still depicted on banknotes. So, questions remain about full independence. Canada Day is celebrated as a celebration of the unification of three major provinces: Nova Scotia, the French province of Quebec, where we are now, and Ontario. It was their unification that created such a vast country as Canada. Behind me is this beautiful castle, Château Frontenac. And actually, folks, it’s not a castle, but a hotel—the most popular in Quebec, one of the most famous in Canada, and, statistically, the most photographed hotel in the world. Château Frontenac was built in 1899 and has remained a hotel ever since. You can stay here, and by the way, the prices aren’t as high as you might think. And now, about those who helped build modern Canada. Ukrainians began arriving here in the late 19th century. The first settlers were peasants from Galicia and Bukovina—then territories of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. They were looking for land, freedom, and a better life, and settled mainly in western Canada—in the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. There, they established farms, built churches, and preserved their language and traditions. — Okay. Tell me, please, who was your first client? Was it Ukrainian, or are you counting on locals for your business? — I can say that 95% of my clients are Ukrainian. There are a lot of us here. A lot. So, for every beauty specialist there will be a client—just like at home. I won’t be able to sleep so badly. I’ll rather think. How nice it is to hear my native language so far from home. What a song, people! Today, Ukrainians are one of the largest ethnic groups in the country. Among them are entrepreneurs, professors, members of parliament, and even federal government ministers. Ukrainian schools, festivals, and communities operate in Quebec City, Montreal, and Ottawa. Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada and the largest in the province of Quebec. The city is vibrant, multi-layered, with a French charm, but frankly, it’s not for everyone. Winters are long here, the roads are always under repair, and the architecture is a mix of old and modern. However, living here is still cheaper than, say, Toronto or Vancouver. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Montreal is about 1,800 Canadian dollars per month, and two-bedroom apartments cost between 2,000 and 2,500 Canadian dollars. — We’d like to see your place from the inside. You rent a house, I understand? — Yes, we rent a house. We plan to buy, of course, but for now we’re renting. — I see your neighborhood is located outside the city. How far is it to the center? — Our neighborhood is considered very close to the city. In fact, it’s a 10-minute drive to the center. And this neighborhood is considered one of the most expensive. — How much are you paying? — 2,600 for this house. This is considered a very good price, because another 400-500 goes towards bills. On average, a house like this would have cost us 3,200, which is what we were looking at, but we got lucky. Well, it ends up being about 3,000 a month, a little more in the winter. Home prices depend on the area. In the city center, housing will cost approximately 600,000 to 900,000 Canadian dollars, and a house on the outskirts can be found for 400,000 and up. However, many Canadians cannot afford their own homes, especially young families. Due to high mortgage rates and real estate prices, about 35% of the country’s residents live in rent, and in large cities, even more than half. – I wonder how much a house like this would cost in your area? – On average, like in our area, about 800,000 Canadian dollars. – And how do people buy houses – save up or take out a mortgage? – Of course, everyone lives with a mortgage, everyone lives with a loan. And that’s good, because if you don’t have a loan, no credit history, you won’t buy a house, and they won’t rent it to you. But that’s not easy either—the down payment must be at least 15% of the house’s value. It’s a minimum, no matter what. When we arrived in Montreal, I wondered why Canada’s capital wasn’t Toronto or Montreal, but Ottawa. The answer is simple: the British didn’t want to choose between two major cities, so they built a new capital in the middle—Ottawa. Interestingly, many migrants, including Ukrainians, choose Montreal not for the cheap housing, but for the opportunity to start their own business. Starting a business here is easier than, for example, in the US—there’s less bureaucracy and support programs available for aspiring entrepreneurs. — To start a business here, how do you do it—like in Ukraine, do you have to be a sole proprietor or do you need a company? How does that even happen? — Well, we understand that connections are being established in Ukraine now, too, thank God. But did you open a sole proprietorship or a company? Tell me more. — Yes, it’s necessary to open a business here. But everything is very simple here. In Canada, starting a business is much easier than, for example, in Italy. It’s very difficult there, we’ve been there, yes. But I realized that I can’t live without sales. That’s why Canada. Here, you just come, register a business name, and open your business. I don’t remember exactly how much it cost, but around $500 for the documents. And that’s it—you’re good to go. — And those $500—are they taxes or registration? — Just the documents. Just the documents. — Did you open it yourself or through a company? — You do everything yourself. There are no intermediaries to issue you a license. We decided to visit one such Ukrainian business, the restaurant “Pirogies de Lili,” in Montreal. This restaurant has become a real sensation. Thanks to its “heavenly” varenyky, the establishment has won the hearts of Canadians and popularized Ukrainian cuisine in Canada. About seven years ago, restaurant founder Nestor Levitsky realized there wasn’t a single Ukrainian restaurant in Montreal. Moreover, there was no place where one could simply stop for a home-cooked, cozy meal. So Levitsky decided to create a hub for Montreal’s Ukrainian community, one that would simultaneously become part of the city’s culinary culture. “Why ‘pyrogy’? Why not ‘varenyky’? ” “It’s a shame the word ‘varenyky’ isn’t very popular in the world; people just don’t know what it is. And ‘pyrogy’ is a more sophisticated word, coming from Polish cuisine. But there are two reasons.” Persha – previously in Ukraine they also called “pies”, looming on the basis of the bread from the dough. This is an old name. And another reason is that the name of the business requires a French word, according to local rules. That’s why “dumplings” couldn’t be eaten.” The restaurant is named after Levitsky’s mother, whom his father, a Canadian immigrant in the 1950s, affectionately nicknamed Lily. Today, the restaurant specializes in traditional salty varenyky (dumplings)—filled with potatoes, sour cream, and onions, as well as sweet cottage cheese and honey. They also offer dessert options, such as varenyky with cherry cheesecake and maple syrup—a real highlight of the menu. — And, please, what’s your most popular type of varenyky? — Generally, they’re filled with potatoes and cheese, but our “bestseller” right now is filled with cabbage and mushrooms. And so, too, cherry varenyky are very good. — What kind of customers do you collect? — Locals I like salted dumplings more. — Were your first clients locals or Ukrainians? – So, the first ones are miscevy. Ukrainians can still come, but there are fewer of them. — How do Canadians react to borscht? – Wonderful! Quite positive. Try first – and you’ll turn around again! 🇨🇦💙💛 Upon entering the restaurant, you will immediately be enveloped in the aroma of caramelized onions, which are cooked there for a whole 16 hours, and will also plunge into the real Ukrainian flavor. Well, Nadyusha is the first to try it. — Now I understand why locals come here – it’s very tasty! “Mila, try it once and you’ll be hooked!” Like 👍, subscribe to the channel and come try the pies – it’s really delicious! 🥟🇨🇦 Thank you, Montreal, for your hospitality. But we’re flying on because there are much more interesting places ahead. ✈️ Our next stop is Calgary. We hardly took any pictures of the city itself because we came for the main national park – Banff. This place is Canada’s calling card and one of the most picturesque parks on the planet. 🏔️🇨🇦 Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park, located in the province of Alberta, approximately 110-180 km west of Calgary. It was established in 1885 and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is famous for its stunning landscapes – mountain lakes, glaciers, coniferous forests and alpine meadows. There are many tourist and natural attractions, as well as well-developed infrastructure for Active recreation: alpine skiing, hiking, cycling, and camping. Entrance to the park is charged: a day ticket costs about $10 CAD per person, and an annual pass is about $70. All proceeds go toward conservation, trail maintenance, and infrastructure. The park is home to a variety of animals, many of which are considered symbols of Canada. Friends, it was simply breathtaking! Did you see the color of the water? I was shocked—WOW! 💙💧🇨🇦 Banff has strict environmental regulations. Feeding or approaching animals is prohibited, even if it’s a cute deer on the side of the road. Picking plants, littering, or camping outside of designated areas is prohibited. Violations carry fines ranging from $500 to $25,000 CAD, and the police really do enforce the rules here. Nature is under special protection. 🌲🇨🇦 Spending the night in Banff is a special treat: The purest air, the starry sky, and the silence interrupted only by the sounds of the forest. 🌌🦉 But here too, everything is by the rules—sites are booked in advance, especially in summer. Tent camping costs around $30–40 per night, and a cozy cabin will cost $100–300. The park is huge—over 6,500 square kilometers. And despite millions of tourists a year, it’s easy to find a corner where no one is. This is the perfect place to experience the real Canada—wild, proud, and endlessly beautiful . And we conclude our journey through Canada—we’re in Vancouver. But before that, let’s take a look at one very interesting place. 🌎 A bit of geographic magic: very close to Vancouver there’s an unusual place—the American enclave of Point Roberts. When the border was drawn along the 49th parallel, they simply drew it with a ruler, without looking at a map. And as a result, a small piece of the United States ended up cut off from the mainland. 🇺🇸✂️🇨🇦 Now local residents live in America, but go to schools and shops in Canada. They measure miles and gallons, while their Canadian neighbors measure kilometers and liters. A round-trip border crossing costs tourists $6. Behind us is Canada. There is Canada, and to the left and to the right is also Canada. But we are on US territory. 🇺🇸 How did it happen that Canada has an enclave that belongs to the US? It’s very simple. When the British and Americans divided the border, the British were big fans of drawing lines “with a ruler.” You can ask any African country about this—if you open a map, you’ll see that all the borders drawn after World War II are perfectly straight. But, of course, many now suffer for this “straightness.” It’s the same here: they drew the border along the 49th parallel with a ruler—straight, beautiful. There is Canada, there is the USA. But Point Roberts was simply forgotten. And it turned out that it is located just below the line, and by law should belong to the USA. So it remained American. Now, local Americans cross the border with Canada several times a day: to shop (the stores are in Canada), and to send their children to school (the schools are also in Canada). And yet, they live in the United States. And to get there and back, they not only have to cross the border, but also adapt to a different system of measurement: the US uses the imperial system (miles, pounds, gallons), while Canada uses the metric system (kilometers, kilograms, liters). Can you imagine? That’s how they live between two systems. Point Roberts is considered one of the safest communities in the US, thanks to constant monitoring and the presence of border crossings. All four corners of Point Roberts are state parks. And now, friends, a riddle for our subscribers. Name two more countries that use the imperial system of measurement. I’ll give you a little hint right away: Britain won’t be there; it has a mixed system. And you have to name two that have a fully functional system, like the US. I look forward to your answers in the comments. Well, friends, let’s return to Vancouver. We’ve reached the Pacific Ocean—the very edge of the continent. 🌊 Further west, there are only waves, fishermen, and small coastal towns with populations barely reaching 400,000. But Vancouver, with a population of almost 700,000, is Canada’s westernmost major city. Here, you can be snowboarding in the mountains in one day and swimming in the ocean an hour later. And all this is not a metaphor, but an ordinary day in one of the country’s most unusual cities. Friends, we are in Canada’s westernmost city—Vancouver. It’s not only the westernmost city, but also the happiest! 😊 In 2023, Vancouver took first place in the Happiness Index—not just in Canada, but worldwide. And since 2010, it has consistently ranked among the top 10 happiest cities on the planet. Vancouver is not the capital of British Columbia, although many people think so. The capital is Victoria, a small city reached by authentic seaplanes from Vancouver. Vancouver itself remains the heart, soul, and wallet of the region. The metropolitan area is home to approximately 2.7 million people, half of whom were born outside of Canada. It’s one of the most multicultural cities in the world: Chinese, Indians, Filipinos, Iranians, and, of course, Ukrainians all live side by side. The city consistently ranks among the top 10 most comfortable and happy places to live on the planet. But, be warned—it’s also among the most expensive. 💸 The prices here are staggering: ☕ coffee – $6, 🍔 burger – $20, and parking is like a mortgage. But it’s clean, green, and offers mountain views from everywhere. Vancouver deserves the title “the most of the most”: – the mildest climate in Canada (not -20°C in winter, maximum rain and above), – the highest number of electric cars per capita, – the longest coastal park in North America. 🌿 And yes, Vancouver is the most Hollywood-like city in Canada. 🎬 It was here that “Twilight,” “Deadpool,” “Superman,” “X-Men,” and many other films were filmed. A visit to Vancouver usually begins with the Capilano pedestrian suspension bridge – and this is no coincidence. It was built back in 1889 according to the designs of Scottish engineer George Gruncain. At the very beginning of its existence The bridge looked completely different: it was built of hemp rope and cedar planks, and, naturally, quickly fell into disrepair. In 1956, it was completely rebuilt. Today, the bridge is 137 meters long and rises 70 meters above the Capilano River, which flows beneath it and seems like just a stream. Oddly enough, the Capilano Bridge is not public land, but private property. It belongs to a company owned by Nancy Stiborth. She holds all the rights to the bridge. I also decided to walk across the bridge with the kids. For the record, I’m not at all afraid of heights, but when I got halfway across, I realized I was starting to feel ill: my breathing was quickening, the bridge was swaying, and all I could think was, “It’s going to break!” 😅 So, before I even got halfway across, I turned around. No, friends, this is really scary! We were less than halfway there, and I just couldn’t take it anymore. The bridge is shaky, and it turns out there are more people going there than returning—and your brain literally skews to one side. You’re walking, and below you is a cliff, rocks, and water. — You should have gone down the center! — Well, maybe you should have… but no, thanks! I don’t want to do that again, and I don’t recommend it. — Are you going? — I definitely will! 😄 As Nadya already said, we are on the oldest suspension bridge in the world. Guys, imagine—the end of the 19th century. Back then, this bridge was built out of necessity, and today it has become one of Vancouver’s main attractions. And surprisingly, even ordinary people are allowed on it! But the biggest challenge here is staying on your feet. The bridge is shaky, and getting to the end is a real quest. Wow! We almost made it! Cool! It’s cool to realize you’re not just crossing a bridge, but a historically significant site. Every year, over 800,000 tourists test their strength and the bridge’s strength. Vancouver residents, however, tend to avoid the Capilano Bridge, dismissing it as a mere tourist attraction. The city’s main wonder is Stanley Park. It’s larger than Central Park in New York City, and surrounded by a 9-kilometer-long promenade—a haven for cyclists and ocean strollers. You might spot raccoons, squirrels, and even the occasional coyote. If you’re looking for more adventure, head to Lin Canyon Park. It also has suspension bridges, waterfalls, and—get this—a free alternative to the Capilano Bridge. The famous steam clock is found in the old town. Every 15 minutes, it releases steam, whistles, and plays a tune. Tourists are delighted, locals yawn, but it’s a true symbol of the city and a must-have “I’ve been to Vancouver” photo. The central street and main location is the Vancouver Steam Clock. What’s so famous about it, you ask? Although it’s less than 50 years old, it’s known not for its age, but for the fact that it’s a steam clock—one of a kind. There are almost no others like it in the world. This clock was installed in 1977, and every 15 minutes it creates its own unique sound—as just demonstrated. Finally, we decided to head to the Pacific Ocean and visited English Bay Beach—a place where the entire city turns into a resort in the summer. Here, people sunbathe, play volleyball, relax by the ocean, and, of course, try the famous Alberta Hot Dog. 🌭 This is a hot dog made entirely from beef raised in the province of Alberta, without the addition of pork or chicken. When we hear the word “hot dog,” we immediately imagine a juicy sausage in a soft bun—the symbol of American fast food. But few people know that this tasty hero was born not in the USA, but in Germany. In the mid-19th century, German immigrants brought their beloved Frankfurt and Bavarian sausages to America. They simply called them “hot sausages” or “Dachshund Sausage” and sold them directly from carts. One day, the famous cartoonist Ted Dorgan bought a sausage roll. He drew a funny scene—a sausage roll with a dachshund peeking out from it. But he couldn’t spell the word “Dachshund” correctly, so he simply captioned the picture: “Hot Dog.” This joke resonated with Americans, and by 1903–1904, the new word had become commonplace everywhere, from street stalls to stadiums. Thus, the German sausage received an American name and became a legend of global street food. — Which one did you like, Nadya? — Great! Yes, indeed, the sausage is great. — And the bun? — The bun is just fine. — But the sausage is just amazing! — Can we wrap a couple of them up to take home, please? — Yes, absolutely! 😄 Canada is a country of contrasts. The cities here are modern and comfortable, but the real magic is in nature. From Niagara to Vancouver, there are thousands of kilometers of forests, lakes, and mountains. And wherever you end up, Canada welcomes everyone. What advice would you give to people who want to move to Canada, people who want to migrate here, live, and work? This is the advice that might have been useful to you at one time, and that you would have given yourself, two years ago, is to come here without illusions. And here, you know how many people came thinking that Canada means money, and that it falls from the sky. No, that’s not true. In reality, this requires work. But this is a country that offers a wealth of opportunities for people. If you want to see untouched beauty and feel how vast and pure this world can be, come to Canada. It doesn’t shout, it simply shows what the Earth is like when it’s untouched. Subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss the next episodes. And we’re off to our next adventure. Until next time, friends. Travel. Our world is incredible.

🇨🇦 Добро пожаловать в большое путешествие по Канаде! Торонто, Монреаль, Квебек, Калгари, Ванкувер и Ниагара — всё самое красивое и интересное в одном видео! 🌎
🏞 Мы покажем города, природу, жизнь иммигрантов и настоящую Канаду глазами семьи Trip Life Family.
Это не просто влог, а видео-путешествие по самым красивым и удивительным местам страны кленов.

🌍📌 В этом видео вы узнаете:
• как попасть в Канаду;
• сколько стоит аренда жилья и жизнь;
• чем живут украинцы в Канаде;
• где находятся самые красивые места — от Ниагары до парка Банф. ❤️

#ПутешествиеПоКанаде #Канада2025 #CanadaTravel

🎬 Таймкоды ниже — переходите сразу к любимым моментам!
👇 Напишите в комментариях, какой город вам понравился больше всего!

Таймкоды:
00:00 — Вступление
00:33 — Best moments
01:42 — Приветствие
02:23 — Как попасть в Канаду
04:03 — Торонто
05:40 — Торонто — бездомные и легализация лёгких веществ
07:45 — Торонто — интересные локации
10:30 — Торонто — проблемы иммигрантов
14:28 — Торонто — Озеро Онтарио и символ всей Канады
17:06 — Знаменитый десерт Beaver Tail
18:00 — Канада — исторические и политические факты
18:44 — Ниагарский водопад
22:15 — Windows XP autumn
23:30 — Квебек
26:55 — Роль украинцев в жизни Канады
28:29 — Монреаль — аренда жилья в Канаде и зарплаты
31:11 — Какая столица в Канаде и почему
31:27 — Как начать собственное дело в Канаде
32:40 — Украинская кухня в Канаде
36:15 — Калгари и национальный парк Банф
37:57 — Банф ВАУ — обязательно тут лайк
39:14 — США внутри Канады
41:43 — Вопрос на миллион!
42:09 — Ванкувер — самый счастливый город мира
43:24 — Ну а этот кадр мне очень дорог, меня чуть не арестовали за то, что его снял 😅
43:30 — Ванкувер — история и цены
44:33 — Ванкувер — Мост Капилано
47:24 — Ванкувер — Парк Стэнли
47:48 — Ванкувер — Паровые часы
48:43 — Ванкувер — English Bay Beach и история знаменитого хот-дога
50:39 — Заключение и совет будущим иммигрантам

🎥 Подписывайтесь на Trip Life Family — впереди ещё больше стран, открытий и вдохновения!

👇 Оставляйте комментарии, делитесь своими впечатлениями и задавайте вопросы — мы с радостью на них ответим!

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Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/travelmama_nadya
Сайт — https://www.triplife.store

✈️ Если вам понравилось видео, поставьте 👍 и подпишитесь — это помогает нам развивать канал и снимать ещё больше путешествий!

🎥 Смотрите также наши другие путешествия:

🇪🇸 Майорка — https://youtu.be/ryI64l-VgSE

🇻🇳 Вьетнам Дананг — https://youtu.be/hYgwRjQY20w

🇻🇳 Вьетнам Халонг, Ханой, Сапа — https://youtu.be/307-1GIBH2Y

🇵🇪 Мачу-Пикчу — https://youtu.be/nlaPFOTqF10

🏝️ Остров Пасхи — https://youtu.be/F1Wdr9Vr6T4

🇰🇪 Кения — https://youtu.be/gofgU2yndt4

🇸🇬 Сингапур — https://youtu.be/LiNXPz6uRjE

🇬🇧 English summary:
Travel across Canada — Toronto, Montreal, Quebec, Calgary, Vancouver and Niagara Falls.
Explore cities, nature, life of immigrants, and real Canada with Trip Life Family!

#TripLifeFamily #ЖиттяВКанаді #cuaet #Торонто #Монреаль #Квебек #Калгари #Ванкувер #НиагарскийВодопад #CanadaVlog #LifeInCanada #Эмиграция #TravelVlog #СемейноеПутешествие #ТревелБлог #TravelFamily #BeautifulCanada #ExploreCanada #Канада