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USA vs Canada – My Own Travel Experiences

by | Jun 7, 2026 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

USA vs Canada – My Own Travel Experiences

By Bowen & Co Travel

One of the questions I often hear from travellers is whether they should visit the USA or Canada. Having been fortunate enough to travel extensively in both countries, I can honestly say that each offers something unique and unforgettable.

So, who wins? Read on to find out.

The USA

Florida – Disney Magic and the Florida Keys

As a huge Disney fan, Florida has always been one of my favourite destinations. Spending a week visiting the Disney parks and then a second week driving from Orlando down to Key West was an incredible experience.

Along the way we stopped to see wild alligators, visited a Native American casino, explored some wonderful small towns, and even enjoyed a deep-sea fishing trip from Key West.

The Disney parks themselves were everything I hoped they would be. EPCOT, EPCOT Theme Park | Walt Disney World Resort Animal Kingdom  Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park | Walt Disney World Resort and Hollywood Studios Disney's Hollywood Studios | Walt Disney World Resort all offer completely different experiences, and if you're a Disney fan, visiting Walt Disney World is something you simply have to do at least once in your life.

Las Vegas – A Place That Keeps Calling Me Back

I've visited Las Vegas six times, including two solo trips, and I've loved every visit.

In fact, I found Las Vegas to be one of the easiest places in the world to travel alone. There is always something happening, and simply walking along the Strip, people-watching and soaking up the atmosphere can easily fill an entire day.

Some of the hotels I've stayed in and enjoyed include:

Each visit has been different, but the excitement and energy of Las Vegas never seem to fade.

New York – The City We All Know

My visit to New York was over 20 years ago now, but the memories remain vivid.

I remember relaxing in Central Park on my first day, taking in the skyline, visiting the Empire State Building, catching the Staten Island Ferry Home - Staten Island Ferry, and enjoying spectacular views across the city.

One of my favourite memories was watching the city transition from day to night while sitting high above the streets with a drink in hand. Another was attending a New York Mets Official New York Mets Website | MLB.com baseball game after a kind stranger on the subway gifted us tickets.

There was something special about finally seeing the New York we all recognise from films and television programmes.

Safety Concerns and Visiting the USA Today

A friend of mine loves Las Vegas but currently refuses to visit the USA because of the political climate. This seems to be a fairly common discussion among travellers at the moment.

Gun laws are another topic that often comes up when considering a visit to America. During my 2017 trip to Las Vegas, I narrowly missed the tragic Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting by only a few days. Experiences like that inevitably make you think about personal safety when travelling.

Would concerns about safety stop me visiting the USA today?

In short, no.

I would return to Florida and Walt Disney World Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida – Official Site in a heartbeat, although the stories of Florida's invasive 17-foot pythons are certainly enough to make me nervous! Las Vegas remains one of my favourite destinations anywhere in the world, and I would love the opportunity to experience New York again after more than two decades.

Places Still on My USA Bucket List

There are still plenty of places in America that I would love to visit, including:

As a lifelong science fiction fan, destinations linked to films such as Paul Paul (2011 film) - Wikipedia and Close Encounters of the Third Kind  Close Encounters of the Third Kind - Wikipedia have always fascinated me.

Canada

A Life-Changing Rugby Adventure

My Canadian adventure began in 1997 when I travelled there to play rugby and work during the summer.

I spent four and a half months living in Oakville and Burlington, Ontario, and played for Burlington Centaurs RFC. Burlington Centaurs RFC

During that time I visited numerous places including London, Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Niagara, Brantford and Buffalo. Every destination offered something different and helped make the experience unforgettable.

Family Connections and Exploring Ontario

Several members of my family have also travelled extensively in Canada. One cousin spent a ski season working in Vancouver, while other family members visited places such as Algonquin Provincial Park. Algonquin Provincial Park | Ontario, Canada | The Friends of Algonquin Park

One of my own favourite memories was driving to Wasaga Beach Home | Town of Wasaga Beach with a friend. It felt exactly like one of those classic North American beach towns you see in films.

The memory remains especially strong because while I was enjoying a night out there, the nightclub announced the news that Princess Diana had died.

Niagara Falls – Better Than Expected

We have all seen Niagara Falls  Niagara Falls - Wikipedia countless times on television and in films.

I honestly thought that when I arrived it might be a little underwhelming because I was already so familiar with the images.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

Niagara Falls completely blew me away.

The sheer power and scale of the falls is difficult to describe until you experience it in person. It remains one of the most impressive natural wonders I have ever seen.

If you get the chance, take the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour. Getting close to the falls is an unforgettable experience and something I would recommend to everyone. Tours & Sightseeing in Niagara Falls - Tripadvisor

Toronto – Canada's Great Sporting City

No visit to Toronto is complete without seeing the iconic CN Tower. CN Tower in Toronto | Restaurants, Attractions & Activities | Destination Toronto

The views are spectacular and it remains one of Canada's most recognisable landmarks.

Sports fans should also make time for a Toronto Blue Jays Official Toronto Blue Jays Website | MLB.com baseball game. Even if you're not a huge baseball fan, the atmosphere and experience are well worth it.

This is an Ultimate Canadian Bucket List Trip that i am currently creating for clients.

For me, that itinerary combines some of the very best experiences Canada has to offer.

The thought of travelling across Canada by train, taking in the incredible scenery, spotting bears and other wildlife, and then finishing with an Alaskan cruise to see glaciers and whales sounds absolutely amazing.

I have to admit, I'm tempted to sneak myself into one of the travellers' suitcases!

Conclusion – Who Wins?

So, USA or Canada?

For me, they're both winners.

The USA offers world-famous cities, incredible entertainment and unforgettable destinations like Florida, Las Vegas and New York.

Canada delivers stunning natural beauty, friendly people, iconic attractions and some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet.

If you're lucky enough to visit either country, you'll create memories that last a lifetime.

If you're fortunate enough to visit both, even better.

Happy and safe travels!

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