In photos: US election shines spotlight on Canada as utopian destination

Before the specter of ‘Trump for president’ hit Americans hard, travel experts had already been raving about Canada as a burgeoning destination in 2016, be it for favourable exchange rates, its dynamic dining scene and the country’s scenic spots. Here are a few highlights to consider.

This week, dumbfounded Americans alarmed at the results of Super Tuesday took to Google in droves, driving up searches on how to move to Canada and shining the spotlight on the country as a utopian alternative to a Donald Trump-led future.

Read: Tips to travel like a pro

But before the specter of ‘Trump for president’ hit Americans hard, travel experts had already been raving about Canada as a burgeoning destination in 2016, be it for favourable exchange rates, its dynamic dining scene and the country’s scenic spots.

Here are a few highlights to consider.

Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City: Lonely Planet named Quebec City one of the best value destinations for 2016, calling it a budget-friendly alternative to a European vacation

Distillery District, Canada: A major development project transformed a former distillery into an historic space for retail and dining.

Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia: Created by a local radio host, the site “Cape Breton If Donald Trump Wins” has gone viral, inviting Americans to move to the island off Nova Scotia should Trump win the US election.

Queen Street West, Toronto: Vogue named Toronto’s West Queen Street West one of the 15 coolest neighbourhoods in the world last year after Shimokitazawa, Japan for its “artery of indie patisseries, homegrown labels, and hidden-from-view galleries.”

Toronto, Canada: Hotels.com named Canada’s biggest city one of the top 10 destinations to visit in 2016. This year, the city will see the opening of its first luxury department store Saks, along with a Nordstrom. The city also celebrates its 182nd birthday on March 5.

Quebec City: Quebec is a convincing North American stand-in for France.

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia: Travel + Leisure named British Columbia’s wine country, Okanagan Valley, one of the ‘Best Places to Travel’ in 2016 for its “stark beauty” and sophisticated food and wine scene.