According to Skyscanner, Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, is about to see a 29% increase in Canadian tourists this May.
Edinburgh has always been a popular tourist destination for Canadian travellers, especially in the summer, when it’s full of vibrant festivals and – sometimes – gorgeous weather.
But we can’t help but think that Canadians who travel to Edinburgh might be missing a trick. That is to say, if you’re a Canadian and you’re thinking of visiting this beautiful city, why not go the full hog and explore the rest of Scotland?
There are so many reasons why Scotland makes a great Canadian destination. From its amazing history to its scenic landscapes, this feels like a country that’s been crafted specifically for Canadians to love. To provide some evidence for this, we’re going to go into all the most crucial reasons Scotland is a Canadian’s paradise.
Emphasis on Outdoor Adventure
The reason people love hiring our Scottish motorhomes is because Scotland is all about outdoor adventure. From the rolling hills of Glencoe to the glistening waters of Loch Ness, this is a country that has to be experienced rather than observed.
We know that you Canadians have some beautiful landscapes of your own, and we also know you appreciate the thrill of exploring them. This is exactly what Scotland asks you to do, only with different scenery that includes famous natural landmarks, such as Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, and the Isle of Skye.
Some people think the words ‘hiking’ and ‘vacation’ are incompatible. But Scottish vacations aren’t about lying on a sun lounger and soaking in the rays – we don’t have any rays, so we have to offer other things to pass your time! What we offer is a multitude of beautiful hikes and fantastic outdoor activities, all of which you can only experience if you venture out of the city and explore Scotland a little deeper.
Retracing Your Cultural Heritage
Another reason why Scotland provides the perfect Scottish vacation is because of our historical ties. According to recent statistics, around 4 million Canadians claim Scottish descent, and if you’re one of those people, Scotland provides you with an opportunity to retrace those footsteps and really explore your Scottish heritage.
Many Canadians, for instance, have Scottish ancestors who fought in the Jacobite rebellions, which you can learn more about by visiting the site of the final battle at Culloden Battlefield. Plenty can also trace their roots back to the MacLeod clan, which had an ancestral seat in Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye.
Roots like this can be explored across the country, with plenty more locations – including the Highlands, St Andrews, and Glasgow – all offering you a way to explore your ancestral past and pay it tribute. Not to mention, it makes it easier to note down exactly where you want to go. When it comes to writing a Scottish itinerary, there are quite a few options, making it a little tricky to narrow down the best places for you. In this case, you can simply look into your Scottish heritage, learn a bit more about your family history, and make your decisions based on that!
Delighting Your Taste Buds
It’s hard not to think about Scotland without thinking about whisky – and yes, that’s spelt without an ‘E’! Another thing Canadians are known for, of course, is their appreciation of fine spirits and artisanal beverages, and you can’t get any finer than whisky made straight from good ol’ Scottish water. Across the country, there are dozens of whisky distilleries and beer breweries, each of which has a story to tell and some beautiful beverages to try out.
Another way you can try these beverages? Festivals! Edinburgh Fringe isn’t the only Scottish festival, you know. There are numerous others that take place during the summer, with a number of them celebrating the country’s whisky-making heritage and offering enthusiasts the opportunity to sample a wide variety of whiskies, learn from experts, and have some fun.
Even apart from whisky, the Scottish culinary scene takes a leaf out of the Canadian book, with some gorgeous fish dishes like smoked salmon, Cullen skink, and the world-famous fish n’ chips. Sure, you can try some of these dishes and whiskies in Edinburgh, but you won’t be getting the full experience, and this is what it’s all about.
Get Booking!
We haven’t come across a single traveller to Edinburgh who didn’t want to stay longer. While this is a great city full of friendly people and fun activities, it only gives you a taste of what Scotland has to offer, and a motorhome vacation is the perfect way to try the full meal. So take it into account, check out the rest of our blog for some location ideas, and get booking, eh?
