Our northern neighbor and the second largest country in the world, Canada offers a wealth of things to do and is only a hop, skip and a jump away. A country renowned for its stunningly beautiful scenery, there are as many indoor adventures as outdoor across the vast landscape. Whatever providence you choose, make sure you don't miss the top 5 things to do in Canada, across the border.

Rock Out

For music lovers, Salmo, British Columbia is the place to be next month as the town hosts the Shambhala Music Festival, August 5-8^th 2011. The festival, held annually, celebrates electronic music showcasing talent from around the globe. At Salmo over 10,000 people can be found in each summer listening to music while crowding around six uniquely themed stages complete with light show and art décor.

Hit the Ice

If you're a hockey fan, you'll have many options of things to do in Canada. Travel to downtown Toronto and visit the Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum. Marvel at the Stanley Cup up close and enjoy two state of the art interactive games of one-on-one with a life-size computer simulated goalie, or a video image of hockey superstars Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier. Then relax in one of the two theaters showing hockey films, or visit the D.K. "Doc" Seaman Hockey Resource Centre to see the largest collection of hockey resources.

Travel to Old West

Looking for a break from city life? Travel to Calgary, Alberta in July for some Western fun. The Calgary Stampede, an annual event, goes from July 8-17 this year. Bring your boots and cowboy hat and join the town in preserving western heritage complete with live country music and a rodeo. Watch the GMC Rangeland Derby as 36 drivers compete for a grand prize of $1.15 million. Each evening of the ten-day event enjoy Volte at the Grandstand show, a group that will bring you a world of surprises and pyrotechnics. Show up the first day to watch the parade carry attractive floats through the town.

Explore the Great Outdoors

For the active adventurers, Canada is a treasure trove of greener living. Check out the Trans Canada Trail a 13,700-mile network that takes you across the country from St. Johns, Newfoundland, Victoria to British Colombia and north to the Arctic Ocean. Explorers can pick their poison by hiking along the path, paddling through the Athabasca River, cycling the Galloping Goose, kayaking, horseback riding, or even skiing depending on the season. Take the trail for an hour hike, or a month long backpacking adventure.

Go Rustic

Looking for more of a relaxing vacation in Canada? Travel to Muskoka Cottage Country in Ontario and enjoy the peaceful village with a view of Muskoka Lake and the sound of waterfalls close by. Muskoka district is a two drive from Toronto and is home to 17 historic towns. The Algonquin Provincial Park to the east and 30,000 islands of Georgian Bay Islands National Park to the west border the district Enjoy paddle boarding on the lake, shop along the river walk, or go to the Pow Wow Point Lodge for campfires, canoeing and volleyball.

by Rachel Jimenez, Contributing Author