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Snow-covered mountains, spectacular ice glaciers, infamous winters and…tropical islands?
While the latter may not be the first thing we think of when booking our holidays to Canada, it would seem that one political persuasion has its sights set on annexing a Hawaii of its own as the New Democratic Party (NDP) plans to raise the exotic proposal again at the upcoming party’s national convention in Edmonton.
The tropical destinations in question are the Turks and Caicos Islands, an archipelago of 40 coral islands just southeast of the Bahamas in the Atlantic Ocean. The islands, which remain a British territory, feature in the list of resolutions (1-92-16) the NDP has devised ahead of meeting.
Don’t trade in your winter sports adventure for a sun lounger on your next Canadian trip just yet, however, as Canada is a long way off from adopting an 11th province. In fact, this is by no means the first time the question of welcoming the Turks and Caicos into the nation has been raised. In 1917, the then Prime Minister Robert Borden asked the Brits to leave these islands in the capable hands of Canada.
More recently, the paradise location has been touted as providing ample potential for Canada to develop into an affordable tourist destination for all. Which, if the motion goes through, would undoubtedly offer a different kind of experience for tourists wanting to soak in the culture and attitude of Canada.
While the news of recent snow has spring skiing hopes looking up, for those of us counting down the days until summer, a tropical escape in a country we love is bound to appeal. Back in 2014, Conservative politician Peter Goldring shared this sentiment when he said: “Canada really needs a Hawaii. The United States has a Hawaii. Why can’t Canada have a Hawaii?”
Of course, moving this pipedream forward would require both the blessing of the Turks and Caicos Premier Rufus Ewing and the willingness of the Queen to hand over this asset.
Visit Sable Island instead
In the meantime, visitors can find solace in another natural beauty spot – Sable Island. A small island just 300km southeast of Halifax in Nova Scotia, this quiet place is home to just five people out of season and a whole host of wild Sable Island horses.
Sable Island is under the protection of Parks Canada and has become an area of interest for the scientific community studying atmospheric and meteorological conditions, as well as a haven for incredible wildlife.
Image Credit: Dennis Jarvis (flickr.com)
