I'm a New Yorker who went to Canada for the first time. I found 9 things so impressive that I can't wait to go back.

The reporter went to Quebec City, Niagara Falls, Toronto, and Montreal during her first trip to Canada in 2022. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I visited Canada for the first time in 2022, exploring the eastern provinces of Ontario and Quebec.

I spent seven days traveling through Niagara Falls, Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City.

I want to return to Quebec and Niagara Falls and take more Canadian trains to other provinces.

Colossal waterfalls, scenic train rides , and cities that feel like Europe — I experienced them all in one week during my first trip to Canada.

In August 2022, I traveled from my home in New York City to Canada's eastern provinces of Ontario and Quebec.

Overall, my trip to Canada was only a taste of what the country has to offer — a rich bite that left me hungry for more. I knew from the moment I left that I would be back.

I traveled to Ontario and Quebec by bus, train, and plane, hitting cities and attractions from Niagara Falls to Montreal.

A map shows where the reporter traveled to. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I traveled by train from NYC to Niagara Falls, New York, and walked into Niagara Falls, Canada .

After three days in the Niagara Falls area, I took a bus up to Toronto for a night. From there, I traveled by train to Montreal and  Quebec City , spending one night in each city before flying home to New York.

As a seasoned Amtrak rider, I found Canada's train system, Via Rail, so impressive that I want to return to try more classes and routes.

Via Rail is the main passenger rail service in Canada. Bloomberg/Getty Images

I've spent more than 150 hours on Amtrak trains , reviewing its various accommodations — from business and first class to private rooms in sleeper cars .

So, when I traveled to Canada, I was excited to try out Via Rail , Canada's train line similar to Amtrak. One of the most accessible and popular ways to travel through the country, Via Rail has economy seating, business class, and sleeper accommodations.

After two rides, I found that my first experiences on Canada's Via Rail system were more comfortable than Amtrak equivalents, thanks to top-notch service and amenities.

I booked two Via Rail rides — one in economy and another in business class.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I booked a business-class ticket from Toronto to Montreal. For about $200, it came with perks that Amtrak only offers to first-class passengers, such as meal service and access to lounges at select stations, including Toronto.

I also booked an economy ticket on Via Rail from Montreal to Quebec City for about $150, and I thought it was more spacious than an Amtrak coach seat.

Now, I want to explore Canada by train and perhaps try out more classes, such as sleeper cars and premium accommodations.

After trying poutine for the first time, I have to go back for some different takes on it.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Poutine is a pile of fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy — a Canadian comfort food originating in Quebec.

Before visiting Canada, I had never tried poutine or even seen it on a menu. That changed in Montreal when I dined at La Banquise, a casual joint serving classic poutine and creative renditions loaded with meats, vegetables, bacon, or sauces like Caesar and chipotle.

I decided to go with the classic since it was my first time trying it. In one bite, I could see why this dish was so popular and comforting. It was warm, filling, and nostalgic.

The fries were crispy and greasy, just like I like them. The gravy tasted like Thanksgiving dinner, and the curds added a unique texture without overpowering the flavor.

Next time I'm in Montreal, I'll return to La Banquise to try some of the other loaded poutine options on the menu.

I thought Niagara Falls was epic and beautiful.

Niagara Falls seen from a boat. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Niagara Falls is an iconic landmark known for its massive waterfalls on the US-Canada border.

Seeing Niagara Falls up close was a highlight of the trip. Since I've seen so many pictures, I wasn't expecting to be quite so entranced by the falls. But I was completely in awe of how massive, beautiful, and loud they were.

The boardwalk lining the falls also reminded me of Times Square on New Year's Eve because of the excitement it drew.

I'd love to go back during the offseason to see what it's like when it's less crowded.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

There were a lot of crowds at the falls. From the attractions surrounding it to the packed crosswalks around town, Niagara Falls was so full of people that I spent a lot of time waiting in lines and standing on my tippy toes to peer over people's heads. It would have been much more enjoyable without so many other visitors.

I would love to go back to Niagara Falls in early spring or late fall when it's less crowded and enjoy a more peaceful moment alone in front of the falls.

I got a break from the crowds when I stayed at this treehouse Airbnb outside Niagara Falls.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I wanted to mix time in big cities with smaller towns to relax and see what life is like away from the bustle.

While searching for unique Airbnbs in the areas I was traveling to, I came across a treehouse on a property located between a vineyard and the woods.

I stayed for one night and found it to be so peaceful and relaxing.

The author enjoys the treehouse Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I loved being alone in this quiet, natural place equipped with all the comforting amenities of home.

Sitting on the front porch facing the forest, this treehouse was the best remote office I've had the pleasure of working in. It was the perfect place to reflect on my travels, note my most interesting observations, and review the hundreds of photos I'd already taken.

I'd love to go back for a few days to recharge completely. I didn't get a chance to cook a meal in the kitchen or spend a day reading o...

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