This is your weekly update from the Canadian Culture page at BellaOnline. My name is Melanie Hachey and I am the new editor. You can learn a little bit more about me here.

This week I share my wish list of Canadian destinations in Northern and Western Canada. I had a lot of fun writing and researching this article. I almost feel like I've already visited these beautiful natural attractions.

Visit the Canadian Culture Forum to share your favourite attractions and destinations in northern and western Canada; or to vent your feelings about the demise of the Hockey Night in Canada theme song. Any comments, questions, or thoughts you have about Canada, its people, and its culture are always welcome at the forum, so drop by for a chat anytime.

This Week's Canadian Fun Fact

Did you know that Banff National park was Canada's first national park? The park was formed in 1882 to settle the question of ownership of the hot springs. According to the Banff Heritage website, "Before being discovered by Canadian Pacific Railway workers... the hot springs had been used as sacred waters by the Native people. Former prime minister Sir John A Macdonald recognized the need to develop the land, yet wanted the railway to pay its own way. As a result, he agreed to the railway's suggestion, which placed the hot springs under government control."

What's Up Canuck? Your Weekly Canadian Trivia Question

Last Week's Question & Answer:

Why is the Maple Leaf a symbol of Canada?

According to the Canadian Heritage website, the maple leaf is a symbol of Canada because of maple sap's importance to the aboriginal people and to the early settlers. Maple sap is used to make maple syrup and sugar. It was often the only sweetener available to early settlers in Canada. Considering Canada's famous sweet tooth it is perhaps not surprising that we put the maple leaf on our flag.

Do you have a question about Canada? Send it to me in reply to this email and I might use it as a What's Up Canuck trivia question.

This Week's Question

Where did the name "Canada" come from?

Look for your answer next week.

Do you have feedback or questions for me? I'd love to hear from you. You can either start a topic in the forum or simply respond to this email.

I look forward to exploring Canadian Culture with you.