THE 105^th ANNIVERSARY of Confederation, not the Trump  factor , is behind Canada’s place at the top of a New York Times, listing of 52 “must visit” places in 2017.

The NYT writes:

[caption id="attachment_67148" align="alignright" width="300"] Montreal marks 375th anniversary[/caption]

Canada is huge — the second-largest country by area. It’s also a world unto itself, with cosmopolitan cities, barely explored natural wonders and everything in between. And this is the year to visit: In honor of the 150th anniversary of its confederation, when the original colonies came together as one country, Canada is rolling out the welcome mat.

[caption id="attachment_67146" align="alignleft" width="300"] Vermillion Lakes in Banff national park[/caption]

All of the country’s more than 200 national parks and historic sites are offering free admission through the year, from the turquoise lakes and mountain peaks of Banff in Alberta to the rolling dunes and red sandstone cliffs of Prince Edward Island along the Atlantic Coast to the newest reserve, the glacial-rounded Mealy Mountains in Labrador.

[caption id="attachment_67147" align="alignright" width="300"] Ottawa, the nation's capital[/caption]

 Meanwhile, in the capital, Ottawa, a full year of celebration is planned; more events will be on offer in Montreal, which turns 375.

And did we mention the exchange rate? A weak Canadian dollar means American travelers get more for their money.

 So 2017 offers an ideal time to go north … and for some worried about the political climate to perhaps extend their stay.