Traversing almost the entire scope of latitudes between the Arctic and<br >Antarctic regions， the Americas span the complete spectrum of climate<br >and landscape. Their vast area is formed into two massive continents，<br >each unique， each fu of contrasts， each an adventure.<br > The Americas derive their name from the Florentine explorer，<br >Amerigo Vespucci， once wrongly credited with the discovery of the<br >North American mainland in 1497. Christopher Columbus， seeking to<br >confirm his belief in a spherical world， had preceded Vespucci by five<br >years. The native Indian civilizations， however， had been in existence<br >for as many as 20，000 years prior to this discovery - the Inuits in the<br >frozen tundra of the north， the tribes of the North American mainland，<br >the Mayan and Aztec cultures of Mexico， and the extraordinary Incas of<br >South America.<br > Canada s magnificent alpine scenery， among the most beautiful and<br >dramatic in the world， remains untouched. Much of it has been<br >designated national parkland and is protected for the enjoyment of all<br >who wish to take advantage of this national heritage. Communing with<br >nature is a popular pursuit among Canadians， a pastime that visitors<br >will be ea~er to share.<br >