I say if you can get into Canada, make that your first choice. Absolutely a fantastic race, great scenery, unbelievable support - I loved it. I also did IM Austria and recommend it as a possible p.r. course 9for your first, its great). Its a lake swim (too many turns though, and the canal gets packed with people). But once out of the water, so long as you pace yourself right, the bike can be fast (fastest IM bike split is on this course) and run is flat as can be. Good luck and enjoy.