If you want a Canon, get a Rebel XS or XSi. The XSi comes with a better kit lens which has image stabilization, which will help your photos if you're shooting them handheld in bad light. Do look at other brands before you buy, though, as you might like something else more. The results between different brands of cameras are almost exactly the same, the biggest difference is what lenses and flashes are in the camera system, and how they work. Canon has the most lens options, and in some areas the best. Nikon has the second most lens options, and in some areas are the best. Beyond Canon and Nikon, Pentax and Olympus have a fair amount of lenses, and Sony only has a few. Nikon has the best flash system (though not with a D40, you need a D80 or better).

Next, you need some memory. For SD cards, you don't need to spend a lot, but get something that claims something like 133x, 150x speed. Most brands are just fine.

Before you blow huge wads of money on lenses, you need to consider what you want to do.

For shooting landscapes and such, the kit lens is a fine place to start. Here's a shot I took a few years back on the original Digital Rebel, with the kit lens on it:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/25/54517169_e433bed516.jpg
Any of the other brands of cameras would have no issues making an image like this, and all of the kit lenses would have made the shot just fine.

You really need to use the kit lens for a while to learn what you're going to need. You may find that you want a wider perspective, or a longer telephoto zoom. Canon and Nikon both have decent inexpensive telephoto zooms, Canon has the 55-250mm IS, and Nikon, the 55-200mm VR. Neither are amazing, but you will be the limiting factor, not the lens, unless you're trying to do bird or sports photography, really. For a wide lens, Canon's 10-22mm is extremely good, and a nice value at a bit under $700. Lenses get expensive very quickly. Here's a link to give you an idea of what the focal length ranges cover:
http://www.tamroneurope.com/flc.htm
Be sure to click the little camera next to "digital".

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