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Royal Canadian Holiday ? A Unique Itinerary Omitting Toronto

Main Pod of the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada

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Toronto is a notable omission from the itinerary of the royal tour of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Canada. The tour is primarily a leisure tour with a few official engagements thrown in. Normally, one would expect a visit to the largest city of any country to understand what all it has to offer. However, the royal couple have come up with a uniquely Canadian tour filled with a dragon boat race, a BBQ, a trip on a frigate and a float plane, and a game of street hockey.

The tour is all set to create a craze for Canadian holidays that bypass the largest city. Tourists to the city may breathe a sigh of relief as this means they can avoid the stricter security measures that invariably accompany the high profile couple. However, hoteliers and other service providers will rue the fact that they have been given a cold shoulder. They will face a further reduction in tourist interests as all holiday goers will focus on the interiors of Canada and will try to relive the experience of the royal couple.

Skipping Toronto means that that the royal couple will miss all that the CN tower revolving restaurant. Other facilities may be common but William and Kate will definitely not find another revolving restaurant about 1150 feet high.

The country is not known to flaunt its connection with the British Empire but the royal couple have been the toast of fashion and lifestyle experts for the past few months ever since the marriage. Further, the hope that this royal marriage may work out well is an attraction for the Canadians.

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Biking in Victoria, British Columbia

hiking way - escursionisti

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With over 4 million global visitors per year, Victoria British Columbia is one of the most beautiful places you can see in your lifetime. The capital of Canada is widely known as the City of Gardens, but Canadians consider it to also be the Cycling Capital of Canada.

If you’re worried about taking your favorite pro bicycle with you, don’t sweat it. Moving quotes are available to get your bike there safe and sound so you can enjoy your cycling vacation in style. There’s no need to do without when you are out and about. So feel free to bring your bike along to beautiful British Columbia.

To kick off your cycling trip, visit the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. What used to be an old railway line has been transformed into a scenic cycling trail just under 35 miles long. The trails winds gracefully through the wilderness and the city all in one go.

The Botanical Beach, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park provides an expanse to explore and much more with its dazzling coastal placement. The 9.5 mile long trail leads you up and down the coastline. It’s a three hour drive, so strap your bike on the roof and pack a bagged lunch.

The Lochside Regional Trail is built off another old railway and provides a sprawling view of Mount Baker along its 18 mile trail. The winding trail is connected to the Galloping Goose and takes you through wetlands and forested trails as well as grassy fields.

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Enjoying Toronto for Free

In today’s economy, many people are looking for ways to save some money, sometimes cutting out those much needed vacations during the year. If you think a trip to Canada may be out of question for you and your family, think again. Perhaps you want to take the kids to Toronto. While you’ll still have to spring for the transportation costs to get to the city, there are plenty of ways to save money after getting there. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend money tp have fun in Toronto. Below is a list of Toronto attractions that are free!

  • Toronto boasts Canada’s largest museum in The Royal Ontario Museum. On Wednesday nights from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., admission to the museum is absolutely free. On Friday nights from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., admission is only half-price (a regular adult ticket is $22, so this is a steal).
  • If you’re a fan of classical music, then Toronto’s Harbourfront is where you need to be during the summer months. The “Summer Music in the Garden” series is free and you can listen on Thursday nights at 7:00 p.m. and/or Sunday nights at 4:00 p.m., weather allowing, of course.
  • The Art Gallery of Ontario, which is housed in Toronto, offers free admission on Wednesday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The museum houses exhibits in contemporary art, as well as European and African art. The AGO is among the largest museum in all of North America and is also very popular with tourists.

These are just a few ways to experience Toronto for free. Take a stroll through the free markets around the city, too. You never know what you might find there.

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Haunted Ontario: The Royal York Hotel

Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, Canada

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Vacationing in Canada offers a wide variety of activities and sights. Ontario alone offers tourists a myriad of fun adventures. One thing Toronto offers—if you’re up for something different, that is—is paranormal in nature. The Royal York Hotel, built in 1929, is located in downtown Toronto and, according to guests and employees alike, is haunted. The 28-floor hotel is located across the street from Union Station, can be arrived at by tunnel, and has hosted many members of the royal family, as well as celebrities. With the building’s age come many different tales of ghosts.

  • On the eighth floor, people have reported seeing a greying man wearing a smoking jacket. He wanders through the hall way and a hotel ballroom. There have also been claims that the ghost of an old bellman wanders the eighth floor as well.
  • The penthouse level of the hotel houses the now-defunct Crystal Ballroom. The hotel elevators still go to the ballroom on a regular basis. Guests in the room below always report loud music and voices from the ballroom above.
  • Room lights and hallways lights flash on and off for no reason. After this occurs, guests have reported hearing screaming children running up and down the hall. When they check, the hallways are empty.
  • The top floors of the hotel house maintenance rooms that only workers have access to. Years ago, a workers hung himself in the staircase leading to the roof. Today, workers report screaming from the staircase. Surveillance footage shows nothing.
  • Maintenance workers have reported changes in the electrical current, elevators stopping at random floors, loss of power to tools, and gusts of cold air in well-heated areas.
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Quebec’s Ice Hotel: Tips When Taking the Plunge

The Canadian city of Quebec offers the adventurous something that cannot be found anywhere else in North America: a hotel made entirely from ice. The experience is surely like no other, but if you’re planning to take the plunge and visit Ice Hotel Quebec for a night or two, there are some things to keep in mind.

The best advice is always to think the situation through. Staying at the ice hotel might seem like a great idea, but there are things to consider. Can you handle the cold for an extended period of time? Do you want to spend all of that money on something you may or may not enjoy? If you’re not up to staying overnight at the hotel, you do have the option of just taking a tour and/or having a drink at the hotel bar.

This should be common sense, but refrain from drinking a bunch of alcohol. Alcohol thins the blood stream and speeds up the loss of body heat. Be responsible when visiting the hotel bar, especially if you’re planning to spend a night or two at the hotel. Bathrooms are located outside of the hotel, so unless you’re okay with having to run outside every ten minutes, the less you drink, the better.

If you’ve decided to be adventurous and stay at Ice Hotel Quebec, make sure that you speak with someone when making your reservations. You have different options, such as reserving a hotel room nearby if the weather gets too cold. Be sure you get what you need—this will make your stay as pleasant as possible.

Lastly, be sure to dress appropriately for your stay.  You’ll receive information from the hotel on the proper dressing procedures, but there are some simple common sense steps to follow, too. Never overdress—it doesn’t always mean you’ll be warm. Wearing the right items is a better choice. Avoid items made of cotton, as it absorbs sweat and will only make you colder.

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Activities for Canadian Winters

Panorama of the Whistler Blackcomb resort, the...

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When it comes to winter, there may be no better place to spend it than Canada. It’s no secret that Canadians love their winter season. As a result, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, whether you’re just visiting for a few days, a week, or if you’re lucky enough to be able to move there. If you’re looking for something fun to do while in Canada, look over the list below and go from there. The possibilities are almost endless!

  • Visit a ski resort. There is no shortage of these throughout Canada. One of the most popular is Whistler Blackcomb, only a couple hours north of Vancouver in British Columbia. Mont-Tremblant is just north of Montreal, and Banff & Lake Louise in Alberta are also popular skiing/snowboarding destinations.
  • Stay a few nights at the Quebec Ice hotel. This is sure to be one unique experience! The entire hotel has the outer appearance of a cathedral and is sculpted entirely from ice—even the furniture and chandeliers! The hotel is built new each year and is open from January to April. Dress appropriately, though. The temperature runs between 23 and 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 to -5 degrees Celsius).
  • Skate the length of the Rideau Canal in Ottawa. The canal is five miles long and is a popular skating destination each winter. Visitors and residents use the ice for recreational purposes, but some also use it as a means of transportation. Open when the canal is decidedly frozen, you can rent skates right when you get there!
  • Give snowshoeing a try. This activity was first used as a way of transportation for traders and the like, it’s mostly a recreational activity now. Whether you’re looking for a new way of exploring the terrain or just want a new form of exercise, snowshoeing is definitely worth a try. Many Canadian lodges and ski resorts offer snowshoe rentals at decent prices, and if you’re looking for more than just a day of the activity, take it one step further—heli snowshoeing takes you to remote locations. If you’re not up for that, try a two-day excursion and stay overnight in an igloo.
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Fun Family Resorts in Canada

When deciding on the perfect location for a family vacation, one of the most important factors will be lodging. This can be an easy decision for some, but a long, drawn out one for others. Choosing a place to stay in Canada can be difficult. After all, the options can be almost endless, depending on where you’ll be spending your vacation. In a province like Ontario, your options are numerous. If you’re looking for a place that’s family friendly, take a look at the list below for some good options.

  • Delta Chelsea: Located right in downtown Toronto, this hotel is one of the largest in Canada and is just minutes away from theatre, shopping, and restaurant attractions. Sporting 1,500 rooms, Delta Chelsea offers separate recreational rooms for families and has an indoor waterslide, gaming arcade, and a creative area for kids.
  • Severn Lodge: Located in Port Severn, this location offers three different styles of lodgings—family-style, two-bedroom style, and regular hotel style—making it easy to find comfort for everyone. With over 100 acres of waterfront, activities include water skiing, sailing, fishing, swimming, and tennis, just to name a few. A children’s program is also available and offers outdoor sports, crafts, bon fires, and more.
  • Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: With three different locations throughout Ontario (Amherstburg, Niagara Falls, and Bradford), this is a popular place for families. The parks offer a choice of different lodgings, including themed cottages, regular and wooded tent sites, and you can also rent trailers. Each location is a bit different when it comes to offered activities, so it’s best to call to see what’s offered at each location.
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6 Perfect Vacation Spots in Canada

If you’ve been thinking about taking that much-needed vacation, look no further than Canada, our neighbor to the north. While you’ll have to take a few extra steps, like getting a passport, Canada offers a wide range of different vacation spots that you’re sure to enjoy. There’s bound to be something—or some place—for everybody.

Quebec City: Like few other cities throughout North America, Quebec City offers a true “old city” feeling. Gorgeous 17th century architecture towers throughout the city. French cafes are everywhere along the cobblestone sidewalks, and there are still old fortress walls in existence. The experience offers a historic feeling.

Whistler Blackcomb: An incredibly scenic two-hour drive from Vancouver, Whistler is one of the best known ski resorts in the world. Two mountains—Whistler and Blackcomb—offer a staggering 8,000 acres of powder for skiers and snowboarders. If the snow isn’t enough, Whistler also offers a wide selection of restaurants, spas, and plenty of other spots for adventure.

Cape Breton: Off the tip of Nova Scotia in Eastern Canada, this island is well know for its heritage (mainly Celtic) and the gorgeous Cabot Trail. The island has established its own unique identity through the celebrations of its heritage through just about everything, including food, musical stylings, and the people in general.

Toronto: There’s good reasons why this is the best-known city in Canada. If such popular events as the Toronto International Film Festival and Fan Expo Canada aren’t enough, Toronto also offers a wide variety of top-notch restaurants and shopping facilities. Right next to New York City, Toronto is an ideal vacation spot for a week long trip or a simple weekend one.

Algonquin Park: If you’re one for nature and camping, this may be the perfect spot for you. Covering 4,800 miles, the park offers fourteen trails for biking or hiking, a logging museum, and numerous educational programs.

Niagara Falls: Billed by some as too “tacky and touristy,” this location is still a very popular vacation destination. Over the last few years, new restaurants and hotels have appeared, along with the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort.

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Tips on Fitting Into the Different Types of Canadian Culture

Depending on the Canadian province you are visiting, as well as which region in that particular province you are in, you will find that Canadian culture differs from place to place. These tips will help you fit in no matter where you are, so that you can enjoy all that Canada has to offer to its fullest extent. 1.Depending on where you are, the culture may be more heavily influenced by one nationality than another. For example, Quebec has an extremely strong French influence, while other provinces or regions are heavily influenced by British or American cultural practices. If you do find yourself in a heavily French-influenced region, you will notice that the French-Canadians tend to be more reserved in their personal contact; however, they tend to be more open in their business relationships. The reason for your visit to a French-influenced region will determine the reaction you observe. If you want to learn more about cultural differences in heavily French-influenced regions, you can utilize Canada 411 for information. The more you learn, the better-prepared you will be. 2.Cuisine will most likely differ from region to region. However, there are similarities. Most cuisines center on seasonal offerings, and wild game may be used for meat dishes. Canada 411 can give you additional information on regional and provincial cuisines. 3.Leisure activities depend on the region itself. It depends on whether it is more rural or urban. If the region is more rural, there will likely be lots of emphasis on outdoor sports. The more urban regions will offer the same activities as other major cities, including fine dining, theatre, and other things. Searching online can provide information on the activities that are indicative to a region. You are encouraged to use Canada 411 resources to find out information about the different provinces and regions. They can be extremely helpful.

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Ottawa Festivals: A Spring Sensation

Springtime in Ottawa offers sensational weather, picture-perfect scenery, and plenty of festivals to check out whether you’re alone on a weekend or on a weeklong vacation with your family. If you’ve never been the festival-going type of person, there’s no better time to dive into the activity than in Ottawa in the months of April and May.

The Canadian Tulip Festival is one of Canada’s most famous springtime festivals. Running for nearly an entire month—usually in May when tulips are at full bloom—this festival is an indication of the long-standing friendship between Canada and the Netherlands that began in 1945.. The festival began in 1953 and has run every year since, showcasing a different theme each year. Recent themes have included “Floral Artistry of Japan,” “Where Ideas Bloom,” and “Liberation,” which celebrated the liberation of Europe.

The festival came close to bankruptcy in 2006, came under new management and was reorganized in 2007, and now focuses on the idea of friendship. The tulip sites include Major’s Hill Park, Garden of the Provinces on Parliament Hill, and Commissioner’s Park in Dow’s Lake.

Ottawa loves maple syrup and is a leading producer, so it’s only natural that they have a Maple Sugar Festival. Held during the last weekend of March and first week of April, attendees can indulge in numerous kinds of treats made with maple syrup, including maple candy and “beaver tails”—a fried pastry shaped like a beaver tail and drenched in maple syrup. There are plenty of taste-tests throughout the festival. You can learn how maple syrup is made, watch a lumberjack competition, and enjoy other activities alone or with your family.

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