Entertainment | Canadian Border

Canadian Destinations for Couples

It’s no secret that Canada has some of the best vacation destinations in North America. Different locations work better for some than others, but regardless of taste, you’ll always find something fun, whether you’re going alone or vacationing with your family.

However, if you’re looking to get away with that special someone, Canada offers numerous options for you as well. There are plenty of locations considered romantic, such as Niagara Falls and Victoria B.C., but there are plenty of other places as well. Take a look below for some different ideas.

Vancouver: Located in the southwestern corner of British Columbia, Vancouver offers a breath of fresh ocean air, tons of recreational activities, gorgeous mountain scenery, and plenty of great places to eat and shop. Other options for couples include a carriage ride in Stanley Park, a stroll along The Weston Bayshore, and a trip to Kitsilano.
Banff & Lake Louise: For couples looking for a bit of seclusion, these areas are perfect and easy to get to. Offering perfect views of the Canadian Rockies, glaciers and hot springs, and charming wildlife, you’re sure to find a mix of adventures.
Ontario: Boasting cities like Toronto and Ottawa, interesting smaller villages, and, of course, Niagara Falls, you’ll never want for something to do in this province. Other options for couples include trips to Niagara-on-the-Lake and Pelee Island, as well as a stop in the popular village of St. Jacobs.

These are just a few options for couples looking to get away for a little while. With the large variety of things to do and see throughout Canada, it won’t matter where you go—there will always be something to do.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Canada, Niagara Falls

Popular Winter Events in Labrador, Canada

Image via Wikipedia

If you’re heading to Canada for a winter getaway, but aren’t sold on the idea of vacationing in the “normal” cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, or Quebec City, give Labrador a chance. Located in the big province of Newfoundland, Labrador, like most of Canada, offers some great scenery. The city also offers considerable amounts of snowfall and cold temperatures, but if you’re a fan of the winter season, Labrador also presents some enjoyable activities.

The Cain’s Quest Snowmobile Race is held every year, typically during the second or third week in March. The race was first held in 2006 and spanned 745 miles (1,200 kilometers) and was an instant hit with Labrador residents and tourists. Cain’s Quest now runs at least 1,553 miles (2,500 kilometers) and participants are from Canada and the United States. If you’re not up to watching the race, you can track participants via the race’s website.

The SnoBreak Winter Festival is also a huge tourist attraction. Held at Happy Valley-Goose Bay over the second week in March, this festival is very family friendly. It includes activities like ice sculpture carving, a GPS-based treasure hunt, A cross-country skiing race known as “The Big Land Loppet,” and a “Family Toboggan party,” which offers numerous family-oriented games, hot dogs, and loads of hot chocolate.

Every three years, the location above hosts the Labrador Winter Games, which typically span the first week in March. In a large celebration of the winter season and sports and the culture of the city of Labrador, people can partake in many different events. These include volleyball tournaments, dog sled, snowmobile, and snowshoe races, hockey, and the Northern Games, a set of four different (and interesting) skill events.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Sports Tagged With: Canada, Labrador

The Excitement of Traveling in Canada

: Image via Wikipedia

Sharing a friendly border with the United States, Canada has long been a favorite travel destination for many Americans. The country offers a rich history, culture and some of the best outdoor experiences you can imagine. You can head into the wild upcountry and challenge the cold, or go to the city for fun and entertainment. Whatever path you choose, you are in for an unforgettable journey.

For those wanting to explore nature and its offerings, you can go to Manitoba. This is the place where early French explorers came to walk over its prairies in the warm and frigid months. Black Island is a beautiful destination, with shorelines looking out onto the water, and you take in the artic near Hudson Bay. This is also the spot where you can find the best chances of spotting a roving polar bear. You can ride a vehicle into the cold and get up and close and personal to these animals, who can stand 10 feet in height and weigh upwards of 2,000 pounds.

To get a taste of the city life, Vancouver is the destination you need. Here, you can take part in the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival or catch a swim at Kitsilano Beach. Granville Island is home to numerous shops, artists creating their work and various quality dining establishments. You can even catch a glimpse of a whale by taking a boat out to sea. You can take in a group of killer whales, which is a moment you won’t soon forget. Or, if you like to gamble, can head over to the Plaza of Nations for a casino game.

No matter your desire, preferance or personality, there are plenty of experiences to fill your plate in Canada. You will experience a friendly people who have a long and fascinating history in some of the most beautiful country in the world.

Filed Under: Entertainment, International Affairs, Travel Tagged With: Canada, Killer whale, United States

Wood Buffalo National Park – A Grand Adventure

Canada’s Wood Buffalo National Park is a unique area to find experiences in the country’s outdoor regions of the North. The salt flats provide a startling backdrop to a morning sunrise, and you can watch for wood bison and whooping cranes circling overhead as they greet the day. You can also watch swans, geese and ducks ply the water as you wait on the shore, enjoying the spread of beauty across the Peace-Athabasca Delta. This area boasts the biggest freshwater delta located in the northern part of Alberta.

The park offers a number of outdoor activities, including camping, canoeing and hiking. There will be plenty of daylight for your adventures, as the sun never really sets during an artic evening. One of the most beautiful sights that you will see is the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights. You can take a ship out to see them on the water or can just take them in the from the land.

The park itself is open throughout the year, with the busiest season during May up through Labour Day in September. During the peak time, you can access camping at either Kettle Point or the Pine Lake Campground throughout the week. If you want to stay Kettle Point as a group, you will need to contact the park and make a reservation. One of the first places you should stop is in one of two visitor centers in the park, either the Fort Smith Visitor Reception Centre or the Fort Chipewyan Visitor Reception Centre. Here, you can get park information, maps and weather news before you head out. You can also check out the park’s website online to find out further information regarding schedules, tours of the park online and various other valuable information. Wood Buffalo National Park is a treasure to explore and a place you will want to visit.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Alberta, Canada, Labour Day, Wood Buffalo National Park

Seeking History at Batoche National HIstoric Site of Canada

Batoche National Historic Site of Canada, located on the shores of the South Saskatchewan River displays the remains of a nineteenth village. Here, the last battle of the Northwest Rebellion of 1885 was fought. Batoche was also the spot where Louis Riel chose to set up his “Provisional Government of the Saskatchewan.” The park service has done extensive restoration to many of the buildings on the site, and you can experience life here during the period from 1860 to 1900. You can also get a personal view into the life of the Metis people that lived here.

At the park, you can walk along the shores near the village and see where the Metis provisional government squared off against the Canadian government. The area’s river lot system will be fascinating to explore, as are its numerous functions for the community. History comes to life when you take part in Back to Batoche Days, as Metis culture and traditions are put on display. You can see crafts from the time period, such as beading, and dance to wonderful music. This event occurs in the third week of July.

The park offers a picnic area that is located near the Visitor Reception Area and at the East Village. There are no grills or open fires allowed at these sites. There are also outdoor sheltered tables available during bad weather. All of the historical buildings on the property are accessible to wheelchairs, and motorized wheelchairs are available for those in need of them. There are also baby jogging strollers as well. These items are given to those first to come in and request them. There is a fee to enter the parks, and you can find further information on the area at the visitor center on site. Batoche National Historic Site of Canada is a wonderful way to spend a day.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Louis Riel, Métis people, North-West Rebellion, Saskatchewan

Discovering History at the Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site of Canada

The Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site of Canada honors the life of Dr. Henry Norman Bethune. The birthplace site recounts the achievements of his amazing life and his dedication to the environment and work to help others. Throughout his lifetime, he had a number of roles: activits, battle surgeon, humanitarian, teacher, creator of art and inventor. The most well known aspect of the life is the final two, when he worked in China as a teacher and surgeon.

During World War I , he was a member of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps as a stretcher bearer. He later finished his degree in medicine and then joined the Royal Navy. As a surgeon later on, he cam up with several advances, including surgery on the chest. He was also responsible for setting up the Montreal Group for the Security of People’s Health, which was the first to support the socialization of medicine. His surgery work in China at the front of the battle lines also testify to his humanity and care for others.

You can tour Dr. Bethune’s home, which was built during the late nineteenth century. There are also a number of artifacts and various exhibits available in the Visitor Centre, including a ten minute film that goes into his lifelong work. There are special events held at the site on Canada Day and Thanksgiving during October.

The park is open from June through August daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, and on Saturday through Wednesday at the same times. From November through May it is only open by appointment. The part recommends that you schedule at least one hour to view the exhibits and then extra time for the film and tour. There is a fee to enter the facility. The park also provides programming for school groups. This park is one that you will definately want to visit.

Filed Under: Entertainment, International Affairs Tagged With: Norman Bethune, Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, Royal Navy

A Taste of History at Carillon Barracks National Historic Site of Canada

Carillon Barracks National Historic Site of Canada came into being during the building of the Ottawa River system of canals. This structure was built in the period between 1830 and 1837. In the years of 1837 and 1838 the English took over the structure and added some of their own changes to it. It also served as a source of housing between 1840 and 1936, finally ending now as the home of the Historical Society of Argenteuil County’s museum. This museum has preserved a number of artifacts that will delight your fancy and pique your interest in history.

The museum focuses on preserving, exhibiting and educating the public about the cultural history of the various peoples in the area. These include the Quebec, British, French, Canadian and Aborignal peoples. There are approximately 7,000 artifacts preserved here, tracing the history of daily work, military, clothing and artistic traditions of the various people. It also displays the work of Sir John-Joseph and Maude Abbott. Their art collection featurs both local and famous artists from all over. You can take a look at various drawings, paintings and sculpture. For history enthusiasts, you can check out their military collection, which features such groups as the Argenteuil Rangers.

There is a fee to enter the facility, and is open from the latter part of March into the middle of December from Tuesday through Sunday. There are various locations around the site that are ideal for picnics, and you visit the local village of St-Andre d’Argenteuil, which is near the Ottawa River. This area offers numerous vistas, fascinating experiences and is worth an afternoon out. The beauty of the area and the chance to step back into history make the Carillon Barracks National Historic Site of Canada a must see stop on your trip through Canada.

Filed Under: Entertainment, News Tagged With: Canada, John-Joseph, Maude Abbott

Digging Up History at Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site of Canada

If you love history and the outdoors, Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site of Canada offers you the best mix of both worlds. This site protects and interprets the key trail that led adventurers to the gold fields of the Yukon. People such as the Tlingit First Nation Traders and numerous prospectors crossed this region seeking wealth, adventure and a change in life. This area was crucial in bringing in floods of people during the Klondike Gold Rush.

The trail begins in Dyea, Alaska and ends at the Yukon River. Along its path you will discover and experience alternating climates, various types of terrain and scenery that will take your breath away. The story of the region is told through the land, following the 33 mile trail that they walked to get to the dream of wealth and adventure at the end. You can camp, go out for the day or walk the entire trail if you are up to the challenge. Bennett Lake and Lindeman City offer visitors a chance to step back in time to this period, experiencing the way life was then.

You can hike as a group with a guide, but you need to be aware of limitations and rules for trips such as this. The trail is beautiful to hike anytime of the year, whether in the warmer months of summer or in the cold of winter. When doing this, you need to be aware of safety procedures for dealing with wildlife, having the right equipment and keeping track of weather conditions. You will also need to make sure that you have the necessary permits and fees taken care of before you head out.

For a challenging and unforgettable experience, the Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site of Canada will help you walk through the same landscape that previous adventurers once took into the North.

Filed Under: Entertainment, International Affairs Tagged With: Bennett Lake, Klondike Gold Rush, Yukon, Yukon River

Massive Flooding in New Brunswick

Southern New Brunswick was recently hit with a series of heavy and coninuous rains that have caused the area to be the victim of massive flooding. The rains helped the waters held by the St. George Dam to overflow the barrier, covering the area in floodwaters. Volunteers in the area are starting to help by using pumps to remove water from residences within St. George and Bonny River. These two areas have seen some of the most massive flooding.

Various relief organizations are already putting efforts forth to help the families and various vicitms of the flooding. They have put out a call for firewood, donations of funds or even gift cards that can be used to help the flood victims. Currently, firewood is the greatest need that these people have. This is due to those homes that can now only be heated through firewood, much of which was washed away when flood waters and strong rains hit the area.

Town meetings are being set up to inform residents of help options that are available and and related efforts that are being put into action. Homeowners and businesses alike were the victims of enormous damage to structures, loss of products and personal property. One business owner stated that he lost around $2,000 in damage to the company’s inventory of products. The current operation is offering individuals up to a total of $4,000 in order to help with immediate costs for recovery. The Canadian Red Cross has also swung into action, bringing in immediate aid to help the flood victims.

The government is stepping in as well to give residents short term housing to those who have suffered the most severe losses to property and homes. In addition, they will help to conduct inspections to ensure the health of safety of a structure, test water for drinkability and get power services back up and running.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Bonny River, Canadian Red Cross, Flood, New Brunswick

Car Recalls on the Table for Canadian Drivers

Canadian car owners have recently been victim to a large number of vehicle recalls for various defects. The latest recall concerns American General Motors salwes of over 13,000 vehicles in the crossover class for seatbelt issues. The company stated that seatbelts for the driver and the front passenger could fail to work due to the possible breakage of the anchor for the belt. This can pose a serious danger to the driver and passenger in the event of the wreck, removing a key source of injury protection.

To this point, no wrecks and related passenger injuries have been brought to the company’s attention. The issue was found when the company was doing testing on the vehicles in September. To inform customers, the company is sending them a letter in the mail that should arrive around January 18th or before. This outlines details for taking the car to a nearby dealership for repairs at no cost. The repairs done will help to fix the issue and remove the safety hazard.

Another recall that has crossed the border into the United States as well for several vehicles that have issues. This includes the following: General Motors Terrain, Cadillac SRX and the Chevrolet Equinox are part of the Canadian recall. These are tied to the United States general recall, which totals sales of approximately 100,000 of these vehicle models.

Luckily, Canada has avoided a series of recalls instituted by Honday for some of its vehicles. The company called back approximately 35,000 Passport sports utility vehicles with rear suspension bracket issues. The brackets could possibly come apart and cause a collision. These vehicles were not offered on the Canadian market. The company has also had issues with its Fit vehicles in regards to the headlights, brining in a 1.35 million vehicle recall, which thankfully Canada was able to avoid as well.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox, general motor