Travel | Canadian Border

Royal Canadian Holiday ? A Unique Itinerary Omitting Toronto

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.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: British Empire, Canada, Dragon boat

Save Money on Your Next Vacation

So, you’re going to Hawaii or on a Caribbean cruise. Maybe you’re taking a trip to Disneyworld with your children. How do you save money, keep the spending to a minimum, and still come home with money in your wallet?

The trick may not be as difficult as you think. Consider these ideas:

Plan out your trip. This includes flight, hotel and other expenses including souvenirs. Keep in mind that planning ahead in all areas will keep you in line when “surprises” happen later on.
Get going on a prepaid card from Reach Card Visa. This way you can save money ahead of time, and almost everything you need for your trip is in one place.
Take along some cash. It’s always a good idea to have a little for those inexpensive purchases like your daughter’s “have to have” postcard.
Give everyone a souvenir budget. Stick to it.
Get your flight scheduled as soon as possible. Prices may go up the longer you wait.
Ask about discounts. Check online and make some calls.
Eat in. Stay at a condo rather than a hotel. Prepare most of your meals.
Don’t pack everything you own. Take only a bare minimum of clothing and use the washing machine at your destination as necessary. Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs instead of bringing an extra one.

It’s easy to save on your next vacation if you plan ahead, stick to your plans, and prepare for emergencies—because they will always happen even within the most glorious trip.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Caribbean, Hawaii, Save (baseball)

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.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto

What to Do in Ottawa on Canada Day

Image via Wikipedia

Canada celebrates its birthday on the first of July, and if you happen to be in Ottawa on that day, you’ll have no shortage of events and happenings to attend. Parliament Hill is located in Ottawa, so while there are many birthday festivities all over Canada, the most popular are found in Ottawa. Festivities take place on Parliament Hill, as well as in neighboring parks such as Major’s Hill Park and Confederation park, to name a few. From free musical entertainment to chicken dinners, Ottawa offers just about everything on Canada Day, and the best part? Almost all of it is free!

Two of the most popular Canada Day events take place right at Parliament Hill. At the strike of noon, the Canadian Snowbirds perform a fly-by in honor of the day itself, as well as the country’s prime minister and other high-ranking officials. Live performances by popular musicians take place throughout the day. Participating musical acts in recent years have included Barenaked Ladies and Hey Rosetta!

At nighttime, usually around 10 p.m., fireworks take over the sky above Peace Tower on the hill. While the show can be seen from all over (and always promises a spectacular ending), there are locations that provide some of the best viewing experiences possible. Major’s Hill Park is the most popular viewing spot, but the Canadian Museum of Civilization also offers great views.

Canada Day brings about other fun activities, whether you’re with your family or running solo for the day. Take a look at the following list for some fun ideas.

Free chicken BBQ in Major’s Hill Park
Free tours are offered at the Royal Canadian Mint
Free jazz music/festival in Confederation Park
Canada Day walk/run in Jacques Cartier Park

Filed Under: News, Travel Tagged With: Canada, Ottawa

Haunted Ontario: The Royal York Hotel

Image via Wikipedia

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.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Canada, Toronto

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.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Quebec, Quebec City, Travel and Tourism

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.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Canada, Downtown Toronto, Ontario

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 17^th 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.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Canada, Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, Whistler Blackcomb

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.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Canadian Tulip Festival, Maple syrup

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