Canadian Border

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

Activities for Canadian Winters

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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.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Sports Tagged With: British Columbia, Canada, Rideau Canal

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

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.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Government Tagged With: Canadian content, Culture of Canada, Michael Geist

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

Popular Winter Events in Labrador, Canada

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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

What is Fan Expo Canada?

Many of us have heard of Fan Expo Canada (commonly referred to simply as “Expo”) from family or friends, but it can be difficult to understand, much less explain, if you’ve never been there yourself. It’s difficult to discern from the name just what “Expo” is, but that’s what makes it so much more interesting.

So, what exactly is Fan Expo Canada? Founded in 1994 by Hobby Star Marketing and first held in 1995, Expo was originally called the “Canadian National Comic Book Expo.” In its early days, Expo showcased comic books, science fiction and fantasy items, and television/movie-related items over a three-day period.

In the years since, the event has moved to the Metro Toronto Convention Center and has grown from just 1,400 attendees in 1995 to over 60,000 in 2010. Expo now showcases a very wide range of pop-culture items, including video games and card games and include items from the genres of horror, anime/manga, Internet items, and standard animation. Other offerings include workshops, discussion panels, film previews, seminars, costume contests, and even portfolio reviews for those interested in the film and video game industries, among other events.

Each year, there are numerous celebrities in attendance, as well as other notable guests. Recent years have included William Shatner, Tobin Bell, Sean Astin, Brent Spiner, Johnny Yong Bosch, Victor Lucas, and Yoshitaka Amano, among many others. There have been surprise guests, such as Tobin Bell in 2009, and in 2004, Patrick Stewart cancelled his appearance for health reasons, but then returned to Toronto a month later to make up for his absence.

In 2011, the event will move to four days, with Thursday being the first day. Attendance is expected to be upwards of 70,000, which will raise space issues once again. If you’re planning to head to Toronto, buy your tickets early!

Filed Under: News, Travel Tagged With: Brent Spiner, Fan Expo Canada

Headed to Canada? It Might Not be That Different

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For some reason, Americans who head to Canada for the first time seem to expect this big culture shock, like things are so different there. While there are differences, there are a lot more similarities. Canada uses the metric system for its measurements, so you might want to brush up on that. In the meantime, you should know that you can find most of the main, name brands that you find in America. You won’t have to do without things like Folgers coffee and Coca Cola while you’re on your Canadian excursion.

If you’re looking to do a little bit of shopping on your trip, you can even find your Apple Bottom jeans there, along with a lot of other top brands. Of course, you can also go trout fishing and do other things that seem to be uniquely Canadian – or at least deeply associated with Canada and the kinds of things that most people like to do while they’re there. The market for goods in Canada is very similar to the market for goods in the United States, so you can expect to have a great time and find a lot of clothing and other accessories that you really like. Just look around, and you’ll be surprised by all that Canada has to offer.

If you’ve been there before, it may be time to go back and enjoy another adventure. If you’ve never been, you should get your passport and head out. There will always be plenty of fun things to do in Canada, no matter what time of year it is or what kinds of things you or your family members enjoy. You can explore another country without feeling like you got too far away from your own, and that’s a great way to have a safe, fun time on vacation.

Filed Under: Travel