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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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What to Do in Ottawa on Canada Day

A view from the top of the Peace Tower on Parl...

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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
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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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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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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.

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Popular Winter Events in Labrador, Canada

A view of the RAF line at CFB Goose Bay, Labra...

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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.

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Is a Passport Needed Between the U.S. and Canada?

In June 2009, a law was passed stating that any citizen of the United States wanting to get into Canada, regardless of reason, would need a passport from then on. If you’re planning a trip to Canada, this is one thing you’ll definitely have to keep in mind, especially since things weren’t always this way.

It should be noted that, if you don’t have a passport there are other documents that can stand in its place. If you’re curious about this items, take a look at the following list:

  • A NEXUS Card: This has the advantage of being able to use faster lanes when crossing the border both ways. The application process involves a bit more than the paper application, though. Fingerprinting and an interview process are just two items.
  • A U.S. Passport Card: This operates much like the regular passport regarding travel to Canada. If you plan to travel internationally though, this will not allow that.
  • A FAST/EXPRES Card: This is only for truck drivers who cross the borders a lot. The process is pre-approved by border officials in most cases.
  • An Enhanced Driver’s License: Currently, this is only available to citizens of New York and Washington, but is going to be available in other states soon. The license proves identity and citizenship and will work if you’re traveling by land and sea, but will not work by air.

The best option is always the regular U.S. Passport, especially if you plan to travel elsewhere outside of North America any time in the future. You can apply for a passport through your state government and can have the proper photos taken at numerous locations, including your local post office. There is currently a fee of $175 for a new passport. The fee is less to renew a passport.

If you need your passport sooner than the standard four to six weeks, you can have it rushed. Rush My Passport, from the U.S. Postal Service, allows you to renew or file for a new passport for $100. In most cases, the process will be completed within 24-48 hours.

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The Excitement of Traveling in Canada

Granville Island in Vancouver.
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.

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