Warm Sunny Beaches in St. Ives, Cornwall, UK

If the United Kingdom is your destination of choice, St. Ives, Cornwall is a location you really should consider. The most southern area of England, found on the northern coast, boasts many warm sandy beaches in a very mild and temperate climate. No matter what time of year, you can escape the winter snow of Canada by traveling to southern Cornwall.

St. Ives temperatures in the summer months average about 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). Never too hot and never too cold, what else could you ask for perfect vacation weather? With hundreds of hours of sunshine per month and very little precipitation, you just can’t go wrong if you are looking to spend time on the beach or participating in outdoor activities during your holiday. You simply won’t find snow here at any time of the year.

From the northern seaside town of St. Ives it is just a 20 minute drive to Penzance on the southern coast. With plenty of public car parks and driving routes available, you can sight-see, shop, suntan or surf on either coast. Or immerse yourself in the rich culture of art galleries and potteries in the area. Some studios have been around since the 1960’s. There are also many festivals of note from July through to September.

If outdoor activities are on your must-do list, you can find extreme outdoor adventure activities to fun for the whole family. For the extreme adventurist, rock climbing and zip wire riding, to kite surfing and cliff diving should be on your to-do list. River rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking are also popular adventure travel activities for all ages. You can also enjoy horse back riding, beach side lounging and surfing.  Don’t forget the many local famous art galleries and award-winning gardens. Definitely check out the unique eco and sustainability site of the Eden Project.

St. Ives accommodation is easily found, including luxury hotels, condos, St. Ives apartments and bed and breakfasts. There is also a local self catering St. Ives business where you can have fine food and local food and produce delivered right to your doorstep.

Sun Peaks Resort – Skiing BC’s Finest

Sun Peaks Resort is a fairly new premiere skiing destination in the interior of British Columbia. If you’ve heard of Whistler, BC, you’ve probably heard of Sun Peaks as well. Al and Nancy Green were behind the scenes of the success of Whistler and now they call Sun Peaks their home. If you’ve heard of the legendary powder of British Columbia ski hills, Sun Peaks Resort should definitely be one of your major stops.

Sun Peaks is about 50 kilometres north of Kamloops, British Columbia. It’s a quick and easy drive up to the ski hill formally known only as Tod Mountain to the main Burfield lodge that has been there since 1961. Before 1993 when Nippon Cable bought the area, only the locals knew about the fantastic powder skiing. Now Sun Peaks caters to thousands of people in all seasons on three different mountains including Tod Mountain, Sundance Mountain and Mt. Morrisey. Read more

The Great Outdoors: Canadian-Style

Reasons to visit Canada aren’t hard to come by.  Its spectacular cities offer something for everyone.  Its natural wonders are an attraction for travelers from all over the world.  Locals and tourists alike take pleasure in the wide array of outdoor adventures available.  From the novice hiker to the experienced rock climber, Canada has just the activity for every level of outdoorsman.  The guide below will familiarize you with some of Canada’s most popular outdoor adventure destinations.

Skiing at Whistler

Perhaps one of the most well known places to vacation and ski in Canada, let alone the world, is Whistler, British Columbia.  Both skiers and snowboarders alike recognize this Canada resort destination as a powdery, snowy paradise amidst B.C.’s coastal mountains.  Whistler Village boasts several top-notch hotels such as the Four Seasons and the Westin Resort and Spa.  A standard daily lift ticket is around $80.

While there, take a zip line tour! Experience the sensation of flying through the air at tremendous speeds.  Companies offer tours that combine some hiking and some zip line rides with education and information about the surrounding ecosystems.  Most tours offer a safety training and orientation.

Hiking & Cycling in Saskatchewan

The Big Muddy Badlands have been formed by millions of years of environmental and historical happenings.  Today, thousands of tourists from all over flock to the badlands to witness the amazing scenery.  This area, located in south central Saskatchewan, just north of the Canada/USA border, has been punctuated with landmarks – both natural and man-made – that tell its exciting story.  Nature lovers and history buffs will enjoy a landscape that holds so many secrets.

While there, camp out in Coronach.  Comfortable campgrounds offer the experience of a lifetime.  Catch something special at one of the local fishing holes, and then take an interpretive tour.

River Rafting on the Ottawa River

Warm water all summer long combines with impressive rapids to make Canada’s premier river rafting destination – the Ottawa River.  The Ottawa is situated along the border between Quebec and Ontario.  Take a guided tour down the Main Channel or guide your own raft down the Middle Channel.  Serene scenery framed by waterfalls and artistic rock formations is balanced by challenging rapids and waves.

While there, go bungee jumping on the Ontario side.  You’ll enjoy stunning views of the Ottawa River from atop the 150-foot tower.  Plunging toward the sparkling waters of the river below will top off this experience of a lifetime.  Book your jump along with your river rafting adventure for a great deal on both.

Climbing the Canadian Rockies

There’s no greater adventure or better way to experience the Canadian outdoors than to climb the Rocky Mountains.  A mountain-climbing escapade to Canmore, Alberta can be a life-changing experience.  The amazing vistas are ones witnessed by very few.  Experienced and well-equipped climbers will enjoy the thrill of a lifetime.  Novice climbers can benefit from the safety of guided tours.

While there, stay at the Canmore Mountain Lodge and let the outdoor hot tub melt away the exhilaration while you take pleasure in views filled with snowy-peaked mountains.

Romantic Getaways in Canada

Whether it’s your first romantic encounter or your second honeymoon after many years of marriage, Canada is the perfect place for a vacation for two.  Options including outdoors activities, city nightlife or once-in-a-lifetime experiences abound.  Below is a list of some of the top romantic getaway destinations in Canada.

Ontario

Ontario offers the best of all worlds, from lush forests and sparkling lakes to the hustle and bustle of Canada’s largest city – Toronto.  Starting and ending your romantic excursion in Toronto is a great idea.  Explore city sites and savor Canadian fare at its best.  Plan a day trip up north to the Muskoka region for  hiking and swimming, or visit Ontario’s last remaining covered bridge – “The Kissing Bridge” in Waterloo County. Read more

Travel Canada: 5 Family Vacation Ideas

From its culturally rich cities to its scenic natural splendors, Canada boasts many options for a memorable family vacation.  Below are five tried-and-true favorite vacations that travelers with children are sure to enjoy.

Montreal
This French/English bilingual city is full of fun and educational experiences to be had by children of all ages.  Both parents and kids will take pleasure in experiencing life as it was hundreds of years ago in Old Montreal.  Fast-forward a few centuries and learn about technological advances of today and tomorrow at the Montreal Science Centre.  Explore natural environments by visiting the Biodome, or enrich your family’s cultural appreciation at the Museum of Fine Arts.  Want an adventure? Take a jet boat tour down the Lachine Rapids.

Stay
For the budget-conscious, the Holiday Inn Montreal-Midtown offers a family-friendly stay at a wallet-friendly price.
The ritzy Loews Hotel Vogue specializes in luxury and comfort –for parents and kids.  They have games to lend out, a children’s menu at the hotel restaurant and a welcome gift at check-in. Read more

Canadian Cuisine – Good Eats

What makes Canadian cuisine unique are its regional specialties: Alberta beef, goldeye fish in Manitoba, salmon from BC, Nova Scotia lobster, and Quebec French pies and pastries.

Game, including rabbit, caribou, and bison, which have been served in aboriginal homes for centuries, are now considered gourmet dishes at cosmopolitan restaurants. A tradition of French haute cuisine is evident in most of the country’s major cities, particularly in top hotels. However, as Canada is a nation of immigrants, ethnic restaurants are common everywhere.

German, Greek, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Ukrainian, African, and Italian cuisines, along with other international favorites, provide a wide range of choice at a price to suit every budget.

Regional specialties can be sampled in their place of origin, but most of the larger towns will also offer a choice of the country’s best local produce, and in some areas this includes Canadian wines and beers.

Types of Restaurants

Eating out in Canada is surprisingly easy on the pocket, particularly compared to European and American prices. This makes a trip to a top restaurant to sample international cuisine (often made with local produce) very worthwhile. Eating places are extremely varied, with the tearoom, bistro, brasserie, and theater café competing with the more usual café, restaurant, and fast food outlet. Many pubs also serve excellent bar food, at reasonable prices.

More unusual, but no less worthwhile, is the uniquely Canadian dining experience of the delicious lobster supper.

Held throughout the summer on Prince Edward Island, these lively gatherings usually take place in church grounds on wooden tables surrounded by local fishermen. Equally unique, though by no means public, are Inuit dinners.

Traveling through the Arctic north may result in an invitation to join an Inuit family for the evening meal. Traditional dishes might include sun dried caribou sweetened with berry sauces or smoked and dried local fish. These family dinners are usually alcohol free and very lively.

Canadian Accomodation Tips

As one might expect in a country of its size, Canada has a wide range of places in which to stay: from stately, world-famous hotels such as the Château Frontenac in Quebec City, to family-run bed-and-breakfasts in the countryside, the variety is immense. Canada offers excellent middle-range accommodations, and you will find rural inns, cottages to rent in scenic spots, elegant town apartments, hostels, houseboats, and the most popular choice of all, the convenient motel. Whether you need a mid-journey bed for the night or a seasonal rental, you can always find the right place and may not even need to book in advance.

Grading and Facilities

There is no government sponsored hotel grading system in Canada, but the voluntary program “Canada Select” is usually very accurate.

Each establishment is rated by numbers of stars. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that a 4-star hotel in a large city such as Toronto, for example, might not have the same level of facilities as one with the same rating in a small upscale resort with a château hotel. Read more

Exploring Montreal, Museums and Galleries

MONTREAL occupies a 50-kilometer (30-mile) long island at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and the Ottawa River. The city core, where many sights are found, is fairly compact and lies to the south and east of Montreal’s main landmark, Mont-Royal. Vieux Montréal, the old city, is nestled on the shore of the St. Lawrence, while the modern downtown lies between it and Mont-Royal. Streets follow a fairly consistent grid pattern making the city easy to navigate. Read more

Via Rail Tours – Toronto to Vancouver

If you are looking for a unique and incredible family vacation in Canada, you might consider a train trip with Via Rail. The Canadian, an original flagship passenger train owned by Canadian Pacific Rail, began service on April 24, 1955. The original train route was a bit more southernly than what is used today, but the scenery and wildlife is just as spectacular.

The tour begins with an overnight stay in Toronto, Ontario. Spend your day taking in the sights and sounds of the biggest city in Canada. The next morning, your passenger train tour begins on its journey through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia in 6 days. On your journey from Toronto to Vancouver, you’ll pass through Winnipeg, Saskatoon and then to Edmonton and Jasper, Alberta. Read more

Jasper National Park – Seasonal Sensations

Jasper Forest Park was established in 1907 on the Hudson’s Bay Company trade route from New Caledonia (Fort St. James) to Vancouver. 13,000 kilometers were set aside for the park at that time. It wasn’t until 1930 that Jasper National Park was established as a national park in Alberta. But since then it has included many wondrous sites for visitors to see; including the Icefield Parkway, Pyramid Mountain, The Jasper Tramway, Maligne Lake and canyon, the famous Spirit Island, Marmot Basin Ski Resort and many glacial fed emerald green lakes in the Athabasca River valley. Read more

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