No plans to jet off to the far 'corners' of the
globe this
summer?
Fret not … Canada is one of the world's
greatest destinations (lots of international polls prove it!),
so just consider … we don't have to go far!
Well … pretty far if we travel from one coast
to the other.
But what a great experience, to travel a distance and still be in our own country!
Here are a few suggestions.
ALBERTA
Edmonton prides itself on being Canada's 'Festival City', and with good reason. Consider this … their International Fringe Theatre Festival, held every August, is the world's second largest (after Edinburgh, Scotland).
A sampling of other summer festival offerings: 'Improvaganza', Jazz, Art & Design, Shakespeare, Dance, Street Performers, 'A Taste of Edmonton', Performance Art, Folk Music, Heritage, Cowboy Poetry & Country Music, Hispanic Arts, Symphony Under the Sky, Film, Literary and more.
Add more than 70 golf courses in the Greater Edmonton Region (with mid-summer daylight lasting 17 hours), Elk Island National Park with 250 bird species, the trendy Old Strathcona Historic Area for unusual shops and restaurants, and Fort Edmonton Park (Canada's largest living history museum) and many other attractions, it all sounds like an ideal place for a summer getaway.
Lots of details at www.edmonton.com and www.festivalcity.ca
BRITISH COLUMBIA (and ALBERTA too)
For those of us who don't live near the mountains, a stay in the heart of the Rockies is always special. And the two properties of the Capilano Group of Companies - Cathedral Mountain Lodge in BC and Moraine Lake Lodge just over the border in Alberta - look as though they would make a visit extra special.
In fact, just looking at the brochures provides a little tonic in a busy day! Both properties are only open during the summer and fall, but there are some good deals in the latter season and the properties - and their settings - look spectacular.
Take a peek at www.cathedralmountain.com and www.morainelake.com or call 1 866 619 6442 and 1 877 522 2777 respectively.
**In addition to its regular Travel Guide, the Thompson Okanagan Tourist Office also produces a Wine & Cultural Guide to the region. The map shows the location of the region's 95 wineries, most clustered around the beautiful Okanagan Lake and gives details of the many winery, orchard, farm and garden tours that can be enjoyed.
For those who would like to leave the driving to others, there are tours of varying lengths available from Distinctly Kelowna Tours (www.wildflowersandwine.com) or MJO Tours (www.mjotours.com).
The region is also home to many cultural institutions, for example: the Geert Maas Sculpture Gardens in Kelowna (one of the largest collections of bron-ze sculptures in Canada - www.geertmaas.org), the Caravan Farm Theatre in Armstrong (www.caravanfarmtheatre.com), the Life and Arts Festival of Kelowna (www.ilovekelowna.com) plus dozens of museums and art galleries.
For your copy of both guides to the region call 1 800 567 2275 or visit www.totabc.com.
**I don't know if the good people who named BC's Sunshine Coast had tourism in mind when they did so, but it sure is a lovely name and the region looks as though it lives up to it. No casinos or high rises here, just small communities and a beautiful, rugged coast facing the sunset and dotted with islands.
And, of course, there are resorts for the outdoor lover, loads of B&Bs, restaurants and funky shops. This 180 km pastoral greenbelt is a short ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay or Vancouver Island and the region is divi-ded into 'lower' and 'upper' sections.
If 'the west' is in your plans this season, consider adding on a few days on the Sunshine Coast. Log on to www.sunshinecoastcanada.com and while away an hour or so looking at the tempting B&Bs that are waiting for you.
Other websites include www.HelloBC.com and www.vcmbc.com/sunshinecoast (vcm = Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region) or call 1 800 HELLOBC and 1 800 667 3306.
MANITOBA
If you're planning a Winnipeg getaway this summer, don't miss one of the jazz concerts on the Rooftop Sculpture Garden of the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Complete with BBQ and cash bar, the five events planned for the season sound as though they will be a lovely way to spend an evening. Full details at www.wag.mb.ca.
And for all your Winnipeg planning, visit www.destinationwinnipeg.ca … where you'll see there's so much to see and do, especially out of doors, all through the summer.
NEWFOUNLAND & LABRADOR
Canadian Sailing Expeditions have special offers on their Canadian cruises this summer, including a 20% reduction if you book two consecutive juourneys. This gives travellers a great opportunity to explore our Eastern shores.
As well as cruises to Newfoundland and Labrador, the tall ship Caledonia will also be cruising in Nova Scotia and Québec.
Check the available itineraries and prices at www.canadiansailingexpeditions.com or call 1 877 429 9463 for details.
NOVA SCOTIA
It's hard to imagine a better travel guide than that produced by the folks at Nova Scotia Tourism. From the initial fold-out map with the province's six separate regions clearly marked, with approximate driving times between major towns, to the final chapter where dozens of local tour operators are listed, the Doers' & Dreamers' Guide is fascinating.
For the 'doers' there are details of whale watching trips, canoe rentals, tidal bore rafting excursions and lots more adventures, together with how to participate in almost every land-based activity you can think of: hiking, golf, bird-watching tours, lighthouse visiting, cycling, painting expeditions and so on.
For the 'dreaming' I love to log on to the websites of some of the many cottages for rent. Many have individual sites, but a good place to start looking is at the site of a group called The Cottage Connection in Nova Scotia: www.stayinnovascotia.com or call 1 800 780 3682. The province is also full of great B&Bs.
Yes, it's a wonderful province for independent travellers.
ONTARIO
The Niagara region is truly blessed: the Falls are one of the world's greatest attractions, while nearby are lovely drives and hikes, the fascinating Welland Canal, wineries and villages, outstanding theatre and festivals, good food and many, many welcoming inns and B&Bs.
There have been lots of Niagara region tips in this magazine over the years, including recommendation of the White Oaks Resort which has just become one of only twelve properties in Canada to receive the prestigious environmental Four Leaf rating from the Audubon Green Leaf Program (and, in fact, the first property to receive the ranking on their first attempt).
Search through our back issues for more tips, or plan your own itinerary by visiting www.tourismniagara.comwww.niagarafallstourism.com www.niagaraonthelake.com www.whiteoaksresort.com
**Bringing the (grand) kids to Toronto, but not sure where to stay? The Delta Chelsea in downtown prides itself on being a kids-friendly property with a children's check-in area, a welcome kit of games and a plethora of special activities: pools and waterslide, a creative centre, a teen centre, daily outdoor 'camp' activities throughout the summer and evening games and activities for the whole family.
To make the stay especially easy, the property offers Family Fun Suites - apartment-style suites with separate bedrooms, kitchen, living room and play area for children.
Last year, the property was included in Expedia.co.uk's list of the top 10 family hotels in the world and the best by City Parent Magazine.
Accommodation for children under 17 is free, and there are several special meal plans too. Full details at www.DeltaHotels.com/Chelsea or call 1 800 CHELSEA.
**Whenever I (Ann) go to Prince Edward County, I keep my eyes open for that perfect cottage for my retirement! It's Ontario's 'big sky' country with Lake Ontario, the Bay of Quinte and other waterways shimmering in the distance. It's a wonderful spot for easy cycling, canoeing and sailing and nearly always has delicious produce for sale including, increasingly, wine.
There are also creative articles on offer in the shops, plus studio and gallery tours and small museums and theatres. Located off the 401 between Toronto and Kingston, PEC (or 'the county') is a delightful, rural addition to an Ontario coastal driving itinerary. Don't just drive by!
Take a peek at the many B&Bs and other properties listed at www.pecchamber.com and visit www.pec.travel for full tourism details.
QUEBEC
The Saguenay/Lac-Saint-Jean region of Québec is a true summer playground where you can hike or kayak a spectacular 100 km fjord, sleep in a prospector's tent surrounded by a herd of caribou, watch whales and bears, take an easy family biking tour or just relax on one of the lake's many sandy beaches.
This region is home to seven National Parks and two Wildlife Reserves as well as many museums, festivals and cultural events. And at the end of the day there are cozy chalets, charming inns and delicious food awaiting you.
(The first travel story I ever wrote was about sailing up the Saguenay fjord with my family, an article that appeared in Canadian Yachting magazine many years ago - Ed.) If you haven't visited this region, maybe this is the year.
Check it all out at www.SaguenayLacSaintJean.net or call 1 877 253 8387 for a travel guide.
YUKON
I was at the book launch and photography exhibition of my friend George Fischer a few months ago and one series of images from his Canadian collection especially caught my eye. "Where is that?" I asked George. "Along the Dempster Highway", was his response.
Ahh … the Yukon. I have yet to add the Yukon (and the Northwest Territories) to my Canadian 'done' list, not that anyone can 'do' Canada, but you know what I mean. And George's photographs taken along the Dempster Highway were absolutely thrilling.
What it must be like to drive the road oneself I can hardly imagine, and I do so hope I can do it soon. If you'd like to make this the year you venture to the Yukon, visit www.travelyukon.com and be tempted anew.
