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Tag Archive: Canada

  1. Canada’s 5 Most Incredible National Parks

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    Canada is the second largest country in the world, but it only has a population of around 36.7 million. That’s less than California, which could fit inside Canada over 20 times. The point I am trying to make is that Canada has a lot of space and much of it is uninhabited. This gives the country ample opportunity to designate vast areas as national parks. If you are looking to be completely overwhelmed by the sheer power of Mother Nature, there is nowhere better to go than Canada.

    If you’re planning a trip in the near future and want to tick off some of Canada’s finest national parks, here are five to get you started.

    Banff National Park, Alberta

    Perhaps one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, let alone just Canada, Banff National Park is the pride and joy of this gigantic nation. Situated in Alberta, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Banff is Canada’s oldest national park. It comprises over one and a half million acres of alpine meadows, forests, glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains as well as some ancient monoliths dating back up to 120 million years.

    Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

    New Brunswick rarely features on Canada’s tourist trail, which is a real shame as it boasts one of the country’s most astounding national parks: the Fundy National Park. This park runs along the Bay of Fundy on the province’s Atlantic coastline. The most astonishing thing about this park is its tidal patterns. The tide rises and falls by roughly 12 metres every day and is considered a natural phenomenon.

    Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia

    Cape Breton is Canada’s version of the Norwegian fjords. Here, rugged cliffs blanketed with thick vegetation plunge into deep, blue river canyons. The dramatic landscape is nature at its finest and there are plenty of hiking trails snaking through the park that will allow you to fully soak up its splendour. The renowned Cabot Trail also runs through the park. This is a favourite among hikers and rewards those who walk it with panoramic vistas of this mesmerising scenery.

    Jasper National Park, Alberta

    Jasper National Park is on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains and is characterised by its sparkling ice fields that stretch out seemingly to infinity. Combine the ice fields with alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, towering mountains and a huge expanse of back country wilderness and you’ve got one of the most incredible national parks in Canada. At night time, the natural beauty shifts over head – Jasper is recognised as one of the best places in the world for star-gazing.

    Yoho National Park, British Columbia

    Last, but by no means least, is the Yoho National Park in Canada’s westernmost province: British Columbia. If you were hoping to find a park that will allow you to disconnect from the modern world and explore wilderness that seems untouched by mankind, you’ll find it here. Glaciers and mountains are staples in the scenery of this park and the Iceline Trail is the perfect way to take them all in. And, don’t forget to leave some time to visit the iconic Takkakaw Falls, which are the highest in Canada.

  2. Why should you visit Canada in 2020

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    We are writing a new series of places to visit in 2020. Where do you want to go next? Have you ever visited Canada in the summer? It is a big country and there is much diversity from East to West and therefore the choice is not simple. We are focusing on the cottage country of Ontario, more specifically the area close to the city of Toronto. It has many beautiful lakes and much spectacular scenery. So why should you visit Canada in 2020?

    Cottage country is dotted with beautiful lakes, small charming cottages and large luxurious ones. If you like the great outdoors it is a must. When referring to the  cottage country around Toronto we are talking about  Muskoka, the Kawarthas, Georgetown or  Haliburton. The space and landscape is quite amazing.If you come from European cities like London, Paris, Rome, it is quite hard to grasp how vast it is. One provincial park like Algonquin Park in Ontario is larger than Wales in the UK.

    The other benefits are that it is peaceful, tranquil and remote. You are surrounded by beautiful scenery, wildlife – moose, bears, it is the great outdoors. If you are keen on water sports it is truly heaven – sailing , kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, waterboarding, fishing. Your long days are spent with few distractions other than enjoying your dip in the lake, boating around the lake, participating in water sports and enjoying a wonderful BBQ at the end of the day.

    There are many options and choices of where to stay. You can of course rent a cottage but there are many great resort options. The resorts allow you to experience all the benefits of being in cottage country with all the comforts of a resort, such as swimming pools, a spa, a great choice of restaurants, golf,  water sports, organised activities for the kids and varied and wonderful accommodation.

    Take a look at these resorts:

    Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka http://www.deerhurstresort.com/

    Taboo Muskoka Reseort : http://www.taboomuskoka.com/

    Take a look at these summer camps for kids:

    The Taylor Statten Camps https://www.taylorstattencamps.com/

    Camp Wapomeo for Girls http://campwapomeo.com/

    Camp Ahmek for Boys http://campahmek.com/

    Let us know if you have been to Canada. Where did you go, what did you experience? Is it on your bucket list?

  3. Top 5 Destinations for a Winter Adventure in Summer

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    Everyone goes on about how great summer is going to be. Somehow the whole world transforms itself when the sun is shining. People are visibly happier and cities are filled with the buzz of positive energy. There is no denying that summer is great – but it isn’t for everyone.

    Some of us don’t like the constant heat of summer or the fact that every time you go outside you are instantly drenched with sweat. Some of us prefer being able to see our own breath on a crisp winter’s morning and to fill our lungs with a sharp intake of cold, fresh air.

    For people who wish it could be winter all year round, there are vacation destinations that will cater to your needs. If you are looking for a winter adventure this summer, look no further than these destinations.

    Patagonia

    This is the ultimate destination on every travel bucket list, whether you are looking for a winter adventure or not. Located right at the bottom of the world, in the very southernmost part of South America, Patagonia is a desolate region filled with glaciers, volcanoes and lakes. Some highlights of a trip to Patagonia include trekking across the top of the Perito Moreno glacier, hiking to the base of Mount Fitz Roy, and sailing through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago.

    New Zealand

    When things heat up in the northern hemisphere, they cool down in its southern counterpart. Huge swathes of New Zealand transform from hilly countryside just like you saw in the Lord of the Rings into frosty havens for snow sports enthusiasts. Head to Treble Cone in Wanaka for some top quality skiing during your summer vacation. There are plenty of runs on offer as well as opportunities for heli-skiing. After a day on the piste, come back down for some après ski in Wanaka’s finest bars and pubs.

    Dubai

    Ok, if you thought that I had lost my mind when I put this on the list I wouldn’t blame you. No-one in their right mind would ever think of Dubai as a winter destination. However, I do have my reasons for doing so. Dubai is home to the impressive indoor ski resort Ski Dubai. This indoor resort is the biggest of its kind in the world, measuring a staggering 22,500 square meters.

    There is so much to do here on top of skiing and snowboarding, such as sledging and playing in the giant snowballs, that you can easily spend a few days here. And, best of all, if it gets too cold in there, you can pop outside for a minute to warm up.

    Norway

    Home of the Northern Lights and some of the most northern towns in the world, Norway is a magical destination for a winter adventure. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, head up to Tromso, which is located in the Arctic Circle. If you travel to Tromso in the summer you will be treated to the phenomenon that is the midnight sun. This is when the sun never sets for around 2 months of the year.

    Canada

    Not all of Canada will be ripe for winter adventures in the summer, but if you are willing to travel North, you will find the icy climates you so desire. One place in particular stands out as being great for winter travels in summer: Churchill. Located in the frosty regions of Manitoba, Churchill is a harsh destination that is only for the brave. However, if you can handle it, you will be treated to husky dog rides and polar bear safaris. Not a bad trade-off, eh?