Regina
Hidden behind the rocks and bushes on a protected island, a family of scruffy little goslings emerges from their shells for the first time. Mom seems quite proud. Cattails bristle in the spring breeze as you blow errant strands of hair from your face, compromising your balance for a moment as you ride along the water. You dismount by a handsome poplar tree and lean your bike against its sturdy trunk. The grass crunches as you plop down for a short rest. On the other side of the lake, ministers in dark suits stream down the steps of the legislature.
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March 19th, 2009 | Posted in Cities & Destinations | Comments Off
Dawson City
Miners and dog mushers, historians and festival-goers: Dawson City can get as busy today as it was at the height of the Gold Rush. Once the biggest city north of Seattle and west of Winnipeg, it now hosts the largest music festival north of the 60th parallel.
Still a frontier town, you can stroll down Front Street’s wooden boardwalks, pass by the restored storefronts and step back in time, although the town boasts all of the modern amenities that will make your stay enjoyable.
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March 19th, 2009 | Posted in Cities & Destinations | Comments Off
Fredericton
Watch history flow through this riverfront capital
New Brunswick’s provincial capital unfolds gently along the banks of the St. John River. Come for the warm Maritime hospitality and experience the city’s strong British colonial heritage by visiting some award-winning historic attractions. See history in the making
Walk in the footsteps of red-coated soldiers as you relive the area’s British colonial military past at the Historic Garrison District.
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March 19th, 2009 | Posted in Cities & Destinations | Comments Off
Kelowna
Sun-drenched vineyards meet sun-dappled lakes
Give your glass a gentle swirl, then gaze across sun-drenched vineyards and beyond to shimmering Okanagan Lake. You’re in Kelowna, the largest city in British Columbia’s famed Okanagan Valley. And on this day, you don’t want to be anywhere else.
It’s easy to feel more alive in Kelowna. You can smell the fragrant fruit blossoms wafting in the air. These blossoms, come harvest time, will have transformed into fresh apples, cherries, peaches and apricots that you can pick yourself.
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March 19th, 2009 | Posted in Cities & Destinations | Comments Off
Victoria
The handcrafted tapestries and antique furnishings in the Tea Lobby emit a stately elegance. Your posture instinctively straightens. Through the window, a perfect view of the Inner Harbour reveals a tour group of giddy Captain Ahabs, eager for the chance to spot a great whale of their own. Tea is poured expertly into your fine china cup as fresh berries and Devon-style double Jersey cream arrive in a crystal dish. A triple-tiered silver platter of sandwiches, scones and pastries are set down.
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March 19th, 2009 | Posted in Cities & Destinations | Comments Off
St. John’s
The cod’s slimy lips beckon. You pucker up, grant them a reluctant kiss, and quickly down a shot of “screech”. As the bar erupts in wild cheers, you wonder which tasted better – the gaping mouth of an expired fish, or the local rum. Welcome to the island at the edge of the Western World.
From the customary “screech in” ceremony that welcomes those from away, to the brightly painted heritage homes dotting its harbour, St. John’s redefines colourful. The boisterous spirit of explorers, merchants, soldiers, pirates and mariners permeates this coastal town like the ghostly fogs that regularly roll into its rugged coves.
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March 19th, 2009 | Posted in Cities & Destinations | Comments Off
Charlottetown
The decor is corner store casual, the utensils decidedly plastic. But the steaming mound of fresh lobster overrunning your plate looks extremely promising. You scarf down the sweet, juicy morsels with a maniacal fervour. You’d have licked every inch of your plate too, if it weren’t made of paper. The best part: it only set you back $12.
Satiated, you join a walking tour along the quiet tree lined avenues, your guides dressed in period costumes harkening back to a time when this was the setting for the establishment of a nation.
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March 19th, 2009 | Posted in Cities & Destinations | Comments Off
Saint John
Bright rays of sunshine stream in obliquely through rounded windows high above the market stalls. The sharp smell of aged cheddar mixes with the sweet fragrance of homemade pastries and the briny aroma of fresh seafood straight from the wharf. As battered halibut and hand-cut fries sizzle in metal baskets, you take note of the unusual, but elegant, design of the ceiling.
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March 19th, 2009 | Posted in Cities & Destinations | Comments Off
Moncton
The Maritime centre of family fun
For family-friendly adventure and a rich blend of English and Acadian tradition, head to Moncton, located at the crossroads of the Maritimes.
Coast by car uphill to Magnetic Hill, one of Canada’s most visited natural attractions, then wander over to the family theme park and Magnetic Hill Zoo. Make a splash at Magic Mountain Water Theme Park with its slippery body slides, tubing, swimming pools and mini golf.
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March 19th, 2009 | Posted in Cities & Destinations | Comments Off
Eastern Townships
Slivers of light sneak through cracks in the wooden planks of the old covered bridge. You tighten your grip on the handlebars of your bike as it rattles toward the light at the end of the tunnel. Out the other side, your picturesque autumn day resumes with a stunning view of rolling forests and farmlands, fiery foliage and bright green pastures.
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March 19th, 2009 | Posted in Cities & Destinations | Comments Off
Iqaluit
You push the ice block into place as fast as you can, fighting the encumbrance of your bulky parka and fur lined snow boots. A flurry of mittens pushes and pats the crude cuts of hard packed snow into a lumpy hemisphere. You are delirious with the thrill of competition and numbing chill of arctic temperatures when you finally climb atop your freshly built igloo – and fall through its flimsy roof. Good thing your team booked a hotel room.
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March 19th, 2009 | Posted in Cities & Destinations | Comments Off