Travel Tips and Facts

Thursday, December 24, 2009

The climate in Canada varies across the country, and according to the season. There are four distinct seasons in all regions, but actual temperatures and humidity vary.

Maritimes
The Maritime provinces, Ontario and Québec are more humid than the western provinces. Temperatures in Halifax, Nova Scotia range from 0 °C in January to a very temperate 24 °C in July. Plan on wearing a sweater and light raincoat in the summer. Québec and Ontario are usually a little colder in the winter and slightly warmer in the summer.

Rockies and other Mountain Areas
The greatest variation of temperatures is to be found in the mountains. Mountain temperatures average from -16°C in the winter to 24°C during the summer. However, when visiting the Rockies, be sure to have layers of comfortable clothing available in case of a sudden change in weather conditions (in the mountains, even summer evenings tend to be cool).

If you are planning on walks or hikes, bring sturdy shoes and a warm jacket. If you plan to visit the Rockies in the winter, come dressed for snow – make sure your outer clothing is warm and wind/water repellent.

Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island
Vancouver and Victoria rarely experience temperatures below freezing. These cities enjoy the mildest weather in Canada, averaging 5°C in the winter and 23°C during the summer. However, an umbrella and raincoat are recommended for Vancouver year-round – just in case it rains.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Please share some of your unique ideas!

Friday, April 17, 2009

Halifax, Nova Scotia is a modern port city teeming with culture and heritage and the perfect place for your next holiday vacation. The entire Halifax region delights visitors and citizens alike with its impressive array of entertainment, museums, galleries, historic sites, fine restaurants, colorful gardens and lively nightlife. Explore charming seaside towns, sun-drenched beaches, sparkling coves and miles of rugged shoreline guarded by graceful lighthouses. Imagine the vivacity of city living, the charms of small town life and the pristine beauty of nature - all in one place!

If you are only stopping for the day on a Canada/New England cruise, consider a city tour that includes a visit to St. Paul's Church, the Titanic Burial site, the Citadel National Historic Park and the Victorian Public Gardens. This tour takes 3 to 4 hours.  If you are looking for a full-day tour, many visit Green Gables, the fabled farmhouse made famous by L.M. Montgomery in her stories about Anne Shirley, stops also include Prince Edward National Park, Kensington Towers and Water Gardens or the Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace in New-London. Whale watching is also popular in this port.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Mounties, Native Americans, railroads, and cowboys - all the elements of the Canadian Wild West - converged to create a city with a 21st-century sensibility and a steadfastly traditional soul. On the one hand, you can browse through trendy boutiques and galleries, and enjoy the élan of a little dinner theater. On the other hand, you can immerse yourself in First Nations culture and learn directly from Native Americans how they sustain their ancient, mystical culture in a modern Anglo world. Situated on the Elbow and Bow rivers where the Canadian Prairie meets the eastern front of the Rockies in Alberta, this city probably is best known as the site of the ananual Calgary Stampede, a 10-day summer festival celebrating cowboy culture with concerts, agricultural shows, and a huge, fantastic rodeo. The memories of the Winter Olympics of 1988 live on at Canada Olympic Park, a popular tourist spot with "be an Olympian for a day" activities like the bobsled and luge rides.

Beyond the modern city skyline, the Rockies loom invitingly, and within just about an hour's driving time you can reach a variety of stunning parks, including the icy peaks and green valleys of Banff National Park, one of western Canada's most beautiful regions. The name Calgary is thought to have come from the Gaelic phrase meaning "bay farm," though this town was officially founded in 1875 as a North-West Mounted Police post. When the Canadian Pacific Railway arrived in 1883, ranchers established major spreads on the plains surrounding the town, many of which now operate as "dude ranches," welcoming overnight and day guests to live for a spell like the pioneers of yore.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Common question asked by clients:

How can they possibly travel for a length of time with just one suitcase not to exceed 50 lbs & one carry-on?

Answer:

You would be surprised how many things can be packed and not exceed 50 lbs. There are some wonderful no wrinkle, light weight fabrics for traveling and you don't need a pair of shoes for each outfit. When staying in the same hotel for more than 1 night, you can take advantage of the laundry facilities they have to offer.

Make a list before packing and make sure to mix and match outfits. Always pack tightly. Scarf or jewelry can change the look or a blouse. Packing loosely will waste space and cause clothes to wrinkle from moving around. Use all the space you have available to you, such as putting socks & under garments inside of shoes.

You can get a great packing list from Frommers.

Keep in mind that the airlines are changing their restrictions and charges often these days. Make sure and go to their web site or call a couple of weeks before travel to get the latest information.