On the go with Vivian » Travel in Canada

Glam Camping : Top 10 Luxury Camping Tips

vivian is virtual — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:41:52 +0000

I’m a city gal at heart. But even I can’t resist the call of the wild… only I like to visit in style. Read on for my luxury camping essentials!:

1.	Silk liner	Battle chilly nights with a silk liner. You’ll be cocooned in warmth AND keep dirt out of hard-to-clean down sleeping bags.
2.	Inflating mattress	Forget foam pads. These days, you’ll find lofty, self-inflating choices to rival your mattress at home.
3.	Headlamp	Don’t fumble in the dark. A lightweight, hands-free headlamp can light up your entire campsite. Or just your book!
4.	Coffee maker	Caffeine addicts rejoice. Brew gear includes hand-cranked bean grinders and moka pot espresso makers.
5.	Portable grill	BBQ over charcoal, gas, wood and even solar-powered models and make your camp meal repertoire explode.
6.	Gourmet gear	Shockproof wine glasses. Hand-powered blenders. Pizza ovens. Rethink backcountry cooking!
7.	Camp shower	If you’re picturing a bucket dangling overhead, think again. Solar-heated showers make for pleasant mornings, and double for dishwashing.
8.	Screen Tent	Mother Nature is great – bugs, rain, wind and searing sun less so. Pitch a big screenhouse for an airy retreat with a view.
9.	Handheld GPS	Want to hike off the beaten path? Never get lost with one of these. Just don’t forget batteries!
10.	Backup plan	Playing cards, board games and rough weather gear can make an afternoon fly by – but not an entire trip. If the forecast’s grim, try checking out the local scene in town!

So will you inject a little “glamping” into your next trip? Or is “roughing it in the bush” still the true Canadian way? Share below!

Love horses? Enjoy Québec’s International Bromont 2010!

vivian is virtual — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:35:48 +0000

What	International Bromont 2010
Where	The 1976 Olympic Horse Park, in Bromont, QC
When	July 21-25 & July 28-August 1, 2010
Why	One of the biggest equestrian events in Canada, with over 600 riders & their horses. Don’t miss the Double Slalom (sponsored by VIA) on Saturday July 31^st, where top riders race a course in parallel!
How	Get to Montréal by train, then take a leisurely 1hr drive to the pastoral Eastern Townships.

Ready to jump right in? Visit International Bromont 2010.

[Photos courtesy of Flickr (L-R): hippo-po, Daveography, flying tiger]

Save an additional 10% on VIA Rail’s best fare!

vivian is virtual — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:32:54 +0000

Save an additional 10% on
the best available fare with VIA Rail!*

Travel to any VIA destination in Canada, one-way or round trip in Economy class, with the comfort, flexibility & perks only a train offers.

There’s 2 ways to get your e-coupon:

Follow VIA Rail on Twitter.
You’ll find our 10% discount offer posted at the top of the page – simply click on the e-coupon link!
Become a Vivian is Virtual Facebook Fan.
You’ll find our 10% discount offer posted at the top of the page – simply click on the e-coupon link!

Not a Twitter or Facebook member? Sign up today – it’s free, & you’ll get all the latest VIA Rail deals & news, + exclusive offers.

Hurry. Offer ends July 19, 2010. For travel until October 6, 2010.

*Some conditions apply.

Ecotourism in Canada: Travel responsibly

vivian is virtual — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:16:13 +0000

Want to give an ecotourism slant to your next vacation? Canada’s a perfect fit! Our wealth of parks, wilderness, natural regions and ecosystems lend themselves easily to the ecotourist’s mission to:

Travel to natural areas
Minimize impact & promote environmentalism
Support local culture & business
Give to conservation efforts

Before you go, try my green trip tips:

1.	Plan	Avoid tourist traps! In city or rural areas, spend some pre-trip time browsing online community sites and forums for local gems, including restaurants, hangouts, pastimes, specialty shops and artisans.
2.	Mingle	Skip hotels. For a friendlier stay, think B&B’s & inns, green cottage rentals, house swap deals, wilderness lodges, and camping.
3.	Slow down	Canada in 8 days? Hardly! Thoughtful travellers should focus on one or two regions, and get around on foot or by bike.
4.	Give back	Consider devoting part or all of your trip to volunteering. Try sites like Ecovolunteer, Pitch-In Canada & the Canadian Environmental Network for opportunities.
5.	Travel sustainably	If you’re flying or driving to your destination, offset your carbon emissions through programs like Zerofootprint. Or consider greener modes of transport, like trains & buses!

Are you going green on your next vacation? Share your tips below!

Top 5: What to see and do in Saskatoon

vivian is virtual — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:07:46 +0000

Misaskwatomin. Cree for the best fruit I’ve ever tasted. So good they even named a whole Canadian city after them… Saskatoon berries!

With a wild flavour of blueberries, honey and almonds, these Saskatoon trademarks make any summer visit a treat. But there’s more to do than munch! Try:

1. Wanuskewin Heritage Park

For over 6,000 years, Northern Plains peoples gathered here for the year’s most vital event – the bison hunt. On my visit, I sampled native foods; set-up a tipi; sat spellbound by First Nations dancers & storytellers; & hiked sacred grounds. Unforgettable.

2. Broadway

The city’s trendiest boutiques, galleries, restaurants & bars are found on Broadway Ave. I lunched at local-fave Nutana Cafe (trust chef Norm’s specials). Then swooned over cheesecake at Calories, with its focus on fresh Saskatchewan ingredients.

3. Riversdale

A neighbourhood on the upswing. I spent a fun Saturday brunching at the popular farmer’s market, chased by a matinee at historic Roxy Theatre.

4. Meewasin Valley

More than 1 million visitors walk Meewasin Trails annually. I strolled some of its 60 km length, crossing gorgeous river valley conservation zones, university lands, parks, museums & nature centres. It’s Saskatoon’s answer to NYC’s Central Park.

5. River Cruise

Split in half diagonally by the South Saskatchewan River, Saskatoon is unique in that its riverbanks remain undeveloped & unspoiled. All the more reason to see this “Paris of the Prairies” from a boat cruise like the Saskatoon Princess or the Meewasin Queen.

What are your Saskatoon must-visits? Share below!

Top 5: Summer festivals in Canada

vivian is virtual — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:36:15 +0000

Canada is absolutely busting out all over with summer festivals this year – have a look at some of my favourite picks!:

	Quebec City Summer Festival 300+ concerts in 11 days! Rocking it out on the Plains of Abraham this July 8-18, 2010, look for The Black Eyed Peas, RUSH, The Arcade Fire, Santana, Iron Maiden, BILLY TALENT, Rammstein & more. Don’t miss the special tribute to Gilles Vigneault on the 14^th.
	Montreal Just for Laughs The largest comedy fest of its kind will reel in over 2 million laughseekers this July 7-25, 2010, serving up big stars and the industry’s newest faces. The hot rumour? Legally prohibited from being funny on TV Conan O’Brien as a gala host!
	Toronto Caribana Kicking off July 14 and closing August 1, 2010, this massive Caribbean festival draws over 1 million partiers each year. The main event? The dance-in-the-streets July 31 parade, complete with live calypso, steelpan, & reggae bands and fantastically costumed masqueraders.
	Dauphin Countryfest (Manitoba) Canada’s longest running country music fest will see thousands camping out in Dauphin, MB this July 1-4, 2010. Headlining the huge outdoor amphitheatre’s main stage? Fan-favourites Brooks & Dunn and Miranda Lambert.
	Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival 500,000+ visitors greet 1,000 + performers at this arts festival extraordinaire. Held in the city’s trendy Old Strathcona district August 12-22, 2010, look for classic plays, avant-garde experimenting, and buskers galore.

What festivals are you looking forward to this summer? Let us know!

Top 5 cities to visit in western Canada

vivian is virtual — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:35:07 +0000

Daydreaming over your summer vacation plans? Go west!

If those B.C. You Gotta Be Here ads during the Vancouver Olympics weren’t temptation enough, Alberta serves up so many natural wonders it holds four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. So start planning days packed with:

	Edmonton Horsing around at the Whitemud Equine Centre. Strolling through history at Ft. Edmonton Park. Sampling Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market goodies. Shopping at the world-famous West Edmonton Mall. Clubbing on Whyte Ave! Visit the Edmonton tourism website.
	Calgary Painting with elephants at the Calgary Zoo. Picnicking on Prince’s Island Park. Browsing Stephen Avenue Walk boutiques. Discovering Canada’s western heritage in the Glenbow Museum. Testing that fear of heights at the Calgary Tower! Visit the Calgary tourism website.
	Banff Canoeing Lake Louise’s pristine glacial waters. Teeing off on 5-star golf courses. Soaring in a gondola above the slopes. Admiring First Nations art at local galleries. Soaking in natural hot springs. Heli-hiking to alpine meadows! Visit the Banff tourism website.
	Jasper Winding among Maligne Canyon’s sheer cliffs. Swimming in the Miette Hotsprings. Trekking across glaciers at the Columbia Icefield. Gentle paddling… or white-knuckled plummeting on a rafting adventure! Visit the Jasper tourism website.
	Vancouver Walking the seawall at Stanley Park. Braving the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Nibbling Granville Island’s gourmet treats. Sniffing flowers from around the world at the VanDusen Botanical Garden. Admiring buff bodies at Kitsilano Beach! Visit the Vancouver tourism website.

Not to mention the Badlands, Dinosaur Nat’l Park, Stampede season, scenic rail tours across the Rockies, Pacific whale watching, visitor-friendly Victoria… enough for a few summer trips in a row? Happy travels!

New Contest: Summer vacation in Canada!

vivian is virtual — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:32:29 +0000

I’ve snagged a cottage in Ontario’s wine county over Canada Day (inspired by VIA destinations). Now it’s your turn to share! Describe your dream summer vacation in Canada, and you could win free train travel:

Leave a comment on this post describing your perfect Canadian summer vacation.
Share your vacation plans before May 19, 2010 at 11h59 PM.
Be automatically entered to win a $200 VIA Rail travel credit.*

The winner will be announced May 21, 2010. Can’t wait for everyone’s best summer vacation ideas in Canada!

Top 10: What to see & do in Montreal

vivian is virtual — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:03:36 +0000

From the Jazz Fest to the Grand Prix and Just for Laughs, there’s plenty to tempt you in Montreal this summer. But don’t miss out on the city’s finest sights! Here’s my insider’s guide:

	1- The Plateau Montreal’s most chic neighbourhood. Brunch at L’Avenue (arrive early – those eggs benny are popular!) or Café El Dorado (just across the street) then stroll Mont-Royal or St-Denis to shop & people-watch.
	2- Park Lafontaine Worked off breakfast? Pop into the Plateau’s artisanal bakeries for gourmet picnic fare to savour in this jewel of a park, ringed by many of the city’s most sought-after homes.
	3- Old Montreal You’ll love these historic streets lined with North America’s oldest buildings (some 17^th century!). Musts include the Chateau Ramezay, boutique shops & sidewalk café lingering.
	4- Old Port Rent a bike or stroll the riverside parks of Old Montreal’s bustling port. Also recommended? A dinner cruise of the St Lawrence!
	5- Mount Royal Discover the city’s most iconic green space, by the same designer as NYC’s Central Park. Don’t miss Beaver Lake and a hike to the Chalet Lookout.
	6- Outdoor Concerts Every summer Sunday on Mount Royal, you’ll find a massive Tam Tam party of drums and dancing in Jeanne-Mance Park. More into electronic music? Dance under the sun at Picnik Electronic every Sunday at Park Jean Drapeau. Lose yourself in the beats!
	7- Summit Circle in Westmount Want a spectacular view of downtown? Take it in while admiring the city’s finest homes. Don’t miss a hike through the bird sanctuary, a natural treasure in the heart of Montreal.
	8- Little Italy Stock up on local delicacies at Jean-Talon market, then explore the city’s Italian flavours – including an espresso at Café Italia!
	9- Oka Beach Hit the beach! Less than 50 km from the city you’ll find a gorgeous stretch of sand and water – including a secluded, clothing optional stretch known as Okapulco!
	10- Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue Tour the island’s westernmost tip, with its beautiful regional attractions, canal and locks, a National Historic Site of Canada. Enjoy the lively restaurants and terraces along the water’s edge.

Like to learn more about the province of Quebec? Try reading our: Top 5: What to see and do in Quebec City

Canada’s Top 5 Summer Sporting Events

vivian is virtual — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 19:08:50 +0000

Still riding that Vancouver Olympics high? Keep cheering on Canada’s finest athletes as they zoom, slam, buck, putt and run their way into your summer vacation plans at these world-class sporting events:

	Canadian Grand Prix \| Montreal: F1 is back in Canada! This June 11-13, Montreal will be brimming over with excitement (and tourists). 2005’s race was the third most watched sporting event ever – wonder how 2010 will stack up?
	Calgary Stampede \| Calgary: The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth? I believe it! Slap on your cowboy hat July 9-18 for Calgary’s giant rodeo competition, agricultural shows, parades, concerts, and a de rigeur pancake breakfast.
	Canadian Open \| Toronto: Watch golf’s elite as they tee up July 19-25 at Toronto’s St. George’s Golf & Country Club. With no Canadian winning since 1954 (and Mike Weir’s achingly close call in 2004) could this be the year for a home-grown star?
	Rogers Cup \| Toronto & Montreal: See the biggest stars in tennis duel it out for a World Tour title. Join the men in Toronto August 7-15, and the women in Montreal August 13-22. Only Wimbledon and the US Open have longer legacies!
	Ironman Canada Triathlon \| Penticton: A 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and complete marathon (26.2 miles) all at once? Watch as over 2,000 athletes attempt just that in Penticton, B.C. August 29, in the run-up to Hawaii’s World Championship.

Are you a lucky ticket holder to any of these events? Got an extra spot for me? (just kidding!) Share your plans in the comments!

	Canadian Grand Prix \| Montreal: F1 is back in Canada! This June 11-13, Montreal will be brimming over with excitement (and tourists). 2005’s race was the third most watched sporting event ever – wonder how 2010 will stack up?
	Calgary Stampede \| Calgary: The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth? I believe it! Slap on your cowboy hat July 9-18 for Calgary’s giant rodeo competition, agricultural shows, parades, concerts, and a de rigeur pancake breakfast.
	Canadian Open \| Toronto: Watch golf’s elite as they tee up July 19-25 at Toronto’s St. George’s Golf & Country Club. With no Canadian winning since 1954 (and Mike Weir’s achingly close call in 2004) could this be the year for a home-grown star?
	Rogers Cup \| Toronto & Montreal: See the biggest stars in tennis duel it out for a World Tour title. Join the men in Toronto August 7-15, and the women in Montreal August 13-22. Only Wimbledon and the US Open have longer legacies!
	Ironman Canada Triathlon \| Penticton: A 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and complete marathon (26.2 miles) all at once? Watch as over 2,000 athletes attempt just that in Penticton, B.C. August 29, in the run-up to Hawaii’s World Championship.