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What You Need to Know About Traveling On Canada Day

February 13, 2020

If you’re heading to Canada on July the 1st, you should know that you’ll be there for one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Keep reading to learn more about Canada Day and what you can expect during your visit.

What is Canada Day?

Wait a minute… when is Canada Day? WHAT is Canada Day? Why does Canada even have a day?

To put it simply, Canada Day is somewhat like the Fourth of July is for Americans – but it’s a little different. Here’s a bit of history:

Canada Day marks the day when the nation was officially “born” via the signing of the Constitution Act on the first of July, 1867. This act brought together the three provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and the province of Canada – which then split into Quebec and Ontario.

It’s not exactly Canada’s “birthday” (although it’s often called that) – it’s more of a major milestone in the journey to full independence from the British Empire.

This holiday was originally known as Dominion Day, and it wasn’t really celebrated much until 100 years later. Canada’s 100th birthday sparked a growth in Canadian patriotism and it started to become popular to celebrate on July 1th. The new name of “Canada Day” wasn’t officially adopted until 1982.

Canada Day has become a day for Canadians to be proud of the true north strong and free. Over the years the day has come to stand for the things Canadians love about Canada – such as friendliness, camaraderie, diversity, acceptance and natural beauty. (And of course, toe-tappin tunes and the smell of barbeque in the sultry air of a warm July night!)

Typical Canada Day Celebrations

What does a typical Canada Day celebration look like? The answer is, there’s no one specific way to celebrate this holiday, but it will almost always include food, music, drinks and lots of fun. It’s a day off for the general population and most schools and businesses will be closed.

First of all, a popular tradition is a pancake breakfast, where delicious pancakes, waffles and bacon are served for free or by donation. Often a city or town will stage an all-day event, featuring live music, children’s entertainment, games, activities and performances. There may be face-painting, parades and even ceremonies to induct new Canadian citizens.

When evening falls, it’s tradition to light up the sky with fireworks and play the National Anthem. The dancing and celebrating may go on late into the night! Canada is one of the best nights of the summer and many people will be in great spirits – feeling patriotic and ready to have a good time.

Where to Celebrate Canada Day 2020

If you’re heading to Canada to take part in the festivities of Canada Day 2020, where’s the best place to wave the flag?

Well, the truth is that there will be Canada Day celebrations taking part on July 1st in almost every village, town and city in the country. However, these are a few examples of the biggest and best celebrations you can attend on this very Canadian day:

Ottawa

One of the biggest Canada Day celebrations takes part at the nation’s capital. There are huge celebrations taking part on Parliament Hill, with live music, a live broadcast of CBC’s The Evening Show, fireworks and so much more. There will also be festivities taking place in Major’s Hill Park, located only a few minutes walk from Parliament Hill. You can even celebrate at the Canadian Museum of History, located just across the river from the other sites in Gatineau, Quebec.

Toronto

Toronto has another one of the liveliest Canada Day celebrations. Throughout the entire weekend there are celebrations taking part at Ontario Place, including an Indigenous arts and culture performance. The Waterfront Festival takes part at Sherbourne Common, featuring tall ships and other Maritime fun. Many people will be heading to Downsview Park, where there will be games, music, entertainment and much more. And of course, the fireworks will light up the night for the culmination of the Canada celebrations.

Vancouver

The first of July is a fantastic party in Vancouver and there are several events to mark this Canada national day. At Canada Place you’ll find the second largest Canada Day celebration in the country, with 13 solid hours of activities, performances, music, exhibits, food and much more. Plus, you don’t want to miss the spectacular firework display over the harbour. Also, don’t miss the chance to check out vibrant Granville Island, packed with food trucks, art and a multicultural fair.

Montreal

Celebrate La Fête du Canada French Canadian style. In the Old City of Montreal you’ll encounter lots of celebrations, including a performance by the Canadian Forces brass band, workshops, sporting events and food stalls. The highlight of the evening is the stunning fireworks display from Jacques-Cartier Pier.

Happy Canada Day, and safe travels!

Vacation Travel

Things to Know Before You Travel to Canada

November 26, 2019

Oh, Canada! The second largest country in the world is packed with so many great things to see and do. It’s home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, from the dramatic cliffs and stormy seas of the Maritimes to the vast prairies and the snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes of the Rocky Mountains.

Plus, Canada also boasts world-class cities that are alive with excellent nightlife, superb museums and galleries, delicious and diverse cuisine and fascinating history. No matter what you’re into, you’ll find something to love in Canada. Plus, you’ll also find plenty of friendly and welcoming people.

So, what should you know when visiting Canada? Keep reading for some important information you’ll want to be aware of before you embark on a trip to the True North Strong and Free.

Tips for Traveling to Canada

➤ In Canadian airports, you’ll hear all announcements repeated in both official languages – French and English. So, if you don’t understand the announcement don’t panic – it will cycle back around to English again.

➤ Be aware of how cold it can be in the winter. In the prairie provinces, it is not uncommon for the temperature to dip down to -30 degrees Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit) during the depths of winter. Dress appropriately and don’t plan to spend long hours outdoors.

➤ Speaking of what to wear, layers is the best option when travelling to Canada. You can adjust to your comfort when walking outside or entering a building. Also, don’t forget a scarf, gloves and a hat (known locally as a toque).

➤ The tipping culture in Canada is similar to that of the USA. Generally, the accepted range is between 15-20% of the final bill.

➤ When you visit Canada you’ll notice right away that there is a federal sales tax added to all goods and services. Plus, in addition to this many of the provinces have their own tax. So, keep this in mind if your bill comes to more than you were expecting – even when shopping in a store.

➤ Canada is a huge country and the distances between destinations are vast. Be realistic about how much you can cover during your trip. For example, don’t plan to visit Vancouver one day and then Calgary the next. There is over 10 hours of driving in between these two cities (even though they look relatively close on a map!)

➤ If you are not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization if you are visiting Canada by air. It costs $7 and is valid for five years.

Entering Canada: Travel to Canada from the US

Wondering what you need to know about US citizen travel to Canada?

If you are visiting Canada from the United States, you’ll definitely need to bring your passport to cross the border – or a “passport equivalent.” This can be an enhanced driver’s licence, or a NEXUS card. Ever since 9/11, visitors from the USA are no longer allowed to cross the border into Canada with a simple driver’s license.

A tourist visa is not required for stays under 180 days. Children under the age of 16 may only need to present proof of U.S. citizenship – which can be a birth certificate.

It’s also important to know what you can bring with you when you cross the border. For example, if you have proper documentation you can bring your pet with you. However, you should never take fresh fruit with you across the border, and there are limits on how much liquor and cigarettes you can bring.

The good news is that your US driving license is still valid when you cross the border into Canada. However, be aware that the speed limits will be displayed in kilometers, not miles. So, figure out the conversion rate and don’t drive too fast!

Some towns on the border will accept American dollars. However, you’ll want to change your money into Canadian currency as soon as you can. Also, keep an eye on your mobile phone settings. Your U.S. cellphone will work in Canada, but your carrier may apply roaming charges that can really add up quickly.

It’s also important to know that although Canada has a wonderful universal healthcare system – it’s only for Canadians. As a visitor, you’ll want to get travel insurance coverage in case you hurt yourself or become ill during your stay. (That is, unless your U.S. health provider covers you outside of the USA.)

Any questions about visiting Canada?

If you’re going to Canada, feel free to reach out to us and ask any questions you might have about what to expect. Also, if you’re coming to Toronto, check out our furnished suites – ideal for families or couples who want the comforts of home plus a convenient location in the heart of the city.

Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

Ideas for Your Next Weekend Getaway

November 19, 2019

Travel doesn’t always have to be a long voyage. Sometimes all you need is to take a quick trip to relax and recharge. That’s why a weekend vacation can be such a great idea. You don’t have to book extra time off work to enjoy this short but sweet travel experience.

So, if you’re planning a weekend trip, where should you go and what should you do? Whether you’re looking for ideas for fun weekend getaways for couples, weekend trips with the family or a solo adventure – there’s plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas for your next weekend trip.

The Best Weekend Getaways:

3 Day Vacation Ideas

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

If you’re based near Toronto, Niagara Falls is the perfect option for long weekend getaways. It’s easy to get to from the city – with multiple options for trains and buses. Once you are there, you’ll want to marvel at impressive volume of the spectacular falls. However, that’s not the only things you can do in Niagara Falls. You can take a stroll through Niagara Falls State Park, taking the pedestrian bridge over to Goat Island and admiring the view of Horseshoe Falls from Terrapin Point. You could also book a wine tour out to Niagara on the Lake to taste some of the delicious vintages from the area.

Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key, Florida, USA

If you’re looking for a beautiful sandy beach to spend a sunny long weekend – consider this beautiful park in Big Pine Key. It’s a great spot to experience the Florida Keys on a budget. You could hop on a boat to go snorkeling at the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, or rent a kayak for your own adventure. There are many options for where to stay – from simple campsites to cabins to luxurious resorts.

San Antonio, Texas, USA

This vibrant Texas city is an affordable place to visit – packed with a great dining and nightlife scene, historical significance and lots of great things to do. You can visit the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park or visit the Alamo for free – both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then, take a stroll down the famous San Antonio River Walk. The banks of the river are lined with bustling waterfront restaurants, unique boutiques, cute shops and so much more.

Victoria, British Columbia, USA

Take the ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island to enjoy one of the best weekend getaways on the West Coast. One of the oldest cities in the Northwest, BC’s capital Victoria was first settled by the British in 1843. It’s a great mix of British charm, historic architecture, beautiful nature and a laid back hippie vibe. Take a stroll through the impressive flower displays at Butchart Gardens and explore the Inner Harbour, where you can see the Parliament Buildings and have afternoon tea at the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Savannah, Georgia, USA

If you’re looking for weekend trips with historic, magic and charm – Savannah is absolutely oozing with it. This city is known as one of the most romantic destinations in the USA. Take a stroll through the Old Town on a walking tour to hear the ghost stories of the many characters who haunt this town. Dine at one of the delicious Southern BBQ joints, then cap off the night with a swanky cocktail at a sexy, sultry speakeasy.

Napa Valley, California, USA

If you love wine, there’s no better spot for a weekend getaway than the beautiful Napa Valley. You can spend your weekend relaxing at stunning hillside vineyards, sipping wine near luxury resorts, spas and golf courses. Plus, there are many cool activities to enjoy here from cooking workshops, cycling tours, fishing charters, stand-up paddleboarding and much more.

Tips for A Better Weekend Getaway

How can you make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible? Here are some tips that will help you have a great weekend adventure.

Stay in an accommodation that will be as close as possible to the things you want to see and do on your trip. A weekend is not a lot of time, so you don’t want to spend too much of it on transport.
Search for “weekend getaway ideas near me” and stay somewhere close by – so you don’t have to spend too much of your weekend in transport.
Keep your luggage as light as possible. It should be easy to do if you’re only going for a couple of nights, and it will make transport a lot easier. Plus, if you’re traveling by air you’ll be able to fly cheaper if you travel with hand luggage only.
Spend some time without your phone, so you can take a break from work emails and social media and live in the moment. You’ll come back feeling happier and recharged.
Do as much as you can on the Saturday, to take the pressure off Sunday. Many attractions will be closed on a Sunday anyway and you don’t want to miss your chance to see them.

Have fun on your weekend getaway!

Entertainment, Vacation Travel

East Coast Vacations: Inspiration For Your Next Trip

November 12, 2019

An East Coast USA vacation is a classic getaway. After all, this region has everything you could want from a fun break: beautiful beaches, cities packed with culture, quiet pockets of nature and stunning views of the ocean.

When it comes to planning the best East Coast vacations (or even an East Coast road trip), there are a lot of great destinations to choose from. From the gorgeous forests of upstate New York to the famous amusement parks of Florida, you can keep coming back to the East Coast again and again.

The Best Places to Visit on the East Coast

If you are looking for some East Coast vacation ideas, (whether for
Spring Break or an autumn getaway) these are some of the hottest spots on this side of the country.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Historic Philadelphia is the birthplace of America and a fantastic place for an East Coast trip. It’s very popular with families, but it could also be a wonderful romantic trip or a solo adventure. The city is very walkable and there are countless museums and historic sites to check out. You can taste the delicious food at the Reading Terminal Market, revisit history at the Betsy Ross House and go for a jog up the “Rocky” steps by the
Philadelphia Art Museum. Of course, don’t forget to try a big juicy and irresistible Philly cheese steak as well!

It’s no wonder this city draws so many visitors for East Coast vacations.

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusets

This pretty island is a dreamy getaway, accessible from Cape Cod via a ferry. You’ll fall in love with the charming beaches, quaint lighthouses, gingerbread cottages and sweet hotels. Also, if you love hiking this is a great place for you. There are several stunning national parks where you can explore the great outdoors, including Aquinnah Cliffs and South Beach State Park. It’s one of the most popular East Coast attractions for celebrities, so keep your eyes peeled and you might spot some famous visitors.

Kennebunkport, Maine

This lovely and quaint Maine village is filled with chic boutiques, friendly coffee shops and quirky antique shops. The rocky coastline is ideal for capturing those iconic seaside photos, with a scenic lighthouse in the background. There’s plenty to keep you busy here, from kayak tours of Mousam River Estuary to lobstering and much more. At the end of the day, you can relax with a few local brews at the
Kennebunkport Brewing Company while you admire the views.

Washington, D.C.

There’s so much to see and do in Washington! If you are a history buff or an art nerd, you’ll love the world-class collection of Smithsonian museums – all of which are free. You can also go for a walk along the National Mall, a stunning space lined with iconic landmarks such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Take a tour of the White House and the Library of Congress, then stroll through the hip streets of Georgetown and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants that overlook the water.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

If you’re looking for the quintessential charming New England town, Portsmouth is a pretty great example. It’s just an hour north of Boston but it has a completely different vibe. One of the oldest cities in the USA, it was settled in 1623. This peaceful historic town has excellent museums (such as the USS Albacore Museum) and a lot of stories to tell. Check out the Strawberry Banke Museum, an outdoor exhibition that will show you what life was like when this community was originally settled. Or, you can take a walk along the Portsmouth Harbor Trail, which showcases 70 landmarks and is lined with excellent restaurants, cute artisan boutiques and lovely sidewalk shops.

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is very special – it’s the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in North America. This gives it a completely different feel than most Florida destinations. Founded by Spanish colonialists in 1565, it has more of an Old World ambiance and feels more like Spain than Florida. You can take a stroll through the cobbled streets and admire the 1672 Castillo de San Marcos. Plus, the Plaza de la Constitución is pretty impressive and the city is filled with beautiful Spanish-style architecture. If you venture only minutes away, St. Augustine has more than 40 miles of stunning beaches.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

If you’re looking to relax on a beach or take the family somewhere chilled out, Myrtle Beach is a delight. Along the beachfront you’ll find an array of attractions, including live entertainment, multiple amusement parks and great restaurants. Every night during the summer there will be live entertainment on the oceanfront boulevard, including stilt walkers, jugglers and bagpipers. There’s even a weekly firework display – making the nights very magical indeed. It’s no wonder this is one of the most popular East Coast vacation spots.

These are just a few of the best places to visit on the East Coast. What are your favorite places for East Coast vacations? Share them with us in the comments!

Travel Advice