This year our national neighbors to the north celebrate their 150th anniversary and we’ll be celebrating with them as they do. Each month we’ll focus on one part of their magnificent country and share it with you. From sky-high trees and brown bears in British Columbia to kitchen parties and codfish-kissing in the Maritimes, our toast to Canada will give you well over 150 reasons to make this the year you take the trip. This month, we’re kicking things off in Manitoba, home of the Churchill polar bears and northern lights, plus fun winter festivals in Winnipeg.
Canada 150: Manitoba
When it comes to Canadian provinces, Manitoba rarely gets its fair amount of time in the spotlight. That’s unfortunate, because this prairie province between Ontario and Saskatchewan offers up a fantastic mix of culture, scenic outings, and wildlife interactions. Two national parks and 90 provincial parks, more than 110,000 lakes, a coast that hugs the historic Hudson Bay (and marks the spot where the oldest company in the world began as a fur trade outpost), and foundational ties to French Canada are only a few of the reasons that a trip to Manitoba has all the makings of a getaway to remember.
Winnipeg, the province’s capital, and Churchill, which sits on the Hudson Bay coast are travel favorites. Whether you’re an adventurous spirit on your own or a family out to explore new terrain, the cities offer plenty to keep you busy.
Winter Fun in Winnipeg
In Winnipeg, start at The Forks National Historic Site, where it’s not uncommon to come upon a First Nations pow wow or a busker festival on the site’s 54 acres; then head to Assiniboine Park for year-round activities at its gardens, children’s play areas, and zoo. Stay at the iconic Fort Garry or a boutique hotel, like Inn at the Forks. Take in the relatively new microbrewery scene or explore neighboring Ste. Boniface with its connections to founding father and Metis leader, Louis Riel.
Churchill Polar Bears … Plus So Much More
Subarctic Churchill offers the completely opposite adventure. Here you’ll find a small local population, year-round sled dog outings, the northern lights, ambling polar bears, beluga whales, and a fort to explore. Bonus: Make sure to get your passport stamped with the official polar bear stamp at the local post office.
Want to do both? Because there are no roads into Churchill, you have two options: Cross the province by train (you’ll spend two nights onboard) or book a flight out of Winnipeg (less than a two-hour flight).
Why January Is the Perfect Time to Go to Manitoba
Manitoba weather is not for the faint of heart in January. Temperatures can dip to -25 degrees Fahrenheit, but that cold weather brings many rewards for the hardy. The top of that
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Rare is the traveler who looks forward to spending a night in an airport hotel. With an emphasis on convenience and utilitarian style, airport hotels tend to be a necessity rather than an indulgence. Luckily, there are those hidden gems that manage to pleasantly surprise even the most discerning traveler. In a bid to transcend their less-than-ideal locations, these hotels spare no effort in providing all the amenities you'd desire, including restaurants serving delectable dishes, cozy, comfort-focused rooms, and tranquil spas that ease post-flight stress. Check out six of Canada’s best airport hotels.
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It’s a culinary celebration no foodie will want to miss! The Elora Mill, one of Canada’s most coveted accommodations, is set to host the much-anticipated 20th Anniversary of Food Day Canada on August, 3, 2023. The event promises to be an extravaganza that will energize taste buds and show off the nation's incredible gastronomic heritage. During the event, the historic town of Elora, renowned for its scenic beauty and charm, will transform into a culinary haven, attracting food enthusiasts from across the province.
Now that we’re collectively becoming more and more aware of how commuting by way of airplane is not exactly a sustainable travel option to be indulging in all the time, a trip via train is becoming much more appealing—and honestly, so many of us are quick to jump on an international flight to far-flung destinations, sometimes it’s nice to get to know our neighbors.
As a seasoned travel and adventure writer, who has been all over the planet in search of not only indelible nature and wildlife experiences, but also, insights into diverse communities, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to connect with wilderness guides, flora and fauna enthusiasts, and environmental stewards who have made brilliant careers in the outdoor industry.
”Hong Kong is a photographer’s dream,” says Geraint Rowland. “It’s got impressive architecture and the busy streets teem with life, day and night.” The Wanderlust Travel Photo of the Year winner was blown away by the territory. As part of their dual-destination photo commission, the four winners of the UK’s biggest travel photography competition were first guided around Hong Kong and its many islands. They soon discovered there were plenty of opportunities to point their lenses, whether the neon skyscrapers, the old neighbourhoods from which the city evolved or one of the 260 outlying islands, whose slower pace of life, unusual wildlife and natural landscapes offer a contrast to that famous urban bustle.
This year our national neighbors to the north celebrate their 150th anniversary and we’ll be celebrating with them as they do. Each month we’ll focus on one part of their magnificent country and share it with you. From the sky-high trees and brown bears in British Columbia to the kitchen parties and codfish-kissing in the Maritimes, our toast to Canada will give you well over 150 reasons to make this the year you take the trip. This month we’re exploring ocean floors and maritime friendships in New Brunswick.
Canadian border officials have had their hands full with American gun owners lately, and now our neighbors to the north are launching a U.S.-geared “firearms awareness campaign” in response.
Researchers in Connecticut are warning that tick populations are on the rise this year, so you need to be especially vigilant—not just at home, but also while traveling. If your trips take you anywhere within North America, Europe, or Asia, you could be at risk for ticks and the many diseases they cause.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just upgraded its advisory for Canada to the highest rating, Level 4. “Because of the current situation in Canada, even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants,” warned the CDC in its latest Travel Health Notices update.
Located in the Rocky Mountains, Banff is a famous Canadian ski town that's home to Banff National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the country.