If you're in Toronto this holiday season, be sure to stop by the Hudson's Bay Company at Queen and Yonge to see this year's festive window displays. In the tradition of Macy's or Bloomingdales in New York City, Toronto's Hudson's Bay Company windows are glorious and detailed works of art that lend a special holiday touch to downtown Toronto.

Related reading:

• Guide to Bay Christmas Windows
• Pictures of "Enchanted Christmas" Window at the Bay
• Holiday Windows at NYC Department Stores

Jolly Ol' Saint Nick will greet the people of Vancouver at this year's Rogers Santa Claus Parade on Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 1:00 pm.

The weather looks promising, sunny even, but as always, rain is a definite possibility. Remember though, that umbrellas aren't great for the person standing behind you - stick to lots of waterproof clothing instead.

Related reading:

• Rogers Santa Claus Parade Guide
• Top Things to Do with Kids in Vancouver
  

Porter Airlines is a short-haul carrier serving eight destinations in central / eastern Canada and the U.S. Porter is extraordinary for its "old school" approach to customer service. Imagine free WiFi and cappuccino while you wait for your flight. How about complimentary snacks and your choice of beer or wine - in an actual glass - on your flight. Unheard of these days you say? Not with Porter. Read more about the Porter experience.

Having recently returned from Whistler, I can tell you not only is Whistler open for business, right now is one of the best times to visit this premier ski resort. Why now? In the lead up to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Whistler is all polished up in preparation for its February guests; it's like arriving early to a party and getting the first crack at the best hors d'œuvres and cocktails. Book a stay and ski package now and enjoy skiing Whistler Mountain, venue of the alpine events of the Vancouver Games. Ski and stay packages are cheap (starting from about $100 CDN per person per day in November, December and January) and the snow is falling in record amounts.

Related reading:

• Vancouver Olympics 2010 - Skiing
• Whistler Visitors Guide
• Getting from Vancouver to Whistler

^{Photo of Whistler Mountain on November 19, 2009, courtesy Steve Rogers via Flickr}