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Jane McLean

Canada Travel

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What's Open Victoria Day 2012?

Thursday May 17, 2012

Monday, May 21th is Victoria Day across Canada (except in Quebec where the holiday is National Patriots Day).

Openings and closings depend on province and region and the best advice is to call ahead if unsure. But generally, it's a long weekend for most Canadians. Some businesses stay open to feed and water the crowds and tourist destinations operate as usual.

How to Choose Your Border Crossing in Niagara Falls and Buffalo

Friday May 11, 2012
Niagara Falls and Buffalo are two of the most popular land crossings into Canada from the United States.

Luckily, there are four border crossings in this area: three in Niagara Falls and one in Buffalo and all are convenient passages to Southern Ontario, including to popular destinations like Niagara wine country and Toronto.

Be sure to check wait times at the border as you get closer by way of roadside signs, listening to the radio and looking online.

Other factors to consider when choosing which border crossing to take may be whether you have a NEXUS card or want to do some duty free shopping (not all border crossings have these options).

Niagara Falls Weather

Monday April 30, 2012
With the arrival of warmer weather, the number of visitors heading to Niagara Falls has started to increase. The summer is definitely the busiest time for this natural wonder, but if you're looking to save money, other seasons can still make for an enjoyable visit.

No matter what time of year you're visiting, you'll want to know what the weather will be like in Niagara Falls.

NEXUS Lane at Queenston Lewiston

Monday April 30, 2012
There is no U.S. bound NEXUS lane at the Queenston Lewiston Bridge; however there is a Canada-bound lane coming up from the U.S.

Finding this information clearly laid out is a chore and I had to find it out the hard way. I arrived at Queenston Lewiston last Friday feeling pleased with myself that I was going to whisk by the hour and a half lineup with my NEXUS card. No such luck. No NEXUS lane to the U.S.

Canada Border Services states on its website that there is a NEXUS lane at Queenston Lewiston but it doesn't mention that the lane is Canada-bound only: Like we're supposed to know this!? Grrr. Don't get me started again.

So I'm giving it to you straight. If you are heading from Canada to the U.S. and want to use your NEXUS card, use the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie, the Whirlpool-Rapids Bridge in Niagara Falls - which is a NEXUS card-holders-only crossing - or the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, which provides NEXUS service for only United States-bound travelers.

Porter Airfares Cut 50%

Monday April 30, 2012
Somehow Porter manages to look, feel and smell like a high-end airline (free WiFi, complimentary beverages), but constantly offers discount prices.

Well don't think about it too hard but just take advantage of half-price base fares out of Toronto for travel through September 4, 2012 if you book by May 4, 2012 (that's this Friday).

Find a Quebec City Tour

Saturday April 28, 2012
Quebec City is so rich in history that a guided tour is a great idea to get the most out of your visit. Walking tours will get you into the nooks and crannies of the Quebec's streets and buildings that date back to the 1600s but food tours, bus tours and boat tours are other ways to learn about this city that is so unique in North America.

Canada's Best Spas

Friday April 27, 2012

With Mother's Day coming up, now's a good time to familiarize yourself with some of Canada's best spas.

Many of the best spas in Canada take advantage of the country's vast natural resources. Aqua-Mer Thalassothérapie in Quebec, for example, pumps in sea water from the Chaleurs Bay to use in restorative treatments. Le Scandinave spas in Collingwood and Mont-Tremblant offer Nordic-style water therapy in picturesque Canadian settings.

Mother's Day in Canada

Thursday April 26, 2012
Mother's Day is fast approaching so it's time to get your brain in gear and dream up ways to show proper reverence to your mother.

We have some ideas for you, but remember the important thing, no matter where you are, is to do something; it doesn't even need to cost money. Maybe write Mom a heartfelt letter, leave the house clean (or at least cleaner), or make her a special Mother's Day cocktail.

Take a Tour of Quebec City

Tuesday April 24, 2012
With the history of Quebec City dating back to the 1600's and much of its architecture and heritage still clearly on view, there is much for first-time visitors to learn.

Though wandering aimlessly through the cobblestone streets of Old Town Quebec is enjoyable, taking a guided tour will add some depth to your enjoyment of this city that is so unique in North America.

Do You Like To Go Where Tourists Don't?

Wednesday April 11, 2012
The touristy spots of Quebec City are really what everyone comes to see. Old Town Quebec is touristy for a good reason - it's gorgeous and unlike anything else in North America. However, Old Quebec can overshadow some other interesting neighbourhoods that are worth visiting.

The Saint Roch area - about a 15/20 minute walk from Old Quebec - is trendy and still growing with many excellent restaurants and shops appealing especially to Gen X and Gen Y crowds. Think along the lines of Gastown in Vancouver or Queen Street West in Toronto.

In addition, more affordable hotels are located in Saint Roch, including TRYP Quebec Hotel PUR, which was refurbished in 2011 and today evokes clean, minimalist chic at rates more affordable comparable hotels in Old Town.

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