We spent little time enjoying together in a group and finally we again got to our seats to reach Edmonton. By the time we reach there, the area I experienced was very much flat. The weather was very touchy until we reached to the city, but the moment we go on and on the climate goes on changing by bringing the rainy, drizzly and cloudy weather. Well, Edmonton is famous for this trendy climate. We got off the bus at last and walked for 20 minutes to the hostel. Here the climate was very hot, with the blazing sunshine we were in mood to explore the place.

Even though, the time has passed after 6pm, we experienced hot and sunny climate, and the sand was burning from that effect. Our Hostel was not in the downtown Edmonton so we walked ahead in a group to make everyone feel great even after getting tired from the long journey. When we reached at the place, we saw huge crowd of people covered in Canadian Flags and Maple leaves. All could be found in groups. In fact, the city police was also swarming with the people. The Hostel was very big and filled with English people. We entered inside and made some arrangements to take rest.

After few hours of rest, we went out of the Hostel to have food and stared at the celebrations around us. This boosted our energy and we enjoyed couple of moments standing there. Next day, we woke up at 6 am and just chilled by taking a walk around the local area and then we went towards the park. Here we sat and read and enjoyed the sunny climate for few hours. And of course, we chatted a lot and shared some stories of real life incidents, which was very interesting and knowledgeable as well. By strolling down the streets, we spent our entire day.

The next day, we have planned to visit tourist attraction like rock at the Edmonton Mall, which is the biggest mall in the world I felt. This mall includes a Theme Park, Water Park, Ice Skating rink and the rest of usual stuff. We thought that shopping would make our day, but that doesn’t proved much fun as we haven’t bought anything. Already we have a bulk of luggage, and there is no space to carry some more. Therefore, we watched a movie and had fun. After enjoying some special moments with friends, we planned to get back to our places and start our jobs as we have already spent a week.

While traveling to Edmonton, the trip was fascinating as there was so much to see. We went to this spot from Whitehouse and explored as much as possible. We saw grizzly bear; ELK, which is Canadian moose; few wild horses; and buffalo. The next day we went for a walk around the city and truly, it was so busy with every people celebrating Canada Day. We had some food and some beers to be chilled out. Well, we hope to be back to this capital city of Alberta again where many popular cultural events and arts festivals is world famous due to its scenic river valley. It is a home to the largest shopping centre of the world, which is West Edmonton Mall. The mall has more than 800 shops and services with more than 100 eating establishments. Also nine themed attractions like the Galaxyland and the World Waterpark could be found here. It was good to back to the city, but yes a day left to explore some of the Canadian National Parks as well. Yupie! This is a real life I must say, spending some special moments with close friends …

The town of Banff, located in the heart of Banff National Park, is home to lush green meadows and serene waterfalls. Banff is a little wonder because of its small area. This mountain resort town has streets buzzing in activity. From elaborate dining facilities to world-class accommodation, Banff has it all.

One glimpse is all it takes to understand Banff’s popularity as a tourist hotspot. The Cascade Mountain and the Bow River are famous. The people of Banff are blessed to have spectacular locales as their backyard. With the advent of winter, this town becomes a haven for adventure seekers, especially skiers.

The town of Banff is ideal for non-skiers as well with its range of pubs and restaurants. A disadvantage though is driving to make it to the ski hotspots. A thing to remember is that temperatures can dip to new lows. This is in sharp contrast to the European ski resorts.

Activities

Banff offers you a plethora of activities from skiing to sightseeing. It is home to three world class ski resorts: Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Mount Norquay. Enjoy daily tours to the town.

Shopaholics can splurge on a variety of exclusive boutiques. The Banff National Park, with its jaw-dropping sights, has something for everyone.

The clear, emerald waters of Lake Louise will leave you in state of awe and wonder. Sunshine Meadows is world famous for its variety of flowers. Therefore, do not miss out on a walk through the meadows. Driving through the Icefields Parkway, you will witness the jagged mountain peaks. Snow-capped mountains and breathtaking glaciers are just some of the tourist attractions.

Tourists can also enjoy wildlife excursions and hiking adventures. The Banff upper hot springs are equally intriguing.

Some of the most distinct species of North American fauna are to be found in Banff’s wilderness. Keep a lookout for the thousand odd elk that graze through the meadows.

Skiing

Rent out the gear for skiing, and let the adrenaline soar by taking a plunge. The skiing in Banff is segregated in two areas: Ski Norquay and Sunshine Village. Tourists do not strike out Lake Louise from the itinerary.

Although Sunshine Village and Norquay are the most popular skiing destinations, the local trails are a hit amongst cross-country skiers, snowboarders, and ice climbers.

Getting There

Banff is located in the Canadian province of Alberta, approximately 75 miles west of Calgary. Tourists need to travel 10 miles through Banff National Park to get to the town.

Best of Winnipeg for families

All day long fun activities

Move ahead with a pre-determined thought to have a tryst with polar bears of Winnipeg. Oh… don’t get me wrong, this idea will not end you up as a prey of polar bear. Because, here I am referring to the polar bear sculptures and not the polar bears. Almost 60 polar bear sculptures are lined up on Winnipeg’s streets and this can be attributed to the Broadway Fundraising Initiative that commenced in 2005. This noble initiative raised fund by selling off the polar bear sculptures to different companies. At present, these structures welcome your way pleasantly as they have been attired and placed all along the town. To spot several polar bear sculptures at a time, hit the Manitoba Legislature’s open grounds. Truly, your kids will be overwhelmed with joy and delight.

Time to behold the real polar bears!

Head to the popular “Polar bear capital of the world” i.e. Churchill. Sitting in Manitoba, Churchill witnesses visits of 300 polar bears during the fall, between September and November. Located at a far distance of 1900 kms from Winnipeg, it is almost near to impossible to get there through the roadways. However, reaching there is not impossible as you can catch a two and a half hour flight from Winnipeg and access Churchill easily. Come with adequate time in hand and behold the magnificent view of polar bears moving freely in the natural surroundings, instead of watching them confined in zoo.

Best educational experience

Instead of sitting idle and wasting your time in the hotel room depressed, due to severe cold or rains, take up the time to tour in the Manitoba Museum. The museum’s eight immense informative galleries take to a tour down the historic lane. It gives an interesting enlightening in-sight in the history of nature, culture and man of Manitoba. Not only will you be loaded with historical descriptions, but also you will have a meeting with full-sized polar bears, bison and indigenous American teepee. The most striking and attention grabbing structure in the entire museum is the reproduction of Nonsuch Ship. Navigated in 1668, this ship played a crucial role and led to the discovery of the Hudson Bay Company. Go explore the boat by taking glimpse of captain’s quarters and other parts of the ship. Apart from this, the museum has also formulated a replica of Winnipeg’s street that hailed to the early 1900’s. This museum is an exciting spot as it reverses back to the olden days, and provides a rare glimpse in the history. Truly exciting for both adults and kids, make sure you head to this museum.

Manitoba Museum

Placed at about distance of half an hour from the Business District of Winnipeg, the Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site of Canada is enriched with descriptions of legendary Winnipeg. Not only this, this fort is also esteemed to be the oldest stone fort in the entire North America. It has also marked the significant historical moment of signing the Treaty No. 1 between the Crown and the First Nations People. Tour in this enlightening museum will certainly take one back to the nineteenth century, where one can have a conspicuous view of the Hudson Bay Company. Sneak a peek into the history and lifestyle of the native inhabitants. Learn more about aboriginal craft forms, blacksmithing and so on.

Manitoba’s Children Museum

Lying adjacent to the Inn at the Forks is this great interactive Children’s Museum of Manitoba. This museum is basically pragmatic in form as it interprets education and creativity in such a fruitful manner, that kids will love to understand. The inspirational galleries have been set up which allows children to grab fun by gliding down a 17 foot long oak tree; catch the legendary CN train car that hails to 1950’s and enjoy being a news anchor or weather person. Also, they can play in vast sand box or learn the art of building by simply playing with plumbing pipes or digging.

Assiniboine Park Zoo

Behold the sight of exotic animals in Assiniboine Park Zoo. This safe wildlife sanctuary is home to black bears, cougars, arctic fox, white tigers, bobcats, raccoons, zebras, lemurs and much more. It is open round the year. Up till 2008 November, this park zoo was unique of all the zoos as it sheltered the oldest polar bear of the world called Debby. However, his sad demise took place when he was 42 years old.

Fort Whyte is another attention grabbing wildlife centre. Popular as a Nature Education and Environmental Centre, it is quite an informative and interesting spot worth visiting. This spot shelters more than 30 bison herds. Not only this, it also offers opportunities of hiking in forest trails and seeing the prairie dogs in Prairie Dog Town. Also, you can gain crispy details of the burning issue ‘Global Warming’ at exhibitions of climate change. In addition, Fort Whyte also affords sailing, wildlife spotting, snow shoeing and many more.

Canada’s prettiest city offers lovely cobbles, narrow and curvy streets, pavement cafes, charming boutique hotels, not only this, adding cherry to the cake is, it affords great amusement both indoors and outdoors. The outdoor ambiance is very soothing with romance flowing in the air. Horse clumping in the cobblestone streets, while pulling the carriages wherein couples grab sights of the pleasant atmosphere. Although lying in North America, it renders feel of Europe and the pleasant ambiance is just too mesmerizing.

Quebec City possesses something for everyone. It is enriched with lots of forts and museums for keeping people busy. The most soothing part here in Quebec is its charming ambiance that sooths the depressed senses. Get ahead in the outdoors, stroll in the lovely cobblestone streets, and soak the pleasant atmosphere……

1. Strolling in the narrow curvy streets:

This ancient city of Canada is an idyllic destination and every sight is worth watching. Antique Quebec City is filled with imposing centuries-old structures standing firmly on old cobblestone streets that form an impressive site. In addition, the city is embellished with ancient cannons and sprinkling fountains that are just too spectacular to gaze at. Get down in the streets and try to gain optimum scenic views, if you get tired after a long walk, then grab the opportunity of riding in the charming horse carriages. The ride affords favorable views and caters as a mini-history lesson.

2. Grabbing fun in the roller coaster ride:

This adventurous ride is just too amazing and puts a halt to your monotonous way of viewing scenic sights. You cannot travel the entire world in it with your grandparents, but a fun ride for less than $2 is worth your money. Overall, it bestows splendid view and links Upper Town to the Lower Town. While the ride downwards is bizarre, the upward turn is fantastic if you have spent time meandering around the Vieux Port and Quartier Petit Champlain. Grab the distinct opportunity of riding in this enthralling ride and make your trip a memorabilia.

3. Gazing lovely charms:

Grab this opportunity to peek through the windows the ancient exhibits. The Musee de la Civilisation de Quebec bestows an array of sync of permanent and temporary exhibits. However, they are not massive or overpowering. But you can make your tour memorable one by veiling in costumes and feigning as if you are living in France in the medieval ages.

Following, get to the Aquarium du Quebec which sits calmly on the banks of St. Lawrence. It houses lovely collection of fresh and salt water fishes, reptiles, amphibians, walruses, seals and polar bears. The most spectacular amidst the cluster is Harbor Seal which grabs the eye-balls of adults, kids, or youngsters alike. Here, seals are known as ‘phoque’ and trainers call it regularly by that name.

4. Exploring outdoors:

Neat and spick outdoors, charming outdoor enticements, scenic views are few temptations which hypnotize people to step outdoors. There are plenty of promising sites which afford great amusement and fun. The picturesque Plains of Abraham, picnic spot of Promenade Samuel de Champlain besides the gushing St. Lawrence River are lovely sights to spend time in. Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is an added delight where you can hike up, move across the bridge that affords marvelous waterfalls that is 30 meters high than Niagara Falls.

5. Dining in diverse cuisines:

This spot offers diverse delicacies like pea soup, sugar pie, Montreal bagels and many more. Take French fries, add cheese curds, dress it with brown gravy and relish every bit of the lip-smacking foods. After eating all these, may be your arteries will not acknowledge you, although your kids will…so enjoy every bit.

New Brunswick: Intimate whale watching and cabins on the bay. This is an enthralling comprehensive location comprising the most beautiful eye-soothing characteristics all intact into one. Sneak a peek at this bilingual region of Canada, rest in the amusing provincial park, glance the sunset of Atlantic Ocean in the twilights and awake in the dawn by hearing the chirpy sounds of the innate birds. Enjoy the craggy coast line that serves as fisher’s village and shop at the local farmer’s market.

Grab fun of camping in Murray Beach Provincial Park. For glimpse of whale-the water giant, step in zodiac from St. Andrews NB rather than the common giant tourist ships. They provide for an intimate view of the giant whales, so grab the opportunity of close viewing and mark it to a lifetime experience.

For knowing the region of New Brunswick better and peeping inside its cultural and historical background visit the New Brunswick’s Museum located in the city center of St. Johns on the market street. It provides for every usual aspect like art, culture, nightlife, but for beholding the real essence f this destination, rent a cabin for stay at the Bay of Fundy. This bay is popular for highest tidal difference in the world. From here, spend your time in the shores with your dear ones; buy fresh fishes from the dock. Believe me, this would stay alive in your memories for a lifetime.

Prince Edward Island: Literary tourism and comfort food Visiting this destination will not burn your pockets because you just need to pay for ride in a ferry and using the bridge which is needed to get into the island. After getting in, visit the memorable and renowned ‘Anne of Green Gables house.’ Travelling this province by your own vehicle gives you tremendous exposure of this place. Ride your bike over the undulation hills and for getting some fresh lobsters, take a halt at small fishing villages of Souris or Cymbria. Take a halt at the town L.M. Montgomery and have a brunch at the Dayboat Restaurant. It is special because of its scrumptious cuisines which renders an indigenous taste. Resting here is perfect for a long island day visit.

Prince Edward Island, an unique blend of turquoise sea, blue sky and red earth does the job of eye candy. Discover the innate backdrop through the back roads, it is mesmerizing. Also relish your tongue by eating potatoes and fish as both are the flourishing industries in the island. Also, peep some of the outstanding artistic works by the naïve people. Don’t forget to carry loads of potatoes and lobsters at your home back.

Getting there: Fly directly to the Charlotte town, from their rent a car. But for grabbing fun out of the journey, drive your car all the way from the elongated Confederation Bridge which is the longest bridge of the world and built over ice covered waters which then encircles the island.

Nova Scotia: Tidal bore rafting and unsinkable ships As you step in the land of Nova Scotia, move ahead for exploring adventure in the lap of nature. Enter the gorges of the Minas Basin where the gushing waves are burbling towards you due to the rapid tidal influence. Over here, capture the fun of water sports like white water rafting or kayaking in the speedy waters, trust me they would mark their impressions on your mind for the whole lifetime. But before you enter the water, prefer the best company that can render you with exceptional ways and techniques, assuring you of your safety as well in the waters. There are lots of companies to pick from, however you choose ‘Shubenacadie Adventure Tours’ that is run by the Johnson family.

Following forward, head towards the exotic Maritime Museum of the Atlantic that bequeaths splendid views which will again remind you of yesteryear memories of Titanic. Travel to the holy spot of Mount Olivet Cemetery and pay tributes to the victims.

Past traveling and exploring the destination, it’s the time to bribe your stomach with lip-smacking food. Lick your fingers by eating a healthy meal comprising of sea foods and chips at the lovely Maritime Canadian English. Also, you can’t leave this place without eating the yummy scallops that are available at the town of Digby which nestles low tide, granting you a soothing view of the frontier bay. Travel this destination and collect these ever-lasting memories in your sweet anecdotes.

Getting there: Catch a flight from Prince Edward Island directly to Haliflax- which acquires the prestige of being the main hub and the biggest province. If you truly want to enjoy the fun of traveling, take a long drive from any other terrain.

Perfect Exotica For Visiting Eastern Canada – Part I

Ontario: Wine tasting, historic towns, and Thousand Islands Once stepped in Ontario, now you have reached a destination which possesses ample enchanting spots worth a visit. Start with a rut from Toronto with the usual travel guidebook visiting the CN Tower, the sky dome, the museums, everyone are fabulous. And after that when you reach the Niagara Falls, give a hit to the Niagara valleys which has renowned vineyards that are misprized. Following this, visit St. Jacob’s market located in close proximity to the Kitchener-Waterloo. If you want to gain more amusement, rent a car and accelerate in 401 for the lesser-visited highway 2 which passes by the Lake Ontario and ahead you will get to see a serene convergence of the River St. Lawrence.

After being reached in Kingston, glimpse this traditional beauty by devoting an overnight. This has been the first capital of Canada; behold the tranquility and the legendary magic of this university town. If you are fond of eating, then how could you miss the famous ‘Cookes Fine Foods’ placed over the Queen Street? Savor the lip-smacking world famous fresh roasted coffee and the friendly ambiance.

In Kingston and Gananoque, you will get an opportunity to visit the thousand island through boats that are waiting down. Amongst them, the best choice is Gananoque Boat Line which halts at Boldt Castle, but if money is an issue, you can still gaze the beauty for gratis in a ferry from the Ontario Street dock in Kingston (across from the police station, right next to the Shell/Tim Hortons) across to Wolfe Island.

Wolfe Island is an eye candy for art-enthusiasts as this land shelters flourishing artists. Have a peek-a-boo at their creations at art galleries that are located at walkable distances from the boat harbor. This area is worth remarkable and a visit because it has made an attempt to become ‘green region,’ for achieving this purpose they have built up noteworthy cycling places.

Getting there: Varied options are available for arriving at Ontario. If you fly in by an airplane, then you land to Toronto, a gigantic international airport of the province. For getting access here, you can opt for every possible modes of transport consisting of even bicycles, driving, navigating by the sea, but remember the key that you must possess passport. Rules and regulations have been changing with the changing time, therefore since last year it has been mandatory to show your passport even if the nearby Americans who traveled between the countries with birth certificate or a driver’s license are now restricted to passports.

Quebec: Europe close to home and excellent cycling Craving to visit Europe and can’t afford the expenses, then don’t worry, I will take you to an equally better place which is stunning as well will not burst hole to your wallet. Visit Quebec City, fusion of legend and cultural factors that parallels to European style gem. Get going in the narrow trails along the Chateau Frontenac; don’t miss to view the artistic creations on the alleyways which are filled with extraordinary talent. Snuggled near the old part of the town Chateau, it is spurted with local artisans, oodles of galleries and shops, that is very peppy and vivacious.

For enjoying the terrain fully, ride a cycle in every nook and corner of the region, it is fun and grants soothing view to the eyes. There are numerous tracks that you can opt for and each is distinct from another right from the most elongated way of North America’s Route Verte (a.k.a. Green Way) or nature avid who would love to ride alongside the rivers. And then to return towards the land, cycle all the scenic way passing by the lush green hills. Cycling through these smooth paths will surely surge you with high-spirits.

Getting there: Catch a flight to Montreal; enjoy that place at least an overnight. From there, take a ride in horse-carriage and get to the Vieux port. Hire a car and speed up alongside the river to pretty Quebec City. For more details or information regarding the routes and accommodation facilities, contact Velo Quebec. Also, you can hire a guide, if you find the need for it.

Tour ahead to experience fun and frolic in the other spots that render loads of exposure to indigenous culture, cuisines, enthralling spots and what else… want to know more, so get over the next part.