In case there aren’t enough exciting things to be able to do in one province, BC’s beautiful beaches and majestic mountain backdrops make for a uniquely Canadian surfing experience. Every year endless surfers catch a wave over to one of BC’s beautiful, and, to borrow a surfer term from the 80s and 90s, “bodacious” beaches.

Tofino / Long Beach
The most popular surfing destination in Canada, Tofino offers year-round surfing and boasts the highest mean temperature in Canada (if you need to convince any Canadian non-surfers you are traveling with that this is the place to vacation to, you might want to mention this fact!). Long Beach is a breathtaking 20-km stretch of beach between Ucluelet and Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Vancouver Island has a lively community of surf enthusiasts, a plethora of outdoor activities, and accommodations that range from vacation homes with indoor jacuzzis and private decks to some of the best BC cabins you can coast by, furnished with the most modern and sleek furnishings, located directly on the ocean, and surrounded by forest. The ocean temperature here hovers around 50 degrees F all year-round, and can reach up to 58 degrees F in the summer. It does, however, rain a fair bit throughout the year, so let this encourage you to wear a full body wetsuit when you’re going surfing – as Parks Canada states that the majority of people they rescue are not wearing wetsuits. On the whole, Vancouver Island has both sandy and rocky beaches, so be wary of rocky outcroppings and riptides.

Jordan River
For a more low-profile surfing experience, Jordan River is located in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, along the West Coast Road, approximately 60 km northwest of Victoria. A well kept surfing secret, it is home to some seriously surf-avid locals, forming the Jordan River Surf Club. Though waters here are too calm for surfing in summer, and the waves here aren’t nearly as consistent or big as ones you will catch in Tofino, Jordan River and the Sooke region is a favored spot for winter surfing. On occasional feisty winter days, Pacific storms kick up the surf and draw many seasoned surfers. There are three different surfing spots at Jordan River: Sewers, Rock Piles, and The Point. A slightly longer and wider than normal board with three fins is an ideal choice for these waters, making catching and controlling waves much easier in more challenging conditions. Visitors, however, should be wary that they may not encounter surfing conditions if only visiting for a couple of days.

So reserve yourself a BC cabin, strap on your wetsuit and get ready to go surfing CUSA!

Everybody knows that Canada has majestic beauty to spare. Trees, mountains, plains… all of those things are beautiful, sure, but some of the most jaw-dropping wonders we have to offer come in the form of thousands of cubic meters of water crashing down every second – the waterfall. To see a massive waterfall up close is an amazing thing. It’s much more than just a stunning visual, but it’s a complete sensory experience. Complex natural beauty combined with the roar of water, the mist on your skin, and the smell of fresh air and water — similar to being at the seaside. Absolutely mesmerizing, and worth planning an entire vacation around. Here are some of Canada’s best, for some vacation inspiration.

Best Holiday Waterfall - Niagara Falls, ON
Let’s get the obvious out of the way. Niagara Falls sit prettily between the Ontario and New York border, meaning they can’t be claimed as an exclusively Canadian wonder (although the famous Horseshoe Falls are on the Canadian side). Niagara is considered one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Although it isn’t the tallest, the combined vertical drop and volume of water determine a waterfall’s prowess. Niagara has some serious bragging rights. She’s also got the Maid of the Mist Tour, and some 30 million tourists a year. She’s most definitely an A-list waterfall.

Best Adventure Waterfall - Helmcken Falls, BC
British Columbia is home to the tallest waterfalls in Canada. Helmcken is the fourth tallest at 141m tall. Just for some perspective, that’s nearly three times as high as Niagara. While there are taller, Helmcken is spectacular. It is located in the Wells Gray provincial park, making it a beautiful vacation for outdoors-folk. There are four marked trails that access the falls, and it’s open for summer and winter viewing. The winter temperatures make a stunning “ice cone” – a literal cone of ice that forms from the water spray freezing. The cone can grow to 50m in height alone. It’s an amazing effect. If you want to experience Helmcken Falls, try looking in the nearby Murtle River area for beautiful BC cabins and cottages.

Best Daytrip Waterfall - Montmorency Falls, QC
You’ll probably want to visit historic Quebec City at some point, as it’s an all around great vacation destination and tourist spot. But just 12km from the heart of Old Quebec City resides the amazing Chute Montmorency. It’s ideal to hike or bike out to when you need a refreshing day away from the city. These are the highest waterfalls in Quebec. Montmorency has great amenities and access points for supreme viewing, including a suspension bridge over the top of the falls and a gondola that takes you from the ground up, no hiking required.

So there you have it – the three best waterfalls in Canada, depending on how you want to see them. We highly suggest getting awestruck by some of these great Canadian natural beauties.

While we may not understand the fascination with reality stars that seem to become famous for no reason, fame itself is no new concept. It seems only natural to pick up a Star, People, or TMZ magazine. Humans have been trading stories about famous people since 1 AD. So don’t worry if you have a more-than-unhealthy love of star chasing. We totally get it. Which is why we’ve prepared this handy guide for your next celebrity-stalking vacation.

Toronto
It’s really all thanks to TIFF – the Toronto International Film Festival. TIFF has been around since 1976. It shows between three hundred to four hundred movies every year, and the stars come out in full force to support and promote their films. Toronto can be a pricey destination for some, especially if you really follow those stars – they tend to eat in rather expensive restaurants like Sotto Sotto (Jake Gyllenhaal), and stay in (surprise, surprise) very expensive accommodations. We suggest booking a beautiful Muskoka cottage and then popping into Toronto for a night or two to star search. It’s only a two-hour drive. Peak time: TIFF takes place during the first two weeks of September every year.

Vancouver
Vancouver is where you go when you want to see the stars at work, not at play. It’s the third largest film and television production center in North America after Los Angeles and New York. Some notable films that were shot in Vancouver include: Jumanji, Final Destination, The Butterfly Effect – and the list goes way, way on. And any true X-Files fan will tell you that the series was at its best when it was shot in Vancouver. The city also hosts the Vancouver International Film Festival, much smaller that TIFF. It shows Canadian and international films, and is a particular supporter of Asian films. Peak time: any time of year to find celebs on projects; first two weeks of October for VIFF.

Montreal
Third on the list for celeb-spotting, unless you’re interested in locally-famous Quebecois celebrities (then it’s #1!). Quebec has its own star system, so prepare to spot people like Mitsou, Xavier Dolan, and Lara Fabian receiving warm welcomes. If you’re lucky, you might catch Leonard Cohen out on The Main, or any number of thick-necked Montreal Canadiens. Montreal does host a festival of its own, the Montreal World Film Festival. It’s not a big draw for celebs, but you will see a fantastic selection of international films.Peak time: any time of year, likelihood of seeing A-listers: low. World Film Festival occurs end of August.

So you see, you wannabe paparazzi, there’s no need to travel to LA or Cannes just to star search. They’re here, hiding right in your backyard. Now grab your cameras, and get ready to sell those shots to some tabloids!

From its rich natural beauty to its dramatic falls, plentiful wine, and lively theatre scene, Niagara is a veritable Dionysian dream! There are many wet and wild things to do in the charmingly Canadian rendering of tourism that is Niagara Falls, Ontario—whether it be by land, water, or sky! Almost like a calmly Canadian alternative to Las Vegas, Niagara Falls is a world famous city of thrills where people come to get married, be awed by visual feasts, and shocked by others.



The Falls
Emptied from the four Upper Great Lakes into Niagara River, a staggering 1/5 of all the fresh water in the world eventually cascades over the falls, and over 12 million people flow into the city every year to see the stunning result . “Horseshoe Falls” is the name of the falls that are generally depicted in pictures of Niagara Falls, but the Niagara Falls also include the smaller American Falls (no Canadian wouldn’t relish their swift observation of this fact!), and the Bridal Veil Falls. TIP: Your Canadian girlfriend will really enjoy you pointing this out to her—before either of you have to join the crowd around the explanatory tourist signs to see what the deal is.

Ah, we must love human nature. For some reason when people look at the falls one of the first things they think about is whether it would be a good idea to jump down them. 15 people have attempted to jump, 5 didn’t make it. In any case, there are many facets of the falls and different ways to enjoy them—beyond the barrel:

• A trip to Niagara Falls would obviously not be complete without taking The Maid of the Mist boat tour that comes right up to the foot of the falls, with nothing between you and the awesome power of nature but one of those infamous blue, plastic parkas. In all seriousness, seeing the view of the 13 story falls from below is something you’ll never forget.
• For your senses to experience the world’s second largest waterfall in a whole different way, take a Journey Behind the Falls to hear the epic thundering of the Niagara Falls as you descend to observation decks that are literally right behind the falls.
• Head over in the evening for a different view of the falls, illuminated with lights and seasonal fireworks.
• You can even ride in a helicopter that will swoop you right down along the curve of the falls.
• Take an adrenaline racing ride aboard the Whirlpool Jet Boats, which starts just a half-mile from the falls, and builds in excitement as it approaches the Devil’s Hole Rapids, a bend in Niagara River where the water circles before heading downstream. You can also zip over the whirlpool by cable car.

Though you will definitely fall in love with falls, that’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy romancing with some of the many other attractions that Niagara Falls has to offer! Check out our other blog, “Stepping Out of The Mist—Thrills Outside of Niagara’s Falls” to step out of the mist and catch a glimpse of some of the many less thought of things that you can see and do in Niagara Falls!

With the great thrill of experiencing a world wonder, some spectacular features of Niagara can get muffled amidst the falls’ thundering roar. When you’re done with wet and wild fun at the falls, here are some other Niagara specialties you can whet your pallet with:

Wine & Theatre
When the momentous sublime of the falls become too overwhelming for your senses to process, you can take the edge off of your on-the-edge-of-the-world experience by sipping on some vintage chardonnay on one of Niagara-On-The-Lakes’ very popular wine tours! No, we do not mean ON Niagara Falls—Niagara-On-The-Lake is a historic gem of a city located just 20 minutes away from the falls. It sits on the corner edge of Lake Ontario where the Niagara River empties into the great lake, and is filled with great wineries, theatres, and beautifully well-preserved old mansions and houses. Niagara-On-The-Lake hosts educational wine tours that will take you to the largest underground barrel cellar in Ontario as well as some of the classic family wineries who are cornerstones in the industry. Niagara also annually hosts the Niagara Wine Festival, the largest wine festival in Canada. Along with it comes over 100 events, including winery tours, tastings, concerts, and one of Canada’s largest street parades!

Anyone with Dionysian proclivities should also know that Niagara-On-The-Lake hosts the very popular Shaw Festival, which performs a variety of works of George Bernard Shaw and playwrights writing of or about Shaw’s era. Many elegantly dressed theatre goers stroll their way through the tree-lined, flowery streets to partake in this great festival.

In keeping with its old-worldly class and sensibility, Niagara-On-The-Lake has no chain hotels or oversized lodgings. What it does have is some of the finest cottage rentals in Ontario, some even right on the edge of the beautiful Niagara Lake. Many lodgings here have vintage flair and historic resonance, and you can pretend you are in another time as you take a carriage ride into Niagara’s Old Town or through the city’s flowery streets.

Golf
If you’re a golf player, it would be tragic of you to miss out on what is often thought of as Canada’s best golf scene. There are over 40 Niagara Falls golf courses that offer excitement for every level of handicap. You can even experience the history of gold in downtown Niagara-On-The-Lake, which boasts of North America’s oldest golf course, Niagara-On-The-Lake Golf Club, or hear the thundering falls in the background as you golf at the historic Oakes Hall in Niagara Falls.

Family-Fun Activities
If your plans to languidly sip world famous wine, watch fine theatre, and play on exquisite golf courses are trumped by little ankle biters, don’t throw yourself in a barrel—Niagara Falls offers a myriad of fun and exciting activities for the whole family. Clifton Hill is a prime family location filled with thrills to compliment the exciting falls, with attractions like Ripley’s Believe or Not and a 53 metre high Niagara Skywheel. Children shouldn’t miss out on the educational and mesmerizing experiences to be had at the Niagara Falls Bird Kingdom, a controlled environment mimicking that of tropical rainforest where they can see and hear more than 300 species of tropical birds, or the Niagara Parks Butterfly conservatory, where over 2,000 butterflies flutter freely about your family.

Have fun falling in love with Niagara Falls, Ontario!

Maybe you’re taking a vacation to get some extra work done, you know – for the solitude. Or maybe you have a huge workload and have to bring it with you during your family’s annual trip to one of those beautiful Alberta cabins. Either way, it can prove to be rewarding at best or murderous at the very worst. Here are four tips to help you keep your head on.

Don’t Choose an Abandoned Place
Let’s learn from the mistakes of others – don’t choose a location too secluded. It may be tempting to choose a destination so far from civilization that you’re sure not to run into anyone else, but think about your creature comforts. Try and stay close enough to a town that running in to do a few errands doesn’t take the whole day. Saying hello to a real person when you pick up some groceries can make all the difference.

All Work and No Play…
...and you know the rest. The key to a successful work vacation is to stay balanced. Set yourself a schedule that works for you. This could mean working in the morning, and spending leisurely afternoons with your family. It could mean alternating work and play days. However you slice it, make sure to divide your time equally, allowing yourself ample time for both hard work and relaxation. This alternation will ensure that you feel refreshed each time you return to your work, so you can truly reap the benefits of a vacation.

Lugging That Typewriter
Unless you really can’t function without it, we strongly suggest not bringing your typewriter. Try to bring the most easily packable tools that will allow you to get your work done. If the bulk of your work consists of emailing and writing, it might be worthwhile to invest in a tablet, instead of bringing your heftier laptop. If you will need internet access in a place where none exists, look into a 3G-enabled device or a USB modem.

Bring the Family Along
We recommend having the whole family along on a working vacation, with the notable exception of any children possessing psychic abilities. This may severely hamper any progress you hope to make on that manuscript. Having your family members around can make for a great working vacation, but just make sure that they know your work/play schedule in advance and that they’re willing to respect it.

Voila! If you follow the four pieces of advice outlined above, we can almost guarantee you a successful, rewarding work vacation. You can be productive and enjoy some downtime in the same trip. We wish you the best of luck, and remember, stay out of room 237.

In the economic mindset that most of us find ourselves in nowadays, it may seem that all that matters to consumers is getting the lowest price. But lowering the price of your rental may not necessarily be what your sleepy property needs to transform into a dream vacation. And if you can have the kind of property that people can dream of, then you can have the kind of property that people will rent. Readily. Those of us thinking that travelers are only interested in low price may assume that these cottage dwellers don’t mind “roughing it” if it will save them a buck. But the reality is that these economic times aren’t motivating cottage dwellers to want to “rough it” on their vacations—in contrast, they want to live it up with a little luxury, and escape from their worries. But before the money sign alarms start going off in your head, don’t panic—with cottage rentals, a little sprucin’ up goes a long way. Just a few fine tunings can have both you and your renters whistling all the way home.

TIP: Paint, paint, paint. Though it may seem like an arduous task, it’s a comparatively cheap and easy way to give your property a substantial facelift. Don’t just add a fresh coat—add colour. If you are clueless about what colours to use, ask one of your more aesthetically inclined friends for advice. You don’t need to pay for a decorator—you’d be surprised at how many friends would jump at the opportunity to stop biting their lip and give you advice if you’d only ask!

TIP: Off-season trips are more popular than ever, so if you operate cottage rentals in Ontario you will want to make sure that your cottage will be cozy. Be sure to have lots of extra blankets, as well as sheets and pillows that equal the amount of guests your property can hold. Owners of older properties have to take extra care to ensure that off-season guests won’t need to produce off-the charts heating bills, and will be comfortable during their stay.

TIP: Leave fine chocolates on pillows! People who have just reached their travel destination are in a funny state of mind, and can get very positively or negatively excited by pretty much anything they see. The first thing people do is run into the bedrooms. I used to spend summers at a seaside cottage that would do this, and it became a staple of the trip that we (especially the kids!) looked forwards to every year. For all the excitement that leaving a few chocolates on pillows will cause, it’s well worth the comparatively small investment. It’s the sort of thoughtful gesture that will have guests thinking that your property might be the place to go for repeat stays.

TIP: Leave at least basic cleaning and food staples in the kitchen. This will make guests feel much more at home from the get-go. Kitchens are often the most important room for renters when considering accommodations, and you may want to replace cabinets that are particularly unsavoury. If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen (’cuz your guests probably will want to, too!)—or you can just paint and refinish the cabinets for a cheaper fix. ‘

TIP: Have a Home Guide with a local bottle of wine or basket of local grown foods waiting for your guests when they come in. This will outline fun activities to do in the area, particularities about the property, places to get (especially local-grown) food, contact information, etc. Have a quick survey at the end for renters to fill out at the end of their stay. What pleased them, what could be improved? Not only are you displaying gracious hospitality and attention that renters love, but you may learn some things about your property you didn’t know before.

TIP: Don’t forget the door on your way out. The front door is an especially important feature of your property’s appearance. It may need a fresh coat of paint, and it may even need new door knobs, which are as cheap as $5-10. Even replacing doors is a very inexpensive renovation, and can be done for as little as $20-$30.

Group trips are another trend gaining momentum this year, so make sure your guests have everything they will need to entertain and relax in group settings. Lighting dimmers are a great and cheap way to create a great deal of ambiance for a nice dinner or simply relaxing with drinks. As a final tip for those of you who really want to toss the hotel competition into the river: get as many housecoats as your dwelling can fit guests, because nothing says luxury living more cheaply and easily than housecoats! Put on your favourite one and cozy up to read more tips on how to give your cottage glitz!

Rest and relaxation is not everyone’s ideal vacation. For the adrenaline junkies out there, I propose beautiful British Columbia. This Canadian province is packed with some of the most high-energy activities this side of the border: surfing, heli-skiing, whitewater rafting, mountain climbing and more. Read on for help planning the ultimate extreme vacation.

Adventures by Water
Tofino, located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, is the number one destination for surfing in BC. There are a number of surfing schools in Tofino for newbies to the sport, where you can learn under some of Canada’s best-known pro surfers. There are equipment rentals for more seasoned surfers, and even the Surf Sister Surf School (say that three times fast!) dedicated to teaching girls and women to surf.

On your ocean adventure you can also book a whale-watching expedition. Check out killer whales, Pacific grey whales and humpback whales during the whale-watching season, which runs from about May through October. BC is one of North America’s top whale-watching destinations.

While we’re talking about BC’s fantastic marine life, try a diving expedition. BC boasts some of the clearest diving waters in the world. You can also swim, fish, canoe, kayak, try whitewater rafting, wakeboarding, and jet-skiing in any of Vancouver’s six tourist regions.

In addition to ocean sports, BC is home to many lakes, rivers, waterfalls and even hot springs. You might need some hot-spring action after trying your hand at any of these extreme activities.



Adventures by Air and Land
Skiing is one of British Columbia’s most celebrated activities. This mountainous province boasts well over thirty individual ski resorts and mountains. Imagine coming out the front door of one of many rustic BC cabins, popping on your skis and working the trail all the way down. Or getting dropped out of a helicopter at Revelstoke, skis strapped on and ready to destroy fresh, untouched powder.

If hurtling down the rocky mountains at incredible speeds is not for you, don’t worry. Travel half an hour out of Vancouver and you’ll hit Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, home to some of the best rock climbing in Canada. Mountain biking trails are everywhere, along with amazingly varied hiking trails.

On Victoria Island you’ll find two out of the province’s three bungee jumping locations, if you’re brave enough. BC offers you a full range of adrenaline-pumping activities such as zip lining, sky diving, hang-gliding and caving. And if you need a break, try panning for gold. Yes, panning for gold.

If you can think of something you want to try – chances are you can do it in British Columbia. For its heart-pounding and scream-producing activities alike, BC is the unofficial adventure capital of Canada!

It sometimes seems that the average resting heart rate of city dwellers is a full ten beats above what it should be. Even living in the ’burbs is getting tougher, as urban stress doesn’t respect those pesky city limits. So it makes sense why so many of us take vacations to slow down life’s pace. A week or two of fresh air, slow food, sleeping in, socializing and fun shouldn’t be a luxury, but something we should all consciously do for our physical and mental health.

Cottage vacations can be one of the best ways to get away from the city and breathe some fresh air. You can find a big cottage on a lake or a small one even an hour from the city center and reap the same benefits. Get your dose of “vitamin G” by being outside in a green space. Interaction with nature promotes healing, reduces depression, and sparks creativity. You don’t need a study to tell you that being outside will make you feel better! Going for a walk is great – but going for a walk out in the country is sublime.

Canada has more lakes than any other country, so if a cottage on a lake is what you desire, you can take your pick of provinces and find what you’re looking for. Lake Superior and Lake Ontario are great areas to stay, and Quebec’s beautiful Coulonge River offers many riverside cottages and camping areas.

A great way of boosting your health during your outdoor vacation is to eat locally. The locavore (or person interested in eating food that is locally grown) food movement is mushrooming (pun intended) in popularity across Canada. Different regions produce different crops during the spring, summer and fall seasons. August is a great month to vacation in Ontario, and you’ll never taste a peach so juicy and sweet. In PEI, organic farming is expanding with every year, and there are currently over 55 certified organic producers. There are many cottages PEI has to offer, and more produce stands organic and otherwise, than you can count.

Kelowna, in the Okanagan Valley of BC, is one of the most unbelievably fertile regions in Canada. It produces many internationally recognized wines. You can find organic wine and have local organic produce delivered straight to your BC cabins. Cottaging in BC is a great idea for a slowed-down vacation.

So when you next feel your stress level rising, make a mental note to plan your next “slow” vacation in Canada for some fresh air, fresh food, and some true rest and relaxation.

You’re planning a great summer vacation and can’t imagine it without Slobber or Juggernaut? Don’t despair; many individuals travel with their pets. More often than not, a family will be traveling with a dog rather than a cat, but the tips included in this article apply to both canines and felines.

Getting There
How will you all get there? A car trip is fine for both cats and dogs, but please make sure they are safely secured in the car. A cat should be in their carrier at all times, and you can purchase a special harness for your dog that acts as a seatbelt. Animals can become anxious in unfamiliar surroundings, so be aware that they may want to jump out of the car at any given pit stop. Keep a leash handy at all times, and be sure to stop frequently to allow your pet to drink fresh water and “go”.

If you’re planning to travel by air, please check with your airline’s pet policy, they can vary by destination. Some airlines require a pet to have up-to-date vaccinations. If you’re travelling by air or internationally, check with your veterinarian to see if there are any special requirements.

Unfortunately, Greyhound and Amtrak services do not allow pets on board. If you are traveling with ViaRail, you may be able to check your pet for an extra fee.

Pet Safety
Make sure to travel with your pet’s documentation and registration papers. Make a list of emergency veterinary services in your travel location. Be sure that his or her vaccinations are up to date. If your pet has special dietary restrictions, plan ahead and make sure to bring enough food for the entire stay. Do not keep your dog or cat in a hot car for even a short period of time. Remember – pets aren’t heat proof, and are susceptible to heat stroke. Make sure they always have fresh water to drink and a cool, shady spot to relax after a long walk or a few hours in the sun. Bring a few of your pet’s favourite toys or bedding to keep them happy and calm. And give out plenty of cuddles!

The Best Vacation Ever
When planning activities during your trip, keep in mind that some public beaches may not allow dogs during “business hours”, but they may be allowed early morning or evening. As far as where to stay, well, you’d be surprised to find how many vacation rental locations are committed to making it a great vacation for the whole family – even the four-legged members. When you’re deciding where to stay, call ahead and ask if they accept pets. There are lots of campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, and cottage rentals Ontario and otherwise, that will happily accommodate your pet.

Once you’ve planned your trip, get ready for your vacation to go from great to amazing with your best friends right there with you. Happy tails!