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!

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!

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.

Canada is the dream destination for people interested in fishing, as its rivers and lakes are the perfect grounds for fish to live in and breed. A great variety of breeds are available across the country, ranging from salmon to halibut and everything in between. Each province in Canada has rich fishing areas that double-up as family vacation destinations.

Nungesser Lake, Ontario

Located in the northwestern part of Ontario, Lake Nungesser is a pristine body of dark water lake that houses massive walleye and trophy pike. It has some of the largest and heaviest walleye in the world and some of them can even weigh more than 12 lb.  Most Pikes are 52 inches long and can weigh anywhere between 25 to 35lb. Also, walleye and trophy pike thrive well in these waters—it is common for visitors to get up to a hundred fish on any given day. Besides the fishing grounds, the natural beauty of this place and the remote wilderness makes for an ideal family outing. 

Nunavut region

The Nunavut region of Canada offers a unique fishing experience and is perfect for someone looking to fish in solitude amidst unspoiled wilderness.  The Ennadai Lake, Angikuni Lake and the Kazan River are located in the southwestern part of Nunavut and they are some of the most serene places in Canada. The species that inhabit this region are the lake trout, northern pike, arctic grayling and the arctic char. Many of these fish weigh more than thirty pounds, which, no doubt, gives a sense of pride and satisfaction for the fishing enthusiasts. There are many lodges and resorts surrounding these lakes and travelers can fly in for a day of fishing or stay here for weeks together to enjoy the untouched beauty of Nunavut. 

These fishing grounds are a small sample of what Canada has to offer for the fishing-lovers. It is a fish paradise and numerous varieties thrive on the rich glacial waters of the lakes, rivers and bays that abound in Canada. It is the perfect place for a family vacation that may include a fishing expedition, hiking or camping in the nearby wilderness.

The Canadian Rockies run along the Alberta and British Columbia border for about 640 kilometers or approximately 400 miles. This has been called one of the most beautiful mountain ranges on Earth. They were formed over millions of years by sedimentary and metamorphic rock. They are composed mostly of shale and limestone.

Explore Ancient Glaciers
Across the Canadian Rockies you will discover ice glaciers along with some high mountain peaks such as Mount Robson at 3,954 meters and Mount Columbia at 3,747 meters. This entire expanse offers breathtaking views and a pristine wilderness experience not found elsewhere. Much of the area is protected by national parks and a World Heritage Site.

The Rocky Mountains of Canada seemingly go on forever and are dotted with magnificent views and a wide variety of wildlife and plant life. Many recreational opportunities exist for all ages. You’ll find everything from hiking to skiing, but many tourists simply come to relish the vast splendor of the area. From lush green carpeted valleys to crystal clear lakes, you’ll greatly enjoy your time in the Canadian Rockies.

National Parks and World Heritage Sites
Located in northwestern Montana along the Albert and British Columbia border, you’ll discover the Glacier National Park. The park encompasses over a million acres that includes 300 lakes and hundreds of species of flora and fauna. This area is a World Heritage Site and contains some of the most magnificent terrain on planet earth.

Along the Canadian Rockies, you’ll also discover the Banff National Park. This is a gorgeous place of thick forests and majestic peaks. You will very much enjoy the grace and beauty of lush green alpine valleys and wild animal sightings. This is a golden opportunity to return to nature at its best. Photographers and nature lovers alike will enjoy backpacking across rocky ridges or strolling over a thousand year old glacier.

Go Wild this Summer!
White water rafting has become a very popular sport in the Canadian Rockies over the past 20 years. This area includes many fast-moving rivers lined with tall mountain cliffs. You’ll notice a few eagles soaring above as your raft moves swiftly through the white water.

Something for the More Tame Adventure Seeker
Accommodations in the Canadian Rockies range from quaint cabins to rustic bungalows and even five-star resorts. There are at least 5 amazing golf courses for those who enjoy a more tame adventure. The resorts and spas in this area offer tourists upscale pleasures like massages and spa treatments after your long day of hiking through the wilderness.

Tourist will also find lake cruises in this area, along with guided fishing tours and other such adventure guided tours. If this is your first time in the area, it’s best to see the sights on one of these fun excursion tours where guides and experienced hikers will direct your journey so that it doesn’t become more of an adventure than you were expecting.

The Canadian Rockies are definitely one of nature’s best kept secrets. Your family will enjoy the natural wonders of this area and be eager to return again next year.

Explore the Canadian Rockies this year!

The beauty of Muskoka combined with its numerous activities makes it an ideal getaway location. Located in the Ontario at about a 90-minute drive from Toronto, this place mesmerizes visitors with its charm and attractions. One of the most popular activities here is golfing where several championships take place. Besides, it is also a great sport that can be enjoyed with friends and family at a leisurely pace and this is also why most visitors putt and tee the ball at least for a few hours during their stay here.

Muskoka is one of the best golfing destinations in Canada because of its numerous courses. They have a lot of variety ranging from an 18-hole course to mini-golf turfs. It is a great activity for the entire family and is one of the most favorite activities in this region. The Grand view course and the Rock are probably the two of the finest golf courses in Muskoka and they have to be booked well in advance.

Many resorts also have golf courses as part of their property and it is a good idea to look for such resorts and cottages. The primary advantage is the proximity so that you can enjoy golf for a while, take a break and rest in your room and then come back again for another round – all as part of a nice walk in beautiful surroundings. Such resorts abound in Muskoka and you can choose the right one for your needs based on the description and amenities provided in the listing. Only a few sites offer such comprehensive information and it’s important you look for sites like canadausacottages.com to get all this information.

So, book a vacation rental with golf courses today and tee it up during your stay at Muskoka.

A trip to Canada is never complete without enjoying the arctic wilderness and meeting the native people who have inhabited this part of the world for hundreds of years. Arctic adventures are perfect for the entire family and it is a great way to teach kids about the culture of the native Inuit people and to give them the experience of exploring untouched wilderness. There are numerous activities that one can do in the Arctic region and it offers a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else.

Fishing in the Arctic waters
Fishing is one of the most popular activities in the northernmost territories of Canada. It is a great way to catch huge Arctic char and trout, but also to spend time in a place that has no trees and is surrounded by sheets of ice and snow. The Payne River is an excellent destination for fishing Arctic char while the Lagreve River is ideal for trout. The fishes migrate through these waters and so, they are available in large numbers. Ice fishing in the Arctic is a family activity where everyone can contribute in some way to make it a fun and exciting experience. 

Encounter with the Inuit culture
The Inuits have inhabited the Arctic region for a long time now and they have adapted well to survive the long and harsh winters. An encounter with the native Inuits is a great way to celebrate their legacy and to appreciate their arts and culture which have evolved over thousands of years. Families have the opportunity to visit the hamlets of these native people and get a better understanding of their way of life.

Discovering the unique landscape
An Arctic adventure is the best way to discover and enjoy a unique landscape that is dotted with floating icebergs and vast sheets of ice. Visitors can get a close-up view of some of the rarest animals on the planet like the Polar Bears, Walruses, Seals and Mountain Caribous. In short, an Arctic adventure in Canada can be an overwhelming experience that can bring people closer to nature. This unspoiled wilderness has a lot to offer for the entire family and such an adventure is bound to create wonderful memories that can be cherished for years to come.