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!

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.

Canada abounds with natural beauty in the form of back country trails, bountiful lakes, lofty mountains and unspoiled wilderness that offer some of the best adventure vacations for the outdoor enthusiasts. These adventure vacations are available all year around and are a great way to get even closer with your family and friends. Camping and Canoeing on the Athabasca River in Alberta

The Athabasca River originates from the glaciers in Jasper National Park in Alberta. During the early season, the water swells as the ice pack melts in the glacier and during the latter part of summer, the river is calm and quiet. It has many Class I and II rapids and one Class III rapid and this makes it ideal for canoeing. The sandy islands and shores along the way are perfect for pitching tents and one can even enjoy a campfire amidst wilderness. There is an excellent chance to see some of the rarest endangered species on earth such as the Canadian geese, moose, bears, eagles and beavers. Some spots along the river are shallow and visitors can fish or swim in these waters.

Hiking on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is located off the western coast of Canada and provides travelers an incredible choice of hiking trails. The adventure trails go through pristine rainforests, glacier-fed alpine lakes, plains and numerous waterfalls. One of the most popular trails is the Juan de Fuca marine trail that begins at China Beach and ends at the Botanical garden. It is a 47 km winding trail that takes visitors through the marine wilderness and the rigged coast of Vancouver Island. The Strathcone Park is a perfect adventure vacation hiking trail in this island which offers breathtaking views as it winds through the glacial peaks of Mount Albert Edward, Mount Colonel Foster, Elkhorn Mountain and Golden Hinde.

Yukon and the Arctic Circle

One of the most popular adventure vacations in Canada is a trip to the Arctic Circle where one can get a glimpse of the most unspoiled beauty and rugged wilderness that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In this vacation, the traveler is more likely to encounter some of the best known arctic animals such as the polar bear and the walrus. The treeless tundra and the surrounding sheaths of ice and snow are sure to mesmerize anyone.

The natural beauty of Canada makes it possible to enjoy adventure vacations that can bring the entire family closer to nature. These trips provide a break from the civilized world while giving you some priceless memories with your family or friends.

Muskoka, Ontario has always been a favorite destination for tourists and travelers because of the natural beauty of its pristine lakes and forests. This area of Canada is like a land untouched by time. It offers vacationers many exceptional choices for indoor and outdoor activities and you would need a well-seasoned Muskoka travel guide to see it all. Muskoka cottage rentals are plentiful but fill up quickly in the Springtime.

A Long, Unique History

Muskoka has a long history of boat building and many famous boat builders have sprung up from the region over the years. Boat building has always been a large part of their culture and history because of the many lakes, rivers and waterfalls that lie across this exquisite terrain. 

The entire region of Muskoka is steeped in a rich cultural history. For instance, 130 years ago, before there were refrigerators and freezers, local men began the trade of ice harvesting. With long, hand-made saws, laborers would cut huge blocks of ice, from 50 to 100 pounds each, from one of the many frozen lakes there. Using teams of horses, they would deliver these blocks of ice to resorts and hotels along the lake shore. 

Muskoka, Ontario: The Place of Watery Dreams

Today, the shores of its many lakes and rivers are lined with quaint Muskoka cottages, cabins and elegant resorts all set on a backdrop of tall, graceful sugar maples and cedar pines. In some of Muskoka’s larger cities, tourists will find luxurious resort hotels that offer Olympic sized ancient Roman swimming pools along with multiple saunas and hot tubs. For the adventurous tourists, Muskoka offers canoe trips down wild, raging rivers and guided mountain climbing events. 

Unlimited Adventures Await

Muskoka is the kind of place where there’s always something going on. For instance, the Muskoka Lakes Spring Art Tour features painting, basket weaving, and pottery making from local artisans. You can even purchase a piece of fine sculpture or traditional jewelry from regional artists. These make unique gifts for the folks back home. Old-world Muskoka cottages are transformed into boutique shops full of interesting local artifacts.

You’ll find several cruise lines operating on Muskoka’s lakes. These are usually one or two day trips that include fine dining, live shows and entertainment from popular singers and musicians. This is an excellent way to enjoy the lovely, natural lakes and rivers of this region and a Muskoka travel guide is normally on board to fill you in on the details of the various regions.

Don’t Forget the Kids!

Bracebridge was built around an enchanting waterfall on the Muskoka River. This is the home of Santa’s Village, an exciting amusement park filled with fun roller coaster rides and delicious local foods. Santa’s Village has an entertaining Day Camp for the kids where they will explore and discover many fascinating mysteries of science, nature and art. This would be an unforgettable trip for the kids. 

The Muskoka Lakes Kaleidoscope Children’s Festival is not only entertaining but it’s also an excellent way for your children to be introduced to the performing arts. There are workshops that teach your kids about music, art and dance. They’ll learn about costuming and designing stage backdrops. Your kids will acquire a new appreciation of the arts.

Fall in Love this Year!

The list of activities and sights to see is endless in Muskoka. The natural beauty and charm of this Canadian Province will delight the whole family. Begin your life-long love affair with Canada by visiting magnificent Muskoka this year.

You may not think of Canada as a place for a romantic getaway, but the truth is that some of the most gorgeous terrain in the world can be found there. Montreal is consistently voted one of the most livable cities in the world and is home to at least a dozen exquisite museums and galleries where you can view art and artifacts from all over the world. 

Vancouver, British Columbia has so many amazing attractions that it’s hard to name them all. One of the most memorable would be the Treetop Adventures Tour which is a tour of the 7 incredible suspension bridges in Vancouver. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver’s top tourist attractions. Imagine walking 450 feet above a lush rain forest with your sweetheart.

Below, we highlight a few other unforgettable Canadian romantic getaways:

Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria is the capital city and is located on the tip of Vancouver Island.  This picturesque place has a mild climate so that you can enjoy strolling along its pristine beaches or the Inner Harbor. Victoria is well known for its flower gardens, especially Butchart Gardens, which bloom profusely year round. You will also enjoy their many diverse museums, galleries and art exhibits. 

You can explore the city in a number of unusual ways. In Victoria you’ll find the double-decker bus, water taxi and horse-drawn carriage just to name a few. Or perhaps you’ll want to visit the “Graveyard of the Pacific”, Fisgard Lighthouse. End your romantic vacation in Victoria with a day-long boat tour of the Orca whales. Whale watching is an exhilarating and memorable way to spend a day with the love of your life.

Toronto, Ontario

Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario giving it some of the best and most beautiful waterways in North America.

You’ll spend an entire day visiting the Toronto Islands, a small island chain just off the coast that offers a multitude of fun outdoor activities. Rent a canoe or bicycles and embrace the natural beauty of Toronto. You will also enjoy a day of shopping and eating in Old Downtown Toronto. This area is filled with quaint shops and unique eateries. Toronto is well known for its live theater, festivals and cultural events. Don’t forget to visit “The Kissing Bridge” in Waterloo County.

Prince Edward Island

Though Prince Edward Island is Canada’s smallest province, it offers so much for those looking for a romantic vacation. It is well known for its gently rolling landscape and pristine beaches. The white sand beaches are picture postcard perfect and offer visitors activities such as swimming, boating and fishing.

Prince Edward Island is most known as being the setting for the book Anne of Green Gables. The book describes the island so beautifully that millions of tourists have made their way there since 1908 when the book was first published. Each year, the musical version of “Anne of Green Gables” is performed at the Charlottetown Confederation Centre of the Arts. Your romantic vacation on Prince Edward Island will be magical.

Find Romance in Canada this Year!

From British Columbia on the West coast to Prince Edward Island or Nova Scotia on the East coast, you’ll never run out of beautiful places to visit or exciting things to do in Canada. You’ll simply adore its lush greenery and exquisite ocean and mountain views. Pack your bags and head there this year with your “One and Only”. The two of you can make some lasting memories in gorgeous Canada.

MONTREAL is the largest city in the province of Quebec and the second largest in all of Canada. French is the official language spoken there. Over the years, Montreal has been consistently rated as one of the “World’s Most Livable Cities” and it was named “Canada’s Cultural Capital” by Monocle Magazine. As such, it has many amazing museums and galleries and tourists from all over the world come to visit them.

Musée d’Art Contemporain

The Museum of Contemporary Art is the only establishment in Canada dedicated exclusively to modern art. It was founded in 1964 by the government of Quebec and is located in downtown Montreal.

The Musée d’Art Contemporain is part of the Place des Arts, which is Canada’s only cultural complex devoted to both visual and performing arts. Over half of the permanent collection there was created by Quebec artists and it comprises over 7,000 works including a large collection of art by Paul-Emile Borduas.

The exhibition space is built around a rotunda, which runs up through the core of the building. The beautiful, often breathtaking exhibits are displayed in elegant, spacious galleries. The Musée has been awarded a Grand Prix from the Montreal Council.

Musée Marc-Aurèle Fortin

This lovely museum is housed in an old stone warehouse, which once belonged to an ancient order of nuns. It contains the most extensive collection of Fortin’s work ever amassed. Fortin was well known for his dramatic depictions of lush trees and greenery and was said to be a self-taught genius. He painted thousands of works during his lifetime.

Fortin painted mainly with watercolors. His many unusual techniques transformed landscape art in Canada. He was a prolific painter who painted right up until his death in 1970. An electoral district in Montreal is named in his honor.

McCord Museum of Canadian History

David Ross McCord was an attorney and an avid collector of virtually everything that had to do with life in Canada. During his lifetime, he collected thousands of Canadian books, papers, photographs, and documents. He also collected other items as well such as paintings, jewelry, furniture, and porcelain.

Before his death in 1930, he donated most of his collection to McGill University so that they could establish a museum of Canadian social history.

The McCord Museum of Canadian History is housed in a stately limestone building located near McGill University. It features a wide range of fascinating artifacts and costumes that beautifully portray the history of Montreal. The museum is now a public research and teaching museum that is dedicated to the preservation and study of Canadian history.

The Museum of Fine Arts

The Musée des Beaux Arts began in 1860 as the Art Association of Montreal. Though Montreal was the most important city in British North America, it had no museum of any kind. In 1877, a merchant bequeathed the Art Association a plot of land and the Museum of Fine Art was born.

Today the museum houses an extensive collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures and decorative art. Their mission is to acquire and preserve new works that enrich its collection. The massive collection of over 36,000 pieces includes amazing and priceless pieces of art from Ancient Cultures including Inuit Art, Amerindian Art and European Art.

The Distillery District of Toronto is one of the must-see hot spots in the city. It transports you back in time with its Victorian style industrial buildings that housed many distilleries during the 19th century. Today, it is home to innumerable cafes, restaurants, pubs and shops that entertain millions of people everyday. With more than 40 heritage buildings spread across ten streets, the Distillery District is the largest one of its kind in North America.

As you enter this hip neighborhood, the first thing you will notice is the former Gooderham and Worts Distillery building that was once the largest distillery in the world. As you wander through the streets, one prominent aspect that will strike is the few cars that pass through this place. Most people like to walk or bike through these streets to admire its architectural elegance and history. A quick place to stop for a drink is the Mill Street Brewery Pub. It is an interesting place and the home-brewed beer made from its microbrewery is smooth and light. If you ever want to taste fine traditional British breads and pastries, the Brick Street Bakery is the place for you. The rich aroma and taste is a sensory treat that should not be missed when you visit the Distillery District. You can also find some of the best upscale restaurants here like Boiler House and Stirling room that offer fine cuisine in an elegant and chic ambiance.

Other than restaurants and cafes, this district is also the center of the art and cultural scene of Toronto. Almost everyday, you can find a live performance that is sure to leave you spell-bound. You can also find unique shops and boutiques that sell a wide range of things from fireplaces to jewelry and everything in between. Each boutique is unique in its own way and is a visual treat to the eyes to see some of the most beautiful items on display. Overall, the Distillery District provides an experience like no other and a trip to Toronto is never complete without visiting this place.

Vancouver is a beautiful city on the western coast of Canada in British Columbia. The population is slightly over half a million people. It is the home of the BC Place Stadium where the BC Lions play football. Vancouver is often referred to as “Hollywood North” and is known as a major film and television production city.

There are a great many fun activities in Vancouver. Below, we share a few favorites for families with children:

A Day at the Beach – Vancouver is known for its lovely beaches and has 11 miles of beach front coastal property. Most of the beaches have washrooms, lifeguards and well lit parking. Spanish Bank East Beach has 8 sand volleyball courts where you and your family can enjoy a game of volleyball. Unless a beach is designated as a “Quiet Beach” it has amplified music. Some of the beaches, such as Kitsilano, have an Olympic sized swimming pool and a huge kid’s playground.

Kids Market on Granville Island – This is one of those places your kids will beg you over and over to take them, so you might as well get it out of the way early on during your vacation. Kids Market has plenty of arcade-type games, shopping and food. It is housed mostly inside an old renovated factory but has some outdoor play area with a lovely pond next door.

The Aquabus on Granville Island – This is sure to be a kid-pleaser. The Aquabus offers 25-minute and 40-minute cruises around False Creek. During your cruise you will visit interesting places like Science World and the Vancouver Aquatic Center. Your kids will not only love this but it is pretty economical as well just in case you’re on a budget.

Visit Stanley Park – This is one of Vancouver’s best known and loved parks because it encompasses the seawall, the Aquarium and even has a water park. The kids will love exploring Stanley Park. It has plenty of thrilling activities such as a miniature train, a swimming pool, and plenty of picnic sites. Stanley Park is well known for its arts events and fine dining. You’ll never run out of exciting activities for the whole family at Stanley Park.

Capilano Suspension Bridge – the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most famous in the world. Millions of people have walked across this bridge and it is one of British Columbia’s most popular tourist attractions. This amazing bridge stretches 450 feet across and high above the Capilano River. From this spectacular suspension bridge you can view the beauty of the rainforest all around you. This would be a fun, exciting way to spend several hours with your kids and could also be used as an opportunity to teach them about rainforests.

Vancouver offers many other stimulating, remarkable and truly fun things to do. It’s a beautiful city that most tourists would enjoy even if they simply spent their entire vacation strolling its lovely beaches. Vancouver has loads of public transportation including the Sky Train and the SeaBus. It has some of the best restaurants and hotels in the world, not to mention shopping.

Whether you’re taking the kids this year or not, Vancouver is well-worth your time and money and should be on every serious travelers list of must-see places.