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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

Vacation rentals are increasingly becoming a popular option for travelers because of the flexibility, comfort and convenience they offer. Whether you are enjoying a view from your deck or spending quality time with friends and family, vacation rentals provide a spacious and comfortable environment. You can spend your holiday in style and luxury at any of the rental condos, villas, houses or apartments instead of a crammed hotel room. Located at convenient destinations, vacation rentals help you to enjoy the fun and activities without being a part of the crowd. Most rentals are just minutes away from shopping centers, beaches and other hot spots of the region.

The amenities available in a vacation rental are unmatched by any top-quality hotel. Most of them come with gadgets, books, DVDs and other entertainment options that can provide wholesome fun for you, your family and friends. Also, privacy is guaranteed for each individual when you choose a vacation rental. Another reason for its popularity is the flexibility factor. You can stop thinking about the check-in and check-out times and the policies of the hotel when you choose a vacation rental. Whether you want to soak in a hot tub or have a dance party, vacation rentals give you the flexibility to enjoy your vacation as you want.

It also provides a local flavor and experience and this makes your vacation extra special. When you spend time in a vacation rental, you get to understand the culture and way of life of the region better because you will live in a real neighborhood filled with local people. You can even cook the local cuisine with fresh produce and spices from the farmer's markets in the fully-equipped kitchens that come with all rental properties. In other words, it helps you to sample local life and culture from the comfort of your rental. All this comes at an affordable price that is sure to leave you and your guests with a lot of memories.