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What’s new in niagara?

Niagara Falls is arguably Canada’s most visited attraction – and for good reason. The falls are breathtaking and the rush of water creates a very unique experience. Yet, there is more than just the Falls… Here are some of the best new things in Niagara:

What to do in Niagara?

ENJOY THE THEATRE – If you love theatre, now is the time to visit. This beautiful town, just a short drive away from the Falls, is everything you could ever dream of. Better yet, the SHAW festival brings some of the best actors together for a summer theatre season like no other.

Celebrating the author, George Bernard Shaw, the festival puts on some of the most beautiful productions in the country. With amazing sets, stunning costumes and great actors, the Shaw festival is a must. Niagara on the Lake is a town that needs no introduction.

Its small, quaint and walking around its beautiful streets feels as if you have stepped into a movie. Perhaps a good analogy would be, small southern Ontario town, run by the Swiss. Besides the Shaw festival, it is also home to the Peach festival as well as the Fort George National Historic Site.

TAKE IN NIAGARA FALLS FIREWORKS SERIES – The popular Falls fireworks series has returned to delight visitors. Shows run nightly at 10:00 pm. The FALLS FIREWORKS CRUISE is also back! The popular nightly Falls Fireworks Cruise departs the Niagara City Cruises dock at 9:30 pm for the 40-minute tour. Tickets cost $43.25 for adults and $28.25 for children, plus applicable taxes.

 NIAGARA FALLS ILLUMINATION – The majestic Falls are also illuminated every night of the year, creating some stunning views.

“There is far more to Niagara than just the falls…”

FEEL THE BREEZE on a scenic tour of the Niagara Parkway passing by the Falls, exploring nearby wine region, historic sites and trails on your own e-bike!

 TAKE A THRILLING BOAT RIDE – Ride the rapids of the Niagara River with Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours (wet and dry boats available) and voyage into the mist to get up close and personal with the majestic Falls on Niagara City Cruises iconic boat ride.

 GET CLOSE TO NATURE – Marvel at the relentless power and beauty of the White Water Walk boardwalk at the very edge of one of the world’s wildest stretches of whitewater (class 6 rapids)! Hike the Niagara Glen or stroll through some of Canada’s most beautiful gardens – the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens offers 40 hectares (99 acres) of beautifully maintained gardens to explore and is home to the Butterfly Conservatory.

COOL OFF AT A WATERPARK with thousands of square feet of water slides, kiddie pools, and unique features like the aquaplay centre with a giant tipping bucket at Americana Resort’s Waves Indoor Waterpark or the full-size wave pool with 3-foot white caps at the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark.

There is so much more to Niagara than just the Falls! Plan your trip today!

Visit https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/ for more information.

Canada, Ideas for Traveling with Children, Nova Scotia, Places to Travel, Travel Savings, Travel SMART

NOVA SCOTIA… new way of camping

Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping, Judique, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Archer's Edge Luxury Camping Judique, Cape Breton Island
Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping, Judique, Cape Breton Island

Nova Scotia is one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada and has a great diversity in regards with things to do. There is Metro Halifax, the famous Cape Breton Island and more.. One of the most exciting and probably surprising is a new way of camping in a luxury amenities – Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping. One of Nova Scotia’s best experiences is “glamping” (or camping) with a twist. You can now enjoy the wilderness and peace of the wild, while still having hotel amenities like a queen bed and air conditioning. Each of the ‘rooms’ is situated inside a dome of sorts. Inside of which is a bed, bathroom and other things you would expect in a top-notch hotel. Each room comes complete with an amazing view of Nova Scotia‘s wilderness. It is quite an unusual overnight experience yet quite worth it.

Geodesic Dome, Pleasant Bay, Cape Breton

Geodesic Dome, Pleasant Bay, Cape Breton
Geodesic Dome, Pleasant Bay, Cape Breton

This is Nova Scotia’s only 5 star Housekeeping, eco-conscious, luxury geodesic dome experience along Cape Breton Island’s Cabot Trail coastline offering spectacular ocean views and mountainside lodging. Start of your day with a seaside Parks Canada Perfect Picnic, keepsake basket & Blanket for two as you enjoy the music of our meet and greet, followed by a sunset photo shoot with accomplished photographer Adam Hill at Cap Rouge. Cap the night off with a guided starlit hike on the World Famous Skyline trail. Stay the night with us in one of our eco-friendly geo domes with your very own private hot tub.  That is what we call camping these days! https://www.truenorthdestinations.ca/

La Boatique – Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

La Boatique, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
La Boatique, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

Tired of camping and want to experience something totally different? Just imagine watching the sunset over the Yarmouth harbour from the upper deck… the gentle sound of the waves lulling you to sleep and waking up to the sunrise while enjoying your breakfast. This cozy 41-foot motor yacht with aft & forward cabins, ensuite bathrooms with a shower, a spacious salon with aft deck, and a dining area comfortably sleeps 5. So you can get a truly unique experience… http://www.laboatique.ca/

Canada, Events, Ideas for Traveling with Children, Ontario, Toronto, Travel SMART, weekend ideas

WE MADE SOME PAPER…

Watermark Invention

The unique craft of adding a watermark to the paper originated in Italy around 14th century in a small town Fabriano on Marche Island, Italy. Originally watermarks were made as a simple initial or trademark symbol. Over the centuries the art evolved from primitive to the artistic – reproducing the works of art, famous portraits or coat of arms. The technique is based on fixed-wire mould used for the insertion of distinctive marks that can be seen against the light…

Old Tradition

Special mould for watermak used in hand-made paper in Fabriano Italy
Watermark Mould used in paper making

In older days the Fabriano paper-makers used the water driven stamping mills. Several mills were present where the old linen or cotton rugs were used to create the fine pulp. The pulp is the base of what would become the raw paper. In turn that raw paper will be submerged in the gelatin derived from animal bones – another invention of the Fabriano artisans. Even in our days this technique is used to produce some of the banknotes, shares, cheques, some other fancy business papers and special papers for pencil, pen, wash and watercolour drawings.

Watermark on raw hand-paper made from the mould
Watermark on raw hand-paper made from the mould

Our experience

As a visitors of the special workshop organized by St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura held by Federico Salvatori, Mastro Cartaio (“master papermaker”) of the Paper and Watermark Museum in Fabriano, along with Professor Paolo Granata of the UofT. We have a chance to make our own paper with watermark using this truly unique experience to feel the value of creation and appreciate the artistic approach to paper-making.

Paper-making workshop with masters from Fabriano Italy
Making Paper with master from Fabriano, Italy

If you want to know more or visit the Museum in Fabriano here is the link to their website: http://www.museodellacarta.com/

Canada, Events, Ideas for Traveling with Children, Ontario, Places to Travel, Toronto, weekend ideas

“SUMMER OF SPACE” at Ontario Science Centre

Roberta Bondar, Canadian Astronaut, Ontario Science Centre
Roberta Bondar, Canadian Astronaut, Ontario Science Centre

It’s 6 pm and we are at the Ontario Science Centre, and yes, it’s closed for the public. But we are here for a very special event – we are going to be the first to see the “Apollo 11: First Steps Edition” at the well known IMAX theater and later chat with Mark Armstrong (son of Neil Armstrong ), Roberta Bondar (Canadian Astronaut), Natalie Panek (Aerospace Engineer), Shawna Pandya (Astronaut Candidate) and some other really interesting people working in the industry. We met Bob Thirsk, Canadian Astronaut, and had a chance to talk about the path to success… “Stay focused on what you are doing and you will surely achieve your goals!… ” And this applies not just to space exploration.

Summer of Space at Ontario Science Centre

On July 20th 2019 the Science Centre commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing with special lunar-themed programming featuring Canadian astronauts. The adventure begins with “Apollo 11: First Steps Edition” that unfolds on the IMAX Dome screen and features never-before-seen 70 mm footage and more than 11,000 hours of uncatalogued audio recordings. The film recounts the most extraordinary of human achievements and puts audiences at the centre of NASA’s historic lunar landing, capturing every moment of the mission.

Ontario Science Centre, Summer of Space, Space Lab
Summer of Space, Ontario Science Centre, Space Lab

The special exhibitions “Astronaut” and “Women in Space” tap into what it takes to break the boundaries of life on Earth and unlock the mysteries of our universe. You will see and touch a piece of the Moon, spend an evening gazing at the stars or go to a space camp (fitness level and age restrictions apply)! Or, experience the G-force powers… feel the powers of the Shuttle right in the seat of the spacecraft… check your knowledge and test how well you are prepared for a long space journey!

Summer of Space, Ontario Science Centre, Space Lab
Summer of Space at Ontario Science Centre, Space Lab

Lots of fascinating facts, hands on experiences and challenges await those ready to conquer space and travel the universe!

For more information to better plan your visit refer to their website:
https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/

Canada, Events, Ideas for Traveling with Children, Manitoba, Places to Travel, Travel Savings, Travel SMART, UNESCO World Heritage Site, weekend ideas

Spring into human rights at the Museum

New two-day ticket for tourists, diverse programs, expanded hours

Winnipeg – May 16, 2019 – The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is set to spring into the tourism high season this weekend with expanded hours, diverse programs and a new two-day ticket for summer visitors. 

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights Photo by Aaron Cohen

“Many out-of-town visitors have told us that one day is not enough time to explore everything they want to see in the Museum,” said Jacques Lavergne, CMHR Vice-President of Visitor Experience and Engagement. “A two-day ticket will allow them to journey through the galleries at their leisure, with time for rest breaks, lunch and browsing in the Boutique.” Starting this Saturday (May 18), the two-day tickets will be available for $30 (adult rate) for consecutive days only. A single-day ticket is currently $21. Visitors who initially buy a single-day ticket can upgrade to a two-day ticket at any time during their visit, for use the following day. The Museum will now be open seven days a week – including Victoria Day and other holidays – until after Labour Day. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Wednesdays, when visitors are welcome until 9 p.m. – with free admission on the first Wednesday evening of each month (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.). On all other Wednesdays, admission is offered at the reduced rate of $5 after 5 p.m. Fascinating programs and exhibitions are planned throughout the spring and summer, including: 

  • A summer tour schedule starting May 18 that includes daily morning and afternoon gallery tours and Sunday architecture tours. 
  • Free tours for Doors Open Winnipeg on May 25 and 26 that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the Museum’s unique architecture – including hidden spaces, environmental design and wondrous views from a whole new perspective. 
  • A celebration of Asian Heritage Month on May 29 with free cultural performances. 
  • Pride Week gallery tours every day from May 27 to June 3, with a focus on the rights of people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities ($5). Fair-trade rainbow roses will be available from the Boutique, which sets up outdoors on June 2 with Pride-related merchandise. 
  • An Indigenous film series running each Wednesday evening in June, featuring Through Black Spruce, Colonization Road, Seven Sacred Laws and Indian Horse, including a post-film discussion. 
  • A new exhibition about the Rohingya people of Myanmar (Burma) opening June 16. A talk-tour on this issue will be offered on weekdays, starting July 2. 
  • The award-winning Mandela: Struggle for Freedom exhibition, which continues to run in the Level 1 Gallery. A family tour of the exhibition and other relevant locations in the Museum is offered on Saturdays. 
  • A South African wine-tasting dinner at ERA Bistro on June 4 to mark the one-year anniversary of Mandela: Struggle for Freedom exhibition opening. The four-course dinner will be prepared by ERA Bistro’s Executive Chef Kirk Hanson, with paired wine personally selected by a sommelier who will be present to talk about each wine and region. 
  • Canada Day programs and events with $5 admission. The Boutique will offer an outdoor kiosk featuring Canadian-themed items. 
  • A new exhibit presented in Augmented Reality about Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the 1982 Proclamation of the Constitution. This actual historic document also returns to the CMHR on loan from Library and Archives Canada! Opens August 20. 
  • A new T-shirt design for summer 2019, featuring a line drawing of the Museum and the Esplanade Riel. The CMHR Boutique is stocked with inspiring and beautiful spring/summer merchandise, including items related to the Mandela exhibition. 
Caribbean, Places to Travel, Sport Events, St.Lucia, Travel Savings, Travel SMART, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Kayak on the bay, Praslin, St. Lucia

St. Lucia is one of the islands where you can find all kinds of activities to satisfy even very demanding souls… Here is one relatively new idea – kayaking to the Praslin Island offered by local kayaking pro organised under the name “Kayaking on the Bay”. As part of the trip you learn some of the local history and tradition… 

St.Lucia, Praslin Island

The tranquil Village of Praslin is nestled between two districts Dennery and Micoud on the East Coast of St Lucia. As the gateway to some of Saint Lucia’s rarest indigenous nature, Praslin is an idyllic rural quarter populated with several small fishing settlements along spectacular Praslin Bay. Here, one may notably find many excellent examples of the traditional and highly distinctive Saint Lucian fishing boats, which are still crafted by hand in many villages. Other notable traditional crafts, like broom stick making, are produced in neighboring communities such as Mon Repos and Patience.

Praslin Island Natural Reserve, St.Lucia

Praslin Island and the Fregate Islands are pristine nature reserves, where unique species such as the boldly colored Blue Whiptail lizard make their homes. For a slightly tamer presentation of native flora and fauna visit the beautifully manicured Mamiku Gardens that date all the way back to 1766. The gardens are part of the Mamiku Estate, once the home of the Baron de Micoud, a former Governor of Saint Lucia. The estate still operates today as a banana and flower plantation. Praslin village was originally named “Les Trois Islet” and was renamed in 1780 to honor the Minister of the Navy to Louis XV, the Duc de Praslin. 

“Kayaking on the Bay” Welcomes you to Prasllin Island!

In this old canoe fishing village, where practices are still being kept “Kayak on the Bay” offers you the pleasure of enjoying a kayak trip to a lush private beach located on an Islet, while a beach barbeque is prepared for you. Upon arrival on the property of “Kayak on the Bay” you will be greeted by your wonderful host Marva along with the tour guides.

Kayaking on the Bay, St.Lucia

On the property one can find a variety of local tropical fruits and a small backyard garden with some of the herbs used to prepare meals for the journey. You will be briefed on the safety regulations and a description of what the tour entails before embarking on the trip. 

St. Lucia, Praslin Island, Kayaking on the Bay

The Bay is truly majestic with a sand bank that runs down the middle of the bay 1-2 miles long; to the top of the bay lies a beautiful reef which creates the calming effect… Abundant sea life is found along the reef, which continues along the bay to a join the Irish moss farms.

Irish Moss Farm, Praslin Island, St.Lucia

Upon arrival on the Praslin Island, a tour guide takes you  on a short hike to the top of the Island to enjoy the views and to spot some of the local birds . While you are out on the hike your Island lunch is prepared for you… It comprises of fresh grilled fish and chicken with green banana salad (green bananas, veggies and codfish), cheesy potatoes, sweet corn and fresh garden salad. This is served with fresh local fruit juice… 

Kayaking on the Bay, Praslin Island, St. Lucia

After lunch you bask on the beach with the views of the scenic topography of the Praslin village. Being on the Island really gives you the sense of your very own hide away. Before heading back to the property and towards the end of the tour you are guided to the Irish moss farms which lies to the opposite end of the reef and disembark for a 10 minute hike along the coast to catch one of the views. For a low fee of ninety dollars you get to enjoy the wonders of nature and the tranquility of your very own Island getaway for the day…

If you like kayaking and interested to take this tour, you may call +1 758-719-9329 or contact them via Facebook 
https://www.facebook.com/Kayak-on-the-Bay-1317154738416915/

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Unleash your inner adventurer in Norway’s wilderness on the new Western Fjords Hiking Tour

50 NORTH Logo

Vancouver, Febrauary 4th, 2019–  Nordic Travel Specialist, 50 Degrees North, has introduced a new, exclusive 9-day tour, ‘Western Fjords Hike’. Aimed at all active adventurers with a reasonable fitness level and a love for hiking, this tour takes them into the heart of the unique, secluded and exceptionally beautiful Western fjords in Norway, away from the summer crowds.

The ‘Western Fjords Hike’ follows 50 Degrees North’s signature style of taking travelers ‘off the beaten path’ and into hard-to-reach yet profoundly stunning and authentic parts of the Nordics. This is enabled on this tour partly by their use of a private minivan with space for up to 12 people – both a highly flexible and safe alternative to public transport or a private rental car. However, the hikes in this tour make the experience all the more exclusive and unique, offering breathtaking panoramic views that few travelers get to see for themselves. 

“This tour follows the same route as our ‘Western Fjords of Norway tour’, complete with our own private minibus, but is geared to those with a good level of fitness and endurance. This is an active tour with guided day hikes and some of the trails are very steep and long – a great challenge for anyone seeking an active escape in secluded and beautiful scenery”, says Tietse Stelma, 50 Degrees North’s CEO and founder. 

The self-guided tour starts from Bergen and finishes in Ålesund. In between, travelers get to hike in several breathtaking locations, join the locals on a ferry ride from Bergen to Kalvåg, catch a private 50 Degrees North minivan through the Western fjords with Loen as the main base, and travel along the Norfjord and the Hjørundfjord, two stunning fjords surrounded by lush forests and small, scenic villages. Once in Ålesund, the trekkers also get to embark on an exciting Wildlife Sea Safari in a high-speed RIB-boat. 

The trip runs weekly from July to September, 2019 with fixed departures from Bergen every Thursday
(4049 AUD / 2914 USD / 3950 CAD per person). 

For more information on the ‘Western Fjords Hike’ tour, please visit:https://www.fiftydegreesnorth.com/tour/western-fjords-hike

For more information on the ‘Western Fjords of Norway’ tour, please visit:https://www.fiftydegreesnorth.com/tour/western-fjords-of-norway-tour

Ideas for Traveling with Children, Places to Travel, Toronto, Travel Savings, Travel SMART, Waterloo, weekend ideas

Woodside National Historic Site

Woodside National Historic Site

The house and the park located on 11.5 acre property covered with mature trees. The park offers perfect place for walks and picnincs, beautiful shaded lawns and paths during the summer. The house opens for visitors from October till Chrismas.

Woodside National Historic Site, Entrance
Woodside National Historic Site, Entrance

Mackenzie King House

The house dates back to Victorian period, was built by James Colquhoun. After his death in 1877 varuois tenants occupied the house. One of them was the Kings family. They lived in this house from 1886 till 1893. The house was a home for a boy who later became Canada’s tenth Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. The family had four children, and while visiting the house we can see their rooms and well kept personal items. His father John King was  a lawyer, and he taught his kids English, French, math and science. There is a large collection of boks, many of them are rare originals…

Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King
Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King

The house has a spacious living room with piano. The room was filing up with various guests during many holidays…

Living room in William Lyon Mackenzie King House
Living room in William Lyon Mackenzie King House

Travel  at that time was a challenge, so the house has a nice guest bedroom with all the necessary items…

Guest bedroom in William Lyon Mackenzie King House, Kitchener
Guest bedroom in William Lyon Mackenzie King House, Kitchener

The sisters were sharing the bedroom, we can see some of the clothing and original furniture.

Girls' room in William Lyon Mackenzie King House, Kitchener

We had a chance to enter the room of William, quite small and with very modest furnishings. The bedrooms are all on the second floor and interestingly, there is no heating – only the first floor of the house is heated, so in the winter the heavy blanket and the hot water bottle did the job!

Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie KingWoodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King

The most important item of the kitchen is the original wood-buning stove. It is fully operational and if you visit the place during Christmas Holidays you may be lucky to try fresh baked cookies or bread! They say tastes amazing!

Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King
Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King

The House is not just a museum, there are different events and workshops offered for students.

To learn more visit https://www.explorewaterlooregion.com/listing/woodside-national-historic-site-kitchener/     and      https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/woodside