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Victoria Day Weekend Getaways for 2013

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:49:59 +0000

Well, the weather may not feel like it, but the first long weekend that launches the warm weather season is upon us.

This weekend Monday, May 20th is Victoria Day and people across Canada will be celebrating in a variety of ways, including heading out of town for a little R & R.

If you haven't yet made plans, here are some Victoria Day vacation ideas:

Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec top the list of cities that draw visitors over the Victoria Day weekend. Average hotel rates in these cities have dipped to between $90 and $110 per night (according to Hotwire). These cities will likely have special events going on, including fireworks displays. You should also expect closures and holiday hours on Monday.
Any of Canada's Best Ski Resorts remain open - though many will have turned over to spring activities - and offer low shoulder season prices.
Check out Travelzoo.ca for hotel and transportation discounts over the long weekend.
Travelocity is another resource for finding Victoria Day deals in Canada.
Wine tasting in the Okanagan Valley, BC: Begin in Kelowna and take a drive around beautiful Lake Okanagan, stopping at some of the fine wineries that range from big and traditional to small and boutique.
Enjoy the ocean air and a host of activities at White Point, Nova Scotia, which has special long weekend packages.

Wine, Music and Mountains: The Mission Hill Summer Concert Series

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:50:38 +0000

Mission Hill, one of Canada's biggest wine producers, again brings its Summer Concert Series to its impossibly scenic outdoor amphitheater.

Perched perfectly on Lake Okanagan in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, Mission Hill winery comprises not only a winery and amphitheater, but a Mission-style 12-storey-high bell tower and award-winning restaurant to make it a popular destination for tourists, wine lovers and in summer - music lovers.

The 2013 Mission Hill concert series features Chris Botti, Gipsy Kings, LeAnn Rimes and Pink Martini and has already sold out some of its dinner/concert packages, so if you're interested, act fast.

Related reading:

Buy Tickets
Mission Hill Winery
Kelowna, BC
Wine Regions of BC

Hazelton Hotel: Swish Toronto Sleep

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:26:59 +0000

When it comes to Toronto Luxury Hotels, the list is growing but the popularity of The Hazelton Hotel in Yorkville has not waned.

This 77-room hotel is a mainstay for the luxury hotel crowd for many reasons, including its prime location in an upscale neighbourhood. The hotel's lush interior includes a roster of rich materials, including zebra wood, fur panelling and shiny chrome. The Hazelton Hotel takes its art seriously and hired an art concierge to select the hotel's playful and pervasive art collection that intrigues and at every turn. Hotel service lives up to its 5-star status and is personalized for each guest.

Even if you don't stay overnight, stop by the Hazelton's Restaurant ONE - one of the city's finest where you'll be hobnobbing with the rich and famous and people watching , especially during the Toronto International Film Festival.

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Is Spring Your Time to Visit Canada?

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:05:42 +0000

Maybe you are planning far in advance for a Canadian holiday or have the luxury to make a spur-of-the-moment visit. Either way, you'll want to know how to decide when to go to Canada.

Canada has four distinct seasons - very different from each other in most parts of the country - and it's nice to know what to expect when visiting during different times of the year.

Related reading:

When To Go to Canada
Temperatures in Canada
Month by Month Weather & Event Guides

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Small-Town Charm Beside the Falls

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:20:56 +0000

Niagara Falls is one of Canada's biggest attractions, but right next door is another destination not to be missed

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a lovely complement to Niagara Falls in that it is quaint, cultured and has retained its small-town feel.

Stroll the manicured main street, take in a show at the world-reknowned Shaw Festival or wine taste at one of the region's wineries, but don't let Niagara-on-the-Lake be outshone by its more famous neighbour.

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Deciding Where to Stay in Montreal

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:46:21 +0000

Deciding where to stay in Montreal is an important step in planning a trip to this beautiful and unique Canadian city. Staying in some areas may break the bank while others are best avoided. Depending on what you want out of your visit to Montreal will help you figure out what part of Montreal is your best accommodation spot.

Related reading:

Cheap Montreal Hotels
Getting to and from the Montreal International Airport
Montreal Travel Guide

Four Ways to Find a Fabulous Vacation in Canada this Summer

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 13:33:37 +0000

Jetsetter is an online vacation booking service that offers higher end properties at discounted prices - sometimes up to 50%. The good part about Jetsetter is that each property has been visited and verified by someone to ensure it meets Jetsetter standards. Flash sales, which last up to a week or until they sell out and Mystery Hotels, where you book a hotel based upon the description but don't find out the name for 48 hrs, are two ways you can save big on Jetsetter.

airbnb is a community marketplace where people can put their own places up as available to rent or book accommodation somewhere else. Accommodation ranges from a room in someone's home, to a teepee in someone's backyard or a luxury cottage all to yourself . You may have a true B&B experience where your hosts remain in the home or more like a vacation rental where you get the place to yourself.

Cottage Country is Canada's largest vacation rental website and is especially great for groups or people wanting to find accommodation in Canada's more remote or scenic locations.

WagJag is a Canadian group discount service (like Groupon) where great deals are offered, but only if enough people buy them up. WagJag frequently sells special rates on vacation packages, hotels, tourist attractions and golf getaways.

Find the Ideal Home Away from Home in Canada

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:04:31 +0000

The vacation rental industry has grown at a phenomenal rate thanks to the Internet, which has made viewing, researching and booking properties so easy.

Especially convenient for long stays, group vacations or visits to more remote locations, vacation rentals are an excellent choice when looking for accommodation in Canada.

Canada's largest vacation rental website, Cottage Country offers up more than 25,000 cabins, chalets and cottages in some of the country's most scenic locations, like Banff, Vancouver Island, Cape Breton or Newfoundland & Labrador.

InterContinental Plans to Offer Free WiFi to Loyalty Guests

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:27:11 +0000

Just as my anger is waning for a $15 WiFi charge at the InterContinental Montreal, the hotel chain has decided to offer this amenity free of charge to its InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) Rewards Club members. This policy change means you can even sign up for the hotel loyalty program at check in and receive the free WiFi during your stay.

I guess better late than never. Hilton and Fairmont hotels have been gifting WiFi to loyalty members for years.

When is Victoria Day?

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 16:48:37 +0000

In Canada, Victoria Day falls on the Monday before May 25th. The holiday is the last day of the May 24th long weekend, which is the first big weekend that offers weather warm enough to go to the cottage, plant a garden or otherwise generally celebrate the onset of summer.

Find out when Victoria Day is in 2013 and what this Canada holiday weekend holds in store for visitors.

Related reading:

What's Open Victoria Day?
Holidays in Canada
May in Canada