Are you dreaming of exploring Canada’s majestic mountains, vibrant cities, and charming small towns? Look no further! The country has so much to offer.
But before you pack your bags and head off on an airplane, there are insider tips you can’t miss. This guide is here to help you discover the real Canada beyond the famous tourist spots you see in pictures.
Let’s explore how you can truly experience Canada like a local.
Explore Beyond the Cities
While cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are must-visits, Canada’s true beauty lies in its vast wilderness. To truly discover the beauty, consider renting a car or taking a local bus to explore the scenic countryside, national parks, and charming small towns.
Let’s talk about these cities one by one:
1. Vancouver
The city is known for its breathtaking landscapes and greenery. You can hike in the nearby mountains or stroll along the stunning Stanley Park Seawall, offering ocean views and lush forests.
Vancouver Island is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. With its pristine waters, it is perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Also, it is home to an abundance of wildlife. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, black bears, seals, and sea lions.
To enhance your experience of the Vancouver Island getaway and make it even more relaxing, consider planning your stay at a resort. You can enjoy various amenities and facilities like a swimming pool, Gym, business areas, and the town’s tasty cuisine. Also, you can avail of special offers if you book online and get an incredible experience of staying.
2. Toronto
In Toronto, there are awesome adventures waiting for you. You can visit the famous CN Tower, where you’ll get amazing views of the city. Or you can ride on a ferry to Toronto Islands. At the place, you’ll find sandy beaches and the most beautiful skyline views. It’s a great place to chill and have fun.
It is also home to cool neighborhoods like Kensington Market, where you can explore colorful streets filled with unique shops and tasty food. Also, enjoy the walk along the waterfront at Harbourfront Centre, where you can enjoy live performances and art exhibitions.
3. Montreal
In Montreal, you can dive right into the lively culture. One of the best parts is trying out yummy food in the busy markets. There are all sorts of delicious things to taste. You can also wander around Old Montreal, like stepping into the past with its cobblestone streets and charming buildings.
The place is full of incredible art and music events so that you can catch some fantastic shows and exhibitions. And if you like outdoor fun, there are parks and green spaces to enjoy.
Participate in Local Festivals
Canada’s calendar is packed with festivals celebrating everything from music and film to food and heritage. Participating in these events is a fantastic way to experience local culture and meet nationals.
Join the vibrant festivities of the Calgary Stampede, where you can get in on the action and feel like a cowboy or cowgirl for a day. If you’re into movies, the Toronto International Film Festival is the place to be. You can watch cool films and soak up the artsy vibe. It’s a fantastic way to experience culture and make new friends while having a wonderful time.
Uncover Hidden Gems
Exploring hidden gems during your Canada adventure enhances your traveling experience. You can ask locals for tips on where to find hidden beaches, peaceful hiking trails, or cool hangout spots in town.
Discover the charm of lesser-known neighborhoods, like the artistic alleys of Toronto’s Kensington Market. The historic streets of Old Town Lunenburg in Nova Scotia often offer a more authentic and personal experience than the crowded tourist spots.
Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey
Understanding a few essentials can make your adventure more enjoyable:
Weather: Canada’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers to adapt to changing conditions, especially if you’re exploring the great outdoors.
Tickets: Book tickets online in advance to avoid long lines for attractions. You will even get special offers and discounts that save you money.
Local Transport: Familiarize yourself with public transport options. Biking is also a popular way to explore Canadian cities.
Currency: While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, having some Canadian dollars on hand is useful for smaller establishments or rural areas.
Where Locals Eat
To set the gastronomy in motion, check out Celebrity Chef Lynn Crawford’s Ruby Watchco in Leslieville. The menus change on a weekly basis with locally sourced ingredients. The servings are family-style, and they encourage you to stay back. Take their bait and hang out in this famous neighborhood that has sustained young, creative minds and families from across the city. Their spots, such as the restored Broadview Hotel, are meticulously chosen.
You can choose to savor the city from The Rooftop Terrace, or you can check in to one of the grand 58 eclectic guest rooms. If you want to try a refreshing breakfast, check out Bonjour Brioche, where locals enjoy fresh pastries and lattes. All this so far covers a single neighborhood!
Across the city, you will find different opportunities to munch on whatever you desire. If you are in the mood for tapas-style treats, you may hit the all-time staple Bar Raval. If you are craving nouveau Caribbean, check out Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen. And at the end of it all if you are craving some dessert, the city’s favorite, Rosen’s Cinnamon Buns on College Street, will not disappoint.
If you are into vegetarian options, your options are growing that way, too. One of the more refined options is Planta or even the more trendy new Vegandale chain of restaurants and breweries in Parkdale, which will leave you feeling super satisfied.
Photo Spots
Since its arrival in 2015, the Toronto Sign at Nathan Phillips Square has become a selfie spot for locals as well as tourists alike. Remember to take a peek at all the artwork or get a selfie in Graffiti Alley, but that is not all.
There is The Falcon Skybar at Hotel X, the Kost rooftop bar perched on top of the 44th-floor of Bisha Hotel, and the Thompson Toronto’s Rooftop Lounge offer a spot to nibble and sip with some highly Instagrammable views.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing Canada like a local opens up a world of possibilities typical travel guides might overlook. It’s about diving into the community, understanding their way of life, and discovering the country’s soul. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, and get ready to explore the country beyond the surface.
Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.
Belize. Just thinking about its exotic shores, golden beaches, tropical heat, and friendly people is enough to make you want to immediately drop everything and jump on a plane. But what will you do when you get there? Excellent question.
It’s best if you’re an active, outdoor person because there’s much to do that involves jumping around, swinging on ropes, rafting down rivers, and more. However, there are also beaches to sunbathe on if that’s preferred instead.
Here is our pick of the 5 things to do on a vacation in Belize.
1. Stay In An Eco Resort:
You don’t want to stay just anywhere. Setting up camp at an eco-resort will get you into the heart of the island to spots that you probably wouldn’t have found on your own.
Belize Eco Resorts are perfectly positioned to provide access to many attractions. Situated along the Moho River, the cooling breeze is most welcome. With lodges rising from the ground, you’re afforded an excellent vantage point of the surrounding tropical landscape too.
2. Tubing On The River:
Tubing is a popular pastime for people who aren’t wanting to go canoeing or just wish to try something a little different.
Mostly preferred by the younger set, a day-out tubing usually includes a walk through the Belizean rainforest, a safety briefing, and maybe exploring a cave system nearby too.
3. Waterfall Adventure:
There are several good places to trek out to and see impressive waterfalls, but perhaps the best one is to Davis Falls. To get there, it’s necessary to traverse across multiple river crossings on the way to your destination.
However, at roughly 120 meters (500 feet) tall, it stands apart from other waterfalls. It’s possible to get up on a rocky outcropping, take in the splendor, and snap a few pics for Instagram while you’re at it. And this will make the trek to get out there totally worth it.
4. Snorkeling And Diving:
If you like getting underwater, it’s best to head over to Ambergris Caye on the northern side of Belize where the diving and snorkeling set hang out.
They’re attracted by the beaches, clear waters, and perfect conditions to explore the barrier reefs. There are plenty of dive shops nearby and scuba diving schools to take a course while you’re on the island. Mostly they’re located in San Pedro, so it’s best to head there if that’s what you need.
5. The Beach:
The beach at the Placencia Peninsula offers a comfortable lounging spot and a jumping-off point to walk amongst the palm trees to get that tropical feeling. The Caribbean water is quiet here with few waves to disturb the tranquility.
This area is the best for sandy beaches on the island. The peninsula goes on for over 15 miles, so you needn’t worry about overcrowding either. Further back inland is sanctuaries and a few nature reserves to visit.
There’s a bountiful number of things to do once in Belize. It’s a lively spot for outdoor travel, plus the nightlife is rich and varied too. You’ll surely get the tropical vibe there, so dress the part.
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India’s latest new airline, on flights Akasa Air, began its operation in August of this year. And will be onboarding our furry little friends in November. The CEO and co-founder of the airline, Belson Coutinho, spoke to reporters about this. He said, “Domesticated dogs and cats can travel from November, and the bookings in this regard will start from October 15.”
But the catch is animals weighing less than seven kg are allowed in the cabin. So heavier dogs will be traveling in the cargo area.
Specific conditions need to be updated while traveling with pets on a plane, as said by Dr. Sanjiv Rajadhyaksha. Certain points need checking, and as he mentioned, they are.
You must check your pet with the vet to ensure they are fit for air travel.
The airline must maintain proper air pressure in the cabin and the cargo compartment with adequate oxygen and temperature for the pets.
If the pets are to be kept in the cargo area, ensure the crates are big and have enough space to move around.
Ensure your pet is properly vaccinated and sedated if traveling with you in the cabin.
Avoid bringing pets prone to lung or heart disease. They might not feel well during the flight.
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Ah, summer vibes mean vacays, road trips, and the classic "Are we there yet?" soundtrack.
But let's face it, keeping kiddos entertained during long car rides is no easy feat. The struggle is real! And we all know too well that screen time takeover – not the best road trip memo.
Why miss out on the fun? Road adventures are a golden chance for your little explorers to dive into new activities, discover cool stuff, and dive into some classic road trip games.
Because let's be real, they won't remember the drive if their eyes are glued to a screen.
Time to make those miles memorable. I mean, if you're living in a place for a few days, I think you might be Looking for soccer camps all around. However, if you can’t find something as such, we would suggest you go through the following tips instead.
Tip – 1: Make The Entire Thing A Game
Picture this: you're on a classic car ride, cruising down the road.
Now, you've got your go-to games like I Spy, Car Bingo, and The License Plate Game. But when those start feeling a bit too familiar, it's time to turn up the fun with some karaoke action!
Now, I get it, not everyone's a singing superstar, so let's mix it up.
Try this game called Karaoke Masters: create a playlist of tunes everyone knows before you hit the road. Play just a few seconds of a song, and let the kids guess what it is.
Throw in some rather goofy ones like "Old McDonald Had a Farm" or "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt" for extra laughs. Trust me, it's a road trip game-changer!
Note: Ever tried those travel trays for road trips with the kids? I swear by them! They’ll give the little ones a handy flat space for coloring, drawing, or whatever keeps them busy.
Plus, no more stuff rolling off with that raised edge. And get this – there's even a cup holder and pockets for snacks. Safety-wise, the edges are soft and padded, just in case. Perfect for meals on the move too! We've been using them for years, and they've been a game-changer.
2: Give Them A Surprise Box
So, on every road trip, my kids get super pumped about this amazing thing we call the "surprise box." It's basically just old lunchboxes I snagged at a garage sale.
Now, the magic happens when I fill them up with all sorts of fun stuff I’ve found on the – garage sales, Dollar Tree, clearance aisles, you name it.
And let me tell you, it's a big hit!
The best part? Everything inside is brand new to them, making each little toy or activity way more exciting. I toss in some snacks and sweet treats for good measure, too.
Now, if you really want to milk the suspense or use it as a reward for some stellar behavior, you can get creative. Maybe make a bunch of small surprise bags to open at specific times or pit stops. Think Legos, Hotwheels cars, fidget toys, smaller-sized dolls - you name it. Dollar Tree is like a goldmine for budget-friendly goodies. Happy travels!
3: Let Them Listen To An Amazing Story
Switch up your pre-trip routine this summer!
Instead of downloading movies, go for podcasts – like movies for your ears! Check out NPR's Wow in the World, their first podcast for kids.
It's not just for your little ones; the whole family can enjoy it. Discover the mysteries of why shoelaces never stay tied, the secrets of astronauts' bathroom breaks in space, and how saying "thank you’ can boost your health. It's a fun way to learn together!
4: Play Mobile Games Or With Toys
When you've got a whole bunch of time ahead of the children, make the most of their iPad love! There are cool games that are not just fun but also educational.
If your little one enjoys coloring, grab 123 Color: Talking Coloring Book – it's like coloring without the mess of crayons. Plus, there are world maps for some on-the-go geography lessons. And for the older ones, Minecraft Pocket Edition is a big hit!
When the road trip gets bumpy, go back to the good old days!
Try card games, Mad Libs, and even the classic Etch A Sketch. Travel-sized board games like Clue, Trouble, and Scrabble are perfect for the ride. Don't forget Bingo! And hey, let your little one bring along their favorite toys – it's not just fun, it's like a piece of home on the road!
5: Make Memories As You Go
Ever wish you could relive those awesome family trips without spending hours on photo albums? Well, here's a cool idea: get the kids involved!
Let one kid be the photo guru, another the daily journal keeper, and a third the memento collector – think souvenirs, coasters, and random cool stuff.
Pack some instant cameras, paper, markers, crayons, glue, and tape.
Every night, before crashing, let the kids create a page of memories from the day. When you're back home, make it a massive deal with a family night dedicated to flipping through their masterpiece. Trust me, it's a trip down memory lane you won't want to miss!
6: Reward Their Good Behavior
You know, sometimes a little bribery can work wonders. Are kids not cooperating? Try throwing in a sweet deal. If they can keep the complaints to a minimum for the next hour, promise them a pitstop at the ice cream stand. Want some quality time with mom or Dad by the pool?
Well, leaving the siblings alone might just do the trick. And if you can manage a whine-free morning, congrats – you get to decide where to eat for lunch or which attraction to hit up first.
But, let's not forget the other side of the coin.
If kicking the back of Dad's seat is your thing despite being told to stop, sorry buddy, but the hotel game room is off-limits that night. Tough love, you know?
7: Let The Children Have A Say
Have you ever noticed how kids can turn a simple car ride into a full-blown protest when they're not into it? Well, here's a trick to avoid whining and complaining to get them involved in the trip plans!
Imagine this: instead of dragging them along, let them take the wheel (figuratively, of course). For the little ones, just give them a few hours of power.
They get to decide when and where to stop and for how long. Yeah, it might mean hitting up every random spot on the way, but hey, it's a small price for some peace and quiet, right?
And it's not just about pit stops.
Let them call the shots on what to do during their reign on the road. Maybe a quick detour to a quirky roadside attraction or a pit stop at a diner for a milkshake. Let their imagination run wild.
Now, if you've got some older kids, turn the planning up a notch. Give them the keys to the whole day. Let them map out the route, plan all the stops, and come up with a theme for the day. It's like a little road trip takeover by the mini road trip experts.
Plus, they can create the ultimate playlist for the journey.
So next time you're hitting the road, remember, hand over the reins to the little road trip planners, and you might just avoid the dreaded backseat rebellion. Happy travels!
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