Road Trip of the Month: July 2008 - Out Outaouais Way

I normally stick to Highway 40 to Highway 417 between Montreal and Ottawa, but recently I decided to take a day to stop off along the way. There is quite a bit to see and do here, so if you have the extra time check out these superb places to visit.

Morgan Arboretum

When I am visiting the States I always like to make sure to see that State’s arboretum. So I was thrilled to find out that an arboretum was located just outside of Montreal in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. An arb [...]

What�s Up Halifax: July 2008

July is a jam-packed month, offering so much to see and do in Halifax. Weather you are interested in breathing the salty air, or arts and culture from the comfort of air-conditioned indoors, you can’t beat the information you’ll find here: there is something for everybody!

Halifax-Dartmouth Canada Day (July 1): Celebrating our nations’ 141st birthday. If there is one thing folks in Halifax know how to do its party. Don’t miss out on the dusk-hour fireworks.

A European Experience Close to Home
Unless you have been living in a travellers’ stone age you have no doubt heard about the rising Euro, making destinations like Paris, London, Madrid, and Rome unaffordable. Coupled with the rising cost of jet fuel, and it feels like only the truly rich and famous can afford the Old Country splendor. Don’t fret, becausethere are a lot of European inspired sights nearer to home that give the feeling of being on the Continent, without the jet lag, rocketing airfares and pricey foreign e [...]

Amelia Flies Into Town
In case you have not heard, Amelia Earhart has taken to the skies once again. The real Amelia Earhart has been missing since July 2, 1937 while the famed aviatrix was island-hopping across the Pacific Ocean. Amelia’s circumnavigations of the globe have inspired other women to pursue flying, some have even piloted their own planes along Earhart’s routes.

Today, Amelia Earhartis being played by Hollywood star Hilary Swank. The film’s title is Amelia and it is b [...]

Up, Up, And Away! Hot Air Ballooning in Eastern Canada
Have you ever gone up in a hot air balloon? I have never had the experience – yet – but I have always been captivated by the idea. The graceful sailing through the clouds and freedom of mobility makes hot air ballooning a truly unique experience.

If you are interested in hot air ballooning it can be the highlight of any vacation or summer trip. Even if you live in Eastern Canada, what is a better seasonal memory than an enchanting hot air balloon ride over some of the mos [...]

Road Trip of the Month: June 2008Lure to the Lore: Nova Scotia�s Historic Lunenburg County
Lunenburg County is less than one hour from Halifax, and features some of Nova Scotia’s most fabled scenery. It’s an easy day trip from the city; or stay a night or two and discover all that Luneburg and its surroundings has to offer.

Chester

Officially founded in 1759, Chester is home to some of Nova Scotia’s best performing arts. Home to the Chester Playhouse, a community playhouse; Chester has also served as the backdrop for many films and television s [...]

What�s Up Halifax: June 2008
I love Halifax when it sizzles, and this June offers a scorching bevy of events and entertainment. From Ireland to Greece; Australia, to the plurality of multiculturalism, enjoy the summer at these great venues:

Riverdance (June 6, 7, 8; Halifax Metro Centre, 5284 Duke Street) Transport your senses to the mythical Irish Isles, with Riverdance. This is tap dance on anotherlevel all together. Reserve early for the best seating and prepare to catch one of the most anticipated shows in H [...]

I Declare! A Guide to Crossing the US/ Canada Border
Did you know that the Canadian-American border is the longest common border in the world, stretches nearly 8,900 kilometers in length. States along the border include: Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Provinces along the border include: British Columbia , Alberta , Saskatchewan , Manitoba , Ontario , Quebec , New Brunswick and the Yukon Territory.

Travellers crossing the border could possibly arrive by [...]

Ready, Set, Charge! Shopping in Halifax
If you are coming to Halifax you will no doubt want to sample the widest selection of shopping in Nova Scotia. From big box retailers, to curious boutiques, you can find everything from a new ensemble, to that ideal souvenir.

Starting in downtown Halifax, shopping opportunities are practically endless. Bring a good pair of shoes; it is a hilly downtown so you’ll burn lots of calories– perfect for grabbing a delicious lunch at one of the many eateries that compliment the s [...]

If You Can Make It Here: A Romantic View from the Concrete Jungle

steph

The Sex and the City movie comes out May 30th. My girlfriends and I have already picked out which shoes we’re wearing to the film and have planned where we’ll go for sushi beforehand and martinis after. We don’t care so much if Carrie and Big get married or if Charlotte really does get pregnant. What wetuned in for religiously all through University were the impressive lives the characters led. We wanted to be rich and successful with many attractiv [...]

Flower Power: Garden Tourism in Nova Scotia
I love gardens. It is an interest that developed in university when I took a course on French Garden Architecture. It sounded like a bird course, but I later discovered that there is a lot that goes into gardening. I suddenly had a new appreciation for garden design, and started to take in the many gardens around Atlantic Canada. If you like a quiet walk in the garden; or taking time to smell the roses, don’t miss out on these great sanctuaries.

Halifax Public Gardens

Sushi Sceptic to High Roller
A few weeks ago I blogged about my first trip to a Japanese restaurant, at Halifax’s Milamodo. If you want to check out that blog, click here . I’m pleased to report that my interest intrying sushi has turned to an insatiable thirst. Like an addict, I now find myself unable to think of anything but sushi when I’m having a craving, and lately those cravings have been coming on a daily basis! And unlike other addictions that are normally bad for you, sushi is the ultimate to-go f [...]

Road Trip of the Month: May 2008 Newfoundland 430: Nature and Vikings
A road trip is the perfect way to capture summer memories. It truly resonates the feeling that the half of the experience is the journey to the destination. If you want to get off the beaten path, head to Newfoundland’s Highway #430, winding north from Deer Lake to St. Anthony. You’ll pass some of Newfoundland’s prettiest towns, marvel at inspirational scenery, and visit the oldestEuropean habitation in the New World.

Before you go, Newfoundland 430 is an easy drive [...]

What�s Up Halifax: May 2008
You know the drill – there’s always something going on in Halifax. This is your one-stop source for some great events that you won’t want to miss. I mean, where else can you tour greenhouses, and then do a tattoo and body piercing expo?

Saltscapes Expo April 25 (Noon – 8pm), 26 (10am-6pm), and 27 (10am-5pm); Exhibition Park. With over 250 exhibitorsunder one roof, this trade and lifestyle show has become one of the hottest events in Atlantic Canada. Weather yo [...]

A Hoot at Hooters Dartmouth
Restaurant details: Hooters Dartmouth
Location: 120 Main Street, Dartmouth, NS
Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am until 1am
Friday – Saturday: 11am until 2am
Sunday: Noon until Midnight

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few months, you must have heard about the opening of Hooters in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. This is the first outlet of the orange-roofed restaurant, known for it’s logo with owls, and curvy waitresses. I had never been [...]

Saving on Your Summer Vacation
Want to save some money on your summer vacation this year. Let’s face it; with the high cost of gas, we’re all looking to get the most out of our vacations. When it comes to travelling, weather domestic or abroad, you can’t go wrong with these tips for saving money on your vacation.

10. Complimentary Breakfast + Internet

More hotels are offeringcomplimentary breakfast and Internet, and this is a great way to save money. Always double check to make sure th [...]

Qu�bec Maritime: Natural, Pristine, and Unforgettable
Where do traditional East Coast hospitality and charming French culture go hand-in-hand? In Quebec’s Maritime area, which encompasses four travel zones: Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord, and Îles de la Madeline.

Bas-Saint-Laurent

This area stretches south of Rivière-du-Loup and is a popular starting point for vacationsto the Gaspésie. Check out my earlier blog on this area , including the fabled town of Kamouraska, immortalized [...]

Masters, Nova Scotia Style
Does watching the Masters on television make your heart pang for warmer summer nights, hitting the greens, and playing a round of golf? Even driving ranges and miniature golf can be fun, especially for learners and families. Since golf is a Scottish innovation it should come as no surprise that Nova Scotia – New Scotland in other words – is brimming with opportunities for golfers.

Digby Pines

There is more to do in Digby than visit the world famous Scallop Fest [...]

Bonjour Corsair! All� France!
Only a few years ago it seemed like the only international options out of Halifax International Airport included a shuttle to Boston and New York, the indissoluble Air Canada non-stop to London Heathrow, and a handful of charters to “sun destinations”. Well, that has changed, in particular over the last year.

Condor, a German vacation carrier; and Air Transat, a Canadian vacationcharter, provided weekly connections to Frankfurt, London Gatwick and Glasgow respectfully. Th [...]

Popping the Big Apple Cherry

My first trip to New York City happened last summer, and I can vouch that once you visit this cherished metropolis, it will forever be etched in your mind. That’s because New York is unlike any other city in the world, and often, decisions made here have a ripple effect across the globe.

It should seem fitting that my first trip to this world leading city was to Flushing Meadows, to see the gargantuan Unisphere, the finish line for the first season of The Amazing Race. And ye [...]

Blog Entries

Road Trip of the Month: July 2008 - Out Outaouais Way

What�s Up Halifax: July 2008

A European Experience Close to Home

Amelia Flies Into Town

Up, Up, And Away! Hot Air Ballooning in Eastern Canada

Road Trip of the Month: June 2008Lure to the Lore: Nova Scotia�s Historic Lunenburg County

What�s Up Halifax: June 2008

I Declare! A Guide to Crossing the US/ Canada Border

Ready, Set, Charge! Shopping in Halifax

If You Can Make It Here: A Romantic View from the Concrete Jungle

Flower Power: Garden Tourism in Nova Scotia

Sushi Sceptic to High Roller

Road Trip of the Month: May 2008 Newfoundland 430: Nature and Vikings

What�s Up Halifax: May 2008

A Hoot at Hooters Dartmouth

Saving on Your Summer Vacation

Qu�bec Maritime: Natural, Pristine, and Unforgettable

Masters, Nova Scotia Style

Bonjour Corsair! All� France!

Popping the Big Apple Cherry