TravelTST’s Experts

In honour of Canada’s 143rd birthday the TravelTST Blog spotlights some of the wonderful vacation spots in our home and native land. Some you’ll recognize and some perhaps not.

Whistler

The gorgeous mountain resort was centre stage during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games but there is more to Whistler than world-class slopes. In the summer months the mountains become a bikers paradise offering trails for all levels. If you want to be out in the sun and prefer not going down a mountain on a bike at high speeds check out the regions spectacular golf courses. Golf courses in Whistler include the Arnold Palmer designed Whistler Golf Club and the Nicklaus North Golf Course.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous take a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. The Peak 2 Peak is the longest unsupported lift span in the world and travels between the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains offering stunning views. The ride takes about 11 minutes and at its highest point sits 435 metres above the ground.

But Whistler isn’t just a destination for daredevils and sport enthusiasts as the Whistler Village offers a vast selection of stores and restaurants. Whistler also has a very active nightlife with a variety of bars and clubs.

Rocky Mountaineer trains travel to and depart from Whistler and offer passengers breathtaking scenery as they travel through B.C. and Alberta.

Little Manitou Lake

Just like the Dead Sea the waters of Little Manitou Lake in Saskatchewan have a high salt content that allows swimmers to float with ease. The water is rich in several other minerals and because of this has many therapeutic qualities.

The water also plays a role in the Aboriginal history of the region.

A legend, recounted by Dan Kennedy of Saskatchewan’s Assiniboine Reserve, describes how three Crees were cured of smallpox after drinking and bathing in the water.

On the shore of the lake is Manitou Beach. The resort village is home to the Manitou Springs Resort and Mineral Spa. As its name suggests the resort has a mineral spa, which happens to be the largest indoor mineral spa in Canada.

The area also has a 9-hole golf course and a large dancehall appropriately named Danceland.

Churchill

Nestled near the top of Manitoba is Churchill.

The town of 900 markets itself as the polar bear capital of the world and in fall tourist’s travel out on the bus like Tundra Vehicles to get a glimpse of the animals.

In the winter months attention turns to the cosmic show that is Aurora Borealis. The northern lights are at their best between January and March.

Come the spring and summer months the area becomes a great place for birdwatchers. According to the Town of Churchill’s website more than 200 species of migratory bird pass through Churchill. Meanwhile the Churchill River becomes a beluga hub as more than 3000 of the whales migrate there.

Churchill is not accessible by car as there are no roads leading in or out of the town.

But despite the towns small population there are several accommodation options.

Quebec City

Canada’s oldest city is also one of its most majestic.

The icon most often associated with the city is the spectacular Château Frontenac, which overlooks the Saint Lawrence River.

And being Canada’s oldest city means there is much history to be discovered.

The Ramparts of Quebec City are the only ones left in the Americas north of Mexico.

Each year the city hosts its famous Winter Carnival. Activities at the Winter Carnival include snow sculpting, sleigh rides and of course skating.

So you see, you don’t have to venture beyond our borders to enjoy a great vacation.

Happy Canada Day everyone!