Canada Trip.co.uk

If you want to go to Canada for as little as possible the first thing you’ll need to look for are low cost, but good quality flights. After all, you don’t want to get onto a plane for the trip across the Atlantic and just sit staring at the seat in front of you for 8 hours right?

We have, since we set up almost two years ago, always recommended Canadian Affair for flights, where you can get return tickets to Canada for as little as £318 including taxes.

Canadian Affair charter Thomas Cook flights, as well as Air Transat so you you have the piece of mind when you book that you can choose flights by which ever company you’re most familiar with (though Air Transat is my personal favourite). There’s two reasons for us always recommending Canadian Affair. The first being we ALWAYS book our flights to Canada with them – and have now been on 18 flights over the last 7 years, so we have huge experience with them. The second being – they are simply, the cheapest place to book flights to Canada from the UK. I know.. i search every few weeks, always looking to book my next trip!

Thomas Cook 757 at Toronto

Even if you may have heard of Canadian Affair before, there are deals that many people miss, so I’d always recommend checking out their Special Offers page before you start entering dates – so you can ensure you get the best deal before you book your tickets.

With most people, and understandably, the biggest factor is getting the cheap flights to Canada, but there’s more to Canadian Affair than simply being the cheapest flights to Canada! They strive to give you the best customer service possible, for example in the numerous times i have needed to contact them via email, they have always responded the same day – and on a couple of occasions within 30 minutes of me actually submitting my query!

They also provide you with choice. If your closest airport is Manchester and you want to get flights from Manchester to Toronto or flights from Manchester to Ottawa, you can! Likewise you also have the choice of getting your flights from Gatwick to Toronto and flying back from Toronto to Liverpool if you wanted.

Canadian Affair offer flights from the following UK airports: Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle and Exeter. Their destinations include Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal and Edmonton, but they also do package holidays to various resorts around these locations (such as Niagara Falls) in addition to their flights.

Remember to have a look at our full review from last year on Canadian Affair, details in it are for a trip we took in 2009 but service has only got better since then: Travelling to Canada with Canadian Affair in 2010
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Back now to Vancouver – and one of the city’s key attractions – The Capilano Suspension Bridge. Not a place to go if you have a fear of heights, but if you’re clear of that – you’ll find the trip out to this attraction to be something special, and something you’ll remember for a long long time.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a simple suspension bridge crossing the Capilano River in the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The current bridge is 136 metres (446 ft) long and 70 metres (230 ft) above the river. It is part of a private facility, and draws over 800,000 visitors a year.

But crossing the bridge isn’t the only thing to do here. Cross over to towering evergreens, cedar-scented rainforest air, serene trails and the award winning Treetops Adventure – a series of suspended footbridges offering a close encounter with the very heart of the rainforest and stunning views from up to 100 feet above the forest floor. (more…)

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Today i’m going to feature an article – perfect for anyone wanting to go to Vancouver this spring!

Thaw Out with These 7 Ways to Enjoy Spring in Vancouver
by Dana Lynch
(http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/things_to_do/springtime_vancouver_2011)

Spring in Vancouver is the season of rejuvenation. Gardens bloom, whales migrate and the entire city comes alive. In March, April and May, Vancouver’s special mix of cosmopolitan living and outdoor adventure is at its best. From dining and shopping to kayaking, golfing and exploring nature, Vancouver has the ultimate remedy for spring fever.

1. Stroll Through the Gardens
Nowhere is spring more evident — or more beautifully realized — than at Vancouver’s gorgeous public gardens. The roses at the Stanley Park Rose Garden are at peak bloom at the end of March through the beginning of April, while the first two weeks of May are the best times to see the 4,500 hybrid rhododendron and azalea plants at Stanley Park’s Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden. Spend a day touring gardens by combining trips to Stanley Park with visits to the lush VanDusen Botanical Garden and the free quarry gardens at Queen Elizabeth Park.

2. Watch the Whales
Whale-watching season starts in March, and the spring months are among the best to see these magnificent creatures in action. Experience the thrill of watching migrating orcas and gray whales up-close-and-personal with the professional naturalists onboard one of Vancouver’s whale-watching tour operators. (more…)

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It’s Monday! It’s also March tomorrow, so how about we stop thinking about those post-Christmas diets now hm?

If you haven’t been to Canada yet, you’ll almost certainly walk into restaurants and find something on the menu called Poutine. Now, don’t be scared of its particularly unique name! Poutine is actually something that most people in the UK can relate to.. We have all (well.. most of us) gone to the chip shop and got either Chips with Gravy, OR Chips with Cheese .. Well .. although technically it wouldn’t be technically correct – if you had cheese and gravy on the same tray of chips, that is almost poutine! Now, i say almost because for it to be truly poutine, the cheese needs to be cheese curds, not just your normal cheese.

As you can see from the picture, poutine is definitely not the most elegant looking of foods, but lets face it, it beats the looks of mushy peas now doesn’t it! Besides, Canadians have always been known for their no-nonsence approach, and food in my opinion should always be about flavour, and not looks. (more…)

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Posted in Alberta, British Columbia, Canada Trip.co.uk, Montreal, Muskoka, Niagara, ON, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Places to Eat, Quebec, Toronto, Vancouver | No Comments »

Well, its Monday again – and i thought it was about time i featured somewhere historical once again. My personal thoughts are that if you truly want to get to know somewhere, then you should always go a little bit further to learn about how it came to be this way in the first place, hence my love for history! So, I’m shining the spot light on Fort Langly National Historic Site of Canada in Vancouver, BC.

Once upon a time, back in the 1800s, this was a fur trading post that traded with the First Nations people. Relive the history of the west at this picturesque site that houses the oldest surviving building in BC! The site offers demonstrations of fur trade skills, blacksmithing and coopering by costumed guides in addition to BC history and culture exhibits and interpretive programming for adults and families. You can also try your hand at panning for gold!

Experience the sights and sounds of the fur trade as you explore the Hudson’s Bay Company trading post all year round. Let costumed interpreters introduce you to the lives and loves of the people who lived at Fort Langley. Meet First Nations women and Hudson’s Bay Company workers from places like Quebec, Scotland and Hawaii. See their homes and how they worked. Enjoy guided walks or step into their world through interactive games and activities. (more…)

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Belcarra is a great day trip from Vancouver that takes between 45 minutes to an hour to get to depending on the traffic. It’s actual name is Belcarra Regional Park though people do live in the area.

Belcarra Regional Park is located northeast of the meeting of Burrard Inlet with Indian Arm, beginning near Belcarra Bay and extending to Sasamat Lake. Sasamat is of the warmest lakes in Greater Vancouver, is located in Belcarra Regional Park. The park is northwest of the Village of Anmore and to the southwest of Buntzen Lake.

Included in the park is a First Nations archaeological site, which is operated and maintained by GVRD Parks.
There’s just so much to do in the park that its kind of like all the things to see and do in Vancouver but its all in nature!
In the warmest months the beaches at Belcarra’s Sasamat Lake are very popular for sunbathing and simply relaxing, so if you’re looking for a nice beach to spend some time on while in the park, this will be a great choice! (more…)

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On Friday i told you about places to stay at the alternative holiday destination of Powell River.. So, what do do while you’re on your holiday at Powell River? Well i suppose you could ask what can’t you do. As I’ve said this is the perfect place for an ‘Adventure Holiday’. You’re in Canada, home to the first nations – so Kayaking is a must! For ocean kayakers, Powell River is a world-class experience. Some of the premiere spots include Desolation Sound, the Copeland Islands, Mitlenatch Island, Savary Island and Texada Island. Not only does the natural setting feature rugged mountains and glittering ocean waters, but it’s also well-sheltered from the elements thanks to the bulk of Vancouver Island and nearby Texada Island. Ever wanted to touch the side of a WWII ship? Kayak to the Hulks, ten steel and concrete ships that now comprise the world’s largest floating breakwater.

Prefer freshwater kayaking and canoeing? This coastal community also offers easy access to more than 30 lakes including the world-famous Powell Forest Canoe Route, a semi-circle of eight lakes and portages. The best time of year to go is between June and October.
Expect enrapturing visuals: soaring coastal mountains laden with cedar, fir, and spruce trees overlook fjord-like waters, and wildlife sightings, from bald eagles to black bears, are always possible. Camping accommodations are available along the route.

Kayaking is of coarse one of many activities on offer at Powell River which includes Trails and hiking, Fishing and charters, Mountain biking, Climbing, Driving, Golf and Winter activities: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter hiking and snowmobiling.

If you’re like me, and love to eat – Powell River isn’t short on this neither. What’s fun about dining in Powell River are the big tasty portions, which are the rule rather than the exception. In keeping with the community’s overall vibe, expect relaxed yet highly attentive service. This upper Sunshine Coast community is home to some fine dining establishments that serve West Coast cuisine with local, organic ingredients. Pub fare and ethnic restaurants figure into the hearty selection as well. Check for Mexican, Thai, and sushi restaurants while driving or strolling through the Marine Avenue dining district.

Head to Joyce Avenue, particularly the area around the Crossroads Shopping Centre, for fast food and chain restaurants. Coffee lovers can grab a latte or frappuccino at any of our several cafes or coffee shops. If Seafood is your thing, what better place to enjoy the ocean’s bounty than on its doorstep? Savour delicious dishes and experience the very best in culinary creations on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, complete with stunning views of the ocean, the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, mountains and the world-famous sunsets.

How do you get there? Well the first step is book your flight to Vancouver, which Canadian Affair will help you do easily – and with the lowest priced flight to Vancouver you’ll find.

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Right, Most of the places we write about and feature are easy to get to, often well trodden amongst tourists from all over the world. So here’s somewhere that if you’re looking for somewhere secluded, off the well trodden path and certainly different – Powell River in British Columbia would be one place you really need to have a look into!

Powell River’s website says “The Sunshine Coast is a dream destination for people looking for year round recreation, cultural experiences and unforgettable holiday memories.” and I’m certainly not going to disagree – this place really must be seen if you’re looking for a more adventurous holiday.. Its arguably an adventure to get to! But I’ll tell you about that in a little bit!

No matter what type of holiday you’re looking for, Powell River offers all types of accommodation; Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Camp sites, Cabins, Cottages, Hostels and even Bed and Breakfasts – so you can be flexible about how you stay there.
Of the resorts, you have health spas, as well as the usual resorts you would find. I’m going to name two of the many which you will find here just to give you a couple of contrasting options.
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Ever fancied going to those famous Chili cook off competitions you hear about so often over here in the UK? here’s your chance if you’re off to Vancouver.. Tomorrow is the date of the 18th Annual Fire and Ice Street Festival at Qualicum Beach, Vancouver!

Vancouver Island’s famous chili cook-off is once again one of the centrepieces of the Qualicum Beach Fire and Ice Street Festival. Join them to see up to 25 teams in their decorated booths compete for the best tasting chili served by enthusiastic cooks. Teams must prepare a minimum of 75 litres of chili with each team having its own distinct flavour. A one-time cup purchase for $3.00 from the festival ticket sellers will allow you to go from team to team on the streets of our quaint and friendly town sampling the culinary fare and voting for your favourite. The teams, all from local restaurants, supermarkets, golf courses, organizations and businesses, are competing for the “Best Professional”, “Best Amateur”, and the coveted “PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD”.

But this is the fire and ice street festival, we know about the fire, but what about the ice? Well..
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I’ve been scouring the web as normal and found this seriously useful plan, if you’re visiting Vancouver, courtesy of http://www.tourismvancouver.com

A Near-Perfect 48-Hour Itinerary

You have two days in Vancouver. That’s it. How can two days possibly be enough time to experience this amazing city, you ask? We’ve got a fail-proof way to make the most of your visit in just 48 hours.

Photo © Matthew Walters

Vancouver at night

Day One

Time is short on this trip, so no sleeping in. Grab an early cup of joe at one of the many cafes on bustling Robson Street, which is the prime spot in town for window shopping and people watching. Once the caffeine has kicked in, head over to Robson Square for a stroll through the acclaimed Vancouver Art Gallery. The gallery features more than 9,000 pieces and great travelling exhibits.

The Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch is one of the largest public capital projects ever completed in the city, and it is magnificent. This complex is more than a simple library — it is an architectural gem in Vancouver. The nine-story structure was built to resemble the Colosseum and features a massive and striking atrium covered by a glass ceiling. There’s a continuous piazza surrounding the complex, which proves to be a gorgeous outdoor public space.

After you’ve spent some time feeding your brain at the library, it’s time to feed your stomach. Don’t settle for an ordinary lunch experience. Try something with a little ethnic flair. Dim sum is a culinary adventure, featuring steamed treats of all types of imaginable ingredients. It can be difficult to find good dim sum, unless, that is, you are in a multicultural mecca such as Vancouver — and particularly Vancouver’s Chinatown. North America’s third-largest Chinatown, the neighbourhood celebrates more than a century of heritage in the city and features plenty of authentic cuisine, including enough dim sum to hold you over until your next trip to China.
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