ATLANTIC CANADA – Travelers in search of adventure need not travel far. Just north of the U.S. border of Maine lies the Atlantic Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, all rich with culture, character, and natural splendors that are perfectly appointed for an assortment of outdoor adventures. From soft to extreme, here are some examples of unforgettable active experiences in the … [Read more...]
Adventure Travel in Quebec – Part II
“Blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventure.” When I last left you on my week-long adventure trip to Quebec's Saguenay-Lac St. Jean region, I had just finished two days of aerial challenges: an exhausting a treetop obstacle course, followed by an even more obscene climb along the 250-meter high Via Ferrata. What was next on the agenda around Saguenay fjord, I wondered? Sea kayaking in the fjord Turns out, that next stop … [Read more...]
Adventure Travel in Quebec
“Blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventure.” I admit I only know a little about Quebec, that francophone region located right in the heart of North America. I am aware that it is Canada’s second largest (and second-most populous) province. And that 90% of its population lives within just a couple of hours of the border with the United States. But what about the other 10%? Where and how do they live? What’s there to do beyond … [Read more...]
Conquering the Iron Road of Saguenay
"Abdul! Are you enjoying the views," he asks me in his thick, Quebecois accent. "I'm trying not to!" I bark back at him, just barely managing not to suppress a barrage of foul language. Cedric, my guide, watches on in amusement, a thick smirk covers his unshaven face. I'm balancing on the narrow beams of a hanging bridge, 85 meters long but only 20 cm wide, some 150 meters above Saguenay fjord (280 feet, 8 inches and 500 feet, respectively). The … [Read more...]
Enjoy the holiday of a lifetime in northern Norway
No matter what time of year you choose to visit northern Norway, you will find a wealth of things to see and do. Travelling to Norway during the summer months gives you the best opportunity for hiking through the region’s stunning scenery and visiting the pretty coastal villages. However, if you are hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, the best time to visit is between October and March. Wintertime also gives you the chance to have a … [Read more...]
Where Eagles Roam: Howe Sound, British Columbia
Perched on a rock in the middle of Howe Sound, less than a half hour from downtown Vancouver, was one of nature’s grandest flying creatures: a bald eagle. Though we could not see the bird in its entirety, we could not miss its white head gazing down imperiously on a pod of harbor seals snoozing in the sun below. Our 30-foot-long rigid hull inflatable boat, powered by twin 225-horsepower Mercury Verrado engines, motored slowly by as the six of … [Read more...]
Summer Highlights in Québec
With plenty of Festivals, Food events and Road Trips - summer time is a busy time to be in Québec. Geographically, this is Canada's largest province and the second largest by population. With so many activities coming up this summer, I have picked out a few of more intriguing ones. Festivals The Feux Loto-Québec is Montreal's International Fireworks Festival having been held annually since 1985. Not only is this a spectacular fireworks event … [Read more...]
5 Top European Adventures You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of
There are certainly the go to and much loved destinations in Europe. Cities such as London, Paris and Rome quickly come to mind. However, the focus of this list is to highlight some lesser known European locations and adventures. Have you experienced any of these or been to these locations? Suggest some of your favorites: leave comments below. For experiences similar to the ones mentioned below, Contiki Tours (age 18-35) offers a number of … [Read more...]
Kotor, Montenegro – June 2013
Kotor Montenegro is truly one of the gems of this small country. This picturesque charming town is located along Europe's southern most Fjord. Tall mountains rise from the salt water bay which on clear days is cobalt and deep blue. The entire old city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains narrow stone walkways, boutique shops and outdoor seating at restaurants line the small courtyards. Homestays are quite popular here - one way you … [Read more...]
Sticker Shock!
Norway has got to be one of the most expensive countries in the world...oh and along with Iceland perhaps and maybe Switzerland. Here are a few examples of prices we paid: Small Bowl of Pho (soup) at a hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurant: nearly $20 US dollars! Two chicken drumsticks, a small cup of rice/veggies and a fruit drink (non alcoholic): nearly $30 dollars! Aside from the high prices there is plenty to do in Oslo under the … [Read more...]