Most Mexican cities have special festival days, and the visitor to that nearby foreign land who has not seen at least one native fiesta has missed the heart of Mexico. Even though cross-border travel today is restricted and annoying, it continues. The richness of Mexico’s culture should not be overlooked as a source of inspiration during a time of global revolution and cultural conflict.
For the enlightened traveler, one of the most romantic side trips one can take in Mexico is from Monterrey to Saltillo, over a broad highway bordered by picturesque mountains.
The great celebration for Saltillo, in the State of Coahuila, is on the 6th of August. For many, many years this religious gathering has been held in honor of the Christ of the Chapel, who legend says miraculously ended a plague that swept over Saltillo and the surrounding countryside in the year 1609. This devastating scourge brought sorrow and death to countless numbers. Entering palace and hovel alike, it struck down rich and poor alike wiping out entire families by its cyclonic force.
More than three hundred years have passed since that dread pestilence was stayed, yet the descendants of those who survived have never forgotten to be thankful. The old door-step leading to the Chapel of Santo Cristo is worn by the tread of many feet.
Visitors begin arriving days ahead of time for the fiesta and it is well to make hotel reservations in advance. The celebration begins on the night of the 5th with a brilliant display of fireworks in front of the Cathedral, and a band concert in the park.
The grey, old Cathedral with its lovely carved façade dons festal jewels in honor of the event. The building and the two towers, one high and one low, are banded with rows of electric lights, and long strings of lights hang in starry-festoons from the towers down to the corners of the building. Approaching the Cathedral at dusk one experiences an eerie feeling on seeing the cross of light which surmounts the high tower apparently floating in air – the spire hidden in the evening mist.
The center of importance for this yearly event is the Chapel part of the church. Next in importance is the tiny park directly across the street. It is a typical Mexican plaza with a fountain in the center from which walks radiate like spokes in a wheel. Flowers border the walks and shy statues hide their gleaming whiteness behind dark green shrubs. The iron benches furnish a resting place for the crowds, and weary worshippers together with tired travelers occupy the benches from early morning to late at night.
Fiesta day will fill the plaza with people from all walks of life from Mexico and the United States. Intent on honoring the Christ of the Chapel, they will pack the Cathedral, rich and poor, beggar and banker alike. A visit to Saltillo on this important fiesta day can be a very exciting experience. A Mexican fiesta is not only a religious celebration; it is also a gala occasion, a day for visiting in the park, renewing old friendships, and sharing a romantic date.
Hunter Skye writes about romantic love, travel, online dating, the future and spiritual fulfillment. Visit
I just got back from a very enjoyable trip to Chicago, and I thought I’d share the sights and activities that I enjoyed the most during my week’s stay there.
Wander around Millennium Park
One of the city’s biggest attractions, the 24.5 acre park is located right in the middle of the city centre and offers plenty of lush green lounging space, striking architecture, structural art and refreshments. Our favourites were the Crown Fountain, two high towers made of glass bricks across a granite square where children and adults alike splashed around in the hot sun; and the Cloud Gate, a huge stainless steal structure that is so highly polished that it reflects the surrounding skyline, greenery and people milling around.
Eat the best steak of your life
The Mid-West boasts some of the best beef in America. As a treat we went to David Burke’s Primehouse which wasn’t cheap, but that night we had the best steak we have ever eaten. (And I’ve wolfed down a lot of steak in my lifetime!) All the meat comes from animals sired by Prime, the owner’s bull, and aged in house. Highly recommended.
Lunch at the Loop
The Loop is the city’s central business district, which is at its most lively during the day. Fantastic lunches during our trip included Patty Burger, which offers hand-formed Angus patties; Frontera Fresco at Macy’s, where celebrity chef Rick Bayless offers reasonable but excellent Mexican food; and Russian Tea Time, a Russian restaurant with a décor harking back to Communist excess and food that just melts in your mouth.
Shop on the Magnificient Mile
As a typical Irish tourist, I packed light on the flight over and dragged a bulging suitcase on the flight back. The Magnificient Mile, actually the section of Michigan Avenue between the Chicago River and Water Tower Place, is lined with department stores and flagships including Gap, Banana Republic, French Connection and other big ticket brands. The Loop contains a big Old Navy, Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters.
Watch the Cubs at Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field has served as the home ballpark of the Cubs since 1916, and it remains a historic American landmark. We were lucky enough to get tickets to the Memorial day game there; it was packed with good natured fans and families, and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. The surrounding area is known as Wrigleyville, and is dominated by watering holes. We took the El to Wrigley Field, it’s extremely close to the city centre.
Take an architecture tour
Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper, which moved from load-bearing wall structures in the early 1880’s to steel skeletal frames only a few years later. The Chicago Architecture Foundation run many excellent tours around the city, including boat tours and neighbourhood walks. We took in the Historic Skyscraper tour which was both an introduction to Chicago’s beautiful architecture and a useful orientation around the Loop.
Browse an extensive collection of art
The Art Institute of Chicago houses a huge amount of great art; we were there for several hours and were only able to view the Photography Collection on the lower level and the American 1900-1950 Collection in great detail. The highlight for me was Grant Wood’s American Gothic – it was exciting to see such an iconic piece of artwork so close up.
Walk along the lakefront
Chicago is on Lake Michigan, which is more like an sea by European standards. We walked along the lakefront from Millennium Park, past the picturesque dock and well-kept greenery to the touristy but fun Navy Pier, which provides a 15-storey Ferris Wheel, a crazy golf course and a spate of family-friendly cafes and restaurants.
Go bowling
We were determined to take part in some all-American activities, so we headed down the central Lucky Strike Lanes, which actually has a dress code (if a relatively lax one), a wine bar, a very decent restaurant and some pool tables if bowling isn’t your thing. There was a curtained off section for groups too.
Have a few cheeky drinks
A full spectrum of bars exist in Chicago; from slick cocktail places like J Bar, to old hotel bars like 17 West, to Oirish pubs like Timothy O’Toole’s Pub. Wrigleyville is chockful of sports bars, and many offer great pub grub that we enjoyed. Chicago bars offer a large selection of beers, both international and local. Recommended brews are the local Blue Moon and Goose Island wheat beers.
Of course Chicago has plenty more to offer, but we just couldn’t do everything. It’s a great city; if you ever get a chance to visit, you’ll have a fantastic time.
I’m an extremely green writer who has given up work to write a novel, which is made up of ten short stories linked by theme and location. I live in Dublin, Ireland. ithadbetterbegood.blogspot.com ithadbetterbegood.blogspot.com
Atlanta is the capital of the American state Georgia and is often called “the capital of the New South”. It’s a significant economic center of the South East of USA. Now Atlanta is one of the fastest growing cities and it’s population has almost reached 4 millions.
Atlanta was founded in 1837 at the end of the Western & Atlantic railroad. During Civil War in 1860s the city became one of the centers of the resistance of the South, the heart of Confederacy. In XX century it attracted attention due to the activity of Martin Luter King and his fight for civil rights. Atlanta is one of the first cities in US where an afro-american was elected a mayor. Now the symbol of the Old South is becoming more and more contemporary-looking with skyscrapers and the headquarters of the international companies.
Atlanta has a lot of attractions and the Olympic Games of 1996 contributed to this list a lot. Centennial Olympic Park and Fountain of Rings built for the games are among the most visited places in the city.
Atlanta is a city with intense cultural life, its Symphonic orchestra is world-known. Fox Theatre and High Museum of Art should be your must-see if you are fond of art and theater.
A city with interesting history, Atlanta has a lot of historical places devoted to its most famous citizens – The Margaret Mitchell House (where lived the author of “Gone with wind”), Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, Carter Presidential Center and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield.
CNN Center is also among places attracting a big amount of visitors. Tourists have an opportunity to make an excursion throughout the whole complex, to see its studios, presenters and to contemplate the working process.
Atlanta is a home to one of the most famous corporations on the Earth – Coca Cola. In Coca-Cola Museum you will learn the history of this drink and to taste coca coal from different countries (will you feel the difference?).
Another interesting place in Atlanta is Underground Atlanta – a district with shops, restaurants, night clubs located below the street level.
Buckhead district is a home to one of the most beautiful renaissance style residences on the whole South – Governor’s Mansion is known for its refined gardens and furniture.
Atlanta has a very beautiful nature – the Atlanta Botanical Garden keeps the best samples of its plants. Zoo Atlanta can boast the unique examples of the Chinese pandas. The zoo is situated on the territory of Grant Park. Nearby lies Cyclorama – world biggest panoramic picture representing Atlanta Battle of 1864.
Stone Mountain Park is an ideal place to take a rest from the city’s bustle. Here you can also see a huge granite bas-relief in honor to the warriors of Confederacy.
For booking a hotel in Atlanta, please, go to hotelsrates.net/travel-destinations/united-states/ga/atlanta/ Atlanta hotels page
For booking a hotel in any other city, please, go to hotelsrates.net/ Hotel reservation site
Tiny Teterboro, New Jersey is situated just south of Hackensack at the edge of the Meadowlands only twelve miles from midtown Manhattan. This Bergen County borough is mostly known for its airport, as the residential properties in the town are few. Indeed, recent census figures put the town’s population at just 18 souls! Meanwhile, business dominates the town and the airport, named for the town, is the chief job generator in the town as well as in surrounding communities.
At just over one square mile, Teterboro certainly is easily missed. Bordered by state highways 46 to the north and 17 to the west, the town would certainly be overlooked unless you failed to notice the regular flow of general aviation traffic entering and leaving the airport. Indeed, Teterboro Airport {TEB} ranks as one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country serving Piper and Cessna owners all the way up to Gulfstream V charter operators.
In 1917, a Mr. Walter C. Teter purchased what is now known as Teterboro from North American Aviation, who had operated a plant on its site during the first world war. Over the years, the airport changed hands several times until, finally, in 1949 the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey purchased the airport. Since then the authority has operated the airport through contractors or has managed it directly; vast improvements to Teterboro Airport have been made since the authority assumed control.
Teterboro is the home to numerous aviation companies including Atlantic Aviation, Million Air, Jet Aviation, First Aviation Services, and Signature Flight Support. All five companies operate what are known as Fixed Based Operations {FBOs} which provide essential airport services including aircraft fueling, passenger processing, and more. In addition, aircraft hangars occupy key sections of the airport for operators to house their expensive business jets within.
One of the most famous landmarks in the Teterboro is the Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of NJ. Located on the airport grounds the museum, which opened in 1972, was the first state aviation museum in the nation. Aviation pioneers Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhardt both flew in and out of Teterboro.
Towns bordering Teterboro include: South Hackensack, Little Ferry, Moonachie, Wood-Ridge, and Hasbrouck Heights. Indeed, the entire lower third of the airport actually falls within the boundaries of Moonachie.
Matthew Keegan is The Article Writer who writes on just about any and every issue imaginable. You can preview samples from his high performing site at thearticlewriter.com thearticlewriter.com
One of the coolest cities in Europe, Amsterdam is the capital of Netherlands and it has been serving as a wonderful destination in the world since ages. Lots of things to do, see and observe in each corner of Amsterdam make you stay longer in the city. However, it never poses as a problem for you as hotels in Amsterdam are in abundance and equipped with elegant amenities. Your experience of staying in hotels in Amsterdam is enriched with things that deserve to be added to your travelogue. Pubs, restaurants, and bars, Amsterdam has all such spots widespread in the city. However, there is no lack of ancient monuments, historical evidences and traditional assets in form of mansions, temples and rare antiques in museums.
People are friendly and you would love to spend time in the natural surrounding of the place you are staying. All the hotels in Amsterdam have the most pleasant ambiance to instill freshness in you all the time. Well equipped with all sorts of modern amenities, these accommodations are of various types. Budget hotels, cheap hotels, star hotels or luxury hotel, anyone you look for, you will get it in the city. You have all the scope to stay at a place as your budget allows. Over and above all, the locations of these all hotels give you fine accessibility to the attraction of the city. Shopping complexes, restaurants and several other facilities are available in proximity to your hotels in Amsterdam. So be in this beautiful city once and enjoy the distinctive aroma of the place.
Robin Thomas is an associate editor of stayresnetherland.com stayresnetherland.com The website offers exclusive information of Netherland and Hotels in Amsterdam. We also provide online hotel reservation of hotels in Netherland. We appreciate your feedback and queries at mailto:info@stayresnetherland.com info@stayresnetherland.com
In 1492, on San Salvador island in the eastern part of the Bahamas, Christopher Columbus hit land. Upon seeing his surroundings, it is believed that Columbus uttered the words “baja mar”, which means shallow water or sea. This island, surrounded by shallow water basically took as it’s name, the words that Columbus uttered, but more commonly spoken as the Bahamas.
The Bahamas caught the attention of traders, settlers, etc. because of its proximity to Florida and because of the shipping channels. It is believed that people lived in the Bahamas as early as 300 to 400 A D. and it is suspected these early settlers were Cuban and lived off the ocean food.
As the 10th century came, so did the Lucayan Indians and they settled in the Bahamas to get away from their enemies, the Carib Indians, who were known to be cannibals and warriors. There were estimated to be about 40,000 Lucayans living in the Bahamas in 1492 when Columbus arrived, but Columbus arriving was a bad omen because within 3 years of arriving, Columbus enslaved the Lucayans and shipped them to Hispaniola to work in his mines. Due to disease, slavery and other hardships the Lucayan tribe was completely wiped out within 25 years of the arrival of Columbus.
The hay day for pirates and privateers was between the late 1600s and early 1700s. The landscape of the Bahamas made a perfect hiding place for pirates to lay in wait for unsuspecting and unprepared ships to try to pass through.
There have been a few famous pirates that at one time made the Bahamas home. Blackbeard once lived in Nassau and fellow pirates thought so much of Blackbeard (or maybe it was fear), that they elected him magistrate of their privateer republic. Blackbeard ruled with his own style of justice until 1718 when Royal Governor Woodes Roger arrived and kicked all the pirates off Nassau.
Another famous pirate that spent time in the Bahamas is Calico Jack. Calico is less known for his pirating skills and more renowned for having two women as part of his crew. Calico was such a non-fighter that in 1720 when the Royal Governor ordered an attack on his ship, he and his crewmen hid below; while his two women pirates tried to fight off the attackers. Of course, this wasn’t a fight that two women could win.
More than a century later saw the arrival of new settlers to the Bahamas. These were colonists that were still loyal to the British flag. They left the new America for the Bahamas but they brought their slaves with them. In 1783;with the purpose of gaining independence, these ex-American colonists, with the help of the South Carolina Militia, forced the retreat of Spanish forces from the entire region.
The Bahamas economy was closely tied into the civil war. Britain needed cotton from the south to keep its textile industry running, but because of union blockades, no ships were allowed to reach port. Thus, blockade-runners were born. These runners, in fast boats, would travel from Charleston to Nassau with loads of cotton. Once in Nassau the runners would trade their cotton for goods that the British ships carried. After returning to Charleston the runners would sell their goods for profit. The end of the civil war put a serious dent in the Bahamas’ economy; until 1919 when prohibition came into play. Whisky was a great British import for the Bahamas, so much so that the government expanded Prince George’s Wharf in Nassau to make room for the shipments. Unfortunately, this boom was short-lived because in 1934 prohibition ended and so did the profits that flowed through the Bahamas because of it.
The mid-19th century saw the beginning of the tourist industry. With the help of the government, there was more construction and subsidized services to attract more tourists but the biggest help to the Bahamas tourist industry came in 1961 when Cuba was closed to American tourists. With Cuba gone, the Bahamas became a major island destination for Americans. The Bahamas was granted limited self-government in 1964 by Great Britain and 1969 it became part of the Commonwealth. On July 10,1973 the Bahamas legally became a nation.
Southwestern Ontario is proud to bring you Kitchener, a city that cares about entrepreneurship, innovation and education. It’s a magnet for thousands of businessmen, families and individuals who are tired of typical North American downtown spots and welcome a change of pace and crave for a tad of ambience. They usually get it in Kitchener, minus the disappointments.
Life is thumping in Kitchener. You’ll get a taste of this vibrancy in the most unlikely places – like Bingemans. No, it isn’t a pub – sorry folks – but it’s a campsite, resort and family playground ensconced in 200 acres of land and 500 campsites that string along the Grand River. You could rent a log cabin too, if you accidentally left the sleeping bags and tents in the other SUV.
Eager for fresh local produce? Your Kitchener Market will delight the ladies and kids. Spoil the kids more and take them to the Waterloo Region Children’s Museum, where art and technology are happily blended to stimulate all five senses. Oh boy, don’t miss The Aud. This is Kitchener’s pride when it comes to sports and entertainment. It has hosted famous events in curling and other very Canadian sports.
Looking for something more quiet and unhurried? Stroll in two of Kitchener’s history museums: one is Doon Heritage Crossroads, a simulation revival of a quaint village; the other is Joseph Schneider Haus, a miniaturised Mennonite community going back to 1850.
Just want some fresh air while the hubby slugs it out at a business meeting? Kitchener has laid out a network of beautiful and extensive trails close to the picturesque Grand River.
There’s more to Kitchener. The K-W Symphony (which we understand stands for Kitchener-Waterloo) should re-ignite some inspiration, and the K-W Art Gallery and K-W Little Theatre will showcase local and international talent. We heard the Chicopee Ski Club satisfies the needs of both beginner and advanced skiers, staffed by professional instructors and snowboard runs. People looking for wholesome fun are welcome!
And for visiting Germans in winter, Christkindl Market should re-kindle memories as the festival kicks off with German cuisine, trinkets and live entertainment. Relax and have a gluhwein and have a rollicking time. Don’t forget to mark it on your to-do list because this 400-year old tradition lasts only four days.
Did anyone tell you about Moose Winooski? No, it isn’t a skiing resort. But it’s got the best and juiciest of steaks!
No time for the children to stomp their feet in boredom because SportsWorld is just off highway 8 near the 401. It offers wet and dry rides, mini golf courses, indoor driving range, video arcade, Mad Science kiosk and go kart track. This is where Moose Winooski is housed, by the way. A great family entertainment centre! Stay all day if your heart desires…
Accommodation of all types? Not a problem. Kitchener tries to please everyone and caters to every kind of budget. Click on this link kitchener.ca/visiting_kitchener/accom.html and you’ll know we mean business.
Kitchener. It’s not a feel-good movie. It’s a feel-good place. And it’s right in Ontario – all yours to delightfully discover.
The city’s web site is a helpful resource: www.kitchener.ca/visiting_kitchener/visiting_main.html.
Copyright 2006 Jason Seib
Jason Seib runs a local community information and free classifieds site here:
mykitchener.net mykitchener.net
So you are heading to Detroit for vacation or a weekend getaway. You are probably wondering how you are going to spend your time while you are in Detroit. You have countless choices when searching for attractions. One of the better choices is the Charles H Wright Museum of African American History. Read on and learn why you should add this museum to your vacation schedule.
The Charles H. Museum of African American History is the largest facility in the world dedicated to African American history. You can find over 30,000 artifacts and materials including collections on the underground railroad, Harriet Tubman and Coleman A Young. The museum is constantly bringing in new exhibits to keep itself fresh. Some of the past exhibits include the: “AT&T Gallery” featuring pictures and artifacts highlighting architecture from different parts of Africa, “Unmasked! Stereotypes in American Material Culture” featuring stereotypical material about African Americans and “Peace Stools” featuring works of art made by 5th, 7th and 8th grade students. Because of all of the new exhibits the museum has something to offer anyone. Even if you have been to the museum a thousand times you will find something new when you visit.
If you would like to visit the museum you should call the information line to get current hours and pricing. The number is 313-494-5800. It really is a must see attraction that you will be sure to enjoy and can talk about for months. So add some culture to your life and visit the Charles H Wright Museum of African American History.
Learn about detroitcarpetcleaning.net/ Carpet Cleaning Services in Detroit at the authors website on carpet and upholstery cleaning.
Carelessness is the number one reason for a passport application being rejected or delayed or for a passport being lost, stolen, or damaged.
What steps are necessary to prevent these things from happening? How can you take care of your passport? Below are 16 practical tips you can follow to acquire your passport, keep it in your possession, and preserve it in good condition.
Before You Leave On Your Trip
1. Check to see if you even need a passport.
Countries can, and often do, change foreign entry requirements. If you arrive at the airport without the required documents, you’ll be denied boarding privileges. And, of course, This isn’t covered by travel insurance.
Currently, more than 80% of the world’s countries require a valid passport for entrance. It’s important to verify the foreign entry requirements for the country you plan to visit as early as possible.
2. Apply for your passport early.
You should apply for a new passport at least 90 days before your departure date. For a renewal, begin the process 8 to 11 months before your passport expires. Why so early? Many countries require that your passport have six to eight months of validity remaining before they will issue a visa.
3. Fill out the correct form correctly.
Each type of passport service has specific criteria that must be met. Make sure you get the right application form, and then fill it in carefully. Double-check each entry. Ask a friend or relative to verify it as well. Errors made on the application form can lead to delays, or even rejection of your passport request.
4. Follow the specifications for the required documents exactly.
When applying for a new passport, the most frequently used documents are a certified birth certificate for proof of citizenship along with a valid driver’s license for proof of your identity.
Your birth certificate must be a certified copy with a registrar’s raised, embossed, impressed, or multicolored seal, registrar’s signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar’s office, which must be within 1 year of your birth. No photocopies are accepted. Your driver’s license must be more than six months old.
For a passport renewal, your previous passport serves as both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. To be valid, it cannot be mutilated, altered, or damaged in any way.
You must send two identical passport photos taken within the last 6 months. These passport photos must be 2 x2 with a plain white or off-white background. They have to be a full-face view with the head being from 1 to 1 3/8 inches from the chin to the top of the head. The photos can be either color or black and white.
5. Sign both the passport application form and your check.
Surprisingly, many people forget to sign either the passport application form or their check to Passport Services. Once again, check everything twice, or even three times.
6. Request additional pages.
Are you a frequent flyer? Request a 48-page passport (at no additional cost). It will allow you to travel longer before having to replace it.
7. Sign your passport and fill out the emergency information.
When your passport arrives, check to see that all the information contained in it is correct. If it is, sign it and fill in your current address and the name of a person to contact in case of emergency. If not, return it to the State Department for correction.
8. Make two copies of your passport and photos.
Give one copy of your passport to a friend or relative who can be easily contacted in case of an emergency. Take the other copy and the extra photos with you on your trip. If you use an online document storage service, you can scan your passport and upload a copy. That way, you can access it from almost anywhere in the world.
While You’re Away
9. Always keep your passport in a safe place!
Never leave your passport in your baggage, backpack, purse, car, hotel room, or anywhere else! When you must carry your passport, keep it in a money belt or inside coat pocket. Upon arrival at the hotel, put your passport in the hotel safe.
10. Never lay your passport down anywhere.
Passports placed on a counter, phone booth or table can be easily forgotten or stolen. Practice the habit of immediately putting your passport away after using it.
11. If you travel as a family or as part of a group, don’t let one person carry all the passports.
The odds are much greater for one person carrying all the passports to lose them or have them stolen than for all the passports to be stolen or lost if each individual owner carries them.
12. Never let anyone leave your presence with your passport.
When you’re checking in at the airport, passing through customs, exchanging currency, or doing anything else that requires you to show your passport, never allow the person examining your passport to leave your presence. If the person starts to leave, call their attention and request to accompany them.
Law enforcement records show that U.S. passports are sometimes used for unlawful entry into the United States or by criminals abroad seeking to establish another identity. You would be pretty embarrassed if your name were associated with illegal activities.
13. Immediately report the loss of your passport.
If you are careful and follow the tips above, you shouldn’t have any problem with the loss of your passport.
If it does occur though, immediately notify the local police and then proceed to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Take the copy of your passport and extra photos with you. You will be issued a temporary passport that you can replace upon returning to the United States.
After You Return
14. Schedule your passport renewal.
Check the expiration date and make a reminder to renew your passport at the proper time. Remember, you should begin the process 8 to 11 months prior to the expiration date. Put the reminder somewhere where it won’t be forgotten.
15. Check the number of blank pages remaining.
Some countries require a blank page for their visa. If you plan a future trip on which you will visit various countries, you might need the same number of pages as countries to be visited.
If you do not have an adequate number of pages but your passport is not due for renewal, you can request additional pages.
16. Store your passport in a safe place.
If you have a safe in your home, keep your passport there. If not, consider a safety deposit box at your local bank.
Follow the practical tips above and you can easily avoid passport problems and more fully enjoy your international travels.
About The Author
William Manor is the owner of U.S. Passport Service Guide, a very useful and comprehensive resource for U.S. citizens who travel internationally.
Some of us simply expect Canada to be a blander version of the USA, However nothing could be further from the truth! Canada is completely different from its close neighbour. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy in a wide variety of sports such as skiing, fishing, hiking, white water rafting and cycling, and many others. Nature lovers can enjoy the 38 national parks plus hundreds of regional parks. And culture seekers can enjoy the cuisine, arts and traditions that give Canada its unique french/English character. In Canada, tourism is big business and they have catered for this with massive investment in supporting infrastructure, the rail, road and train networks are clean and efficient. This beautiful country offers top-class adventures, and unparalleled outdoor experiences and entertaining activities for both young and old. History lovers can even explore 836 recognised historical sites.
Niagara
The famous Niagara is lot more than just the waterfalls, the Niagara Region stands as one of The most desirable destinations for international travellers. A wide range of popular attractions (including amusement parks, golf and wine trails) set against the beautiful natural settings of the Great Lakes, the Niagara Escarpment and of course the natural wonder; Niagara Falls. This incredible destination is a must see for all Canada visitors.
Top Activities and visitor attractions for Canada visitors include:
Water sports: white water rafting, canoeing, skiing and kayaking.
Skiing: Especially in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec.
Walks/hikes: Champion walks and tours of all types with spectacular views, from 30 minutes to many days, to suit all levels of vitality, walks are to be found all over Canada, but more so in BC, Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia.
Whale watching: good trips off both the east and west coasts.
Caving and climbing: the Rocky Mountains!
Mountain biking: hire easily available and reasonably priced.
Seals: Quebec’s Magdalen Islands [Iles-de-la-Madeleine].
Jasper National Park:The jewel in the Rockies
Jasper national park is the largest of the Rockies national parks, less visited than Banff national park, but with equally spectacular vistas of mountain, lakes, and forest. Jasper Park was founded (originally as a forest park) in 1907.
The cultural wonder of Quebec
Quebec’s provincial capital has long outgrown its walls. Residential and commercial areas sprawl over the surrounding countryside. The Assemblée Nationale (Provincial Parliament) dominates the Grande Allée, the hub of the city’s life today. The best time to visit Quebec City is May through October, when the weather is most temperate. Summers are hot and humid and winters are severe, with snow lasting from mid-December to mid-March. The nearest airport – Jean-Lesage International Airport (YQB) 12 miles northwest of the city. For more information contact – Greater Québec Area Tourism and Convention Bureau 399, Rue Saint-Joseph Est Québec (Québec) Canada G1K 8E2 Phone: 1 418 522 3511 Fax: 1 418 529 3121
Banff National Park
A rich history going back as far as 1883, These days the park’s four million tourists arrive for the most part via a road infrastructure that puts them in easy reach of hiking, biking, boating, skiing, and almost every other type of hobby.
Due to the sheer size of Canada many people split the country into 10 unique areas and 3 territories, This amazing country has something to offer everyone regardless of tastes and backgrounds.
* Alberta
* Saskatchewan
* Atlantic Canada
* Quebec
* Northern Canada
* Ontario
* Manitoba
* British Columbia
* Canadian Rockies
Calgary Stampede
Each year, millions of fun-seekers come to Calgary, Canada to join in the Calgary Stampede and Exhibition. As Calgary’s most popular tourist attraction by far, referred to as ‘the greatest outdoor show on earth’, features a rodeo, an amusement park concerts, races and a good deal more. During the stampede the city is transformed.
Ottowa Winterlude Weekends
February 2 to 18, 2007, Ottawa – Gatineau, North America’s greatest winter celebration! Indoor and outdoor activities for the the whole family! Winterlude is a great way to absorb the best of The Canadian winter. Winterlude was founded in 1979 by the NCC as a means of celebrating Canada’s unique northern climate and culture. Any year, more than 650,000 tourists enjoy the Winterlude activities. More than a third of the visitors are people from outside the Capital region.
More information on Canada tourism and travel can be found at fmtravel.wordpress.com/ Canada travel or canada-holiday-reviews.info Canada Holiday Reviews
