Muskoka

Muskoka is located in central Ontario. It is the place to enjoy the nature, not far from the big city, Toronto. People enjoy camping, swimming, and tracking usually. 

http://www.portcarlingboats.com/muskoka-fall-colours-driving-tour/

• Steamship Cruise 

You can ride on "the Royal Mail Ship Segwun" to explore the beauty of Muskoka. The Muskoka cruise is the oldest operating steamship in North America. 

Also, more smaller vessels including pontoon boats, classic wooden launches and vintage yachts are available.    

http://shengnuoclub.com/html/en/bustours/lakemuskoka.htm

• Kayak and Canoe Trips 

Muskoka is well-known for clear lakes and rivers. It has a number of popular canoe routes that have been travelled for centuries. Kayak and canoe rentals are available. 

http://www.discovermuskoka.ca/water-adventures/canoes-kayaks.html

• Horseback Riding

It is a popular activity in Muskoka. As riding a horse, travelers can appreciate the beautiful forest, farmland, and vistas. 

http://www.discovermuskoka.ca/outdoor-adventures/horseback-riding.html

• Public Beaches 

There are many beaches where visitors can swim. 

      1. Gravenhust

      2. Bracebridge

      3. Muskoka Lakes

      4. Huntsvill

      5. Georgian Bay Coast 

http://www.discovermuskoka.ca/water-adventures/beaches.html

** More activities and attractions available in Muskoka are listed on the website : http://www.discovermuskoka.ca/things-to-do-see.html

** Muskoka vacation guide of 2013 is available online : 

http://www.discovermuskoka.ca/resources-a-faqs/muskoka-vacation-guide-2013.html

Canadian Badlands

Canadian Badlands are located in Alberta. In general, "badlands" are referred to dry land where softer rocks and clay-rich soils have been extensively eroded by wind and water (Wikipedia). Canadian Badlands are famous for fossils including dinosaur bones.

http://photos.reallymadeincanada.net/canada/ab/drumheller/drumheller-badlands-photo.php

• Royal Tyrrell Museum

In this museum, you can explore the dinosaurs from Alberta. The exhibition is based on the fossils dug out of the ground of Alberta. It is the most convincing dinosaur museum.

 

http://www.tyrrellmuseum.com/

 http://bcw-arch.com/projects/civic-cultural-care-faculties/royal-tyrell-museum/

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Royal_Tyrrell_Museum_of_Palaeontology.jpg

** Official website : You can get more information about exhibitions, admission, and hours. It also provides the history of dinosaurs chronologically. 

      http://www.tyrrellmuseum.com/index.htm

• Canadian Badlands Passion Play

There is a play performed in Canadian Badlands. It is about the 2000-year-history of life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a bible based play, and the scrip, music, sets, and costumes make this play more realistic. 

  http://www.festivalseekers.com/abcentral/canadianbadlandspassionplay

** Intereting videos about Canadian Badlands and more information available : http://www.canadianbadlands.com/cbl/index.jsp

Websites related to trip to Canada 

• Canadian Tourism Commission : It is an official site of the Canadian tourism commission. It provides different language versions including Korean. You can search by topics such as art&culture, events&festivals, food&drinks, nature&wildlife and so on. 

http://caen-keepexploring.canada.travel/

• KeepExploringCanada : It is a Youtube channel about Canada. The videos uploaded here are mostly about famous places in Canada. The most popular video is the one made out of tons of videos recorded by Canadians. (This video is also in my blog in "video" page)

http://www.youtube.com/KeepExploringCanada

• Canadian Tourism Commission Facebook Page : Canadaian tourism commission also has a facebook page. It is a bit different from the official website. It doesn't give lots of information about accommodation, weather, features of a particular place. However, it has lots of pictures of scenery in Canada. The photos are in good qualities and uploaded with a short explanation. I want to recommend this facebook page to whoever interested in Canada. 

https://www.facebook.com/exploringcanada

Traveling Terms

I'd like to introduce some terms related to traveling which can be helpful if you know in advance. There are used not only in Canada but also possibly in English-speaking countries.

http://blog.geovisions.org/geovisions-blog/bid/57605/Think-Traveling-or-Volunteering-Abroad-Is-Too-Expensive-Think-Again

• Airline Alliance : Some airlines are allied together. They share the route and services to reduce the expenses. If using the allied airlines, it is possible to save the mileage together.  

• Airtel : This is a package of airline and accommodation.

• ATA/ATD : ATA stands for "Actual Time of Arrival", and ATD stands for "Actal Time of Departure". 

• Budget Travel : It can be simply saying low-budget travel. This kind of travel includes low cost airlines,night trains or youth hostels.

• CDW : It stands for "Collision Damage Waiver". It is an insurance which you need to have when renting a car.

• Couch Surfing : It means sleeping-in-a-couch traveling. You can stay in local resident's house and experience the culture.

• FIT : It is "Foreign Independent Tour" or "Free Independent Tourist". 

• GIT : "Group Inclusive Tour." A group of people with one guide go traveling after paying all the expenses of airline, accommodation, food expenses and so on. 

• Grayhound : It is a bus company which is useful when traveling Canada or the United States. If you reserve the bus in advance, it is very cheap.

• Insurance Surcharge : It is a war-tax which started to be charged after 9.11 terror. It is about $10~40. 

• ISIC/ISEC : These are "International Student Identity Card" and "International Student Exchange Card". This card is useful for discounts of transportation, museum entrance fee, and so on. 

• Low Cost Carrier : It is a low cost airline. The seats are a little bit uncomfortable than the regular airline and the services are minimized. However, because of the low cost, it is very popular among travelers.

• PSC : It's "Passenger Service Charge." It is a fee for using the airports, so travelers have to pay for the airlines of arrival and departure. Mostly it is included in the airfare.

• TIC : "Tourist Information Center." In most cities, this center is located for travelers. It provides the map, guide books, and information about the transportation and accommodation. 

• Traveler's Insurance : It is an insurance for unexpected accidents during travel. 

• Trip Adviser : It is a website where travelers can get information about places. The posts were uploaded and rated by people who actually have traveled, so it is very informative.

• Working Holiday : It is a program which allows people to travel and work. It is for 18 to 30-year-old people. Koreans can get this visa for 15 countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, and France. 

Information from : http://navercast.naver.com/magazine_contents.nhn?rid=1639&contents_id=18854

Whistler

Whistler is a resort town in British Columbia. It is famous for alpine skiing and snowboarding in winter, and mountain biking in summer. Annually, approximately two million people visit this place. 

source : http://www.skibundle.com/ski-resorts/whistler-ski-holidays-12/

• Whistler Village

This is where the Whistler trip start. There are facilities including traveler's information center, hotels, restaurants, cafes, souvenir ships in the village. Also, the gondola to Whistler mountain is found. 

(information from Wikipedia)

source : http://www.modernaccommodations.com/listings/whistler-village-vacation-rental/

• Peak 2 Peak Gondola

It is a tri-cable gondola lift which connects Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. It is the longest gondola in the world without span (about 3km) and the highest point above the ground (about 436m). There are 28 gondolas and maximum of 28 people can ride one gondola. It takes about 15 minutes between the mountains.

** More information on this website :

http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/events-and-activities/summer-activities/peak-2-peak-gondola.aspx

source : http://www.whistler.com/blog/post/2013/06/05/peak-2-peak-fun.aspx

• Blackcomb Mountain

It is located beside Whistler mountain. It is famous for skiing because of the amount of snow and the area. In 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, the alpine ski game was held in this mountain. 

Ski season(winter) : late November ~ late May

Hiking season (summer) : in June ~ late July

** More information  : http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/

source : http://jesseferreras.wordpress.com/2011/09/06/whistler-blackcomb-goes-public-nominated-for-jack-webster-award/

source : http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/06/07/1149359779154.html

source : http://www.muddbunnies.com/the-happiest-place-on-earth-the-happiest-place-on-earth-opens-may-15/

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Capilano suspension bridge park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vancouver, British Columbia. This park is famous for "suspension bridge", "cliff walk", and "totem park".

source :  http://www.capbridge.com/explore/park-overview/

1. Suspension Bridge

- This bridge is crossing the Capilano river in Vancouver. 

- It was built in 1889. 

- It is 137m long and 70m above the river (about 30-story-high)

- You can enjoy the view of green nature, fall, and wild animals in 360 degrees.
- In some sections, the bridge is made of only glass which make you feel like you are 
  hanging in the air.

source : http://www.kidsvancouver.com/destinations/capilano-suspension-bridge

source : http://www.capbridge.com/explore/suspension-bridge/

 2. Cliff Walk 

-It is the newest activities at Capilano suspension bridge park (June 3, 2011)

-The walkways are hanging on the cliff facing above Capilano river which is not explored 
 previously.

source : http://www.capbridge.com/explore/cliffwalk/

source : http://www.thestarphoenix.com/story_print.html?id=4888870&tab=PHOT&sponsor=

3. Totem Park

- There are traditional totem poles in this park.
- In 1930's, the local Nations were invited to place their poles in this park and since then 
  they have been maintained in exact same condition.

souce : http://www.lafent.com/board/board3.html?m=13010103&bmode=view&w_id=38193

 souce : http://www.panoramio.com/photo/11751549

• All park attractions are included in the price of admission

Adult ………………………………………… $31.95

Senior 65+ ……………………………….. $29.95

Student 17+ with ID …………………. $25.95

Youth 13 – 16 ……………………………. $19.95

Child 6 – 12  ……………………………… $12.00

Under 6 ……………………………………… Free 

• Free Shuttle Service

Free shuttles service is available for visitors of Capilano. The seating is first come, first served.

source : http://www.capbridge.com/visit/shuttle-service/

      **Check out the official website for more information : http://www.capbridge.com/

Notre-Dame Basilica

  Notre-Dame Basilica is in Montreal, Quebec. It is the oldest basilica (catholic church) in Montreal. It is built in 1829 by James O'Donnell. 

http://www.quebecensaisons.com/printemps2009/BasiliqueNotreDame-en.html

• Facts of  Notre-Dame Basilica

1. The construction started in 1824 and finished in 1829.
2. The structure was built by James O'Donnell, but the interior was done by Victor Bourgeau for about 7 years. 

• Picture of the interior

 http://www.montreal-travelguide.com/Old-Montreal-and-Old-Port/Notre-Dame-Basilica-of-Montreal/

http://pmgadd.wordpress.com/page/2/

<Casavant Frères pipe organ>

http://www.flickr.com/photos/walschots/7665857586/

• Special Events

     1. "And then there was light" 

              It is a sound and light show about the birth of Montreal and Notre-Dame Basilica. It                 uses the most advanced multimedia technique to feature the cultural and historical                   stories about Notre-Dame Basilica. 

                          Audience : 7 and older

                          Languages : English, French, Spanish and Mandarin

                          Length : 35 minutes

 

                  ** For more information (Showtimes, Price, Preview), go to the official website

                             -> http://www.therewaslight.ca/

source : http://www.basiliquenddm.org/en/events/light.aspx

    2. Concerts

            Due to the fact that there is a huge pipe organ which consist of 7000 pipes, Notre-                   Dame Basilica holds lots of performances of orchestras, chamber groups and organists             regularly. 

  

  ** Further information available on the official website :  http://www.basiliquenddm.org/

Hotel de Glace 

     "Hotel de Glace" is located near Quebec city in Quebec. Because Quebec uses French, the name is in French, and it means ice hotel in English. It is the only ice hotel in North America. 

source : http://www.hoteldeglace-canada.com/visite.php

• Features

1. It runs only for 3 month a year. (In 2014, from Jan 5th to March 23)
2. There are 44 different themes of rooms
3. Visit to Ice workshop is available. Make ice glasses there and drink cocktail with them. Visitors can keep it as a souvenir.
4. Guided tour explaining the construction and maintenance of the hotel is available. 
5. There is a wedding chapel where people can actually get married.

     ** Check out online Virtual Tour -> http://www.hoteldeglace-canada.com/360/index.html

• Photos of the rooms

         

                      

http://architecturelinked.com/profiles/blogs/ephemeral-architecture-hotel-de-glace

http://www.myhotelbucketlist.com/hotel-de-glace&hotelid=5

<Bar>

http://yabbedoo.wordpress.com/2011/06/07/hotel-de-glace-quebec-canada/

<Wedding Chapel>

 http://www.hoteldeglace-canada.com/

• News of "Hotel de Glace" in 2014 (posted on the official website)

"Hôtel de Glace 2014 Entirely redesigned, the Hôtel de Glace will amaze you from January 5 ‘till March 23, 2014! Once again this year, the creative team worked hard to offer magic and enchantment. Real work of art made of ice and snow, the Hôtel de Glace will offer the discovery of a fascinating world." 

                     (Direct quote from http://www.hoteldeglace-canada.com/index.php)

Via Rail Canada

Train is one of the public transportation that you can use in Canada. Via Rail is a rail system which provides various lines that people can choose according to areas of traveling. It is recommended for enjoying spectacular natural view while traveling.

 source : http://cprailmmsub.blogspot.kr/2011/06/new-book-about-via-rail-published.html

source : http://www.viarail.ca/

• Major Lines  

- Vancouver ~ Toronto

- Departure of Toronto : Every Tue, Thur, and Sat.
   Departure of Vancouver : Every Tue, Fri, and
                                          Sun.
                                          (3 days)

- Views of Rockies in the west and Pacific.

 - Prince Rupert ~ Jasper
 - Runs three times a week.

 - It passes the highest of the Rockies, Robson
    mountain, and Skeena river.

 - Quebec ~ Windsor
 - Runs several times a day

 - It passes Niagara Falls, Wine town in Ontario,
   and Thousand islands.

- Montreal ~ Gaspe
- Runs three times (in the afternoon) a week.

- It passes Saint Lawrence river, La Gaspesie (area), and Forillon national park.

 - Montreal ~ Halifax
 - Runs everyday except Tuesday. (21 hrs)

 - It passes Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova      
   Scotia.

Information and images from : http://www.viarailcanada.co.kr/default/

CN Tower 

source : http://www.mylifeinhdr.com/tag/cn-tower/

• CN tower facts. 

1. The CN Tower is a communication and observation tower in Toronto, Ontario.
2. It is 553.33m high.
3. It was built in 1976 and became the tallest tower and the tallest free-standing structure in the world. (The redcords lasted for 34 years.)
4. More than two million visitors are coming annually. 
5. Video : A history of firsts (The CN Tower)

• Features 

           1. General tour : You can visit every level in the tower. (Except SkyPod)

           2. SkyPod   - It is the observation platform in CN tower. 

                                - Riding separate elevator and       

                                   discover  33 additional levels. 

                                - The highest level features a unique 360 
                                   degree perspective looking down              
                                    over Toronto. 

                                - You can see Lake Ontario, even Niagara-
                                   Falls and New York state.

          3.  EdgeWalk - It is a world's highest full circle walk with hand-free condition. 
                                  - It's 356m above the ground.
                                  - Visitors are attached to an overhead rail and allowed to lean back over 
                                    Toronto. 
                                  - It is a unique experience only available in CN tower. 

source : http://www.cntower.ca/intro.html

          4. 360 Restaurant : It is a restaurant in CN tower. Lunch and dinner are available. 

source : http://www.trythat.ca/experiences/On/WineandDine/dinner-cn-tower/

       

             * For on-line ticket buying or reservation, go to the official website :
               http://www.cntower.ca/intro.html