Brackley Beach, PEI; photo courtesy of Tourism PEI/John Sylvester
Canadians, apparently, love beach vacations more than the average traveller: 45 per cent of Canadians said the beach was their preferred vacation destination in a recent Expedia survey, compared with 33 per cent of travellers around the globe who chose the beach as their favourite place to get away. (more…)
By WAHEEDA HARRIS
Agawa Bay on Lake Superior (Photo: eskimo_jo)
Central Canada’s five Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world, and their combined coastlines add up to nearly 18,000 km—more than 40 per cent of the circumference of the earth. (more…)
Dine and paddle on gourmet kayaking tours with Edible Canada
August 12 to 14 or 26 to 28
If undercooked burgers, burnt marshmallows and stale potato chips are your idea of perfect camping food, then this weekend getaway is not for you. If, on the other hand, you like the thought of fine BC wines paired with locally sourced meals prepared by a chef, then read on. Edible Canada welcomes paddlers of all abilities on gourmet kayaking weekends throughout the summer. Participants paddle through the beautiful Gulf Islands, seeing bald eagles, blue herons and harbour seals along the way. Choose your preferred level of roughing it—either beach camping or B&B accommodations—but be sure to book early, as these popular trips sell out every year with eager gastronomes and oenophiles.—Sheri Radford
Why do we love this 123-year-old urban woodland? Let us count the ways
By Kristina Urquhart
"Girl in a Wetsuit" overlooks Stanley Park. Photo by KK Law
1 Seawall
If your boots are made for walking, lace up to stroll the 8.8-km (5.5-mi) section of the seawall that winds around the perimeter of Stanley Park—which, at 400 hectares (1,000 acres), is larger than New York’s Central Park. Or rent a two-wheeler from Bayshore Bicycle & Rollerblade Rentals or Spokes Bicycle Rentals & Tours. A lap around the seawall yields several famous landmarks. The Nine O’ Clock Gun, an 1816 cannon, blasts nightly at 9 p.m. The seaworthy “Girl in a Wetsuit,” sculpted by Elek Imredy, makes a frequent perch for seagulls. Shutterbugs pause for gorgeous views at the lighthouses at Brockton Point and Prospect Point. Near the Lions Gate Bridge, a 32-million-year-old sea stack called Siwash Rock rises from the water. A quick detour off the seawall brings you to the Hollow Tree, a 700-year-old trunk of a Western red cedar. (more…)
Kitsilano Beach photo by KK Law
Surf, sand and sky meet at Vancouver’s Kitsilano Beach, a haven for sun worshippers and yoga enthusiasts that was recently named one of North America’s top 10 sexiest strips of sand by Forbes Traveler. Great weather continues into September, so be sure to pack a picnic lunch, a swimsuit and a good book. Athletic types enjoy impromptu volleyball games, kids splash around Kits Pool and beach bunnies soak up the sun while angling their shades at the spectacular mountain views. It doesn’t get any better than this.—Kristina Urquhart
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Stay, Dine, Do
