Canada

(HEADS UP: This article is lengthy. But if you like local history and trivia, then this is for you. Happy reading!) Ever since childhood, I have always been afflicted by a nostalgic bug. This strong fascination for all things old and ancient has made me into a bit of a history buff. I buried my nose in books and spent hours watching documentaries about ancient civilizations, medieval tales, and accounts of gone-by days. I preferred visiting museums and perusing artifacts over

I had a restful night sleeping on the comfortable couch in our cabin’s screened-in porch, while my husband and son snored lightly on the queen-sized bed inside. At dawn the following morning, I was awakened by soft paddling sounds. I arose and watched a couple of kayakers quietly trudging the waters as their oars gently swept the glistening surface of the lake. Their faces appeared so serene as their graceful strokes synchronized with the ripple of the waves. If not for their

We arrived at the North Frontenac Astronomy Park at around ten o’clock that night. It was just a fenced-in lot with an observation pad where people could gather and gaze at the stars, and has very basic amenities - a parking lot, electrical outlets, benches, picnic tables, and washrooms. But this is said to be one of the best places for astronomy, as North Frontenac has one of the darkest skies in southern Ontario. In fact, in August 2003, it became the first municipality in

In Canada, you will hear the terms “cottage” and “cottage country” a lot, specially in the summer months, and occasionally, at winter. During my first summer of working in Vancouver, my Canadian co-workers would say they were going to spend the summer “at the cabin.” When I moved to Ontario, it was “at the cottage.” It seemed like everyone either owns or regularly goes to a “cabin” or “cottage.” This was something new to me. I didn’t know what that exactly meant. I knew of c

During our time living in Vancouver, my husband and I availed of a couple of cruises out of the many that the city offers both to tourists and locals. The two that we did were completely different from each other, but equally enjoyable. Sunset Harbour Cruise Since Vancouver is a seaport, another interesting way to appreciate the city is through a harbour cruise. Seeing the city from the water gives you a perspective that you simply won’t find on land. From this viewpoint, you

If you are looking for a quick, but relaxing getaway from Vancouver, let me introduce you to a hidden gem – Bowen Island. Bowen Island is a charming, relaxed island in Howe Sound that is easily accessible by a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, or about an hour if you factor in the drive or bus ride from downtown Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay. It is a perfect daytrip – a scenic drive, a relaxing ferry ride, and a quiet island vibe. You have the option to

Vancouver’s North Shore refers to the scenic, mountainous region across the Burrard Inlet from downtown Vancouver. It comprises the North Vancouver and West Vancouver. It is known for its blend of dense urban living and rugged wilderness, offering easy access to hiking, biking, and skiing. Think of it as a cluster of peaceful, family-oriented communities, often affluent, with the world’s most beautiful nature at your backyard – three ski hills (Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour,

A Vancouver attraction that has since become staple for visiting guests is the Flyover Canada. It was launched in 2013 at a facility inside Canada Place. This “flying theatre” experience takes guests on a virtual flight across Canada via seats that are lifted high and that swing to immerse into a 20-meter spherical screen. The ride employs wind, mist, and scents to enhance the experience. The 4D flight simulation lasts only for eight minutes but it is considered the longest f

I lived in Vancouver for nine years before moving to the East Coast. My husband was born and raised in Montreal but lived in Vancouver with me for almost four years during the early part of our marriage. I consider Vancouver as my home city in Canada and for my husband, it is his second home. Now, we have a new home in Ottawa. Our son was born in Ottawa and frequently visits Montreal with us. However, Vancouver, for him, is something unfamiliar and far away. When we took him

I lived in Vancouver for nine years before moving to the East Coast. My husband was born and raised in Montreal but lived in Vancouver with me for almost four years during the early part of our marriage. I consider Vancouver as my home city in Canada and for my husband, it is his second home. Now, we have a new home in Ottawa. Our son was born in Ottawa and frequently visits Montreal with us. However, Vancouver, for him, is something unfamiliar and far away. When we took him

I lived in Vancouver for nine years before moving to the East Coast. My husband was born and raised in Montreal but lived in Vancouver with me for almost four years during the early part of our marriage. I consider Vancouver as my home city in Canada and for my husband, it is his second home. Now, we have a new home in Ottawa. Our son was born in Ottawa and frequently visits Montreal with us. However, Vancouver, for him, is something unfamiliar and far away. When we took him

I lived in Vancouver for nine years before moving to the East Coast. My husband was born and raised in Montreal but lived in Vancouver with me for almost four years during the early part of our marriage. I consider Vancouver as my home city in Canada and for my husband, it is his second home. Now, we have a new home in Ottawa. Our son was born in Ottawa and frequently visits Montreal with us. However, Vancouver, for him, is something unfamiliar and far away. When we took him

I lived in Vancouver for nine years before moving to the East Coast. My husband was born and raised in Montreal but lived in Vancouver with me for almost four years during the early part of our marriage. I consider Vancouver as my home city in Canada and for my husband, it is his second home. Now, we have a new home in Ottawa. Our son was born in Ottawa and frequently visits Montreal with us. However, Vancouver, for him, is something unfamiliar and far away. When we took him

I lived in Vancouver for nine years before moving to the East Coast. My husband was born and raised in Montreal but lived in Vancouver with me for almost four years during the early part of our marriage. I consider Vancouver as my home city in Canada and for my husband, it is his second home. Now, we have a new home in Ottawa. Our son was born in Ottawa and frequently visits Montreal with us. However, Vancouver, for him, is something unfamiliar and far away. When we took him

Lynn Headwaters Regional Park is another popular destination in North Vancouver for avid hikers. At more than 9,000 acres, it is the largest of 22 regional parks in Metro Vancouver. And yes, you heard it right…there is that much greenery and wilderness around the city. That is why Vancouver stereotypes include such things as a healthy lifestyle; a wardrobe that consists mostly of yoga pants, leggings, and biking shorts; fast-paced walking even along downtown streets; and adap

Warm, sunny weekends in the summer and crisp, cool days in the fall call for a short trip to Vancouver’s North Shore…at least that’s what we used to do when were still living there. We were fortunate that way – if we wanted to get away from the city and be close to nature, we didn’t have to drive very far. Mountains, nature trails, waterfalls, cliffs, and beaches are within a stone’s throw away from the city centre. One such place is Lynn Valley. Tucked between mountains in N

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is the most popular tourist attraction in Vancouver. I am confidently saying this as a former Vancouver resident. I have lost count of the number of times I’ve been there, both as a tourist (before I moved to Canada) and as a local. Whenever out-of-town guests come, the first place we take them to, as part of their Vancouver sightseeing experience, is this place. The park is only around nine kilometers from downtown Vancouver. In fact, there is

Porteau Cove Provincial Park is another popular stopover between Vancouver and Whistler, mostly for campers and scuba divers. But day trippers, like us, also go there to enjoy the fantastic view of Howe Sound and the mountains beyond. Nestled at the foot of the Brunswick Mountain along a crescent-shaped pebbled beach, there are picnic tables, waterfront campsite grounds, and a facility for divers. It also features a couple of sunken ships and artificial reefs for the divers t

I have lived in Canada for many years now, and even though this country is known for super long and sometimes, harsh winter conditions, somehow, I have not developed an interest in winter sports. I blame that in part to the saying, “ You cannot teach an old dog new tricks.” After all, this old dog grew up in a tropical country and had not seen snow until she moved to North America for good. However, I do not completely agree with this saying. I firmly believe that if one in

I have lived in Canada for many years now, and even though this country is known for super long and sometimes, harsh winter conditions, somehow, I have not developed an interest in winter sports. I blame that in part to the saying, “ You cannot teach an old dog new tricks.” After all, this old dog grew up in a tropical country and had not seen snow until she moved to North America for good. However, I do not completely agree with this saying. I firmly believe that if one in