Canada Archives - Seek Your Trip

December 22, 2017 by Arlene

Explore the Unique Natural Beauty of Toronto

Nestled on the northern shore of Lake Ontario is the largest city of Canada – Toronto. Known for its high ranking on the Liveability index and home to a population of about 2.8 million people, Toronto is not only the financial, industrial and cultural hub of Canada, it is also known for its jaw-dropping natural attractions, that enthrals tourists from across the world. There are not many countries left in the world which can boast of natural wilderness as extensive as those found here. Read on if you are an adventurer and nature enthusiast with Toronto on your bucket list.

You will find more than 24 different flight options when you make your Delhi to Toronto flight bookings and make sure to check their website for visa requirement. Best time to visit Toronto would be around April and May, when the summer rush is yet to happen, and hotels are ready to offer good package deals. Similar deals, good weather and blazing fall colours could be a good reason to travel in September and October. Summer time is tourist time and it will be crowded everywhere. Winter, is very hostile and snowy. For obvious reasons, there are very few takers for the huge price cuts on hotels, but if you can brave it, enjoy the snow and various special events held at this time of the year. Remember to book hotels well in advance to get the best prices and make a note of the events you could pack in.

Enjoy on Toronto’s lakeshore

The sight of Lake Ontario is breathtaking, with many tourists mistaking it for an ocean at first glance. Cruising is the best way to enjoy the lake, with many operators offering day-trips to the Niagara Falls as well. Get sprayed by the mist and experience the thunderous descent of the world’s most well-known water fall. For those preferring non-touristy spots, try the Ball’s Falls or walk down the beautiful beaches to the picturesque lighthouse in Brighton.

Take a break from the city to Rouge National Urban Park

Rouge National Urban Park has been developed as a wilderness area in the city of Toronto. Covering more than 50 square kilometres, it is made up of historic agricultural lands, close to 1,700 different species of flora and fauna, well-preserved wetlands and forests. The ideal place to go hiking or river-side camping for a wholesome natural experience.

Long walks on the Scarborough Bluffs

Scarborough Bluffs are spectacular soil structures developed over 12,000 years, through sedimentary deposits. It stretches for over 15 kilometres along the shore of Lake Ontario. The area reminds one of the Cliffs of Dover and the best way to experience it is from the top of the cliff that forms the Scarborough Bluff Park. The trail below is also very popular with walkers. But do keep a look out for public safety warnings as the bluff gets eroded each year causing landslides.

Find yourself fascinated by butterflies

The Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat is very pretty place to spend time in. It consists of a variety of plant life – native wildflowers, trees, shrubs, hedges and grasses – to conserve the habitat of native butterfly species. The roughly 4-acre area is divided into areas like a short grass prairie, a wildflower meadow and a home garden. Each of these areas is designed to educate visitors about butterfly conservation.

Nature’s glacial park in the city

If you want to catch a sunrise, head straight to the Colonel Samuel Smith Park, which is located along the shorelines. It has plenty of greenery around and is considered a top spot for birdwatching in Toronto. If you are into ice-skating, then you could enjoy the city’s first trail dedicated to ice-skaters or head to the waterside for a bit of fishing.

Explore the beauty of ravine

The Glen Stewart Ravine is a forest comprising mainly of red oaks and red maple that gives refuge to migratory song birds. Visitors to these forests need to be conscious of the delicate balance between conservation and tourism. Areas are demarcated for walking and care should be taken to not go off-trail because that would cause the young saplings to be damaged.

Whatever the season, travelling can be a pleasure if it is planned well. So, book your flights from Delhi to Toronto now. For those who like to be close to nature, this is perhaps the ideal destination.

December 16, 2013 by author

Must See Attractions of Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Canada. Thus hustling and bustling metropolis is home to some of the tallest and most modern structures along that will awe many tourists; however, it is not only these that makes this place a tourist’s haven because there plenty more to see in the City of Glass.

Vancouver Lookout

Vancouver is not referred to as the City of Glass for no reason, and when it comes to city structures and buildings, one that you shouldn’t miss is the Vancouver Lookout. This viewing deck located more than 150 metres high provides visitors one of the best views of the metropolis and its skylines, along with the North Shore Mountains and even Vancouver Island if the weather is clear. Aside from viewing the city, there are other things that can be enjoyed in Vancouver Lookout, like a guided tour of the place which provides you with various fun facts about the city.

Science World

Another amazing structure which reflects that city’s nickname is the Science World. The sphere shaped building of metal and glass is where you’ll find some of the most engaging interactive displays and exhibits about science and technology. There are even live demonstrations about different experiments which are sure to blow your mind away.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Garden

If you think that Vancouver is all about towering buildings and modern skyscrapers, think again. Nestled in the metropolitan is a relaxing and wonderful zen 15^th century Chinese garden – the Sun Yat-Sen Classical Garden. Here you’ll find a classic Chinese residence with a beautiful and charming garden with soothing landscapes, pavilions and ponds. This is a great place to learn about the Chinese culture and its mysterious yin and yang principles and more.

Grouse Mountain

15 minutes away from the downtown area is one of Vancouver’s best outdoor spots – the Grouse Mountain. This wild outdoor paradise is where more than one million tourists and locals go to every year. Do take a ride in the Grouse Mountain Skyride, a one-mile journey in the sky where you’ll get to see a spectacular view of the city, the sea and the nearby mountains.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

If you’re not afraid of heights, then be sure to pay the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The bridge, which is said to have been there since the late 1800s, is suspended over 200 feet in the air, and stretches for more than 400 feet is truly an exciting walking adventure. In addition, you can do the Cliffwalk adventure where you make your way through a granite precipice by waking yet again another set of cantilevered bridges and stairs. There are even glass platforms where you can take a dizzying look at the lush rainforest below. Want more bridges? Then take on the Treetop adventure and walk through suspension bridges anchored to old-growth trees.

So if you’re looking for a place where modernization and nature merge in peaceful harmony, then head on to Vancouver. Surely, you’re bound to find something in this place to suit your fancy – and whatever your trip may be.

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Photo by andrew_ww on Flickr

June 17, 2013 by author

Riding the Current: Canoeing and Kayaking in Alberta, Canada

If you are a water sport fanatic, you will surely find lots of that in Canada – from tall and majestic waterfalls to picturesque lakes, down to strong current rivers and gently flowing streams in the forests. Given the abundance of many beautiful water formations in the place, it is no wonder that tourist looking for that jolt of adrenaline in the waters flock to the country to enjoy one of its best offerings in terms of water activities – canoeing. Below are some of the best canoeing routes that you can find in Alberta, Canada.

Banff

This is one of the easiest routes to traverse, and suitable for all beginners or those planning to spend the weekend doing something new. You can start off in the northern part of the Vermillion Lakes, and then make your way to Bow River. On the contrary, you can also start from the lower end and head for the lake. Do remember that at different times of the year, the lake’s water can be very shallow so you may have to occasionally climb down and push your canoe or kayak. However, once you are out in the Bow River, it should be smooth sailing. The Bow River is fed by the melting glaciers, so the water can be cold to very cold, depending on what time of the year you go. There are great views of the trees and the forests, as the west side of Banff Mountain Resort is well within your view.

Red Deer River

The Red Deer River requires some paddling skill and is considered to be suitable for those looking for moderate waters and current. The river has played host to several canoeing and kayaking competitions over the years, but it still remains as one of the lesser known beauties of the canoeing and kayaking world. One of the things that make people want to take this route are the different interesting and exciting points of the river, like the Big Rock and the Nationals which runs with white waters, ledges and holes along the way that will surely make for a great paddling experience.

Bearspaw Dam to Princess Island Park

This route and section of the Bow River is classified by many as moderately difficult, but there are times when the speed and strength of the river’s current certainly goes well above moderate. If you are planning to take this canoeing trip with your kids, then take note that this may not be for you. The river is strong and fast, and you will overturn at some points of the route and may even damage your canoe. Occasionally, you may have to paddle to shore, stand up on a rock to examine what lies ahead, carefully looking through the channels and choosing the best way to go. In addition, there is a weir at the end of the route, and you must make sure to get to safety before reaching this low dam or else you might find yourself in grave danger of drowning.

Alberta is home to great wilderness, flourishing with wonderful flora and fauna and stunning yet challenging rivers that can most certainly give you the ride of your life.

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Photo by danwdotca on Flickr

January 14, 2013 by Arlene

Should You Learn To Ski Or Snowboard?

While thinking about taking a winter sport as a leisure activity many of us are in a dilemma regarding which one to choose, skiing or snowboarding. Below we’ll discuss the pros and cons of both, helping you decide which of these sports would suit you best and let you feel the adrenaline pumping inside your mind, body and soul.

Pros of skiing

Since all of us are acquainted to walking with two legs, the same is the sensation of being on a ski, and hence is the reason learning to ski is regarded as easier and more comfortable when compared with snowboarding. Snowboarding requires more flexibility at the waist and powerful abdominal muscles to bear the jerks caused due to quick turning actions. Hence when one is on both the legs, then we may expect better body balance and one can shift their center of gravity to whatever position required for a better skiing experience.

Skiing makes use of poles to aid for accelerating and also for stopping, which is not possible when we are snowboarding. Stopping and slowing down is sometimes a tricky job even for expert snowboarders on the same terrain where beginner skiers accomplish that with ease. When on flat surface snowboarders have a really painful time trying to get through the snow.

Skiing is a sport which is better suited for longer run as after a certain age one may not be able to snowboard comfortably but skiing will be a lot more enjoyable. Young people who are always willing to look cool choose snowboarding but sooner or later they switch to skiing.

Pros of snowboarding

Snowboarding is a sport usually favored by the young sport enthusiasts because of the adrenaline rush it involves. The second most important thing is the appeal it has on the minds of the spectators, snowboarding is considered way too cooler by most of the people and as a matter of fact, it sure is.

Even when the speeds achieved in a ski is greater when compared to that of a snowboard, still the feel of being on a snowboard carries a greater degree of thrill factor with it.

Tougher terrains are difficult to be handled by beginners on a snowboard but as they learn the art of linking turns, slopes are not a problem when compared with skiers.

The lesser number of gears and cheaper accessories in snowboarding also makes it a lucrative sports option.

Last but not the least, the awesome number and types of tricks which can be performed on a snowboard makes it worth trying, though it involves some level of risks of getting hurt but still for thrill seekers, it might not be an issue.

Some of the famous skiing and snowboarding destinations around the world are enlisted below:

The Alps, Europe
Vail, Colorado USA
Andermatt, Switzerland
Hecuba, Japan
Portillo, Chile
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Mt.Ruapehu, New Zealand
Fernie, British Columbia, Canada
Thredbo, Australia
St Anton Am Arlberg, Austria

Conclusion

So assuming that the facts that we have provided here would let you recognize your true adventure requirements and will help you decide which one is the best for you while exploring new areas, skis provide better advantage over snowboards and for extreme thrill seekers snowboard is the best option. At the end of the day the choice is all yours.

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Photo by VancityAllie on Flickr.