Jan
31
This is My Canada
Whenever I travel, I’m always so proud to say where I’m from. There is something about Canada that warms my heart, and after spending the past few years travelling it quite extensively, I’ve found some real gems. My friend Pamela from SpunkyGirl Monologues asked me to share some of my favourite things about Canada, so without further adieu I present to you my favourite things about Canada and why you need to experience them for yourself:
What to See: Hopewell Rocks
Photo Credit: roadstories.ca
Located in New Brunswick, Hopewell Rocks has the highest tides in the world, and they happen twice a day, everyday! This is usually a hot spot in the summer, but going in the winter is also a neat experience. I went when the tide was low and explored the beach area. It was so pretty seeing the rocks covered in snow and frozen waterfalls along the way. You’ll want to visit the Hopewell Rocks during both high tide and low tide so you can truly appreciate it. The time span between low and high tide is aprox 6 hours. This presents a unique opportunity to walk on the ocean’s floor before low tide until 3 hours after. Be sure to check the tide tables before you visit.
Where to Ski: The Powder Highway, BC
British Columbia has practically become my second home and every time I return, there is always something new to fall in love with. Although there is a lot of hype around ski resorts like Whistler, you haven’t experienced BC until you’ve experienced the Powder Highway. Located on the east side of BC, the Powder Highway (situated in the Kootneay Rockies region) is known for it’s award winning ski resorts. I had a chance to experience Fernie, Panorama, Kicking Horse and Revelstoke and documented the experience in this video. I recommend starting in Fernie and working your way west ending in Kelowna for some well deserved Okanagan Wine ;)
What to Eat: Fresh Lobster
If you’re on the east coast, you hands down MUST try some fresh lobster. Need help shucking one? Ask a local and they’d be more than happy to assist! You see, east coasters are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. They are also super fun to drink with. (It’s no wonder some of Canada’s best beer comes from here). If you find yourself on the west coast: be sure to try Lobster Poutine at YEW at the Four Seasons in Vancouver. Created by Executive Chef Ned Bell, my tastebuds nearly exploded the first time I tried it.
What to Drink: the Caesar
Although Canada has some excellent craft beers, you simply cannot visit this country without trying our Canadian Cocktail. In fact, more than 350 million Caesars are enjoyed by Canadians each year! Every time I have friends visiting from other countries, I make sure they experience this drink for themselves. I can guarantee you that every bartender in Canada knows how to make this spicy concoction, but as my friend Clint put it, “ask for a Caesar outside of Canada, and you’ll get a bowl full of lettuce, croutons, and anchovy salad dressing.” It should also be noted that Caesars make excellent hangover cures ;)
Where to Stay: ALT Hotel/Planet Traveler
Over the next couple of years, ALT Hotel is going to be expanding rapidly across Canada and quite frankly, this company is reinventing the concept of a hotel stay. I had a chance to stay at their new ALT Toronto Pearson location and fell in love with everything about it. From the colourful wall mural made from Instagram photos, to self serve check-in, this is definitely an experience not to be missed.
If you’re looking for something with a smaller price tag, be sure to check out Planet Traveler Hostel located in the heart of downtown Toronto. Coined as North America’s greenest hostel, this hostel is cozy, yet modern and offers travellers free wifi, a rooftop patio and Mac computers in the lobby.
I could obviously go on forever about the amazing things you need to experience in this beautiful country, but I think it’s best to hear it from the other people that live and breathe it every day. So I’m tagging my fellow Canadian travel bloggers Arienne from seeyousoon.ca, Karin & Kieran from K and K Adventures, and Cameron & Nicole from Traveling Canucks. Be sure to follow the hashtag on Twitter #MyCanada to stay posted on what other amazing things Canada has to offer!
MMmmm Caesars! I need to have one tonight. Also, I never knew about the green hostel in Toronto. Kind of wish I was staying there tonight.
THanks for participating, Alicia. This is so fun.
Thanks for tagging me! This was a fun highlighting some of my favourite memories in Canada :)
Oh those Caesars are so tasty!
aren’t they? I think it’s time for a Caesar making party soon!
Fresh lobster on a midsummer day in PEI. A delicious and worthwhile indulgence!
Oh, I loved visiting PEI in the summer! The east coast is such a special and memorable place!
This is awesome, love the East Coast shout outs (slightly biased, I’m Nova Scotian myself).
I leave New Zealand 3 months from today, to return home and travel this big beautiful country I’m so proud to call ‘home’… My kiwi boyfriend and I are landing in Vancouver and taking our time driving across the country and soaking in every experience possible along the way, before we end up in NS in August :)
Awesome way to see the country Kate! If you need any recommendations along the way, be sure to reach out! Happy travels!
I moved most of my photos off my computer when I left on my big trip but I kept a special folder of Canada pics to share with people who are curious about where I’m from. When I am at home my blog is pretty much devoted to the Pacific Northwest– I love where I am from so much! CANADAAAAA!!!
Woot! Canada! Thanks for sharing Rachel!
I’ve never been a fan of the Caesar (or of hostels) but that lobster (and the ALT Hotel) look delicious! :)
Hmm, looks like you just haven’t had the RIGHT Caesar. Consider it a challenge! I will make you enjoy a Caesar, AT Planet Traveler. I promise I WILL change your mind.
Love your list of favourite things! Hopewell Rocks is definitely one of the most amazing places that we have visited – my younger daughter was having so much fun playing on the ocean floor that I had to drag her away when the tide started to come in. And nothing beats east coast lobster!
haha, yes there is definitely so much to explore on the ocean floor! Glad to see you enjoy the east coast lobster as well ;) Happy Travels Lisa :)
Oh, the Hopewell Rocks!! My friend and I sneaked into the park before sunrise so that we could see it when it was desolate. Such a cool place! :D
haha nicely done! Sunrise at Hopewell seems like it would have made for some amazing photos!
Great post and thanks for tagging us! We’ve been of the grid for a couple weeks but we’re back online now. We will start working on our follow up post shortly!
Cheers
I have lived in Kelowna for 7 years now and absolutely love it.
Luckily the Wine Bloggers Conference is being held in Penticton and focuses on the wines of the Okanagan. Really looking forward to that.
I may join in on your twitter posts showing off My Canada as well if that’s okay?
Great post!
Murissa
LOVE THIS POST!
East coast lobsters for the win!
I was in New Brunswick a few years ago, but never got out to Hopewell Rocks – I definitely need to go back and see more of the east coast.