All recommended sites & everything else can be located & checked out with a few clicks - most have 10 photos showing views, food, beds, scenery, facilities, goods - everything you need to make an informed decision & links to all of them.
Just click on any marker, then on the traffic arrow and a 2nd location for instant detailed public & private travel information including routes, distances, times, frequency, transfers & stop locations.
Your holiday - Your way
COUNTRY GUIDE
Changing of the Guard - Ottawa
BEST TIME TO GO - This trip requires taking a Ferry that runs between June & September
(But you could work your plans around it and fly or take a very long bus trip.)
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Fall / Autumn - September to November, very pretty and fewer crowds.
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Summer - June to August is peak tourist season.
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Spring - March to May is another good time as the snow melts and the flowers bloom.
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Winter - December to February is cold but a good time if you're into Winter sports.
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August is the month of 3 festivals.
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May, June is the time to see icebergs.
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Mid May to September is Whale watching season.
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You can see the Puffins between April and August.
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The Northern lights can be seen in September / October and March / April if you're lucky.
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Christmas is a special time here.
STAY - Most hotels are available on Booking.com unless otherwise stated. It's best to get bookings with free cancellation and pay on site when you get there. Hotels chosen are usually 3*** or 4 or 5 if they are good value. They are chosen firstly for their location, value for money, positive testimonials regarding cleanliness and service and features like rooftop terraces and great views.
Since the end of Covid a lot of prices have gone through the roof. So if the selected hotel is out of your price range click on the location map and choose something cheaper nearby. Or you might prefer something else but try to stay in the same area.
Unfortunately prices in Canada can be ridiculous and you may need to look at hostels.
VISAS - Click here for information
TIPS -
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Start the trip between early June and early September on a Monday
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Book everything online well ahead. This is peak season and things fill up fast. Especially Ferry tickets.
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Take your International Drivers Licence with you
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You could save a lot of money staying in hostels and dormitories, but they may not be available in the smaller places and may not be in the area you want to be in
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Airbnb places near these hotels could also save you money
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Don't call them Newfies
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Ottawa/ Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) - has direct flights to 42 destinations in 5 countries in North America.
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Montreal - Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) - has direct connections to 147 destinations in 46 countries. Mainly you would need to connect through Europe or North America. If you fly back here from St. Johns you could do a side trip to Iceland or take the very scenic Adirondack Train to New York.
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St John's International Airport (YYT) - has direct connections to 17 destinations in 5 countries in North America. You can fly back to Montreal, Ottawa or even on to Cancun, Jamaica and Cuba.
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Once you've bought your tickets get some travel insurance to cover yourself.
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BUDGET - Not cheap. Everything will be quite expensive. Accommodation prices are really over the top. You might want to see what Hostelworld has to offer. Similar to the USA and western Europe. This trip is only 3½ weeks so spend up and have a ball
POPULATION - 38,148,000
CAPITAL - Ottawa (to trade)
RELIGION - Roman Catholic 39%, Protestant 27%
LANGUAGE - English / French
NATIONAL DRINK - Ceaser (like a Bloody Mary with clamato juice)
NATIONAL DISH - Poutine (chips gravy and cheese curds)
ETHNICITY - Canadians 32%, English 18%, Scottish 14%, French 13%, Irish 13%, Indigenous 5%
GOVERNMENT - Federal Parliamentary Democracy and Constitutional Monarchy
MINIMUM WAGE ANNUAL IN $US - $22545
CURRENCY - Canadian dollar CAD 1 CAD = 70c
AGE - 153
BIG MAC IN $US - $5.18
LITERACY - 99%
LIFE EXPECTANCY - 83
TOURISTS PER YEAR - 21 million
NO.1 TOURIST SITE - Niagara Falls
CHEERS - Sociable
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Have a scroll through the tours below to see if any take your interest. There is a wide variety of activities to help you get to know Canada and its capital a little better.
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FRENCH 2 IRISH CANADA 25N
Part Road Trip
HIGHLIGHTS - Trains, lobsters & iceberg beer
Ottawa 3N
Montreal 3N - (You could start the trip here)
Quebec City 3N
The Ocean (Train) 1N
Halifax 4N
Baddeck 2N
Sydney 2N
Ferry 1N
St John's 6N = 25N
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Poutine - Chips, cheese and gravy
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UNESCO World Heritage Listed - Rideau Canal
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UNESCO World Heritage Listed - Old Quebec
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Lachine Rapids Jetboat
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Cirque Du Soleil - Montreal
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Ice Hockey - at the Bell Centre
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The oldest deli in Canada
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National War Museum
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Supreme Court of Canada
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Atwater Market
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Boozy milkshakes
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Halifax Harbourfront Boardwalk
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Atlantic Lobster
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The Lobster Trail
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Lobster Rolls
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Lobster Mac 'N' Cheese
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World's Largest Fiddle
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The Cabot Trail - Cape Breton Island
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Iceberg Beer - made from icebergs
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Day Trip to Dildo
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Foie Gras - topped duck burgers
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The Diefenbunker - cold war relic
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Montmorency Falls & Île d’Orléans
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Half a Million Puffins
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Beaver Tails - fried dough with sweet and savoury toppings
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Fairmont Le Château Frontenac - the World's most photographed Hotel
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Screech In - initiation involving kissing a cod and drinking Rum
1 Monday ottawa - 3N
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Begin the trip on a Monday in the nation's capital - Ottawa. It was chosen in 1857 by Queen Victoria because it was centrally located between Montreal and Toronto. It is also comfortably smaller than both of them. Starting on a Monday will mean the Cold War Bunker is open and public transport is available. Stay in the ByWard Market area which is the night life zone with many restaurants and bars nearby. There are a range of methods for getting around Ottawa and they do have Uber here.
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Stay at or near the ByWard Blue Inn *** - great location, walking distance to everything, breakfast and afternoon tea daily
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On your first day just settle in and explore the neighbourhood. If you have enough time get out and see one or two of the nearby attractions. Spend the night eating and drinking at the market.
2 Tuesday
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After breakfast walk along the riverfront to the Canadian War Museum to learn some Canadian history and their involvement in various wars around the place. The rest of the day you will be slowly making your way back to the hotel.
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Then head to the Supreme Court of Canada where you can do a tour and sit in on a hearing if the court is in session. Next door is Parliament Hill which has free tours and a gift shop. You can climb up the Peace Tower for amazing views of the capital. You will see other points of interest in this area such as the National War Memorial and the Women are Persons Monument.
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It's been a pretty hectic day so far, so it's time for a relaxing cruise of the UNESCO Heritage Listed Rideau Canal.
Montreal Confetti
Montreal Farmers Market
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Another night out in the market area. There are so many restaurants and bars just do a food and pub crawl. York Street, the next one over from the hotel is a focal point with one of the highest concentrations in the city. Try The Laff (Chateau Lafayette) the oldest tavern in town. The King Eddy has boozy milkshakes and another famous diner - Zak's has hangover curing Caesars and they open at 8am. You could try Beaver Tails which were invented in Ottawa. You can find them in George Street.
3 Wednesday
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Make your way out to the Diefen Bunker - Canada's Cold War Museum, which opens at 10am. Here you will see what preparations were being made in the event of a nuclear war. (not open Monday or Tuesdays and get your tickets online). It takes an hour to look around. Public transport is only an option on Wednesdays. It is a 30 minute drive by taxi or Uber.
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Next stop is the Canada Aviation and Space Museum which is located in a former Air Force Base. Get your tickets online for this one too. It is on the Ottawa River Pathway so you could take an e-bike out here. Pick it up at Sparks Street in Downtown. The battery lasts for 100 km so there are no worries about it going flat on this 50 km route.
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Time to head across the river and have a look at Gatineau, Ottawa's French neighbour. Sticking with the e-bike is probably the best way. You should be getting hungry by now so why not try the waterside BDT - Les Brasseurs du Temps. Beers are made on site and the food is imaginative French inspired pub food, like Baked Brie with Bacon Stout Jam and Caramelised Pecans.
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If you can handle one more museum the Canadian Museum of History is Canada's most visited museum. Why not learn all about Canada before you go off and see it for yourself.
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Now for some nature - ride up to Gatineau Park where you will find 32.5 kilometers of windy scenic trails you can ride on. Other activities in the park include walking trails, canoeing and the beach. By the time you reach the Visitors Centre it should be ice cream o'clock. Which is handy because nearby is La Cigale (the cicada) with their delicious home made ice cream.
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Take the bike back and for a change of scenery try a few bars in downtown as you make your way back to Byward market. For a bit of a splurge on dinner you could try the Moscow Tea Room which has hosted many VIP's over the years. A couple of rooftop bars worth trying are Atari (2nd floor) and Copper Spirits & Sights (16th floor and 2nd best in Canada).
4 - 6 Montreal - 3N
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Catch the 2 hour train to French Canada's major city - Montreal. Stay in the old town and take in all the treats and sights at your leisure. There are tons of restaurants, bars and shops. Cobblestoned Saint-Paul Street is the oldest street in Montreal and the historical Bonsecours Market is located on it.
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Stay at or near the Hygie Boutique Hotel - dorms and private rooms, garden and terrace
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Maison Saint-Vincent By Maisons & Co - aparthotel in a Montreal landmark
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Hotel Uville Montreal **** - great location
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Montreal is heaven for food lovers so you will need to plan wisely. You might like to take a food tour and let the experts show you around. Naturally with the French influence there is a plethora of delicious patisseries, boulangeries and viennoiseries (Bakeries)
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Firstly Schwartz's is Canada's oldest and most famous Deli.
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Poutine - the National dish of Canada
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Fois Gras - very popular in Quebec Province thanks to the French
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Montreal Bagels are famous across North America and one of the best places to get them is St-Viateur Bagel Shop
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Wilensky's Light Lunch - since 1932, step back in time
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Another lunch time institution is Beauty's which has been around since 1942
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Juliette & Chocolat - Chocolate factory and restaurant - good for chocolate, brunch (until 4pm) and lunch.
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Dic Ann's Hamburgers since 1954
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Reuben' s Deli & Steakhouse - for French dipped, roast beef baguettes and the Original Reuben Sandwich
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Come breakfast time you'll want to try out the range at eggspectation like Eggs Benedict with Lobster
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Romados is another local icon beloved for their Peri Peri chicken and other Portuguese delicacies
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The Old Town is quite compact and you'll be able to walk around easily. There is a bike and e-bike rental system called Bixi. To get around and have a look at the city try the Gray Line Hop On Hop Off Bus. They have a stop in Old Montreal. The Montreal Metro is also a good way to get around. Go Jet Boating for some fun on the St-Lawrence River. Three to choose from and based in the Old Town. Don't forget your bathers.
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For excellent views of the city head up Mount Royal a large hill in the middle of town and also where Montreal got its name. Chinatown has recently been designated as the city's first historical site. It's next door to Old Montreal and worth wandering over for a look and some Dim Sum.
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Head underground to see the "city under a city". The old town, port and the oldest street are must visits. Montreal is the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil so put that on the list too. The ice hockey season runs from October to April so catch a game at the Bell Centre if you're here then. It's the National sport.
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Come night time you'll be just as spoilt for choice as during the day. Montreal is Canada's party city. Good areas for night life include -
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As well as the circus and the ice hockey there is the hilarious Cabaret Mado in the Gay Village and something similar at Café Cleopatre. One of the few remaining places left over from from Montreal's once famous red light district when it was known as known as the Paris of North America.
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There is an impressive live music scene and you might even catch a major act performing here, or a Comedy Club to see what the locals are laughing at, or a great way to meet people is the old Pub Crawl.
7 Quebec City - 3N
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Three and a quarter hours by train to Quebec City the capital of Quebec Province. The train station is a kilometer or less from the hotels. Stay in Old Quebec a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only walled city north of Mexico. This is the birthplace and Crown Jewel of French North America.
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Stay at or near Auberge Saint-Pierre **** - excellent location, situated in a 19th century building, Bistro-Bar, Library, Massage, 24 hour desk
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Or the Hotel Clarendon **** - excellent location, built in 1870, Restaurant (Brasserie Les Mordus), Bar, 24 hour desk
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Photo by Rich Martello on Unsplash
The most photographed hotel in the World
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There are countless options for eating, drinking, shopping and sight seeing in this beautiful city. Check in to the hotel then go for a stroll around the old town and the old port. The main and oldest street is called Rue du Petit-Champlain. It is also the most photographed. It's not the only stunningly attractive street in town though. Here's another 14 for your walk. Have lunch when you start to get hungry. Here's a few suggestions.
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After lunch have a look at La Citadelle de Quebec. You'll need to come back one day at 10 am to see the changing of the guard and they fire the cannon at noon.
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Another sight worth seeing is the Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac - the most photographed hotel in the world. You can go in and look around and even have a guided tour of the place. Walk along Dufferin Tce for views of the St Lawrence River and be entertained by the street performers. Take the historical funicular down to Place Royal a public square which literally was the birthplace of French America.
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For dinner and drinks head over to the hip neighbourhood next door - Saint Roch. Rue Saint-Joseph is where you'll find all the action.
8 Monday
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For breakfast there is Cafe Buade which opened in 1919 making it the oldest café in the city. Off on another e-bike adventure today. Pick up one of the city's e-bike sharing system or if you have to get one from the hire places. 4 hours should be long enough. Follow the bicycle path the Corridor du Littoral from Old Quebec to the state park Domaine de Maizerets (it has a maze) and then the Senta Transcanadien to the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. You can get a map from the tourist office. The Montmoreny Falls are taller than the ones at Niagara and are quite spectacular. You can catch a cable car to the falls from the park as well as crossing a suspension bridge hung directly above the falls and zip lines and Ferrata routes (hiking on rock faces) for the daredevils. You can walk the bottom of the falls, visit historic Montmorency Manor and numerous other activities which will make for a busy morning.
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Have a scroll through the local tours below the map. There are a few different activities listed as well as a few from here which you may want to do with a guide.
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Ride back into town, drop the bikes off, then go picnic shopping around the old town. Treat yourself to some gourmet produce and a bottle of wine and take it down to the Plains of Abraham. Not only was this the site the French and British fought for Quebec it is also a favourite local picnic spot. After lunch and a snooze you can visit the museum and find out what went on here. Hop on Abraham's Bus and tour the park.
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To get to know another side of the city why not take a Ghost Tour. They start as the sun is going down and last for 90 minutes. In June the sun goes down at 8.30 pm. You might want an early dinner or a few fortifying drinks before you head out. The oldest pub in town is just a 3 minute walk from the Ghost Tours. Spend the rest of the night checking out the bars in Old Quebec. Try these places for some live music.
9 Tuesday
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Free day today - your choice. Golfers can play golf - Foodies can hire a scooter or car and do a food lap of Ile de Orleans (famous for it's strawberries) - Shoppers can shop - Drinkers can drink - the Health conscious can go hiking - Horse lovers can go horse back riding - Church lovers can visit 1 basilica, 2 cathedrals, 130 churches and 20 chapels.
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For tonight's dinner and drinks try neighbouring Saint-Jean Baptiste and Rue Saint-Jean.
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Halifax Sunset
10 The Ocean train to Halifax 1N
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No rush today, the train doesn't leave until 10.49 pm. Or you may decide it is cheaper to hire a car and spend the night in a hotel. Sleepers are expensive but economy seats recline all the way and are quite comfortable for sleeping. If so take off after breakfast. Start the day with a crepe from Creperie le Petit Chateau who have a delicious range of savoury and sweet. Pick up a few train treats while you're out and about. Check out of your room and get them to look after your luggage before you head off across the river.
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Take the ferry over to Levis the small city on the other side of the St. Lawrence River. The boats leave every 20 - 30 minutes during the day and are only a short walk from Old Quebec. You will get great views of both cities from the ferry. There are a range of things to see and do here to keep you busy for most of the day.
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Have lunch at Le Corsaire Pub near the ferry terminal with great views of Old Quebec. Catch the ferry back around sunset for more great views. That should give you a few hours to get organised and to the train station at Sainte-Foy ten kilometers south of Old Quebec. Taxi or Uber is the simplest way. Two classes are available Sleeper Plus and Economy. The trip takes 19 hours.
11 Halifax - 4N
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The train arrives in Halifax around 6 pm the next day. It is a well equipped train and the scenery is wonderful. Halifax has a great food scene and apparently more pubs and bars per capita than any other city in North America. This area is famous for their lobster which is available for 10 months of the year. You can get a passport follow the Lobster Trail. Which means to eat lobster in as many of the listed restaurants as possible. What a great idea.
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Stay at or near The Barrington **** - skip the breakfast option, it is a 5 minute ride from the train station and a short walk to the attractive waterfront area. It has an indoor pool and fitness centre. Great location close to downtown attractions.
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By the time you check in to your hotel it will be time to go out and have dinner and a few drinks. You may even opt for an early night if you didn't get much sleep on the train.
12 Friday
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This place was the site of a horrific explosion during World War l when two ships collided and one was loaded with high explosives. On the morning of December 6th 1917 nearly 2,000 people were instantly killed and 9,000 badly injured. It was the largest non nuclear explosion in history. It is referred to as the "Halifax Explosion". There is a memorial and a few sites around town where its impact can still be seen.
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It was also the closest port to where the Titanic sank so it was from here that rescue ships were sent to help out as much as possible. There are over 100 of the victims buried in the local cemetery.
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That's not the end of the disasters either. On September 2 1998 Swissair flight 111 crashed into the Atlantic not far from Peggy's Cove. It was on its way from New York to Geneva.
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Anna Leonowens the famous teacher in the "King and I" lived in Halifax for 23 years living here after her daughter married the general manager of The Bank of Nova Scotia. She became deeply involved in the local social and cultural life. The best way to get to know a city is on foot so it's time for another walking tour -
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Head from the hotel towards the waterfront and wander through the Historic Properties a designated National Historic Site.
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Continue on to the waterfront, turn right and follow the 4 km Harbourfront Boardwalk south. You will find things of interest all the way down. There are a couple of ships - the CSS Acadia (served the Canadian Navy in both world wars and is the only surviving ship) and the HMCS Sackville (Canada's oldest warship) all part of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic where they have a permanent exhibit of the Titanic where you can sit in a replica deck chair on the deck amongst other things. And of course the Halifax Incident with the permanent exhibit Explosion in the Narrows. You'll also meet Theodore Tugboat here.
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Must be time for some light relief in the form of ice cream. At Cows who hand make the 'best ice cream in the world'. They have a place at the start of this walk as well if you want to double dip. Save some room for Lobster Rolls.
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Pop into Rum Runners Rum Cake Factory and pick up a souvenir or two.
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Stop off at the Acadian Monument. Nova Scotia was called Acadia when the French had control. The Cajun people ended up in Louisiana after the British forced them from their homes in this area.
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Next stop is the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 where you'll learn more about the Canadian story. This was the first experience of Canada for tens of thousands of immigrants to the country and the last for many unfortunate soldiers heading off to WWII.
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Time for lunch. The Halifax Seaport Farmers Market is at the end of the Harbourfront walk and one of the specialties is Lobster pies
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Walk back the way you came and call into a few bars and shops along the way. Have another ice cream, go for a boat cruise or even join in a game of volleyball.
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You might as well continue on into the evening. Some pubs featuring live music are listed here. The Split Crow is the oldest and very close to the hotel.
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13 Saturday
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Try Elle's Bistro for breakfast, it's only a 4 minute walk from the hotel. She has 16 kinds of eggs benedict and breakfast poutine. How could you go wrong. Plus it's an all day breakfast menu so take your time. You can use e-scooters to zap around on today or a bicycle if you want the exercise.
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First off head up the hill to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Staff wear old costumes and interact with the visitors. The cannon is fired at noon everyday. You can do tours and there is an army museum set inside a military fortress. The star shaped complex sits on a hill looking down on the city.
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Go for a bit of a scoot around town and when lunch time beckons make your way to the King of Donair on Whinpool Rd. This is where the official dish of Halifax was invented and December 8th is National Donair Day. So you'll have to try one. It is a Canadianised version of the yiros / gyros and tastes completely different. They were a favourite of chef and TV eater / presenter Anthony Bourdain.
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You're probably getting thirsty so head back to town and do a tour of Alexander Keith's Brewery. It's been around since 1820. Lose the e-scooter or bike before you have too many.
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Come dinner time there is another must try dish. This time it's the famous Lobster Mac 'N' Cheese from the Stubborn Goat Gastropub. For drinks head to Durty Nelly's Irish Pub and the strip down Argyle Street. Also finishing up back near the hotel.
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14 Sunday
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Today is memorial day and you will be travelling by car. Have it booked on the web🚗 well beforehand as this is a bit of an unusual hire. In the winter months it is not possible. You should get it for at least 8 days which will give you a couple of days to tour around St. Johns. You will need to drop it off at the airport in St. John's.
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Corned Beef Hash for breakfast this morning. Or anything else you desire from Hali Deli's delicious "All the Time" breakfast menu. Time to go on a road trip -
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First stop the Halifax Explosion Bell Tower a memorial and time capsule.
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Next is Fairview Lawn Cemetery which has over a hundred of the victims of the Titanic disaster buried in its grounds. It also has a mass grave and memorial for the victims of the Halifax Explosion.
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Must be time for a coffee break after all of that death and destruction. Make your way to Dilly Dally for morning smoko and have a sweet treat as well. Save room for lobster though.
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Time to head out of town to Peggy's Cove. See the lighthouse and the other attractions. You need to be careful not to get too close to the water and don't stand on the black rocks. Heed the warning signs.
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Lobster Lunch time at the Sou'Wester. It's on the trail so you can get your passport stamped.
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Last memorial for the day is for the 229 people who perished on Swissair Flight 111. It is a couple of kilometers north on the 333, Peggy's Cove Rd.
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If you want some fresh oysters or other seafood stop at Ryer Lobsters another kilometer along the road. Get some lemons, mirin and wasabi from the supermarket and mix up the best oyster dressing and have them with a drink for sundowners.
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Follow the road back around to Halifax.
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You could take the car back and go on a boat cruise, such as the Harbour Hopper amphibious cruise. Or you could hang on to it and have a look at Fisherman's Cove at Eastern Passage on the other side of the water.
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For dinner try the highly acclaimed Bicycle Thief on the harbour front with a nice alfresco table on the Boardwalk. You'll need to have it booked. Then head off for night time activities at the North End. The Seahorse Tavern is a great choice for live music and only a 10 minute walk from the hotel.
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Have a look through these local tours before you organise too much. You may be able to integrate them into your plans and streamline a few of the processes. There are a couple of booze cruises too.
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15 Baddeck - 2N
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Time for a road trip. But first things first - Anna's Cafe & Grill is a 3 minute walk from the hotel and a great place for a cooked breakfast.
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Take the main route via Victoria Park in Truro where you can stretch your legs and have morning coffee across the road at Aroma Maya To Go. Continue on to Pictou and Hector Heritage Quay where you can stop for lunch. It's worth spending a little time here. Pick up some shortbread from Mrs. MacGregor's and try the waterfront Marina Bar & Grill for lunch.
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Keep going on to Baddeck and stay at or near the Dunlop Inn **** - a wonderful lakeside house with a deck overlooking the water to the light house, in a great location, free breakfast and home baked treats, free kayaks, private swimming beach, free parking onsite.
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When you're settled in have a look at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. It is literally 3 minutes walk up the road. The man who invented the telephone at the age of 29 lived in this area for most of the last 30 years of his life. He came up with many of his inventions here. You'll have plenty of time tomorrow if you want to leave it till then.
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Head back to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon swimming, kayaking or enjoying a drink on the deck. Come sunset head to the upper deck balcony at the Bras D'or Yacht Club. This is one of the prettiest spots to go yachting in Canada and the world. For dinner there is an excellent restaurant at the hotel or a short walk away is the Bell Buoy Bistro a casual waterfront place with meat and seafood - or the Freight Shed Waterside Bistro & Market - or the rustic Captains Capers Fish & Chips. One kilometer away is the Inverary Resort which has al fresco dining with stunning views over the water and will get you another stamp in your passport. You can drink in all of these places as well.
16 Tuesday
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Free day today. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Hike to the Uisge Ban Falls - visit the Rocking Horse Ranch - play golf - go kayaking - go sailing on a boat cruise and see Bell's summer mansion where his descendants still holiday / or to Bird Island to see Puffins and other Atlantic seabirds and seals - or just enjoy your beautiful lakeside deck.
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For dinner and drinks here is a comprehensive list.
17 Sydney - 2N
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Another great day on the road. Figuratively and literally. After breakfast you're off on the renowned Cabot Trail around Cape Breton Island - the #1 island to travel around in continental North America - as rated by Travel & Leisure Magazine for 5 years in a row. It is named after John Cabot an explorer in the 15th century. Get an early start, it's 322 km and takes 5 hours to drive, plus you'll want to stop off along the way. You will go in a clockwise direction to save back tracking.
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Take the 105 Trans Canada Hwy west to Buckwheat Corner wher you turn right on Hwy 30 the Cabot Trail Rd which you will follow all the way around until it meets the 312. Follow this back to the 105 Trans Canadian Hwy and turn left and follow it to the 125 which you will take to Sydney River and then take the 4 to Sydney.
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You could spend many days seeing all the sights on the way around. Pick out the ones you want to see and do. Cheticamp is the place to see a traditional Acadian fishing village. There is plenty to see and do here. You might want to stop for coffee at the Pumpkin Patch just after Pleasant Bay. Lunch at the Chowder House restaurant at Neil's harbour. It's on the Trail and you get a stamp and get to enjoy eating lobster looking out over the Atlantic as far as the eye can see. The Clucking Hen Cafe & Bakery is the place for a sweet treat later in the day for afternoon smoko.
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One last point of interest is found in Englishtown. The Giant Macaskill was possibly the strongest man ever. You can visit the a museum on the property he lived at.
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Stay at or near the Simon Hotel Sydney *** - in a great location by the Sydney Waterfront Boardwalk and 5 minutes from Downtown restaurants and bars, rooftop deck overlooking "Sydney Harbour" with BBQ, tables and chairs and lounge chairs, rooftop fitness centre, secured parking for C$7 a day, restaurant, bar, free buffet breakfast.
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Have a few drinks watching the sunset from your roof deck. The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse is just around the corner and they have Food for the Body - Drink for the Spirit - and Music for the Soul.
18 Thursday
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After your buffet breakfast hop in the car and drive up to Glace Bay for the Miners Museum and the Marconi National Historic Site. You can go underground into the coal mine with a retired miner and there is a historical town as well. Marconi was one of the most important people in the history of communications but few people know of him.
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Now head down to the Fortress of Louisbourg the site of several French and British sieges and battles. These days it is a fascinating living museum with costumed actors, cannon fire and working bakeries. You'll need a few hours here and should have lunch here too.
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Head back and spend the afternoon and evening exploring your new neighbourhood. Go for a walk on the boardwalk. At the end of it you will find the Big Fiddle, the Big Red Chair and the Big Fiddle Market. Around sunset time take a few drinks on to the roof and maybe even a steak or two for something different.
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For dinner and drinks try the Governor's Pub & Eatery. On Wednesday nights they have live Irish music. It's just a 5 minute walk from the hotel.
19 Ferry to Argentia - 1N
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This overnight ferry from North Sydney in Nova Scotia to Argentia in Newfoundland is like a mini cruise and a great way to see Blue Whales and remote coastline. There are cafes, restaurants and pubs onboard so you won't need to take anything. With the price of buses and taxis it's just as easy to hang on to the car and make use of it's convenience. The ferry leaves at 5.30 pm and should arrive around around 10 am in the morning.
20 - 25 St. John's - 6N
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If you feel like a coffee or some breakfast before you head off go down to nearby Placentia which has a few places. Then it's a 2 hour drive via Dildo to St. John's.
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Why go by way of Dildo you may ask. Well think of the souvenirs and presents you can buy. Like I Love Dildo T - shirts. They have a big sign like HOLLYWOOD. Think of the photo opportunities around town. Have a beer outside on the deck at the waterside Dildo Brewing Company. They have tastings, a museum and merchandise. There are other shops around town that sell merchandise. The Dildo Dory Grill does some pretty mean fish and chips and have a large waterside deck with great views.
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Nobody is sure how Dildo got it's name but the local postmistress is pretty sure they've been around longer than artificial penises. However this report claims they were used in the ice age 28,000 years ago. Recently the town was discovered by late night host Jimmy Kimmel and it led to him being named honorary mayor. Say hi to Captain Dildo while you're here.
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St. John's the capital of Newfoundland is known as the Rock and this is as unique a destination as you could find. The people are amazing, the scenery is breathtaking and the night life is legendary.
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Stay at or near The Duckworth Inn **** - 4 minute walk from George Street night life, restaurant, terrace, bar, there is public parking nearby and charges may apply
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Or The Elizabeth Manor Guesthouse - self service gursthouse with free public parking
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DoubleTree by Hilton St. John's Harbourview *** - restaurant, fitness centre parking C$10 per day
Car Trips
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Hang on to the car for a couple of days to look around town and do these two day trips. Or check out the tours at the bottom of the page which go to some of the same places. Or you could do some by e-bike if the weather is nice. There are also plenty for chasing whales, puffins and icebergs. See below.
Sunday
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#1 - St. John's Highlights - do this on your second day (Sunday) so you can have brunch at Mallard Cottage - Quidi Vidi Brewing Company, beer made from icebergs - Signal Hill for the firing of the cannon at noon - Cape Spear Lighthouse, the most Easterly point in North America - Chafes Landing, when you're ready for the best Chowder - North Atlantic Ziplines - Maddox Cove and Petty Harbour - Home
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Monday
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#2 - Killick Coast Scenic Drive - drive to Paradise - Portugal Cove, for the 20 min ferry ride to - Bell Island - Pouch Cove - Cape St. Francis Lighthouse - East Coast Trail - from Cape St. Francis Lighthouse to Cripple Cove - Flat Rock - spot a few icebergs - back home
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Around Town
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Pippy Park Golf Club - see Whales and Icebergs as you walk the course
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Iceberg Quests Boat Tour to see Puffins, Whales and Icebergs
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St. John's Haunted Hike - Sinners & Spirits tour / Ghosties & Ghoulies tour
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Iceberg Season
Eat
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Bagel Cafe - Voted best breakfast
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Yellow Belly Brewery - Eggs Benedict Pizza
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The Guv'nor - Weekend brunch with 241 Caesar specials
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St. John's best Toutons
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The Hungry Heart Cafe - Newfoundland fare supporting abused women
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The Duke of Duckworth Pub & Eatery - David Bowie was here
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Image by gloverbh222 from Pixabay
Jellybean Row
Drink
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George Street - Live Music
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Screech In - Screech is Newfoundland Rum - A Screech-in is an initiation ceremony to make you an honorary Newfoundlander. You have a shot of Rum (Screech), there is a short recitation and then you kiss a Cod. Trapper John's, O'Reilly's and Christian's Pub are three of the more famous places to get it done. You will be presented with a certificate.
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Brewdock - Beer Garden
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Jack Axes - throw axes
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The Ship Pub - live music
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Bridie Molloy's - live music
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Fly back to Montreal and on home. If you want to continue the good times there are direct flights from Montreal to Iceland - Cuba - Jamaica - Yucatan - Brazil and a host of other places.
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About Us
This website is aimed at providing inexperienced, or any other travellers with easy to follow itineraries to help make their journeys hassle free and fun. Making independent travel both doable as well as being more economical and rewarding. It endeavours to provide the necessary information in a simple and easy to follow manner as well as educating and entertaining. It hopes that seasoned and armchiar travellers will also find much of interest and inspiration. Finally the more people we can get travelling the more chance we will have of all getting along together.
