Hello there!
What a magnificent week we’re having in Ottawa.
Spring has sprung,
the grass is riz;
I wonder where the birdies is.
The trees aren’t quite budding yet (this picture was taken during a walk along the Ottawa River last Saturday), but they are starting, and hope and new possibilities are in the air.
It’s a time of rebirth. And it’s starting in travel too.
I’ve been booking 2022 and 2023 for cruises, but, I’m also starting to see interest from folks to visit where they can now. Last week, I talked about Staycations, and visiting hotels within driving distance of Ottawa (featuring Manoir Hovey, ShangriLa Toronto, Ritz Carlton Montreal) – see https://lushlife.ca/staycation/
This week, I’m featuring a few holidays that are a little further out domestically with some interesting getaways.
Such as:
1. a polar bear getaway to Churchill,
2. an escorted tour of the Maritimes,
3. Spirit of the Rockies – a Western Canada getaway with a Rocky Mountaineer tour,
4. a bike tour of Quebec, and
5. a hiking trip to the East Coast Trail in Newfoundland.
1.) A polar bear tour of Churchill – OCTOBER 14-19, 2021
Experience the thrill of seeing majestic polar bears in their natural habitat! Visit Churchill, Manitoba, a remote and rugged northern town known for its proximity to polar bears in their natural habitat and incredible nature. Make lasting memories with two days of bear-viewing excursions via Tundra Buggy and a dog sledding adventure.
The Great Canadian Wilderness is both mesmerizing and bountiful, and continues to set Canada apart as one of the most breathtaking countries in the world. Venture out and get up close to wildlife inhabitants while embarking on unforgettable journeys.
- Round-trip flights from Ottawa to Winnipeg to Churchill
- 5 nights of accommodation
- 2 days of Tundra Buggy for Polar Bear and wildlife viewing
- Dog sledding
- All meals from breakfast on Day 2 through dinner on Day 5
Leave Ottawa, Thursday, Oct.14th
Return Tuesday, Oct.19th
from $7,835/p CDN (based on double occupancy)
email [email protected] if of interest to you
(other dates may be possible)
2.) an escorted tour of the Maritimes –
MARITIME COASTAL WONDERS – Halifax – Halifax
SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
11 Days | 16 Meals
Twin Rate $4499 | Solo Rate $5949 (excluding flights)
Trail • Prince Edward Island • Anne of Green Gables
Museum • Hopewell Rocks • Fundy Trail •
Lunenburg
see full details here collette cdn maritimes
3.) Spirit of the Rockies – a Western Canada getaway with a Rocky Mountaineer tour –
14 May 22 –25 May 22
Have you ever wanted to see western Canada? How about this trip – includes a Rocky Mountaineer train ride, and so much more!
Nothing lifts your spirits like sunny days, blue skies, and even bluer water – not to mention soaring peaks, stunning glaciers, and heartwarming wildlife. This lofty tour of Western Canada leads you to see the inspirational sights of British Columbia and Alberta – and from a variety of vantage points. Enjoy a two-day scenic rail journey from bustling Vancouver to the still beauty of Banff National Park; cross the 750-foot-thick Columbia Icefield aboard an exciting Ice Explorer; then get ready to melt as you ferry to the “garden city” of Victoria to tiptoe through the tulips. You’ll also relish the timeless scenery of Jasper National Park and the newer resorts of Sun Peaks and Whistler. These dream sights are complemented by the dreamiest of hotels as you rest your wonder-filled head at the best of the Fairmont Collection, including the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Banff Springs Hotel, Chateau Lake Louise, Jasper Park Lodge, and the Chateau Whistler Resort.
small group departure – $7,433/p based on double – limited availability (other dates may be available)
Let me know if you’d like more details. This year is the year to SEE CANADA!
4.) a bike tour of Quebec – Quebec’s Blueberry Bicycle Route – June 24-29, 2021
- Cycle the 256km bicycle circuit around Saint-Jean Lake near Quebec
- Explore Point Taillon National Park
- Experience Lac-St-Jean beaches and stunning views
- Enjoy Blueberries, blueberry pies, blueberry chocolate and much more!
- Sampling craft brews and cheeses
- Learn about Indigenous history and Quebecois culture
- Visit the Historic Village of Val Jalbert
Introductory. The Veloroute Des Bleuets is an easy, mostly flat, and paved 256 km cycling network of bike paths, paved shoulders, and designated low-traffic road surfaces. Distances each day are short, so this itinerary is suitable for even the most beginner cyclists, including active children 7 years and older. *Optional cycle route extension of up to 130km to La Baie on the Saguenay River is much more hilly and would be graded ‘moderate’ – for more experienced cyclists. Please contact us for details. Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!). Cyclists will be expected to know how to fix a flat tire and make basic adjustments to their bicycles using the included repair kit. Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure
other dates may be available
5.) East Coast Trail in Newfoundland – July 16-23, 2021
– Hiking, Self-Guided – level 5, moderate
- Enjoy stunning coastal multi-day hiking
- Opportunities to spot whales, icebergs, puffins, and moose
- Discover colourful and historic fishing villages and communities
- Step foot on the most easterly point of North America
- Experience first-hand friendly Newfoundland hospitality
- Lunch with a view on a Ferryland Lighthouse Picnic
- starting at $2500/p based double
- other dates may be available
Daily walks are between 8km and 16km on well marked trails over diverse and often rugged terrain – from relatively flat to short, steep sections. Most of the walk is on trail with some boarded surfaces, exposed tree roots, and likely mud and/or rocks to scramble over. You should pay particular attention to your footwear to ensure that it is suitable to avoid blisters and rolling ankles. This is not a trip for breaking in new hiking boots! Be sure you have tried and tested your boots in wet conditions and over uneven terrain. Route finding will be reasonably straightforward (refer to information regarding self guided adventures) but days are long and weather conditions will be variable. The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities, and along rocky shores. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the views, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. Self guided walking requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure.
Let me know if you’d like to See Canada!
Contact [email protected]