The past 2 years have brought some amazing Canadian travel adventures. Of the 7 provinces visited so far, 3 of them have been new in the last 2 years (Alberta, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island).
2013 also brought a renewal to how wonderful Vancouver can truly be. And the Maritimes trip was breathtaking.
So what will 2014 bring?
The Vancouver trip reminded me that I need to spend time at familiar places, too. Toronto is long overdue for a trip. This year's surprise destination may be Ottawa.
I had an extremely brief layover in 2009 on the way back from Halifax. I want to explore the Byward Market, see Hull and Gatineau up close. Check out a few neighborhoods, some museums, and, well, a RedBlacks game.
The ease of renting a car in New Brunwsick and Prince Edward Island reminds me that certain destinations are easier to find by car. I still have dreams of getting to a sugar shack in Quebec, but not likely in 2014.
The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame is a focal point. Being in St. Mary's is a bit out of the way, but could explore London as well.
I have not forgotten Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador: the 3 provinces I still have not hit yet. And the CFL is calling to go to Blue Bombers and Roughriders games. And I will love the half-hour difference in Newfoundland's time zone.
Windsor will not be ignored, whether it's a day trip for my birthday in 2013 or in November for the international film festival. I get a truly warm reception every year and my appreciation is beyond words.
Previous coverage:
What activities remain on your Canada bucket list?
Perhaps you have a cool Canadian place, big or small, for me to try out in 2014 and beyond. Feel free to leave any ideas and suggestions for me and other people to travel to Canada.
My bucket list for Canada includes the following:
1. A winter trip to Ottawa to skate the Rideau Canal.
2. Yellowknife in the Yukon Territories to see the Northern Lights.
3. Iceberg watching/cocktail making in Newfoundland.
4. A cross-Canada trip on the Rocky Mountaineer.
5. Spend a night in Quebec's "Ice Hotel".
6. Attend a Grey Cup game.
7. Tour the CBC headquarters and attend tapings.
8. Meet Rosalie Trombley of the great CKLW.
9. Explore more of Banff national park.
10. PEI: Anne of Green Gables!
Posted by: RLF | January 09, 2014 at 11:07 AM
If you like outdoor activites, hiking the chilkoot trail is an experience. The ride back on the Whitehorse Pass Yukon Railway is well worth the ticket. If you make it to Toronto before september, drop me a line. I'd be happy to play tour guide.
Posted by: veronica | January 10, 2014 at 08:43 AM
I've done #10, but not the actual "theme park." I was in Cavendish and went to the water. What a gorgeous beach. Don't know about Ms. Trombley, though I do remember the classic CKLW. I've seen some of Banff National Park, but a tiny fraction. Great list.
Posted by: Chad | January 10, 2014 at 01:03 PM
Train travel is definitely a must to see a lot of this great country. I do want to work my way to the territories; don't want to leave them out of the exchange. And thanks Veronica for the offer. Merci and Thanks.
Posted by: Chad | January 10, 2014 at 01:04 PM
Hey there. It's just come to my attention that the TIFF Lightbox offers free guided tours of their building. Since you're a cinephile, I thought maybe it would be of interest when you next visit Toronto. Details are here: http://tiff.net/toursandtalks
Posted by: veronica | January 22, 2014 at 01:49 PM
That is a great idea, Veronica. And I need a trip to Toronto sometime in 2014. Thanks.
Posted by: Chad | January 22, 2014 at 02:43 PM