All that and much more is on the menu when you check into your suite-with-a-lake-view at the Hotel Quintessence in the Laurentian Mountains at the foot of Mont Tremblant, Québec’s premier ski resort. Getting there is a 90-minute drive north of Montréal  – or a direct flight from New York City or Toronto.

Just minutes from the bustling ski lifts of Tremblant’s European-styled pedestrian-friendly ski village, Quintessence is a luxury boutique twice named Condé Nast Johansens’ Most Excellent Small Hotel in North America, most recently in March 2011. It’s all about decadence as you pass through the wood paneled lobby with its grand stone fireplace and curving staircase to one of 30 luxury suites catered to by a private concierge. But, being Québec, there is a casual ambience.

The resort delivers a huge range of “quintessential” winter activities: downhill skiing and snowboarding atop Mont Tremblant; snowshoeing; or cross-country skiing on the 150-km network of trails through woods, alongside rivers and lakes and over tiny bridges.

If all that sounds like too much work, slip into a sled and let the dogs do the panting, hop a helicopter ride over the winter landscape or zoom a snowmobile through a winter playground on a guided excursion.

In the dining room and wine bar, chef Jean-François Lalandec transforms local Québec products into gourmet meals like rack of lamb stuffed with chanterelles. But he also creates deluxe après-ski comfort food like macaroni and aged cheddar with bacon, cassoulet. There’s certain to be something amid the 5,000 bottles in the wine cellar tasting room to complement whatever you’re noshing.

For relaxation and re-charging there is the hotel’s Sans Sabot spa offering massages and treatments. Nearby is the Scandinave Spa, the genuine Finnish hot-cold/indoor-outdoor experience that can include tiptoeing through snow for a refreshing dunk in the icy du Diable River. Or simply curl up in your room in front of a blazing wood-burning fireplace lit by your very own Wood Concierge.

Article courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission Media Centre

Writers Bio: Award-winning, Montréal, QC-based freelance writer and photographer Margo Pfeiff’s work has appeared in Lonely Planet guidebooks, Reader’s Digest, GEO,enRoute, explore, Canadian Geographic, Outpost, The Walrus, up here, LosAngeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, National Post and The Globe and Mail. She is working on a book about contemporary life in Nunavut.

The Canadian economy generated 17,000 new jobs a month on average during the third quarter of 2011, down from 29,000 new jobs a month in the second quarter and 33,000 in the first quarter. The CIBC Employment Quality Index (EQI) fell by 0.5 per cent in the third quarter and is down by 1.5 per cent over the past seven months.

“The decline in our quality index over the past seven months is not so obvious when one glances at the headline statistics,” says Benjamin Tal, deputy chief economist and author of CIBC’s Employment Quality Index. “During this period, paid employment rose faster than self-employment and full-time job creation outpaced growth in part-time jobs. The reason for the index’s decline, despite these positive indicators, is the fact that all the fulltime jobs created during this period were in low-paying sectors.

“Looking ahead, the likelihood is that employment quality in the coming year or so will soften. Key here will be softer public sector hiring in general, and public sector construction activity in particular — a factor that will limit growth in high quality construction jobs in the coming twelve months.”

The recent decline in the EQI followed a strong rebound in job quality that began in early 2010. At its current reading, the index is roughly where it was at the eve of the recession.

However, job quality is not uniform across the country. While Ontario, British Columbia and Atlantic Canada weighed down the national number with declines in overall employment quality, Alberta, Québec and Manitoba/Saskatchewan saw improvements over the last seven months.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Jobs: Full-time employment rose by 1.2 per cent during the past seven months accounting for all of the increase in employment during the period. This factor acted as a positive for the index.

Self-Employment vs. Paid Employment: Paid employment rose by 1.2 per cent vs. only a 0.1 per cent increase in the number of self-employed. This was also a positive contributor to the index over the past seven months.

Compensation: During the past seven months, the number of full-time jobs in high-paying industries fell by 0.1 per cent while the number of jobs in low-paying industries rose by 2.3 per cent. This diverging performance is the sole reason for the recent decline in CIBC’s EQI index. The most notable weakness was in high job quality sectors such as the federal government, heavy and civil engineering construction, telecommunications and computer and related manufacturing. Strong job growth in sectors such as machinery manufacturing and professional scientific and technical services helped to limit the damage.

Percentage Change in EQI by Province 
Q1-2011 vs. Q3-2011

The CIBC Canadian Employment Quality Index (EQI), combines information on:

• the distribution of part-time vs. full-time jobs;
• self-employment vs. paid employment;
• and the compensation ranking of full-time paid employment jobs in more than 100 industry groups

The complete CIBC World Markets report is available at: http://research.cibcwm.com/economic_public/download/eqi-cda-20111102.pdf.

Search for jobs across Canada

With much of the country’s infrastructure seriously underfunded, and governments running deficits, policy-makers are being increasingly tempted by tolls as a way to pay for roads and bridges. The federal government recently announced plans to replace Montreal’s Champlain Bridge over the next decade, with the $5-billion project using a toll system.

Nearly one in three respondents to the survey said they’d read or heard something about the Montreal bridge announcement last week. Of those who do support tolls, eight per cent said they “strongly support” them. That was compared to 15 per cent who said they “strongly oppose” them.

But for most people, opinions on tolls are less extreme. Nearly three-quarters of respondents either opposed or supported tolls, without taking a strong stand either way. That could make for unpredictable debates.

“The strength of the opinion for most people is not strong opinion it’s a weaker opinion,” said Doug Anderson, senior vice-president of Harris Decima.

“I’d say a lengthy public debate would see opinions firm up and that could go either way.”

The poll suggested older Canadians and those with higher household incomes would be most likely to support tolls. Meanwhile, those under age 35 and from a lower-income bracket would be most opposed to tolls as would a majority of NDP supporters.

With regard to the new Quebec bridge project, the NDP has expressed some concern that a privately controlled bridge, combined with user fees, could wind up gouging commuters.

West of Quebec, support for tolls ranged from a low of 42 per cent in Ontario to 51 per cent in British Columbia. In Manitoba and Saskatchewan, support stood at 49 per cent, while Alberta came in at 45 per cent.

Painting Canada: Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven is a special exhibit of their work at London’s Dulwich Picture Gallery, running from Oct. 19 to Jan. 8, 2012.

These early 20^th-century artists travelled by train, canoe and on foot into the wilderness, taking their sketchbooks with them. They were, perhaps, our first tourists. The places they painted are still inspiring visitors today.

Algonquin Provincial Park – Tom Thomson spent summers fishing, canoeing and sketching in Ontario’s first provincial park. Wild rivers, placid lakes, wind-ravaged pine trees all captured his eye. After his tragic death in 1917 – his body was found in Canoe Lake – his friends built a memorial cairn at one of his favourite camping spots, then went on to form the Group of Seven.

A.Y. Jackson, Winter, Québec / courtesy National Gallery

Charlevoix, Quebec – A.Y. Jackson was considered the driving force behind the group and loved to venture into the winter landscapes on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. Locals called him ‘Pere Raquette’ or Father Snowshoes for his habit of exploring on snowshoes. His paintingRoad to Baie-St. Paul captures a tiny village swathed in drifts of snow – a perfect ode to a Canadian winter.

Agawa Canyon and Ontario’s Algoma Country  on the north shore of Lake Superior were a big draw for the artists, especially in autumn when maple leaves turn brilliant orange and red. You can still journey by train into the canyon, through the granite rock of the Canadian Shield and past roaring rivers, unspoiled lakes and tumbling waterfalls.

Killarney Wilderness Park and La Cloche Mountains – Artist Franklin Carmichael built a cottage here in Ontario, while A.Y. Jackson was so enchanted with the white quartzite hills and crystal clear lakes that he campaigned for the area’s protection. Today, the park offers unbeatable canoeing and hiking.

Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park Among outdoor enthusiasts, this wilderness park in British Columbia tops their ‘to do’ lists. Again and again. Turquoise, glacier-fed lakes and soaring mountain peaks inspired Group of Seven artist J.E.H. MacDonald to write, “I got to the beautiful Lake O’Hara lying in a rainbow sleep, under the steeps of Mount Lefroy and the waterfalls of Oesa. And there I realized some of the blessedness of mortals.”

Article courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission Media Centre

Writers Bio: Suzanne Morphet is passionate about exploring Canada and writing about it. She knows she’d need many lifetimes to do it justice…. So with just one, she’s working hard to see and share as much as she can. Her travel stories have appeared in The Globe and Mail, up! magazine (West Jet’s in-flight magazine), Homemakers and numerous other publications. Morphet recently co-authored The Vancouver Island Book of Everything. She is based in Victoria, BC.

It’s ‘All Aboard!’ for this new train that departs Québec City for La Malbaie in the Charlevoix region of Québec.

This train has been worth the wait. For much of the 140 km route, it runs alongside the St. Lawrence River, a river so big locals refer to it as ‘la mer’. On the other side of the track are the Laurentian Mountains, beautiful at any time of year and particularly so in the fall as maple trees turn red and orange.

The train itself is an attraction. The six railcars dating from the 1950s have been stripped down and fully refurbished in a contemporary style. Each one carries 68 passengers. A multi-media presentation reveals the region’s history and culture as the natural scenery unfolds outside. The train leaves Québec City each morning and returns each evening.

The journey is a gastronomic adventure as well. The executive chef of the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu hotel in La Malbaie, Jean-Michel Breton, is in charge of creating gourmet meals. The region is well known for its abundant agricultural produce, locally made cheeses, hand-crafted ales and creative chefs, so be prepared for some amazing food.

Once at La Malbaie, you’ll want to wander through the historic Fairmont hotel or stay the night. It was originally built by the Canada Steamship Lines in 1899 and re-built in 1928 after a fire. It symbolizes the glory days of Charlevoix when well-heeled tourists arrived by steamship or train. (Yes, there were other trains before this one.)

In winter, the new train stops at the base of Le Massif for skiers to get off, and at the company’s new hotel complex in Baie-Saint-Paul.

The train, as well as the ski resort and the new hotel complex, are all the brainchild of Daniel Gauthier. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he co-founded Cirque du Soleil, Canada’s famed artistic entertainment company that started in Baie-Saint-Paul.

If you know anything about Cirque du Soleil, you’ll know not to underestimate Gauthier – or his former business partner, Guy Laliberté – who has also invested in this project. If they can re-invent the circus, imagine what they are doing with a train.

Article courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission Media Centre

Writers Bio: Suzanne Morphet is passionate about exploring Canada and writing about it. She knows she’d need many lifetimes to do it justice…. So with just one, she’s working hard to see and share as much as she can. Her travel stories have appeared in The Globe and Mail, up! magazine (West Jet’s in-flight magazine), Homemakers and numerous other publications. Morphet recently co-authored The Vancouver Island Book of Everything. She is based in Victoria, BC.

You must have the intention of going to Quebec, but there is no minimum amount of time that you have to live in Quebec. With the Quebec immigrant investor program, you are issued with full Canadian (not just Quebec) permanent residency. This means that you will be allowed to live and work wherever you want in Canada.

As a French province, it is easier to settle in Quebec if you are a French speaker but it is not a necessity. A bilingual labour pool, proximity to North American markets and tax breaks for new businesses are some of the many reasons that new businesspeople choose Quebec as a destination.

In order to submit an application to the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program you must meet the following general requirements:

• Have net assets of at least $1,600,000 CAN obtained legally
• Have management experience
• Either borrow $800,000 CAN for 5 years or loan the government $800,000 for five years without any interest.

The third requirement needs to be explained. Even though it is called an “investor” visa, there is no true investment. You are not risking any funds in a business venture. Rather you are making an interest free 5 year loan to the government of $800,000 and you may borrow the $800,000 without providing security for the loan. The cost for this kind of visa is therefore the lost interest that you would have earned on this money or the amount of interest that you pay to borrow the money from a lender. If you borrow from designated Canadian lenders, you are not required to provide security from the loan because the lenders know that the loan is guaranteed by the government.

With the recent cap on Federal investors, there has unsurprisingly been an increase in the number of Quebec applications. From January 1^st – July 31^st 2011 a total of 1,329 applications were received, with over 25% of those applications received in July alone. Almost 70% of these applications come from Asia.

When there is so much money at stake it only makes sense for you to use an experienced representative. Be careful – Quebec has its own list of authorized designated representatives which has been in force since February of this year. A representative must be as follows:

• members in good standing of the Barreau du Québec
• members in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec
• individuals who have been granted special authorization issued by one of the two above-mentioned organizations
• recognized immigration consultants who are registered with the Registre québécois des consultants en immigration

When looking into hiring a representative it is imperative for you to do your research. You must ensure that your representative has the required qualifications to provide advice, has extensive experience dealing with Quebec Investor applications and that they may be authorized to represent a Quebec application. The ideal representative will have knowledge in taxation as well as all relocation matters to help you (and your family) settle in smoothly.

Writers Bio: Ian Goldman of Goldman Associates has been granted special authorization by the Barreau de Québec to represent individuals applying to Quebec. With over 18 years of experience as an immigration lawyer he will be happy to offer a complimentary (no fee) detailed consultation to anyone interested in applying as an Investor. Please email info@immigrationtocanada.org for further information.

“Travellers spent $1 trillion on tourism globally in 2010 — that’s $3 billion dollars a day or $2 million a minute. We want more than our fair share of that revenue,” says Michele McKenzie, the president and CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission.

McKenzie recently announced the launch of “Signature Experiences Collection” at a tourism conference in Banff, Alta. It’s a compilation of 48 Canadian tourism enterprises from coast to coast to coast. It will be marketed in 11 countries and initially be rolled out in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Australia.

“Tourism is one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world and it’s become a very high stakes game and one in which countries are competing to win and Canada is competing to win,” McKenzie says.

“Winning countries are those that offer exotic experiences, a strong tourism brand, great infrastructure and effective collaboration between government and tourism partners.”

Canada’s Rocky Mountains, skiing and history aren’t enough to attract the international visitors flush with cash, although some tried and true events such as the Calgary Stampede, ice wine tours, Niagara Falls in Ontario and winery tours in British Columbia still make the grade.

Also on the list are the Grand Festival of Winter and the Ice Hotel in Quebec; iceberg viewing in Newfoundland and Labrador; the Plain of the Six Glaciers Tea House Ride in Alberta; dogsled adventures in the Northwest Territories, and a cowboy adventure in Saskatchewan.

“Simply having a positive image as a country does not translate into a compelling reason to visit,” says McKenzie.

“Our challenge was to inspire our customers with a Canada that offered more than spectacular scenery but to offer tourism experiences that rival those of even our most exotic competitors.”

The recession has taken a toll on the travel sector, says Kevin Stanton, owner and operator of Brewster Adventures in Banff. He says the program is needed to win international markets. The concept appears to be working.

“We sent some guests out on an overnight trip and halfway through their trip, a wild horse colt decided to join the people. That horse went all the way to their overnight camp and came back,” he said.

“Those international people will never forget that. It was an experience of a lifetime for them.”

The initiative should encourage the rest of the world to visit Canada, said Maxime Bernier, minister of state for small business and tourism. Bernier admits to having visited only one of the 48 experiences in the campaign — the Ice Hotel in Quebec City.

Canada has benefited from the publicity surrounding the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and more recently the visit by Prince William and Kate, he said.

“It’s something very special and also it was free all across the world in different markets like in the United Kingdom,” said Bernier.

“Experiences like that can also bring other international travellers here.”

An official with the Calgary Stampede estimates that international visitors have dropped off 5 to 10 per cent the past couple of years, but senses that things are beginning to turn around.

Lindsay Galloway said the publicity that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge gave to the Stampede, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2012, is priceless.

Prince William and his bride, Kate, wore western garb, including the famous white cowboy hats, while riding a stagecoach. They also took part in the Stampede parade.

“The coverage we’re receiving around the world is unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable. It’s great for the Stampede, it’s great for Alberta and the country,” he said.

“Them wearing cowboy hats is a lasting image around the world that will just serve our city so well.”

Despite the challenge of long, cold winters, owners Pierre Pellerin and Christine Deschesnes defied conventional wisdom – and conquered their own inexperience – to slowly nurture their dream of planting a bit of Provence on 100 acres of land they purchased near the Québec-Vermont border. After a false start in 2002 (the first winter killed off all but 10,000 plants), Bleu Lavande now boasts over 300,000 true lavender plants under cultivation, all grown without chemicals or pesticides, making it the second-biggest operation of its kind in North America.

A farmstead boutique opened in 2004, and there are now many Bleu Lavande shops across the province, including several in the Montreal area. But even if it’s a bit out of the way, there is a lot more in store for visitors to the original location. You’ll find the brand’s full range of lavender-based products, from lotions, soaps and cleaning products, to lavender cooking ingredients, chocolates and honey, as well as candles, linen water and even potted English and Munstead lavender plants (the latter’s petals are edible).

During warm months, there are also lots of unique activities, including guided tours of the farm and distillery offering insight on lavender oil’s calming effects and antiseptic properties, catered picnics featuring local products, and relaxing open-air massages overlooking the tranquil sea of purple blooms. Each summer, there’s also a three-day Lavender Fair, with cooking workshops, live music, painting exhibitions and more.

Article courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission Media Centre

Provinces & Territories

Canada has ten province: Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. It also has three territories: Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory and Nunavut.

The main difference between provinces and territories is their constitution. Provinces exercise constitutional powers in their own right, whilst territories exercise delegated powers under the authority of the Parliament of Canada. Any changes to the constitution in the provinces is voted on, but in the territories it is not.

Capital Cities

The capital of Canada is Ottawa, located in Ontario. But strangely Ottawa is not the capital of Ontario, Toronto is. Each province and territory has its own capital city and some may not be the city you think.

• Alberta – Edmonton
• British Columbia – Victoria
• Saskatchewan – Regina
• Manitoba – Winnipeg
• Ontario – Toronto
• Quebec – Quebec City
• New Brunswick – Fredericton
• Nova Scotia – Halifax
• Prince Edward Island – Charlottetown
• Newfoundland & Labrador – St John’s
• Yukon Territory – Whitehorse
• Northwest Territories – Yellowknife
• Nunavut – Iqaluit

Every province and territory also has its own flower

Flowers

Every province and territory also has its own flower. If you don’t know what these look like refer to the image accompanying the article.

• Alberta – Wild Rose
• British Columbia  – Pacific Dogwood
• Saskatchewan – Western Red Lily
• Manitoba – Prairie Crocus
• Ontario – White Trillium
• Quebec – Blue Flag Iris
• New Brunswick – Purple Violet
• Nova Scotia – Mayflower
• Prince Edward Island – Lady’s Slipper
• Newfoundland & Labrador – Pitcher Plant
• Yukon Territory – Fireweed
• Northwest Territories – Mountain Averns
• Nunavut – Purple Saxifrage

All provinces and territories also have their own provincial birds

Birds

All provinces and territories also have their own provincial birds , again please refer to the images to put a name to a feather.

• Alberta – Great Horned Owl
• British Columbia – Steller’s jay
• Saskatchewan – Sharp Tailed Grouse
• Manitoba – Great Grey Owl
• Ontario – Common Loon
• Quebec – Snowy Owl
• New Brunswick – Black Capped Chickadee
• Nova Scotia – Osprey
• Prince Edward Island – Blue Jay
• Newfoundland & Labrador – Atlantic Puffin
• Yukon Territory – Common Raven
• Northwest Territories – Gry Falcon
• Nunavut – Rock Ptarmigan

Mottos

Did you know that each of the provinces also has a motto? Some are a little odd, but the one which we feel suits the province best is Prince Edward Island.

• Alberta – Strong and free
• British Columbia – Splendour without diminishment
• Saskatchewan – From many peoples, strength
• Manitoba – Glorious and free
• Ontario – Loyal she began and loyal she remains
• Quebec – I remember
• New Brunswick – Hope was restored
• Nova Scotia – One defends the other conquers
• Prince Edward Island – The small under the protection of the great
• Newfoundland & Labrador – Seek ye first the kingdom of God

Only Nunavut of the territories has a motto: Our land, our strength.

“Housing starts increased modestly in May due to an increase in multiple construction in most provinces and in rural starts,” said Bob Dugan, chief economist at CMHC’s Market Analysis Centre. ”The increase in multiples and rural starts was partly offset by a decrease in single starts.”

Urban starts increased 0.8 per cent to an annual rate of 161,000 units in May. Urban multiple starts were up four per cent to 100,000 units, while single urban starts fell 4.1 per cent to 61,000 units. May’s annual rate of urban starts increased 33.3 per cent in British Columbia, 13.5 per cent in Quebec, 11 per cent in the Atlantic region and 10 per cent in the Prairies. Urban starts fell 22.9 per cent in Ontario.

Rural starts were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 22,600 units in May. TD Bank economist Francis Fong said in a note that affordability is beginning to erode as home price increases have significantly outpaced income and job growth.

“With the Bank of Canada set to raise interest rates later this year affordability will weaken further, putting downward pressure on overall prices and, thus, construction activity,” Fong wrote.

“TD Economics anticipates housing starts to run below their long-run sustainable level over the next few years as multi-unit building slowly unwinds.”

CIBC World Markets economist Krishen Rangasamy said housing starts reached a peak of around 200,000 in the first quarter of last year and the numbers have been on a gradual decline ever since, even with low interest rates.

“And with a recent softening in the pace of existing home sales, the listing to sales ratio rose to a seven-month high in April. So, we may see some softness ahead for housing,” Rangasamy said.

“We expect housing starts to continue to soften — a 10 per cent or so drop in starts compared to last year — as home prices stagnate in light of higher interest rates in the second half of the year.”

The Happiness Monitor canvassed 5,000 Canadians 16 years and older. Respondents were asked about all things “happiness” including social networks, active living, work and the influence of Canadian icons and landscapes in their lives. Results showed more than half of Canadians believe they are happier than the average person. The number-one contributing factor to personal happiness is family or a significant other at 71 per cent.

The Happiness Monitor Highlights

Go Canada Go! Canada’s gold medal win in men’s hockey at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games was the happiest national sporting event for almost half of the country (47 per cent).  The 1972 Canada vs. USSR series was a distant second at 17 per cent.

Natural wonders….

Drawn to the vast landscape of astonishing natural and rugged beauty, close to one third of Canadians (32 per cent) say that the Rockies in Banff, Alberta, make them the happiest.

• The runners up? The dance of the Northern Lights, which light up 26 per cent of the population, and Niagara Falls, a popular tourist destination and source of natural happiness for 15 per cent of the country.
• The rugged Rocky Mountains are a popular source of scenic happiness amongst men and older citizens, while women and younger Canadians were more likely to cite the Northern Lights.
• Third-generation Canadians, also partial to the Northern Lights, were less likely to choose the thundering waters of Niagara Falls as the natural phenomenon that makes them the happiest.
• The Falls scored big points with Canadian parents, who cited this natural wonder most often.

Happiness is a helping hand.

Whether by giving time or money, nearly half of Canadians (49 per cent) say that they feel happy when they support charitable causes, with 14 per cent saying it makes them extremely happy.

• In the spirit of giving, almost six in ten Canadians (59 per cent) currently volunteer with charities or give their time/money to show their support.
• Canada’s top causes include providing more food & nutrition opportunities to disadvantaged children (29 per cent), helping and protecting animals (20 per cent) and protecting the environment (17 per cent).
• Volunteering occurs most often amongst first-generation Canadians, females, and citizens who are older than 25. Self-described as “equally happy as” or “happier than” the average person, these Canadians, who are currently helping others, gave themselves a high score both now and five years down the road.

How happy are Canadians?

Canadians were asked to rank their current “life right now” on a ten-step ladder, with the top rung representing the “best possible life” and the bottom rung representing the “worst possible life”. On average Canadians scored their “life right now” a 6.7 out of 10. When asked to imagine life five years from now, this number jumped to a score of 7.5 out of 10.

Those most likely to put themselves on steps eight, nine and 10 include residents of Quebec, Canadians over 65, married couples, university graduates and those who consider their health to be good or average.

In fact, those more likely to consider themselves happier than the average person are boomers over 65, first-generation Canadians and those earning more than $35,000 a year. However, looking ahead five years, young Canadians are most likely to put themselves on steps eight, nine and 10, suggesting that youthful optimism or a tendency to expect the best (or at least a favourable outcome) is alive and well in our next generation of leaders.

What makes Canadians happy?

It is moments and scenes far away from the “hustle and bustle” of daily social and professional lives that heighten feelings of happiness among Canadians. The top three “happy places” include a camp fire at the cottage or cabin, hanging out at home and reading a book, while lakes, oceans and mountains rank among our favourite scenery.

Family and friends are also key contributors to Canadians’ happiness with nearly all respondents citing family dinners as an activity that brings them happiness. When it comes to friends, slightly less than half of the population say their network consists of less than 10 friends.  Interestingly, those who say they are happier than the average person are more likely to have more friends in their network and as a network of friends decreases, so too does an individual’s score on the “best possible life right now ladder.”

Who is the happiest?

What makes Canadians happy varies from coast to coast, as well as between genders, generations and geographic locations. Their own provinces aside, Canadians generally believe that British Columbia is the happiest province. Comparatively, Quebec residents are one of the happiest groups in the country when measured against the national average.

All the while she performed her music at assorted shows and festivals, and in 1995 released her debut album Comme de la musique. A year later she received the first Fondation Félix-Leclerc prize awarded by the FrancoFolies de Montréal, and played Place des Arts. In 1997, she opened for Georges Moustaki at the Casino de Paris, and won the Prix Sentier des Halles. She also won a Jutra Award as best supporting actress for the film Full Blast (1999).

She teamed up with avant-garde guitarist-producer Bernard Falaise for her second album, La Maline (2000), and the musical theatre creation Arbre à fruits, which both gained Marie-Jo yet more plaudits. By 2004, she had moved to France to finish Les matins habitables, becoming the first Canadian to record for the highly regarded Naive label, selling 50,000 copies (gold) and winning the 2006 Félix Award for best contemporary folk album.

And now, with the new double album Chasing Lydie, Marie-Jo Therio has broken out from her Francophone world and released her debut English-language album.

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Often associated with the establishment and development of ethnocultural communities, Boulevard Saint-Laurent has been the gateway to Québec for thousands of immigrants searching for a better future. In 1996, the government of Canada designated this grand boulevard as a national historic site, thereby commemorating it as a sign of hope and an essential passage for newcomers.

Eleven kilometres long, the Main crosses practically every important street, avenue and boulevard in Québec’s largest city. Running north-south and dividing the city into East and West, Montréal’s principal thoroughfare draws droves of people in search of its intense cultural life, hip restaurants, and friendly urban lifestyle. Also treasured by the artistic community, it has inspired such major writers as Mordecai Richler and Michel Tremblay, in The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz and Sainte-Carmen de la Main, respectively.

Warm and welcoming, it is home both to essential services and to entertainment venues. In bygone days, it boasted a large concentration of places for a good time. From loose women to impossible love stories, the Main has always had a libertine reputation. As a part of town known for vice, where erotic shows, houses of debauchery, clandestine gaming houses and places to smoke all sorts of illegal products were established, it earned Montréal the nickname of “Sin City”.

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Thirteen species of whale can be viewed including belugas, humpbacks, fin and the largest mammal ever to live on the earth – the blue whale. Whale watching can be experienced at many locations in the province between May and October. Most require you to get on a boat and travel to where they congregate, but you may also be lucky enough to be able to view whales from the safety of the shore.

The Whale Route (Route des baleines) is an area running along the north shoreline of the Gulf of St. Lawrence where all thirteen species of whale can be viewed. The Route stretches over 900 km (560 miles) and encompasses forests, beaches, campgrounds, towns and villages. There are sections which are accessible for cyclists as well as offering opportunities for water sports enthusiasts.

The start of the journey is Tadoussac which sits on the banks of the Sanguenay Fiord. Close by is Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park which offers some of the best whale watching opportunities in Canada from both land and water. The fjord creates very deep water that the wales love meaning some can be seen within a few meters of the shoreline. But if you want the true whale watching experience you need to get on a boat and go to them.

The Marine Park is one of the national marine conservation areas of Parks Canada. This means that although the tourism industry is very important to the area, the wildlife is protected. A code of ethics has been in place for many years to help protect the whale species in their natural habitat whilst at the same time allowing visitors to view them.

Although the whole route offers great whale watching opportunities there are some areas which stand out. We mentioned Tadoussac, this is one of the main departure points for boar tours. Further down the coast, Les Escoumins is another village offering many boat tours.

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He also holds the post of President of Développement économique – CLD Gatineau and the Commission conjointe d’aménagement de l’Outaouais. He sits as a member of the Big City Mayors Caucus of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, of the executive committee and the board of directors of the Union des municipalités du Québec and of the Conférence régionale des élus de l’Outaouais.

As an entrepreneur, starting in 1982, he also served as acting director of recreational services for Rouyn-Noranda.

As an active member of his community, he was the founding member and vice-president of the “Association des gens d’affaires de Hull” and vice-president of the executive committee of the “Commission scolaire des Portages-de-l’Outaouais”.

Born in Abitibi, Mr. Bureau is married to Christiane Gourde and father of four children: Eloï, Audrey, Chloe and Chanel. He has a Bachelor’s degree in recreation from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and a certificate in administration from the Université de Montréal.

Always close to citizens, Mr. Bureau promotes transparency, sound management of public funds, maintenance of basic quality services, development of a safe living environment for all, affordable housing development and promotion of a dynamic economic development in Gatineau.

The environmental protection and sustainable development are at the heart of the actions of Mr. Bureau, who wishes to make Gatineau a city always greener, one city that stands out for its quality of life.

Mr. Bureau gave his time to answer our questions so that we can find out a little more about him.

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Despite the pinch that rising gas and food prices are having on many Canadians’ wallets, the RBC CCO index has risen 3 points to 96, buoyed by modest, across-the-board gains:

• The current conditions sub-index has risen 3 points and now sits at 108 points.
• The expectations sub-index has risen 6 points and now sits at 86 points.
• The investments sub-index has risen 12 points and now sits at 112 points.

Four in ten (38%) Canadians say that they’re confident that they’re managing their debt well, while one in three (35%) think they’re doing OK but know they could be doing a better job. However, two in ten (21%) say they’re just keeping their head above water, 3% say they’re not so good and don’t know where to start, and another 3% admit they’re terrible at managing their debt.

Debt repayment appears to be a priority for many Canadians over the next year. Four in ten (39%) say they intend to pay off as much debt as they can over the next year or so, while three in ten (30%) plan to spend less and one quarter (23%) intend to save or invest more. An additional 25% of Canadians plan to do all of these things over the next year or so, while just one in ten (7%) won’t do any of them.

Thinking about the overall state of the economy, six in ten (61%) would describe the economy as being ‘good’ (4% very/57% somewhat), up 1 point from January. Assessment of the economy is the brightest in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (75%), followed by those living in Alberta (69%), British Columbia (63%), Ontario (61%), Atlantic Canada (61%) and Quebec (55%).

However, job anxiety has risen two points, with 22% of Canadians saying that they or someone in their household is worried about losing their job or being laid off. Ontario, at 28% (an increase of 5 points since January), is considerably more anxious than any other region of the country when it comes to job security. Those living in Quebec (21%), Atlantic Canada (21%), Alberta (18%), British Columbia (17%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (16%) are less nervous about losing their jobs.

Over the next year, four in ten (42%) Canadians believe the national economy will improve (down 1 point). Those most optimistic about the future of the national economy live in Alberta (50%), while Canadians living in British Columbia (46%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (45%), Ontario (44%), Quebec (37%) and Atlantic Canada (33%) are less optimistic.

Four in ten (39%) believe their personal financial situation will improve in the next year (up 1 point), with Albertans (45%) once again leading the way, along with Quebecers (43%). Those living in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (40%), Ontario (39%), British Columbia (36%), and Atlantic Canada (31%) are less inclined to believe that their personal financial situation will improve in the next year.

Three quarters (74%) of Canadians predict that interest rates will increase in the next six months. If rates increase, four in ten (44%) say they’ll spend less in other areas, while one in three (34%) say they’ll find ways to reduce their interest costs or monthly payments. Others will establish/increase their line of credit (5%), while 5% would find out how they could change their mortgage from variable to fixed. Interestingly, three in ten (27%) see higher interest rates as an opportunity, and would increase their savings and/or investments. Two in ten (21%) wouldn’t do any of these things.

Canadians continue to say that they’re delaying major purchases on account of the current economic conditions. A majority (55%) of Canadians maintain that they’ve delayed a major purchase, such as buying a car or household appliance, or a vacation, due to current conditions (up 3 points), with Ontarians (60%) being the most likely to say so. Looking ahead, two in ten (23%) Canadians say they intend to spend ‘more’ (5% much more/18% a little more) on their major purchases this year than last year. Most (32%) don’t anticipate changing their level of spending, or even intend to spend less (44%, 22% much less/22% a little less).

1. Village Historique Acadien, New Brunswick

Outside the town of Caraquet on the Acadian Peninsula are roots so rich they go back four hundred years. This is la belle vie, Acadian style, circa the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Hear the anvil ring in the blacksmith shop. Listen as French fiddlers tap out a lively tune for you during a musical dinner theatre performance. Visit the period lobster hatchery. And don’t leave without trying “poutine râppé”—a traditional Acadian dish of potatoes and pork you can eat with molasses, ketchup, butter or brown sugar.

2. Barkerville Historic Town, British Columbia

In another life, I craved the adventure of being a gold prospector and drawing the attention of a dance-hall girl. Barkerville is an original gold-rush town and a place to live out your dreams. Pan for gold, visit Chinatown, go to school as it was in the 1800s, catch live theatre and stroll through a town of more than 140 restored heritage buildings and historic displays.

3. Old Fortifications of Québec, Québec

Every time I visit Québec City, I fall in love all over with the cobblestone streets, glorious architecture and seductive French cuisine. No wonder they keep the city protected. Québec City is the only remaining fortified city in Canada or the US—a big reason it’s designated a World Heritage City by UNESCO. In this 400+-year-old city, explore three centuries of a dramatic military past in fortifications set atop a plunging cliff.

4. Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, Nova Scotia

If you ever wanted to break bread like a soldier but eat like a king, the Fortress of Louisbourg is the place. This is the largest reconstructed 18th-century French fortified town in North America. Along the streets and on the waterfront, costumed interpreters capture the mood of a fabled century with tales of dancing, music and cooking. Inside the King’s Bastion—“a fort within a fortress”—soldiers share their secrets. Just plug your ears when the muskets fire.

5. Upper Canada Village, Ontario

When I was a child we visited Upper Canada Village every year, wandering around this 19th-century village in the former British colony. I remember laughing at how short the beds were, and loving the scent of fresh baked bread pulled from a red brick oven. Once you tour the schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, sawmill, printing office, tavern, cheese factory and family farm, you may never want to step out into contemporary life again.

Article courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission Media Centre

Writers Bio: British Columbia-based freelance writer and photographer Lori McNultyjourneys the globe to connect life and landscape. Her award-winning travel and arts essays uncover striking landscapes and soulful adventure. Contact her at lorilegba@hotmail.com.

Canada’s fourth quarter population growth was lower than in the same period in 2009 (+55,900). While growth due to natural increase was relatively stable, net international migration declined from 25,400 to 10,900.

This decline in net international migration can be explained by a larger decrease in non-permanent residents living in Canada. Immigration in the fourth quarter (57,700) was similar to the level observed in the same period in 2009 (56,400).

Atlantic Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador’s population remained virtually unchanged in the fourth quarter and was estimated at 509,100 on January 1, 2011.

Prince Edward Island posted a population of 143,500 as of January 1. The level of immigration to Prince Edward Island was, in relative terms, the highest amongst the provinces for the fourth consecutive quarter.

Nova Scotia’s population was estimated at 943,400 at the end of the fourth quarter. The province’s small decrease was mostly due to net outflows in interprovincial migration.

The population of New Brunswick was estimated at 753,200 as of January 1. During the fourth quarter, the province received more than 400 immigrants, the highest level for the fourth quarter since 1979.

Quebec’s population grew by nearly 11,000 (+0.1%) in the fourth quarter to 7,943,000 on January 1. The main factor in this demographic growth was natural increase (+6,700). The province had a slight net outflow from interprovincial migration (-400). Quebec usually experiences higher outflows of interprovincial migration.

In Ontario, the population was estimated at 13,282,400 on January 1, an increase of 13,900 (+0.1%) compared with October 1, 2010. Most of the province’s growth in the fourth quarter came from natural increase (+10,500).

Western Canada

Manitoba posted the fastest demographic growth in the country in the fourth quarter with an increase of over 3,600 (+0.3%). Net international migration (+2,600) was the principal factor for the demographic growth in the province. As of January 1, the population of Manitoba was estimated at 1,243,700.

The population of Saskatchewan increased by 2,300 (+0.2%) in the fourth quarter to 1,052,100. Natural growth (+1,100) and net inflows in international migration (+1,100) were the primary contributors to the demographic growth of the province.

Alberta’s population was estimated at 3,742,800 as of January 1, an increase of close to 7,700 (+0.2%) compared with October 1, 2010. The province’s population growth came mainly from natural increase (+7,200) and net inflows in interprovincial migration (+2,500).

The population of British Columbia had a small increase (+2,200) in the fourth quarter and was estimated at 4,554,100 on January 1. Natural increase (+2,500) was the main factor of the demographic growth in the province.

The territories

While the population of both Yukon and Northwest Territories decreased slightly in the fourth quarter, Nunavut’s remained virtually unchanged. The three territories had net outflows in interprovincial migration. As of January 1, Yukon’s population was estimated at 34,300, compared with 43,600 for the Northwest Territories and 33,300 for Nunavut.

Canada’s population growth in 2010

Canada’s population growth in 2010 was lower than that observed in 2009. The Canadian population increased by 375,600 (+1.1%) in 2010 compared with 394,400 the year before (+1.2%).

Canada received more than 280,000 immigrants in 2010, the highest level recorded since the 1950′s. This was 28,500 more immigrants than in 2009. Increases in immigration were recorded by most provinces and territories.

The increase in immigration in 2010 was offset by a decline in the net inflow of non-permanent residents. The net non-permanent residents was estimated at 12,900, down from 55,400 in 2009. As a result, net international migration in 2010 was estimated at 244,400, down from 258,900 the year before.

There were an estimated 382,000 births and 250,800 deaths in 2010, resulting in a natural increase of 131,200. This was lower than the natural increase of 135,600 recorded in 2009.

Prince Edward Island, Nunavut and all provinces west of Quebec recorded 2010 growth rates above the national average.

“According to Ministry of Immigration and Cultural Communities forecasts, by 2018 the Québec labour market will need over 1.3 million people to fill the gap left by retirement, or just to fill new positions created by economic growth,” explains Danielle Laramée, Partner and Leader of Human Capital for Ernst & Young in Montréal. “With Québec’s considerable demographic challenges, an increasing number of businesses will have no choice but to turn to immigration to meet their needs.”

At a roundtable held by Ernst & Young and attended by Immigration and Cultural Communities Minister Kathleen Weil, representatives of a number of large companies agreed that to ensure Québec’s continued growth and success, immigration policies must not only facilitate access to a pool of talent, but must also support efforts to retain immigrants and foreign workers. In spite of the unanimous recognition of the importance of professional integration, temporary workers currently employed in organizations are often required to leave due to work permit expiry.

“The government’s role is crucial, not only in facilitating the integration of immigrants, but particularly in allowing foreign workers and students to remain in the province and work,” says Philippe Rousseau, a lawyer with Egan LLP, a business immigration law firm allied with Ernst & Young. Programs rolled out by the Ministry should provide the business community with assurance that their needs have been understood, that initiatives will better match immigrant selection to Québec’s specific needs, and that programs are in place to retain talent already in the province.”

International labour mobility has reached significant proportions in recent years, and will continue to mount. According to the International Organization for Migration, 240 million people — approximately 3% of the world’s population — currently work outside their native country.

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“While we do not expect a significant correction nationwide, the risk of such would increase, especially in some regions, if prices were to continue to outrun incomes or if interest rates were to increase rapidly,” economist Sal Guatieri says.

He notes that after slowing last summer, Canadian home sales rebounded in the fall and house prices have kept rising.

On average, home prices rose five per cent in the past year to January, while in Vancouver they rocketed 20 per cent. On average, home prices are 10 per cent higher now than they were before the recession, when they were at an all-time high. The problem is that the value of homes have increased much faster than incomes.

The bank says average home resale prices compared with personal incomes are 14 per cent above the long-run trend, up from last summer, although still below the 21 per cent peak that preceded the 1989 crash. But that is not the case in all markets. Five provinces are currently in the danger zone, led by Saskatchewan, where the ratio is 39 per cent above historic norms.

Also well-above the long-run levels is Newfoundland, 34 per cent higher; British Columbia and Manitoba, 31 per cent, and Quebec, 23 per cent above.

By comparison, in Ontario the price-to-income ratio is only 10 per cent higher than historic norms, suggesting prices are moderately overvalued but not in bubble territory. What’s made this possible have been historically low interest rates which have allowed Canadians to carry bigger mortgages. As a result, mortgage payments for the typical owner consume 35 per cent of disposable household income, about the same as the 23-year average of 34 per cent.

The bank says there should be no major correction if incomes increase faster than home prices in the future, as expected. It says sales are expected to cool and prices stabilize this year in response to higher interest rates and tighter mortgage rules that go into effect later this month.

“The risk of a correction would increase, however, if prices rose alongside rates and incomes,” the report cautions.

If prices don’t stabilize, the report says it would put the Bank of Canada in a tight spot. It risks creating a housing bubble if it keeps rates super-low too long, or could precipitate a crash if it hikes rates too quickly.

The Bank of Montreal report is the latest to throw up caution flags about the seemingly unstoppable Canadian housing market. Last month, Capital Economics warned the Canadian housing bubble was poised to burst, needing only the pin-prick of rising interest rates to set off the collapse. The economic consulting firm noted that by historical standards, almost all the key indicators around housing were at historic highs. It predicted prices could fall 25-35 per cent in the next three years once interest rates and mortgage upkeep costs begin rising.

Still, most private sector analysts see a soft landing rather than a crash, in part because the Bank of Canada is unlikely to raise rates sharply or quickly.

Not surprisingly, most of the top ten theme parks have at least one  up to 15 roller coasters to entice the bravest of souls. There is of course more than roller coasters, skyscreamers, boomerangs, top spinners and mindbenders to enthuse the park lover; sea creature shows, amazing water parks and even go-karting and mini-golf have satisfied many visitors. For the not so courageous park goer, bring some comfortable shoes and for those bold enough to try anything, pack some lozenges for the throat because screaming on those hairpin turns and inverted ascents and descents is likely.

Canada’s Wonderland

It’s not hard to see why Canada’s Wonderland is the largest and perhaps the most popular theme park in Canada. Commonly called Wonderland, this park has lured millions of visitors annually since 1981. The park boasts over 200 rides and a 133 ha (330 acre) water park. Roller coaster fanatics can get a thrill from one of the 15 different roller coasters at the park, almost a record number of coasters in any theme park. Coaster enthusiasts will love a few rides, including Time Warp, Canada’s only “flying” roller coaster where passengers ride lying face-down and are lifted up like the passenger is flying. New to the park as of 2008, Canada’s biggest, fastest and tallest roller coaster, the Behemoth, is not for the faint of heart reaching a height of 70 m (230 ft) and dropping down at an angle of 85 degrees.

Movie-themed rides started a trend in 1994 when Paramount Pictures bought Canada’s Wonderland, which became Paramount Canada Wonderland for 12 years before reverting back to its original name. Some of the popular rides inspired by movies are: Flight Deck, Canada’s only inverted roller coaster and named after the Top Gun movie and Back Lot Stunt Coaster, created from a car scene in the 2003 movie The Italian Job.

Roller coasters are definitely a main pull at this park but for the weak-stomached rider and younger kids, the Splash Works water park offers plenty of exciting rides that will entertain and delight. Splash Works is a 8 ha (20 acre) water playground that features 16 water slides and over two-million gallons of heated water. Situated adjacent to the theme park, the water park is home to high-speed slides such as the Plunge, the Blackhole and the Super Soaker, a fast ride through a tunnel that spirals down into an open-air flume. For the less adventurous, try heading down the Lazy River, a more relaxing ride which takes one down a one-quarter mile river in individual rafts. The Riptide Racer and the Baracuda Blaster are two other exciting water rides to try. Also stop in at Canada’s largest wave pool.

La Ronde

The largest amusement park in Quebec and the second largest in Canada, La Ronde was originally built for Expo 67. Located on Saint-Helen’s Island in Parc Jean Drapeau, this park is also home to the annual fireworks competition that attracts thousands of locals and tourists every summer.

One of the most popular rides at La Ronde is the Monster, a wooden roller coaster that invokes a fear of the unknown as the structure of this beast rattles on the first ascent. Other exciting rides at this tourist attraction include the Boomerang and the Tornade, the largest suspended roller coaster in Canada. At 32 m (105 ft) high and reaching up to a speed of 80.5 kmh (50 mph), if the visitor has to choose to ride only one of the nine roller coasters that this park offers, the Tornade is the one.

Since 2002, La Ronde was deemed an official world-class theme park with over 40 rides to choose from. The water rides are a perfect choice for hot and humid days that are typical during the summer. Try the Splash, a 20-passenger boat that plunges down a 15 m (50 ft) waterfall creating 5 m (17 ft) waves. Staying dry is not an option for this ride. Tour de Ville is a custom-designed Old Montreal theme ride that takes up to 48 brave souls on a carousel ride to the sky. In 2001, Six Flags bought La Ronde from the City of Montreal.

Galaxyland Amusement Park

Located in the popular West Edmonton Mall and in operation since 1981, this amusement park has 26 indoor rides that will entertain and thrill the entire family. Kids’ rides are plentiful at this indoor playground. The Space Bump allows kids to drive carts around bumping into others or wee ones can try the ever-popular Carousel. The Galaxyland Raceway is a good ride for the would-be little speed racer, featuring Go-Karts that drive through an “Indy” style racetrack. For something a little slower, the kids will enjoy the Balloon Race, a ferris wheel with balloon-shaped cars. The whole family will enjoy the Cosmic Spinner, an intermediate space ride which features individual spinning UFOs.

The older crowd seeking a thrill to remember will be drawn to the Mindbender, the world’s largest indoor high-speed triple loop roller coaster. If being launched 37 m (120 ft) skyward and then thrust back to the starting position with 11 other screaming people sounds exhilarating, try the Space Shot. The Sonic Storm is an advanced ride which takes the passenger back and forth in a circular bouncing motion while the Galaxy Orbiter is a stomach-churning spinning roller coaster. Find out more here

Playland Amusement Park

The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) site is home to one of the oldest amusement parks in Canada, Playland Amusement Park. Since 1910, this amusement park, once named “Happy Land,” is sure to make guests smile when they take on the park’s marquee attraction, the wooden roller coaster from 1958. At least that’s what half a million thrill-seekers do each year. Ideally located in Vancouver B.C.’s Hastings Park, Playland has various thrill rides, a bonanza shooting gallery, and an 11 m (35 ft) climbing wall. If the wooden coaster doesn’t scare the guest enough, maybe the Demon of the Dark haunted house will do it. For jolts and spins, try the Crazy Beach Party, also called the Frisbee, a ride which spins on a huge disc and swings back and forth like a pendulum reaching a 90 degree angle. Other exciting rides include the Hellevator, the Wave Swinger and the Scrambler.

Those with a faint heart may want to try their hand at the mini-golf course, the glass house or the pirate adventure ship geared towards kids. The popular Midway games are also a pleasing sight to those with a fear of heights. Great rides for the kids include the Dune Buggies, Flying Elephants, or the Paddle Wheeler, a fun ride for water lovers who don’t want to get wet as they ride down a river in safari-themed paddle boats.

Marineland

The main attractions and unique features of Marineland, located one mile from Horseshoe Falls in Niagra Falls, Ontario, is the marine mammal shows, feedings, mammal touchings and animal exhibitions. But what really sets this place apart from some of the other theme parks is its open green spaces, picnic areas and the low-tech feeling of the whole park. In addition to spotting sea creatures, this park offers 16 amusement rides and plenty of fun activities to keep the kids busy. Be sure to catch the dolphin and walrus moves at the park’s main daily show, The King Waldorf Stadium Show, or stop by the Arctic Cove to spot or touch the beautiful beluga whales. Killer whales can be found at the Friendship Cove for a show that will always be remembered. For a thrill or two, escape to the adult roller coaster, Dragon Mountain, or test vocal cords at the Skyscreamer, the world’s highest triple tower ride at 137 m (450 ft) that launches the rider up and down at speeds of 96 kmh (60 mph). Other rides include a spinning ferris wheel called the Tivoli Wheel and the Topple Tower ride. Kids will enjoy the Lady Bug Coaster, the Bumble Bee ride and the Orca Screamer, a kid’s version of the Skyscreamer. As well as interactive animal displays, catch a glimpse of the black bears, deer and elk.

Ontario Place

Since 1971, this parkland located in downtown Toronto has grown from a pavilion complex with one restaurant and an IMAX Theatre into a recognized leisure and entertainment centre that encompasses a huge water slide, a children’s village, the Molson Amphitheatre and regionally-themed restaurants, stores and rides. Situated on three man-made islands on Lake Ontario, Ontario Place’s Soak City water park features heated water slides, including the Pink Twister and Purple Pipeline. Located on Adventure Island, the visitors will discover the world’s largest animated flume ride and the Wilderness Adventure, which takes the passenger down a 12 m (40 ft) splashdown. On a hot and humid day, the Hydrofuge ride is the perfect recipe for cooling off. At speeds of 80.5 kmh (50 mph), zoom down a tube on a thin sheet of water through a gigantic bowl of water, then a dip into the 20 m (6 ft) of deep water at the bottom. Other fun water activities include Go-Karting on water (Aquajet Racers) and Waterplay, a water park designed just for kids. For a short break from the rides, drop off the little ones at Microkids, an activity centre for pre-schoolers, and spend a few hours at the five-pod pavilion complex to browse the technology and communication displays. Kids can also try their driving skills at the O.P. Driving School, where kids drive around a realistic course on electric cars or just zoom around in the mini-bumper boats. For adult fun, try the simulator ride MARS, or check out the concert schedule at the Molson Amphitheatre.

Upper Clements Park

Situated in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Upper Clements Park offers a mix of rides, music and wildlife suited for every age group. Kids have plenty of rides to keep them busy, including bumper boats, bumper cars and the Red Baron Airplanes, where kids can act like pilots controlling their own elevation. The ever-popular carousel, kiddie bumper boats and mini trucks are also a treat for the young park enthusiast. One of the most hair-raising rides at this park is definitely the Tree Topper Roller Coaster, a wooden roller coaster that soars above the trees. Spin and roll into the air on the Rock N’ Roll Planes, another thrill ride that will bring the rider back for more.

Entertainment in the evening also attracts visitors with the park’s annual “Park After Dark” concert and fireworks display which takes place every Saturday in July and August. Other annual events include Christmas in the Park and Halloween, which both take place during the last two weekends in August.

After experiencing the rides and adventures at the theme park, walk through the underground tunnel to get to the adjacent wildlife park where views of snowy owls, black bears, deer, wild cats, emus and rheas are common. Participate in the Adopt-an-Animal program and then take a wildlife tour at the park in just under an hour. Be one of the thousands of visitors each year that experiences the thrill rides, musical entertainment or the cast of characters that roam the park grounds: Sparkles the Clown, Captain Kid Ryerson or story-telling Clementine are on site to entertain and expand the imagination.

Sandspit Cavendish Beach

The largest amusement park on Prince Edward Island comes alive for nearly three months of the year, offering more than 18 attractions and rides to entertain the whole family. Thrill rides, Go-Karts, bumper boats and country fair rides attract visitors from all over the country. The Cyclone roller coaster is bound to rattle some nerves; the largest coaster in Atlantic Canada goes through three big drops and two corkscrews before the rider decides whether they want to do it all over again. The country fair rides include the Tilt-A-Whirl, the Scrambler, Rock N’ Roll and the Paratrooper. Not afraid of heights? Head over to the 21 m (70 ft) ferris wheel. If being closer to earth is more the style, try the fast and fun double rider Go-Karts, the bumper boat pool or the mini-golf course. Children of all ages will enjoy the softball playground, the mini-helicopters, pony carts and the miniature train.

For more information click here.

Magic Mountain Water Park

Based in Moncton, New Brunswick, Magic Mountain Atlantic Canada’s largest water park has been refreshing guests since 1987. This park offers everything from body slides, tubing and matting to slides for kids. Slide down more than 30.5 m (100 ft) at speeds of more than 60 kmh (37 mph) on the Kamikaze slide, close to a vertical drop. Twist & Shout takes the rider through a fully-enclosed slide in the dark, dropping 11 m (35 ft). If medium speed is preferred, the Loop de Loop may be more pleasing as the rider can choose from three slides with more gentle turns and drops. The Sidewinder is another easy but equally fun alternative for the body slides. For an even more relaxing experience, stroll over to the Lazy River, a relaxing ride on a 19th-century replica steam ship. Water-logged guests or those waiting for family members enjoying a splash can enjoy a relaxing day at one of two 18-hole golf courses.

Valcartier Vacation Village

This family theme park opened in 1963 and is currently a major playground in both the summer and winter. A 20 minute drive north from Quebec City, this summer water park turns into a major winter playground paradise during the colder months. Bundle up for some fun in the snow – snow rafting and inner tube slides with daunting names such as Everest and Himalaya will give the adventurous rider a run for their money. Jump into the Tornado and swirl down a hill with seven other brave riders for some breathtaking fun. Kids’ eyes will open wide at the sight of the giant Ice Castle, where mazes and slides seem endless. An outdoor skating path is also available for the tamer winter adventure.

As summer brings hotter weather, this park is an ideal place to bring eager kids. The water park can entertain the whole family with close to a dozen water rides and attractions. The Pirates’ Hideout features a pirate ship and a watercourse that takes the adventurer over a wooden walkway, through water slides and hundreds of interactive water games. For a fast rush, head to the Supersonic Falls, two massive water slides 20 m (65 ft) high or slide down a 12 m (40 ft) tower called the Corkscrew. For kids aged one to six years old, visit the Cookadoodle Farm complete with mini-slides and waterjets. Other rides that stir the imagination are the Amazon and Dungeon City rides. For activities on dry land, watch the acrobatic diving shows or try karting or the 18-hole mini-golf course, Maxigolf. A modern 700-site campground located next to the waterpark is available for tents or RVs.

More information here.

Chateau Frontenac

An architectural marvel constructed in 1893, this luxurious resort hotel defines Quebec City’s European-styled urban design. Steeped in history, Chateau Frontenac was designed to evoke renaissance-era castles and cathedrals. As such, the resort is defined by its several towers, thick foliage and brick facades. Visitors exploring the grounds cannot help but be amazed to know they are walking within the same confines that have housed celebrated guests such as King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt.

The hotel is also home to Le Champlain, a premiere fine-dining establishment. Dinner guests of this restaurant can enjoy a menu composed by executive chef Jean Soulard, which features traditional and contemporary French-Canadian cuisine.

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Rogers Centre

At an estimated cost of $570 million, this sports and entertainment venue located in Toronto is noteworthy for its fan-friendly experience and innovative design. Opened in 1989, the Rogers Centre was originally known as the Skydome, and designed by Rod Robbie and Michael Allen to be the home of Toronto sport franchises the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Argonauts. The stadium is noteworthy for being the first complex in professional sports to have a fully-functional retractable roof, a necessity in dealing with Toronto’s inclement weather.

Tourists visiting the Rogers Centre can stay in the dome’s adjoining hotel, the Renaissance Toronto Hotel. A four-star hotel, guests of this establishment have the opportunity to stay in a room with a view of the Rogers Centre field. The Renaissance also provides modern amenities such as babysitting, wet-bar and wireless Internet access.

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CN Tower

One of Ontario’s premiere tourist destinations, this freestanding structure has been a landmark of Toronto’s skyline since its erection in 1976. The architectural wonder stands 553 m (1814 ft) tall, making it the largest tower in Canada – by comparison the Calgary Tower measures in at 191 m (627 ft) – Originally constructed by the Canadian National Railway, the CN Tower was sold to the Canada Lands Company in 1995, but to this day it still maintains its primary function as a communication tower for several national broadcasters such as the CBC and Rogers Communications.

Travellers may be interested in making reservations to dine in the CN Tower’s fine-dining restaurant, the 360. An upscale dining experience, the restaurant is housed 351 m (1152 ft) up the tower and slowly revolves, giving guests a magnificent 360-degree view of Toronto and beyond.

More information:

Calgary’s Plus 15 Walkways

An architectural wonder based on its functionality and the sheer area it covers, the Plus 15 system is a series of 57 suspended walkways that connect almost every building in Calgary’s metropolitan centre. Constructed to alleviate traffic congestion and provide pedestrians with shelter from Calgary’s extreme winters, the Plus 15 spans over 16 km (10 mi), and connects buildings as varied as the Calgary Tower and the Sheraton Suites. This substantive system has become ingrained in Calgary’s popular culture, inspiring the major motion picture, Waydowntown, by local filmmaker Gary Burns and starring Tony-award winner Don Mckellar.

View the walkway map (PDF)

Centre Block

The focal point for political discourse in Canada, this complex’s current rendition was constructed in 1927. Modeled around modern gothic design, this wonder can be found on Parliament Hill and spans an area of approximately 10,000 sq m (32,000 sq ft). Inside Centre Block is the House of Commons, the Senate, and the offices of several high ranking government officials, not the least of which include the Prime Minister of Canada.

Attached to the Centre Block is the Peace Tower, which was commissioned in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I. Designed to mesh the rest of Parliament Hill, the tower is notable for containing the Books of Remembrance; a large document containing the names of all Canadian soldiers who gave their lives to military causes.

Halifax Citadel

28 years in the making, this historic military complex is a reminder of Halifax’s storied naval past. Completed in 1856, the Citadel is a classically-designed fortification that was originally commissioned to provide long-range defense against assaults from land and sea. Designated a national historic site by the government of Canada, the fort is now open to casual visitors, who will find military remnants such as ramparts, trenches, towers and shooting ranges.

Potential visitors to the Citadel should consider planning their trip around one of the Halifax Citadel Regimental Association’s living history re-enactments. Active year-round, this group enacts historically accurate activities such as gun firing, infantry maneuvers and military music performances.

Montreal’s Olympic Stadium

Known as much for its colourful history as it is for its design, Montreal’s Olympic Stadium is nonetheless an architectural wonder of Canada. Originally built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, due to a series of labour strikes and construction problems, the stadium was not officially completed until 1988. Barring its ample problems, the innovative design employed by French architect Roger Taillibert cannot be denied. In fact, the inclined tower attached to the stadium is still considered the tallest in the world.

While it no longer hosts Major League Baseball games, Olympic Stadium still books large sporting events and trade shows. In 2008, the stadium will host the Canadian Football League’s championship game, the Grey Cup.

More information:

Habitat 67

Designed by celebrated Canadian architect Moshe Safdie, Habitat 67 is an innovative residential condominium complex found in Montreal. Originally commissioned to demonstrate modern urban living for Montreal’s Expo 67, all 148 units were sold as private residences at the conclusion of the world fair. The design has been commended for its use of cubic structures – 354 in all – and its effort to include green space into each unit. To this day, Moshe Safdie regularly advises the Habitat 67 board on renovation and upkeep planning.

More information:

The Confederation Bridge

Completed in 1997, this bridge spans 12.9 km (8 mi), and connects the provinces of Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. Confederation Bridge is a wonder because of the social and economic impact it has had on the two provinces; its construction has been directly linked to an increase in tourism and trade.

Besides its value to PEI and New Brunswick’s economic well being, for tourists Confederation Bridge is a great way to travel from the island to the mainland. While driving along the bridge, travellers are presented with breathtaking views of the ocean, and the various sailboats and ships inhabiting it.

More information:

Canadian Museum of Civilization

One of Canada’s most popular museums, the Canadian Museum of Civilization building is a modern marvel designed by Douglas Cardinal. Completed in 1989, the museum covers over 100,000 sq m (328,000 sq ft), and has been heralded for its imaginative use of curved walls and abstract structures representing Canada’s diverse environments. Open year-round, visitors to the museum will find themselves immersed in permanent exhibits such as the Grand Hall which features an expansive collection of aboriginal artifacts, while the Canadian Personalities Hall, showcases rare photographs and memorabilia of some of Canada’s most influential residents.

More information:

So if you are feeling a little adventurous then here are some suggestions to wet your taste buds.

Famous People Players, Toronto, ON

If you want to experience something a little different for the whole family to enjoy then this dinner theatre show could be for you. You will enjoy a fabulous three-course dinner followed by a spectacular black light theatre show combining music, dance and amazing special effect. Round off the event with dessert and coffee. Famous People Players has a special Achievement Program and employs staff with disabilities encouraging them to fulfill their dreams and integrate into society.

O’Noir, Toronto, ON & Montreal, QC

This is a gourmet restaurant with a difference, a big difference. You eat in complete darkness, yes really. The idea behind this is that diners get to know what it is like to be blind and rely on other senses. It is also worth knowing that all the wait staff are blind. If you have no sight then food tastes better as your other senses are heightened. It is not unusual for guests to lose cutlery or to spill food, but it is all part of the charm of this restaurant. Five percent of O’Noir’s profits are donated to local associations that serve the blind and visually impaired community.

Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions, Stettler, AB

Why not combine the experience of a real steam or diesel train with your meal? You will find different adventures throughout the year such as murder mystery, teddy bear specials, dinner theatre etc. You may also be part of a hold up if the outlaw “Reynolds Raiders” decides to raid the train, bringing it to a sudden stop. If he does, be prepared for a gun battle. All experiences include a full curse buffet meal as well as stunning scenery and of course entertainment.

Medieval Times, Toronto, ON

Now famous all over North America this experience is not just a dinner but a complete show. You will be transported back to the 11th century to enjoy King Philippe’s massive four-course feast followed by fabulous displays by Andalusian stallions. You can then experience the excitement of the Knights of the Realm completing in games on horseback and of course jousting and general rivalry ensues.

Oxford Express, Sherbrooke, QC

This tourist train can offer you a unique dining experience whist taking in the sights of the area. You can choose to have  a simple meal on board – perhaps brunch or dinner. Or you can go for the whole experience and include an overnight stay at a hotel in one of the stop-over locations.

Buzzards Restaurant & Bar, Calgary, AB

Although for most of the year this restaurant is a great casual dining steak house, for 10 days every year a little something different is on the menu. During the Calgary Stampede it is home to the Testicle Festival, yes you did read that right! During this time you can delight in Prairie Oysters (calve’s testicles) maybe with a little pasta or perhaps you prefer fries? Or you might want to try the Great Balls O’Fire instead. If you do manage to digest one of these delicacies you will get a certificate to prove it.

Flying Saucer Restaurant, Niagara Falls, ON

For out-of-this-world food why not try this unusual eatery? Specializing in all-day breakfasts you cannot miss this establishment as it looks like exactly what you would expect. At night it lights up and resembles something out of Close Encounters. If breakfast isn’t your thing then you can also enjoy steak, seafood, pasta etc.

The Great Viking Feast, Leifsburdir, NL

Why not partake in a Viking lunch or dinner or go for the full monty: The Great Viking Feast Dinner Theatre. You will get an insight into Viking life with lots of fun and frolics along with great food. It is also worth noting that this is the only sod covered restaurant in North America.

Ric’s Grill Watertower Restaurant Lethbridge, AB

This old water tower has been converted into a high quality steakhouse restaurant. Eat your meal whilst enjoying great views over the city. Certainly something a little different eh?

Meanwhile, the value of non-residential permits fell 22 per cent to $1.9 billion, the lowest level since January 2010. This decline was due primarily to decreases in the commercial and institutional components in almost every province. The value of permits issued rose in half of the provinces, led by Ontario. Quebec recorded the most important decline.

For 2010 as a whole, the value of building permits issued by municipalities was up 19.8 per cent to $73.1 billion.

The year-over-year increase was largely driven by a sharp rise in residential construction intentions, which jumped 27.6 per cent from 2009 to $44.3 billion.

In the non-residential sector, the value of permits totalled $28.8 billion, up 9.5 per cent when compared with 2009. Permits issued for multi-family units rose 55.3 per cent to $1.6 billion in December, the highest level since April 2008. There were increases in seven provinces, with Ontario accounting for most of the gain.

The value of building permits for single-family units rose 3.6 per cent to $2.1 billion, a second consecutive monthly gain. There were increases in six provinces, led by Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. Quebec, on the other hand, experienced the largest decline in single-family construction intentions.

At the national level, municipalities approved the construction of 17,893 new dwellings in December, up 27 per cent. Most were multiple-unit projects.

The value of commercial permits fell 21.7 per cent to $1 billion. This marked a second consecutive month of large declines.

In the institutional component, permits totalled $396 million, down 38 per cent from November.

It was the third straight monthly decrease in this sector, pushing it to its lowest level since February 2009. Every province except Saskatchewan recorded a decline in this area, with the largest drops coming in permits for medical facilities in Quebec and educational institutions in Ontario.

After two consecutive monthly gains, industrial construction intentions edged down 0.4 per cent to $450.5 million. Overall in December, the value of building permits rose in five provinces. The largest gain was in Ontario, with substantial jumps in housing permits. Quebec recorded the most important decline, following an 18.2 per cent increase in November. The decrease was due primarily to lower construction intentions for institutional and commercial buildings in the non-residential sector.

One of those people who decided to look for pastures new was Guillermo. He and his wife Pat were born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina and had become very disillusioned with the country. This led them to look for somewhere new to live and raise their children. At the end of 2003 they had decided to apply for permanent residency via the Quebec Skilled Worker program.

Canada calls to one Argentinian family

“At that time, Quebec seemed to offer a win-win situation,” explains Guillermo, “they needed us (a family of university graduates with small children) and we needed them (a better place to live, despite the language barrier). The whole application process took about 18 months and we finally moved to Quebec at the end of May 2005.”

The couple and their two children Santiago, then aged 8 and Facundo who was not yet two, rented an apartment in Hull, Gatineau.

“I still remember it: a small, two bedroom apartment in an “immigrant ready” suburb close to Gatineau Park.” he says.

“We were looking for a place not as big and chaotic as a capital city, so Montreal was discarded  and not so small and isolated like Sherbrooke. Gatineau seemed to be the perfect choice. It was close to Ottawa, where we could work in English. We had studied French during our processing period but we always felt more comfortable with English.”

Although they had some monitory funds behind them, they needed to find work quickly and within a month Guillermo was working in a call centre on the east side of Ottawa.

“My job was providing phone support for Internet users in the USA. It was not what I was looking for, of course, but it was a job and helped to stop the money bleeding from the bank. In the meantime, my wife was doing training at an non-profit organization.” Whilst the couple worked their eldest child was attending a French school and the youngest in day care.

In March 2006 the family moved to Waterloo in Ontario where Guillermo finally had a job he wanted. Pat assisted at a local LINC program (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) and Santiago continued his Elementary School in French at a school in Waterloo whilst Facundo was enrolled in local day care.

The family then experienced a big change when in January 2007 their third son Martin was born. Around this time Santiago was moved from his French school to a Catholic school after he experienced difficulties. This was his third school in two years and meant he had to make new friends, get to know new teachers and a completely new system.

“In 2008 Pat and I decided to move back to the National Capital Region.” says Guillermo. “This time, we did not move back to Gatineau, but instead decided to settle in Kanata. We decided to return as we were missing our friends in the region very much. We rented a garden home in Katimavik that happened to be very poorly maintained which led us to experience our coldest and most expensive winter in Canada. Of course, the move once again meant the children had to change schools and my wife had to look for a job.”

After all these changes they finally decided to put down roots and committed to buying their first home in Canada. They moved in during the summer of 2009 and because the home was located close to the children’s schools they did not have to move them again.  Around this time Pat found a good job in Ottawa that she enjoyed and is in fact still working there. Finally in January 2010 they all became Canadian citizens, except of course Martin, who having been born in Canada was one automatically.

“We can say we finally settled. We all have our routine, our social circle and we do not plan to change cities for a long time!” jokes Guillermo.

So, now the family is finally settled and happy do they every regret the move to Canada?

“Yes, sometimes I do.” Guillermo admits, “There’s no particular situation. Sometimes it is when my kids are having a problem and I don’t know how to deal with it ‘the local way’. Sometimes it is when I miss some things from Argentina, or some people or places. But, to be honest, it happens the most when I have one of those cultural clashes that can trigger an unwanted discussion with someone. It doesn’t happen that much, but it happens.”

What advice can Guillermo offer to other potential newcomers?

“I always tell people to be ready for the first couple of years, they are the most difficult ones. Those two years happen so fast and in such a brutal way that you must be ready for many things in many different fronts: you must take care of your limited finances, you must look for a job, you must face the deception of not being able to find the job you want as soon as you want it.

“You must also take care of each other and be supportive if partners or children are feeling sad or depressed. Immigration is a team exercise: it’s you, your life partner, your children. Every one of you will have to settle and will have his/her own internal process. And be sure this process is not the same for everyone. If you do not take care of all these details, the process will ‘unsync’ and you will all be living different experiences at the same time.”

We then asked Guillermo what things they liked doing in Canada that they could not have done in Argentina?

“This is a great question, and it’s something that can be answered thinking about a lot of small, daily things like forgetting to lock my front door or the car door and being sure nothing will happen.

When complaining about a bad service or product and knowing that  someone will listen and I may be compensated. Being able to change a product I bought with almost no questions at all. When going for a drive knowing that most of the drivers will be respectful (most, not all but exceptions are the few) and being sure that the rules and laws will be the same for (almost) all of us and that being responsible and being a good citizen has its benefits.”

Overall what do the family like and dislike about their new country?

“I like life predictability, the order, the respect, the acts of kindness, the weather (both cold and hot!) I love its boring politics, the access to credit (it’s so good to have access to so many goods and services!) and not being afraid of losing all I was able to achieve from one day to the other. I love being a human and a resource at the office. I’m sure I’m forgetting lots of other things.”

Guillermo continues with his negatives, “I don’t like the access to credit (it can be so dangerous sometimes!) I don’t like the constant use of euphemisms. I don’t like how slow things are sometimes (in particular when you need a doctor!) I don’t like that it takes so long to get the confidence and trust of Canadians. I don’t like their sense of friendship and having to make an appointment with them just to share a few drinks.”

On a final note Guillermo has this to say. “Come here with an open mind. Be ready to share your life with the most different colours, languages and… odours. Be ready to change your life if it’s needed and, as one good friend once told me “Be careful with what you wish for in Canada… It could be granted!”

Guillermo has set up a website to help other South Americans navigate the immigration process. You can find it here: http://loszieglerencanada.com/

Vote for your great place

As of January 25, 2011, the results so far are:

• In British Columbia., George Little Park Spirit Square in Terrace has attracted 1,330 votes – far more than any other location in Canada, and way ahead of the top pick inVancouver, Van Dusen Botanical Garden, which has 189 votes.
• In the Prairie Provinces, the Town of Canora in Saskatchewan is the leader with 183 votes. The top place in Alberta, RiverWalk in Calgary, has 97 votes. The Exchange District in Winnipeg is the front-runner in Manitoba with 47 votes.
• In Ontario, Zwicks Park in Belleville has the most votes with 546. Interestingly,Toronto leads with the most nominations, but this has split the voting with its most popular place to date, St. Lawrence Market, getting only 28 votes.
• In Quebec, Le Parc des Chutes Montmorency leads with 791 votes but Auberge le Baluchon is right behind it with 787. These are the second and third most popular nominations in Canada
• In the Atlantic Provinces, Pippy Park in Newfoundland and Labrador leads the way with 592 votes, with City Market in Saint John, New Brunswick, being a distant second with 64 votes. The Hydrostone in Halifax has 57 votes while Prince Edward Island’s Charlottetown has 42 votes.

“We’re seeing a great deal of friendly rivalry as Canadians vote for their local places, and the competition is heating up as we enter the last two months of the contest,” says Steven Brasier, Executive Director of the Canadian Institute of Planners.

Will your city or town be among the Great Places in Canada?

Go to www.greatplacesincanada.ca to nominate or vote for your favourite street, open space, or community. Also check out the website for the most recent voting numbers and popular entries.

The  survey in the three countries also shows that American men are searching for clothing, tools, furniture and electronics deals through group buying, while Canadian and British women use group buying to get spa, cosmetics or salon discounts.

Canada becoming more price sensitive after taking advantage of a group buying offer

Awareness

Groupon has effectively achieved “top-of-mind” status on this new category of group buying facilitators. About half of Americans (45%) have heard of Groupon, along with 35 per cent of Britons and 34 per cent of Canadians. Groupon has the highest level of awareness with competitors trailing far behind. Second to Groupon are WagJag in Canada (23%), EverSave in the U.S. (20%) and Groupola in Britain (9%).

About half of respondents in the three countries (USA 41%, BRI 55%, CAN 51%) had not heard of any of the group buying websites mentioned by name in the survey. In Britain, of those who hadn’t heard of the sites, two thirds were over the age of 55 (62%) while roughly half of those under 55 had not heard of them either (18-34: 53%, 35-54: 51%). American and Canadian men are more likely than women to have not heard of group buying.

Habits of Group Buyers

Americans are most likely to purchase restaurant or food-related group buying deals (46%), product deals such as clothing, tools, furniture or electronics (43%) or entertainment deals like movie and concert tickets (39%). British men are more likely to buy restaurant and food deals from group buying websites (44%) while women prefer spa, salon and cosmetic deals (37%). Canadian women also buy spa and salon deals (42%) but both genders participate in restaurant deals (70% of men and 59% of women). Deals for children are the least purchased in Britain and Canada (8% and 4%) while spa and salon deals are the least bought in the U.S. (13%).

Habits of Non-Group Buyers

Americans who have not bought a group deal say this is because they had not heard of the concept (12%) or aren’t interested in group buying (27%). One-in-five Americans (18%) who haven’t bought from any group buying sites say this is because they do not want to share their credit card information. In Britain, some of those who have not participated also cited not wanting to share their credit card information (14%) but for the most part hadn’t seen any deals that were of interest to them (59%). When asked why they have not bought any group deals, Canadians mentioned not having heard of group buying until now (37%) or not having seen any deals they wanted to participate in (27%).

Regional Differences

In the United States, awareness about the concept of group buying is lowest in the Midwest with 46 per cent of respondents saying they have not heard of any of the listed group buying websites. Two thirds of people in the Northeast have heard of one or more of the sites (67%). Awareness is consistent throughout Britain, although Scotland has the highest level of awareness (53% of Scots have heard of one or more of the sites listed). In Canada, awareness is lowest in the Atlantic Provinces and Quebec (74% report having not heard of any of the websites listed) and highest in British Columbia, where 65 per cent of respondents have heard of one or more group buying websites.

Gender Differences

In Canada, women are driving the group buying trend, with 19 per cent having bought from Groupon (compared to 11% for Canadian men). Both genders are equally likely to purchase from group buying sites in the United States (Men 20%, Women 19%) and Britain (Men 20%, Women 17%).

Men in Britain are most likely to allow a group buying deal they’ve purchased to expire before they get a chance to use it (44%). Less than a quarter of British women (24%) have allowed a deal they bought to expire. In Canada, women are more likely than men to tell their friends about group buying deals they’ve seen using Facebook, Twitter or email (46% of women and 27% of men). As a result, one third of Canadian women who have purchased a group deal have received a referral incentive (29%). Nearly half of Americans who have bought a group deal have purchased it as a gift for someone else (45%).

Effects on Consumer Loyalty

In Britain, 26 per cent of men have purchased a deal, used it at a vendor, and then returned to that same vendor at full price. Only seven per cent of British women return to pay full price. American men are twice as likely as women to return (36% to 18%). In Canada, women are more loyal (28%) than men (19%) when it comes to returning to a vendor at full price.

Purchasing Habits

Among the three countries studied, Americans are least likely to pay full price and try to seek out a deal (35%), followed by Britons at 31 per cent and Canadians at 29 per cent. Almost two thirds of American men (64%) are willing to pay more for something they really want, but prefer to get a deal. Two thirds of women in Britain (68%) like to get a deal but will pay full price for something they really want. In Canada, 70 per cent of men and 65 per cent of women like to get a deal but will pay full price if required.

Al least three-in-five Britons (68%), Americans (66%) and Canadians (62%) who have bought a group buying deal say it has made them more price-sensitive and as a result they now think twice before paying full price.

Long-Term Effects

Two-in-five British men (40%) and one third of Canadian men (33%) who have purchased from a group buying website, feel that group buying ultimately harms the small businesses that participate in it—only 19 per cent of British women and 13 per cent of Canadian women share this view. Three-in-ten Americans (29%) feel group buying is detrimental to small business.

The trend of group buying is on the rise, as evidenced by the many websites that have followed Groupon’s model. More than two thirds of respondents in all three countries who have made a purchase from a group buying website say that the concept will affect the way consumers shop in the future (CAN 74%, BRI 64%,USA 61%).

Full Report, Detailed Tables and Methodology (PDF)

Canadian Valentine

• Tofino, BC:  You can opt to watch the storms from your porch at the Wickaninnish Inn—voted one of the Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest—while sipping on champagne and nibbling house-made truffles. Prefer to take your love outdoors? Tofino is one of the world’s surfing meccas and nothing says, “I love you” like walking the beach or riding the waves with the one you love. www.hellobc.com

• Québec City, QC: Montréal will do in a pinch, but Québec City is the spot for connoisseurs of French romance, thanks to cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriage rides and walks under old-fashioned lamplight. Add bistros to eat in, cafés to watch from and boutique hotels (like the Relais & Chateaux-branded Auberge Saint-Antoine) that are as luxurious to sleep in as they are interesting to look at. Bring your camera and ask a stranger to snap a photo of you and your partner amid backdrops that provide an unparalleled setting for romance, then dine by candlelight on fine French-Canadian cuisine before a night out on the town. www.bonjourquebec.com

• Peggy’s Cove, NS: Buy him a fisherman’s sweater, pack her a shawl, grab a blanket and head out to “The Cove” for a weekend of quiet, simple living and fresh seafood you’ll remember for years to come. Stand on the rocky shores near the lighthouse and watch the sun set after a day walking the tiny village and getting to know the locals. www.novascotia.com

• Muskoka, ON: The region is crowded with sun seekers in the summer, but come winter, it’s all yours. Whether you prefer your time outdoors—walking or skiing the trails—or indoors in front of a roaring fire, Muskoka hotels and resorts mean never having to choose. At Taste Restaurant in Touchstone resort, you’ll find (along with stunning views of Lake Muskoka) a farm-to-table philosophy in the kitchen and locally produced ingredients on the menu. Spend the night and take full advantage of the spa’s two-bedroom suite.  www.ontariotravel.net

• Stratford, ON: The plays, including some by the Bard of Love himself, William Shakespeare, will draw you here, but with a lakeside trail to hold hands along and now the Stratford Chocolate Trail, Stratford is a top choice for romantics. Buy a $20 Chocolate Trail Pass at the Stratford Tourism Alliance and visit eight stops of your choosing on the 16-stop self-guided tour. Sample the cocoa fares and speak with the chocolate makers. You can even take a chocolate mint bath soak. How sweet. www.ontariotravel.net

Also See: The top 20 most romantic cites in Canada

Article courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission Media Centre

Writers Bio: Heather Greenwood Davis is a freelance writer and travel columnist based in Toronto, ON. Always on the lookout for a new adventure, she’s often in an airport with notebook in hand, camera over her shoulder and children in tow. Her twice-monthly Toronto Star column, “Alternate Arrangements,” features interesting people, places and things across the planet. Learn more at www.greenwooddavis.com

What do they mean?

The name Canada is derived from the word Kanata, a Huron-Iroquois word for settlement or village. Jacques Cartier came to the New World looking for a Northwest Passage to the Spice Islands and the promise of exotic goods. He was directed to the village of Stadacona by aboriginals who used the word Kanata. From that time on, Cartier referred to the village as Canada, as well as the entire land mass he was exploring. Many of the territories, provinces, cities, lakes, rivers, parks, and mountains reflect their aboriginal roots.

Provinces

Manitoba – The word Manitou means spirit, and originally referred to the land areas along the Red River. It is likely from the Cree expression maniot-wapow, or Ojibwe’sManitou-bau which means the strait of the spirit. Along the narrows of Lake Manitoba the sound of the pebbles made a noise that was said to be the sound of the spirits, or of the spirits banging drums. It is also thought that the name came from the Assiniboin expression mine-toba or Lake of the Prairies.

Nunavut – This is Canada’s newest territory, having been incorporated on April 1, 1999. The name Nunavut comes from the Inuktitut language of the Inuit, the indigenous peoples of the area, and means our land.

Ontario – There are three accepted theories as to the origin of the name Ontario: kanadario meaning sparkling or beautiful water, onitariio meaning beautiful lake, and Skanadario meaning very pretty lake. In all three cases, the land area was named for the body of water known as Lake Ontario of the Great Lakes.

Québec – The name Québec comes from an Algonquin word kébec meaning the narrowing of the river. The geographical expression likely refers to the narrowing of the river around Québec City.

Saskatchewan – The Cree word kisiskāciwani-sīpiy, meaning a swiftly flowing river, became the name of the body of water (Saskatchewan River) before it became the name of the prairie province.

Yukon – This territory derives its name from the Gwich’in word Yu-kun-ah, which means great river.

Capital cities

Many of the capital cities of the provinces and territories also have names with aboriginal origins:

• Toronto (Ontario) – tkaronto – place where trees stand in the water
• Winnipeg (Manitoba) – win-nipee – muddy water
• Iqaluit (Nunavut) – iqaluit – many fish

Actual (not seasonally adjusted) national sales activity via the Multiple Listing Service^® (MLS^®) Systems of Canadian real estate Boards was down 14.4 per cent on a year-over-year basis in December 2010, which reflects record level sales for the month of December in 2009.  Activity in December 2010 ran slightly ahead of the ten year average for the month

The national trend for monthly sales remained stable in December, with seasonally adjusted sales activity having edged down by less than a percentage point from the previous month.  Led by Calgary, Winnipeg, and Hamilton-Burlington, seasonally adjusted sales activity was up month-to-month in half of local markets. Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal were among the markets that posted a small month-over-month decline in December.

“Overall sales activity has improved in recent months, but the upturn has been uneven among local markets,” said Georges Pahud, CREA President. “Housing market trends often differ due to a number of local factors, so buyers and sellers should consult their local  expert to understand how trends are shaping up in their market.”

National home sales activity improved steadily over the second half of 2010, with seasonally adjusted sales up 18.3 per cent in December compared to the recent low reached in July. As a result, seasonally adjusted activity in the fourth quarter of 2010 rose 12.1 per cent from third quarter levels, and was up less than a percentage point compared to second quarter activity.

“The hand off to 2011 for sales activity in the fourth quarter suggests that the continuation of low interest rates will further support the housing market,” said Gregory Klump, CREA’s Chief Economist. “Sales may be starting to plateau in some of Canada’s most active and expensive housing markets.  Combined with a pickup in new listings and further interest rate increases, the stage is being set for smaller price gains and a further deceleration in the growth of mortgage debt.”

Some 447,010 homes traded hands over Canadian MLS^® Systems in 2010, down 3.9 per cent from 2009. Annual sales activity was higher than CREA had forecast previously due to stronger than projected sales activity in the fourth quarter.

The number of new residential listings on Canadian MLS^® Systems held steady in December, rising by less than one percentage point on a seasonally adjusted basis. New listings remain 14.2 per cent below the recent peak reached in April 2010.

The housing market remained in balanced territory on a national basis in December, with sales as a percentage of new listings amounting to 55.2 per cent. Just over half of local markets in Canada were in balanced territory in December.

Three-quarters of the remaining local markets are sellers’ markets.  “With activity having returned to healthy levels and a firm floor under prices, many sellers who shied away from the market heading into the summer are expected to list their properties heading into the spring,” said Klump. “Sales in the months ahead are not expected to continue trending upward as steeply as they have in recent months, so an increase in new listings may return many sellers markets to balanced territory.”

The number of months of inventory represents the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity, and can be used to gauge the balance between housing supply and demand. The seasonally adjusted number of months of inventory stood at 5.8 months at the end of December on a national basis. This was unchanged from November, and remains 1.4 months below where it was in July.

The number of months of inventory in December rose compared to November levels in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and was down from the previous month in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Prince Edward Island.

The national average price for homes sold in December 2010 was $344,551, up two per cent from the same month last year, and stable compared to average price in October and November. About 60 per cent of local markets recorded year-over-year gains in December. Average price was down on a year-over-year basis in 30 per cent of local markets, and remained stable in the remainder.

The annual average price for homes sold via Canadian MLS^® Systems rose 5.8 per cent to $339,030.  Much of the increase reflects compositional factors within and across housing markets that caused average price to be skewed downward in 2009.

Global ocean surface temperatures were tied with 2005 for the third-warmest on record. The year was also the wettest on record, in terms of average global precipitation.

Last year was Canada's warmest year on record

In Canada, the national average temperature for the year 2010 was 3.0 C above normal, based on preliminary data, Environment Canada reported in its annual climate trends and variations bulletin, released earlier this week.

That makes it the warmest year on record since nationwide records began in 1948. The previous warmest year,1998, was just 2.5 C above normal.

The report said the entire country experienced above-normal temperatures, but Nunavut and northern Quebec were most extreme, with average temperatures at least 4 C above normal. Atlantic Canada was only 2.1 C above normal, but that still made 2010 the region’s warmest on record.

Overall, Canada has warmed an average of 1.6 C over the past 63 years.

Those numbers are up from a previous survey for the non-profit research institute, which found in January 2009 that a total of 54 per cent identified themselves only as Quebecers or as Quebecers first.

Jack Jedwab, executive director of the association,said that the poll suggests a long-term distancing of relations between Quebec and the rest of Canada.

“Thirty-one per cent of Quebec francophones see themselves as only Quebecers. That says to me there’s a not insignificant minority of Quebecers who feel a really strong sense of detachment to Canada,” Jedwab said.

Even surges in national pride out of events such as the Vancouver Winter Olympics have only a temporary effect on that distance, he said.

“I still think there’s a lot of ambivalence on the part of francophone Quebecers about their connection to Canada,” he said. “We shouldn’t assume that great events like that are going to have a sustained or long-term effect.”

Quebecers are less likely than ever before to identify themselves as Canadian

Just under 20 per cent of francophones surveyed by pollster Leger Marketing define themselves equally as Quebecers and Canadians, 7 per cent as Canadian first and only 1 per cent as Canadian only.

Jedwab said the detachment from Canada is profound and will be difficult to reverse, at least among Quebec francophones. “They see Quebec as their family and their first reference for them in terms of their attachment.”

And he said it will have major implications in how Ottawa sells Canada inside Quebec.

“We need to think about the message we convey to Quebecers when it comes to issues of identity,” he said. “We have to express our relationship in very pragmatic terms … it’s not an affair of the heart.”

“We have got to get away from trying to, for example, bomb Quebec with love: talking about how much we love Quebecers … we may feel that way, but the reality is that in order to sell Canada within Quebec we’ve got to focus on the things that are pragmatic about our relationship.”

The poll also suggested a widening gap between francophones and anglophones in Quebec when it comes to national identity. Among English-speaking Quebecers, identification with Canada mirrors francophones’ identification with Quebec: 45 per cent define themselves as Canadian first but also as Quebecers, 21 cent as equally Quebecers and Canadians and 18 per cent as Canadians only.

In total, 19 per cent of anglophones define themselves as Quebecers first but also Canadian, and two per cent see themselves as Quebecers only.

Jedwab said the survey also showed attachment to Canada waning among young Quebecers: only 18 per cent of those age 18-24 report strong feelings of attachment to the country.

The Whitewater Sessions

Nahanni River, NWT
I might as well put this on the table right away: the Nahanni tops my list. The namesake of a treasured national park reserve, a Canadian Heritage River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the unparalleled Virginia Falls and a recent six-fold park expansion easily win a spot for this iconic destination.

Kicking Horse River, BC
Carving through Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies, the Kicking Horse River is a classic glacier-fed mountain river popular for whitewater rafting. Trips are short—half- and full-day excursions—and the icy water is a constant reminder of the river’s frozen origins. Yee-haw!

Shubenacadie River, NS
Instead of standing on the shore watching Bay of Fundy’s world-famous high tides come in, I’d rather ride this surprisingly turbulent phenomenon. Who knew there was such a thing as tidal bore rafting?

Tatshenshini/Alsek River, YT/BC
The storied Tat-Alsek river system punches through a giant coastal mountain range and crosses the largest international protected area in the world. Icebergs calve into the river, while grizzlies and mountain goats are common sights. Oh, did I mention that the surging Lowell Glacier threatens to dam the Alsek once again? Could be a unique year to go.

West Magpie River, QC
Plunging from the Labrador Plateau across boreal forest to the Saint Lawrence River, the Magpie is one of those wild gotta-see Canadian rivers. This year, the seldom-paddled West Magpie is available for a commercial rafting expedition.

Chilko River, BC
Glaciers in the Coast Mountains feed turquoise Chilko Lake and its crystalline river in British Columbia’s Cariboo-Chilcotin. Known for lengthy stretches of whitewater, salmon runs and a lava gorge, the Chilko can be a day trip or a longer expedition continuing on the Chilcotin and Fraser rivers.

Firth River, YT
Flowing north through Yukon’s Ivvavik National Park, the Firth River winds for 130 km (81 mi) through taiga forest, canyons and expansive tundra to the Beaufort Sea. The Porcupine caribou herd migrates across the Firth, and grizzlies, wolves and muskox are often seen. If there’s room on your list for an Arctic river, this is it.

Ottawa River, QC/ON
The legendary Ottawa River, known for its adrenalin-pumping rapids and impressive whitewater, is the granddaddy of rivers east of the Rockies. They say spring is the time to go, when snowmelt fuels the flow. But autumn can be just as much fun, with the potential for flashes of fall colour.

Stikine River, BC
One of these days, I’ll descend the mighty Stikine with its abundant wildlife, eye-popping scenery and the impassable Grand Canyon. Glacial melt fuels the upper river, and the lower stretch is lined with valley glaciers. If I were a mountain goat, this is where I’d want to live.

Checkout these videos:

Slave River Kayaking Beginner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTE5vEcOwJU
Class V Kayaking on the Slave River
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VZXEeL1nLw
Rafting at its Best in the Ottawa River
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80Rm6Pmx-HE

Article courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission Media Centre:

Writers Bio: Writer Teresa Earle grew up in Vancouver, BC, and headed north a dozen years ago after dog-mushing sojourns in Minnesota and the Northwest Territories. A freelancer who now lives in Whitehorse, YT, she also consults to the tourism industry and teaches writing workshops. Earle has travelled Canada coast to coast to coast, and her adventture-travel articles have appeared in Up Here, The Globe and Mail and Canadian Geographic. teresa@earle.ca

Multicultural Canada: During the third quarter, 84,200 immigrants arrived in Canada, 8,800 more than in the same quarter of 2009.

The increase in immigration was experienced by most of Canada’s provinces and territories. Some of them had the highest quarterly immigration levels since 1971, the first year covered by the current system of demographic accounts.

Despite the increase in immigration, Canada’s third-quarter population growth was only slightly higher than what was observed for the same quarter in 2009. The increase in immigration was partly offset by a decline in the net inflow of non-permanent residents.

Atlantic Canada

The population of Newfoundland and Labrador was estimated at 509,200 on October 1, 2010. Despite a net gain in international migration, it was the only province to post a population decline in the third quarter.

Prince Edward Island had the nation’s highest third-quarter growth rate. Its population increased by nearly 1,000 (+0.7%) to 143,200. The increase was largely due to immigration, as the province received 1,200 immigrants, the highest number since 1971.

Nova Scotia’s population grew by 1,400 (+0.1%) to 943,900. The increase was in part attributable to a net inflow of non-permanent residents (+1,400).

New Brunswick’s population totalled 752,800 as of October 1, up by 1,100 (+0.1%). The increase was primarily attributable to immigration, as the province received around 700 immigrants, the highest level observed since the second quarter of 1976.

Central Canada

Quebec’s population grew by 24,800 (+0.3%) to 7,932,100 during the third quarter. The province received 16,800 immigrants, the highest level since 1971.

During the third quarter, Quebec’s net interprovincial migration was close to zero, meaning that its number of in-migrants coming from other parts of the country equalled the number of people leaving the province for another location in Canada. With only a few exceptions, Quebec usually experiences losses in its migration exchanges with the other provinces and territories.

Ontario’s population totalled 13,268,600 on October 1, 2010, an increase of 57,900 (+0.4%). Net international migration, the most important factor in the province’s population growth, accounted for nearly 70% of Ontario’s third-quarter population increase.

Western Canada

Manitoba’s population as of October 1, 2010 was estimated at 1,240,000, up by 4,600 (+0.4%). The growth was primarily attributable to net international migration, estimated at 4,100. Manitoba received nearly 4,700 immigrants in the third quarter, the highest level since 1971.

Saskatchewan’s population increased by 4,100 (+0.4%) to reach 1,049,700 as of October 1. More than 60% of this growth was due to net international migration. Saskatchewan’s net interprovincial migration during the third quarter, which was slightly above zero, was much lower than in the same period in 2009.

Alberta’s population rose by 14,100 (+0.4%) to 3,735,100 in the third quarter. Unlike the situation in other provinces where migration is the key factor of population growth, nearly 60% of Alberta’s growth was due to natural increase, a much higher proportion than in any other province.

British Columbia posted an increase of 20,900 (+0.5%) in the third quarter as its population reached 4,551,900. The province received more than 13,200 immigrants in the third quarter, its highest level of immigration since the first quarter of 1997.

The territories

The population of the three territories was virtually unchanged in the third quarter. As of October 1, 2010, the Yukon’s population was estimated at 34,500, compared with 43,800 for the Northwest Territories and 33,300 for Nunavut.

Vulcan tourism and Trek station

It’s unlikely that any visitor who drives through Vulcan will miss spotting the Vulcan Tourism and Trek Station and the Starship Enterprise. Situated at the main entrance to the town, this 78.7 cm (31 in) long starship model was built and unveiled in 1995 and is based on the original USS enterprise from the Star Trek series. The Tourism and Trek Station was constructed in 1998 and looks just like a spaceship, so it can’t and shouldn’t be missed. “Trekkies,” a term to describe Star Trek enthusiasts, will delight to find out that there is an annual VulCon community-wide three-day Star Trek convention in June, featuring Klingon karaoke, a Star Trek fashion show and an Intergalactic Fan Fiction Exhibition. A plaque welcomes space-eager visitors in English, Klingon and Vulcan so there is no confusion as to the intriguing discovery. Only a one hour drive from Calgary, Alberta, this attraction is one of the most unique attractions in Canada.

The world’s largest UFO landing pad

UFO landing pad

In an effort to boost tourism, St. Paul, Alberta decided to build a UFO landing pad, which is currently the world’s largest. Located at the main entrance to the town’s recreational grounds, the landing pad officially opened in 1967 and in 1993 a tourist booth was built to complement the area. In 1996, the centre built an adjoining UFO interpretive display, one of only two that exists in North America. The centre also started a UFO hotline number that is used regularly for UFO sightings, unexplained phenomena and other irregular happenings. The 130 ton landing pad has a map of Canada embossed in the backstop, built from stones from each province. The construction of the landing pad was spearheaded by this small prairie town’s Centennial Committee and became one of a hundred Centennial project ideas that took off.

The world’s largest dinosaur

Visitors who want to explore East-Central Alberta but who aren’t normally intrigued by unidentified foreign objects or fictional Star Trek characters, should stop off at Alberta’s badlands for a view of the world’s largest dinosaur. The Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-Rex) is a 26 m (86 ft) steel and fiberglass structure that can be viewed for free. The more energetic person will be pleased to pay a few dollars to climb the 106 steps lined with fossils and bones that lead into the dinosaur’s mouth. Built in the fall of 2000, the T-Rex is a millennium project of the Drumheller Regional Chamber of Development and Tourism in Alberta. Visitors to this enormous beast will also likely enjoy taking a tour of the nearby the Royal Tyrrell Museum.

The largest Hockey stick and punk

The largest Hockey stick and punk

Where else would the curious traveller find a 62 m (205 ft) hockey stick but in Canada. Currently residing in Duncan, British Columbia on Vancouver Island, the puck and stick were built in Penticton from Douglas fir wood beams. The stick weighs in at a whopping 28 kg (61 lbs), 40 times the size of a regular hockey stick. Commissioned by the Government of Canada for Expo ’86 in Vancouver, the puck and stick were later donated to the province of British Columbia. After a competition, the Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan was chosen from over 30 organizations to display the interesting artifact in front of the building. The citizens of the Cowichan community now also own the biggest hockey stick and puck in the world.

Biggest easel

What weighs 20,250 kg (45,000 lbs) and is an artist’s dream? The Big Easel in Altona. The 25 m (80 ft) easel and hand-painted reproduction dwarfs the original seven Vincent Van Gogh sunflower paintings. The first big easel and painting was erected in Altona in 1998 and is part of the international Van Gogh project, which will eventually comprise seven hand-painted reproductions of Van Gogh’s sunflowers in seven countries. Canadian artist Cameron Cross is responsible for the current painting in Altona, the sunflower capital of Canada. This fun but unusual attraction can be found on a grassy area on 10th Avenue in the northeast side of town, a one hour drive from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Ten layers of acrylic enamel and 24 sheets of plywood sheets were used in the creation of this enormous painting, which has become an internationally recognized symbol of art. Altona’s big easel took two and a half years to complete.

The ice hotel in Quebec

More than an unusual sight, the Ice Hotel in Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier is an architectural winter marvel. Open to the public from January to the first week of April, this 2,700 sq m (30,000 sq ft) hotel is both a public attraction as well as a place to stay overnight, if the visitor doesn’t mind being surrounded by tons of ice and snow. Four-inch thick walls encircle the 36 regular and themed-room suites bringing the internal temperature in the hotel to between -2°C to -5°C (28°F to 23°F). An ice cafe and bar and a sauna will help warm the body as will the cozy bedding that is placed on the hotel beds. Daily public tours are available to those who prefer not to get horizontal in this icy hotel paradise.

Bottle houses

Inspired by a picture of a glass castle on a postcard sent by the inventor’s daughter, Édouard T. Arsenault collected and cleaned 25,000 recycled bottles to create this amazing architectural attraction. Since 1981, visitors have been drawn to the three glass buildings and the magnificent glass-themed gardens that Edóuard built at the age of 66, shortly after his retirement.

Over the years, Prince Edward Island’s inclement weather led to the rebuilding of the three structures between 1992 and 1998. Bricklayers carefully reconstructed the buildings by taking down the various shapes, sizes and colours of the glass piece by piece. Édouard’s six-gabled house was the initial attraction to this site. Tourists were amazed by the intricacies of his work and encouraged Édouard to continue on with his desire to build glass structures, which started out as a hobby.

The world’s largest egg

One of the main attractions along the Trans Canada Yellowhead Highway is the Pysanka, a gigantic Ukrainian Easter egg, which was created to celebrate 100 years of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s (R.C.M.P.) dedication and service to the city’s descendants and pioneers. The creation of the Pysanka, meaning Easter egg in Ukrainian, is a symbol of Ukrainian culture and brought about the first-ever computer modeling of an egg. The egg is made up of 524 star patterns, 2,208 equilateral triangles, 3,512 visible facets and almost 7,000 nuts and bolts.

Computer scientist Professor Resch designed the egg, which stands 9.5 m (31 ft) high, 7.8 m (25.7 ft) long and 5.5 m (18 ft) wide. Weighing in at 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs), this aluminum egg is an incredible artistic achievement, made up of five distinct symbols. The gold and silver stars symbolize life and good fortune, trinity and eternity while the windmills represent a rich harvest. The silver wolf’s tooth, the most prominent symbol, represents protection and security provided by the R.C.M.P. The showcase of the R.C.M.P.’s centennial celebrations in 1975, the Pysanka, can be found at the entrance to the Elks Kinsmen Community Park in Vegreville, Alberta.

Largest Pyrogy

The Largest Pyrogy

The town of Glendon is another small town in Alberta that showcases its Ukrainian culture in a big way. Known as one of the “giants of the prairies” this massive pyrogy (commonly spelt perogy) is a sight that may tempt the taste buds. Luckily there is a Pyrogy Park Cafe right next door so stop in and enjoy some fresh perogies, a semicircular dumpling made of unleavened dough served in many European and Asian cultures. There is also a gift shop beside the structure if bringing home a plastic replica of this huge roadside treat is desired. The 8 m (27 ft) tall and 3.6 m (12 ft) wide structure was unveiled in 1993. Find this huge pyrogy stuck on a giant fork structure in northern Alberta, located on Pyrogy Drive in Pyrogy Park.

The largest coffee pot in Canada

Venture through central Saskatchewan to see a giant coffee pot and mug. This 7.3 m (24 ft) carafe was built to symbolize Davidson‘s friendliness and hospitality. Located halfway between Regina and Saskatoon, this sheet metal structure was built in 1996 and has the capacity to hold 150,000 8-ounce cups of coffee and features painted murals on each side. Hopefully there is a coffee shop nearby.

This was the first decline since the annual Survey of Household Spending was introduced in 1997. During 2009, the annual average rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index was 0.3%.

Personal taxes accounted for 20.2% of the average household’s budget in 2009, while shelter represented 19.8%, transportation 13.7% and food 10.2%. These shares were virtually unchanged from 2008.

Excluding personal taxes, spending on goods and services was down 0.7% in 2009 from 2008.

Average household spending declined in five provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Ontario and Alberta. The largest declines occurred in Prince Edward Island (-3.1%), and in Alberta (-2.2%), where average spending was highest at $84,976. The largest increase was in Manitoba (+4.9%), largely the result of a 5.5% increase in spending on shelter and a 4.9% increase on transportation. Spending on other categories remained stable.

Less spending on discretionary items

Putting the squeeze on spending

Households reduced spending in 2009 on discretionary items or those that could be postponed, such as recreation and household furnishings.

One exception was spending for home repairs and maintenance, which increased 22% in 2009 over 2008. In large part, this was likely due to the federal government home renovation tax credit program.

The largest declines in spending were for recreation, which fell 5.5% to $3,840 on average. Lower spending on recreation vehicles led the decline in this category; for example, spending on snowmobiles fell 11%.

Declines were widespread in such areas as sports gear, computer equipment and photographic equipment. However, spending at movie theatres rose 8.7% to an average of $100 per household.

Spending on household furnishings and equipment fell 3.6% to an average of $1,900 per household. This decrease was largely the result of declines in spending for rugs, window coverings, art, antiques, and workshop tools. Spending for furniture and appliances remained steady.

Overall, spending for transportation remained virtually unchanged at $9,750 per household. The largest change in transportation was for leased automobiles, where spending fell 16%. Many major auto corporations halted leasing during the downturn in the fall of 2008 and did not resume until the fall of 2009.

Spending associated with moving, such as the hiring of movers, real estate commissions, appraisals and land transfer taxes all showed sharp declines.

Technological change continues to affect spending

Not all changes were associated with the economic downturn. Technological change continued to drive a number of long-term trends in spending.

Spending for cell phone services rose 13% to an average of $620, surpassing spending for landline telephone services for the first time. Spending for landline services fell 4.5% to $550.

Over 77% of households reported having at least one cell phone. The proportion of households with landline service declined to 89%, a level last seen in 1965.

Spending on audio players fell 38%, while it was down 9.2% on digital cameras. These declines occurred as more cell phones were capable of playing music and taking photos.

Spending on reading materials, such as newspapers and books, fell 8.3% to $230 per household, while average spending for Internet access grew 10% to $340 per household.

Home Internet access was reported by 78% of households in 2009, while 72% reported having a broadband connection, up from 67% in 2008.

Food, shelter, clothing account for over half of spending by lowest income households

52% went to food, shelter and clothing

The one-fifth of Canadian households with the lowest income spent an average of $23,860 in 2009. Of this, almost 52% went to food, shelter and clothing. Personal taxes represented 2.8% of their budget.

In contrast, the one-fifth of households with the highest income spent an average of $147,090. They allocated about 27% of their budgets to food, shelter and clothing, while 30% went to personal taxes. These proportions were similar to 2008.

The report “User Guide for the Survey of Household Spending,” 2009 (62F0026M2010006, free), which presents information about survey methodology, concepts, and data quality, is available online as part of the Household Expenditures Research Paper Series. From the Publications module, choose Publications by subject, then Income, pensions, spending and wealth, then Household spending and Savings and finally, Household Expenditures Research paper series.

The history of Canadian train travel

Frozen waterways, poor roads and a sparse population over a large land mass were just a few of the challenges that a pre-confederation Canada faced in the early 1800s when it came to winter travel. However, the opening of the first public train in 1836—the Champlain and St. Lawrence Railroad—made the outlook of passenger travel a whole lot brighter. More passenger trains were built and by 1886 the Canadian Pacific Railway finished its transcontinental route to British Columbia.

By the 1960s, travel by rail had become an image of the past as more people switched to automobiles and airplanes for transportation. In 1977, VIA Rail was created to breathe life back into train travel. Now, passengers can take a trip the way it once was and experience the charm of travelling by train along numerous routes across Canada.

VIA rail offers a number of winter routes

Canadian routes

VIA Rail offers approximately 20 routes that connect Canada from coast to coast. Through various travel companies, customers can select the train package that best suits their interests. The following provides a taste of popular routes that can be turned into unforgettable winter train vacations.

Enchanting Quebec
The charming province of Quebec is a busy holiday destination year round. Although summer visitors can attend outdoor festivals and dine under the moonlight at scrumptious bistros, winter travellers are enchanted by Quebec’s fairytale-like beauty as snow sprinkles over the province’s picturesque landscape and European-inspired architecture.

Montreal to Quebec
Visitors start their tour in Montreal, which is the province’s most populated city and the largest French-speaking city in North America. Before boarding the train, travellers should give themselves some time in this vibrant centre to visit the city’s sights. A few of Montreal’s highlights are the trendy restaurant-and-shop-clad cobblestone lanes of Old Montreal, the stained glass and sculptures of Notre-Dame Basilica and the urban escape of Parc du Mont-Royal.

Passengers travel three and a half hours north with VIA Rail through Quebec’s landscape of snow-covered maple trees, frozen rivers and lakes to reach the province’s capital, Quebec City. While in Quebec City, guests can take a tour of Old Quebec, which is usually included in train packages, and admire the magnificent Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac hotel and the historic Citadelle. The best time to visit is early February when the city hosts its annual Winter Carnival. During this 17-day event visitors will see ice palaces, parades, snow sculptures and even canoe races.

Scenic Maritimes
The Maritime provinces boast beautiful beaches, lighthouses and of course fresh seafood. Travellers can get a good sense of the Maritimes as they journey through New Brunswick to Halifax, Nova Scotia with VIA Rail.

Quebec City to Halifax
After exploring Quebec City, passengers continue east through New Brunswick. Forestry is a major industry in this province and visitors can expect to see many snow-dusted, picture-book trees as they travel through such centres as Miramichi and Moncton on their way to Nova Scotia. After approximately 19 hours, visitors arrive in Halifax where they can enjoy fresh seafood dinners on the harbourfront and historic attractions like Pier 21 and the Halifax Citadel. Peggy’s Cove, just outside of Halifax, is also worth a visit.

Enjoy the wonderful views in comfort

Rocky Mountain Wilderness
Aboard the train to Jasper National Park, passengers will witness the dramatic transformation of Alberta’s flat farmland into rugged mountains. During the snowy months, Jasper becomes a winter playground for snowboarders, skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Edmonton to Jasper
Visitors start this Canadian Rocky Mountain winter journey in Alberta’s capital city, Edmonton, which is full of attractions. Keen shoppers and thrill seekers will appreciate the 800 stores and services, theme park, wave park and bungee jumping and ice skating facilities at West Edmonton Mall. History lovers can make a stop at the Royal Alberta Museum, Alberta Government House or the Alberta Railway Museum.

Aboard VIA Rail, passengers can watch the spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountains gradually appear closer as they travel five and a half hours through flat fields, rolling hills and forests to enter the heart of Jasper National Park, home to rugged peaks, pristine lakes and exciting wildlife like moose and wolves. While in Jasper, travellers may experience the town’s extensive dining and shopping scene or see some of the park’s natural attractions. Popular winter activities in Jasper include guided ice walks at Maligne Canyon and skiing at Marmot Basin.

The Canadian
Those eager to see as much of Canada as they can from a train seat will like VIA Rail’s route, The Canadian. This transcontinental train starts in Toronto, Ontario and weaves through lake lands, prairies and mountains as it travels across five provinces to reach Vancouver, British Columbia four days later.

Before embarking on The Canadian, passengers should take advantage of the abundance of attractions in Canada’s largest city, Toronto. A few must-see sites are the sky-scraping CN Tower, the action-packed Yonge-Dundas Square, the quirky Bata Shoe Museum and the beautiful Casa Loma mansion.

From the train, passengers watch Northern Ontario’s lake lands turn into picturesque farmland as the train chugs through Manitoba (via Winnipeg), Saskatchewan (via Saskatoon) and Alberta (via Edmonton). The Canadian makes one more stop in Jasper, Alberta before heading through the Rocky Mountains to Vancouver. Once in Vancouver, visitors can breathe the Pacific Ocean air, bundle up warm and explore such attractions as Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Aboard VIA Rail, customers can choose from economy, business and sleeper classes. Economy includes comfortable seats, window views and the option to purchase snacks and meals on the train, while business class features spacious seating and includes meals, drinks, newspapers and access to the panorama lounges. On lengthy routes, VIA Rail customers can select sleeper class, which offers the perks of business class plus access to berths, cabins or suites.

Cars on VIA Rail’s trains vary with the route and class chosen. On short trips customers can unwind on LRC cars, which have comfortable seats and window views. On long trips passengers can venture between cars like the Stainless Steel Skyline Car to take in spectacular panoramic views or the Stainless Steel Dining Car to enjoy a fancy meal served on fine china.

Quebec is the largest Canadian province and with nearly 8 million people is the second most populous after Ontario. It is nearly three times the size of France and is bordered by Ontario to the west, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador to the east. The south of the province is bordered by several of the US New England states. Quebec has half a million lakes and over half of the province is covered by forest.

The capital of the province is Quebec City, which has a population of around 700,00 within the metropolitan area. However, the largest and most populous city is Montréal with a almost 2 million people in the city itself and nearly 4 million within the metropolitan area.

During 2009 (latest figures) 49,493 people emigrated to Quebec. Of those 2,364 settled in Quebec City and 42,534 made Montréal their home. These figures made Quebec the second most popular province to emigrate to after Ontario during 2009. The majority of newcomers came from Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Of those who emigrated to Quebec over 20,000 spoke both French and English, nearly 12,000 spoke only French and almost 8,000 only spoke English.

Economy

One of Quebec’s claim to fame is that it is the world’s largest producer of maple syrup. This is a very fertile province and produces vegetables, fruit and dairy products that are either used within the province or exported to other parts of Canada or to the United States.

As half the province is covered by forest, this is also an important industry which covers lumbar companies as well as pulp and paper production. Another important industry is hydroelectricity.

Montréal is home to many high technology industries including aerospace and is the fourth biggest player in the world.

Over 85% of Quebec’s exports go to the United States and in turn it receives close to half its imports from there. This makes the US Quebec’s largest trade partner by far.

Housing

The average price of a single-family home in October 2010 was $257,456. You can expect to pay a little more in Montreal where the average selling price for the same time was $309,638. In Quebec City the prices are lower at $246,918.

Climate

The majority of the population lives in the south of the province where the weather is continental with four seasons.

Quebec City has a humid climate which creates precipitation all year. In the winter temperatures can drop to an average of -8℃ in the day and to -20℃ at night. However, with the wind-chill this can feel much colder. Snow can fall anytime between November and April and even into May. Annual snowfall averages at around 3.5 meters or 14 feet.

The summer months, June to August are usually warm and average temperatures hover around the mid 20’s℃. nights however, can still be cool.

Montreal has very similar weather, however summer temperatures tend to be higher often reaching the low to mid 30’oC. It can also be very humid. The far north of the province experiences an arctic climate with freezing winters and permanent permafrost.

Health

The Régie de l’assurance maladie issues a Health Insurance Card to persons eligible for the Québec Health Insurance Plan. Newcomers to Quebec have to wait for a three month probationary period before being eligible for the Quebec Health insurance Plan. However, you should register upon your arrival to ensure it will not delay your coverage. You will receive your health card two weeks after your eligibility date.

People moving from another Canadian province will be covered by their existing health card during the probationary period.

Coverage includes: procedures medically necessary and carried out by a doctor or medical specialist including examinations, consultations, diagnostics, therapeutic services, psychiatric treatments, surgery, radiology and anesthesia. Services such as laboratory services, CAT scans and MRI’s are only covered if carried out in a hospital. Procedures that are not medically necessary are not covered by the plan.

Children under 10 years are covered for all dental procedures, as are certain services for people on employment benefits. Dental procedures carried out in hospital are covered for all residents.

Optometric services are covered for people under 18 years and over 65 years and people on certain benefits. Services not covered include replacement eyeglasses or contact lenses, cosmetic procedures, eye exams for employment or insurance reasons.

Quebec also has a compulsory Prescription Drug Insurance Scheme, which is often paid by employers. Over 4,500 drugs are available through the plan, enabling them to be purchased at reduced rates.

Driving

Quebec offers some new residents the ability to exchange their home country licence for the equivalent Quebec licence. If you come from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, England, Scotland, Wales, Japan, Netherlands, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan or Turkey you can take advantage of this exchange. If your country is not one of these you can still exchange your licence providing you have held it for at least a year and you complete the Quebec knowledge and road tests.

If you are moving to Quebec from another province or territory of Canada you must exchange your licence for a Quebec licence within 90 days. You can do this without having to take a test for passenger cars and motorcycles. Other types of licence require you to take a medical exam before exchange can be granted.

If you are moving to Quebec from the USA you can exchange your existing passenger car licence or moped licence for a Quebec licence. However other types of licence require a test to be taken.

Full details of Quebec’s driving licence rules can be found at this website: http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/driver_licence/index.php

Education

The Quebec education system is governed by the Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec (Ministry of Education of Quebec). The system differs slightly from other parts of Canada.

Preschool or kindergarten is available for children, but is not mandatory. Once a child reaches the age of 6 years (or 5 years if they will be 6 before 1st october) they must be enrolled in elementary school. Elementary school last for six years (grades 1-6).

After elementary school a child then moves on to secondary school or high school. This is for five years and leads to a Secondary School Diploma (SSD) which will allow the child to move onto higher education. The first three years of secondary school covers general studies. The next two years allow the child to take optional courses alongside general studies. This gives them the option of focusing on specific subjects or vocational studies to help them in their future occupations.

After mainstream schooling a child can move on to college, but must have a Secondary School Diploma (SSD) or a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) in order to do so. Colleges can offer a two year pre-university course in preparation for university or three years of technical studies  which can lead to employment or university.

After completing college a student can move onto university. The number of years of study depend on the course and level chosen. Undergraduate studies lead to a bachelor’s degree (three to four years of study), a certificate or a diploma (one or two years of study). Graduate studies lead to a master’s degree (usually two years of study), a certificate or a diploma (usually one year of study). Doctoral studies lead to a PhD degree after three years of study or more.

Immigration

Quebec has its own immigration scheme which is separate from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). If you wish to emigrate to Quebec you will need to familiarize yourself with immigration programs available. Potential immigrants can apply to the province for permanent residency via three routes: permanent workers, business people and sponsorship. There are also routes for temporary workers and foreign students as well as refugees.

Go to the Quebec immigration website for full details:
http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/index.html.

Here’s a roundup of activities and places to play in the snow across the country:

Ski & snowboard (X-C, cat-, resort, heli-)
Skiing? Boarding? Hell, yeah! Canada’s got a veritable buffet of skiing options, with many flavours to enjoy: resort, heli-, cat- and Nordic/cross-country. Whatever your preference, Canada has no shortage of world-class choices:

• Although British Columbia’s Whistler-Blackcomb regularly steals the limelight as North America’s über-ski resort, there’s a lifetime of other hills to explore, spreading across to Alberta, Quebec and as far east as Marble Mountain near Corner Brook, NL.
• The world’s first heli-skiing operation, Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH), now operates 12 heli-ski areas and lodges in British Columbia (where an estimated 90% of the world’s heli-skiing takes place). 
  
• The world’s first commercial cat-ski operation also hails from British Columbia: 35 years old now, Selkirk Wilderness Skiing is still a family business operating near Nelson, BC. 
  
• There are 500-plus cross-country ski areas across Canada, with standouts including Alberta’s Canmore Nordic Centre, developed for the 1988 Calgary Olympic Winter Games, and Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club in the Yukon, with 75 km (47 mi) of trails accessible five minutes from downtown.

Snowshoe

Initially born out of necessity for travel and hunting in deep snow, the snowshoe has evolved in form and use to something enjoyed by those more interested in getting some exercise in the crisp air while absorbing some of the splendour of the outdoors. Pretty much anywhere you can hike during the summer, you can snowshoe in winter. Some ideal locales to strap on snowshoes include:

• Gatineau Park, a short jaunt from Parliament Hill in Ottawa, ON, our nation’s capital. Here 45 km (28 mi) of lakeside trails range from easy to challenging.
• On the east coast, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Gros Morne National Park butts against the Atlantic Ocean, making for some dramatic coastal trekking.
• A prime example of boreal forest mixed with prairie landscape is Moose Mountain Provincial Park in southeastern Saskatchewan.

Outdoor skating

Skating is a fundamental skill needed to play ice hockey, which is why many Canadians have skates put on them not long after they’re able to walk. Originally a mode of transportation for First Nations and early settlers, ice-skating soon became a recreational pastime during long winter months. Although indoor rinks abound, the full Canadian experience is to skate outdoors in the fresh air.

• The famed Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, ON, is the world’s largest groomed outdoor ice-skating surface (7.8 km or 5 mi).
• A few of the longest ice-skating venues in Canada include: Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail, the world’s longest naturally frozen skating trail, in Winnipeg,MB; Sylvan Lake Track in Alberta; and Rivière L’Assomption’s Skateway in Joliette, QC.
• Two of the most picturesque outdoor skating areas include: Place d’Youville in Québec City, QC, amid the Old Town’s historic buildings in front of Palais Montcalm; and when it’s sufficiently frozen, Alberta’s iconic Lake Louise, ringed by glaciated peaks and the fairytale-esque Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
• In the north, Frame Lake, right in the middle of the Northwest Territories’ capital,Yellowknife, gets a good grooming for winter skating.
• Many downtown cores in Canada sport outdoor rinks, including Victoria Park in Regina, SK and Nathan Phillips Square, outside city hall in Toronto, ON.

Tobogganing

Of all the winter activities, none crosses as many age groups and abilities as tobogganing (from the Algonquian term odabaggan). Simply get on something that slides; a sled with runners, toboggan with flat bottom, even a piece of plastic, then succumb to gravity. Anywhere there’s a decent hill (and a good run out) is fair game. But some places to consider:

• Les Glissades de la Terrasse Dufferin (Dufferin Terrace Toboggan Slide) in Québec City, QC, beside the stately Fairmont Le Château Frontenac hotel. A holdover from a bygone era of manmade toboggan slides, the 82-m-high (269-ft) platform yields a 152-m (499-ft) ride. It costs only a couple of dollars, but you have to haul the wooden toboggan to the top yourself.
• Canada Olympic Park, site of the 1988 Calgary Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, AB, allows you to view or experience the bigger brothers of tobogganing: luge, bobsleigh (you can try these two) and skeleton.
• Just about every ski resort has a good tubing or tobogganing area, official or otherwise.

Snowmobiling
It should come as no surprise that the father of the modern snowmobile was Canadian.Joseph-Armand Bombardier from Valcourt, QC, developed a caterpillar tracks design especially suited to varied snow conditions—a design adopted by all other major manufacturers. Present-day machines, with 150-plus horsepower engines capable of reaching speeds in excess of 240 k/hr (150 mph), provide access to some of the wildest, most remote regions of the country. But there’s no need for anything extreme to make for serious snowmobiling fun. Some of the most popular Canadian snowmobiling destinations include:

• Bombardier’s province, Quebec, is also birthplace of the first snowmobiling club in the world. The Laurentians and Abitibi-Témiscamingue, with their 3,518 km (2,217 mi) of snowmobiling trails, are considered two of the top destinations in the province.
• Ontario’s network of recreational snowmobiling trails is the longest in the world (at over 43,000 km or 26,000 mi) and includes such destinations as Vermilion Bay.
• New Brunswick’s Great Northern Odyssey carves a 1,000-km (625-mi) trail through four towns in the most snow-blessed province in the Maritimes.
• In the west, top spots include Sicamous, BC, Crowsnest Pass, AB, Whiteshell Provincial Park, MB, and Hudson Bay and Nipawin, both in Saskatchewan.
• The truly adventurous will want to try snowmobiling in wild Labrador; with virtually no roads, it’s only accessible by snowmobile in winter , or in Canada’s remote Arctic, Nunavut

Article courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission Media Centre:

Writers Bio: Masa Takei is a freelance magazine and screen writer based in Vancouver, BC. Publications he’s written for include Canadian Geographic, Westworld, Vancouver Magazine, Western Living and The Globe and Mail. His writing interests range from outdoor adventure, travel and subcultures to, apparently, structuring narrative arcs for mutant mercenaries and half-vampires. mtakei@shaw.ca