The Canadian government this week dropped its warning against international travel, a move that could boost consumer confidence. With that in mind, I’ll be highlighting great destinations over the next little while using the tag “Time to Travel.” Here’s a post from a great trip to Florida a few years ago. INVERNESS, FLORIDA – It’s a cool morning by Florida standards and a light fog is hanging over the dark waters of the Withlacoochee River. The mist rises and swirls over the top of the river as we pull away from the dock for our tour of the river with Read more
Boating
A truly magical helicopter ride over the 1,000 Islands. A tour of the Kingston Penitentiary. And lovely boat cruise on the St. Lawrence. Kingston, Ontario has a ton of great attractions and things to see and do. There’s also great food and lovely places to bed down for the night. Here’s one man’s list of things to keep you busy on a visit to this historic Canadian city. All three of our kids went to university at Queen’s, a short walk from downtown Kingston. I believe there’s a plaque in our honour outside the Loblaws grocery store on Princess Street, Read more
This is an excerpt from my new book, “Ontario Escapes: 19 Great Places to Visit Right Now.” It’s available from Apple Books (and only for Apple devices) for just $4.99 Canadian. What a deal! Here’s the link for the book: https://books.apple.com/ca/book/ontario-escapes/id1523750857 Chapter 11: Gravenhurst and Muskoka WHAT: There’s a reason some folks call Muskoka Toronto’s playground. Located just two hours (maybe less given COVID-19 traffic, or lack of same) north of the city, you’ll find amazing lakes strewn with rocky islets and towering, deep green trees. It’s as pretty as a postcard, and easy to reach. WHERE: Gravenhurst, the Read more
I’m looking around at the Whetung Ojibwa Centre, a small country store on the Curve Lake First Nation reserve outside Peterborough. I admire the colourful artwork, dozens of styles of moccasins and sparkling jewelry, not to mention the walrus skulls and old, black and white photos in the basement. As I’m heading out, I spy a large collection of jams and jellies made with local berries. To me, breakfast isn’t complete without toast and good jam, so I pick up a jar and head to the cash register. The woman handing the register looks at me and smiles. “Would you Read more
With Tahiti reopening for tourism today, here’s a post from a wondrous visit to Tahiti Iti in February. There’s no sign that says “Welcome to Another World” when you turn onto the section of Tahiti island called Tahiti Iti. I’m thinking there should be. A driver who makes the turn south on Tahiti’s main, road (there doesn’t appear to be a name or a number for this two-lane stretch of asphalt; the map I grabbed at the airport in Papeete didn’t provide a number, and the woman at the rental car counter merely called it “the road”) won’t notice an Read more
