The people who run the Global Liveability Index have come out with an exhaustive ranking of world cities. The top ten list is dominated by Europe and Australia, but Canada placed four cities in the top 20, which is nothing to sneeze at. According to Time Out, The Global Liveability Index rated more than 170 world cities based on five major factors. They are stability (such as the threat of conflict or prevalence of petty crime); healthcare (availability of over-the-counter drugs, quality of public healthcare); culture and environment (temperatures, levels of censorship); education (availability and quality of private education) and Read more
Canada
Air Canada has been named Best Airline in North America for the second year in a row. It also has cracked the world’s top 20 airlines, coming in 19th in the highly reputable Skytrax World Airline Awards. Air Canada came home with nine major awards this year: Best Airline in North America Most Family Friendly Airline in North America Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering in North America Best Business Class Onboard Catering in North America Best Cabin Crew in North America Best Cabin Crew in Canada Best Business Class Lounge North America (Toronto Pearson) Best Business Class Airline Lounge Read more
The Canadian government is making national parks free this summer for all visitors, as well as providing free admission to national museums, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites administered by Parks Canada. Ottawa also is making it easier to see the country by train, with free travel on VIA Rail for kids aged 17 and under if accompanied by an adult, and a 25% discount for those aged 18 to 24. On top of that, the government is providing a 25% discount on camping fees for Parks Canada properties. “This summer, Canadians can enjoy the very best Canada Read more
Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a good one for Canadian travellers, with homegrown nature, European escapes, and meaningful experiences leading the way. Booking.com has uncovered new data on Canadians’ summer travel plans. Here’s a snapshot of what’s shaping the season: Travel optimism is high. 72% of Canadian leisure travellers feel excited about exploring the world this summer, and the same amount (72%) expect to spend more on travel than they did in 2024. Canadians are keen to take advantage of our renowned green spaces and biodiversity. 42% of Canadian travellers express a desire to explore natural Read more
I checked my Apple map. This seemed to be the right place. But where was my hotel? My wife and I were booked for two nights at Le Petit Hotel Notre Dame in Old Montreal. Our Uber driver stopped on Rue Notre Dame, just steps from Notre-Dame Basilica, but I didn’t see our hotel. I know enough French to understand Le Petit means small hotel, but I literally couldn’t see it. Finally, I spotted a small (ahem) sign in a window of a building on the north side of the street that said “Petit Hotel.” We got our carry-on bags Read more
