I was on a cruise in Bordeaux, France last week and had one of those introductory bus rides around the city. Out the right side of my window I caught a brief glimpse of what’s La Grosse Cloche, or The Big Bell. Later, after lunch, I borrowed a bike from the folks at Ama Waterways and set out to explore the city at my own pace. I was getting near the end of my ride when I suddenly remembered the bell. In the old days I would’ve fumbled for a clunky, paper map and tried to find it. Or asked Read more

We Canadians have it pretty good when it comes to weekend getaways. There are fantastic American and Caribbean destinations only a few hours by plane from our biggest cities. Thanks to Rogers, they all can be visited at a very reasonable cost. If you use your Rogers Roam Like Home plan, you can use your phone’s roaming feature in great cities all across the U.S. for just $6 Cdn. a day; about what you’d pay for a Starbucks café latte in Manhattan. On top of that, you can spend two weeks or even three and your bill will be capped Read more

This story originally appeared in Sun Media websites and newspapers in Canada. SASKATOON – I’ve long felt that this is a city that punches above its weight. There are less than 300,000 residents, but it feels considerably larger, thanks in part to the University of Saskatchewan and a thriving arts and food scene. It’s also a striking location, with beautiful parks and several fine buildings lining the South Saskatchewan River. Here’s a look at some of the great things to see and do in town. DINING Calories is a long-time Saskatoon hot spot in the lively Broadway area, just south Read more

CHICAGO- One of the best things about travel to me is stepping into a really cool hotel with great atmosphere and history and thinking, “Wow, this is my home the next few days.” That’s exactly the way I felt when I walked into the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile in this great city the other day. I didn’t know much about it before I got here, but I came away from the trip with this being my favourite hotel in town. The 42-story south tower was built in 1929 as a playground for the Shriners, and you’ll find wonderful exterior touches Read more

THIS ITEM WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON CANOE.COM/TRAVEL on TUESDAY Aug. 8… LIKE A LOCAL CALGARY – This is a series where I check out various cities and look at the sorts of places you don’t always find in the tourist guides; fun restaurants and bars and shops where you’re likely to find a good number of locals as well as visitors. Today we take a look at the increasingly cool scene in Calgary. DINING Vin Room Mission: Vin Room is a hip spot on 4th St. SW offers up a wide variety of foods, everything from charcuterie to lobster nachos Read more

NIAGARA FALLS – The power is indescribable and the majesty almost impossible to comprehend. I managed a trip to the base of Niagara Falls with the folks from Hornblower Cruises on the weekend, and it was better than ever. I also got a chance to see the falls from the top of the wonderful Niagara Sky Wheel, had a fine lunch on a shady patio on a perfect summer’s day and took in a bit of shopping at the Outlet Collection at Niagara. I’ve seen Niagara Falls probably a dozen times or more. But nothing prepared me for the first Read more