I saw a story in the Toronto Star (my employer for 32 years) on Friday that said Canadian and Ontario tourism folks are thinking of pulling some of their proposed spending from Asia and other overseas markets and focusing instead on Canada and the U.S. Given the empty planes and hotels that we’re seeing around the world, that’s probably a good call. After all, it’s a lot easier to control your environment if you drive somewhere, particularly if you drive to a remote part of the country or to place where you’re enjoying the great outdoors, relatively free from any Read more
Saskatoon
This is encouraging. The Canadian government today issued a new tourism strategy that talks about new ways of getting more tourists out of the big cities and into other great areas of this wonderful country of ours. They also want to boost numbers in slower seasons, when hotels, attractions and restaurants could surely use the boost. I want to see how the funding develops, but the mere fact a federal Cabinet minister is actually talking about new funding for tourism is great news, as that’s seldom been the case in this country in my experience. Canada’s tourism numbers grew 1.2% Read more
Our 150th birthday party is almost over. But there’s still a lot to celebrate when you live in a country as great as ours. Here’s one traveller’s take on great places to visit in Canada in our 151st year. St. John’s This has always been one of my favourite cities in Canada. It’s gotten even better lately with the addition of great restaurants such as The Merchant Tavern, a hip and happening spot run by the folks behind the very successful Raymonds. A new Alt Hotel recently opened in town, part of the marvellous, Montreal-based Groupe Germain that also operate 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
Staying home to avoid the U.S. dollar this summer? Here’s a look at some fun and funky things to do across Canada, mostly along the Trans-Canada Highway. ST. JOHN’S The eastern end (or beginning) of the TCH starts in St. John’s, where you’ll find colourful houses lining the rocky coast of the harbour. You can take a great walk from there to the top of Signal Hill, where a couple years ago I spotted a military guy firing off a symbolic round of blanks in recognition of the city’s first cruise ship of the year. NOVA SCOTIA Just a few Read more
