by Rick Leche

A quick look at the Abbotsford International Airshow

Abbotsford is usually the chosen venue for many of the airshows in Canada. Among these shows, none is more famous than the Abbotsford International Airshow.

Interestingly enough, while the Abbotsford International Airshow is now known as one of the biggest and most popular family-friendly events in Canada, its origins are less frivolous and more functional. The airshow was started by the Abbotsford Flying Club in 1962 to draw interest to the Abbotsford Airport, which was all but abandoned at the time. The club, along with the Abbotsford Rotary Club, pooled their resources and came up with $700 to fund the show. The Flying Club itself provided the manpower for the event. Their efforts were not wasted, as over 15,000 people attended the event. Since then, the airshow has been held regularly on the second weekend of August. By mid-1970s, the event has been declared as the national airshow of the country by Pierre E. Trudeau, the prime minister at the time. It has since grown to be the biggest airshow in Canada. More than 125,000 people flock to the Abbotsford Airport and its neighboring TradeX complex to view the displays and attractions of the event.

What can you expect from the airshows of Abbotsford?

You can find both military and civilian airplanes during these airshows, both on air and on land. Aside from Canadian planes and pilots, you can also find representatives from the United States at the Abbotsford International Airshow. Occasionally, other countries such as Germany, Russia, and Britain may also volunteer some of their military aircraft to participate in the airshow. Performers are usually advertised even before the event so that visitors will know what to look forward to during the event.

Both the military and civilian airplanes can be used to participate in the exhibits and the demonstrations during the event. More often than not, the military jet demonstrations see aircrafts and pilots showing off what their planes can do, particularly during combat operations. Speed, turns, climbs, and maneuverability are often demonstrated by these pilots, and some presenters may even include pyrotechnics during their presentation to enhance their simulated bomb drop demonstrations.

Civilian planes, meanwhile, usually participate in the aerobatics events, with pilots showing off their skills in handling their planes by performing stunts such as loop-de-loops. Aerobatics may be performed solo or in groups by planes, with the planes usually deliberately releasing smoke in order to enhance their exhibitions.

Firefighting aircraft demonstrations may also be conducted during these shows. Occasionally, radio-controlled aircraft may also enter these events to help simulate certain activities, such as rescue missions. Parachuting, sky diving, and other such activities may also be held during these airshows.

Ground displays, usually of aircraft previously used in military missions, can also be found on the venue. In the past, the entries on ground displays included a P-51 Mustangs, CF-100 Canucks, F-106 Delta Darts, and the C-141 Starlifter.

Of course, these airshows aren’t just about aircrafts. These events also feature other attractions to keep the whole family amused and occupied while they’re waiting for the demonstrations to begin. Food concessions and souvenir stores can be found in these events. Other services and amenities include fully-plumbed washrooms, ATM machines, and first aid tents. Security is provided in the event to ensure that guests are safe at all times.

Other attractions in Abbotsford, B.C.

  by monnibo

It’s not just the airshows that you can visit while you’re in Abbotsford. The area is not known as the city in a country for nothing, as it offers visitors the chance to enjoy the beautiful countryside even as urban amenities such as shopping and high-class dining are available to them. Abbotsford is a family-friendly destination, and its sights and attractions include:

• Amusement parks. Those who go with their families to Abbotsford need not worry that they will not find anything else to keep their kids occupied aside from the airshows, as Abbotsford has several amusement parks that you can visit that offer fun for all ages. Castle Fun Park and The Great Escape are the biggest amusement parks in the area.
• Historic sites. If you’re a history buff, you can check out the numerous historic and heritage sites in Abbotsford during your stay in the area. Attractions include heritage neighborhoods such as Historic Downtown and Clayburn Village, where you can find English-style souvenirs, tea shops, and specialty antiques stores and boutiques that hold one-of-a-kind items.
• Cultural sites. A must-see event is the BerryBeat Festival, which takes place in Historic Downtown and offers good food and entertainment to visitors. You can also check out the other trade fairs, such as the Agri-Fair, if you want to take a look at what the local producers and manufacturers are offering buyers. For the lovers of arts, be sure to visit The Reach, which features innovative exhibits, and Kariton Gallery, which primarily features the works of local artists. Abbotsford also has wineries for those who want to take a trip down the vineyards or experience a culinary agri-tour while they’re in the area.
• Outdoor adventures. Adventure lovers will enjoy their trip to Abbotsford, given the numerous outdoors activities they can do while they’re there. Aside from the typical outdoors activities such as hiking and cycling, tourists can also try out white water rafting and skydiving. Abbotsford also has trout farms for those who are fans of fishing.

Abbotsford offers a lot of attractions to visitors, with the airshows, particularly the Abbotsford International Airshow, being the crowning glory of these events. Be sure to plan your vacation ahead of time so you will know what places to go to in Abbotsford during your stay there so you can make the most out of your vacation.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

  by modelxing

On Vancouver’s southwestern coast, between beautiful Tofino in the north and Port Renfrew in the south, lies the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Established in 1970, this park, 500 square kilometers in area and 125 kilometers in length, is particularly famous for the diversity of geographical experiences it offers to the visitor.

Pacific Rim’s Long Beach stretches along the Pacific coast for sixteen kilometers. For surfing enthusiasts, Long Beach promises some exciting, and occasionally hairy, rides. For beach combers, the sandy shore offers plenty of scope for exploration and mere absorption of awe-inspiring beauty. You can spot seals, sea lions and orca whales on a regular basis and, from December, look out for one of the 1,900 grey whales that migrate from Mexico each year and spend the summer feeding in Canadian waters before moving south. Alternatively, you can meander along any one of the many trails that wind in and out of the old growth forests not far from the coastal edge. These forests are powerhouses of biodiversity. You can feel the history stored inside two thousand year old conifers, relax beneath the shade of weeping willow trees and enjoy the bright colors of salmonberries, thimbleberries and Saskatoon berries.

Kayakers and campers love to visit the Broken Group Islands, located in Barkley Sound. Over one hundred islands offer scenic and secret spots for adventurers and romantics. Meanwhile, the seventy-five kilometer long West Coast Trail offers an exciting challenge to keen hikers. Before embarking upon this spectacular seven to eight day trek, you should ask the West Coast Trail Information Center for a permit. It is a good idea to book in advance between June and September, when the trail becomes very busy.

Strathcona Provincial Park

  by mtsvancouver

Strathcona is particularly significant because, exactly one hundred years ago, in 1911, it became the first Provincial Park to be established in British Columbia. Situated right in the center of Vancouver, Strathcona is the island’s biggest Provincial Park, its boundaries surrounding 250,000 hectares of wilderness.

Dominated by wild mountain peaks, Strathcona is largely untouched by development and, so, offers endless possibilities for adventure. Hikers can access an extensive range of trails and camping grounds. Those interested in fishing will discover an abundance of rainbow trout, cutthroat and Dolly Varden. In the winter, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing are popular activities.

Two of Strathcona’s most visited spots are Buttle Lake, a mecca for kayakers and windsurfers, and Forbidden Plateau, a picturesque area characterized by scattered lakes and small hills. Both of these locations have basic facilities.

An Outdoor Education Center very close to Strathcona offers guided tours and provides enthusiasts with opportunities to gain skills in a whole host of outdoor activities, from rock climbing to canoeing to wilderness survival.

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

  by AmberStrocel

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, with its gentle, easily accessible walks, golden beachfront and tracts of ancient forest, is an enchanting destination, particularly in the summertime. Testament to this are the thousands of visitors that flock to Rathtrevor each year, to camp, swim in the warm water, stroll along the idyllic coastal edge and play games on the beach.

Located on Vancouver Island’s East Coast, in Parksville, Rathtrevor boasts a dry, warm climate and a more sheltered aspect than that offered by many areas of the stirring, but wild, West Coast. This means that Rathtrevor is a great place for families because it provides a safe environment for people of all ages. Moreover, the camping ground is a mere five minute walk from the beach, so you can jump out of your sleeping bag and wake yourself up with a refreshing morning swim without any hassle. When the tide goes out at Rathtrevor Beach, it reveals a one kilometer stretch of sand, which equals extended space for building sand castles and stretching out to enjoy the sun.

In the spring, during herring breeding season, Rathtrevor is a popular destination for bird watchers. Hundreds of seabirds flock there to feed. In March and April, the Brant Geese create a stunning sight during their yearly visit, as they migrate from sunny Western Mexico, where they spend the cold winter months, to their northern nests in Alaska, Siberia and Canada. They stop in British Columbia to eat eelgrass. Parksville actually honors their visit with its Brant Festival, held in April.

Cape Scott Provincial Park

  by Canadian Veggie

At the very northwest tip of Vancouver Island is the spectacularly rugged Cape Scott Provincial Park. With its frequently wild weather and remote, rocky headlands, Cape Scott is the adventurer’s dream. Beginning at Shushartie Beach in the east and ending at San Josef Bay in the southwest, the Park fronts onto 115 kilometers of coast, 30 kilometers of which is comprised of isolated sandy beaches. Cape Scott is a place where you can truly ‘get away from it all’ and explore with a true sense of unpredictability and excitement.

Some visitors take on the adventure of visiting Cape Scott to witness its striking ancient forests. The Park is famous for its Sitka Spruce and Western Red Cedar, the diameters of which can reach over three meters. If you travel twenty minutes north of Eric Lake camping ground, you will come across a Sitka Spruce with a circumference measuring more than seven meters. This incredible tree is a popular destination for hikers.

When travelling in Cape Scott, you do have to be aware that the powerful spirit of adventure to be felt there is accompanied by the risk of running into wolves and bears. It is a good idea to secure and lock your vehicle, as bears have been known to break into cars and steal food. You would also be advised to stick to designated camping areas and to sleep some distance from the shore. When the tide is out, hungry bears often head down to the coast looking for exposed or stranded seafood. You probably don’t really want to offer yourself as an option on the menu.

Vancouver Island’s vast array of nature reserves offers a rich and overwhelming range of experiences, from relaxing on sunny beaches to strenuous mountain hikes. There is no doubt that, for nature lovers, Vancouver Island is one of the world’s premier destinations. The tough part is not deciding whether or not to go, but working out how you are going to spend your time once you get there!

The Wickaninnish Inn and Ancient Cedars Spa

  by VancityAllie

In Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2011 World’s Best Travel Awards, which is determined by readers’ vote, The Wickaninnish Inn won best hotel in Canada and was placed among North America’s top twenty-five resorts. Situated on the western side of Vancouver Island, surrounded by rugged rocks and overlooking an unspoiled coastline, The Wickaninnish Inn offers a spellbinding getaway. The location is made even more special by the fact that the Wick Inn, as it is affectionately known, is the only resort on gorgeous Chesterman Beach.

Between November and February, during the Canadian winter, frequent storms make the already dramatic coast even wilder. Since 1996, storm enthusiasts have flocked to the Wickaninnish Inn to take advantage of the resort’s unique position. In fact, the building’s special design means that every single room boasts a view of the Pacific Ocean. The Wick Inn even offers a “Storm Watchers Package,” which includes two nights’ accommodation, a guided walk with a local nature expert, complimentary oilskin hats and valet parking.

Another experience available all year round, but perhaps made even more special by the onset of winter, is a visit to Hot Springs Cove. Found in the Maquinna Provincial Park, the cove is reached only by air or sea. The Wick Inn offers to pack your lunch for you and arrange the twenty-five minute flight or seventy-minute boat ride required to transport you to this magical destination, where you can rejuvenate your body and mind in the goodness of hot mineral springs.

The Wickaninnish Inn’s Ancient Cedars Spa is one of Vancouver Island’s most famous wellness centers. Ancient Cedars offers a comprehensive menu of luxurious and uplifting experiences, from signature holistic treatments based on the traditions of Hawaiian healers and indigenous cleansing ceremonies to hot stone massages, daily yoga classes and skincare products created from organic, locally grown seaweed. While receiving your treatment, lose yourself in the mesmerizing ocean views.

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre

  by Raul P

On the east side of Vancouver Island, where, in comparison to the west, the climate is drier, the ocean calmer and the water warmer, is Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre. Set on twenty-two acres and stretching along the three kilometers of Rathtrevor Beach, Parksville, Tigh-Na-Mara offers a sheltered, dreamy escape from the workaday world.

192 separate units, hand-built from fir and cedar, make up the accommodation. Depending on your numbers and your needs, you can choose to stay in a one or two-bedroom log cabin, complete with a wood burning fire, which is suitable for a family, or a condo with sweeping views of the sea, or a spa bungalow.

Tigh-Na-Mara provides an impressive choice of recreational activities. You can challenge your partner to a game of table tennis, relax on the golf course, experience the scenery on horseback, have fun playing volleyball with a bunch of friends, have a hit of tennis or keep an eye on the horizon for passing whales.

One of the resort’s biggest draw cards is the well-known Grotto Spa. Its highlight is, undoubtedly, its indoor bathing pool, filled with warm water that is rich in nutrients and minerals. Within the pool room, you can enjoy a waterfall, two stories in height; powerful cascades and an invigorating whirlpool. As the name suggests, the pool’s design is based on a naturally formed cave, which creates a relaxing, intimate and slightly enchanting feel.

Apart from the pool room, the Grotto Spa is comprised of eighteen rooms and three suites designed for couples seeking privacy. These feature hand-built hot tubs made of copper. The treatment list on offer is extensive and one of the lovely touches is that, wherever possible, naturally occurring ingredients sourced from Canada’s West Coast are used. Furthermore, after enjoying their treatment, guests are provided with tea and fruit and a seat in the Grotto Spa’s ‘Relaxation Lounge’ where they can unwind by the fire.

Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa

  by miss604

In Victoria, Canada’s ‘garden city’ and the capital of British Columbia, can be found the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa. This resort, situated on Victoria’s harbor, offers both beautiful views and the convenience of being just five minutes’ stroll from Victoria’s picturesque, interesting and entertaining downtown area, with its museums, art galleries, busy restaurants and cosmopolitan scene.

The Delta Victoria offers a range of rooms. There are airy loft suites, located on the eighth floor, which can accommodate a family with ease; the exotic penthouse, with its far-reaching views of Victoria’s surrounding mountains, Jacuzzi, dramatic marble entrance and enormous windows; and more affordable standard rooms, which offer comfort and space, but not necessarily views.

For fifteen years in a row, The Spa at Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort has been awarded ‘Best Spa’ in the Victoria News Group’s ‘Best of the City Awards’. The Spa has a particular focus on choosing special products. In terms of general application, the Spa’s treatments feature a special organic skincare brand that comes all the way from Hungary, called ‘Eminence.’ For those concerned about crow’s feet and the wear and tear that comes with age, the Spa offers ‘Wilma Schuman,’ which is actually a product of medical strength, containing liposome, collagen and DNA.

From aromatherapy treatments in the Spa’s special Japanese soaker hot tub, to hydrotherapy treatments that promise to detoxify and increase circulation, through the simultaneous massaging of 256 high-powered water jets, to sports pedicures designed specifically for men, the Spa truly does offer something for everyone. Clearly, its reputation as ‘Best Spa’ in Victoria comes as a result of commitment to varied and high quality service.

For those seeking a break from a hectic work schedule, an escape from the stresses of city living or an invigorating adventure in dramatic scenery, Vancouver Island’s diverse range of wellness resorts offers boundless opportunities for mental, physical and spiritual renewal.

  by helenmoverland

Winterdance

Winterdance, an Ontario dogsledding tour company, mainly operates in Halliburton Highlands, Canada. This family-run business is dedicated to helping tourists and locals discover the thrill of dogsledding or learning to drive a team of dogs. Nature lovers will also enjoy a dogsledding tour because it will allow them to enjoy the stunning scenery in Halliburton Highlands. If you are looking forward to a more personal experience, you can also consider making a reservation for a public tour. Winterdance will also share their passion for dogsledding as a sport so you will surely appreciate their well trained dogs after an entire day of dogsledding.

Winterdance’s Huskies

  by EveryDamnNameIsInUse

Most of the dogs that Winterdance takes care of are Siberian Huskies. These sled dogs will steal your heart and will help you enjoy a perfect outdoor adventure, a memorable family vacation, or a romantic escape to a winter wonderland. With over 140 pure-bred Siberian Huskies, Winterdance will give you access to the most beautiful dogsled breed. All of their dogs also have wonderful and unique personalities that will surely keep you motivated as you try learning the trade of guiding a team of dogs. The company also has 15 years of experience in the business so you can be sure that they know exactly what they are doing.

Why choose Winterdance?

Winterdance is the only dogsledding tour company in Halliburton Highlands that offers great packages at an affordable price. The dog team you chose will be completely outfitted with all the food and beverage they will need for a half-day, full-day, or even an overnight tour. All of their sleds also have a wooden basket style, with soft cushions for a comfortable ride and warm fleece blankets for extra warmth. Aside from group dogsled tours, the company also offers extra gimmicks for special occasions. After choosing the dogsledding tour you prefer, Winterdance will immediately introduce you to an amazing outdoor adventure that you will never regret.

Do you want to share your dogsledding experience with your family or friends? If you prefer working in a group, Winterdance can provide you with a complete package for various lengths of time. Some packages they provide include outdoor cooked lunches, sleigh rides, overnight camping, and other outdoor activities. Their certified tour guides and instructors can handle as much as 60 people for a same-day package. Children who are below sixteen years old are also welcome but they should always be accompanied by an adult. If you want to request some extras for a special occasion, Winterdance will be more than willing to make the arrangements for you.

Call of the Wild

Winterdance is not the only company that offers dog sled tours in Halliburton Highlands. Call of the Wild is very popular because they offer exciting winter activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobile safaris, cross country skiing, and dog sledding expeditions. All of the trips they organize are held in Ontario’s beautiful areas. Whether you want to explore the Halliburton Highlands or you just want to see the beauty of Killarney and Algonquin Park during winter, Call of the Wild will always have something in store for you. These activities are perfect for viewing the diverse wildlife of Ontario, or just relaxing as you slide down beautiful snow-capped hills.

  by Bruce McKay Yellow Snow Photography

The Algonquin Park, another popular tourist destination in Ontario, is popular for its wide range of canoe routes. It is actually the best place to hear wolves growl in the distance or watch beavers do their thing. During winter, Call of the Wild can reveal another side of Algonquin Park through an exciting dog sledding expedition. Most of the adventure trips they offer are also perfect for anyone who wishes to live life to the fullest and experience the joys of skiing through a winter wonderland. Those who wish to see the beauty of Algonquin Park can also take advantage of the snowmobile safaris that this company offers.

Why choose Call of the Wild?

Call of the Wild is one of the most reliable tour companies that offer dog sledding expeditions in Halliburton Highlands. This family-run business schedules tours individually so you will no longer need to wait in line just to get a chance to ride the dogsled you picked. By scheduling every outdoor adventure individually, Call of the Wild can make sure that everyone in your group is experiencing the joys of having the undivided attention of your tourist guide. If you are looking forward to learning how to handle a team of dogs, you will also appreciate how Call of the Wild helps clients learn at their own pace by treating them according to their skill level.

At first glance, you will probably thing that the sled dogs of Call of the Wild are just the average mutt. However, their sled dogs actually help them lure in more customers. Instead of using Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes, Call of the Wild chose to take care of the king of the trail the Alaskan Husky. You will also love their dogsledding tours because their Alaskan Huskies are well trained, fit, and motivated to help clients reach their destination. All of their sled dogs are also successful racing dogs so you will surely fall in love with their motivation to pull and run their hardest at all times.

Call of the Wild and Winterdance are only two of the most popular tour companies that offer dogsledding expeditions. While no one knows for sure whether Alaskan Huskies really perform better than Siberian Huskies, the competition between these two companies continues to stiffen. However, both companies have continued receiving positive feedback from clients so both of them will surely give you the best value for your money.

  by cphoffman42

Tasting Nova Scotia

A good traveler knows that one of the best defining aspects of culture is food. This never fails the intrepid palate. Literally, you are sensing, tasting the very culture of a place, the people, and the natural resources available to them, and these are all found in the ingredients. Whether it is a fat red lobster baked in butter, or a grilled salmon in corn and peas.

Noggins Corner Farm

Just like many hidden things, the best kept secrets of Nova Scotia are hiding from view of Halifax. For an authentic taste of rural, you can go to this place called Noggins Corner Farm, an inconspicuous property that bakes the most wonderful pies in the island. On this plot of land, everything is brown and crisp; from roasted meats, baked pies, and braised beefs.

Okay, you’re in a farm, and everything is supposed to be fresh and bountiful. Enjoy fresh produce like milk, and the finest corn, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, and the best part is that all of these are organic. You will have an unlimited supply of broccoli, crimini mushrooms, root vegetables, and some of the best organically produced ciders.

  by newminaswilders

Brooklyn Warehouse

Since 2007, the Brooklyn Warehouse Restaurant has reaped numerous awards for its food, ambience, and its collection of local wines. Here, you can try the popular Wasabi Caesar, an explosive punch of cocktail that sets the standard for the rest of your dining experience.

The Beef Cheeks are worth a try; braised in grilled onions and red wine and topped with exotic cheese (they call it That Dutchmans Dragons Breath), the broth is an excellent choice to partner with a couple of bread slices.

Finally, you must try the Lemon Meringue Pie for dessert. It consists of a homemade marshmallow, lemon custard, and a blueberry spray. Combined together, these three ingredients play a ticklish soft and tangy taste in your mouth.

Holidays Nova Scotia

The coast is Nova Scotias most valued resource, and the people preserve this with care. Some of the fishing villages traditions that are still held today are dying fabric by the shore, and well, eating delicious food, which are mainly based in local produce. The activities in Nova Scotia depends on the season. Plan your vacation around the four seasons and make sure you do not miss these trips:

Winter

Outdoor action is the best offer of Nova Scotia fishing villages during the winter. The town celebrates father Christmas Festival, a merriment of presents, drinks, and parties that center on Father Christmas models that are larger than life. You can also experience a little more sophistication when you watch The Nutcracker Ballet in Dartmouth Alderney Landing Theatre. You can visit the Yuletide Gourmet Market for your Christmas treats and nitpicks. Finally, visit the Enchanted Villages, designed and crafted by Nova Scotias very own artists.

Spring

Spring is a perfect time to experience the fishing villages of Nova Scotia. Get on the rising tides as you kayak along the natural rock formations carved out by the sea, witness spectacular geological formations including the Three Sisters. You can actually book a kayak guided tour of the Eastern Shores, where the high tides are highest and the waters are calm and peaceful. You can also catch fish with the local fishermen, and earn your reward when you cook and eat your own fresh catch.

Summer

The summer brings the people to the beach. Thankfully, Nova Scotia has miles and miles of coastline littered with white sandy beaches. Pick any beach! Some of the most popular beaches include Clam Harbour, Melmerby Beach, and the Five Islands Provincial Park Beach.

Fall

Parties come alive in Nova Scotia come fall. Halloween is one of the largest events in the province. Live music, harvest festivals, and leaf tours packages are some of the best fall Holiday ideas for Nova Scotia. This is also the best season to pick wines, which by the way are some of the best in the world.

Idyllic Nova Scotia

  by @andrewghayes

Much of Nova Scotia is populated by fishing villages, which seem to be frozen in time in a landscape that is pristine and untouched by massive industrialization and urbanization. Life is paced at a relaxed rate, and the old natural clockwork of seasons is still prevalent.

Here, it is not uncommon to see houses on prairies, houses overlooking the sea, and stretches of land filled with purple flowering plants and fields of vineyards that roll away into a violet horizon. There are still houses with ivy shawls, there are still classic wells with bucket-laden pulleys, and there are still chickens crossing the road!

Forget about your stress and worries and discover a world tucked away from modern-day realities. Here in Nova Scotia, you have a relaxed life that overflows with good food, good wine, and the gentle sound of the sea licking the shores. Smell the sea breeze as you inhale clean air; pollution does not exist here, that’s a thing of the future.

Overall, Nova Scotia is a province where fishing villages are the pace of life, where abundance is seasonal. If you want to experience and discover the true culture and life in Nova Scotia, there are two things you can do; taste the food, and get out of your way to experience the curious and hidden things about this Maritime Province of Canada. It has the best White Truffles in the world (which are so rare!), and they just splash it about during the White Truffles festival! Enjoy a plateful of this coveted luxury only in Nova Scotia.

  by John G. Walter

Vatican City is the centre of the world’s Catholic faith and for centuries has ruled the billions of devout believers who can be found in every far corner of the planet. It is one of the most visited holy sites in the whole of Italy, with millions of visitors descending on this unique area to wonder and marvel at its sheer splendour and magnificence. The architecture and buildings that make up this devoutly religious independent state are truly spectacular both looking at them from the outside as well as inside their immensely decorated interiors that appear to go on forever.

Everybody who arrives in Rome automatically has to arrange a visit to this amazing location, and it is usually the number one place to tour around on their agenda. To not go to Vatican City and visit the cathedrals as well as the Sistine Chapel and all the splendid museums would be sacrilege to say the least. The immense power of the place is awe inspiring with each and every edifice being molded to perfection both inside and out. The most talented of painters, sculptors and other artisans have all left their signatures on parts of the buildings which are cultural and historical legacies the whole world can enjoy and marvel at.

St Peter’s Basilica

  by jimmyharris

St Peter’s Basilica which is called the Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano in Italian, is one of the largest late Renaissance churches found within Vatican City and although it is not strictly speaking considered as a cathedral, it is nonetheless one of the holiest Catholic sites on earth. The basilica boasts one of the biggest interiors of any church on the entire planet. It is truly an amazing place with its main dome dominating the skyline in a way that can only be seen to be believed.

The sheer size of the interior and the splendid decoration of the doorways, the walls as well as the massively high ceilings and columns, leaves you feeling very small indeed. It is here that St Peter is buried and many successive Popes are laid to rest in this holiest of holy sites. Artists namely Michael Angelo sculpted the amazing statue of the Pieta which is housed within the basilica. To visit this basilica, you really need to take your time as there is just so much to see and take in and this just cannot be done in a rush.

The entire area of Vatican City is just incredible, this includes the gardens and St Pietro Square as well as the many museums which house some of the greatest art treasures in the world. The gardens date back to medieval times and actually take up more than half of the entire area which covers over 44 hectares in total. The pure splendour of the garden with its trees, orchards and immaculately kept lawns, offer a place of tranquility and solace that is both mystical and peaceful at the same time.

Taking a tour around Vatican City and the wonderful basilicas, means spending more than just a few hours amidst some of the most treasured artworks ever created by the best artists of the day, as it takes a bit of planning because there is just so much to see here. Each beautiful part of the basilica makes you stop and wander at the immenseness of it all.

A few years ago I had the pleasure of visiting this amazing place and I found that the best way of doing it was with an organized tour, as not only did I avoid many of the cues but I also got to see a lot more of what I really wanted to see, which were the works of art by Michael Angelo and Bernini not forgetting the incredible monument to the Stuarts by Canova.

I had at first thought that taking a guided tour may mean being rushed through and past all of the wondrous things that you can see here, but in actual fact this was not the case at all. I felt we were given plenty of time to really appreciate all the superb things we were shown, so all in all, it was a really pleasant experience that I felt was definitely worth paying for. If you are visiting the Vatican City on a tight budget then this is not always possible to organize, so my advice to you is to plan your time well when you are there, or you might find you are overwhelmed by the whole experience, which might spoil it a little and this would be a real shame and worse, you might miss some of the treasures that are on display.

Whether it is the superb artworks or the splendid architecture that really interests you the most, you cannot help but be inspired by the whole experience of visiting this amazing basilica. From the moment you arrive and see the Swiss Guards to the immense square in front of St Peters Basilica, you start to realize the enormity of the whole place and just how important it is to the Catholic world today – just as it was throughout the centuries. The pomp and glory of this basilica may take your breath away and the works of art that are housed in the interior are bound to impress you as no others will ever do. This is because the setting is just so exquisite and so very grand. From the immaculate flooring right up to the fantastical ceilings that depict the holiest events in the bible. Visiting the basilicas of Vatican City made me feel very humble and it was an experience that marked me forever as one the deepest ones I have ever felt to this day.

At the turn of the sixteenth century, beaver fur hats were all the rage in Europe, and the continent’s beaver population was, unfortunately, already on the road to extinction. When the French and English merchants discovered the thriving multitudes of beavers living in Saskatchewan, they felt that they had stumbled on a goldmine. Hundreds of trading posts scattered across the province, as French and English merchants met with Aboriginal families to exchange knives and iron pots for furs.

Fort Carlton Provincial Park

  by Jordon

Visiting these trading posts today provides the opportunity to feel the tensions and intrigue that characterized first experiences of contact between Europeans and First Nations people.

Cumberland House Provincial Park

Standing in front of the stone walls of Cumberland House, the sole architectural remains of one of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s first inland trading posts, you cannot ignore the legacy of history. It was here that Saskatchewan’s very first permanent village emerged. By the second half of the eighteenth century, the Hudson’s Bay Company faced growing competition from fur traders who were penetrating inland western Canada with increasing enthusiasm. Initially independent, these traders eventually formed the North West Company, which competed directly with the Hudson’s Bay Company. In response, in 1774,the Hudson’s Bay Company sent English explorer, Samuel Hearne, on a mission to establish a post on the Saskatchewan River. Accompanied by eight European companions and, with some advice from the locals, Hearne settled on Pine Island Lake. A surge in trade followed the establishment of Cumberland House, as many more trading posts soon sprang up along the river’s1,200 or so kilometers of banks.

Initially, Hudson’s Bay Company depended on York boats to deliver goods, but 1873 saw the very first steamboat chug its way down the Saskatchewan River. Sadly, she did not make it very far, sinking on her maiden voyage. In 1874, a new steamboat, The Northcote, took to the river with greater success. In fact, you can see remnants of The Northcote today when visiting the Cumberland House Provincial Park, and imagine her meandering down the Saskatchewan River, loaded with beaver furs, one hundred and thirty years ago.

The Cumberland House Provincial Park, which was established in 1986, is located in Prince Albert and can be accessed from Highway 123. The site, with its limited facilities, maintains an authentic atmosphere. It is a place where you can really feel the pace slow down and find the time and space to allow your imagination to wander.

Fort Carlton Provincial Park

Further west, in Saskatoon, you can visit Fort Carlton Provincial Park. The Hudson’s Bay Company built Fort Carlton in 1810, thirty-six years after establishing Cumberland House. While Cumberland House contains only original remnants of the trading post that once flourished there, Fort Carlton offers visitors a different kind of experience – a historical reconstruction of life in the nineteenth century.When walking through Fort Carlton, your surroundings actually transport you through time.

Guides will accompany you through a teepee camp, trading stores and a clerk’s house. The stores feature the kinds of goods that were traded and used during the nineteenth century, from the furs of beavers and the skins of buffalos, used and provided by the First Nations people, to the guns carried by the European traders. Your guides will also offer you the chance to participate in activities that imitate how traders behaved and lived. If you really want to deepen your experience, you can even camp for the night. Fort Carlton engages all of the senses and provides visitors with a rare opportunity to really “live” the fur trade era.

The Visitors’ Centre displays detailed information regarding Fort Carlton’s history. Apart from serving as a significant post for the trading of furs and the provisioning of meat, Fort Carlton was the site where the First Nations people and the government began working out the terms of Treaty Six in 1876.As a result of the decline of the buffalo population and the spread of smallpox, the First Nations people faced severe hunger and illness. In negotiating Treaty Six, they agreed to swap large areas of the prairies for small reserves, healthcare and the government’s protection from famine.

In 1885, however,violent clashes between the government and the Metis people led to a fire which burnt down Fort Carlton. Reconstruction and use of the site as an educational facility began in 1967.

Fort Pitt Provincial Park

While initial negotiations started at Fort Carlton, Treaty Six was actually signed on September 7^th, 1876, at another trading post, Fort Pitt, which lies about 400 kilometers to the west. Built by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1826, Fort Pitt provided a kind of “halfway house” between Fort Carlton and Fort Edmonton, which is in modern day Alberta.

As well as providing a trading post for furs, Fort Pitt was also a place where the European merchants traded with the First Nations people for meat, which was essential to maintaining the health and strength of the Hudson Bay Company’s workers.

Furthermore, Fort Pitt is known as the site at which conflict broke out between the government’s North West Mounted Police and Big Bear and the Cree in 1885. Following some violent clashes, Big Bear and William McLean, a Hudson Bay’s Company trader, managed to reach a truce.

When you visit the site today, you can see plaques dedicated to Big Bear and to Treaty Six. You can paddle a canoe on the river that played such a significant role in the fur trade and you can walk amongst the archaeological remains of what was once a busy nineteenth century trading center.

A tour of the old trading posts of Saskatchewan province is, truly, a journey through an era that played a pivotal role in shaping Canada as we know it today. Whether you visit the genuine remnants of nineteenth century buildings and boats and allow your imagination to run free; take a guided tour through a fully reconstructed settlement; or contemplate a site of momentous historical significance, a trip to Saskatchewan will make you feel as though you have travelled through time.

The Ponte Vecchio bridge

  by **Mary**

The Ponte Vecchio bridge is not just a bridge, it is a monument that has to be admired from both close up and afar. The bridge has a world of its own along it, with jewellery shops that are famous the world over, tempting visitors and shoppers alike to browse in them in a setting that is out of this world.

This amazing structure was built in 1345 by Taddeo Gaddi and Neri di Fioravanti. It was built to replace the Roman bridge which has suffered too much damage during the floods on the River Arno. In the evenings, at sunset is probably one of the best times to see the bridge from afar, just downstream in fact, as the lights come on along it as well as in the various shops and establishments that are situated on the bridge it gives a magical impression to the whole area that is exceptionally beautiful. The reflections of the arches in the rivers’ waters take on a mystical appearance that is enchanting to say the least. But then at sunrise, the Ponte Vecchio is a stunning place to see, as the suns’ first rays of the morning, light it up in a magical and mystical way.

Then there is the Ponte Alla Carraia, which dates back to medieval times. It has been rebuilt on several occasions especially after the Second World War when it was damaged by the Germans. It is a simple bridge but the views of it and from it, are amazing. When the weather is calm and the light is good, the reflections of the arches on the river are spectacularly clear. It does not matter which side of the river you happen to be on, the vistas of the city and the line of buildings that run along the river banks in such a stately manner, is an amazing vista. These vantage points offer the amateur photographer some great shots whether the photo is taken early in the morning, midday or on a balmy evening. From the bridge itself either looking upstream or downstream, the views of the river and the buildings are brilliant as everything looks so majestic.

Ponte Alla Carraia

  by fabbio

There is no doubt that Florence is a photographers dream city, especially when it comes to its bridges that so elegantly cross from one side of the city to the other. Nobody visiting the city could possibly miss the photo opportunities they see when the approach them, are on them or as they see them in the distance from the banks of the river. When the sun is in just the right part of the sky, the reflections of the bridges on the water is simply mind blowing. Even the less ornate ones are just delightful and offer some of the best views of the city with its towers and tall buildings dominating the skyline.

The lovely low bridge of Ponte Alla Grazie is one of the bridges in Florence that gives the impression of an optical illusion both in the real and on photograph. This little bridge stood the tests of time and when you remember it was first constructed in 1227 then rebuilt in 1345, you can’t help but be impressed by this fact. It spans the widest part of the river Arno and when it was originally built it had buildings on it including a church hence its name, just as the Ponte Vecchio has today. However, the lovely ancient bridge was totally destroyed during the Second World War by the retreating German army and a new one was constructed to replace it. The modern bridge although a wonderful architectural feat, does not have the same charm as the old one, but the views of it and from it are still a wonder to behold.

Ponte Alla Grazie

  by Greg and Patty

When visiting Florence you cannot help but wander down to the river, the Ponte Vecchio attracts many tourists and lovers of architectural heritage to the area, but the magnificence of the buildings and the sheer size of them as they stretch as far as the eye can see along the rivers banks, makes it a lovely experience to just meander along these banks with camera at the ready. This is when you get the best impressions of the bridges in Florence and the vistas they offer you of the architecturally rich city of Florence.

From the more modern bridges to the ancient one like Ponte Vecchio, the River Arno in Florence is as majestic as the city itself. Even on a stormy day when the clouds hover over this ancient town, there are vistas that are simply out of this world. Capturing them on film is a wonderful way of keeping a memory fresh and alive of a beautiful city that over time has met the modern day with an ease that many cities have done been able to do. This is what makes Florence such a beautiful historic city to visit as it stands as a timeless monument to such a glorious past.

With so many beautiful sights to see whether from the ancient Ponte Vecchio or the modern bridges that have had to replace the old ones, Florence is a city that has to be discovered and then explored with a camera always at the ready to catch that perfect shot of a vista that can be seen nowhere else in the modern fast moving world. Florence is a magical, mystical city that is full of ancient history. Today like the bridge of Ponte Vecchio on the River Arnor, Florence stands as a monument to these times long past, it is a grand city which is a photographers dream because there is just so much to photograph when you visit this gorgeous Italian city.

  by huntingdesigns

Rome is superbly situated with so much to see and do in the surrounding areas. Tuscany and Umbria not being that far away, makes Rome the perfect base for trips to these neighboring regions which have so much to offer visitors hungry to tour around the ancient monuments and ruins that abound in the areas. There is an endless list of places to visit when in Rome so having an insight into a few of the day trips that are available is great as it means you can plan your stay here really well. It means you get to see as much as you can, but without overdoing it so the experiences are pleasantly memorable ones.

One of the day trips which I went on was to Orvieto. This delightful hill town is in Umbria. It has existed since the Etruscan times, so really very interesting for anyone who loves history as I do. The museums and monuments found here are out of this world. The most impressive structure in Orvieto has to be the cathedral which has a mosaic façade and it is one of the best examples of medieval architecture you will ever come across in Italy. It takes around an hour to drive to this lovely hillside town, but when you arrive you won’t be disappointed as there are some great restaurants as well as shops to eat at and browse around in the town.

Orvieto Cathedral

  by HerryLawford

Etruscan history abounds in the regions around Rome and none more so that in Tarquinia where there are tombs from the period as well as a museum that is definitely worth a visit. The centre of the town is pure medieval and the cathedral boasts frescoes that date back to 1508. Again this little treasure of a town is about an hour outside of Rome and if you don’t want to drive there is a train service from the capital to Tarquinia that runs pretty regularly.

View on Tarquinia

  by Stefano Chiarelli

Of course if you are looking for a day out which offers you a spectacularly refreshing vista, a trip to Tivoli has to be on the agenda. The Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa are simply breathtakingly beautiful with gardens and fountains built in the Renaissance period. Hadrian’s Villa is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and when you see it, you really understand the magnificence of that period of Italian history. You can either drive to Tivoli or there is both a train service and a bus service from Rome.

Tivoli Gardens

  by paulafunnell

For lovers of Italian wine, then a day trip to Frascati is a must. The town is situated in the hills around 13 kilometres outside of the city. This makes a great day out to an area that is built up on a volcanic complex of hills, so the landscapes and scenery are out of this world. If you are visiting Rome during the hot summer months, you will find a trip to the hills of Frascati refreshingly welcoming.

Town of Frascati

  by Frank Hamm

Visiting Rome and not organizing a day at the beach would be sacrilege. Ostia Lido is a great destination for a day out of the hot city and although it is not the trendiest of beaches in the region, it offers you some really very nice private beach areas to just sit and enjoy the sun, sea and Italian way of relaxing. Ostia Lido is famous for its dark coloured sand and because it is only about thirty minutes from the capital is definitely worth considering for a nice quiet, relaxing day out of the city on a gorgeous private beach.

Ostia Lido Beach

  by LostBob Photos

If you are a food lover, then why not try a day out at one of the Italian cookery schools like the one at Fontana del Papa. This is a great idea for anyone who wants a break from the city in an environment that is pure Italian. The great thing about this idea is that you can stay overnight if you want to and the owners are very happy to pick you up at the station when you arrive. You get to learn how to cook some amazing Italian food in a family run affair that is both welcoming and charming. And the countryside is just spectacular in the area.

A day trip to the gorgeous town of Florence, which is another place that just has to be visited if you possibly can, is something you really need to think about. The fast trains from Rome only take around an hour and a half to arrive in Florence, so it is definitely worth considering. The centre of the town is just pure Italian splendour and with so much to see and do here, from the many historical sites to the fantastic restaurants, cafés and shops, it is a day trip that will be more than just a bit memorable.

Of course closer to the capital there is Vatican City with the incredible Sistine Chapel and all of the museums. Then there are the Catacombs of San Calliso where you will find the largest and most probably the most impressive of them in the whole of the area. One thing to bear in mind that Sundays are the best days to organise a trip here as the roads around the Appian Way are closed to traffic, making the experience that much more pleasant.

Rome, the grand Metropolis of Italy is a fantastic city to visit and because it is well situated amidst the gorgeous neighbouring regions, there is an abundance of day trips that can be organised so that you get to see and do as much as you possibly can when you are visiting the capital. Planning a few trips out of the city is like going on an adventure that will let you see more of the country in the nicest possible way.

  by AroundTuscany

The gorgeous town of Siena, the capital of the province is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has to be one of the most visited cities in all of Italy. There is an abundance of places to explore during a stay here, from museums as well as the magnificent art galleries along with restaurants that serve traditional and extraordinarily fine Tuscan cuisine and all of this in a superb medieval setting that takes you back in time.

Il Palio Horse Race

  by Dean Ayres

Famous for its twice yearly horse race, Il Palio, Siena is quite unique. It is another one of the lovely fortified hill towns that are found in Tuscany. It was first settled long ago in c.900-400 BC and the first inhabitants were a tribe known as the Saina. This Etruscan people were way ahead of their time and reclaimed much of the previously un-farmable land with their innovative methods of irrigation. Everywhere the Etruscans settled became fertile land and their hill towns were incredibly well fortified against all marauders.

Through the centuries Siena has been settled by the Romans and even a Gaulish tribe. Being far from the main roads, the town did not prosper during the Roman time as trade was limited. As such Christianity did not reach Siena until much later when the Lombards invaded the town and its surrounding areas. It was then that Siena started to really thrive.

Walking through the town is like walking back through all the centuries with the ancient meeting the modern world in a harmonious way that it is utterly charming. Exploring the town is a delight and discovering the marvels it reveals around each corner is breathtaking.

Of course the main sights like the cathedral which dates back to the 12^th century, is a structure that just makes a person feel so very small when standing and looking up at the fairy tale like towers that point to the heavens. The cathedral is the greatest example of pure Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture that one could ever hope to see. It has a marvelous history and with many of the finest artists, stone masons and sculptures of the day having added their works of art to the interior. Walking around inside of the cathedral surrounded by works of art that are out of this world makes it a mystical experience that is almost tangible.

Cathedral Of Santa Maria

  by Diego’s sideburns

With so much architectural heritage in Siena, it would be hard not to be impressed by each and every one of the medieval buildings which has survived the tests of time. The Piazza del Campo, which is the town square, is where the famous Il Palio horse race takes place twice yearly, but it is also here that you will find the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia. As with all things in Siena, there are treasures within treasures and the Palazzo Pubblico houses another incredible museum with frescos by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti. It is like finding a secret drawer in an antique desk that has yet another piece of gold hidden it in and when you do discover it, you realise what a wonder it is to behold.

Piazza Salimbeni

  by lorenzo cuppini verducci

Lit up in the evenings the Piazza Salimbeni has to be one of the most beautiful sights in Siena. This incredibly statuesque building is the headquarters of Monte dei Paschi di Siena which is the one of the oldest banks in the region. It continues to be part of the Sienese economy and is a major player that has been in existence for centuries.

There are some wonderful festivals that take place in Siena and the most famous one has to be the Il Palio di Siena. This traditional horse race attracts an audience from all over the land as well as spectators from all corners of the globe. Anyone wanting to witness this race which takes place firstly in July and then in August, should try to reserve seats as the event is incredibly popular and as such a very crowded affair.

For lovers of Italian wine, Siena is close to the wine growing region of Chianti, so a trip out to the surrounding area is a must in order to discover even more treasures that the region has to offer its eager visitors.

Siena is a town which is incredibly proud of its heritage and with so much to offer, a short or long stay here is an experience a traveller could never forget. Walking through the center of the town, which is pedestrian only, you can only stop and wonder at all the gorgeous things that you come across. That is when you can really take a break and treat yourself to the amazing ‘gelatos’ that you find here.

Discovering a fine restaurant in Siena is easy and the traditional Tuscan cuisine that they serve will get you coming back for more. All washed down with a superb bottle of Chianti from the region, has to be a travellers idea of heaven in a setting that could not be more idyllic.

The summer months do tend to get very crowded, so hotel reservations should be organized well in advance. I was very fortunate a few years ago to be invited to Siena by a couple of friends who have a house there. I went in the springtime and I found that the town was delightfully quiet. But the best part about my trip was that the landscape was just bursting into flower and the scents in the air were amazing. I fell in love with this medieval town, just like so many other travellers have done over the decades, and look forward to revisiting Siena one day in the not too distant future to enjoy once again the uniqueness of the town and all that is has to offer.