]]> http://kevinvisser.com/2644/sign-up-for-travelonlys-top-10-deals/feed/ 0 http://kevinvisser.com/2532/canadas-kid-friendly-airports/ http://kevinvisser.com/2532/canadas-kid-friendly-airports/#comments Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:34:08 +0000 Kevin http://kevinvisser.com/?p=2532 When travelling with children, layovers and flight delays can seem like an eternity.  Fortunately most Canadian airports have facilities to keep toddlers and tykes entertained.  Here are some highlights:

Calgary airport has Spaceport, a space themed play area that is full of interactive displays – it’s before security and is free.  There are three other play areas with climbing structures, playhouses, and videos.

Winnipeg houses a large play structure that was designed for the airport and has a spiral slide, a bridge, and a 3 metre polar bear.

Edmonton has two good sized playgrounds in the airport, plus an arcade.  Volunteers also hand out unique colouring and activity books.

Halifax airport had a large play area with wall-mounted play units and interactive video games. as well as an arcade. two play houses, and five activity centres.

Vancouver has several small play areas, a nursery, and video game, all past security.

Montreal has a small play area on the second floor, and a few games distributed throughout the airport.

Toronto airport has a couple of playhouses and a dinosaur display in Terminal 1, and a slide and several toy cars in Terminal 3.

1.  Starting May 25, 2012 Disney Magic will operate 20 sailings from New York. This includes two day sampler cruises, five night New England getaways, and eight night cruises to Nassau and Castaway Cay in the Bahamas, plus a stop in Port Canaveral.  A one day Park Hopper park pass and round trip transportation will be provided for those who wish to visit Disney World on the Port Canaveral stop!

2. On September 22, 2012 Magic will move to Galveston Texas for 12 seven night sailings to the Western Caribbean.

3. Disney Wonder will be sailing to Alaska from Seattle starting May 28, 2012 for a total of 14 seven night cruises.

In addition, the brand new Disney Fantasy (sister to the exciting new Dream) will launch March 31, 2012 and do 7 night Caribbean itineraries out of Port Canaveral.

British Columbia - Sea to sky and everything in between: They welcomed the world for the Winter Olympics in 2010, but B.C. has always been known for it’s epic, rugged beauty, it’s sense of adventure, and it’s and welcoming spirit.  Rollerblade in Stanley Park, shop on Granville island, do the ‘Grouse Grind’, or take a train ride through the Rockies.  There is so much to do and explore, but if you are looking for even more of a reason to visit, check out the Festival and Event Calendar and Tourism British Columbia.  This year, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, their largest music and arts event, is celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary. 

Alberta – Cowboy Country:  The most well known event in Alberta is the Calgary Stampede, which takes place in July each year and maintains the province’s cowboy image in the face of increasing wealth and development.  You can even unleash your inner cowpoke on a dude ranch!  The mountains are magnificent and omnipresent, and available for hiking, skiing, or simply marvelling… maybe even on the Columbia Icefields, one of Canada’s greatest drives.  Alberta’s most visited tourist destination is Banff National Park, but another must see is the fascinating Dinosaur Provincial Park.  A visit to Edmonton would not be complete without a visit to the shopping and entertainment mecca, the West Edmonton Mall. Much more can be found at Discover Alberta.

Saskatchewan – Heart of the Canadian Prairies: Many people regard Saskatchewan as the province they need to drive across to get to the West coast, but it is a destination in itself.  The vast golden fields and sparkling lakes are entrancing, and one of the best places to experience the natural prairie in it’s fullest (and with the bisons) is in Grasslands National Park.  Check out Tourism Saskatchewan for a comprehensive list of events, festivals, fairs, and more! This year, check out the Trails of 1885!

Manitoba – Extreme Climate, Extreme Pride: Canada’s most central province has deep native roots, and it’s name comes from Cree word meaning ‘Strait of great Spirit’.  You would have to have a strong spirit to survive the Manitoba winters, but it is worth it considering all that you can do there! Manitoba is a water lover’s haven with over 100,000 lakes, and a long salt water coastline on Hudson’s Bay. You can book with one of our fabulous Canadian tour operators and go Beluga whale watching or hang out with Polar Bears.  Make sure to check out the famous Winnipeg Folk Festival, and you won’t want to miss the Fringe Festival, with over 1000 productions in 2010! That is only the beginning of what Manitoba has to offer!

Ontario – Yours to Discover: Canada’s most populated province offers incredible diversity.  There are big city thrills with attractions such as the CN Tower, and there is small town charm in in quaint spots such as Niagara on the Lake.  When there stop by the breathtaking Niagara Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and if you are with family consider staying at Great Wolf Lodge.  Find more amazing natural beauty in Algonquin Park and on the Bruce Trail, or on one of many beautiful beaches around the province. In Ontario there is truly an event for everyone , including the Toronto Jazz Festival, Carabana, and so much more. 

Quebec – La Belle Province:  Steeped in history and alive with spirit, Quebec is the largest  Canadian province, and the only one with French as the official language.  Montreal hosts the world reknowned Just for Laughs Festival, and has endless charm and character.  Quebec City was founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, and just finished celebrating it’s 400th birthday.  The annual  Winter Carnival with Bon Homme and ice sculptures galore is a must. Walk around the historic Plains of Abraham, or explore the cobble stone streets of the old city (Vieux-Quebec), the only remaining walled city in North America.  You can even cruise to Quebec from New York on Princess cruise lines, with stops in Maine, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick! 

New Brunswick – Joie de Vivre: the recent unveiling of a new Provincial slogan shows that they are serious about tourism, and with good reason.  You can view one of the Marine Wonders of the World, the incredible Bay of Fundy, where tides rise 45 feet and more twice every day! Hike the Appalachian Mountain range, take a memorable scenic drive, or explore quaint towns by the sea. New Brunswick also has eight cosmopolitan cities to explore, and one of the best tourism sites of any province. 

Prince Edward Island – Charming: Canada’s smallest province and it’s peaceful pastoral landscape is more accessible than ever since the completion of the Billion Dollar Confederation Bridge in 1997.  It’s the longest bridge over icy water in the world, and a site to behold. A major draw is the annual Charlottetown Festival, featuring ‘Anne of Gables – The Musical’.  Many others flock to PEI to see the site which inspired the setting for the Anne of Green Gables books.  The island’s newest festival is Summerfest, which boasts something for everyone. It is one of the top golf destinations in the world, and one of the best areas to stay is in Cavendish Beach, where you can camp or rent a cottage and soak up the relaxing atmosphere and enjoy a plethora of activities for the whole family. 

Nova Scotia – Historic Seacoast – A province truly shaped by the sea, Nova Scotia hosts one of the best drives anywhere, the breathtaking Cabot Trail.  As the only city in North America other than Quebec City to make on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Lunenburg is a must see, and while there why not check out the Folk Harbour Festival! Other favourites include the International Busker Festival in Halifax, the Celtic Colours International Festival in Sydney, or Lobsterpalooza in Cape Breton. The entertainment and music scene in Nova Scotia is always hopping, and they even host the East Coast Music Awards.  For more info on what you can do in Nova Scotia, check out their tourism site. 

Newfoundland – Open Hearts and Warm Smiles – Despite being the butt of many jokes from the rest of Canada, Newfoundlanders are known to be some of the friendliest people on the planet.  They may also have the last laugh, because they live in a place of truly epic beauty.  Newfoundland has amazing fishing, fantastic golf and world class hiking, ideally in Gros Morne national Park or on the East Coast Trail.   Enjoy the George Street Festival, or one of the many other exciting events put on in St. John’s.  Here is a great resource to plan your trip! 

The North – Unspoiled and Unforgettable - Vast, isolated, and beautiful, Northern Canada holds many treasures for those who decide to venture there.  The Klondike gold rush is long over, but Dawson City in the Yukon remains, and it is restored to make you feel like you are there in it’s heyday.  In Nunavut explore Auyuittuq National Park, home to the meeting point of glaciers and sea ice, and truly a natural wonder. The Northwest Territories has the very best view of the stunning Aurora Borealis, and monster fish in Great  Bear Lake. More info on Northern Canada and an event listing can be found here. 

When you decide what you want to do, just contact me and we will set it all up! I can do all the research and on your flights and book with Air Canada or WestJet, and it won’t cost you any extra!  Travelonly is also partnered with some excellent tour operators who specialize in Canada, such as Anderson Vacations, WestJet Vacations, Rocky Mountaineer and Brewster. 

At a dude ranch there are no expectations of you; it’s an expedition into the open air. Dude ranches don’t get any better than in the true wild west, and a stay is a sharing of the spirit of the West and the beauty of the wilderness.

On a ranch, you’ll experience a world that is dictated by the seasons and cycles of life. It is a simple way of life that demands honesty, integrity, hard work and a strong spirit. Your appreciation of nature, family and friends will be renewed. You’ll find that good riding, good food and good friends will leave you peaceful and content. You’ll discover the luxuries of silence, the wind on your face and the stars shining brightly.

More than just activities, the essence of a ranch vacation nourishes your heart and soul. It is unlike any vacation you have ever taken – one that you will return to time and again. It’s orses, Hats and Hospitality,  and friends serving friends.

For some excellent options in Canada, Anderson Vacations is the perfect solution.  You can take a horse pack trip, participate in a cattle drive, or stay on a working ranch!  If you want to experience the American West, I can help with that too.

Contact me to book your dude ranch vacation today - make it a memorable family vacation, a girl’s getaway,  a solo sojourn, or whatever else you want or need. Go in style, or keep it rustic.  The choice is yours.

Leave your complicated life behind. Visit a dude ranch and experience life at its fullest.

Air Canada seems to have woken up and realized that if they want to stay in business, they need Travel Agents on their side. They are now paying commission on domestic flights, and hopefully they will expand this initiative as they experiene the positive effects. This means that I can book your Air Canada and WestJet flights at no cost to you.  I can handle research, changes, questions, and more… and it costs you nothing.  Also, as always, I can find great rates on international flights, often saving you hundreds of dollars.

Need a flight!?  Contact me today!

Norwegian Cruise Lines is offering it’s deluxe cruise ship, the Norwegian Star, during this spectacular event. Stay on board and you can have the perfect location and the experience of a lifetime!  Picture yourself sitting on your private balcony, overlooking Stanley Park or the breathtaking B.C. mountains.  On board between events, you will enjoy fabulous entertainment, great food, and lots of fun activities.  You may also choose to relax in your stateroom, lounge on deck, or soak in the hot tub.

The Star will be docked on the North Shore, 10 minutes from downtown Vancouver, and directly across from Stanley Park.  Free transportation will be available 24 hours a day from the ship to one of Vancouver’s major transportation hubs, the Sea Bus Terminal, with access to all Olympic Venues and Vancouver’s shopping and night life.  Airport transfers are also included when you book your package!

Choose from one of ten 2 night packages (or “Waves”), with arrival dates between Feb 10 and Mar 2. Each Wave Includes:

• Two nights on board ship accommodation
• All meals while onboard, including 24 hour complimentary room service
• Award winning entertainment productions each night on board the ship
• Entertainment in the lounge and nightclub
• Nightly turndown service
• Daily activities scheduled throughout the ship
• Transfers from the cruise ship to Vancouver’s City Transit Hub

And there’s more -here are some extras you will receive:

• Boxed lunch program (to take while you attend an event)
• Captains cocktail reception
• Dedicated Conciege Desk
• Live satellite coverage of Vancouver Olympic Games 2010
• Airport transfers from the Vancouver Airport for your package dates
• Vancouver city tour and welcome kit

Arrive in time to enjoy the Opening ceremonies, spend Valentine’s Day or celebrate Chinese New Year’s during Wave one, two, and three.  Visit during Wave four or five and enjoy the excitement of the Games and atmosphere, or stay for the closing ceremonies during Wave 6. Booking your cruise package early will ensure you the best Vancouver lodging for the 2010 Winter Games.

** You can ALSO cruise into Vancouver on the Star!  The four night pre-Olympic cruise starts in Los Angeles on Feb 6th and ends in Vancouver on Feb 10th. Enjoy a full day stop in the capital city of British Columbia, Victoria, located on Beautiful Vancouver Island.  Sail away after the games as well, and really save on airfare!  Prices on the pre and post Olympics sailings are extremely reasonable. **

Contact me for more information and pricing. Book this incredible floating resort early for the best choice of accommodations!

By the way, Olympic event tickets are not included.  You can find information on purchasing event tickets HERE.

Here is a sampling of what makes Great Wolf Lodge a destination for families:

• The lobby gives you that deep woods feel and it comes alive with moving, talking and singing animals and trees… come by at 8PM for the Forest Friends Show and Storytime
• The waterpark is amazing, and has something for everyone, and water park passes are included with your room
• Huge Northern Lights arcade with over 100 games
• The spas – there is the Elements spa for the older set, and then the Scoooops Spa for the 12 and unders, with a variety of ice cream themed treatments to choose from
• Iron Horse Fitness room
• Outdoor Loon Lagoon Pool and Wacky Wilderness Mini Golf
• The Cub Club, where you can colour your own pillow cases, among other fun activities
• Excellent buffet meals in the Antler Shanty Grub, and other choices too
• There is a lot to do nearby, including Niagara Falls, wineries, countless fun museums, play zones, and attractions, and Niagara on the Lake

I can send you a link to the pictures from our trip if you are interested – just let me know!

Feel free to contact me for a quote today!