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TRAVEL
CANADA 150 : PLAN IT NOW
– By Marianne Vogel
There ’ s no time like spring to plan a trip ! Everyone needs a little getaway , and there ’ s so much happening around here AND throughout Canada , as we celebrate the 150th anniversary .
This year , April 1st is not fooling anyone as the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival starts as a true sign of Spring . Many of the bus and tour companies have teamed up for a visit to St . Jacobs Market … take the opportunity to taste and see Nature ’ s bounty in Elmira , with pancakes , sausages and fresh maple syrup . Take a tour of the maple bush and see the many artisans at the community centre . There are dog shows to see , quilting demonstrations , pancake flipping contests , an outdoor mall , toy show , and so much more . www . elmiramaplesyrup . com
In the true spirit of celebrating Canada 150th Anniversary , it is also a good time to think of travelling within Canada for a change , rather than to other exotic places around the world ! Canada after all is a 4 season destination : We just don ’ t see our own beautiful country that way , but we should !
You can start in Western Canada mid-April to Mid-October and take to the rails from Vancouver to Banff , plus there are various other planned itineraries to consider – some that start in Seattle , Jasper , Lake Louise , Banff , with many other points in between , including Whistler , Kamloops , and more .
How about taking in the most incredible breathtaking scenery in the world on board the Rocky Mountaineer train ?
Rail journeys can be teamed up with Alaska Cruises , motor coach trips and self-drive . Trips can be arranged in duration from 2 days to 21 days and beyond . I will be experiencing this trip the end of April and will be able to give you first hand expertise on this journey , so why not follow me on Facebook as I do blog write-ups during my experiences !
In addition , all provincial parks are free to visit this year , just by requesting the free “ Parks Canada Discovery Pass ” booklet . The pass gives you unlimited opportunities to enjoy national parks , marine conservation areas and national historic sites across the country . So dust off those camp chairs and tents , unroll your sleeping bags , and get out there to enjoy nature at its best ! www . commandesparcs-parksorders . ca or 1-888-773-8888
The garden to not miss this year is Whistling Gardens , Canada ’ s newest Botanical Gardens in Wilsonville ( just south of Brantford ), with over 18 acres of manicured gardens , and where the tulips will be on display for Canada ’ s 150th .
There are 3 classes of service : Silver Leaf , Gold Leaf and Gold Leaf Deluxe . Here , you travel by rail during the day , and stay in 4 and 5 star hotels at night – for both comfort and beauty ! www . rockymountaineer . com or 1-844-303-0883
The garden has a world-renowned Peony collection of over 1000 + varieties , the largest collection in the world ! There ’ s also an aviary and fountain show … The music is beautiful , and the water show magnificent . You can also purchase various plants for your own garden at their garden centre – it ’ s a win-win ! www . whistlinggardens . ca
28 More articles , recipes & events online : www . silvergoldmagazine . ca