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Canada Road Trip
  • SassyB
  • SassyB

Canada Road Trip

To commemorate my 50th birthday, David and I are going on a long-awaited road trip around Ontario, Canada – 25 years after the first trip got cancelled!! Read more
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  • Trip start
    August 1, 2019
    SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler
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    Day 1

    August 1, 2019 in England ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    We’re finally in Canada - Toronto to be exact. After a non-eventful eight and a half hour flight from Heathrow, we’ve finally made it. Our hotel Le German is located in Mercer Street. Literally a five minute walk from the CN Tower, theatres, Ripley’s Aquarium and loads of other cool stuff to do. It’s a lovely hotel - most importantly the bed is comfortable, but with a Bose stereo, flat screen tv and Molten Brown products in the bathroom, we have very little to complain about!

    On arrival, we had a quick shower and freshen up and then we went for a walk around the local vicinity and ate pizza at a local sports bar. We’ve gained an extra five hours today so we’re both totally shattered. It’s 8.20pm here, but at home its 1.20am on Friday morning!    Read more

  • SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler

    Day 2 - Toronto Part 1

    August 2, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Having been awake since the wee hours due to the time difference, this morning we were both showered, fed and ready to go before 9am! We walked to the beginning of the tour bus City Tour Route and picked up an open-topped double decker bus to begin exploring the city.

    Although the settlement of Toronto has been here since the late 1700s, two fires at the turn of the last century decimated most of the city, so there is no architecture that predates the Victorian era. Today’s architecture is mainly made up of large glass-built sky-scrapers and Victorian town houses and theatres, giving the city a clean, modern feel. But what Toronto lacks in history, it makes up for in cultural diversity.

    There are over 160 languages spoken on a daily basis and over 51% of the population were born outside of Canada. French, which is one of the official languages of Canada is actually only the 12th most spoken language. English comes first, with Chinese and Cantonese coming in second and third respectively. This variety of cultures follows through with the cafes, restaurants and bars, with every type of food imaginable on offer on every street corner.

    We jumped off the bus tour at the harbour and boarded the ‘Serendipity Princess’ riverboat to explore the Toronto Islands on Lake Ontario. We were also treated to some fantastic views of the city from a different perspective. Toronto has many similarities to New York (apparently it is regularly used for filming ‘New York’ scenes in films and televisions shows) and this was certainly evident as we watched the city skyline from the shoreline.

    Afterwards we had lunch in the Distillery. An historic Victorian, pedestrian-only, village area where only independent business are allowed to trade from the refurbished industrial buildings. The cobbled walkways gave the area real character and without the city’s traffic racing around the roads, it was certainly a peaceful afternoon. We had lunch in a Spanish Tapas bar and just generally chilled and gave our feet a rest.

    At the end of the afternoon we jumped back on the bus and finished the tour in the sunshine and then headed back to the hotel for a cocktail and some much needed rest, before heading out again for the evening.    Read more

  • SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler
    1

    Day2 – part 2 The CN Tower

    August 2, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    I did it!

    I can’t say I enjoyed it, but you really can’t visit Toronto without visiting THE most iconic building on the city’s skyline, the CN tower!

    This evening we made our way to the tower. Once through security, we headed to the super-fast, glass-fronted lifts and then on up to the viewing level – 72 floors in less than a minute!

    I’m never going to be good with heights - however, the views from the LookOut were well worth the discomfort. We timed it perfectly, with the sun beginning to set over the city skyline. I avoided the glass floors and the floor-to-ceiling glass panels (which apparently enhance the experience...?) and instead looked out across the vista a good three feet from the edge and enjoyed watching the planes take off from Billy Bishop Airport 1,135ft below. The huge sky-scrapers which had towered over us during the day look even smaller than Monopoly buildings.

    The trip back down again was equally as quick and as we descended I tried very hard not to think about how fast we were plummeting towards the ground!

    If you asked me to go up again it would be a resounding ‘NO’, but I am so glad I’ve done it!    Read more

  • SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler
    Stylish sun hat!
    Casa LomaThe Village Idiot - the pub, not the person!

    Day 3 - Last day in Toronto

    August 3, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We planned to take our last day in the city a little easier than the first two and started the day by jumping back on the open-topped bus and heading for Canada’s only castle ‘Casa Loma’.

    A beautiful building with very little history. Only lived in for a short while before bankruptcy by its creator forced him to sell, it then became a hotel at the turn of last century, but the Great Depression put a swift end to that. It is now a tourist destination for a pleasant couple of hours, a popular wedding venue with a five year waiting list and its biggest claim to fame, a favourite location for filming. The most recognisable of which being the film set of Xavier’s school for budding mutants in the X-Men film.

    We had a lovely lunch in a pub called ‘The Village Idiot’ - great name, great food and a laid back atmosphere. Probably had something to do with the name but we felt right at home!!

    In the afternoon we strolled through the lanes of Kensington Market. A fabulous bohemian experience with colourful street traders selling everything from vintage clothing, fruit & veg to jewellery, baked goods and cheese. We loved the vibe - seetorontonow.com describes it as; ‘a trip to Kensington Market is like a sensory trip around the world’

    An evening stroll after dinner saw the CN tower lit up like a Christmas tree - dominating the skyline at every turn

    Toronto gets a big thumbs up from us!    Read more

  • SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler
    David with our hire car
    1The view from our room

    Day 4 - Niagara part 1

    August 4, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    I’m going to have to split today into three separate posts! It’s been full-on since the moment we got up this morning, checked out of our hotel and picked up the hire car. We ended up with an upgraded vehicle, so just for the two of us we have a humongous Toyota Highlander - we have seven seats!!!

    David did a fabulous job of getting us out of Toronto and onto the highway. We had a non-eventful drive to Niagara Falls. Although this weekend is a Bank Holiday in Canada, so the roads were incredibly busy and we were delayed by three quarters of an hour. But we were here by 1.30pm and able to check into our room.

    The Sheraton on the Falls is a huge and very obviously, old hotel, but its clean and comfortable and we probably have one of the best views in the house being on the 12th floor with our balcony facing the Falls.

    The Falls are something else and a wonder to behold, but the rest of Niagara is very tacky – think Butlins crossed with Margate and you’re coming close and with it being a national holiday it seems like the World and his Uncle have come to visit, but luckily, we have managed to miss most of the crowds today - in fact the day has been completely awesome! …

    See part 2 …    Read more

  • SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler

    Day 4 - Niagara part 2

    August 4, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Once we had our bearings, we grabbed a quick sandwich and headed north on foot away from the town to the Helicopter Tours’ air field. It was a fair old hike in 27 degree heat and took us nearly and hour to get there – by boy was it worth it.

    We took to the skies for what was an incredible ten minute flight. Being such a clear, sunny day made it even more perfect!

    It was such a fabulous way to see all of the falls, including the ones on the American side. Being up that high gives you a real perspective of just how much water there is within Niagara Park.

    Not only was it my first time to the Falls, but also my first time in a helicopter and I loved it!

     The pictures speak for themselves…    Read more

  • SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler

    Day 4 - Niagara part 3

    August 4, 2019 in Canada ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    Once we got back to the hotel and rested our weary feet for a bit, we headed back out for the evening.

    We walked along to the Horseshoe Falls where the Visitor Centre is and booked our attractions for tomorrow - another full-on day to come!

    When you see the Fall for the first time up close it is quite Literally breathtaking. The constant mist caused by the sheer amount of water crashing over the falls catches the light and throws off a myriad of rainbows, whilst coating everything in a fine sheen of water - like a facial spritz.

    The drawback to it being a bank holiday was the sheer amount of people, but on the upside the carnival atmosphere, the entertainment and the stunning firework display over the Horseshoe Falls at 10pm all made for an incredible experience and we had the best view from the comfort of our hotel room.    Read more

  • SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler

    Day 5 - Niagara falls part 2!

    August 5, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Today we made a real effort to get up and check out early to beat the hoards.

    We managed to catch the first Hornblower sailing at 8.30am – what an incredible experience. The morning sun was shining, creating all kinds of rainbows around both the American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. The closer the ferry got to the Horseshoe Falls the more of an adrenaline rush it became. Millions of gallons of water cascading over the falls right up close soaking anything and everything in its sight - what a rush!

    We took hundreds of photos, which I can’t post just yet as they are on the waterproof camera, but I will later on.

    Despite the silly red plastic capes we were soaked, but the warm sun soon dried us off as we strolled along towards the Table Rock Welcome Centre. The next attraction was called ‘Journey Behind the Falls’ which is basically just what it says - in the 1930s a series of tunnels were hewn out behind the Horseshoe Falls and today you can stand just a few feet away from the cascading water, but this time behind! The noise was deafening and despite the silly yellow plastic capes, we were soaked!

    The final attraction ‘Niagara’s fury’ is a 360 degree theatre where a 4D details the history of the falls and how they were created, at the same time as spraying you with artificial snow and more water - as you guessed it, despite the silly blue plastic capes, we were soaked!

    By the end of the third attraction we were shattered. All the adrenaline and exhilaration had taken its toll - not to mention the 10,446 steps on top of yesterday’s 18,648! Definitely time to slow the pace down a little!

    We made our way back to the car and headed out to Niagara on the Lake, a quaint town on the Niagara Peninsula. The Prince of Wales Hotel is a vintage hotel, complete with oil paintings, dark wooden panelling and chandeliers.

    We have yet to explore and will post more information tomorrow when we can find some energy! So far we have discovered the jacuzzi and the pool - that’s enough for now!    Read more

  • SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler

    Day 6 - Niagara on the Lake

    August 6, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    The Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara on the the Lake is such a contrast to the two previous modern-day hotels. Built in 1864 and recently refurbished, it retains much of its timeless charm and offers luxury accommodation to all who visit.

    This morning we woke late and started our day with a swim and jacuzzi in the spa pool. We then took a walk down to the lake and explored some of the residential areas of the town. It’s a perfect town with beautiful architecture, colourful plantings with boutique shops lining the main town - it almost appears to be too perfect and we tried hard to find a down-and-out or some litter, but we failed!

    We haven’t been so lucky with the weather today. The skies opened just after 11.30am and like true Brits we headed for the nearest shelter, a pub named the Olde Angel Inn, where we had a couple of hot toddies, followed by a bit of brunch while we waiting for the rain to stop. The pub was owned by a Liverpudlian gentleman who emigrated over her 32 years ago - we can understand the reasoning!

    After our impromptu lunch we decided to explore despite the weather. There are many excursions around Niagara Park and this afternoon we visited two. Firstly, Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum, which scarily had many of the old printing machines that both David and I remember were still around when we first started out in print all those years ago, but although it made us feel very old, it was good to take a trip down memory lane.

    Afterwards we visited the butterfly conservatory - an incredible conservation site which is home to over 2000 butterflies. It’s a pretty interactive experience. As you walk into the conservatory, all the butterflies are flapping around and its like something from Avatar. There are hundreds of different varieties under one roof, all frantically flapping their beautiful, colour wings. It was such a treat and both of us spent well over an hour taking hundreds of pictures!

    This evening, after crashing in the room for a while, we went and had dinner in the bar of the hotel. Yet again, the bar was full of the atmosphere of yesteryear whilst retaining the level of service and comfort one expects from a modern-day hotel.

    Another lovely day where we managed to relax and be a bit more chilled than we have been on our first five days in Canada!    Read more

  • SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler

    Day 7 - Westin Trillium Resort

    August 7, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    They say a change is as good as a rest and today proved that old adage right!

    We checked out of the Prince of Wales Hotel early this morning, leaving behind the timeless elegance and the peace and quiet and headed north to the Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood and the Westin Trillium Hotel.

    The drive itself was uneventful, but as we ate up the miles it was interesting to watch the landscape change. The greenery went on as far as the eye could see with farmsteads dotted along the way with miles and miles separating neighbours.

    We arrived at the resort at 1pm. Our room wasn’t ready, but it wasn’t a problem as there is plenty to see and do here. We have been given an upgraded suite and the bed is huge! During the winter the resort is used for skiing and winter sports and during the Summer there are plenty of outdoor pursuits to enjoy. For instance, crazy golf, zip wires, their own version of go ape, a luge run, pedalos, mountain bike hire - the list is endless.

    We opted to take the gondola up the slopes and hike the 1.3km back down the mountain. The views from the top were spectacular and we enjoyed the walk after sitting in the car for 3 hours. Afterwards we hit the hot tub and the swimming pool to catch the last of the sun.

    After our showers we headed back out to the village and had a light supper at the Italian (so many restaurants to choose from).    Read more

  • SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler

    Day 8 - Veggie day in Collingwood

    August 8, 2019 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 22 °C

    Whilst David felt the need to conquer the mountain this morning, I felt completely the opposite and had a lie in. The bed was so comfy it seemed a shame not to make the most of it.

    By the time David got back I’d managed to get up and we headed into the town of Collingwood to explore. We walked up the main street in Downtown and enjoyed strolling around some of the more eclectic shops before heading back to the resort.

    The sun decided to come out to play so we decided to have an afternoon by the pool, where we both promptly fell asleep for three hours - to say we caught the sun is a bit of an understatement! It was good to relax after a very hectic first week. Cant believe we landed in Toronto a week ago today!

    Just got back from dinner - David actually ordered a salad! The portions here are huge and everything comes with ‘fries’, hence the need for running up the mountain this morning!

    We’re leaving in the morning for our long drive along the top of Lake Ontario, but Westin Trillium has been a great place to stop and relax. There’s so much to do here, but I imagine that during the winter months, when everything is covered in snow is the time when its at its best!    Read more

  • SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler
    Six lanes to choose from!
    1Outside the hospital where Dad was bornThe airbase where Grandpa George was stationed in the war1A very patient hubby outside the wool shop!Picton High Street

    Day 9 - Collingwood to Kingston

    August 9, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Day 9 - Collingwood to Kingston – via Picton

    We have been in the car for most of today - luckily its big and comfy!

    We drove for four and a half hours (or rather David drove) from Collingwood to Picton, along the top of Lake Ontario. Bypassing Toronto was a little chaotic, with a six lane motorway – thank God for SatNav!

    The reason why we stopped in Picton was so that I could see where my Dad was born in June 1943, during WWII. We found the hospital in Picton (as you can see from the pic I am standing outside the hospital holding a copy of Dad’s birth certificate). Not going to lie, was a bit emotional not to actually be able to share it with the man himself, but it was still great to see where his life started all those years ago and as an added bonus we also found the airbase where Grandpa George was based at that time. It was decommissioned in 1969 and you can just drive in and see all the disused Nissan huts and barrack buildings – some of which are used today as a trading estate. There is still an operational airstrip there too.

    We also had a quick look around Picton itself and I found a yarn shop where I treated myself to a skein of Canadian Alpaca Merino! David is not the husband in the chair outside the shop in the picture!

    We then headed to our last hotel of the holiday, the Four Points by Sheraton in Kingston. After dinner at the hotel, we wondered around the city for a bit soaking up the nightlife and exploring the marina.    Read more

  • SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler

    Day 10 - Kingston to Carleton Place

    August 10, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Today we had another look around Kingston during daylight hours.

    We took the trolley bus tour around the city so as not to miss out on any of the main attractions.

    It’s a beautiful city with lots to explore. We only just touched the surface, but we were able to get a feel for the place, before heading off to our next stop - Carleton Place, via the cottage on Lake Christie in Perth to drop in on Philip and Christine to surprise them for a quick drink and a catch up. The Union Jack had already been raised in readiness for our visit!

    Then on to Carleton Place to meet up with Sally and Tom at their house. Was great to see them again - albeit briefly as they had left a friends wedding to let us in.

    As they were returning to the party in the evening, Shirley and Geoff drove over to join us for dinner. They took us to a lovely restaurant in the town called The Black Tartan. A lovely meal with great company followed by a drive-by tour of the surrounding area from Shirley then back to the house for a much-needed early night!    Read more

  • SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler
    The front of Sally & Tom's house

    Day 11 Carlton Place

    August 11, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    We have now arrived at Sally & Tom’s beautiful house in Carlton Place. It’s been so lovely to catch up with family.

    Last night we went out to dinner in Carlton Place Town with Shirley and Geoff at the Black Tartan Restaurant. Great to catch up. A lovely meal with great company!

    Today saw an easy start to the day. Sally cooked us breakfast - we have eggs laid fresh from their 9 hens kept in the back yard. We went for a wonder in Carlton Place after that and then this afternoon Geoff & Shirley, Phillip & Christine and Kayla, along with her boyfriend Andrew joined us for a lovely meal. Tom cooked a huge piece of beef in the smoker - it was delicious.

    I’ve had my first 50th birthday celebration. Shirley ordered me a beautiful gluten free cake with chocolate filling and a cream frosting – complete with a chocolate inscription. It was totally yummy.

    This evening, we have had a fun evening with Sally and Tom, just sitting and chatting. The whole day has been great.

    We’re off to the cottage tomorrow with Christine for a couple of days. There is no WiFi there and the phone signal isn’t great either, but I will take lots of pics and post them up when we get back to civilisation!    Read more

  • SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler

    Day 13 - Christie Lake

    August 13, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Today’s highlight was the sunrise! No Words necessary!

    That being said we had a lovely day vegging out at the cottage and took an early paddle in the canoe to the bottom end of the lake. When we got back to the cottage we treated ourselves to scrambled egg using the eggs from Sally & Tom’s chickens - they are obviously very happy hens as the yokes are huge and a deep orange/yellow colour! We are never going back to supermarket eggs ever again!!

    Sally came up at lunchtime with Shirley and Geoff. Due to Geoff’s health, they hadn’t been to the cottage for a few years so it was lovely for us to be there with them. Sally bought lunch for us all and afterwards Sally, David and I went for a swim in the lake. Earlier David had seen a water snake, but by the time we got in the water there was no sign of him - I think we must have scared him away!!

    Sally headed for home with Shirley and Geoff and David and I had another paddle to the other end of the lake around sunset – with all the fresh air and exercise you can imagine how well we slept that night!!    Read more

  • SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler

    Day 12 Christie Lake Cottage

    August 14, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Christine came over to meet us at Sally’s on Monday morning and we followed her over to the cottage. What a wonderful, magical place to be! The cottage is literally situated on the edge of Christie Lake, a natural body of water situated just outside of Perth.

    Christine cooked us a wonderful tea of chicken kebabs on the bbq, served with fresh corn on the cob - picked that morning. The difference with the sweet corn from what we have at home was considerable!! Huge great big cobs with a lovely deep yellow colour.

    After dinner Christine took us out on the lake - Christine took out her paddle board and David and I shared the canoe - we didn’t do too badly considering we’ve only ever rowed as individuals before and David being left handed and me being right handed made for some interesting manoeuvres!!

    Christine left after our trip on the lake – David and I were so shattered after the fresh air we crashed early and had a great night, falling asleep to the sound of the cicadas in the trees around the cottage.    Read more

  • SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler

    Day 14 - Cottage

    August 14, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Today we had another lazy day at the cottage with another paddle on the lake and a swim.

    The mosquitoes were out to dinner and their favourite restaurant was me! After lunch I had a nap in the cottage to have a break from the sun and a break from being the local food court!

    David stayed out on the dock and had a near-death experience involving a plastic deck chair, two towels and a bikini top! A sudden gust of wind blew said items into the lake and not wanting to lose someone else’s property David jumped into the lake to save them but very soon discovered that you can’t swim if your hands are full. I woke up to the gurgling sounds of David spluttering as his whole life flashed before him. With my sympathetic help (?) and an oar, all the items were safely rescued and after a nice hot shower David was none the worse for wear.

    After so much excitement, we headed back to Carleton Place. In the evening we dropped Sally off to her Dragon Boat practice and headed out for dinner. We had a lovely meal at the Grand Hotel. We sat on the patio and I tried my first Caesar – the Canadian equivalent of a Bloody Mary, but made with Clamato Juice. Not sure which version I enjoy most as they are both yummy!

    Sally and Tom got home a little after us and we spent the rest of the evening chatting in the basement.    Read more

  • SassyBCanada Road TripTraveler

    Day 15 - Ottawa

    August 15, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Thursday bought another warm day as we headed to Ottawa with Sally, who had very kindly offered to show us the sites of the city.

    She had researched and found what looked like a comprehensive walking tour and her research paid off. We met our tour guide, Jonathan, by the war memorial at 11am and for the next two hours he highlighted the main historical buildings of Ottawa, making it fun and light-hearted as we strolled around the city. Not sure if I will every be able to remember much of the actual historical facts but the architecture of Parliament Buildings, The National Gallery of Canada - sporting a huge 30’ arachnid complete with 7 eggs to depict family love! The Basilica,The Chateau Laurier, the canal and all the statues made for an interesting couple of hours.

    During the break at midday, Sally and David both enjoyed a ‘Beaver Tail’ - you can tell they are cousins, both needing a sugary fix to help get them through until lunchtime as they were both starving. A Beaver Tail is a flat sugary dough, similar to a doughnut and covered in the topping of your choice. I think Sally had lemon juice and sugar and David have Maple Syrup and Chocolate. Not going to lie - I did have a quick bite and it was scrumptious - couldn’t eat a whole one though - like everything else here, the serving was huge!!

    After lunch and a quick gift shopping session Sally took us to Tom’s Firehouse. Station 11 on Rue Preston in Ottawa. There Tom was able to give us a tour. Another highlight of the holiday. We got to sit in his fire truck and sound the horn, I got to put on his hat and coat (incredibly heavy) and David and Sally got to slide down the pole (I chickened out of that one - for someone as challenged as I am when it comes to heights, sliding down a fireman’s pole is just asking for trouble!!)    Read more

    Trip end
    August 20, 2019
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