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Rainy Days and Songdays – Canada Eh Day

1st July 20241st July 2024 funtime65

And for the day that’s in it a welcome return for the occasional series and a dedication with Rainy Days and Songdays – Canada Eh Day.

A trip to see a Beatles/Sixties tribute band on the docked boat venue The Ferry in Glasgow brought me into contact with Canada Ken, as I’ll call him.

I’d wrongly identified him as an American as I earwigged on his conversation about Washington with another in the queue on the dock.

And related to him as I do all citizens I meet from that great city of my own perigrinations there.

Only for him to put me right on that and confirm his proud Torontonian roots and that he had come over to Scotland for six months 30 years and fell in love and stayed.

And that he had been having some bants with the Washingtonian in the queue and that DC was in fact a great city but greatly changed from when a Canadian led the last invasion of the Potomac back in 1814.

Canadian chanteurs and chanteuses

When one Rear-Admiral George Cockburn led the army from up north down to burn Washington in a reprisal for American incursions in their territory in upper Canada.

Of course, the best thing to do when you see a Canadian and an American in the bants is to leave them too it, much like you would a Scotsman and Englishman, Irishman and Englishman, or anybody really and an Englishman.

Now today belongs to Canadians as the anniversary of the creation of the Canadian Federation in 1867 so the Americans will just have to wait for Thursday, July 4, for their jamboree.

And so to mark Canada Day, and our own family’s links with the world’s second biggest country through a grandfather who fought for the Canadian Army, an uncle and brother who went out there to live and a Torontonian sister-in-law and goddaughter…

And because of all the great singers they’ve given us, I give you five of the best Canadian chanteurs and chanteuses for Rainy Days and Songdays – Canada Eh Day.

Joni’s japes

Fare play, Joni: She belts out Big Yellow Taxi

Joni Mitchell: And not just because I share with her the distinction (probably with thousands others too) of being thrown out of the Hebridean Bar in Edinburgh.

Joni is, of course the nightingale of Sixties pop and muse to millions with timeless standards such as Both Sides Now, The Circle Game and Big Yellow Taxi.

With a unique style and wordcraft… I mean: ‘They took all the trees and put them in a tree museum and they charged all the people a dollar and a half just to see them.’

Cohen the chanteur

Hat’s off Leonard: And is that the Chelsea Hotel?

Leonard Cohen: While Joni was underscoring hippydom and self-reflection French-Canadian Leonard was the chanteur of shenanigans, writing and singing some of the most intimate and saucy songs of ours or any age.

And sending scores of pop tourists flooding to the Chelsea Hotel in New York to see if they could channel what went on there in the celebs’ hang-out. And if they yelled Allelujah after it all.

Alanis’s jagged little thrill

Well yeah, Alanis: It does make you think

Alanis Morissette: Now what is it about Canadians that they capture a genre with Alanis, the Queen of Angst.

Putting aside that ‘raaaaain on your wedding day’ isn’t strictly ironic, more just bad luck, we still love that her lyrics talk about subjects we’d never put in a song.

Like taking a long hard look at my ass/And then played golf for a while. And you can find out the next lines for yourself!

E’er the Twain

Shaniah Twain: OK, so there is a rich seam of Canadian male singers from Neil Young through Bryan Adams to Justin Bieber and Drake but man, I feel like a Canadian woman says it better.

This Canadian trouper is touring right now and looking as spectacular at 50 as she has ever done. And that and her message and party-whooping songs does impress me much.

Raising the Celine

Celine Dion: And obviously saving the Queen of Las Vegas until last.

With the tres magnifique warbler promising fans that she will hit the Strip again when she her Stiffness ailment allows.

And, of course, we won’t have to Think Twice.

So meet you on the road to Canada and remember that you can fly to North America with pre-clearance from Ireland.

With Aer Lingus flying to Toronto with a sample fare for next month coming in at €901.14.

America, Canada, Countries

Pillow talk

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And haven’t we all done it as kids, and big kids, so let’s indulge in a bit of pillow talk?

No, not that, you mucky divils but pillow fighting, because this Saturday is International Pillow Fight Day.

We owe the flash mob, global participation day, to Kevin Bracken.

Kiddie Kev co-founded Newmindspace, an interactive public art group based in New York and Toronto.

With his pal Lori Kufner while they were students at the University of Toronto.

Lie back and laid-back

Imagine: Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal

Now it’s pertinent that the bedroom shenanigans should have been sprung in laid-back Canada.

With the most famous lie-in of them all happening just down the road in Montreal.

When John and Yoko had their lie-in for peace in the Sixties.

Now our pals Kev and Lori are clearly students who have never grown up, a bit like ourselves.

And have also championed bubble battles, capture-the-flag games and even a massive civil war with marshmallow bullets, held in Brooklyn.

More than 150 cities participated in the big pillow fight.

Which, I think we’ll all agree is better than bombing each other… if you’re listening Vladimir and Volodomir.

Celeb central

We remember you well: In the Chelsea Hotel

Now Kev’s pals, the Torontonians and New Yorkers have their share of high-end hotels.

From the Fairmont Royal Hotel where the celebs stay when in Canada’s biggest city…

To the Chelsea Hotel of Canadian poet laureate Leonard Cohen fame and anyone who was anyone really.

Where the feathers would have flown and much else besides.

And, oh, to have been a fly on the walk to hear the pillow talk.

Of course, on all things trans-Atlantic we advise through our own transport experiences.

To fly Aer Lingus with that crucial pre-clearance.

Canada, Countries, UK

Holy Cowes it’s an upgrade on Schitt’s Creek

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When you’ve overseen Canada’s most ramshackle motel you pitch for comfort and karmic surround and for Hollywood’s Peter Sussman it’s the Isle of Wight… Holy Cowes it’s an upgrade on Schitt’s Creek.

Probably because Schitt’s Creek producer Peter and his Irish wife Sara are in charge.

Rather than the shambling motel managers John Rose (Eugene Levy) and Stevie Budd (Emily Hampshire).

We don’t know what John and Stevie have in mind for Christmas out in Schitt’s Creek, probably David (Dan Levy) and mum Moira (Catherine O’Hara) singing All I Want For Christmas Is You.

That’s all Wight

But fear not Peter has no such kitsch in mind for you in Foresters Hall in classy Cowes.

Of course Hollywood coming to an island off the south coast of England is probably as unlikely.

As the multimillionaire video store mogul John Rose and his family washing up in backwoods Schitt’s Creek.

Christmas jumpers: And a smiling welcome

But it was here that Peter Sussman and Sara Curran, who had fallen for the old-fashioned charms of Cowes, saw out Covid lockdown.

The film and TV heavyweights and Sara has a CV including The Favourite and The Night Manager clearly know their hotels.

And swooped for Foresters Hall when it came up for sale.

Victorian era

FH, a grade II-listed Georgian townhouse built in 1865, is located in Cowes’s old town conservation area.

And Cowes, being good enough for Queen Victoria who had her summer house Osborne House in East Cowes is good enough for us.

While you’ll want to perambulate on the Parade and while away your time on Gurnard Beach.

And take in yachtlife, which is what most of us know Cowes for, down by the harbour.

Now we are, of course, suckers for a good marketing pitch and FH’s Wight Christmas has us at hello.

Yule love this

So taking a pause from the Halloween frenzy and throwing it forward to Yuletide we’re happy to promote FH’s Christmas offering.

Which is a three-night stay from Christmas Eve, afternoon tea with jazz band on arrival.

Comp hot chocolate bar, delicious dining, wellies for winter walks, late check out for a luxurious lie-in and music and merry-making…

All from £917.50pp sharing a cosy room with a kingsize bed.And from £1,385 for the same room for solo travellers.

Our party-loving hosts will encourage us to get into the swing of a night of music after luxurious dinner on Christmas Eve.

While there are a list of activity options the next day before Smoking Lobster Chef Jake Storey’s traditional four-course Christmas Day lunch.

If you feel that’s all a bit wicked and you have to pay for your excesses then the tradition in these parts is to go for a Boxing Day (or Stephen’s Day as Sara is a proud Irishwoman) Swim from Gurnard Beach.

Or explore the island on the hotel’s complimentary bicycles, before a late lunch at Smoking Lobster Cowes (optional) on the High Street and its Asian-inspired menu.

A 3-course dinner will be available at the hotel for residents in the evening.So to bullet this out, that’s…

Christmas wrapped up

Christmas Eve:

Afternoon tea with Mulled wine and Jazz
Christmas Cocktail
3 course dinner
Nightcap

Christmas Day:

Hot breakfast
Christmas Day Lunch
Leftovers Buffet

Boxing Day:

Hot breakfast with Bloody Mary
[lunch at Smoking Lobster Cowes is optional and not included in price)
3 course dinner

27th December:

Hot Breakfast
Late check-out

So we think you agree that Peter and Sara have Christmas wrapped up.

And Holy Cowes it’s an upgrade on Schitt’s Creek.

Bells on at New Year

If you’re locked into a family lock-in then FH can tease you with a New Year get-away.

A three-night stay at FH and ten-course tasting menu on New Year’s Eve itself, including a glass of champagne while listening to a Jazz Quartet.

From £1,420 for solo travellers and £947pp sharing.

Canada, Countries

World Heritage Site Yes Yukon

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It’s golden so it shouldn’t have taken this long… still. it’s with delight that we can at last say World Heritage Site Yes Yukon.

The Tr’ondëk-Klondike, in Canada’s northwest, has been officially inscribed as the Yukon’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site.

And the Yukon’s first cultural World Heritage site.

The Tr’ondëk-Klondike chronicles the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation’s experiences and showcases the site and its 1,300 citizens.

And the history of the Klondike Gold Rush in Dawson City between 1874 and 1908.

And you’ll be forgiven for thinking that you’ve time-travelled back to those days.

Dawson City resembles a town frozen in time.

With elaborate dance halls, wooden boardwalks and historical buildings.

When 100,000 prospectors sought their fortunes during the Gold Rush.

Yukon do all this

Our friends in Yukon tell us that the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre between June and September is the place to start.

Or take a guided tour of the Hammerstone Gallery in the Dawson City Museum to understand the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in perspective of the gold rush era.

While just 55 kilometres from Dawson City lies Tombstone Territorial Park which boasts dramatic wind-carved alps, including the craggy granite peak of Mt. Monolith.

The interior of the park features rainbows of striking, wind-swept tundra.

If its northern lights you’re after then you’ll want to take in the Klondike Experience in Dawson City (February – October).

Tour guides will entrance you with cultural and historical stories about the region.

Catch of the day: Salmon strips in Moosehead Village

As you nibble on snacks and enjoy hot drinks around the campfire.

While you can’t visit the Yukon without riding on the mighty Yukon River.

You’ll be in the best hands with Tommy Taylor, a Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in citizen and Fishwheel Charter Services in Dawson City.

Tours offered include Dawson City river tours, custom multi-day river trips, custom single or multi-day snowmobile adventures, and rustic cabin rentals.

Nor will you have to take on one of those wild odysseys to get there, with our friends in the Yukon offering us these packages.

Take me to the Klondike

Yukon Explored with Windows on the Wild: 14 nights from £2485pp including 14-nights’ accommodation, return international flights and car rental throughout. To book, visit www.windowsonthewild.com.

Whitehorse Round Trip with First Class Holidays: 13-day motorhome tour from £3229 pp.

With return international flights, two-nights hotel accommodation, and 10 nights in a 10 nights C-Medium motorhome rental.

And it includes silver all-inclusive package, CDR coverage, convenience kits, RV preparation and unlimited mileage. To book, visit www.fcholidays.com.

So channel your inner Gold Rusher… the World Heritage Site Yes Yukon.

America, Canada

Waterfall and rise… or Niagara’s erection

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And any excuse to mark its waterfall and rise… or Niagara’s erection, as we flag up New York’s state parks.

With this year marking 100 years of New York State Parks.

Our pals in the Empire State are always quick to remind us that there is a whole world beyond New York.

As much as we all love the city that never sleeps there is everything from the beaches of Long Island to the Niagara Falls in upstate New York State.

Now you truly get a sense of the size of New York State when you take an 18-hour Greyhound bus upstate to see your big bro in Toronto.

Only to then be taken back to the border (I’d obviously outstayed my welcome).

But, no, it was to see the natural wonder of the world that is the Niagara Falls.

Canadian high

Of course the Canadians will always claim their side of the Falls is the more dramatic.

And the great waterfalls have long been a magnet for Canadian honeymooners, and obviously day trippers.

Mind you the Americans will always say it and everything really is bigger and better in America.

Now the Mounties insist that their view of the bigger Horseshoe Falls gives them the drop on their neighbours.

They have a more distant vista of the smaller American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls.

Maid in America

Roll out the barrel: And glad it’s not us

But you’ve got to be in it to win it in this contest and the Yanks hit back with the Maid of the Mist.

Don your recyclable ponchos, and hop on the Maid of the Mist to see, hear, and feel the thunderous waters.

And, of course, the Americans are continuously building up bigger and better.

And following the recent opening of the new, state-of-the-art Visitor Center two more projects are due for completion this year

The Niagara Falls Heritage Gateways Project, whose spiralling observation deck will offer panoramic vistas.

And the reopening of the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center as Great Lakes 360, which is currently undergoing a major makeover.

And in this game of who can aim higher then I’m flagging up this Waterfall and rise… or Niagara’s erection

America, Canada, Countries, Cruising

New England and Canada is a cruise

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What would our Fiftysomething iteration tell our 21-year-old self… well, maybe that New England and Canada is a cruise.

The only bells and whistles though back in 1988 when I took the high road from Boston to Canada were on the bus.

How times and my fortunes have changed in the intervening years.

Embarking then on a scribbling career which 35 years later has afforded me the privilege of swapping buses for cruises.

Where you can take your time to get to your destination and relax when you get there.

Fall on good times

Our old friends at MSC Cruises have released their autumn programme.

And they want to take North Americanophiles up the eastern seaboard on MSC Meraviglia.

You’ll get to disembark from New York and there’s the added bonus of Bermuda on your horizon.

MSC are offering 10 or 11-night cruisings this September and October from £629pp, which, of course, is their famed Fall.

The Fall in Central Bark

New York: And when in NY do like the New Yorkers and kick through the leaves in Central Park.

Imagine… well, you don’t have to. And pay homage too to John Lennon at his shrine within view of his Dakota Building home.

On the right Rhode

Art of the matter: Street art in Rhode island

Newport, Rhode Island: And a chance here to reverse my first views of Newport from the train looking out to the big yachts.

From the sea this time where you can channel your Gilded Age in the US’s smallest state.

Now one of the joys of cruising is a shore excursion or free time.

And memories of being tripped by trolls disguised as stones on our MSC Bergen stop-off come flooding back.

As we’re directed towards the historic Cliff Walk with a walking trail along the beautiful rocky shoreline.

Love of Common people

Boston: And whatever New York does, their historic rival Boston claims to have done it first.

With Bostonians only too happy to tell you that for all Central Park’s appeal, Boston Common is the oldest public park in the US.

While for all that Yankee Stadium may be the House that Ruth built.

The Boston Red Sox had Babe Ruth first making home runs at Fenway Park, the oldest, at 111 years, in the States.

New Scotland

Nova Scotia: And when you’re done with New England then the natural progression is New Scotland.

The new Scotland of olde worlde fishing villages, beautiful beaches and captivating shorelines.

Guests can enjoy a stroll on one of world’s longest continuous waterfront boardwalks in Nova Scotia capital Halifax.

Neuw Brunswick

New Brunswick: And if you were wondering then NB which is billed a maritime province is named after British royalty.

And George III, who was also the Duke of Brunswick.

For all New Brunswick‘s fish, and its inhabitants are mocked as Herring Chokers and there are whales and seals aplenty, look out too for its moose.

Maine event

Portland, Maine: And what goes up must come down so cruisers will sail back via Maine, and New England again.

Make sure too to sample the local beer and try out the world-famous Maine lobster.

Specs appeal

At 315 metres long and 65 metres tall, Meraviglia boasts an impressive 19 decks and up to 5,700 guests.

There are ten different types of cabins to choose from, including solo cabins, popular balcony cabins, and stylish accommodations in the MSC Yacht Club.

A 90-metre promenade lined with shops, restaurants and bars with an LED sky screen… all for the big party.

Indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, together with a water park and ropes course.

And different theatrical extravaganzas in Meraviglia’s 985-seat theatre.

So much better than bussing it up the eastern seaboard then when we know New England and Canada is a cruise.

America, Canada, Countries, Cruising

On a Royal Caribbean poop deck

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We all do it, live vicariously through our friends… your life might be poop but someone’s up on a Royal Caribbean poop deck.

That someone is an old Travel pal who’s only been rubbing it in on a Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas trip from Seattle to Alaska.

We’ll leave John and his lovely wife Karen to their reindeer sausage, wild boar burnt ends and Grizzly Poop (chocolate malt balls).

As they skirt the Eastern Canadian Seaboard and lyrical names like Juneau and Sitka.

And show you what you can get on your bucket list cruise.

Quantum solace

Quantum of the Seas is a seven-nighter Alaska adventure skirting towering glaciers and snow-capped peaks.

Of course this being Royal Caribbean there are special features on board.

From the North Star, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship to the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator.

Now we all know the old adage about cruise being for the ‘newly-wed, overfed and nearly dead’.

John, the oul’ romantic that he is is treating Karen to a special anniversary cruise.

And judging by what he’s been saying they’ve been loving the food… and who can blame them?

Food and fun

Venturing into Alaska, Of course, there’s plenty of Americana fare.

Like Americana steakhouse and classics at Chops Grille.

And fresh hand-rolled sushi at Izumi…. watch out too for those funster chefs getting you involved.

And Tuscan favourites at Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver.

Then cap off your meal with robot-crafted cocktails from the future at Bionic Bar.

Quantum offers original production Starwater.

As it dives into the nature of human emotion in a groundbreaking fusion of live performance and technology.

Top deck

And if we know cruises and Royal Caribbean, and we do, and the Royal Parties…

Then we know they’ll be only too happy to show you around and behind the ship.

So if your life is poop check out what’s happening on a Royal Caribbean poop deck.

Fly to Seattle with Aer Lingus and check out fares and dates online

Canada, Countries

Race Across the World in Canada

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North Americans are prone to boasting but when you’re one-twentieth of the world’s land surface you would, so it’s legitimate to set Race Across the World in Canada.

The BBC show sees teams of two compete in a sprint to a final destination.

Stopping at a number of checkpoints along the way.

Each duo has a limited budget, no mobile phone access and are not allowed to take a single flight.

Not surprising that they didn’t ask me along.

As I went into meltdown when I left my mobile behind in Mississippi.

Race Across Canada, of course, conjures up one of those madcap old road trip films.

And as much fun as it would be to channel your inner Burt Reynolds there are more relaxed drive holidays across the country.

And that’s where our friends at Canadian Sky, part of the Tropical Sky family, come in.

With these recommendations that match the adventures on Race Across The World.

Easy BC

The opening episode begins in Vancouver with teams having to find their way out of Stanley Park.

And into the wilderness of British Colombia and the magnificent Vancouver Island.

This self-drive itinerary is the perfect way to discover Vancouver Island.

A circular route from the waterfront capital of Victoria in British Columbia…

You’ll explore this laid-back city on foot and then drive through parks and coastal routes.

Take a bear-watching excursion at Campbell River to see grizzlies in their natural habitat.

And head to Canadian surf capital Tofino.

From Tofino, drive to world killer whale hub Telegraph Cove and take a whale-watching cruise.

A 13-night tour of Vancouver Island, departs 13^th September 2023 from €3,199pps, including return flights, accommodation, and fully comprehensive car hire.

Yes Yukon

Spend 11 nights travelling the Yukon with this fantastic itinerary, spending time in Whitehorse, experiencing the renowned

Join the Gold Rush to Skagway and take in White Pass and Yukon Route Railway.

On this independent tour, with all hotels, transport and excursions booked in advance.

Spend three nights in a log cabin, trek and kayak to your heart’s content.

And take a day trip to the mountains of the Kluane National Park.

Experience a guided tour of Whitehorse and the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and enjoy time in Dawson City, including a historic tour of the gold fields.

An 11-night tour of the Yukon, departing 23^rd August, is priced from €4,129pps, including return flights, accommodation and transfers.

Horsing around

Neigh bother! Over seven days this horse riding package kicks off in Banff.

Followed by one night at the Sundance Lodge, then three nights at Halfway Lodge, and a final night on the return ride at Sundance Lodge.

Guests will embark on a riding excursion of approximately five hours.

A seven-night riding tour of the Yukon, departing 6^th September, is priced from €3,249pps, including return flights, accommodation, transfers and daily riding excursions.

Manitoba Big Five

And we have all gone in search of the Big Five in Africa.

But did you know about the Manitoba Big Five which you can do on your Race Across the World in Canada?

Well, it’s a black bear, polar bear, moose, beluga whale and bison.

Begin the adventure in the Riding Mountain National Park, with a wildlife drive.

Then, fly north to the town of Churchill on the edge of the tundra.

Churchill sees more than 300 nights of Northern Lights activity each year.

The final part of the adventure is on board a Tundra Buggy and involves looking out for summer polars bear roaming the waters of Hudson Bay.

A seven-night tour of Manitoba, departing 7^th August, is priced from €7,269pps including return flights, accommodation and all excursions.

Ontario an old friend

And a chance to see beyond the Toronto of my brother’s younger days and discover Superior and Huron, the Canadian Great Lakes.

Not that you should miss Toronto, being sure to visit the famous Ripley’s aquarium.

Home to 450 ocean and freshwater creatures, before heading into the hills and sparkling lakes of Muskoka.

Hike the wilderness trails at Algonguin Provincial Park, then travel onto the dramatic landscapes of Killarney.

Come again, but this is as beautiful as its famous Irish namesake.

A highlight of the tour is the unique Manitoulin Island on Lake Huron where. you should hike, bike and kayak.

The tour ends with a loop back towards Toronto via Niagara-on-the-Lake and take in a Hornblower cruise.

A 14-night self-drive tour of the Canadian Great Lakes, departing 22^nd September, is priced from €2,679pps, including flights, accommodation and fully comprehensive car hire.

Quebec mais oui

This independent rail tour on VIA Rail takes you to Toronto, Ottawa and French Canada, Montreal and Quebec City.

Enjoy a full day trip to Niagara Falls, join a sightseeing tour of capital Ottawa, explore the beautiful walled city of Quebec, and discover Montreal with its thriving arts scene and quaint old town.

A nine-night rail tour, departing 18^th October, is priced from €2,449pps, including return flights, accommodation and rail transfers with VIA.

New Scotland, Nova Scotia

Flying the flag: Old Scotland, Nova Scotia

Another rail route and we recommend North American rail service after our Amtrak trip through New England.

Meander through Quebec and New Brunswick en route to Nova Scotia on your Race Across The World Canada.

Starting with a few days in Halifax, discover the fascinating maritime city before boarding the Ocean train for a two-day journey through Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Then board VIA rail to follow the St Lawrence river to Montreal and take in a three-hour city tour to see all the highlights.

The final leg takes travellers from Quebec along the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor and through Ontario to Toronto.

A seven-night rail tour, departing 13^th October, is priced from €1,949pps, including return flights, accommodation and rail travel.

New find, Newfoundland

A real blockbuster, a 19-night tour taking in the many national parks of the Atlantic Canada region.

Take scenic hiking trails to spot exotic wildlife and hospitable locals in Nova Scotia.

Visit Gros Morne National park in Newfoundland, with rugged cliffs, waterfalls and glacial fjords and Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island.

More hiking in Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, spotting birds, wildlife and moose along the way.

End the trip with a visit to the iconic Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick and marvel at the Bay of Fundy.

A 19-night tour through Atlantic Canada, departing 5^th September, is priced from €3,499pps, including return flights, accommodation and fully inclusive car hire.

And after all of that you’ll be able to say you’ve covered 2 per cent of the world’s land mass on your Race Across the World in Canada.

Heck it’s a start.

Canada, Countries, Cruising

Rideau of your life with Le Boat

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The French called the twin waterfalls curtains, Le Rideau, and you’ll have the rideau of your life with Le Boat.

Now unless you’ve got a family name behind you, like say a Trudeau.

Then you’ve got to do the whole nine yards.

Or more seeing that this is the second biggest country on earth to get a seat in the Canadian parliament.

Better then getting a relaxing seat on your own boat meandering into Ottawa.

And that’s what Europe’s largest self-drive boating company is offering with its fleet of 32 Horizon cruisers in Canada.

All of which can access the new base on Ontario’s Rideau Canal.

Parlay at the parliament

Le Boat has included Ottawa in its self-drive itineraries since its launch on the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal in 2018.

And the new base is a response to demand generated by Le Boat’s guests to include more convenient one-way trips to the Canadian capital.

And for those who don’t know the capital it’s more than just the parliament, regularly named one of the top ten parliaments in the world.

With its huge clock tower, the Peace Tower, which stands in the middle of the building.

Ottawa features world-class museums, beautiful scenery and a variety of unique neighbourhoods.

On the horizon

And on dry land: Get off your boat and bike it

Le Boat’s guests will benefit from six new itineraries, including convenient one-way trips to Ottawa from its main base in Smiths Falls, Ontario, or vice versa.

For the 2023 Season, Le Boat will be accepting delivery of two new Horizon Plus Cruisers (Horizon 1 Plus and Horizon 4 Plus) from Delphia Yachts.

Bringing their fleet on the Rideau to 32 boats.

The boating season on the Rideau Canal starts on 19 May and ends on 9 October 2023.

Clients will be able to cruise on the Horizon 1 Plus, Horizon 2, Horizon 3 and Horizon 4 Plus from Le Boat’s new base in Ottawa.

And will have the option of choosing short breaks (three to six nights).

Or longer journeys (seven-ten nights one-way or round-trip cruise options) starting in Ottawa or Smiths Falls.

Boating holidays start from just £1,121/€1187 for a four-night cruise.

Or from £1,874/€2161 for a seven-night cruise. Le Boat (+44 (0) 23 922 2177, www.leboat.co.uk)

You’ll certainly have a Rideau of your life with Le Boat.

America, Canada, Countries, Europe, Food & Wine, South America, UK

Drink up Oktoberfest is over

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Drink up Oktoberfest is over… and only three days into the 10th month of the year.

So you’re thinking it should be Septemberfest.

Well, nein… the first Oktoberfest was held to celebrate the wedding of Kronprinz Ludwig Ludwig to Princess Therese on October 10, 1810.

It’s just that it’s been slowly been moved back to accommodate the lighter nights.

And the 16/18 day festival now runs from mid or late September to the first Sunday in October.

Or all year round if you’re two Aussies on the run.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie

It’s a well-told story but my Top Deck double deck bus 10-day trip to the Munich Beer Festival and Austria stretched a little longer.

One year longer to be precise as Brownie and Smutley dropped in on me, if a casual visit describes a 543 mile trip north.

From London to Aberdeen.

Being Aussies, of course, they asked to stay for a weekend and left a year later.

But only after returning to the scenes of my crimes at the Lowenbrau and Hofbrau huises and Kirchberg in Austria.

The original, and still best Oktoberfest may have poured its last stein for 12 months.

But the party still goes on around the world.

Oktoberfest around the world

Embrafest: Oktoberfest in Princes Street

In Edinburgh this October 6, 7, 8 and 9, here where I initiated the neighbour in all things Helga and Hofbrau last year.

And in the greater German diaspora with Kitchener (formerly Berlin) in Ontario, Canada where 700,000 clink steins annually.

The Americans, naturally, would never want their neighbour to outdo them and Cincinatti and Denver run them close.

You might be surprised to know though that Blumenau in Brazil is only surpassed by Munich and Kitchener for visitors.

Lager Down Under

Kick up your heels: Oktoberfest in Munich

Of course Brownie and Smutley could have stayed where they were and enjoyed Oktoberfests in Perth in the Supreme Court Gardens.

Or any of the great Aussie cities.

Mind you as anyone who has been to Munich for Oktoberfest will tell you for those two weeks it is a little corner of Oz.

So the Munich celebrations have wound up when the last lederhosen-dressed Bavarian has called ‘Drink up Oktoberfest is over.‘

But that just means finding your next Oktoberfest bash wherever it is in the world.