Long before Frozen’s Elsa of Arendelle warmed her way into our hearts with her icy architectural skills, the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) had been imagining a frozen wonderland in Québec, Canada. This year marks the hotel’s 20th anniversary as the only ice hotel in North America and they’re honoring … Read more
In her twenties Jocelyna Dubuc became interested in learning more about foods to improve her health. Touting her success, she would ultimately create a wellness destination in Canada way before the term was even coined. In 1977, she opened Spa Eastman, a holistic place in Canada’s Eastern Townships that has … Read more
At first glance on a visit to Quebec City most eyes spy a towering cliff, Cap Diamant (the promontory overlooking the St-Lawrence River on which the town sits) and the very top of it where history sits. Enter the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, an icon, a landmark, a beacon on … Read more
My initial introduction to the city of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean in Quebec is a serene one, with a drive through acres of farmland dotted with corn and cows. A collection of colorful barns is simply a preview of more attractions to come. At one point La Route des Bières (The Beer Route) … Read more
It called to me … a lone hammock gently swaying between a knobby 15-foot tree bereft of branches and a small cluster of reedy siblings. Its perfect placement grasped the few wisps of clouds drifting overhead. Settling into its cocoon-like embrace, I felt unified with nature. To my left, a … Read more
Lots of places celebrate Fat Tuesday; some with decadence (hello, Sydney), excess (hello, Rio) and bead-throwing (hello, New Orleans). Even your own hometown probably does something to celebrate Mardi Gras. But the following destinations really focus on this special time of year — they are where the eyes of the … Read more
If there’s anything that Canadians – at least the ones we’re hanging out with – know for sure, it’s that we own winter. The coldest season of the year is in our blood and in our bones. It’s a lifelong love affair born during childhood when, after the first major … Read more
What’s the first thing you notice when summer turns to fall in Canada? It’s the color … especially in Southern Alberta, our neck of the woods, where autumn hits early and the low hanging, late afternoon sun lights up the landscape like a movie screen. This is peak hiking season, … Read more
Are you ready for Montreal’s third annual Queer of the Year competition? Yup, you’ve read that correctly. Five finalists will be flown to Montreal while it’s in full bloom for Gay Pride week (Aug 13-19) for an all expense paid trip. Finalists will be judged in a series of “social … Read more
So you’re going to Quebec City – now what? Luckily, here’s Quebec City Tourism’s new mobile app to the rescue. Remember the old craze for magic eight balls? Your questions about life, answered. Well, this new iphone app is definitely better than that, with comprehensive answers to your most important … Read more
There’s nothing like the classics especially when it comes to French cuisine and even more so when you’re spending time in romantic Quebec City, which easily earns my vote for the best city for lovers in North America. Take a step into Cafe de la Paix with your significant other … Read more
Spending the night in a structure made of ice in the middle of a Québec winter is not for the faint of heart. But hotel lovers and thrill seekers alike who crave the unusual happily bundle up and brace themselves for the -13°F to 41°F temps in order to bed … Read more
Personalized Drinking Glasses at Le Germain Boutique-Hotels Le Germain Boutique-hotels, located in Quebec, Montreal, Toronto and Calgary, are beautiful, refined and quite sexy. The perfect spots for romance when staying in Canada. Also a great place to shop for unusual souvenirs reflective of the hotels high design spirit. Think great … Read more