2017 | The Great Canadian Travel Co. - Part 7

STAFF PICKS

March 14, 2023 | Pearl McCallum

We want to paint a picture for you.   Imagine you’re at a gathering with friends and acquaintances. It’s a fairly large group, let’s say around 15-20 people. Just as you begin to get hungry, someone brings out a large, layered cake. It’s smothered in rich, chocolate buttercream frosting – …

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June 29, 2022 | Lois Farley

Way back in 2017 I wrote a blog in recognition of Canada Day; 50 Great Things Canada Contributed to the World. Since I wrote that blog I’ve been studying about the Indigenous peoples who have lived on this land we now call Canada for millennia – the First Nations and …

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March 17, 2022 | Lois Farley

Saint Patrick’s Day brings Ireland and all things Irish to a lot of people’s minds. And, those of us lucky enough to be Irish or are of Irish descent, particularly so! My ancestors on both sides of my family emigrated to Canada from Ireland back in the mid to late …

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March 1, 2022 | Allison Silvaggio

There are so many things that we miss when it comes to travel, such as exploring new places, trying new things and meeting new people.  What I miss the most, are those extremely peaceful moments where you can just take it all in.  Whether you are enjoying a beautiful hike, …

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Where are the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights?

March 17, 2017 | Lois Farley

There’s a huge amount of information about Northern Lights viewing available online today.  Several different countries claim to provide the best viewing (and I must admit I’m a bit biased in Canada’s favour), and even after you’ve decided on a country, there’s normally a number of different towns within that country, all vying for your attention and your visit.

  

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Where can I see Polar Bears in the wild?

February 24, 2017 | Oksana Szwaluk

Now that’s a great question! Polar bears are an enigma of the great north, a symbol of raw power, unbearably cute, and now the poster-child of climate change. Experiencing the rush of seeing a polar bear in the wild is one of life’s greatest thrills, and it may not be something our descendants get to do. And there are several places where you can go and experience the world’s largest land predator for yourself! Read More >

2017 Newsletters

February 14, 2017 | GCTG Marketing

January 2017 Issue 1 – Ring in the New Year  Read
February 2017 Issue 2 – Happy 150th Canada – We Love You!  Read
February 2017 Issue 2.5 – International Polar Bear Day  Read
March 2017 Issue 3 – We Love Canada Even More!  Read
April 2017 Issue 4 – April Showers Bring May Flowers and a Bouquet of Travel Ideas!  Read
May 2017 Issue 5 – O Canada, our home and native land   Read
June 2017 Issue 6 – Happy 150th Canada!   Read
July 2017 Issue 7 – Ireland and the UK – There’s Never Been a Better Time  Read
August 2017 Issue 8 – Now’s The Time to Experience Africa Read
September 2017 Issue 9 – Everyone Needs a Little Vitamin Sea Read
October 2017 Issue 10 – Some Like It Hot – Winter Getaways Read
November 2017 Issue 11 – Look Up, Look Way Up  Read
December 2017 Issue 12 – 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Tips for Keeping Valuables Safe When Travelling

February 06, 2017 | Lois Farley

When you travel do you take lots of jewellery and other valuables with you?  How do you keep your valuables safe when you’re travelling?  Every hotel tells you to not leave valuables in plain sight in your room and to use the room safe.  But what if the safe isn’t safe?  You can always use the hotel’s safe, which is usually secured inside an office behind the front desk.  Ensure you get a receipt for the items you deposited.  Most hotels are liable for items that go missing from their safe, but not for items in a room safe.

Here are 10 of our top ideas for keeping valuables safe when travelling. Read More >

Entry requirements for Canadian passport holders

January 10, 2017 | Lois Farley

With recent news stories reporting Canadian travellers being denied boarding at airports across the country, it’s important for you to know what the entry requirements for a Canadian passport holder are for the country or countries you plan to visit.  Your professional travel consultant will advise you of passport and visa requirements when you are booking a trip.  But, it’s good to know the general rule regarding passports and their validity.

Let’s say your passport expires the 30 June, 2017.  You would think that you could travel anywhere with this passport right up until that date, right?  Not necessarily.  Many countries require your passport be valid 3 or 6 months beyond your intended stay in that country.  Always double check with your travel consultant as to the requirements for your specific journey, as well as checking for any connecting countries along the way.

You can check out the countries you plan to visit at the Government of Canada travel website at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

Most countries require 3 months but some require 6 months, such as Nicaragua, which was one of the countries highlighted on a recent news story. However, her neighbour Costa Rica, only requires a 1 month validity beyond your stay.

Other countries may require a visa in addition to your valid passport.  It’s always best to check and double check so you don’t face a nasty surprise at the airport when you’re checking in!

Why Cruise Iceland?

January 01, 2017 | Shauna Cook

Iceland is considered one of the world’s hottest international destinations right now for several reasons:

1.  Safety. Iceland comes out on top on most lists of safest places to visit worldwide.
2.  Nature. Iceland has it all –  pristine coastlines, glaciers and volcanoes galore. Hiking, kayaking and taking in the incredible views are among many ways to experience this land of contrasts.
It’s easy to get to. With several airlines offering flights to Iceland from an ever increasing number of gateways getting this is easier than before.  Airfares are competitively prices, with advance purchase and seat sale fares often on offer.

Why take an Iceland ProCruises trip?

1.  Iceland is a maritime country. Cruises allow you to see the country as the early explorers did (but much more comfortably) – arriving at ports by sea and then going inland to explore.
2.  There is a major hotel shortage in Iceland, especially in smaller villages and towns.   Last year, hotel space was basically “sold out” by the middle of February for the period May to September.  This year we started getting sold out messages in late December.  Think of your cruise ship as a floating hotel!  You have a room that you return to each evening, only unpack once, maximizing your sightseeing time.  You will arrive in the ports early in the morning and then you have a wide range of optional activities to enjoy the area.
3.  You can be as active (or inactive) as you like.  Optional excursions range from kayaking, whale watching, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and golfing to bus tours, some with a special focus such as a Viking Sushi tasting and visiting local museums.
4.  Who doesn’t want to travel with Vikings? Iceland ProCruises is proudly Icelandic owned! Their guides are passionate about their country and everything Iceland (and Greenland). There’s nothing better than local knowledge to enhance your experience and make your trip the best it can be.

 

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