It is August 2024. Since the return of travel in early 2022 following the Covid-19 pandemic, airlines have faced staff shortages, strike action (actual and threatened), tightening regulations, and higher operating costs. These conditions, in addition to the challenges of regular operations, can seriously affect an airline’s level of service. …
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 – …
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 …
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 …
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, …
With World Sleep Day and St. Patrick’s Day falling consecutively on Friday, March 16th and Saturday, March 17th, I thought it’d be only fitting to look into the idea of sleeping in an Irish castle. I mean, who hasn’t dreamed of spending at least one night like a prince or princess from a fairy tale?
Ireland offers up a lot of great choices for a castle stay. Here are three choices, but there are many others. Read More >
Hi there! Great Canadian Travel Bear here.
I still don’t have a name, but for now, since it’s almost St. Patrick’s Day, I am taking on the name Patty O’Lantern. I think that it’s pretty fitting. As you can see, I’m green with envy because of all the Irish people and people of Irish descent who get to celebrate on that special day. That got me to thinking about my own ancestry, so I decided to take one of those DNA tests to find out who I really am. And, guess what? I discovered that I can trace my family tree back to Ireland! Apparently genetic evidence shows that I am a descendent from the Irish Brown Bear that lived during the last ice age. I think it’s kind of crazy to know that my great-great-great-great-great-great… you get the point… grandmother bear was hanging out in a country across the ocean thousands of years ago! Now, that’s cool! Read More >
Imagine you are sitting in something that looks somewhat like the seat and roll cage from a race car, without the race car around it. Imagine you are hanging from a cable 15 feet above the ground. Imagine you begin to pedal, which propels you slowly through the trees, the ground falling away until you are 60 feet or more above the ground. Imagine that it is peaceful, the only sounds made by the breeze rustling the trees, some birds chirping, and the occasional squirrel squeaking. Imagine that all you can see are the treetops surrounding you and perhaps the next rider, depending on your location along the one-kilometre trail. Imagine that the only sensation is the gentle swaying of your pod and the occasional bump as it runs over a connection in the cable.
Now imagine you have vertigo or are scared of heights. That was me exactly. Read More >
“Enormous playground of never skied colours, chutes and wide opened glaciers” is how National Geographic starts their article describing skiing in Iceland.
“Without a doubt Iceland offers some of the most mind blowing heliskiing on the planet,” says snow magazine’s “top 10 Heliskiing experiences in Europe.” Read More >
The fresh, floral air invigorates you. The warm, tranquil waters revitalize you. The breathtaking, natural beauty renews you. Whether it’s your first time to Hawaii, or your tenth time, the six unique islands offer distinct experiences that will entice any traveler. I encourage you to explore the islands and discover Hawaii for yourself.
There’s no place on earth like Hawaii. Home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes and the world’s tallest sea mountain. Birthplace of modern surfing, the hula and Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Former seat of a royal kingdom and home to the only royal palace on US soil. Hawaii is one of the youngest geological formations in the world and the youngest state of the union. But perhaps Hawaii’s most unique feature is its aloha spirit: the warmth of Hawaii’s people that wonderfully complements the Islands’ perfect temperatures. Read More >
Hi there!
Let me introduce myself. Well, I don’t actually have a name yet (but you can enter the contest to give me a name), so let’s just call me Great Canadian Bear for now. Although I’m only a few months old, I’ve been on all sorts of amazing adventures already. You see, I am The Great Canadian Travel Group’s newest team member. It all started with an idea to have a travel companion for all adventures the consultants go on. You know, to travel by yourself is great, but sometimes you just need a little bear to cuddle.
So, when I saw the job posted on the Polar Bears Wanted website, I could bearly contain my excitement. I applied and got the job! I was sad to leave my home in Canada’s Arctic, but the move to the big city has been really interesting, with lots of new experiences!
Little did I know, crossing the Drake Passage on the 15th of November 2017, that I was coming upon my 7th Continent.
Travel to The Netherlands is always a treat for me, combining the fun of exploring more new places with an opportunity to visit friends in the northeast province of Drenthe. My recent visit was no exception; this time we spent a day exploring the Open-Air Museum in Arnhem. World War 2 history buffs will recognize the city’s name from a major battle, the largest airborne operation ever. In September 1944 the Allied Forces failed in an attempt to break through German lines in and around the city. The battle is chronicled in Cornelius Ryan’s A Bridge too Far. Read More >
Although the month of February contains a celebration dedicated to showing how much you love someone, it is not necessarily the only month that one can show this emotion. There are 11 other months in the year that are available to show that special someone how much you care about them. That being said, here is a list of ten destinations, in no particular order, that we think are unconventional romantic locations. Read More >
It is common knowledge that Scandinavians love to partake in the ritual of hot tubs and saunas. In Iceland, which is blessed with an unlimited amount of hot water, created geothermally, hot tubbing or “going to the pool” is a most common ritual. What is uncommon is the newly opened BEER spa! It opened in July 2017 in the northern part of the country, just outside of Akureyri in the Troll Peninsula, the spa is an amazing place. Hot tubs filled with beer that you sit in while simultaneously pouring yourself a craft beer to drink and enjoy. Read More >
