Archived Blogs | The Great Canadian Travel Co. - Part 3

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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Sundogs

February 01, 2018 | Archived Blogs

This morning Manitobans woke up to a temperature of -25oC (-13oF), with a windchill of -37oC (-35oF). So cold. Not as cold as it can be or has been, but still cold enough that it freezes your face almost the instant you step outside. Your eyelashes freeze together and even though you’re wearing a base layer and lined pants, your thighs feel like they are getting cut up by tiny ice particles. It sure is pretty though. Read More >

Birds of a Feather Stop Over Together

January 22, 2018 | Archived Blogs

Stopping over in Iceland is a popular way to get a glimpse into what the country has to offer on your way to other destinations such as London or Amsterdam. It allows you to get that one extra stamp in your passport and although it’s not always enough time to explore as much as you want, it still allows you to say, yes! I’ve been to Iceland. But humans aren’t the only ones to use this North Atlantic island as a place to rest their weary feathers.

Even if you’re not a bird brain or a budding ornithologist, Iceland has some spectacular bird life that both live and stop over to eat, rest, and raise their brood. In no particular pecking order, here are some pretty amazing feathered friends you can find while visiting, or stopping over, in Iceland. Read More >

A Year in the Life… Almost (Why Travel Agencies Exist)

January 09, 2018 | Archived Blogs

I’ve worked at The Great Canadian Travel Group almost a year now. And although that is not a long time, I have definitely learned a few things that I didn’t know before working here. It’s amazing what kinds of information can be soaked up if you just listen and ask questions. There is a lot of information floating around, even when you don’t think it’s important, it may come in handy one day. Like how to make a proper pot of coffee or that when representatives from various travel companies come calling, they generally bring treats like chocolate or cupcakes. Travel consultants like food. Read More >

Day three: Last Day on the Northern Frontier

November 28, 2017 | Archived Blogs

I woke up at 6:09 according my phone clock. I pack up what belongings I have taken out and head off to the shower. A push of the button gives you 2 minutes of hot water. It’s their way of conserving the water that needs to be brought in (and out) from town.

I got dressed and put on my fuzzy slippers and make my way to the lounge car. Not many people are awake yet, so I find myself a table and a cup of coffee and enjoy the views outside the window. As people trickle in, the volume gets louder and the space becomes full of people. Breakfast of french toast and bacon is served. And coffee. There is always coffee. Read More >

Part Two: A Polar Bear in a Snow Storm

November 20, 2017 | Archived Blogs

Day two on the sub-arctic terrain and there’s a snow storm! Flights were grounded, but we were nice and cozy warm in the Tundra Buggy Lodge and then later on the Tundra Buggy… until someone spots a bear or bird or fox and opens the window so they can try and get that great photo. Even through the snow, you can see the amazing life hunkering down in the snow. Read More >

Polar Bears, Ptarmigans and Pretty Big Tires – Churchill in Three Parts

November 14, 2017 | Archived Blogs

I’m going to go see some polar bears. This is going to be such an amazing adventure. It is odd, however, to think we are to embark on an adventure of a lifetime to a place where a 4L jug of milk is three times more expensive than it is where I buy milk. I’ve never been to such a remote place and have no idea what to expect, other than the fact that I will probably get less sleep these next two nights than I should. Who knows! Polar bears may be sleeping under my window, or the northern lights may be dancing above my head. I’m stoked.

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Glacier Hike, Volcanoes and Waterfalls – An Iceland Experience

November 07, 2017 | Archived Blogs

I had extremely high expectations of my first trip to Iceland in September as I have been training for the past seven months to become an Iceland Specialist. I am happy to report that Iceland more than exceeded my expectations! Immediately after leaving the airport I realized I was in a very special place. As my transfer left the airport, I noticed the immense lava field we were driving through. Rough, jagged black lava rocks covered the ground all around me. I honestly felt like I was on a different planet. It had been raining, so many of the black lava rocks were covered in lime green moss, it felt very mythical. I half expected to see a troll peek around one of the rocks and wave at me. Read More >

To Kelowna with Love

October 30, 2017 | Archived Blogs

How should you spend less than 48hrs in Kelowna you may ask? By visiting as many wineries as you possibly can while also enjoying fine dinning and keeping active on a cross-city bike tour, of course!

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The Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas, Texas

October 25, 2017 | Archived Blogs

Friday, November 22, 1963 was a regular day. A light rain was falling in the morning, but a crowd gathered alongside the streets. The Kennedys were coming. There was excitement in the air as the President’s car turned off Main Street at Dealey Plaza. As it was passing by the Texas School Book Depository, gunshots rung out in the air.

At 12:30 p.m., on Friday, November 22, 1963, President Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was assassinated. Read More >

Polar Bear Polar Bear What Do You See?

October 23, 2017 | Archived Blogs

 

I see the tundra expanding before me! Like Eric Carle’s famous book series, the north is full of amazing sights and sounds of nature, connected in some way. It truly is an opportunity of a lifetime to fly up to this part of Canada and see these creatures you may only read about or see in zoos.

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