Who is Allison:
Allison has been in the travel industry since 1997, and employed with Great Canadian Travel for the past 15 years. After graduating from the Travel Program at Success Compu-College she spent a year working & travelling abroad in Australia. She was employed at SeaWorld, and was known as the ‘Canuck’ at the Italian Restaurant she worked at on the Gold Coast.
She has a passion for designing itineraries for Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. And, specializes in expedition cruising in the Arctic, North Atlantic and Antarctica. Allison has travelled to some of the remote communities in Arctic Canada and has a love for selling travel within this amazing country, including the Yukon, NWT, and Nunavut.
Allison has just celebrated her 15 year anniversary with her husband Mark, and they share two very energetic and creative sons, Nicholas and Liam.
Together, they enjoy travelling, spending time at their cabin, along with activities such as tennis and golf.
What are Allison’s TOP 5 travel experiences:
- Experiencing culture, history and wildlife during the Northwest Passage from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Kugluktuk, Arctic Canada
- Snowshoeing in Antarctica
- Kayaking with the Beluga Whales in Churchill, MB
- 8km hike from Tjornuvik to Saksun in the amazing Faroe Islands
- Camping safari in South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe
What is Allison’s closing comment?
Wherever your travels may take you, always remember to take that moment to pause, breathe and take it all in. Plus, try one of the local beers!
Calling all Canadians to take the 2021 travel pledge to travel in Canada. It has been a difficult year +, to say the least, and we cannot wait to get out there and see one another again.
We all remember Stacy London and Clinton Kelly from their 10 seasons of “What Not to Wear”. In travel, we read quite a few blogs on how to dress in certain destinations for certain types of tours. Here is how we can expand on this, advising what we shouldn’t wear.
Sitting here, sun shining through the window, with Westjet and Air Canada planes flying overhead to James Richardson International Airport.
If you are familiar with the world of Expedition Cruises, you have then heard the term ‘Zodiac Cruise’ before. Zodiacs or RIB boats are durable and easy to maneuver, rubber passenger boats which enable travellers to make landings. These boats are used both in the Arctic and the Antarctic for daily excursions. Disembarking procedures begin in the mud room, where you start by putting on your warm weather clothing and rubber boots. When ready, you will head to the gangway where an expedition leader will assist you into the zodiac. Getting in and out of the zodiac is always assisted using the army grip, and then once sitting, sliding your posterior along the side of the boat. Most zodiac’s comfortably fit about 8 – 12 passengers, plus the driver/guide.
For people that know me well, they know that ‘Food’ is one of my very favorite things. And, one of the best parts of travelling, for me, is trying out the local cuisine.
Allison Silvaggio is one of our adventurous Travel Consultants at Great Canadian Travel and, like you, she loves the Polar Bears. She’s been to Churchill, Manitoba to see the polar bears and is an expert in having the best polar bear adventure experience. Allison travelled to Churchill and has some great tips to pass along to anyone planning to travel to see the polar bears. 
It began with a very moving talk from the first Inuk to every play in the National Hockey League; Jordin Tootoo from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. In 2011 Jordin established the Team Tootoo Fund, a non profit organization addressing suicide awareness and prevention. Jordin shared his personal struggles with us, and spoke about the loss of his older brother Terence, who died at the age of 22.
Indigenous Tourism Canada made a very special announcement during the conference. They have signed a contract and will now be using an Indigenous owned travel agency, Indigeno Travel, for all of their leisure and corporate travel arrangements. We are very excited to begin this new venture with them.
nowshoe with the most breathtaking scenery surrounding us. The peacefulness was so serene, that we decided to stop and sit for a bit. To take the time to absorb our surroundings and appreciate the silence. The only sound was the waves against the shore and our penguin friends. The weather was perfect, with a cool breeze on your face, and the sun trying to peak through the overcast clouds. Light flurries were falling, which made the experience even better.
After returning to our expedition vessel, I enjoyed a warm beverage and some wonderful conversation with our fellow travellers. Followed by an amazing dinner, paired with some fantastic wines from Argentina.
Welcome to Dawson City! Home to the ‘Sourtoe Cocktail!’ Since 1973, the Sourdough Saloon in Dawson City has been accepting members. All you have to do is visit the Saloon and ask for Captain River Rat. Purchase a shot (I chose Yukon Jack), and pledge the oath; ‘You can drink it fast, you can drink it slow, but your lips have gotta touch the toe’. Watch as the (genuine) dehydrated toe is dropped in your drink, and enjoy your shot.
Wellness Travel is becoming more and more popular. Travellers want to enjoy activities, and have nutritious options while visiting a destination.
Normally when we travel for work, it can make for some long days in order to see and do as much as possible. However, last month I experience one of the longest, busiest days yet!
After visiting Sedona, AZ three times, I now confirm that this is one of my favorite places. With everything from a wide range of accommodation, to amazing restaurants and fun souvenir shopping.
When attending travel seminars, there is never enough time to explore the destination in which you are visiting. However, I always try and give myself at least one full day to explore the sites, pick up some souvenirs, and try the local cuisine.
