It was amazing, perfect, very personal and the most amazing sunset either of us have ever seen! Afterwards we had a lovely meal and are about to drink our bottle of Champagne!

We’ll post properly about it all soon and upload some photos!

Gotta go, our first night as a wedded couple awaits ;-)

Sunday evening came round far too quickly and it was time to pack up and leave our lovely island of Hawaii.

After 10 hours we arrived in Vancouver, Canada.  We had travelled overnight so were totally shattered.  We had to wait for our room as it was only 11.30am so we went for lunch and by the time we got back our room was ready and we went to bed.  5 hours later and i felt like death, we forced ourselves out for a spot of dinner and felt better. (a bottle or two of apple cider helped too)

Tomorrow we will tour round Vancouver, they say the best thing to do is just walk round and take it all in so i think that’s what we’ll do. :)

What I didn’t expect from Vancouver is it’s diversity. I completely neglected the fact that Vancouver is on the west cost of North America and as such has a massive population of Chinese, Filipino, Indian and for some reason also Dutch, all living right in the city centre. There’s loads of high rise flats, some of them pretty ugly, others looking more like office skyscapers. Most of them around 30 storeys high. It’s amazing that whilst these high rises are everywhere in the centre you can still turn off a main road and be surrounded by quaint houses with nice gardens and wide streets lined with trees.

Ethnic diversity also means two great things. Districts sprout up that become famous for one reason or another. Davie Street that our hotel is on is a mile or so long straight road that is clearly the Gay district of town with loads of coffee shops, bars and restaurants on it. Yaletown is full of trendy wine bars, Chinatown and Little Italy are self explanatory and Robson Street is full of restaurants and clothes shops.

Our first day in Vancouver unfortunately consisted mainly of sleeping due to overnight flights from Hawaii and San Fransisco which we didn’t sleep much on. We did venture out for an Indian buffet though and had a couple of beers at the pub next to the hotel. The next day we headed down to the waterfront for lunch, watched the sea planes taking of and landing every few minutes and watched the world go by, literally, at the Revolving restaurant at the top of the Harbour Centre building. After that we took a trip on the Sky Train, an elevated train taking us to the Science Museum. I realised whilst wandering around the museum that of the 4 holidays we’ve had together we’ve visited Science Museums on 3 of them! Maybe we just like science. Anyway the Omnimax cinema was good fun where we got to watch an eye poppingly realistic field-of-vision-filling movie about Hurricane Katrina.

We found a great little Mongolian Barbecue restaurant for dinner that night. Quite a find considering most of the restaurants here are Japanese! We do adore Japanese food but we wouldn’t want it every night.

Our last full day in Vancouver was spent mostly at Granville Island. A place my parents would adore! Once an industrial sight in downtown Vancouver, now an amazing arts, crafts, theatres and restaurants district with hundreds of amazing little shops selling all sorts of art and hand made items such as clothing, furniture, metalwork, trinkets, paintings, sculptures, etc. There were street performers, mostly musicians, great food markets with all kinds of fresh fish and home made sauces and jams. There’s also a marina  for hundreds of amazing yachts, even a market for kids and also a model railway museum boasting one of the largest model railways in the world.. apparently.

Dinner that night was at an amazing Singaporian restaurant we found in a local magazine called City Food. It was a long walk down Robson Street but well worth it as there’s hundreds of great restaurants and stores to peer into on the way.

All in all Vancouver has surprised us somewhat. Much more ethnically diverse than either of us were expecting. Although it’s geographical location does explain most of it. America is only 50 miles south of here but it definitely feels much more British with hints of Americana. Much less insane than America thankfully. There’s some great places to eat, visit, buy stuff. Amazing views from pretty much everywhere. It’s a city you can feel quite at home in very easily which is a great way to start our Honeymoon.

Actually I should say there’s no better way to get from Vancouver to Banff than the Rocky Mountaineer. A massive 21 carriage train with 2 huge locomotives at the front.  An impressive sight before you’ve even set off. It’s a bit like catching a very slow moving plane that never takes off, but with more leg room and an insane amount of food. Oh and a very early start!

Up at 5:30am, at the exclusive Rocky Mountaineer station by 7. Boarding by 7:30 and setting off by 8am. No time for breakfast before you leave but that’s all taken care of. The journey takes 2 days, all the travelling is done during the day and you stay at a hotel in Kamloops overnight. We travelled “Red Leaf Service”, there is also Gold Leaf but it’s a lot more expensive. Having said that if i were to do the journey again I’d do it Gold leaf. In red you don’t get a dome carriage and you have cold meals instead of hot. Having said that if you’re ever tempted to do it don’t be put off by Red Leaf Service, it was more than satisfactory.

We saw so many great views, Creeks, snow capped mountains, fast flowing rivers, waterfalls. We travelled through forests of pine trees, dry desert like canyons and as high up as 6000 feet at one point winding through the mountains. It was only on the second day we realised that we’d only just entered the Canadian Rockies. I thought they were much closer to Vancouver.

There was a great vestibule area at the end of our carriage where you could stick your head out and your camera too to get unbroken views of the landscape, much better than the slightly grubby and reflective window next to our seat. We were on the look out for bears for most of the journey. I was in the vestibule area when Debz came bounding out shouting “Did you see the bear!!?”. Seems i was too busy photographing a mountain. Luckily enough later on i suddenly spotted one and got the chance to shout out “Bear right!! Bear right!!” and the carriage full of people clambered over to the right hand side to catch a glimpse before it disappeared out of view.

The tour guide was great, serving great breakfast and lunch with snacks every 2 hours too, all included in the ticket price. It’s an expensive trip but worth every penny. In fact we were both sad when it ended although we do have a 3 day non stop journey covering around 2,300 miles from Jasper to Toronto on Monday.

I’d thoroughly recommend the Rocky Mountaineer. Great service, stunningly breathtaking views, very friendly people, most of which are either American or Australian for some reason. Travelling by train is the best way to see a country.

Oh and it would be criminal of me not to mention that Debs won a prize on the train. The tour guide asked people to write a poem about Salmon (due to the rivers full of salmon that we passed). All the carriage members voted after hearing them all (about 10 poems from 30 or so people) and they voted the following poem the best.

Banff

We’ll definitely be coming back here to go skiing! Maybe not the hotel (which could have been better) but the town of Banff is great, very friendly, lots of shops and bars and a real Ski-resort feel even in summer when it snows anyway. Their ski season is from November to May and has 3 massive ski areas within 45 minutes of the town. We ate Fondue one night at a restaurant, lots of fun. We also hired a car and visited Lake Louise which was still frozen! At first it’s hard to grasp how high up you are and how much that can effect the temperatures. A short drive out of Banff and there’s snow piled up on the sides of the roads and decorating the fir trees as if it were Christmas.

Banff to Jasper

There’s no trains between Banff and Jasper, just the most beautiful national park you’re probably ever likely to visit. 140 miles of Glaciers, lakes, mountain ranges, waterfalls and forests. A handy leaflet given to us when we purchased admission to the park tells you every view point along the way. I’ve never seen so many glaciers! We got to walk on the edges of a frozen lake, I lost my leg up to my thigh in snow at one point (thankfully the cameras weren’t on!). Our main stop along the way was the Colombia Ice Fields where you can take a 90 minute off road bus tour onto the Athabasca Glacier and wander around taking photos not only of the glacier you’re stood on but of the two other Glaciers teetering on the mountains to the left and right of you! Quite a sight. We also stopped at a couple of amazing Waterfalls before finally reaching Jasper.

Jasper

There’s not much to say about Jasper other than it’s cute, pretty quiet and geared mostly towards tourists in winter for the ski season. We only stayed there one night, arriving 8pm and leaving midday the next day. What we can say is that the free upgrade to an executive suite at the Jasper Inn was much appreciated and we can highly recommend the Japanese Restaurant on Conought Avenue!

The Trans-Canadian train to Toronto.

Well we’re still on it, we’ve been on it since Monday, it’s now Wednesday 6pm. We’ve got our own little room with en-suite toilet, sink, two bunk bends that fold neatly away during the day and a host of little cupboards and freebies. Just a short rather wobbly walk down to the next “car” is the end of the train, the “park car” which contains a raised observation deck and a fantastic little lounge where you can see out the back of the train as we whizz along. I say whizz, top speed is about 50mph i think. The train is 26 cars long so it’s quite strange being at the back of a half mile long train being pulled by 3 locomotives. The ride is smooth, quiet and only the sound of freight trains and the occasional creek of plastic walls makes getting off to sleep more effort than a comfy hotel room.

We’d thoroughly recommend it though as a great way to see a lot of Canada’s landscape. The food is all included and the meals are fantastic. The people on board are all friendly and by now i think everyone knows where we live, where we got married, what other places we’ve been to in the world and our thoughts on Diana’s death.. no i don’t watch Coronation street. Yes i have been to “burr-ming-ham”. They’re a love-able bunch even if the average age is probably in the 70′s.

Our train arrived 2 hours late, not bad considering the 2750 miles it had travelled. We only had time for a drink at the bar before bedtime.

Our first full day in Toronto had to involve going up the CN tower, after a huge lay in (well deserved we both agreed) we ventured to it. The closer you get the more your neck hurts. It really is massive although it has to be said it is showing it’s age a bit. It could do with a lick of paint and some slightly more impressive lights at night. Never the less it’s still worth going up to the observation decks. The tower stands at a whopping 553.33 meters (1,815 ft 5 in) tall. Originally a 60′s idea, construction started in 73 and ended in 76. It’s main use is a broadcast tower for TV and radio networks as well as telecommunications.

But enough of the techno babble, the most important thing is that it has the worlds tallest observation deck. The floor to ceiling glass of the Sky Pod at 447 metres. You have to pay a few dollars extra to go up to it but it’s worth it. It’s the most impressive unbroken view from any observation deck you’re likely to see. On a clear day you can see up to 120km away. Unfortunately it was quite smoggy the day we went up but still the view was spectacular. The view from the cafe at 342 metres. There’s also a glass floor you can lay on, sit on, jump up and down on and generally scare people around you who think it’ll break. It’s completely mind bending to stand on it and look down.

We strolled around the city, enjoyed some of downtown Yonge Street. Toronto does come across as a city that really did boom in the 70′s and 80′s but hasn’t really kept up the maintenance since then. There is a regeneration program underway but it’s got a while to go.

After weeks of eating out we thought we’d veg in the hotel room so we ordered a movie and ordered a Chinese take-away.

Then our last full day arrived and we headed off to Niagara Falls. A 2 hour train ride away, the train actually goes all the way to New York. A quick shuttle bus from the spooky ghost town of Niagara City (where 9 out of 10 shops are closed, empty or selling second hand clothes) and you’re at the Falls. Wow what a sight. There’s actually 2 falls. Horse shoe falls, the more famous of the two and American Falls which is on the American side of the river. It’s definitely best to be in Canada to see Niagara Falls. The yanks had to build a walkway that stretches half way over the river in order to get a decent view of their own waterfall.

We headed straight to the Maid Of The Mist boat tour. About 15 or so minutes worth of viewing the falls from the most spectacular angle. You get a free Poncho and boy do you need it. The boat takes you right up close to Horseshoe falls where you get blasted with rain like spray whilst looking up and torrents of water falling over the edge. You don’t get soaked thankfully, well maybe your feet do. I’d recommend not wearing jeans! Shorts are best as your legs will dry faster than trousers can!

After lunch overlooking the falls we did the “Behind the falls” tour. In 1944 a series of tunnels, ports and a viewing point were created behind horse shoe falls so you can walk through them (with another poncho on!) and view the water from behind. The most impressive point being the lookout where you can see the water from both in front of and behind the torrent. You do get sprayed but the view is just stunning. You could stand there all day and stare at it if it weren’t for the cold spray lashing at your face!

The journey home took a while thanks to customs checking people’s paperwork in the train before it could leave but it was an amazing day and a great way to spend the last full day of our honeymoon. Saturday is all about packing, getting to the airport and catching a couple of flights to get home.

I know we both agree it’s been an amazing experience. Everything, Hawaii, getting married, being on our honeymoon and travelling across Canada. We can both highly recommend all of the above.

Calgary, Canada’s fourth-largest city and host of the 1988 Winter Olympics, is in Alberta, Canada’s provincial equivalent of America’s Texas. Since 1912, Calgary has hosted the so-called “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”, which could also be considered one of the greatest parties in Canada. True cowboys flock to the Stampede for things like the rodeo and chuckwagon races, while other Canadians hoof it out to Calgary for the food, beer, concerts, and party-time.  About one million visitors hit up the Stampede every year – and here’s why you should be one of them.

The Grandstand and Rodeo Events

The Calgary Stampede actually features the world’s largest rodeo, as well as chuckwagon racing. These events aren’t for big animal lovers, unless you are aware of what happens at rodeos (bullriding and roping). For those who don’t mind, these events are a lot of fun because everyone is cheering and screaming for their chosen rider or chuckwagon during races. The Grandstand events happen all day long, and every night there’s a massive performance with music, dancing, acrobatics, fireworks, and other elaborate displays. The rodeo also offers about $2 million in prizes, one of the largest pots in the world, and thus the competition attracts big-name talent from all over the place.

Midway

Midways are pretty North American, and totally wicked. Most summer outdoor events in Canada have a midway, and the Stampede’s is a pretty extensive one. With token Ferris wheels, slides, spinning rides, and loads of other carnival rides, big kids and little kids can have a blast spinning and looping the day away. Big kids take note: maybe have your beers after playing on the midway…and when I say maybe, I really mean: please.

Food

As is customary with summer outdoor shows and carnivals, food is everywhere at the Calgary Stampede! From inside Nashville North and the Exhibition Halls to all along the midway, you will never go hungry at the Stampede. Vegetarians be forewarned: you’re in meat country, now. There’s not too much you may want to eat except mini-doughnuts, pickle-on-a-stick (I’m serious), and perogies.

Calgarians and Albertans love their meat, and know how to cook it. Their pulled pork sandwiches rule, and the different types of hot dogs available at the Grandstand will make you wish you hadn’t eaten all day long, because you’ll want to try them all (start with the Tex-Mex).

Stampeders also seem to love food in bags and on sticks. I think it’s for convenience…that way you can eat with one hand and hold your beer in the other! Aside from the traditional food found on sticks, we found the aforementioned pickle-on-a-stick, pizza-on-a-stick, cheese-on-a-stick, and taco-in-a-bag. Oh, and deep fried: Oreos, Snickers, Twinkies, pickles, strawberry shortcake, and jelly beans. Ew. Trust me when I say that you won’t find yourself hungry, ever, at Stampede. Also trust me when I say to eat everything that appeals to you, because it’s oh so yummy.

Animals and Agriculture

Okay, so the Stampede originally started as an animal and agriculture show, so you have to ensure you get a little authenticity while there. There are all sorts of animals on display and up for auction (typical for stampedes in this part of the country), and visitors can tour barns, and watch horses, cattle, and donkeys in events like the tractor pull and other shows. There’s also a sheepshearing competition and World Stock Dog Championship.

Music

Country folk love their music, and for all you nay-sayers out there, trust me, it is so. much. fun. I am a city girl through and through, but there’s just something about country music that is totally addictive. Perhaps it’s the honesty and frankness of the lyrics, or the toe-tapping, boot-stomping rhythms, or the wily guitars, but something about country music just makes you want to have a good time.

Obviously, they’re well aware of this at the Calgary Stampede, with three separate stages (including the aptly named Saddledome…it’s shaped like a saddle and totally awesome). Nashville North, in the middle of the midway grounds, features loads of different artists each day and night, as well as a huge dance floor, a perimeter of food and beer, and crazy line-ups. Get in early, and party the night away.

This year’s line-up of musical acts looks unbelievable, with guys like NKOTBSB (you heard me), Sugarland, Katy Perry, and Kenny Chesney already billed to light up the Saddledome stage.

The music at the Stampede is just one of the things that makes the event so fantastic. Many of the artists are pretty big names on the country music scene, and a lot of Canadian talent is featured. There’s even a stage for family-friendly kiddie music.

Partying

Nighttime is when Stampeders dial up the fun. Calgary turns into a total party-town during Stampede, and with all those local wealthy oil cowboys wandering around town, you can bet these parties are outrageous. Everyone wears cowboy gear (read: denim, flannel, cowboy hats, cowboy boots, bandanas), and parties across town and on Stampede grounds. The beer gardens are overflowing every night, and line-ups reign supreme for those not quick enough to get in earlier in the day. We spent a ridiculous twelve hours in Nashville North to ensure we’d be in for the evening concert. We weren’t the only ones to do so.

The Calgary Stampede was one of the most outrageous and totally fun travel experiences I’ve had. I love festivals and events, and this one certainly does not disappoint. Everyone is ready to have a great time, and those cowboys really do know how to entertain.

To all those aspiring cowboys and cowgirls out there – get yourselves to Calgary for the Stampede, and you can expect to have one of the greatest times of your lives. This year’s event runs from July 8 – 17, and cowboy attire is a must.

Churches- l’eglise

There are many beautiful churches in Montreal. My favorite being Saint Joseph’s Oratory. As a young girl that attended a private Catholic school this is where we took our field trips. The oratory sits on top of Mount Royal, and can be seen throughout the city. There are many steps the lead up to the entrance of the oratory, or you can always drive to the entrance. However, you can always see the most dedicated, going step by step saying a prayer for each step. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the beautiful architecture on the inside.

Festivals – le Festival

There are two great festivals that happen in Montreal that you should not miss. This includes the Jazz Festival. Musicians line the streets, vendors are always set up, and there is always an event going on during the Jazz Festival. It takes place during the summer, and is one festival you should not miss.

Do you like to laugh? Who doesn’t?! Montreal is home to the Just for Laughs Festival. This festival attracts many comedians to the stages of Montreal, where all anyone looks for is a good laugh.

Winter Time- l’hiver

If you’re visiting during the winter there are two things you should not miss. The first would be a true Canadians Hockey Game at the Bell Centre. It is a once in a lifetime experience, as no one else can truly out-due a Canadiens Hockey game. And if they win you’re in for a treat as the streets of Montreal will be celebrating, and cars honking can be heard from every corner. On the off-season there is always a great chance one of your favorite music artists will be performing on the stage of the Bell Centre, so be sure to check for tickets.

During the winter time don’t forget to take a trip to the top of Mount Royal- the mountain that Montreal was named after. There is a wonderful park that overlooks the city, and an outdoor ice rink that people can enjoy on a beautiful winter day.

Shopping- faire du shopping

In Montreal there is an underground shopping mall that is connected directly to the Metro, and it is perfect for those winter days that you just don’t want to tread in the bitter cold.

This underground shopping center stretches for a few stops on the metro, including two stops that will get you directly downtown- Berri-UQAM or Place Des Arts.

Fun- l’amusement

If you’re looking for a little adventure there is always LaRonde, which is now a member of six flags.

It is a great amusement park, and gives you an interesting new way to test your French vocabulary when the person maintaing the ride asks you how many people, and you can respond in French “duex place” (two seats).

Eating- manger

My favorite and most treasured place in Montreal is Chez Cora. I have not missed a chance to go here in years. It is a wonderful place that serves breakfast and lunch. It started with one restaurant and soon became a chain due to its popularity. They serve delicious crepes, with fresh fruits, and instead of chocolate you can receive nutella.

The food paired with the bright and vibrant decor makes this place a “must” for any trip to Quebec.

For more information on Montreal, check out my blog post called  “Montreal Quebec Part Une“

Not only is Québec City one of Canada’s most beautiful cities, it is also one of the country’s winteriest.  Founded 400 years ago by French explorer Samuel de Champlain, Québec City is the only fortified city in North America (aside from Mexico), and despite being an excellent year-round destination, when the snow falls, the magic in Québec truly begins.

Carnaval de Québec

Every year Québec City truly epitomises a winter wonderland with its Carnaval de Québec.  The 2011 festival kicks off January 28 and parties on until the 13th of February, and encompasses everything that is quintessentially Québec.  Led by the always cheery Bonhomme (snowman), the mascot of Carnaval, activities range from the tame to the extreme, with something for everyone.  Parades, snow slides, soap-box derbys, skating, sleigh rides, snow sculpture workshops, and spas are just some of the activities going during Carnaval.  Add that to the more extreme activities such as cold water canoe races, dogsledding, snow baths, and snowrafting, and top it with the delicious treats, like traditional Canadian BeaverTails and maple syrup, and you’ve got one hell of a party.  There’s also an international snow sculpting competition, restaurant partnerships, and nightly dance parties…seriously, it’s party time!

Red Bull Crashed Ice

Only Red Bull would come up with this, and only in Canada (and a few other crazy winter countries) would you find this.  It’s a race.  On skates.  On ice.  Down a hill course that twists and turns and bumps up and down.  It’s ape.  Like, actual insanity.  YouTube it and you’ll understand.  On the 19th of March, 2011, Québec’s Old Town is transformed into a giant skating death trap, intended for athletes from all over the world to hurl themselves down it in a crazy race.  But what Crashed Ice also transforms is the atmosphere in the Old Town – it’s a great party that’s well worth the visit.  You’ll get an insane spectacle and a lively, energetic party.  Nothing better to keep warm in the chilly winter, eh?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4SHUPxB6kI

Red Bull Crashed Ice 2010 Québec City Event

Ice Hotel / Hôtel du Glace

Only a few countries in the world can boast an Ice Hotel, and Québec makes Canada one of those countries  (Kiruna in Sweden, and Lapland and Kumi in Finland are the others).  Melted and rebuilt ever year, the the Hôtel du Glace in Québec is open in 2011 from January 7 to March 27, and hosts guests, visitors, and even weddings.  Located less than an hour drive north of Québec City, the Ice Hotel is spectacular, and something every winter visitor to Québec should experience.  They claim that the rooms become “natural Nordic cocoons”, which is enticing enough, but add in theme suites and fireplace suites, and it just gets more appealing.  It really must be seen to be believed, and the photos on their website come very, very close to doing it justice.  It promises not to disappoint.

Sugar Shacks

The province of Québec, producing 75% of the world’s maple syrup, is the best place to indulge in the purest form of this sugary sweet delight (Canada as a whole produces 80% of the world’s maple syrup).  Scattered throughout the province, and skirting around Québec City, the sugar shacks (érablières) are waiting for visitors to use popsicle sticks to ‘tirer’ (pull) the maple syrup off crushed ice.  Many of the sugar shacks also welcome visitors into the ‘cabane à sucre’ (literally, the sugar cabin) where they serve piping hot meals to help warm up from the chilly outdoors.  One of the easiest érablières to access from Québec City is Érablière le Chemin du Roy, which offers some great little packages including tours and maple syrup.  Sugar shacks are typically open only during the winter months, usually January to March (sometimes April if you’re lucky).

If you want to venture a little further (closer to Montrèal, about three hours from Québec City), is one of the best cabanes à sucre in the province.  Recently voted one of Canada’s 10 best new restaurants by enRoute Magazine, Au Pied de Cochon is chef Martin Picard’s foray into new twists on very traditional dishes, like gourmet tourtières (meat pies), foie gras pea soup, buckwheat crèpes with maple syrup, and smocked-mackerel omelettes.  Mouth watering?  Book ahead.  Places fill up very fast, especially because Au Pied de Cochon is only open mid-March until May.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Old Québec City is nothing short of magical, and part of that has to do with the majestic old luxury hotel, le Château Frontenac, now owned by Fairmont.  Imposing itself over the banks of the St. Lawrence River, the Château Frontenac is the city’s most iconic landmark.

While it can get rather pricey to stay there, don’t give up hope – deals can definitely be found.  Even if you don’t stay there, you absolutely must visit the hotel while in Québec City – wander around, bask in the old splendour, and make sure you say hi to Santol, the Château Frontenac’s Canine Ambassador.

So however you do Québec City in the winter, know that you’re going to one of the most delightful winter wonderlands around. Keep warm and enjoy!