Canada

10+ reasons why you should visit Newfoundland at least once in your lifetime

| Christie

The island of Newfoundland and the mainland of Labrador form together the easternmost province of Canada. Known as a place with a deep and ancient history, but also as one with the most spectacular rugged coastlines, Newfoundland has long beckoned us. All I wanted was to drive along the rocky coastline, with nothing but the ocean on one side and colorful houses on the other.

We did not plan much for this trip. I was thinking of going back to Alberta, and doing some hiking that we didn’t have time for on our visit there several years ago. Instead, the decision to go to Newfoundland came up shortly, the 10th, and the last Canadian province we still had to visit (and with three more territories on my bucket list).

Newfoundland really has it all, from incredible scenery, cute little colourful towns, to famous recipes and rich history. Not to mentions scenic drives, wildlife, museums, and fantastic hiking trails.  Here are just a few reasons why you should visit Newfoundland at least once in your life, but remember that depending on the time of the year you want to go, the province can unfold its wonders differently.

Trinity
The town of Trinity

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A winter curiosity: Pancake Ice

| Christie

Living near a body of water is a blessing; whether in summer or winter, a lake or a river can provide so much fun.

I’m so glad we live in a country with four seasons, despite the fact that winter lingers a little too long sometimes, enjoying the beautiful days being outside, observing the nature and the surroundings.

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Out and about in Ottawa

| Christie

Originally a trading and lumbering community, Ottawa was named the capital of the Province of Canada in late 1857. The location of the capital city changed six times in the first 26 years of Canada’s history, but Queen Victoria chose Ottawa, as political rivalries quarreled between the various cities.

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Creatures of the Sea @ Winterlude

| Christie

February is the month when winter festivals and various events take place across Canada, as the skies are mostly sunny and all outdoor activities are in full swing. February is the middle of the winter, the time when family and friends gather together to rediscover the joys of winter activities. And so, Winterlude was created in 1979, to celebrate Canada’s unique northern culture and climate, right in the country’s capital, Ottawa.

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Happy Earth Day!

| Christie

“We don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” – Chief Seattle

As the days become longer, and the skies sunnier, we see and hear the birds more often, building nests and calling for a mating partner. It’s the spring time, again, with small flowers emerging through the last layers of snow, with birds singing happily around. The spring that brings everything alive, and never fails to bring us joy! Except maybe for some late snow falls, known under different names, such as “Onion snow”, “Robin snow”, or “Lambing snow”. Nevertheless, the spring is here😊

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Ice carvers wanted – no experience necessary

| Christie

February is the month when Canadians have most of their winter fun, as lots of events and festivals take place across the country. Indoor, and especially outdoor activities highlight Canada’s cultural, artistic, and culinary diversity, and most of them are free and take place everywhere.

Before the ice age month will come to an end, we decided to go for a drive in the country side, enjoying another sunny and beautiful day.

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A quick guide to visiting a lesser-known tourist attraction: Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site

| Christie

Located on the shores of St. Lawrence River, 11 km from Rimouski, Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse was designated a National Historic Site in 1974. The treacherous shore enveloped in a dense mist was a sufficient proof for us that the lighthouses were much-needed at the mouth of the river, and along Route 132 of Gaspé Peninsula.

Our drive around Beautiful Gaspesié did not include originally this visit, but the grey and rainy morning we woke up with in Rimouski made us change our plans quickly, and here we are, learning about local history, and the dangers of the waterway.

Pointe-au-Père lighthouse, Rimouski
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