Off-Track Backpacking » canada

To The Northern Parts Of Canada

Nara — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 01:05:58 +0000

Photo credit: http://paulocoelhoblog.com

Wherever I travel to, everyone knows where Canada is, well only because it is the second largest country in the world. Yet, know one really knows what Canada is made up of. What I mean by that is most of the majority of people in world don’t know where our major cities are located and what the provinces/territories are called. Even when I travel to the US, many individuals have no idea that Canada even has territories, let alone the names of them. I found this out, by asking a few fellow America backpackers. They all mentioned that they didn’t learn much about the Canadian geography in school. But for some odd reason, this July tourism in the Northern parts of Canada has increased and most of the people are coming from the U.S.A. Another words, maybe now more people are more aware of what Canada has to offer when it comes to traveling/sight-seeing.

A few things to do & see in the Northern parts of Canada:

- View one of the most spectacular things to see on the earth: Aurora Borealis. “Northern Lights”
- Dog Sledding
- Mountain climbing and expeditions
- Sea kayaking
- Sailing on Great Slave Lake
- Snow king Festival in Yellowknife
- Go on a Northwest Territory Caribou Hunt
- Flying or Ice fishing
- Snowmobiling
- Take a boat trip around the Artic Circle and see some of the most amazing birds
- View performances of traditional native dancers and musicians
- Take an traditional excursions and go to small aboriginal communities

Now these are only a few of the things you can do while you are beyond the Artic Circle. Of course it is a little more chilly up north, but the fun part is doing activities that most people around the world have never experienced. Try something different and wander to the Northern parts of Canada.

Gone Camping!

Tanya C — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 02:00:29 +0000

Nara and I. Reunited. For a week-end. Camping. In Ontario. Canada.

As most of you know, Nara and I met 5 years ago while backpacking in Portugal. While she lives in Toronto and I live in Montreal, we still managed to stay friends throughout the years. While the blog keeps us close, we’re not always physically in the same location! But last week-end was a different story… Since the both of us are adventurous, we decided to meet halfway to spend a week-end camping with our friends!

My friends and I leaving from Montreal and Nara friends and her driving from Toronto, we met in the Shabot National Park in Ontario. While we were both in the same Park, we were on different campsites. Our first day camping started out as any other day on a campsite. After our arrival, we set up our tent. Considering that we were 4 females prepping the site, I am proud to announce we did everything all by ourselves! From setting up the tent, to cooking using a propane stove, to starting and maintaining a fire, we did it! After setting everything up, we went to play some volleyball at the beach. Everything until now was going just fine… until.. until after dinner. So after eating, us 4 girls headed over to Nara’s campground for some bonding near the fire. They were 7 people on the site so plus us 4 equals…. 11!

For those of you who have already camped in National Parks, I’m sure you already know that they don’t tolerate noise and rowdiness. But what do you think happened when 11 people were on one campsite drinking. Yeah… So after several warnings, the party ended relatively early because of a few visits from the rangers. To our surprise, the rangers came back to the site on the following morning to let the group of 7 friends know that they were being evicted from the Park! We couldn’t believe it! They had to leave the campground area by 1pm and they were banned by all National Parks in Canada for 72 hours. After much bargaining, the rangers allowed them to spend the rest of the day at the beach.So after a great day at the beach playing some more beach volleyball, frisbee and soccer, we had to say our goodbyes.

As most of us all met that weekend, our encounter was short and sweet. Too bad it ended pre-maturely. But all this to say that the one night we all spent together was awesome! And we’ll just have to plan another weekend full of adventure!

My Random Trip To Vancouver Island (Canada)

Nara — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 01:07:32 +0000

A few weeks ago, I randomly went to a travel agency and booked a ticket to Vancouver Island. It was one of those days where I knew I needed a little adventure to escape from reality. It was not only a random ticket that I purchased but it was also the thought of randomly surprising my friend Amber who lives there. Literally once I bought the ticket I texted her to not only let her know that I was coming but also hoping she would be available to meet up with me. With just a little luck, I got a text filled with excitement that Amber was already going to start planning my little adventure to the west coast. It was just last weekend, July 1 where I flew into Victoria, BC. And wow, I was shocked in how beautiful the west coast was. Now, yes I have flown into Vancouver so many times before, but to actually see the coastline and it’s mountains, it’s something that every Canadian should experience.
The time I landed, Amber and I rented mopeds to go explore the coastline along the city of Victoria. Even though the weather was a bit chilly for the first day, it didn’t stop us from zooming around on the swirly roads that looked across the white tip mountains. With a little stop at the harbour front, we enjoyed a glass of wine. Not to forget that just outside the harbour there were these huge, but cute seals that were swimming around. They would peak their faces out of water and just stare at you, it was so cool! After a few hours of scootering around, we attended a friend’s BBQ, where Amber and I enjoyed wine and some good company. Plus since it was July 1 drinking wine on the streets and watching fireworks, with the mountains in the background had to be the best Canada Day I have ever experienced!
With just a few hours of sleep and not feeling so hungry Amber and I headed to the harbour to rent out some kayaks. Now, I am not so sure if kayaking is the best way to solve a hang over, but it was quite the adventure. So thinking that a tour would be a great idea, the two of us weren’t so keen on the idea once we started the trip. The tour was extremely slow, so the both of us decided to adventure off a little. Resulting to, not such a great idea only because lots of wine, little sleep and no food can only make you more tired as the day goes by. As the two of us laughing about the kayaking idea even though we were still stuck in the middle of ocean, we really turned an hangover into some adventure! Literally once we arrived we headed over to patio that over looked the ocean and mountain to eat and yes drink more wine! We are quite the wine lovers, especially now since I have experience true BC wine, so good!
The following day, a bunch of us ladies headed over to Salt Spring Island, one of the largest Gulf Islands in the area. It is also known to be the island filled with hippies. We took a 40 minute ferry ride over, which was amazing! Only because you could see it all, the ocean, lakes, mountains, and many little islands surrounding the area. Once we got there we headed to this cute little market, filled with unique stands of jewelry, fresh foods, hand made clothing and soaps. It was a market that was not at all like your typical market, there was local/ hippy music playing, people dancing and eating and all the locals enjoying each others company. It was like you were apart of a village and that everyone already knew you, it was pretty surreal. Not only was this market one of the highlights of the day there was also the wine tours. A bunch of us climbed over to this mountain to not only look down at the scenery but also vineyards that rolled down the side of the mountain. I felt like I was back in South America for a few moments, only because the landscape was so similar. After a few wine tasting, we all purchased a few bottles of wine, which is what got us started to a great night out.
As Amber mentioned, there are so many great restaurants on the island, so we took advantage of exploring a few during my stay. After spending the day on the other islands a bunch of us enjoyed a great meal in a low-key, lounge club feeling restaurant. It was great to chat, not only to my friend Amber, but also to new people over a meal and more wine! As you can tell already the four day vacation was filled with drinking many different kinds of BC wine.
As the last day quickly rolled by, Amber and I headed over to the sea front where floating homes are among the swimming seals. It’s something that you don’t see that often, real brick or wood homes just floating along the side of the coastline. Some were huge with decks everywhere and some where just too cute! As you can imagine it was a major tourist trap for tourists to walk along the shore and take many photos of the homes. It was something that fits perfectly in BC!
As my adventure came to and end, it hard to leave but at the same time it was so much fun to do something so random, yet that happens to me often.

Canada Once Had A Team In The World Cup

Nara — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 01:20:04 +0000

So the world cup has started and already fans are going crazy. Well I am already one of them and the games are so intense that sometimes I feel I am among the crowds at the stadium. Even those I am Canadian I do have my favorite team. But imagine if Canada had its own team. It has been 24 years since Canada’s last appearance to make it in the world cup. The year that Canada did make it to the world cup, more than half of the starting line-up is now recognized in the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame. Many of those players back then were born in B.C and came from provincial leagues. They were under-dogs, and no one ever predicted Canada to even make it through to the World Cup in Mexico that year. The Canadian fans even thought it was a joke to know that Canada even had a team, but they had no idea that the team was actually good. Once Canada played its first match against France and only lost 1-0, the public was astonished to see how much the Canadians hold back the French. The two remaining games were against Russia and Hungary. Even though they lost every game, Canada was just proud to know that our team made it to the world cup. So why haven’t we ever made it back to the world cup? Even though our nation is a hockey nation, we still have some pretty amazing soccer players, so why can’t we ever make it???? That has been the question for the last 24 years.

So who are the favorites to win this World Cup? Well it is known to be Spain or Brazil!! Although the other favorites are known to be Argentina because they have the best known player on their team, Lionel Messi and coach Diego Maradona, England because of Rooney, and Portugal because of Cristiano Ronaldo.
So who do you think will win this 2010 WORLD CUP?!

A Few Of Canada’s Highlights

Nara — Fri, 21 May 2010 01:56:18 +0000

To all you Canadians out there, tell me what your number one city is in Canada? Now this can vary in how you categorize it, but as far as backpacking and sightseeing goes, what is you favorite place?
I am one of those backpackers who probably traveled more in different countries rather than my own. Considering how much I love traveling you would think I would have seen more of Canada, but I haven’t. I think the number one reason for this is due to how expensive and far everything is. Finding a flight from Toronto to Vancouver that is below $600-700 is not likely. Plus getting to places within Canada, does not take hours it takes days or weeks. Although there are many places in Canada that I still want to see.

Here is my list of a few of Canada’s highlights.

1. Prince Edward Island
A place really to relax and gets that feeling of going back in time is P.E.I. The green pastures and the cliffs filled with red-soil with the sea breeze in your face is something you wish you could see and do everyday. With the small town feeling and local people chatting around you is nothing like you will experience in a big city.

2. Kelowna, B.C
Considering how most people think Canada is cold, well take a little trip to Kelowna, It is one of those city’s that will make you feel like you are in a desert in the middle of the summer. It is located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in the Okanogan Valley. In the middle of the winter, where everything that surrounds you is freezing cold, well there is Kelowna where mild temperatures stay for the winter months.

3. Quebec City
Now if you haven’t gone to France before, well take a trip to Quebec City instead. It is like taking a little tour around France, but in the middle of Canada. The old part of the city is surrounded by old, stonewalls that once protected the city from the British Navy. Also the city is famous for Chateaux Frontenac that over looks the St.Lawrence River.

4. Banff, Alberta
I once spent the summer in Calgary and not once did I visit Banff. Yes, I know kind of crazy. Banff is were many tourists outside of Canada go to, only because it is so well known. No matter what season you see Banff in, there is always something to see and do. Some of the highlights of Banff are the wildlife, hiking, skiing, seeing the Banff Springs Hotel, and taking advantage of the outdoor hot springs.

5. Lake Louise, Alberta
If you are near Banff, another wonderful sight to see is Lake Louise. It is looks like a picture; you might think that you are seeing something very fake. It is located deep in the Canadian Rockies, with thousand-year-old glaciers in the distance. The lake is very similar to the sea, it is turquoise. It would be the perfect for a camping trip!

6. Ottawa, Ontario
Now hear me out, yes most Canadians have been to the capital city of Canada, Ottawa. But most people aren’t all that impressed from it. Only because it is one of Canada’s; smaller cities compared to Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Although, it is a wonderful place to soak up all the Canadian culture. There is Parliament Hill, RCMP March, many museums, and the canal of Rideau to see.

7. Niagara Falls, Ontario
I know many people who have seen it once and wouldn’t return, well the reason for that is because it’s like any wonder of the world, it is a tourist hey day! But it is something magical. With the breeze of the water in you’re face and staring into an amazing view it is something wonderful. I love the falls but as far as the city goes, it isn’t anything special. But for those who have not seen it, it is a must on your travel list!!

Looking Back at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver

Tanya C — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:00:21 +0000

Ok, so the last 15 days have been exhausting. Exhausting not because I participated at the Olympics but because I’ve been going to bed late, staying up to capture every moment of the 2010 Olympics. Canadian athletes have made our nation extremely proud to be Canadian!

Looking back at the 2010 Winter Olympics, here are my personal highlights:

Alexandre Bilodeau (Skiing): Our first Gold Medal ever on Canadian soil. It was an historic medal just absolutely wonderful to watch.
Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir (Figure Skating): This duo is so n’sync! Beautiful pair to watch on the ice.
Joannie Rochette (Figure Skating): Her performance of the short program, less than 72 hours after her mom’s sudden death was absolutely breath-taking. I don’t know how she found the strenght within her to go through with the competition but I truly admire her. Her bronze medal is worth a gold!
Women’s Bobsleigh: So what’s better than Canada winning gold? Canada winning gold and silver! Ya Man!
Women’s Hockey- Team Canada: Hockey is truly a Canadian sport! Our 18-0 win against Slovakia and especially our win against the USA in the finals were great games to watch. But the best moment was obviously when we won the gold against the US!
Charles and Francois Hamelin, François-Louis Tremblay, Olivier Jean & Guillaume Bastille (Short-Track Relay): I have to admit that I never really cared much for speed skating before this relay race. Their performance was incredible- a race filled with excitement and beautifully crafted!
Men’s Hockey- Team Canada: What a game filled with nervousness and excitement! We won 3-2, Canada vs USA! Woooohooooo! This was THE game of the century! I’m still amazed by this game!

To this, I’ll end by reminding you that Canada won 14 Gold Medals- the most gold medals ever won at the Winter Olympics!! Go Canada GO!

Let The Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games Begin!!

Tanya C — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:07:17 +0000

Wow time passes very quickly! I remember like it was just the other day when they announced that the 2010 Winter Olympics would be held in Vancouver. So today is the start for so much excitement and for our Canadian Teams to do their best!
Now I am not much of a follower for any of the Winter sports, but I am a big fan for our Teams to WIN!! Well isn’t any Canadian? So I say good luck to everyone!! Super excited to start watching the opening of the games as well as the games themselves.

Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Tanya C — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:13:32 +0000

Believe it or not, the next Winter Olympics is just around the corner. The opening ceremony will take place on February 12! And you know what? This Winter Olympic will be hosted in the warmest location in the history of the winter Olympics- Vancouver, Canada!

As athletes around the world get ready to perform at this year’s Olympics, their ultimate goal is to WIN- to win a medal. But what about these medals? Here are some interesting facts:

The medals are inspired by ocean waves, drifting snow and mountaineous landscape- all are symbolic of Canada as a whole.

The medals are based on two master artwork of an orca whale (Olympics) and raven (Paralympic)

The medal weighs between 500-576g- depending on the medal

Good luck to all the athletes competing this year. And a special good luck to all Canadian athletes!

Off-Track Backpacking is PROUD to be Canadian!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ0t5pdSME8]

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