photo credit: augiteduvieuxmoulin.com

Chutes Coulongue Park consists of many outdoor activities, but the major one they offer is zip lining. There are a number of series of zip lining routes but it wasn’t until this year that they opened the Canyon Zip Lining route. This line crosses over a high canyon over 300ft long and 115ft high. Pretty amazing. It’s the perfect adventure to do in rain or shine and for sure is going to be a thrilling experience. Although, zip lining is not the only activity to do while surrounded by amazing scenery. Of course I will be taking a hike around the park, the rivers, waterfalls, and trails are pretty amazing to see.
So stay tuned, there will be pictures soon.

photo credit: flickr.com

Source: Ottawa Festivals

If you don’t know what to do this weekend, why not head to Ottawa for their Winterlude Festival? There, you’ll enjoy a skating experience on the World’s biggest skating rink, ice sculptures and North America’s largest snow playground! The festival is between Feb 4 and 21st so this is your last chance! It’s a great way to enjoy winter with friends or family!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbhLQsKeD3k]
http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/winterlude/

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!!

Canadian Parliament

I was in 6th grade last time I stepped foot in Ottawa. What do I remember about my class trip? Well, not much! After so many years, I decided to go back. Why? Because now I have a friend  who lives there! If there is one thing you will quickly learn about me, it’s that I normally take road trips to places where I have a friend. So yeah, over 12 years later, I was finally back in Ottawa- a 2 hour drive away from Montreal. As I drove through the city, I was actually pretty impressed by the Parliament and for a slight second, I felt in Europe.

So what exactly is there to do in Ottawa? The main touristic spot is obviously the Parliament. And if you’re not Canadian, you’re probably really lost right now! Ottawa is Canada’s capital and the Parliament sits on Parliament Hill. The Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the capital back in 1857.

Canada’s Parliament involves 3 parties: the Queen (represented by the Governor General), the appointed Senate and the elected House of Commons. The Senate is normally represented by the color red. It has 105 members and they are appointed by the Governor General, divided in a way to represent regions, provinces or territories across Canada. Senators can serve until they are 75 or until they choose to retire. It is only at that point in time where another Senator will be appointed. The House of Commons on the other hand has 308 members and are elected by us Canadians. They can serve for no longer than 5 years as per our Constitution. Green represents the House of Common, a color that follows the traditions of the British House of Commons. Both the Senate and the House of Commons can propose new bills or laws. Once the party approves it, they’ll go over to the other party to get the final approval stamp. Any bills to collect or spend public funds must however originate in the House of Commons.

Another really interesting part of the Parliament is the Library. When the Parliament burned down in 1916, only the Library survived the fire because of its iron doors. As you walk into the Library, you’ll notice a statue of the young Queen Victoria. The room is gothic-like and you should pay attention to the handcrafted details in the room- from the rough sandstone exterior, to the thousands of different flowers and masks carved into the white pine panelling. I felt so much smarter by simply standing in the room!

Although I’ve taken the time to learn about different cultures, I never really took the time to appreciate my own country. That’s exactly what I did last weekend. Too bad flying within Canada is so damn expensive! They should definitely pass a bill to make flying within Canada cheaper!