This summer, planning a trip back home to Canada? You may find that home now has a new meaning and refers to the country you reside in. You may also find family and friends you left behind in the Canada, have moved on, leaving you and your own as loose ends.However family or no family, if you do plan a trip back to Canada this summer, and are unsure as to what to do and where to go, don’t worry. The country still has plenty to offer for everyone’s taste and budget. The following are a few things you and your the family can do, no matter which part of the country you’ll be visiting.

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Look for local flavour in festivals. Canadians love to host festivals, and there’s one in every city. Popular ones in BC (http://www.hellobc.com/en-CA/SearchResultsListings/BritishColumbia.htm?CATID=-1&LOCID=-1&KWDS=&NBY=False&FLID=3&FL1ID=6&PN=1)  include Shakespeare’s Bard on the Beach in Vancouver, and Nanaimo Marine Festival and Bathtub Race. In Alberta,   it’s Edmonton Folk Festival, and Calgary Stampede. In Saskatchewan  don’t miss  Moose Jaw’s Festival of the World. Manitoba  holds a Summer fair and Dauphin’s Country fest, Canada’s longest running country music festival. Toronto’s  Jazz Festival and Caribana Parade are both worth the trip; while in Quebec , Festival Grand Rire de Quebec draws in thousands of visitors each year.

Savour nature in its glory: Canada is known for its rugged beauty and outdoor lifestyle, and what better way to re-experience the country than to visit your favourite destinations. Rent an RV  and tour some of your old time favourite sites;  hire a bike and explore amazing bike trails ; or pack a picnic and set off on foot to visit any one of the stunning parks like the Algonquin Provincial Park in Toronto.

Crave some fresh sea air? Hop on a boat for a whale watching tour . Other cities whose shorelines you can spot whales off include:

• Vancouver  http://www.hellobc.com/en-CA/SightsActivitiesEvents/NaturalSightsParksWildlife/WhaleWatching/BritishColumbia.htm
• Quebec  http://www.bonjourquebec.com/qc-en/baleines0.html
• Nova Scotia http://www.explorenovascotia.com/adventures/index.cfm?cid=16
• Newfoundland http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/whales/default.aspx

Take a train ride (http://www.viarail.ca/en): Campers and boats not to your liking? Canada can be enjoyed via its extensive rail network. Book any trip and you’ll be amazed at the stunning scenery and beautiful vistas on display. And what better way to experience the Rockies than by chugging along on a tailor made Rocky Mountaineer Rail Tour? (http://www.bcpassport.com/canadian-rockies-train/rocky-mountain-vacations.aspx )

Enjoy a culinary experience: Remember Canadian bacon with maple glaze, and grilled salmon? Nanaimo bars and Poutine? Canadians enjoy their meals and it’s time to delve back straight into your old-time favourite dishes. No matter which city you choose to visit, you’ll find local specialities that delight the taste buds and the pocket. Want a more varied experience? Larger cities like Vancouver and Toronto are known to host cuisine from around the world, so you’re never stuck for choice. There’s no better way to spend summer than with a Kokanee in one hand, and a Japa-dog in the other.

There are plenty of other summer attractions to discover, including fishing trips, kayaking down the many rivers Canada boasts of, picnics and barbecues on the lakes and beaches, and taking in cultural events at local theatres, and cinema festivals. Children will love visiting the Wonderland Amusement Park (http://www.canadaswonderland.com ) in Toronto, and the PNE play land (http://www.pne.ca ) in Vancouver.  They can even be signed up for summer camps to help keep them busy.

 

The Canadian Expat Association Tip: Summer is all about exploring the wild rugged outdoors, but before you hit the highway, here’s something to consider. Each year, hundreds of animals are killed by reckless drivers. Larger animals in turn can do serious damage to a vehicle. Be extra vigilant while driving early morning, at dusk, and during night. These are the times animals are most likely to come out in search of food. If you see movement, slow down, or pull over and wait till the animal passes. Watch for signs posted warning drivers of likely animal crossings.

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