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Thankful for my Canada 150 moment in Ottawa

December 20, 2017 by Anne-Marie Marais Leave a Comment

Thankful for my Canada 150 moment in Ottawa

As the number of days left in 2017 dwindle away, so do the days left in Canada’s 150th anniversary year.  My time was running out to recognize this important moment in our history. I knew that I needed to step foot in our capital, Ottawa, even if just for a few hours.

Being an immigrant to this incredible country, I live and breathe Canada and all the wonderful things it is and stands for.  I’m as patriotic as they come.  Shedding many a tear when I hear our anthem played at sporting events, seeing our flag blow in a perfect breeze against a gorgeous blue sky and even getting a maple leaf tattoo to show my love for this country.

With the days disappearing in this historic year, I grabbed a quick flight on Porter to our capital and stayed close to all the action just down from Parliament Hill at the Metcalfe Hotel.  I knew that I didn’t need much time in town, but I had a list of activities that I had to experience.

A quick and simple ride on the Ottawa transit from the airport on the 97 bus, dropped me in the heart of it all.  Right off the bus I made a bee line to Parliament Hill.  With a chill of about -20C in the air, but no wind and the most brilliant blue sky, I arrived on the hill just as the festivities of the day were beginning.  Not overwhelmed with too many people yet, I was able to get some clear shots of the beautiful centre block of the Parliament Buildings.  It provided the perfect backdrop for my historic pictures of the ‘Canada 150’ sign.  Definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Canada 150 sign Parliament Hill Ottawa blue sky snow

As I was chilling, literally, at Parliament Hill, a bit of a warm up was needed before my next truly Canadian activity, taking in an outdoor hockey game.  That warmth and sustenance came at the hand of the delicious Scone Witch.  Just steps from my hotel, this tasty stop offered exactly what I needed to warm up and prepare for some more outdoor fun in the cold.  This wouldn’t be my only stop at the Scone Witch, as I was there again for breakfast the next day.

After my meal and the addition of some more layers to keep warm, it was back on to the Ottawa transit to easily get to the TD Place to watch the OHL outdoor game.  Lucky to be meeting up with so local friends for the game, the fun had to begin at the Craft Beer Market.  And due to the delay of sun on the rink, the fun continued there for a while longer before the game finally began.

Watching Canada’s sport outdoors on a very cold day is something that everyone should enjoy.  Okay, some of you would definitely disagree with me.  But it was great fun!

Outdoor hockey game ottawa

After a few more well chilled beers at the game and a quick meal back at the Craft Beer Market, it was up to Parliament Hill for the nightly Canada 150 laser/light/music show.  The temperatures were still well below zero, about -24C, so it was not overly crowded on the hill.

Feeling like this moment was made just for me, I emotionally watched the show a few times over, taking it all in.  Finally, chilled right to the bone, it was time to call it a night.

With just hours left in my trip the following day, no trip to Ottawa is complete without a visit to the Byward Market.  As it was a regular working day for most, it was nice and quiet for me to explore.  With perfect snowflakes falling all around me, I enjoyed just wandering around the area.

Ottawa sign muskoka chairs

A must in the market is to enjoy a favourite of many, a Beaver Tail and a hot chocolate.  And what better time than in the cold with some snow falling.

beaver tail pastry hot chocolate mittens

With all these wondering memories spinning around my head after this whirlwind trip, it was time to pack up and head back to the airport.  I’m so glad that I made this short trip to our capital to drink in all of this special moment in our history.  Happy 150 Canada!

 

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Filed Under: Adventure, Attractions, Canada, Destinations, Food, Life, The World, Travel Tagged With: Canada, Canada 150, Ottawa, Patriotic

In Halifax, Rum Runs in the Blood

August 11, 2017 by Anne-Marie Marais Leave a Comment

In Halifax, Rum Runs in the Blood

(Originally written for BillyYTZ.com – no longer live)

Three years ago I drove my little red rental car around Prince Edward Island in search of the Prince Edward Distillery, which I had heard made vodka out of P.E.I. potatoes – as it turns out, 18 pounds of them (8 kilograms) to make each bottle.

The outfit also distilled delicious gin and blueberry vodka from local ingredients. While there, I had the honour of meeting, touring and tasting with the distiller and co-owner, Julie Shore.

Jump ahead a few years: I was visiting Halifax and stopped in at the new Halifax Distilling Co. After chatting with the team, I discovered that the amazing women behind the Prince Edward Distillery had opened a second distillery and tasting room in a fabulous space in the Nova Scotia capital.

And since the new venture is located in the rum-drinking capital of Canada, this time the focus is on spinning molasses into gold.

Julie Shore and Arla Johnson, both originally from the United States, fell in love with Canada a decade ago – especially the Maritimes. They originally settled into the calm of Prince Edward Island and as well as being the founders of the Johnson Shore Inn, they began creating fantastic spirits for east coasters to enjoy.

[Read more…] about In Halifax, Rum Runs in the Blood

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Filed Under: Attractions, Canada, Destinations, The World, Travel Tagged With: Canada, Halifax, Nova Scotia, rum

Dancing with Bonhomme at Carnaval de Québec snow bath

January 18, 2016 by Anne-Marie Marais Leave a Comment

Dancing with Bonhomme at Carnaval de Québec snow bath

QUEBEC CITY — I first learned of Carnaval de Québec in Grade 4 French class and fell instantly in love with Bonhomme, the symbol of what bills itself as the world’s largest winter carnival.

I knew I one day wanted to meet the 7-foot tall replica of a snowman who has been the carnival’s ambassador since its start in 1955 and who visits all its activities.

But I had no idea that during my first Carnaval last year I would be wearing a swimsuit in freezing temperatures, about —-20C to be precise, and dancing with Bonhomme on a snow-covered hill in front of an audience.

[Read more…] about Dancing with Bonhomme at Carnaval de Québec snow bath

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Filed Under: Adventure, Attractions, Destinations, Entertainment, Food, Life, Music, People, Solo Female Tagged With: Canada, carnaval, north america, Quebec, Quebec City, snow bath, Toronto Star

Quebec City, Saguenay Region: Taking on winter’s challenges

March 11, 2015 by Anne-Marie Marais Leave a Comment

Quebec City, Saguenay Region: Taking on winter’s challenges

Just as the guide told me that the snow was packed hard, I took a step with my snowshoe and, poof, my leg fell deep into a tree well. With one leg bent a way it doesn’t normally go and the other lost in a tree well, I started to panic.

Seeing that I was stressed, the guide started to dig out my lost leg.

It turned out my snowshoe was caught deep down on a treetop I couldn’t even see. After some digging and some wiggling, I was finally free.

Thank goodness this was as the halfway point of the hike.

[Read more…] about Quebec City, Saguenay Region: Taking on winter’s challenges

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Filed Under: Adventure, Attractions, Destinations, Food, The World, Travel Tagged With: Canada, Dogsledding, Hiking, Mont Valin, Nordic Spa, north america, Quebec, Quebec City, Saguenay, Skating, snowmobile, Snowshoe, Tubing

Tobermory: Dazzled by blue waters

May 30, 2014 by Anne-Marie Marais Leave a Comment

Tobermory: Dazzled by blue waters

Before I took a trip to Tobermory recently, I thought that certain shades of blue only existed in photos of the Caribbean or South Pacific after they were put through photoshop. Or that the orange in a Lake Huron sunset was just a colour choice on a paint colour palette. But I was wrong. When you’re in the right place at the right time, nature can treat you to a spectacle of greatness.

The coastal waters of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron meet in Tobermory and together create views that you feel you should be paying thousands for at some all-inclusive resort down south.

[Read more…] about Tobermory: Dazzled by blue waters

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Filed Under: Adventure, Destinations, Food, Life, People, The World, Travel Tagged With: 'Lake Huron', Bruce Pennisula National Park, Canada, Chi-Cheemaun, Fathom Five National Marine Park, Georgian Bay, north america, Ontario, Tobermory, Travel

Aquarium Fun in Toronto.

January 25, 2014 by Anne-Marie Marais 1 Comment

Aquarium Fun in Toronto.

It’s been open for a while, but I finally made it to our newest attraction in Toronto – Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.  And it was definitely worth the wait.  What a great addition to our city and all the other attractions near it, like the CN Tower, the Rogers Centre, the Air Canada Centre and the Roundhouse.

[Read more…] about Aquarium Fun in Toronto.

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Filed Under: Article, Attractions, Entertainment, Life, People, Travel Tagged With: Aquarium, Attraction, Canada, Marine Life, north america, Rick Mercer, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, Toronto

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