Jane's Canada Travel Blog

The Rogers Chinese Lantern Festival in Toronto will open July 31. This celebration of Chinese craftsmanship and culture will light up the Ontario Place waterfront until October 12, 2008.

This Chinese Lantern Festival is the largest lantern festival to take place outside Asia and one of the most impressive presentations of its kind in North America. The installations can be as high as 50 feet and as long as 300 feet. This year's festival will see its theme increased in scope to include lanterns reflecting animals, dinosaurs and architectural wonders from around the world.

The festival is not only a feast for the eyes, but visitors' tastebuds are in for a treat as well, with vendors serving up traditional Chinese fare. Acrobatic shows, merchandise and movies are part of the lineup as well.

See pictures of the Chinese Lantern Festival

Photo courtesy Ontario Place Corporation

July 1 is Canada Day. Across the country, people are chilling beer, preparing burgers for the barbecue and otherwise getting ready to party with friends to celebrate Canada's birthday. Other than barbecues, Canada Day celebrations include parades and firework displays.

Ottawa has the biggest Canada Day celebration, that starts with a parade, includes an RCMP musical ride, concerts, and caps off with a fireworks display.

The Hilton Airport Hotel Toronto is offering a $99 per night weekend special through August 31. This price is about 40% off the regular price and the Hilton Airport Hotel Toronto is a nice hotel, recently renovated.

Read more about the Hilton Airport Hotel Toronto.

Further Reading:

Getting to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport

Summer in Toronto

June in Toronto

July in Toronto

August in Toronto

Toronto Travel Guide

Luxury fishing? Is that an oxymoron?

Here is a roundup of some fishing resorts and lodges in Canada that have a luxurious approach to this aquatic sport. Fish in the morning, have a massage in the afternoon, and enjoy your catch of the day with a fine wine at night.

Read Luxury Fishing Vacations in Canada

Photo courtesy the Post Hotel & Spa, Lake Louise

As summer sets in, Toronto heats up with a roster of festivals and activities that is sure to keep visitors entertained. Global celebrations, food festivals or even just a stroll on the waterfront are just some of the summertime activities Toronto offers. (Photo of Caribana: Getty Images)

Further Reading:

• Summer in Toronto
• June in Toronto
• July in Toronto
• August in Toronto
• Toronto Travel Guide

Arriving at an airport where you have never been before can be daunting and raise lots of questions:

• How should I get to my hotel from the airport?
• How much should the cab cost?
• Are there other options to get to my hotel?

If you're arriving or departing from Vancouver International Airport, here is some helpful information outlining transportation options to and from Vancouver International Airport.

Further Reading:
Vancouver Travel Guide
Pictures of Vancouver
Top Things to Do in Vancouver

Toss a golf ball in Ontario and chances are it will land an eight-iron away from a public golf course. Golf has gained in popularity everywhere and in Ontario, with its dense population and as a huge summer travel destination, new courses are popping up regularly.

Here is a list of some of Ontario's Best Public Golf Courses.

Canada is a huge country. The most southern tip of Canada lines up with northern California and its northern-most regions reach the Arctic. The country stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean and covers five time zones, so you can imagine that the weather in Canada varies widely depending on where you are.

Further Reading:
Weather in Canada
Canada Weather & Event Calendar
Average Low / High Temperatures across Canada
Converting Metric Temperatures

The Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls launched its 2008 season earlier this month and the ride is as exciting as ever.

The closest you can get to the Falls without going over them in a barrel, the Maid of the Mist is a 15-20 min boat ride that takes you right into the dense spray of both the American and the Canadian Falls, also known as the Horseshoe Falls.

Don't like getting wet? This may not be the ride for you; rain ponchos are provided for a reason!

Further Reading:
Maid of the Mist Visitors Guide
Top 10 Niagara Falls Attractions & Highlights
Niagara Fallsview Casino & Resort
5 Fun, Free Things to Do with Kids
Pictures of Niagara Falls

Nothing says spring like tulips -- how about three million of them? The Canadian Tulip Festival , which is the world's largest tulip festival, winds down this weekend in Ottawa.

For the past two weeks, the Canadian national capital of Ottawa has been alive with not only blooming tulips, but music, parades, fireworks, and people from around the world.

When the first visitors arrive, the tulips are just opening, and as the festival days unfold, so too do the blossoms. The colourful crescendo is a sight to behold!

• Hotel Packages during the Canadian Tulip Festival
• Canadian Tulip Festival Website
• Ottawa Tourism Website
• Ottawa Picture Gallery