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Truth and Reconciliation Day 2023
Bottom of page: September 30 will mark the annual National Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada. Here's the history behind it and why it's important to remember and reflect on this day.

Take a Walk in Historic Trent Hills
Have you ever seen an interesting old building in your neighbourhood and wondered when it was constructed, and who once lived or worked there? Trent Hills has a rich history, reflected in its landmarks and place names, told through the stories of the Indigenous Peoples and those who came to settle here.

Extraordinary Canadian Doctors
ON NATIONAL PHYSICIANS’ DAY 2023, WE RECOGNIZE AND HONOUR ALL CANADIANS WHO HAVE CHOSEN TO SERVE IN THE FIELD OF MEDICINE.
Throughout our country’s history, many doctors have gone above and beyond their regular practice to help others by expanding our knowledge, inspiring us, or blazing a trail for future generations.
Throughout our country’s history, many doctors have gone above and beyond their regular practice to help others by expanding our knowledge, inspiring us, or blazing a trail for future generations.

Sponsored | Mass adoption of electric vehicles will rely on charging infrastructure
If your business or organization wants to make a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, consider installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in your parking area for your employees, guests and customers. Or, if you own a fleet, switch over to hybrids or fully electric vehicles.
Cara Clairman, president and CEO at Plug’n Drive, a non-profit organization committed to accelerating electric vehicle adoption in Canada, says that offering EV charging at the workplace benefits employe
Cara Clairman, president and CEO at Plug’n Drive, a non-profit organization committed to accelerating electric vehicle adoption in Canada, says that offering EV charging at the workplace benefits employe

Is it better to join a real estate team, or go it alone?

Sponsored | Allan Bush Investment Team partners with local food bank to raise 1M meals this summer
Do you know where your next meal will come from? Sadly, many in our community don’t. Hunger can happen to anyone – due to job loss, medical issues, the loss of a family member, a change in living arrangements, or other sudden, unexpected circumstances.
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region wants to make sure none of our neighbours go hungry. The third annual Full Bellies = Happy Hearts campaign, running from July 1 to Aug. 31, 2021, aims to bring the community together to raise 1 million meals for t
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region wants to make sure none of our neighbours go hungry. The third annual Full Bellies = Happy Hearts campaign, running from July 1 to Aug. 31, 2021, aims to bring the community together to raise 1 million meals for t

Blog posts


Travel News: Planning an Adventure to Peru, Avoiding Tourist Trap Restaurants, and More! - TravelAlerts
Peru attracts travellers with its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes and historical wonders. Tourists flock to explore the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, nestled in the Andes Mountains. The Sacred Valley and Cusco, with their historical significance and stunning architecture, offer deep cultural insights. Eco-tours in the Amazon rainforest showcase unique wildlife and lush biodiversity. And Lima, the capital, boasts world-class cuisine and a blend of modern and colonial charm. Nati...

Travel News: Safe Volcano Tourism, the Worst Shore Excursions, and More! - TravelAlerts
To increase overnight stays in South Iceland and the Reykjanes peninsula by assuaging tourists’ fears about active volcanoes, the organizations Visit South Iceland and Visit Reykjanes have collaborated with local businesses to develop a volcano tour route called the Volcanic Way. “The distinctiveness of these areas lies in their volcanic activity, which generally shapes Iceland’s landscape.… [I]t’s important to note that Icelanders have coexisted with volcanoes for centuries, making it a fundame...

Travel News: A Swiftie’s London Vacation, Cycling Along the Baltic Coast, and More! - TravelAlerts
London, England, is in love with Taylor Swift — the pop star slayed her Eras Tour performances at Wembley Stadium this past weekend. And, judging by her song lyrics, Swift has had a long love affair with London too. She visited the city during the early years of her career, and later lived there during her relationship with actor Joe Alwyn. This article lists all the London destinations she name-drops in her song lyrics, so that you can check them out while you’re in town if you’re lucky enough...

Travel News: Epic Trekking Adventures, a Girls’ Getaway to Isla Holbox, and More!
Travel News: Epic Trekking Adventures, a Girls’ Getaway to Isla Holbox, and More!
Everything you need to know about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
If you’re into hiking or mountaineering, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro represents the adventure of a lifetime. A dormant volcano in Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is the world’s highest standalone mountain at 5,895 metres (19,340 feet). The five- to nine-day high-altitude trek to the summit takes you through five climate zones — bushland, rainforest, heath, alpine
Everything you need to know about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
If you’re into hiking or mountaineering, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro represents the adventure of a lifetime. A dormant volcano in Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is the world’s highest standalone mountain at 5,895 metres (19,340 feet). The five- to nine-day high-altitude trek to the summit takes you through five climate zones — bushland, rainforest, heath, alpine

Travel News: Best Destinations for Pride Month, the World’s Most Beautiful Lakes, and More!
Travel News: Best Destinations for Pride Month, the World’s Most Beautiful Lakes, and More!
The editors at Thrillist have put together a list of destinations that are friendly to LGBTQ+ travellers all year, not just during Pride Month. The destinations were chosen according to criteria such as whether there are protections for their own LGBTQ+ residents, if it’s safe to show affection in public, and if there are safe spaces and activities geared toward LGBTQ+ people. From Buenos Aires, Argentin
The editors at Thrillist have put together a list of destinations that are friendly to LGBTQ+ travellers all year, not just during Pride Month. The destinations were chosen according to criteria such as whether there are protections for their own LGBTQ+ residents, if it’s safe to show affection in public, and if there are safe spaces and activities geared toward LGBTQ+ people. From Buenos Aires, Argentin

Travel News: How to Be a Better Tourist, Solo Travel Tips, and More!
Travel News: How to Be a Better Tourist, Solo Travel Tips, and More!
Be a better tourist! 28 ways to have a fantastic holiday – without infuriating the locals
Overtourism has been in the news a lot lately, as popular destinations such as Mount Fuji, Japan, Venice, Italy and Amsterdam, the Netherlands have put new rules in place to limit the number of tourists who can visit at one time. If you want to travel mindfully, without contributing to crowding and pollution or annoying the locals, what’
Be a better tourist! 28 ways to have a fantastic holiday – without infuriating the locals
Overtourism has been in the news a lot lately, as popular destinations such as Mount Fuji, Japan, Venice, Italy and Amsterdam, the Netherlands have put new rules in place to limit the number of tourists who can visit at one time. If you want to travel mindfully, without contributing to crowding and pollution or annoying the locals, what’

Travel News: Enjoying the Amalfi Coast, Stress-Free, the Best Outdoor Festivals in the States, and More!
Travel News: Enjoying the Amalfi Coast, Stress-Free, the Best Outdoor Festivals in the States, and More!
The Amalfi Coast Is Stressful. Here’s How You Can Actually Enjoy Yourself
The ribbon of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula has been a tourist destination since Roman times. With its sheer cliffs, rugged coastline, shimmering waters and colourful seaside towns, the Amalfi Coast is packed with honeymooners, students and families in the summertime and into the sh
The Amalfi Coast Is Stressful. Here’s How You Can Actually Enjoy Yourself
The ribbon of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula has been a tourist destination since Roman times. With its sheer cliffs, rugged coastline, shimmering waters and colourful seaside towns, the Amalfi Coast is packed with honeymooners, students and families in the summertime and into the sh

Travel News: The World’s Cleanest Beaches, New Rules for Climbing Mt. Fuji, and More!
Travel News: The World’s Cleanest Beaches, New Rules for Climbing Mt. Fuji, and More!
These Blue Flag-Certified Beaches Are the Cleanest in the World
Each year, the Blue Flag program awards beaches, marinas and tourism boats based on environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria. Condé Nast Traveler has put together a list of destinations that have the most Blue Flag beaches — so you know they have committed to sustainability as well as offer world-class amenities. Fro
These Blue Flag-Certified Beaches Are the Cleanest in the World
Each year, the Blue Flag program awards beaches, marinas and tourism boats based on environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria. Condé Nast Traveler has put together a list of destinations that have the most Blue Flag beaches — so you know they have committed to sustainability as well as offer world-class amenities. Fro

Travel News: Why Are ‘Hush-cations’ Trending, Where to Hike for Days (or Weeks), and More!
Travel News: Why Are ‘Hush-cations’ Trending, Where to Hike for Days (or Weeks), and More!
4 Reasons The ‘Hush-Cation’ Phenomenon Is Growing Among Remote Workers
As remote working is now becoming the norm for many, employees are finding ingenious ways to improve their work-life balance. A growing trend is the “hush-cation,” where employees travel the world while working from café patios or poolside lounge chairs — without telling their employers or disclosing their locations. Why the secrecy?
4 Reasons The ‘Hush-Cation’ Phenomenon Is Growing Among Remote Workers
As remote working is now becoming the norm for many, employees are finding ingenious ways to improve their work-life balance. A growing trend is the “hush-cation,” where employees travel the world while working from café patios or poolside lounge chairs — without telling their employers or disclosing their locations. Why the secrecy?

Travel News: Under-the-Radar European Summer Vacations, the World’s Cheapest Cruise, and More!
Travel News: Under-the-Radar European Summer Vacations, the World’s Cheapest Cruise, and More!
The unsung European hot spots that should be on your summer bucket list
If you’re planning a summer vacation and want to get ahead of the crowd, Condé Nast Traveler has your back with this list of European destinations will likely be trending. Lisbon, Portugal’s Afro-Portuguese music scene is attracting influencers and party people from across the globe. Greece’s new Cycladic inter-island airline is
The unsung European hot spots that should be on your summer bucket list
If you’re planning a summer vacation and want to get ahead of the crowd, Condé Nast Traveler has your back with this list of European destinations will likely be trending. Lisbon, Portugal’s Afro-Portuguese music scene is attracting influencers and party people from across the globe. Greece’s new Cycladic inter-island airline is

Travel News: Catching the Game in New York, Best Hotels for Book Lovers, and More!
Travel News: Catching the Game in New York, Best Hotels for Book Lovers, and More!
New York City is one of the best sports cities on Earth. Here’s where you can cheer, play and pay homage to the greats
New York, N.Y., is known as one of the best sports cities on the planet — it has two baseball teams, two football teams and two hockey teams, and its iconic Madison Square Garden, home to the Knicks, is often called the “Mecca of basketball.” Over the next few years New York will also host the I
New York City is one of the best sports cities on Earth. Here’s where you can cheer, play and pay homage to the greats
New York, N.Y., is known as one of the best sports cities on the planet — it has two baseball teams, two football teams and two hockey teams, and its iconic Madison Square Garden, home to the Knicks, is often called the “Mecca of basketball.” Over the next few years New York will also host the I

Travel News: The World’s Best Road Trips, Private Acropolis Tours for the Deep-Pocketed, and More!
Travel News: The World’s Best Road Trips, Private Acropolis Tours for the Deep-Pocketed, and More!
The 11 Best Road Trips in the World
Road trips scream “Summer!” It’s time to start planning where you’ll take to the open road and feel the wind in your hair this year. An adventure travel writer for Outside has chosen these road trips as the best in the entire world for their proximity to adventure, and offers advice on the best hikes, beaches and accommodations to stop at along the way — from t
The 11 Best Road Trips in the World
Road trips scream “Summer!” It’s time to start planning where you’ll take to the open road and feel the wind in your hair this year. An adventure travel writer for Outside has chosen these road trips as the best in the entire world for their proximity to adventure, and offers advice on the best hikes, beaches and accommodations to stop at along the way — from t

Travel News: Volunteer Travel Ideas, Planning for Europe’s Solar Eclipse, and More!
Travel News: Volunteer Travel Ideas, Planning for Europe’s Solar Eclipse, and More!
Five do-good Canadian travel ideas: Volunteer to help with wildlife research or build community infrastructure — sometimes for free accommodation
It’s National Volunteer Week in Canada, when we recognize the impacts volunteers make in our communities and consider ways we could contribute our own time and skills to help others. A fun idea is volunteer travel — there are sustainable tourism experiences that allow
Five do-good Canadian travel ideas: Volunteer to help with wildlife research or build community infrastructure — sometimes for free accommodation
It’s National Volunteer Week in Canada, when we recognize the impacts volunteers make in our communities and consider ways we could contribute our own time and skills to help others. A fun idea is volunteer travel — there are sustainable tourism experiences that allow

Travel News: Iceland May Be Better in the Off-Season, You Can Work From Home on a Cruise Ship, and More!
Travel News: Iceland May Be Better in the Off-Season, You Can Work From Home on a Cruise Ship, and More!
Why You Should Go to Iceland in the Off-Season
Despite ongoing eruptions near the town of Grindavik, Iceland is open to tourists. If you’re interested in travelling to this rugged, remote island country, you’ll learn to embrace the unpredictable weather, earthquakes and volcanic activity that are part of this place’s natural beauty. If you go during the off-season — roughly September to May
Why You Should Go to Iceland in the Off-Season
Despite ongoing eruptions near the town of Grindavik, Iceland is open to tourists. If you’re interested in travelling to this rugged, remote island country, you’ll learn to embrace the unpredictable weather, earthquakes and volcanic activity that are part of this place’s natural beauty. If you go during the off-season — roughly September to May

Travel News: On Board the 9-Month Cruise, Travelling on a Budget, and More!
Travel News: On Board the 9-Month Cruise, Travelling on a Budget, and More!
‘Anything can happen.’ Inside the ‘real life reality show’ of the nine-month cruise
If you use TikTok, you’re likely already familiar with the hype and drama around Royal Caribbean’s nine-month Ultimate World Cruise. If not, let us explain: Serenade of the Seas set sail from Miami, Fla., last month to visit more than 60 countries in four segments, representing the four corners of the Earth. The cost is between $59,999
‘Anything can happen.’ Inside the ‘real life reality show’ of the nine-month cruise
If you use TikTok, you’re likely already familiar with the hype and drama around Royal Caribbean’s nine-month Ultimate World Cruise. If not, let us explain: Serenade of the Seas set sail from Miami, Fla., last month to visit more than 60 countries in four segments, representing the four corners of the Earth. The cost is between $59,999

Travel News: New Tech Tools for Trip Planning, Cruising the Seychelles, and More!
Travel News: New Tech Tools for Trip Planning, Cruising the Seychelles, and More!
How to score cheap flights: These tools promise to find, track and predict the best airfares
Here are some of the latest hacks to save money on airfare. Use search engines such as Google Flights or Kayak’s AI-powered Best Time to Travel tool to predict when airfares will dip for your chosen destination; or, Skyscanner, which shows you the cheapest flights to anywhere, if you’re open-minded and ready for a random
How to score cheap flights: These tools promise to find, track and predict the best airfares
Here are some of the latest hacks to save money on airfare. Use search engines such as Google Flights or Kayak’s AI-powered Best Time to Travel tool to predict when airfares will dip for your chosen destination; or, Skyscanner, which shows you the cheapest flights to anywhere, if you’re open-minded and ready for a random

Travel News: Seeing Paris on a Budget, the Best Places for Women Travellers, and More!
Travel News: Seeing Paris on a Budget, the Best Places for Women Travellers, and More!
Paris on a budget: A local’s guide to enjoying the city’s charms more affordably
Paris, France, is known as an expensive place to visit. But if you take some advice from the locals, you can enjoy the City of Light without breaking the bank. First, says a travel writer for the Toronto Star, avoid this summer’s Olympic crowds. Plan your trip for the shoulder seasons, or perhaps next summer. Next, avoid the oth
Paris on a budget: A local’s guide to enjoying the city’s charms more affordably
Paris, France, is known as an expensive place to visit. But if you take some advice from the locals, you can enjoy the City of Light without breaking the bank. First, says a travel writer for the Toronto Star, avoid this summer’s Olympic crowds. Plan your trip for the shoulder seasons, or perhaps next summer. Next, avoid the oth

Travel News: Living the Van Life, Crossing Canada by Train, and More!
Travel News: Living the Van Life, Crossing Canada by Train, and More!
“We did a DIY renovation on our camper van for $45,000. Now, van life saves us thousands on travel”
In 2022, a couple from Toronto purchased a 2014 Ram ProMaster van on Kijiji. It was filthy and completely empty, but with help from friends and YouTube tutorials they transformed it into a comfortable ride they can live in for weeks at a time. The couple has documented their adventures on Instagram, road-tripping across the we
“We did a DIY renovation on our camper van for $45,000. Now, van life saves us thousands on travel”
In 2022, a couple from Toronto purchased a 2014 Ram ProMaster van on Kijiji. It was filthy and completely empty, but with help from friends and YouTube tutorials they transformed it into a comfortable ride they can live in for weeks at a time. The couple has documented their adventures on Instagram, road-tripping across the we

Travel News: March Break Travel Plans, the World’s Happiest Walking Trails, and More!
Travel News: March Break Travel Plans, the World’s Happiest Walking Trails, and More!
Here’s where people are travelling this March Break, according to Toronto Pearson Airport
This week, more than 140,000 travellers per day are expected to pass through Pearson International Airport, on their way to enjoy March Break. Out of the nearly 1,000 flights that will take off and land each day, it seems many travellers are choosing to take a break within Canada this year. The top two destinations for t
Here’s where people are travelling this March Break, according to Toronto Pearson Airport
This week, more than 140,000 travellers per day are expected to pass through Pearson International Airport, on their way to enjoy March Break. Out of the nearly 1,000 flights that will take off and land each day, it seems many travellers are choosing to take a break within Canada this year. The top two destinations for t

Travel News: Cherry Blossoms Around the World, the 333 Carry-on Packing Method, and More!
Travel News: Cherry Blossoms Around the World, the 333 Carry-on Packing Method, and More!
Hot on the trail of cherry blossoms — peak times for 2024
Cherry blossom season is just around the corner. If you want to find the best places to take selfies with the delicate pink petals in the background, here is your guide for this year. Washington, D.C., and Japan are the best-known cherry blossom destinations — and for good reason! In D.C., the National Park Service’s Bloom Watch site predicts the p
Hot on the trail of cherry blossoms — peak times for 2024
Cherry blossom season is just around the corner. If you want to find the best places to take selfies with the delicate pink petals in the background, here is your guide for this year. Washington, D.C., and Japan are the best-known cherry blossom destinations — and for good reason! In D.C., the National Park Service’s Bloom Watch site predicts the p

Travel News: Planning a Graduation Trip, Packing for a European Vacation, and More!
Travel News: Planning a Graduation Trip, Packing for a European Vacation, and More!
The 10 best graduation trips to take in 2024
If you are expecting to graduate from a post-secondary school this spring, why not celebrate with a vacation? Start planning now to have the most options available — gather a group of friends, or consider going solo. From the sunshine and beaches in Mexico; to the arts, culture and nightlife in Greece; to the white water rafting, ziplining and surfing in Costa Rica,
The 10 best graduation trips to take in 2024
If you are expecting to graduate from a post-secondary school this spring, why not celebrate with a vacation? Start planning now to have the most options available — gather a group of friends, or consider going solo. From the sunshine and beaches in Mexico; to the arts, culture and nightlife in Greece; to the white water rafting, ziplining and surfing in Costa Rica,

Travel News: Best Romantic Getaways, Best Solo Adventures, and More!
Travel News: Best Romantic Getaways, Best Solo Adventures, and More!
Love is in the air! If you haven’t yet made plans for Valentine’s Day … well … you’d better get cracking. It’s too late to book a romantic getaway for you and your loved one, but here’s some inspiration for next year. From a literary celebration of love in Verona, Italy; to a harbourside hot tub for two in Copenhagen, Denmark; to your own private island in French Polynesia — these are some of some of the most unforgettable exp
Love is in the air! If you haven’t yet made plans for Valentine’s Day … well … you’d better get cracking. It’s too late to book a romantic getaway for you and your loved one, but here’s some inspiration for next year. From a literary celebration of love in Verona, Italy; to a harbourside hot tub for two in Copenhagen, Denmark; to your own private island in French Polynesia — these are some of some of the most unforgettable exp

Travel News: Relaxing on the World’s Best Beaches, Going on the Coolest Adventures, and More!
Travel News: Relaxing on the World’s Best Beaches, Going on the Coolest Adventures, and More!
Discover 20 of the world’s best beaches
As a sneak peek into Lonely Planet’s latest travel guide, Best Beaches in the World, to be published later this month, here’s a roundup of 20 beaches that were chosen as their travel writers’ favourites. Whether you want to surf the most famous waves, go snorkelling to see colourful marine life, hike a coastline to take in incredible views, or simply relax and s
Discover 20 of the world’s best beaches
As a sneak peek into Lonely Planet’s latest travel guide, Best Beaches in the World, to be published later this month, here’s a roundup of 20 beaches that were chosen as their travel writers’ favourites. Whether you want to surf the most famous waves, go snorkelling to see colourful marine life, hike a coastline to take in incredible views, or simply relax and s

Travel News: Trending Astrotourism Destinations, the World’s Largest Cruise Ship Sets Sail, and More!
Travel News: Trending Astrotourism Destinations, the World’s Largest Cruise Ship Sets Sail, and More!
Astrotourism is travel’s next big trend and 2024 offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
If you’re an avid stargazer and are thinking of planning a vacation around a celestial event, this year is going to be a great time to do it. On April 8, 2024, parts of North America will experience a total solar eclipse — this “path of totality” may pass over a location only once or twice in a lifetime, s
Astrotourism is travel’s next big trend and 2024 offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
If you’re an avid stargazer and are thinking of planning a vacation around a celestial event, this year is going to be a great time to do it. On April 8, 2024, parts of North America will experience a total solar eclipse — this “path of totality” may pass over a location only once or twice in a lifetime, s
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