Archive for the ‘Canada’ Category

Iceberg Alley and So Much More!

January 6, 2013

thCAXMTUMNOn your Interlude to Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, the most easterly edge of North America, you will witness some of the most beautiful maritime exposures. Lighthouses, natural beach fronts, fascinating bird sanctuaries and so much more!  This is where the sun rises first and is home to the oldest settlement and the oldest city in North America, but also is the youngest province of Canada. A vast land, with a relatively small population, Newfoundland and Labrador has some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Here, you can immerse yourself in wilderness solitude one day and embrace a vibrant culture at the cutting edge of the contemporary western world the next. This is a land of rich history and natural wonders: stunning coastlines, breaching whales, icebergs, and some of the most incredible skyscapes you’ll ever see. From vibrant cities to quaint, historical outports, mountain ranges, rivers, waterfalls and winding coastlines, there are always fascinating places to see and countless things to do and this tour brings you the best of all possible choices. Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the best places to see and appreciate nature in all its glory.

The province is also home to three National Parks, 18 Wilderness and Ecological Reserves, and breathtaking botanical gardens. I was interested to discover that this place has no ragweed, no snakes, no skunks, no raccoons, and no poisonous insects or arachnids.

Icebergs totally fascinate me and there is no place like Iceberg Alley for viewing these 10,000-year-old frosty giants. On a sunny day, you can view these glacial giants from many points along the northern and eastern coasts – in every shape and size, ranging in color from snow-white to the deepest aquamarine. What a site!!!! Their sheer size sends the mind racing, and that’s not even counting the ninety-percent still unseen below the surface. It was these types and sizes of bergs that sank the infamous Titanic, a mere 400 miles from the coast- daunting.

Interestingly, Icebergs are so plentiful that they have been put them to good use. There is Iceberg Water and Iceberg Vodka, Gin, and Rum and, of course, the popular Iceberg Beer – all so refreshing, no matter what time of year.  A must to try  and the food is fantastic as well.

This 13 day sojourn has something for everyone.  Please review the attached full itinerary and plan to spend July amidst the marvelous, majestic, maritime visages on a fully escorted adventure.  What are you waiting for??

Circle Newfoundland and Labrador (click here for details & departure dates)
13 Days, 12 Nights

Eadie, Interlude Blog Team

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By The Beautiful Sea

October 7, 2012

St. Andrews today continues to reflect the dominant themes of social order – peace, order and stability of its historic past. On this Interlude you will enjoy its famous gridiron street plan, and its quiet, tree lined residential homes, which preserves its unique heritage. After your Whale Watching adventure, you have the afternoon to yourself to experience the picturesque and charming town of St. Andrews By The Sea.  Steeped in history, St. Andrews offers a wealth of museums, historic sites and marine wonders for you to explore and enjoy. Artists continue to flock to St. Andrews, giving it a wide selection of galleries and studios to wander through and savor.

A highlight on your free afternoon might just be a visit to the Garden at Kingsbrae.  Kingsbrae beautifully celebrates St. Andrews’ heritage of fine gardens with its use of old and new gardening styles. You will be delighted to find these great traditions in gardening in the White, Rose, Knot, Perennial and Cottage Gardens, to name but a few. Newer styles are reflected in the Gravel, Edible, Secret and Ornamental Grass gardens as well.  As a traditionalist, I prefer the older style gardens, but make your own decisions as you meander through this floral mecca.

Kingsbrae Garden is also home to a growing collection of sculptures, principally in the Sculpture Garden. The marriage of art and gardens is a natural one. Around the 27-acre Kingsbrae site are metal and glass creations, several works on loan from the Beaverbrook collection, and a variety of animal figures.  Be on the lookout for the Dutch Windmill.  Kingbrae was recently named as one of the top five North American gardens worth travelling for – so add it to your list and join us.  

St. Andrews is truly a unique place. Considering its relatively small population (year round 1700, summer 2500), this wonderful town boasts a public art gallery, a community college, a world class golf course and numerous other amenities often associated with larger centers.

Seafood is plentiful all year (lobsters, oysters, crabs, mussels, clams, scallops, and salmon) and prepared in as many ways as there are chefs. According to Fodor’s you can cast your line just about anywhere in New Brunswick and you’ll find some kind of fish-and-chips. Try snacking on dulse, a dried purple seaweed as salty as potato chips and as compelling as peanuts. Don’t you just love new food experiences?

The old world charm is sure to enchant you and the treasure trove of original architecture is magnificent. St. Andrews boasts some of the most awe-inspiring and unparalleled scenery New Brunswick has to offer and it is waiting to totally enthrall you. Steeped in turn-of-the-century charm, St. Andrew’s By the Sea is only one of the fabulous destinations on this Atlantic Maritimes sojourn.

Please review the complete itinerary and become part of this lovely escorted vacation.

Atlantic Maritimes (click here for details)
13 Days, 12 Nights

Eadie, Interlude Blog Team

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North West Scenic Adventure

March 20, 2012

The purest of alpine experiences await you on this impressive visit to our Northern neighbor. Banff is bursting with great scenery, and I can only hope to give you a tiny taste of what is in store for you on this spectacular tour. You will enjoy all the comforts of home in the town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise. The hamlet of Lake Louise, located just minutes from the lake itself, has been developed over the last century to serve the needs of travelers visiting this picturesque area of Banff National Park.  It’s all just waiting for you to explore and enjoy.

Banff  National Park was Canada’s first established national park and is situated in the very heart of the Rocky Mountains. Boasting a gorgeous amalgamation of coniferous forests, dramatic mountain terrain, ice fields and glaciers, it is a haven for sightseers, nature lovers and all kinds of adventurers.  It boasts unparalleled mountain scenery nestled in the heart of the magnificent Canadian Rockies. I’ve been told that you are likely to see a grizzly bears, caribou and wolves!   The Park astonishes all who visit it with its sheer natural beauty and scenery.  A photographer’s dream!

On this escorted Interlude, you will marvel at the emerald waters of Lake Louise, walk amongst the flower-filled areas at Sunshine Meadows, and drive beneath the towering jagged peaks lining theIcefields Parkway. Snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers and sweeping vistas are just one part of the allure that is calling you to Banff.  Lake Louise has become symbolic of the quintessentially Canadian mountain scene. This alpine lake, known for its sparkling blue waters, is situated at the base of the very impressive glacier-clad peaks that have long been at the heart of Canadian mountaineering. Lake Louise is a protected mountain destination that is located very close to world-class hotels, postcard perfect lodges, dining options and all kinds of activities. Just the photo ops make this destination a real MUST.  And to sweeten the pot, the assortment of shops and boutiques in both Banff and Lake Louise make this adventure a treasure-trove of opportunity.

Banff’s only Gondola takes you up to the top of Sulphur Mountain where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Canadian Rockies.  Whisking you up to an elevation of 7,486 feet in about an 8 minute ride, the Sulphur Mountain Gondola gets you to a summit with some of the most incredible views of Banff and the mountains surrounding it,  and, of course, the proverbial gift shop. You may have an opportunity to walk on the boardwalk to the next peak and the observation decks.  Because it is usually colder at the top, I suggest that you dress in layers so you can comfortably enjoy the landscapes.

As you travel along the Trans Canada Highway you’ll have the opportunity to see one of the greatest engineering feats of the modern world – the Spiral Tunnels. The famous Spiral Tunnels on the CP Rail Line were opened on September 1st, 1909. The route called for two tunnels driven in three-quarter circles into the valley walls. The construction and extra track effectively doubled the length of the climb and reduced the gradient to 2.2%. The labor force to build these tunnels through sheer rock amounted to about a thousand, and the cost was about 1.5 million Canadian dollars. This is one of the steepest, most scenic railway lines in North America, crossing the Kicking Horse River, and running under Mount Ogden and Cathedral Mountain, towards the town of Field, BC.

On the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) there is a very interesting display detailing the history of the tunnels, how they were made, and how they work. If you arrive at the right time, you may see a train using the tunnels. It’s indescribable, as the train looks like a snake in a coil. Unfortunately though there isn’t any consistent time when you’ll see a train pass through, so it’s up to pure luck, I’ll keep my fingers crossed!

This luscious escorted vacation puts you in six National Parks, exposes you to many once in a lifetime experiences and offers great dining, shopping and sightseeing.  Please review the entire itinerary and check your passport to be sure it’s valid before signing up for this impressive north western sojourn.

U.S. and Canadian National Parks (click here for itinerary)
(9 days, 8 nights)

Eadie – Interlude blog team

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A Beautiful Time…to Savor and Enjoy

June 6, 2011
Interlude Tours: Escorted Vacation to Niagara Falls (Travel Originating in Indianapolis)

Interlude Tours: Escorted Vacation to Niagara Falls (Travel Originating in Indianapolis)

The The town of  Niagara on the Lake is so relaxing, you may not feel like doing more than strolling the small boutiques along its main street, or antiquing, or just enjoying a view by the lake…and this is only one of the many unique and lovely destinations you’ll enjoy on your escorted mini-vacation to the gorgeous area surrounding the powerful and picturesque Niagara Falls.  While at the Falls you’ll be treated to a delectable dinner overlooking the Falls and then…the illumination – a breathtaking view of the Falls at dusk, lit in the colors of a rainbow – unforgettable!!

As visitors approach Niagara on the Lake from the Falls, you’ll pass miles of vineyards dotted with wineries. Many yield interesting and award-winning wines.  Did you know that the Niagara region of Ontario is currently the most widely respected producer of ice wine?  I didn’t. This product is made from the last grapes of the season and is a sweet dessert wine with a rich, golden color.  After a taste, you may just want to take a few bottles home as a reminder of your interlude or even as a gift.

Another spectacular part of your Niagara adventure features the beautiful Botanical Gardens featuring spectacular gardens and rare floral displays within Niagara Parks. The practice of horticulture, or the art of garden cultivation, has played a prominent role in the development and maintenance of the Niagara Parks system. Trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals have been arranged to beautify the landscape with a variety of form, texture and color designed to accentuate each season. Your late summer sojourn is a particularly gorgeous time to enjoy the Parks’ permanent collections of perennials, flowering trees and shrubs, as well as the themed seasonal display beddings of chrysanthemums, flowering cabbage and kale accenting the brilliant autumn colors.  Many other gardens and floral features make up what is called the Niagara Garden Trail.  For over 70 years the Botanical Gardens, within Niagara Parks, has boasted nearly 100 acres of gardens including the world-famous Rose Garden and arboretum. Lush tropical plants are displayed in the Butterfly Conservatory; a heritage flower and herb garden is a unique feature of McFarland House near Niagara-on-the-Lake and the world famous Floral Clock in Queenston, which is photographed almost as many times as the Falls themselves!!

Established in 1936, you’ll enjoy acres of beautifully maintained gardens, including perennials, rhododendrons, azaleas, a formal parterre garden, shade, herb and vegetable plantings, an aviary as well as the world-famous rose garden featuring over 2,400 roses. Footpaths wind past the Butterfly Conservatory and butterfly garden, ponds and an arboretum featuring one ofCanada’s finest collections of ornamental trees and shrubs.

Not to be missed is the planted face of the Floral Clock.  The intricate designs on the face of the timepiece are created with up to 16,000 carpet bedding plants. The floral design is changed twice each year – it features viola in the Spring and four cultivars of Alternanthera along with green and grey forms of Santolina Sage during the Summer and Fall. California Golden Privet and Blue Festuca Grass may be used for contrast.  Just imagine, a Clock 40 feet wide, with a planted area 38 feet wide, making it one of the largest such clocks in the world. The hands of the clock are stainless steel tubing: the hour hand is 14.5 ft, the minute hand 17.5 ft and the second hand 21 ft long. Their combined weight is 1,250 pounds.

The grounds surrounding the clock feature bedding displays and a Tower at the back of the clock housesWestminsterchimes that greet each quarter hour. If the door into the Tower is open, you can take a glimpse at the clock mechanism and enjoy photographs that show the history of every face design all the way back to 1950.  This is something spectacular! One more totally attractive feature is a 10-foot wide water garden that curves 85 feet around the base of the timepiece – it is a popular place to make a wish – this could be the day your wishes come true!

Wow, wine, flowers, the Falls and more (much more)  - whatever are you waiting for?  Please review the complete tour itinerary and mark the dates September 12th thru the 17th on your calendar. Make sure your passport is up to date and ready.  Isn’t it time for you to take pleasure in an interlude that will be remembered forever?  Enjoy.

Niagara, Buffalo & Toronto by Rail (click here for itinerary)
(6 days, 5 nights)

Eadie
– Interlude blog team

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A Grand Excursion Awaits!

April 26, 2011

This Atlantic Maritime tour is truly a grand excursion. As a visitor you will do more than just witness this unique way of life – you will live it!  Enjoy simple pleasures, breathtaking vistas, stories, music and wonderful recipes.  History will come alive as you tour Louisbourg, literature becomes real as you tour “Anne of Green Gables”.  Lighthouses and miles of white sand and red cliffs abound.  All this beauty is just waiting for you to enjoy on this escorted vacation to another, more gentle, way of life.

Riding the ferry and feeling the ocean breeze is a sure cure for whatever ailment you may have.   You’ll find you have more spring in your step and a clearer more joyful outlook.

While visiting the historic places you will discover the legacy which has been left for us all to learn from and appreciate. They show the important relationship Aboriginal people had with the land, the patterns of settlement established by Europeans, the impact of centuries of farming and fishing, and the faith that sustained many in building their communities. Each historic place conveys the sense of accomplishment and pride of generations of Islanders. There is so much to see and experience for those visiting.

I’m sure by now you know that I am a true “foodie” – so here’s the deal on the food. The food will simply delight you, as will the simple joy found in most of the natives who prepare it.  Everywhere you go you’ll find lobster, scallops, mussels and oysters–just a few of the seafood delicacies Prince Edward Island (PEI) is famous for worldwide. The New York Times food critic, Frank Bruni, visited the Island recently in search of the freshest of fresh shellfish, noting, “This is where the oysters that go by the designations or labels Malpeque, Raspberry Point and Colville Bay originate. This is what the initials PEI in front of a mussel mean. A PEI mussel is like Niman Ranch pork: a brand with real clout, a boast restaurateurs itch to make.”  Enjoy them, savor them and have some for me – they are one of my absolute favorites!!

PEI Coat of Arms

I found this recipe taken from the Royal Winter Fair. In partnership with the award-winning Culinary Institute of Canada and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, they welcomed the opportunity to tell you more about their products and how they can be best prepared for your enjoyment.  Bon Appetit!

PEI Crab or PEI Lobster Cakes

1 egg 2 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 tsp dry mustard 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped 2 tbsp scallions, finely chopped juice of one lemon 1½ lb PEI crab meat or PEI lobster meat 1 cup fresh bread crumbs salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste oil or clarified butter for frying Combine first 6 ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Season with lemon juice. Add remaining ingredients and mix until just combined. Season with salt and pepper. Form into 8 patties. Heat oil or butter in frying pan and fry on both sides until golden brown or bake in a 350ºF oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Makes 8 servings. I’m making these for a dinner party – let me know if you make them and how they were received.

With your free time in Charlottetown you may want to seek out a truly unique Island experience by becoming a lobster fisherman for the day. Embark on an adventure from the Charlottetown Harbour aboard the Top Notch - an authentic lobster boat with a genuine lobster fishing crew. Enjoy lobster on board.  There are three trips daily.  Call Mark at 902-626-6689 (T) to get the details.

Prince Edward Island offers a complete range of affordable and accessible golf experiences. Nine- and 18-hole courses are located across the province. The total now numbers 34. Golfers can book their tee-off times online at www.golfpei.ca. Golf season on the Island runs from May through October. Guaranteed tee-off times can be arranged by calling the courses directly. If golf is your game, here is an opportunity to play on some of the most beautiful courses and boast to friends that you shot a !!! on the back nine on PEI!!

THE ISLAND WAY OF LIFE fosters creativity in its people, and as you explore PEI, you will soon understand why so many artists find inspiration in the gentle Island landscape. Nature forms the foundation of fine creations such as earthy pottery in Breadalbane, the graceful lines of contemporary woodwork in Rustico, or colorful paintings of Island scenes throughout PEI. A PEI Studio Tour offers you the chance to watch artisans at work. You may even want to put your own talents to the test if you sign up for one of the Once in a Lifetime Experiences. Looking for sophisticated glass in a stylish setting? Want some hand-knit mittens made from Island wool? How about a painting or print that captures the special Island light? The gifts and souvenirs available on Prince Edward Island vary as widely as the waves on the ocean. I hope the ones you take home will remind you of your very special mini-vacation with Interlude to this gentle and lovely Island.

Yes, you might get your hands dirty. You might even get your shoes wet. And your knees stained. Maybe you’ll even get a little windburn or sunburn.  All this will just make your Island experiences more memorable and more fun in the retelling. Please check out the full itinerary which is running twice, once in July and once in August. You are guaranteed a meaningful experience and a terrific good time.

Atlantic Maritimes (click here for itinerary)
(10 days, 9 nights)

Eadie
– Interlude blog team

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Charlottetown: Escorted Vacation to Prince Edward Island from Indianapolis

February 26, 2010

Interlude Tours: Escorted Vacation to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, from Indianapolis

We have a wonderful St. Lawrence River cruise coming up that we’re sure you’ll enjoy.

Discover the Magdalen Islands and St. Lawrence River Cruise (click here for itinerary)
(10 days, 9 nights)

Previous blog post on the Magdalen Islands

One charming destination on this tour is Charlottetown, the capital of the Province of Prince Edward Island. The photograph above is of the provincial capitol building. Here is what Wikipedia has to say about this fantastic little city:

The city’s streetscape with a centrally planned downtown core containing many Victorian-era houses and buildings is an attraction, as well as the waterfront redevelopment project. Popular attractions within the city include the provincial legislature at Province House, which hosted the Charlottetown Conference, as well as Founders Hall, a recently redeveloped railway maintenance building which now houses an interactive trip through history tracing the development of Canada as a nation.

The Confederation Centre of the Arts provides live theatre, including the Charlottetown Festival during the summer months, as well as a nationally ranked art gallery. Several other small theaters and galleries can be found immediately surrounding the Confederation center including the Mac (MacKenzie theatre), the Arts Guild, and Pilar Shepard gallery.

Here is a great video about Charlottetown:

Please take a look at the itinerary–this is truly a marvelous tour! We welcome reservations from Indianapolis, where we are based, or from any location in the United States or Canada.

Photo by Aconcagua; used with permission.

–Matt
The Interlude Tours Blog Team

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Notre-Dame Basilica: Escorted Vacation to Montreal from Indianapolis

February 10, 2010

We have several outstanding tours to Canada in 2010. This is one that will provide memories to last a lifetime!

Ontario, Quebec and the St. Lawrence Seaway (click here for itinerary)
9 days, 8 nights)

One very interesting part of this vacation is a tour of Montreal, one of the world’s most intriguing cities. Included in this tour is a visit to Notre-Dame Basilica (French: Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal), a most fabulous place of worship!

According to Wikipedia,

The church’s Gothic Revival architecture is among the most dramatic in the world; its interior is grand and colourful, its ceiling is coloured deep blue and decorated with golden stars, and the rest of the sanctuary is a polychrome of blues, azures, reds, purples, silver, and gold. It is filled with hundreds of intricate wooden carvings and several religious statues. Unusual for a church, the stained glass windows along the walls of the sanctuary do not depict biblical scenes, but rather scenes from the religious history of Montreal.

The sanctuary was finished in 1830, and the first tower in 1843. On its completion, the church was the largest in North America. The interior took much longer, and Victor Bourgeau, who also worked on Montreal’s Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, worked on it from 1872 to 1879. Stonemason John Redpath was a major participant in the construction of the Basilica.

Here is the official website, which has many amazing photographs.

And here is a très charmant (as they say in Quebec) video about the basilica:

Ah, Montreal–city of romance, city of adventure! What amazing things will you experience there? (Actually, if you look at the itinerary, you will see!)

This is truly an amazing vacation, so why not give it a try? We welcome reservations from Indianapolis, where we are based, or from any location in the United States or Canada.

Photo by IP Singh; used with permission.

–Matt
The Interlude Tours Blog Team

•For immediate service, please call (317) 913-0387 or email us
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