In June 2017, we set off for a dream holiday in Canada.
We first met up with Geri & Mike in Heathrow’s departure lounge on Sat 10th June – Our plan was to fly out together. It was such a pleasure to meet up again after being apart for so long. They both looked very good despite an overnight flight from South Africa.
By 4.30pm (Canada time) we landed at Pearson Airport in Toronto after seven hours in the air and marvelled at our first glimpses of the city dominated by the CN Tower.
Our 1st Hotel beckoned us for a good night’s sleep before leaving for Sudbury which was going to be our base for the next couple of weeks or so. However, before leaving Toronto, we first had so sample a little bit of South Africa in Toronto.
Having stocked up on Biltong we set off on the 200 odd mile trip from Toronto to Sudbury. The scenery was breathtaking. Rocky outcrops; trees and lakes and rivers in what seemed to be a never-ending countryside stretching out as far as the eye could see but our host had another of the many surprises he had up his sleeve in store for us – in the middle of nowhere – the French River Trading Post. Set up by the first Nation of Canada and owned by descendants of the original Indian tribes, they stocked almost everything the tourist could need from souvenirs, local clothing and blankets and, of course, footwear in particular – moccasins. Our host fitted us all with a pair of moccasins for comfort around the house.
Next stop – Sudbury where we visited Dynamic Earth (a living mining Museum) & the Science Museum; went sailing on Lake Ramsey: not to forget the all important National Railway Museum – all of which were absolutely breathtaking and well worth a visit
The surprises seemed to get bigger and bigger. In only one small part of Canada there was just so much! But then ….
We set off to a village called Killarney on the banks of Lake Huron to the Killarney Mountain Lodge. Just another lake? No ways! This was breathtaking.
We also called into a small town called Copper Cliff – one look at the colour of the river and the name becomes obvious. Here, for lunch, we went into the typical “American” type Diner – like one sees in the movies. It was great. No airs or graces, just good food: good service and a smile. Superb!
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All too soon, it was time for us to head back to Toronto for a couple of days before we were due to fly home. We boarded our flight in Sudbury and headed for Toronto’s “Island” Airport quite literally an island.
Our base was the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Toronto within walking distance of both the CN Tower and the Dome – home of the “Toronto Blue Jays”. We were headed for our very first game of Baseball!
Following morning we boarded our mini bus which headed for the famous Niagara Falls. I have seen many pictures of the Falls but they have never shown the immensity and power you witness when you are right there. The immensity simply is astounding!
That evening we finished off our holiday with a trip to the CN Tower and dinner in the restaurant.
Canada is awesome! Yet, we have only seen one small part.
We’ll always remember that wonderful holiday in Canada.