Canadian vacation

[Ms_Terese]

What a trip!

Since most of our trip was focused on visiting family, we didn't do toooooo much touristy stuff, but enough to write about.

First of all, the weather was perfect! 70's - 80's the entire time we were there (Quebec Province mostly, a bit of time in Ontario). Fall colors were already showing up, and it was just gorgeous.

Most of our outdoor time was spent in the Outaouais Region, which is kind of like the Canadian version of the Ozarks.....beautiful hills, valleys, woods, nature parks, trails, etc. We were there during mating season for most of the animals, and spent lots of time hiking to see if we could catch some glimpses. No moose, which made me sad, but lots of deer, foxes, coyotes, and even a bear!!!

We canoed Riviere de la Petite Nation, and it was just gorgeous! Definitely a great canoe river, and plenty of bass and muskelonge to make the fishing interesting. (I know it will sound like a "fish story", but DH lost a 4 ft. long muskie after a 10 minute battle...he was so sad!)

We did spend some time in Ottawa....took in Chinatown, shopped the Byward Market, cruised Sparks St. which is a large outdoor mall, and of course went through Parliament. The Parliament buildings are really amazing....old and impressive.

As for food....wow....if you get to Quebec province, stop at a Casse Croute (like a hamburger stand) and order some poutine. It sounds odd, but it's french fries with fresh cheese curds sprinkled over the top and a very light gravy poured over the whole thing.....trust me, it's good. Even McDonald's serves poutine in Quebec because it's so popular, but please don't eat the McD's version!!!! We feasted on local favorites like tortiere (meat pie), ketchup flavored potato chips (again, sounds bad, but very very tasty), and plenty of croissants. It's apple season, so we went apple picking and munched our way through about 10 lbs. of Macintosh apples since we couldn't bring them back across the border.

We toured Montebello, which is where President Bush was on his recent visit. It's on the shore of the Ottawa River and is really beautiful. I can't do it justice, even with pics, but you can go here then click on slideshow. http://www.fairmont.com/montebello/

Anyway, I posted some pics in the gallery and am glad to be home

[Cheesecake]

So glad to read your review of your vacation......
But, also even better to have you back.

Hugsssss

[lindiet]

It sounds like you have a fabulous trip! Thanks for the review. Canada is on my "To Do List".