Québec

Québec City

Thanks to its "old-world charm," "awesome historic assets" and "great shopping," our readers think of Québec City as "a little jewel with good food and wonderful artisan work." "A beautiful, historic European city right here in North America!" Whether they strolled on the boardwalk, biked around town, or visited the Christmas markets, our readers found this Canadian destination "romantic" and "picturesque," it's a "must-do if in Québec."

Visit Aquarium du Québec

Come marvel as animal trainers work with polar bears, seals, and huge walruses. Explore the Grand Océan, an enormous tunnel through a 350,000-liter-tank of salt water. See dazzling multicolored fish, and much more.
Children will get right into the popular water games and TreeGo aerial challenge course in summer, and the inflatable games in winter.
A tidal wave of fun awaits you at Aquarium du Québec, steps from the bridges.

Expo Québec

Families love the annual Expo Québec fair, not just for its exhilarating rides and exclusive thrilling activities, but for its farm animals, science pavilion, and fascinating exhibits.
Still rarin' to go at the end of the day? Catch one of the evening shows featuring big-name Québec and international artists!
Expo Québec, a family favorite!

Hit the rides at Galeries de la Capitale's Méga Parc

Whatever the weather and whatever their pleasure, there's always laughter on the forecast at this fun-filled indoor amusement park. Your kids can choose from the 20-odd rides, including a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and classic merry-go-round.
Aspiring climbers will have a great time on the rope apparatus and climbing wall. Miniature golf, bowling, and a skating rink are also available for family fun.
Rain or shine, the fun never stops at Galeries de la Capitale's Méga Parc, one of North America's largest indoor recreational parks.

Reach for the Top at Canyon Sainte-Anne

Trails, suspension bridges, giant potholes, and a 74 meter waterfall await you in this breathtaking canyon.
At ground level, the Roc-ambolesques fun zone featuring magical storytelling, a giant jigsaw puzzle, and riddles will delight the whole family, while up in the air, a cable course and extra-long zip line will leave thrill-seekers breathless.
Canyon Sainte-Anne, a spectacular park that's only 30 minutes from the city and perfect for the whole family.

Japan

Kyoto

A "beautiful old city full of history," Kyoto is packed with famous temples, shrines and markets that create a "mixture of modernity and old world Japan." Kyoto is the "best city" because "it has everything," one reader raved. "You will be transported to a different era."

1. Visit Kyoto’s Ancient Sites

   Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868, Kyoto is bathed in history. The most iconic remnant of the city’s imperial past is the outrageously gilded Kinkakuji, once a shogun’s retirement villa and now a Zen Buddhist temple. Perched on the bank of a serene pond, Kinkakuji casts a famed golden reflection in the water. Just as captivating are Kyoto’s less ostentatious sites, such as the minimalist and cryptic dry landscape garden at Ryoanji.
   In all, Kyoto boasts 17 World Heritage sites (Kinkakuji and Ryoanji included), but with some 2,000 temples and shrines across the city, not to mention numerous gardens, they represent a fraction of Kyoto’s alluring heritage.

2. Overnight in a Temple

   Mount Koya has been a place of pilgrimage since the monk Kobo Daishi was inspired to found the Shingon school of Buddhism amid its ancient cedars in the ninth century. Among the highlights of a visit—besides wandering the eerie, almost primeval Okunoin cemetery and the multitude of temples built in Daishi’s honor—is the opportunity to stay with the monks at one of Koya’s mountaintop temples.
   Eko-in is one of nearly 50 such places open to guests, and it offers a typical Koya experience—a Spartan and tranquil tatami-mat room, a multi-course vegetarian dinner exquisitely presented on lacquerware, and the chance to join the monks and pilgrims for early morning prayers.

3. Gallery Hop on "Art Island"

   With three major galleries and many smaller art venues, picturesque Naoshima in the Seto Inland Sea is a standout on Japan’s contemporary art scene. The best of the galleries is the Tadao Ando-designed Benesse House, a sleek hotel and gallery that hosts work by artists such as David Hockney, Bruce Nauman, and Frank Stella.
   But art isn’t restricted to conventional spaces on Naoshima. Nineteen dazzling outdoor installations dot Benesse’s beachfront grounds, while in the laidback fishing village of Honmura, several of the old wooden buildings have been transformed into permanent art installations. Even the island’s I Love Yu public baths have had a pop-art makeover. Naoshima has been dubbed “Art Island” for good reason.

4. Ski Niseko

   This small ski resort town in Hokkaido boasts the finest powder in the country and three major ski resorts to match: Niseko Village, Niseko Annupuri, and the Grand Hirafu/Hanazono.
   Away from the resorts, the allure is prime backcountry powder and ample opportunities for ice climbing, telemark skiing, and boarding through virgin snow. It’s not bad in summer either, when winter activities give way to summer favorites like whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and kayaking. And Niseko also has a year-round draw—mineral-rich hot springs perfect for soaking away aches and pains from a day on the slopes.

5. Experience Traditional Accommodation

   The gentle scent of tatami, the understated elegance of the interiors, the meticulous service, the outdoor hot spring baths, the multi-course meal of local seasonal produce, the calming silence—all combine to make a night at a traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan, an unforgettable experience.

Czech Republic

Prague

One reader raved: "If you can only visit one city in Europe, Prague should be it." There is "music that permeates the atmosphere and wonderful cuisines, served by gracious people." In this "adult Disneyland," expect to see "fairytale architecture, horse-drawn carriages, winding brick street, majestic castles and swans providing an enchanting setting for tourists in the capital."

Travel back 1,000 years at Prague Castle

Prague Castle dominates the city’s skyline, its jumble of styles and influences perfectly illustrating the shifting demands of its occupants and conquerors over the last millennium. At the centre of the castle, its dramatic Gothic spires and flying buttresses visible from everywhere in town, is the imposing St Vitus’s Cathedral; even the most jaded of visitors will be given pause by its grandeur. Other highlights within the castle complex include the Old Royal Palace, which has excellent historic and architectural displays; Basiica of St George; the Lobkowicz Palace, which now has a fully fledged museum, with the city's best restaurant vistas; and Villa Richter, the scene of many cultural events, including Jazz at the Castle.

Jump off a bridge

From  June to September KI Bungee Jump have been doing brisk business in pitching otherwise rational weekend vistors off Zvikovské podhradí, a bridge high over the Vltava valley. Expect to pay 900-1,000 Kč per jump, and be sure to book ahead.

Marvel at the puppet masters

Puppet shows are not just for children in Prague. The art of puppetry has a long and sometimes subversive history in the Czech Rebublic. Although much puppet theatre is aimed at tourists, high-quality Czech puppeteers and productions appear frequently. Catch a show at the lively and progressive Divadlo Minor, or buy a puppet for yourself at Truhlář Marionety.

Explore an existentialist's mind

Standing just outside the Spanish Synagogue is a surreal bronze statue of Kafka depicted as a gnomish figure riding on the shoulders of a headless, handless, footless giant with a striking resemblance to the Golem of Prague.
Only erected in 2004, it's a sign of Prague's ambivalent attitude to Kafka. Born in Prague he wrote in German and has never been entirely accepted by Czechs as one of their own. However, that hasn't stopped a small industry of cafés and restaurants around his old neighbourhood in the tourist-saturated Jewish quarter of Josefov from cashing in on his name.

New Mexico

Santa Fe

Our readers found Santa Fe to be "pure magic;" a "heaven where souls vacation." "Go for the atmosphere, architecture, food, and open spaces," said one reader, or "take a whole day to explore the galleries."

SPRING OUTDOORS! HIKE AND BIKE SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO!

Spring often arrives in Santa Fe teasingly as Mother Nature offers warm days with brilliant blue skies and then switches at a whim to delightful wintry weather. Trees and flowers start blooming in March, only to be covered in snow by a late April storm. One never knows what to expect … simply savor the changes and enjoy the pristine beauty of New Mexico!

While many of the hiking trails at the higher elevations remain covered by snow until mid-May, spring offers perfect temperatures for exploring stunning canyon lands, such as Tent Rocks, and hiking along the Rio Grande River where you can view petroglyphs left by the Ancient Puebloans. Spring is also an opportune season for mountain bikers to take to the trails in high desert terrain locations such as White Mesa.

NEW ADVENTURES – SPRING 2014

Visit Santa Fe, NM, this Spring and ride our Pinzgauer. What is a Pinzgauer, you ask? For many, it’s the ultimate off-roading vehicle and our TRUE New Mexico Pinzgauers are ready to take you on exciting and scenic excursions! Our favorite ride - the Old Route 66!
We’re also offering a fabulous new scenic tour that will allow you to truly appreciate the history and culture of the Native American people - Adventure Plus tours to the Salinas Pueblo Missions. Book the tour with us in March and get a 10% discount off our pricing.


CUSTOMIZED GUIDED TOURS AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Come experience northern New Mexico’s charm and pristine beauty with Santa Fe Walkabouts' outdoor adventure tour guides. We cater to individuals and small groups, taking care to listen to our clients and setting up customized authentic outings. We do not have a minimum requirement - we'll take solo travelers on our adventures - and we offer flexible departure times. We rarely put two parties together for our excursions, unless requested, and we place a priority on giving our clients undivided and personal attention during a tour.

Poland

Kraków

Kraków boasts "beautiful architecture and old charm," leaving visitors with something to "always cherish and remember." In addition to having many cultural and historical sights of its own, this Polish city is also "centrally located for different side trips." The restaurants are "very quaint with excellent food and reasonable prices."

1. Climb Kopiec Kraka for beautiful views of the city

Kopiec Kraka offers splendid views of the city. It costs nothing to climb up this ancient mound and the views of Kazimierz and the Old Town are one of a kind. Its age and original purpose remain a mystery although it’s assumed to be the resting place of the legendary prince Krakus.

2. Take a relaxing walk at Wisla Boulevards

The Wisla Boulevards along both sides of the legendary Wisla River are perfect for a stroll, a jog and even a picnic. Take a bike, a book or a loved one with you and enjoy the calm atmosphere and scenic views. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There are also many events held here throughout the year offering a variety of different activities.

3. Cross the modern Kładka Bernatka bridge

Spanning across the Wisla river, The Kladka Bernatka footbridge connects Kazimierz to Podgórz. It provides easy access to what used to be the border of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It’s a pleasant way to get to Old Podgórze, leading directly across to a small enclave of restaurants and bars.

Victoria

Victoria

This "beautiful harbor town with great food" is "a pocket of charm and beauty" on the southern end of Vancouver Island. Our readers raved about the setting and architecture, and enjoyed the variety of activities: walking, biking, antiquing, dining at "great seafood restaurants," and visiting museums and the Butchart Gardens. It's a "hidden treasure."

The Weather
Victoria, B.C., offers the best weather in Canada with the lowest rainfall on Canada's West Coast and the most days of sunshine. Spring is the best season of the year in Victoria, with mild temperatures and sunshine-filled days. If you like it a little warmer than most, visit in May, when you'll find fewer tourists but higher daytime temperatures.
 
Cherry Trees 37,000 cherry trees are in full bloom at springtime, lighting up the streets with a burst of bright pink. Victoria is the garden city, and there is nothing like it this time of year. Spectacular colors are found everywhere you look. Take a romantic horse-carriage ride through the streets and take in the lovely sights and scents for an unforgettable view of British Columbia's capital city in style.

Playfair Park Visit Playfair Park, one of the city's best kept secrets. It's full of mature rhododendrons and azaleas, and some consider it even more impressive than the famed Butchart Gardens but much more peaceful and secluded. The park is a sight to behold with all of the flowers in full bloom from March through May.
 
Whales
With 80 killer whales who call the waters off southern Vancouver Island home, Victoria is an ideal central location to embark on an amazing tour of marine wildlife. You'll likely spot orcas gliding through the water, sea lions sunning on the rocks, jumping porpoises, and maybe even a humpback whale. Bald eagles are a common sight to see soaring through the air and perched on top of the trees. The spring season offers better values and less crowds, making the experience even better.

Butchart Gardens A visit to Victoria isn't the same without seeing Butchart Gardens. It goes without saying that spring is the best time to view the gardens coming alive with some of the finest displays of nature's art work in the world.
 
Amazing Food
The food in Victoria is always outstanding, but if you like fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, the island's wonderful farmers markets open in April and May, offering mouth-watering delights to treat your senses. In addition to the great selection of produce, you find delicious baked goods, homemade jams, sweets, and more.
Treat yourself to breakfast at the 3rd Street Cafe in Sidney, known as the best place for your morning meal on the island. Pancakes are loaded with fresh fruits and nuts, and the eggs bennie are to die for.
I'd make the trek to the island just to have dinner at Pescatores. They emphasize locally grown Vancouver Island produce and seafood with the freshest fish and meats. The jumbo scallops entree is my favorite, with lobster ravioli tossed in a truffle cream with spinach. There are no words to describe just how delectable it is.

France

Paris

Throughout our survey, readers often referred to other cities as "the Paris of the east" or "the Paris of the south." And while the compliment is a nice one, to be sure, there's only one true Paris, and our readers cannot get enough of it. "Paris itself is just enchanting. I love its streets with the small shops; the trees and parks and flowers; the churches and the river and Notre Dame." They love the food, the history, the sights, the culture, the shopping, and the spectacular scenery. As one reader succinctly put it, "Paris is without competition."

 

Disneyland Paris/Walt Disney Studios Park

 The fairytale begins on line A of the RER, which transports you straight from central Paris to the land of Mickey and chums in around 40 minutes. Yes, Disneyland Resort ® Paris is expensive; yes you can queue for hours; and yes, when it rains, it’s not just the fun that’s dampened. But something keeps the kids keen, making it an unmissable stop on the family circuit.

Visit Paris' prettiest arthouse cinema, La Pagode

 

 We challenge you to find a more gorgeous cinema than the 19th-century Japanese style Pagode on rue de Babylone. What started out as an eccentric present for the wife of Bon Marché department store founder François-Emile Morin (in 1896), is now a romantic cinema for arthouse movie-lovers with period touches that include silky woven fabric on the walls, golden lights and dragon carvings over the grandiose doorways. On a warm day, have a cup of tea in the Pagode’s bamboo-speckled Japanese garden.

The Institut du Monde Arabe and the Mosquée de Paris 

 

Start a Middle Eastern-flavoured day with a visit to the Institut du Monde Arabe. Not only is the museum an architectural gem, with external camera apertures that contract and expand with the sunlight to regulate the light inside, it's also home to one of Europe’s most comprehensive collections dedicated to the history and culture of Arab countries. Stick with the theme for lunch, and walk to the nearby Mosquée de Paris (Paris Mosque), where you can tuck into spice-infused couscous and oriental pastries in romantic Moorish surroundings.