039: Reasons to Visit Canada in 2017

Canada has been named the number one country to visit in 2017 by Lonely Planet. From great exchange rates, 150th birthday celebrations, free National Park entries and festivals galore -- Canada has so much to offer families next year. Claudia from The Travelling Mom helps us scope out some of the best itineraries for families and things to visit in 2017. ON THE PODCAST 00:34 - Kim and Tamara talk about their visits to Canada 09:25 - Meet Claudia Laroye from The Travelling Mom 11:00 - Traveling with teenagers 12:50 - Canada in 2017 16:20 - Places to visit in Canada 18:45 - Anne of Green Gables 19:30 - Central Holiday in Canada 21:32 - Ottawa 150th Celebrations 22:32 - Canada 150 Tulips 23:48 - Western Canada 26:50 - Free for 2017 27:40 - Camping in Banff 29:48 - Planning your trip/Saving money 33:00 - Must try foods in Canada 35:24 - Central Canada 39:19 - Best places to take a family photo 43:18 - Great places in the fall 44:04 - Favorite Travel Gear 49:58 - App of the week 51:01 - SHOUT OUT! ABOUT CLAUDIA LAROYE Claudia Laroye is a freelance travel writer and blogger. She lives in Vancouver, Canada, with her husband and two teenage boys. Claudia has been traveling since she was a baby, and is passionate about educating kids through the travel experience. Her blog, The Travelling Mom, is a modern mom’s guide to family travel. Follow Claudia on: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. TIPS FOR VISITING CANADA IN 2017 The dollar in Canada is about 75 cents compared to the US dollar, making it a great time for Americans to visit Canada Canada was named one of the top places to travel in 2017 by Lonely Planet Canada is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2017 with celebrations throughout the year July the first is the Canadian national holiday so a lot of celebrations will be going on, with the largest happening in Ottawa Montreal has many festivals throughout the summer Canadian National Parks will be free all year in honor of the anniversary If you are looking to camp in Canada, many camping spots that have special campsites that come equipped with supplies like pots. a firepit, beds, etc. BEST PLACES TO TAKE FAMILY PHOTO Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia has a lighthouse that makes for a lovely backdrop St. John’s in Newfoundland looks great with all the colorful houses The Anne of Green Gables house in Prince Edward Island is a family favorite Château Frontenac in Quebec City is a very iconic hotel and a good backdrop for photos The Badlands is also a great place because of its alien landscape FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR Claudia is a fan of packing light and loves her ‘Arc Teryx’ to keep her warm, which is a British Columbia brand that sells a lot of winter gear from underwear to jackets. A ‘Kit and Ace’ pashmina that can be washed and is durable and long lasting. TIP/APP OF THE WEEK ‘CanBorder’ is an app to see estimated wait time for crossing the border. USEFUL LINKS What to do in Montreal with kids (in the summer) 10 Reasons to Visit Quebec Winter Carnival 10 Things to do in Quebec City with Kids  Fun Things to do in Vancouver with Kids (in the rain!) 24 Hours in Niagara Falls, Ontario Getaway Ferry from Seattle to Victoria FOLLOW US AND SPREAD THE WORD! If you liked this show, please be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play and leave us a review! Have a question or comment? Send us an email or leave us a voicemail at +1.641.715.3900, ext. 926035#You can also follow our travels on Stuffed Suitcase and We3Travel, or follow the Vacation Mavens on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for listening!