recent visit

[DrDan]

My wife and I just returned from a terrific two-week trip to Canada.

We flew from our home near Daytona Beach to Vancouver. From there, we went through Whistler, across to Jasper for a few days of hiking.

Then down to Canmore (we LOVED that city) for a few more days of hiking in the Banff area.

Then to the BC wine country for a few days of wine tasting.

Finally back to Vancouver and our flight home.

A lot of miles - but a great time.

A few observations:

We knew Canada had good beer (particularly as compared to U.S. beers), but were not aware about how good BC wines were. We visited quite a few vineyards - everyone was very friendly, very willing to share some time and knowledge, and very willing to share some fine wines. In particular, we visited an Artisan baker / winery and found a VERY nice gamay that was coupled with some fresh sourdough breads. Yummo.

There is sure a lot of road construction along our route. Do you folks not have any teabaggers there to keep infrastructure maintenance under control? Kidding of course - you are to be congratulated and admired for all of the road repair we were interrupted by.

The weather was absolutely perfect! About an hour or so of rain during the two weeks, a bit of overcast. Otherwise, perfect (for us) for our hikes and other activities.

I found the drivers to be very courteous. To avoid trip-interrupting tickets, I set the cruise control right on the speed limit. While several drivers came up behind quite quickly, none rode my tail, and there were no fingers, glares, or anything similar. Quite a change from central Florida driving.

No partisan political signs or bumper stickers. A nice break from hard-core divisive politics.

All in all, a very nice two weeks.

Thanks.

[RC]

1. Contrary to what some people think, Canada is not the cold, wind swept, North 40 of the USA.

They are their own country. The people are more laid back, friendlier, less suspicious/paranoid.

[DrDan]

4. I was discussing the snowfall with our "landlord" while in Penticton

I was surprised at how little snowfall they actually received.

And I certainly agree about how friendly, un-paranoid and how laid back they are. Enjoyed meeting and speaking with so many. Did not appear to be as divisive as we currently are in the U.S. A very nice change-of-pace.

[Saviolo]

2. Ontario wines

If you get the chance to visit the east, the Niagara region has some excellent wines, too. The microclimate there is better for different wines than you'll find out West, so you're more likely to run into Pinot Noir, Baco Noir, Reisling, and Gewurztraminer.

Also, some great local microbrews for beers in and around Toronto, Hamilton, Guelph, Kingston, and Ottawa.

[DrDan]

5. A gewurztraminer was one of the several we carried back.

It is my preference for Thanksgiving and I am looking forward to enjoying it - as well as an icewine for after dinner.

Have passed through Toronto several times, but have not spent any extended time in Ontario. Will definitely make a point to do so and enjoy the wines there. Thanks for the info.

[Saviolo]

7. Avoid some of the bigger ones

like Kittling Ridge, Magnotta, and Inniskillin. They're okay, but the really good stuff is at the smaller wineries. Take a peek at Kacaba, Calamus, Five Rows, Southbrook, and the lady who runs the tasting room at Organized Crime is hysterical. Megalomaniac is a gorgeous winery, but I've found the wines hit and miss. Do go to see the grounds, though. Henry of Pelham is a bit bigger, but does make an amazing champagne-method sparkling wine that is fantastic.

[DrDan]

10. bookmarked

[JBoy]

3. Glad to hear you had a good visit!

I live in Vancouver, and have done much the same route you did on a couple past vacations. BC is so big, it's got lots of different geographies and things to see. I've lived here almost 20 years and think I've only scratched the surface.

Summertime roadwork is one of Canada's specialties. With the exception of the pacific coast you really can't do much of that from Nov through April, so we cram a year's worth of work into a few months.

[DrDan]

6. you know - it was not a problem

it was nice to stop and just enjoy the scenery

Absolutely beautiful country - have visited Vancouver/Victoria several times, but this was the first time to head east. Glad we were driving so as to enjoy the diversity of that part of Canada.

[SheilaT]

8. I had NO IDEA there were Canadian wines!

What despicable ignorance on my part.

I need to go to Canada as soon as I can. It's been far too long. I was last there on a day trip in 2008. Driving a car with Kansas tags I crossed at the Thousand Islands crossing. Both the Canadian and the American customs guys had apparently never seen Kansas tags before. Made me feel quite exotic and special.

[DrDan]

9. apparently the production is just not large enough to fool with export - so they

keep it all for themselves.

I had the feeling this was what Napa was like many years ago.

It was nice to visit a vineyard and be the only one there for a tasting - and get to meet and talk with the owner.

[ConcernedCanuk]

11. I used to live near a town called Vineland in Southern Ontario.

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Even toured one of the wineries there in the 70's
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Its location between the southern shore of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment provides for a moderate climate with mild winters. Vineland and the surrounding area is known in Canada for its orchards, vineyards, wineries and restaurants that feature local produce and wines http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vineland,_Ontario
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CC