In recent years, a new trend has been taking the travel world by storm - microcations. These mini vacations, typically lasting only a few days or even just a long weekend, are gaining immense popularity among travelers worldwide. As people's lives become increasingly busy and fast-paced, the allure of quick and rejuvenating getaways has become irresistible. Join us as we explore the reasons behind the growing popularity of microcations and provide some inspiring examples to reference.

1. Escaping Routine without Major Commitments:

One of the key attractions of microcations is their ability to provide a temporary escape from the monotony of daily life without requiring significant time off work or major financial investments. Unlike traditional vacations, which can take weeks to plan and execute, microcations can be spontaneously planned and enjoyed without extensive preparation. This ease of execution allows individuals to explore new places or revisit favorite destinations more frequently, injecting a refreshing dose of excitement into their lives.

Example: John, a busy professional, takes microcations every few months to break free from his demanding job. He explores nearby cities and enjoys short hikes in nature, allowing him to recharge before returning to work with renewed enthusiasm.

2. Maximizing Limited Time:

With busy work schedules and family commitments, not everyone can take long vacations. Microcations offer a perfect solution for those who wish to make the most of their limited time off. By choosing shorter trips, travelers can visit a variety of destinations throughout the year, experiencing different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes without taking extended leaves of absence.

Example: Sarah, a working mother, takes advantage of long weekends and school holidays to plan microcations for her family. They explore nearby beach towns, museums, and amusement parks, creating lasting memories together.

3. Affordable Travel Opportunities:

Microcations can be more budget-friendly than extended vacations, making travel accessible to a broader demographic. With reduced accommodation costs and shorter durations, travelers can allocate their funds more efficiently, splurging on unique experiences or luxury accommodation without breaking the bank.

Example: Maria, a college student, organizes microcations with her friends during semester breaks. They opt for shared accommodations, use public transportation, and enjoy affordable local cuisine, allowing them to explore multiple destinations on a tight student budget.

4. Reducing Travel Stress:

Traveling for long periods can be exhausting, and the pressure to cover multiple attractions in a limited time can dampen the joy of exploration. Microcations, on the other hand, eliminate the stress associated with extensive travel planning, allowing individuals to fully immerse themselves in the experience without feeling rushed.

Example: Mark, a frequent business traveler, incorporates microcations after his work trips. He takes a day or two to unwind in a nearby city, exploring its hidden gems and indulging in leisurely activities before heading back home.

5. Environmental Consciousness:

As sustainability becomes a significant concern for conscientious travelers, microcations align well with eco-friendly practices. Shorter trips often result in reduced carbon emissions, making them a more environmentally responsible way to satisfy wanderlust.

Example: Anna, an eco-conscious traveler, chooses microcations that are easily accessible by train or bus to minimize her carbon footprint. She explores nearby national parks and eco-lodges, supporting local sustainable tourism initiatives.

Microcations are redefining the way people travel, providing a feasible and fulfilling alternative to traditional vacations. These short, frequent getaways offer a myriad of benefits, from quick escapes from routine to budget-friendly options and reduced environmental impact. As the world becomes more fast-paced, microcations present an appealing solution to quench our wanderlust while ensuring a balanced and enriching lifestyle. So, whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or new experiences, microcations might be the answer to your travel desires.

Are you one of those brave souls who seek the electrifying rush of adrenaline coursing through your veins? Do you constantly crave new thrills and adventures that push the boundaries of excitement? If you're an adrenaline junkie, a wanderer at heart, or a local looking to explore beyond the ordinary, then you're in for a treat! From breathtaking heights to uncharted terrains, let's embark on a journey to discover the latest adrenaline-fueled experiences that will leave you breathless and begging for more.

A Vertical Soar: Wingsuit Flying

If you've ever dreamt of flying like a bird, wingsuit flying is the answer to your wildest fantasies. Embrace the feeling of freedom as you leap from a dizzying altitude and glide through the skies. Whether you're a seasoned skydiver or a first-time flyer, this electrifying experience offers an adrenaline rush like no other. The majestic landscapes unfolding beneath you will leave you awe-inspired, while the wind rushes past your face at exhilarating speeds. Just remember, always dive responsibly and with experienced instructors.

Taming the Wild Waters: Whitewater Rafting

For those who prefer to stay closer to the earth, but still want to quench their thirst for adventure, whitewater rafting is the perfect choice. Challenge roaring rapids, navigate through narrow gorges, and bond with fellow thrill-seekers as you conquer the untamed rivers. From the Grand Canyon to the Zambezi, the world is full of white-knuckle destinations for every level of rafter. Experience the pulse-pounding excitement of riding the waves, all while being surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

Scaling New Heights: Deep Water Soloing

Calling all rock climbers and daredevils! Deep water soloing, also known as DWS, takes the thrill of climbing to a whole new level. Conquer the sheer cliffs without the safety of ropes or harnesses, as the vast, glistening waters await below to catch you if you fall. This heart-racing sport allows you to explore new and uncharted climbing routes, adding an extra layer of adventure to your usual climbing escapades. If you're up for the challenge, put your skills to the test at seaside cliffs or magnificent limestone caves.

Wheels in the Wild: Off-Road Biking

For the speed demons and nature enthusiasts, off-road biking is the ultimate way to explore rugged terrains and untamed landscapes. Whether you're navigating through dense forests, tearing across desert dunes, or conquering rocky mountain trails, off-road biking guarantees an adrenaline-charged experience. The sheer excitement of conquering uneven terrain and the feeling of becoming one with nature will leave you hooked to this thrilling sport.

Surfing the Liquid Mountains: Big Wave Surfing

Surfers, are you seeking the ultimate wave? If you're ready to tackle the giants, then big wave surfing is your next challenge. Brave the colossal waves that rise like liquid mountains, defying gravity and pushing the limits of your abilities. From the legendary swells of Hawaii's North Shore to the rugged coastline of Portugal's Nazaré, the world offers a plethora of monstrous waves waiting to be conquered by adventurous surfers like you.

Below the Surface: Cave Diving

Enter a realm of mystery and wonder as you take the plunge into the depths of underwater caves. Cave diving provides an extraordinary opportunity to explore concealed chambers, stunning stalactites, and unique geological formations that few have laid eyes on. The thrill of exploring these hidden wonders is matched only by the tranquility and silence that the underwater world offers. While it demands a higher level of training and experience, the rewards are immeasurable for those willing to take the plunge.

As an adrenaline junkie, the world is your playground, and these experiences are just a glimpse of what awaits. Embrace the spirit of exploration and venture beyond your comfort zone. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a local looking for new thrills, these heart-pounding activities will ignite your passion for adventure like never before. So gear up, embark on an epic journey, and revel in the exhilaration of the unknown. The world is waiting for you!

The last three years have changed the way Ontarians travel, both internationally and domestically. We sat down with experts in the travel space to learn how.

Close your eyes and picture your dream summer vacation. Are you relaxing with a Mai Tai on a white sand beach in Cuba or the Dominican Republic?

Perhaps an all-inclusive isn’t your speed. Maybe you’re looking for adventures closer to home, like sampling the latest vintage from a family-owned winery in the Niagara benchlands or discovering traditional cheese-making at a homestead in Oxford County.

Ask travel experts, and they’ll tell you that the COVID-19 pandemic changed how Ontarians travel.

Up until last year, people were still making decisions about travel based on public health advisories and the risk of lockdowns abroad. They were picking domestic trips over international ones. When borders reopened, they were choosing to travel with their loved ones versus alone. Niagara travel agent Nicole Mathias says that post-pandemic, she’s seen a rise in requests for multi-generational trips and small group travel, as well as travel for special occasions—birthdays, anniversaries, and other life milestones—to the international destinations she works with.

“People want to travel with family, friends, neighbors,” says Mathias.

Not only did the pandemic encourage Ontarians to travel closer to home over the last few years—providing the province’s tourism industry with a lifeline, says Chris Bloore, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, or TIAO—but it made them question why and how they were choosing to travel. It fostered a heightened sense of responsibility among travelers.

“Whether it's in the actual accommodation that people are seeking out, whether it's in the day trips, […] people are looking to do things that other people haven't done, and they're looking for more authentic, you know, cultural experiences,” says Bloore.

Today’s travel trends suggest that travellers, he adds, care about the impact they have on the destinations and communities they visit. Indigenous tourism, for example, was one of the fastest growing parts of Ontario’s tourism industry before the pandemic and has started to rebound, says Bloore. Pop-up restaurants and out-of-the-ordinary culinary experiences are high in demand. Nature- and resource-based experiences like hikes, eco-tours, and adventure sports are also having a moment in the travel space.

Many travellers, Bloore says, are looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, but specifically ones that are in line with regenerative tourism—a sustainable way of travelling and discovering new places. The main goal of regenerative tourism is to leave a destination or community in a better condition than you found it. That might mean choosing a tour operator who enforces positive environmental practices in their business, like composting or harvesting renewable energy. Or, it might mean supporting vendors who pay their workers good wages and feel a sense of social responsibility to their community. There is a moral fibre woven into regenerative tourism that in years past was easier for travellers to overlook.

“I think we are seeing a shift in attitudes, of people trying to find something that is more authentic and more reflective of that community, rather than perhaps that package that has been on offer for the last 20 or 30 years,” says Bloore. “One trend we are seeing is that those people who might have decided to go to Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver for their sort of big holiday or big vacation, we're seeing that they're looking for different destinations, maybe cheaper destinations, maybe ones that they haven't been to before.”

Away from the roar of the region’s most popular tourist attraction, Niagara Falls, the Town of Lincoln offers its visitors a more intimate and savory travel experience. Here, the quieter little cousins of the Falls, like Louth Falls and Rockway Falls, see far less visitors. So do their craft wineries, cider houses, and craft breweries, what Britnie Bazylewski—Tourism Coordinator for the Town of Lincoln—calls “the jewel in the crown” of the area’s tourism offerings.  

“We kind of pride ourselves on being the home of wanderers being welcomed,” says Bazylewski. “So, you know, every serendipitous discovery, every wrong turn, you know, every road leads you to something new and undiscovered.”

Travellers from the Greater Toronto Area make up the largest share of Lincoln’s tourism market, and to a lesser degree, areas like Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge. Pre-pandemic, American visitors travelling by land from south of the border, particularly western New York and Michigan, were an important market.

Today, the Town markets the area to travellers as the Niagara benchlands, a place for relishing in farm-to-table dining experiences, enjoying fine wine and craft beverages, and exploring the quieter side of the escarpment. Travellers, for example, can sign up for farm-to-fork style cooking classes at The Good Earth Food & Wine Co., where they use local ingredients to whip up delicious plates they pair with their proprietary wines.

“It’s a real holistic kind of environment where you can hit the farm to grab ingredients, visit a local bakery to grab bread, hit the local winery and grab a bottle of wine, you name it,” says Bazylewski. “You can literally collect everything you would need [to create] a multi-course, beautifully-appointed menu by just driving around all of the wrong turns here in Lincoln.”

Internationally, Mathias says she’s seen less of an appetite for off-the-beaten path travel—in fact, many of her clients want to explore places they’ve heard rave reviews of from their friends, neighbours, or family members. Impact, however—and particularly, how to have a good one on the destination you’re visiting—is becoming increasingly commonplace in agents’ conversations with clients and suppliers.

“It’s definitely more of a concern [now] than it ever was,” says Mathias, who adds that her clients tend to want to support locally-owned businesses for things like excursions. “They want to make sure that the money's going to locals.”

Here in Canada, Bloore hopes that Ontarians will continue to have an appetite for domestic travel as the world’s borders become once again more fluid. Tourism, particularly regenerative tourism, around the province provides support for communities with a lot to offer, but little clout for it. There’s plenty to see, he adds, in our own back yard.

“Perhaps we're seeing that the pandemic opened people's eyes to what was available in Ontario, and that can only be a positive thing.”

Thank you to our expert contributors. 

Nicole Mathias, Niagara Travel Agent
Nicole is an expert travel agent with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Her agency, Niagara Travel Agent specializes in tailored boutique travel as well as family and multigenerational vacations. She loves travelling with her family, discovering the best gluten-free food worldwide and flying business class.

Christopher Bloore, President and CEO of TIAO
Christopher has played a key role in leading the industry's COVID-19 response. With a background in public service and collaborative leadership, he united organizations for legislative support. Previously elected in local government, he relocated to Toronto in 2019.

Britnie Bazylewski, Tourism Coordinator at the Town of Lincoln
Since joining the Town of Lincoln in 2020, Britnie Bazylewski has guided the municipality’s Tourism Strategy and Action Plan to set Lincoln, and the newly realized Niagara Benchlands on a path toward hurried economic recovery and sustainably minded destination growth.

Canada, known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse natural wonders, is a treasure trove of scenic drives and unforgettable journeys. Among them, the Great Canadian Circle Route stands out as an epic adventure that takes travelers on a captivating journey through three provinces, showcasing the country's stunning beauty. From pristine lakes to towering mountains, charming towns to vibrant cities, this road trip offers a chance to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of Canada's landscapes and culture.

The Great Canadian Circle Route is a 2,660-kilometer (1,655-mile) loop that begins and ends in Toronto, Ontario. This remarkable route traverses three provinces: Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick, revealing the diverse landscapes and attractions that make Canada so unique.

Ontario: Starting in Toronto, the route takes you eastward toward Ottawa, Canada's capital. Along the way, you'll encounter the beautiful Thousand Islands region, where the St. Lawrence River showcases its splendor with over 1,800 picturesque islands. The enchanting scenery continues as you pass through the historic towns of Kingston and Gananoque, offering glimpses of the past and opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Quebec: Crossing into Quebec, the route leads you through the charming eastern townships and towards the culturally vibrant city of Montreal. Explore the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, indulge in world-class cuisine, and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and diverse arts scene. Continuing on, you'll venture into Quebec's picturesque Laurentian Mountains, with their stunning lakes, charming villages, and scenic hiking trails.

New Brunswick: Entering the final leg of the journey, the route takes you to the province of New Brunswick, where the stunning Bay of Fundy awaits. Experience the awe-inspiring tidal changes, some of the highest in the world, as you explore the Hopewell Rocks or take a boat tour along the coast. Continuing along the Fundy Coastal Drive, you'll encounter picturesque fishing villages, lighthouses, and the breathtaking scenery of Fundy National Park.

The Great Canadian Circle Route offers an abundance of unforgettable experiences. Here are some highlights and activities along the way:

1. Outdoor Adventures: From hiking and kayaking to fishing and wildlife spotting, the route is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, go whale watching in Tadoussac, Quebec, or hike the rugged trails of Fundy National Park in New Brunswick.

2. Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the unique cultural experiences each province offers. Visit Ottawa's Parliament Hill, tour Montreal's museums and art galleries, or attend a traditional Acadian festival in New Brunswick.

3. Culinary Delights: Indulge in the diverse culinary offerings throughout the journey. Sample poutine and maple syrup treats in Quebec, enjoy fresh seafood in coastal New Brunswick, or savor Ontario's wine country cuisine.

4. Scenic Beauty: The route showcases some of Canada's most breathtaking landscapes. Admire the vibrant fall foliage in Ontario's Muskoka region, witness the majesty of Montmorency Falls near Quebec City, and marvel at the rugged beauty of the Bay of Fundy.

The Great Canadian Circle Route is an epic road trip that promises unforgettable experiences, stunning landscapes, and a deep immersion into Canada's diverse culture and natural wonders. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or simply seeking adventure, this incredible journey through Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick will leave you with lifelong memories. So, fasten your seatbelt, hit the road, and prepare to be captivated by the beauty of the Great White North.

Welcome to Summer!

This day marks the beginning of the season of sun, fun, and adventure. For many people around the world, the first day of summer is a time for celebration and excitement.

It's a day when we can finally put away our heavy winter coats, pack up our sweaters, and embrace the warmth and beauty of the outdoors. Whether you're planning a vacation, hitting the beach, or simply enjoying a backyard barbecue with friends and family, the first day of summer is an occasion that brings people together in joy and happiness.

The summer solstice is an astronomical event that occurs when the Earth's axial tilt is most inclined towards the sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the year. This phenomenon has been observed by humans for thousands of years and has played a significant role in the development of many cultures and traditions.

In ancient times, the summer solstice was often celebrated as a time of renewal and rebirth, as the sun was seen as a source of life-giving energy. Today, it continues to be recognized as an important event in many cultures, with festivals, rituals, and ceremonies taking place around the world.

Fun Summer Activities

The first day of summer is the perfect time to kick off some fun activities that you can enjoy throughout the season. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, there's something for everyone to do.

From swimming and surfing to hiking and camping, the possibilities are endless. You can also try your hand at outdoor sports like volleyball, frisbee, and soccer. And if you're looking for a more laid-back experience, why not grab a book and head to the beach for some sunbathing and people-watching?

Summer Fashion Trends

As the temperatures rise, it's important to stay cool and stylish during the hot summer months. Fortunately, there are plenty of fashion trends that can help you achieve both goals.

From flowy sundresses and strappy sandals to wide-brimmed hats and oversized sunglasses, there are many ways to look and feel your best this summer. And with so many colors, patterns, and textures to choose from, you're sure to find a style that suits your personality and taste.

Summer Safety Tips

While summer is a time for fun and relaxation, it's important to stay safe when spending time outdoors. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and protected:

• Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you're spending time in the sun.
• Take breaks in the shade or indoors to avoid overheating.
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.
• If you're participating in outdoor sports or activities, wear appropriate protective gear and follow safety guidelines.

Celebrating the First Day of Summer

The first day of summer is celebrated in many different ways around the world. From festivals and parades to cultural traditions and rituals, there are countless ways to mark this special occasion.

In Sweden, for example, people celebrate Midsummer's Eve with dancing, singing, and feasting. In Brazil, the first day of summer is marked by the Festa Junina, a festival that includes music, dance, and traditional foods. North America celebrates the start of summer with barbecues, picnics, and fireworks displays.