AFF member OZDUCK recently enjoyed a Canadian road trip, taking advantage of the Northern Hemisphere summer as they travelled from Toronto to Halifax using a mixture of hire cars and trains.
Being based in Perth, it made sense to fly Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong. Cathay flies directly into Toronto, making one-stop connections possible from most Australian cities. Our member flew Business class, which seems to have met expectations.
We flew CX in J – some of you will remember my questions about this choice last year. The flights were pretty much as others had said – very good seats (my wife & I both thought that they could be both a little softer and wider)but with average food and FA’s who while polite and efficient made little attempt to engage with the passengers and had absolutely no intention of offering anything that wasn’t asked for. Still 1,000% better than Y and I don’t regret my choice.
Our member also took the opportunity to explore Hong Kong, breaking up the long journey with a full day in “Pearl of the Orient”.
After a few days getting to know the multicultural city of Toronto, and a day trip to the famous Niagara Falls, the journey continued east towards Montreal and into the heart of French-speaking Canada.
One of the highlights was Prince Edward Island. As well as the stunning scenery, the local cuisine benefits from its close proximity to both the ocean and the Culinary Institute of Canada.
We spent 4 nights on PEI and could have easily spent 4 more. It as an absolutely lovely spot with beautiful seascapes and rolling lush landscapes. The food is generally excellent with fresh seafood readily available and excellent local vegetable & meat products in abundance. The quality of the food is enhanced by the fact that Charlottetown, the capital of the province, hosts the Culinary Institute of Canada and you often run across enthusiastic young restaurant workers – both cooks and wait staff.
Along the way OZDUCK also stopped in the city of Sydney, Nova Scotia. There are no kangaroos in this Sydney but just like much of Australia, this Sydney calls home to its own “big thing”…
Sydney was the former colonial capital city but when Cape Breton was amalgamated with Nova Scotia Halifax became the capital. It has a population of about 32,000 and has a faded air about it. It used to be home to a large steel mill and coal workings – closed 2001…
It is also home to “the worlds largest fiddle”. Is it better than a “Big Prawn” or “Big Pineapple”?
This trip report is full of handy tips on getting around, local restaurants and accommodation. So, why not have a read and soak up some travel inspiration HERE.
