Explore Canada – a round up of news from Canada

Imagine the pleasure of drifting off to sleep to the sound of North Atlantic waves cascading against an ageless headland and waking at dawn to the 'voice' of your only neighbours - the majestic Humpback, Orca and Minke whales migrating past your doorstep. Quirpon (pronounced, kar-poon) Lighthouse Inn is ideally located on Quirpon Island at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula.

The setting offers an authentic island experience in this 1922 lightkeeper’s home on the shores of 'Iceberg Alley'. It is Newfoundland & Labrador's best location for whale watching, iceberg viewing, and sea kayaking and hiking.

Cost per night: $325 double. Price includes all meals including Doris's home-made traditional suppers and hearty breakfasts, 45 minute boat tours through Iceberg Alley to and from island. Llinkumtours.com

Sleep in a Caboose at the Train Station Inn, Tatamagouche – Nova Scotia

The century old Train Station was restored in the 1980s with furnishings reflecting its railway past. The cabooses at The Train Station Inn date from 1911 to 1978 and each has been renovated into deluxe accommodations reflecting the age of the railway car. Queen size beds, fireplaces, air-conditioning, TV, railway memorabilia and private baths.

The "Victorian Style" Queen Bed Caboose rates for 2 people include complimentary continental breakfast (Full breakfast is available) from $129.50. Cabooses are private railway cars with full bath, air-conditioning, refrigerator, coffee maker, and a television. The Tatamagouche Lobster Suppers in the Railway Dining Car are legend. The village of Tatamagouche is located on the Sunrise Trail along the shores of the Northumberland Strait north of Halifax.

It has a population of 600 and is a thriving community boasting art galleries, museums, craft and antique shops, restaurants and a down home sense of humour. Trainstation.ns.ca

Quebec City Marathon, August 26, 2007 - Quebec

On August 26, 2007, the SSQ Quebec City Marathon will present its 10th edition, the biggest international sports event in Greater Quebec City and one of the most popular in Canada. With more than 75% of the course running along the shores of the St. Lawrence River, this marathon takes participants on a scenic route like no other! Starting on the south shore, runners cross the historic Quebec Bridge and finish in the heart of Old Quebec.

Events are: Marathon (42.2K); New Balance Half-marathon (21.1K); 10K Race; Team Challenge (40K) and McDonald's Kids Run (5K reserved for 7- to 14- year olds). There is also a fund-raising walk: the Health 5K.

Walking or running our Marathon represents a physical and mental challenge that over 30,000 people have taken up since it was first held in 1998. These runners have come from more than 330 Quebec municipalities, every Canadian province and more than 47 countries. Marathonquebec.com/en/accueil.php

The Canadian Children's Museum, Gatineau, Ottawa – Quebec

The Canadian Children's Museum uses interactive hands-on learning by placing a strong emphasis on imagination and role playing. Hands-on activities and programmes use real materials from the Museum's collection. Children up to 14 years of age, as well as their families can touch the exhibits and discover the world around them in a safe, fun environment. The highlight Great Adventure experience takes them on a world trip where they encounter exciting locations, interesting people and enticing activities.

From the moment they pick up their passports, they discover one destination after another. Counsellors help them plan their trip, or they can design their own itineraries. Whether it's a trek through the desert to a pyramid, a jaunt to the port to help unload a cargo ship, or a stroll through the bustling market bazaar, children will learn about the world and gain an understanding of each other. Warmuseum.ca/mce_ccm/cmeng.html

Sleep in an historic Ottawa Jail Cell - Ontario

Get the unique experience of staying at the Hostelling International, HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel, the only hostel in North America that was once a functioning prison. Take a tour and learn what debtor's prison and solitary confinement were really all about. Located in the heart of downtown across from the Rideau Centre the hostel makes a great base to explore Ottawa's other main attractions including Parliament Hill, RCMP Musical Ride, Museum of Civilization, Museum of War, National Gallery of Canada.

An easy seven minute stroll and you are on Parliament Hill or in the Byward Market or at one of the many National and local Museums in downtown.

Accommodation choices ranging from traditional dorm beds to semi-private or private cells carved from old jail cells. Or the Warden's Private Apartment complete with a double bed and separate bunkbed, a clawfoot tub/shower in the en-suite bathroom, kitchenette with fridge and microwave, couch and table with four chairs. Hihostels.ca/OntarioEast/en/index.aspx?sortcode=2.0

A Walk Behind the Niagara Falls – Ontario

Visitors to Niagara Falls can enjoy the thunder of the waters from a completely different perspective by visiting The Journey Behind The Falls, located in the Table Rock House Plaza beside the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The observation platform at the base of the falls is easily reached by elevators and a network of tunnels. Two other tunnels provide a close-up view of the Falls from behind.

The tunnels extend only 46 metres (150 feet) behind the waterfall, so there is not a lot of walking, and you can explore it all at your leisure: the excursion is completely self guided. You emerge far below the rim of the gorge. Before you, the mighty river explodes after free falling more than thirteen stories. The sound is deafening, the sight, awe-inspiring. Protective rain gear is included in the cost of admission. Niagaraparks.com

Chinatown Foodies Walk, Toronto - Ontario

This gastronomic tour kick-off by sampling traditional and new snacks of varying textures, flavours and colours at a family-run Taiwanese bakery. After a brief review of the Chinese community and its food history, it heads over to a Chinese Herbal and tea shop, to sip specially brewed fragrant tea while noshing on delicious dried snacks.

The mysteries of Chinese food will be explained at an Asian supermarket. Then your guide will host you at a healthy sit-down Dim Sum luncheon at a restaurant complete with swirling food carts. Chopsticks, tea pouring, and dim sum etiquette will be explained. Your guide will order dim sum with harmonious blending of the five elements - colour, aroma, flavour, shape and texture - a principal which applies to the making of each individual dish as much as to the whole meal as well. Torontowalksbikes.com

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Heritage Centre, Regina – Saskatchewan

In the heart of Canada's prairie sits Regina, Saskatchewan, and a visit there would not be complete without a visit to the new RCMP Heritage Centre, located on the historic grounds of the RCMP Academy. This unique institution houses the regimental museum of the Mounted Police recounting the history of more than 125 proud years of service.

Visitors can examine displays of RCMP artefacts which bring alive the history, traditions and accomplishments of one of the world's most famous police forces. From its earliest days of horseback patrols across an untamed land, the RCMP has been one of Canada's most recognizable symbols. With its extensive collection of historical material and artefacts, the Museum preserves the Force's important contribution to Canadian History. Rcmpheritagecentre.com

Summer Bicycle Tours of Stanley Park, Vancouver - British Columbia

Bikes are commonplace in Vancouver which has numerous cycle paths and bike routes. One such is around Stanley Park, and no visit to Vancouver would be complete without a circuit of Stanley Park seawall. The flat, paved path is 10 kms (6.2 miles) in length and circles the entire park. It offers spectacular views of the North Shore Mountains and Lions Gate Bridge. Peddle beneath the giant trees, ride past the rose garden and the Vancouver Rowing Club.

There are many places to stop and enjoy the scenery or to picnic on the beachside. Spokes Bicycle Rental are conveniently located at the parks entrance. They offer guided tours, complimentary helmets, locks and maps and a selection of the newest bikes. Their Stanley Park Seawall tour departs daily at 9.00am. It takes about one hour and half hours and covers the 10 kms circuit. From May 15 daily until 15 September. Rentals start from $5.66 an hour. $16.99 half day. Vancouverbikerental.com

A walk in the treetops at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver – British Columbia

Treetops Adventure at Capilano Suspension Bridge is a series of seven elevated suspension bridges strung between platforms on Douglas fir trees. The platforms are 30m (100 feet) above the forest floor. Access is across the Capilano Canyon on the swaying planks of the Capilano Suspension Bridge which is suspended 135m (450 feet) across and 70m (230) above Capilano River. The whole experience is both exciting and interesting.

The Park comprises pleasant gardens and a First Nations' Cultural Center, the Kia'palano, where First Nations artisans chisel legends into cedar, and traditional weaving and beadwork is demonstrated through the day. The Trading Post has clothing and souvenir items.

Of note is the original First Nations art and women's clothing lines exclusive to Capilano. Cafes, kiosks and a full service Bridge House Restaurant are on site. Capilano is located 10 minutes from downtown Vancouver through Stanley Park over Lions Gate Bridge. Capbridge.com