Well 2011 is over and it was a pretty good year. I wanted to share some pictures that I might not have shared or that you might have missed in the past year.
January
Snowshoeing in Charlevoix
The Charlevoix region is one of the most beautiful places in Quebec where the Saint Lawrence River meets the mountains. The Sentier des caps offers many tracks both in Saint-Tite-des-Caps and on the top of the Massif de la Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in which you’ll be able to wander in this winter wonderland.
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Winter in Toronto
Yep, sometimes there is snow in Toronto.
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February
Ottawa’s ByWard Market
The ByWard Market district and its well known farmers’ market established in 1826 is packed with fresh and mouth-watering food.
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March
Viva Las Vegas
You know what they say: What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Nevertheless I guess I could still show you some photos of Sin City’s flashy scene.
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Grand Canyon
Vegas is great but overwhelming. It’s good to go beyond The Strip, its neon signs and nonstop excitement for some natural wonder.
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Route 66: The Mother Road
I’ve always been fascinated by the Route 66 so when I was in Las Vegas I had the chance to drive on a small portion of it. But this was just a tease as this year I’ll be making the journey from Chicago to Los Angeles on the most famous road in the world. I better get that roadtrip music ready.
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April
The Don Valley Brick Works
The former industrial site is being restored by Evergreen, a Canadian non-profit organization. It plans to develop the abandoned buildings into a cultural centre with a focus on the environment.
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May
Cherry Blossoms Blooming in High Park
This year, Toronto’s cherry trees were in full bloom during the second week of May. Hundreds of people (and photographers, myself included) headed to the park to see the beauty of Japan’s gift to Canada. This was a first for me.
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In the countryside
It can’t get any better than kicking the summer off in the countryside working the land, eating delicious burgers cooked on the BBQ and having a beer by the bonfire. Even visiting the little town of Champlain (where there is a Nazi symbol in the window of a building!?!) has its charms.
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June
Cuba!
I’m not a fan of vacation packages and resorts so I decided to go backpacking for a week in Castro’s island to see what isn’t included in those popular all-inclusive offers. I highly recommend staying at one of the many Casa Particular for the best experience…and food! My trip wouldn’t have been the same without Angel’s friendliness in Santa Clara and Gloria’s amazing lobster in Vinales. Start at the Cuba Junky website to find a place to stay. I would recommend Chez Nous with a great patio in Old Havana, Hostal Florida Center with its beautiful outdoor dinning room and Casa Gloria for Gloria’s delicious and (too)generous food portions.
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July
July 1st at Mont Tremblant
Who says us, Québécois, don’t celebrate Canada Day? Ok July 1st is usually the moving day for thousands of people in La Belle Province but if it means party they’ll be there for sure. I was more than happy to eat in a “stand à patates”, Oh how I’ve missed it!
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August
Camping in Killarney Provincial Park
This year I got back to camping after years of hiatus and the backcountry camping in the Canadian nature was just perfect. Let’s just say that I’ve missed that too.
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September
Niagara Wine Route
There is more to the Niagara region than the Falls. The microclimate caused by the Niagara Escarpment has allowed the production of world-renowned wines and its 28 wineries welcome you along the route. Drive safely! There’s also more than the wine so make sure to taste some fresh fruits especially what I believe are the most delicious peaches there are. If fruits aren’t your thing, you’ll find fries too. ;0)
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October
Algonquin’s Fall Foliage
Algonquin Provincial Park is probably one the best places to admire the beauty our autumn brings to Canada’s forests.
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November
Pittsburgh “The Steel City”
Did you know there are 446 bridges in Pittsburgh? That’s 3 more than Venice. Did you know that people of Pittsburgh LOVES their sports teams? I bet you did. I think it’s fair to say that 1 in 3 person wears either a Steelers or Penguins jersey. But this isn’t a trivia game, I’m here to show you pictures:
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December
Winter’s back!
And it’s only the beginning.
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Finalement, tu as visité plein d'endroit en 2011! 😉 Belles photos!