Things To Do In Canada — Fort Steele, BC

You know that ‘someday’ list we all seem to make? The one that just keeps getting longer? Yeah, that’s the one…underneath your coffee cup. Well, I’ve got one too, and I plan on knocking off a few items this summer.

One of the items on my list, aside from stopping in at the Royall Tyrel Museum in Drumheller, is a stop at wonderful Fort Steele, a restored and reconstructed pioneer town situated at the foot of the Great Canadian Rocky Mountains. Not far from Cranbrook, this delightful little town began as a small collection of homes and was driven by gold rush and mineral discoveries until it died out in the early 1900s. One step on the dusty street and you’ll easily lose 150 years or so.

The cars disappear. There’s no loud music, and all signs of modern life seem to melt away. I haven’t been there since I was a young kid, but even then you could feel the stress dissipate. It seemed almost pushed out by a simpler life that somehow envelops you like a favourite childhood blanket.

Fort Steele — Things To Do For Travelers Of All Ages

As you would expect, there are a ton of things to do and see in and around Fort Steele. Follow the plank sidewalks and you’ll be able to visit each of the local ‘stores’ set up along the way. There’s a restaurant type building, post office, and more.

Get homemade clothing at the dressmakers, leather items from the harnessmakers, and metal souvenirs from the smithy’s. You can even have your picture taken in historic clothing. One of my personal favourites, however, was the store that would allow you to purchase custom-made ‘Wanted’ posters with the names of loved ones. There’s interactive displays, and of course, the Wild Horse Theatre, which offers all sorts of fun and informative historic programs and tours.

Delicious Meals and Treats Made At Fort Steele

Whether you’d like a big meal or just something to snack on, Fort Steele BC has plenty for you to taste test and try. Stop in at the bakery or ice cream shop for a treat, or head to the lunch counter or restaurant and take a load off while you down some vittles. The food is different from anything you’ll get anywhere else.

Fort Steele’s Famous Steam Engine and More

If you’d like to see more of the area, there are stagecoach and wagon rides. Perhaps one of the most interesting modes of transportation, however, is the steam engine rides. There’s no better way to see the beautiful scenery and enjoy the crisp, fresh air. The train winds its way past the stunning Kootenay River and through an area no one would see otherwise. Best of all, they run every hour, so it’s easy to fit into your tour.

At the time of publication, prices were extremely reasonable with rides and admission costing as little as $5 each. You can also get package deals at around $25 per adult that gets you into everything, including a train ride!

Fair warning though: Dress for the weather. The townsite is massive and the best stuff is outdoors. With over 60 buildings and 12 acres to cover, you’re going to want to make sure you’re dressed for the weather and bring anything you might need like rain slickers and boots or a hat and sunblock. You’ll also want to make sure you have a good day’s worth of time because, once you get there, you won’t want to leave until you’ve seen and done everything. (That’s why tickets are good for two consecutive days!)

For more information, visit Fort Steele’s online home, or Tourism British Columbia.

Blackpool Illuminations 2009: Fun for all the Family

One of the UK theme parks I’ve really fell in love with is Pleasure Beach (in case you couldn’t tell hehe). So, I did a bit more exploring, and here’s what I’ve found so far…

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If you’re looking to view a dazzling light show this year, Blackpool Illuminations 2009 will tantalize, amaze and delight your whole family. This time-honored tradition attracts visitors to the area in their droves, and the Illuminations remain one of Blackpool’s most popular tourist hotspots. Surrounded by luxurious casinos, the Pleasure Beach family theme park, and spacious beaches, the Illuminations thrill tourists year after year with their innovative designs, spectacular visual illusions, and amazing colors.

Here is a whistle-stop tour of Blackpool’s world-renowned Illuminations. From its historic conception to this year’s show, families from all over the world have been left gasping in wonder as they travel the colorful miles together.

The History of Blackpool Illuminations

Interestingly, the first Illuminations were never designed to be a light show. In fact, in 1879, Blackpool’s Council began experimenting with electric lighting with a view to replacing the traditional gas streetlights. Around 100,000 people gathered on Blackpool’s streets for the eagerly anticipated “turning on” show. It wasn’t until much later that the Illuminations became the modern sensation that it is today. In 1912, Princess Louise opened a new section of boardwalk. No party would be complete without Illuminations, so this was when 126 years of Blackpool light show history all began!

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Blackpool Illuminations 2009

Famous comedian Alan Carr flipped the switch for this year’s show on September 4^th 2009. He unleashed six miles of stunningly bright bulbs between Squires Gate and Red Bank Road. The pre-show party was free and featured class acts like Madness, Pixie Lott and Tony Christie. Blackpool Illuminations are a seasonal attraction and will be taken down for maintenance on November 8^th 2009. If the weather is a little too brisk to stroll the entire six miles with the family, the decorative trams and buses offer fun viewing alternatives.

Surrounding Attractions

What better way to end an evening of wonder than to ride the Pepsi Max Big One, located at Pleasure Beach theme park?  The park is open late on many evenings to accommodate tourists, and features some serious miles of rollercoaster! Be warned, however, as these scintillating coasters are not for the faint of heart! If coasters don’t tickle your fancy, why not try your hand at the casino games? Nothing can top the thrill of Blackpool Illuminations 2009 like the sound of the jackpot siren! Budget-friendly daytime activities include exploring the expansive coastline, ballroom dancing in Blackpool Tower, and sampling some thirst-quenching English beer!

Top UK Theme Parks: Let’s Explore!

I’ve received numerous questions about the UK theme parks I’d mentioned previously. And, since I’ve recently made the decision to move to the UK, I thought it would be fun to explore them a little more. I can hardly wait to try them myself! So, without further ado…

If you’re looking for a new sensation-packed stomping ground, the top family theme parks in the United Kingdom will not fail to delight. Whether you’re into thrilling rollercoasters or prefer to sample the nation’s premier haunted houses, the UK’s best parks have something to offer everyone.

Here is a list of the UK’s theme park leaders:

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Pleasure Beach, Blackpool

Since 1896, Pleasure Beach Blackpool  theme park has enticed millions of visitors each year. Highlights of this family theme park include over 125 attractions, the unique Wild Mouse wooden rollercoaster, the family-friendly River Caves, the Valhalla, and of course, the Pepsi Max Big One. The Big One encompasses a 235ft drop, as well as endless twists! As one of Europe’s tallest coasters, the Big One is one of the major draws for theme park aficionados from all over the world.

Alton Towers, Staffordshire

Alton Towers is an easily accessible, beautifully landscaped, family theme park. For adrenalin-junkies, Nemesis and Oblivion are the main attractions, but children of all ages will be certain to enjoy Cloud Cuckoo Land, the sensational Sharkbait Reef, and the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ride. If you intend to visit over the summer, pack your swimsuit to enjoy the Log Flume water ride!

Drayton Manor Park and Zoo, West Midlands

Drayton Manor offers the best of both worlds: an exciting zoo and a lively theme park. Get your thrills on when you ride Stormforce 10, Apocalypse, and the legendary G-Force, and then enjoy a relaxed amble around Thomas Land. The Curse of Skull Rock is a unique cinematic 4D experience new for 2009, and of course, everyone enjoys getting away from the crowds for a while to view the zoo animals.

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Thorpe Park, Surrey

Thorpe Park is home to some seriously intense coaster experiences, including Europe’s fastest rollercoaster, Stealth, and the scream-producing Nemesis Inferno. SAW is the new horror experience for 2009, and Tidal Wave, Rush, and Slammer are also among the top draws for this terrific theme park. If you’re determined to lose your stomach, try the Colossus and loop the loop ten times in one ride!

Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey

Located just outside the capital, Chessington is often described as the ultimate family theme park. Almost all of the rides are suitable for children under the age of twelve, and there are some super attractions for teens and adults too. Major pulls include the Sea Life Center, the Zoo, Bubbleworks, Rameses Revenge and the legendary Tomb Blaster. Enjoy the variety of attractions here, and take the whole family along for the ride!

US, UK & Canada — How Hard Is the Recession Really Hitting Us?

Because I work for clients throughout the globe, I’m often asked if the recession has hit us hard here in Canada. I’d like to say yes, but as an outsider watching the US economy and the world as a whole, I’m really not so sure. It has certainly affected us, I don’t think anyone is exempt from it entirely, but I certainly don’t think it has crippled us the way it has so many others.

US and the Recession

The US as a whole seems to have been hit really hard. People are going homeless by the droves, homes are sitting empty, and don’t even get me started on the banks and auto industry. Entire states are going broke and there seems to be no end to the fallout. It’s no surprise that low-income families are feeling the brunt of things and children are experiencing a higher level of stress.

Not everything seems to be going horribly wrong there, however. Some industries seem to be doing quite well. Some people who were fortunate enough to play their cards right also seem to be profiting quite nicely.

UK, Ireland, Europe, and the Rough Economic Waters

Across the big pond, you don’t seem to notice the people dumping their Irish credit cards too quickly or going sour on their mortgages. Their systems have undoubtedly tightened up, but it doesn’t seem to be too serious, or at least not to the point that people becoming homeless like they are in the US. Everyone there seems to be making it through relatively unscathed with a few adjustments in the way they’re doing things.

People seem to travel just as much including the Irish, reward credit cards in hand, having a good time. Of course, many are staying a little closer to home, or going less frequently, but overall, it seems unaffected. Shopping seems alive and well, the housing market has slowed down a bit, but all in all, pretty good.

Canada and the Current Economy

Canada has survived in about the same manner as Europe and the UK. We’ve seen a bit of a slump, but not like the US. Yes, some people here have lost their jobs and their homes, but Saskatchewan has also created a record number of jobs to give it the lowest unemployment rate in the country. In my own copywriting business, I’ve experienced exponential growth because everyone seems to be moving to the Internet either for improved marketing or just to start a business and a new income stream.

Our retail industry is slow, but not as bad as you’d think. Everyone seems to be finding a way to make ends meet. People are changing their spending habits, and considering how out of control this seemed to be, it’s certainly for the better. Those who don’t, well, they’ll figure it out eventually.

I’ve seen entire towns continue to spend until the money dried up then attempt to defend themselves when taxpayers started getting angry. Germany has also seemed to discover what happens when you gamble a little too much.

The way I see it, we’ll all learn and rise from the ashes. Some just take a little longer than others.