Ice and snow look better from a cruise ship
Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder sets sail for Alaska in late May, with departures out of Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Although it’s hard to imagine booking a chilly destination when we’re barely out of winter, all that snow and ice look a lot nicer from a cruise ship than they do here in the GTA.
For a limited time, Canadian passengers can save 25 per cent on select seven-night Disney Wonder Alaska departures from May 27 to June 24, in most stateroom categories, with discounts applied to prevailing rates (quoted in U.S. dollars) on disneycruise.com.
Rates are double occupancy and do not include government taxes and fees or shore excursions, and proof of Canadian residency is required at check-in. See disneycruise.com (promo code CAN).
SWEETWATER HARVEST FESTIVAL AT THE WYE MARSH IN MIDLAND
The annual Sweetwater Harvest Festival at Midland’s Wye Marsh takes place April 6 and 7 and includes everything from pancakes and horse-drawn wagon rides to chickadee feedings and, of course, maple syrup tastings.
Activities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the cost is $5 per person (plus an extra $5 for the pancake breakfast). Kids under five are free.
Local hotels include the Best Western Plus Highland Inn and the Comfort Inn Midland. See wyemarsh.com.
BIG EASY GETAWAY
The St. James Hotel in New Orleans has joined Choice Hotels International’s Ascend Hotel Collection and, to celebrate, the property is offering special rates from $109 (U.S.) for spring and summer travel, through July 31, with some black-out dates.
The 86-room hotel is within walking distance of the French Quarter and the St. Charles streetcar line.
According to the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, more than 9 million people visited the Big Easy last year, a 10-year high.
See ascendcollection.com.
BEST BUY OF THE WEEK
A new Italy sale with Globus and Cosmos takes $250 per person off the price of more than 30 itineraries, including the eight-day ‘Leisurely Tuscany & Rome’ with Cosmos. Bookings must be made by April 9. See globusjourneys.ca or cosmosvacations.ca.
Kathryn Folliott is a Toronto-based freelance writer. Prices quoted are subject to change and availability.