Explore Canada with New Leaf Travel
With this being Canada's 150th, I've been thinking a lot about how there is so much of Canada I've yet to visit and explore. This year, James and I are making it a goal of ours to get out and explore our own backyard. For myself, there's so much of Canada that I haven't seen and to be honest, I feel like I've taken this beautiful country for granted having lived here my whole life. James on the other hand, moved to Canada from England and he has so much to see.
Our first trip this year within Canada was to Abbotsford. What started as a trip out for the sole purpose of visiting the tulip festival turned into a trip that made James and I fall in love with Abbotsford and the surrounding Harrison Hot Springs (more to come on that soon).
One of the major differences that James has had to deal with since moving from England is getting around the idea that Canada is so much larger in terms of it's physical size than England. In England you can drive from one side of the country to the other in a few hours whereas here, our cities and provinces are spread out much further. So, day trips or a quick drive to the mountains is one thing but sometimes getting a bit further becomes more of an issue if you're thinking of driving. Enter New Leaf Travel.
Our trip to Abbotsford was the first time James and I have flown with New Leaf but it won't be the last. Offering discounted flights, New Leaf travels to smaller airports that are less expensive and therefore, can pass along the reduced costs in the form of lower airfare. The quick flight to Abbotsford was a much simpler way to travel and saved us a 12+ hour drive from Edmonton. It was so nice to hop on a short flight and spend less of our time in the car travelling and more of our time exploring! New Leaf offers affordable airfare but allows you to customize your flight. Want snacks on board and priority boarding? No problem. New Leaf keeps its flight costs down by allowing you to customize your trip as much or as little as possible. And to keep fares low, they only operate through their own site (so you won't find them on other travel websites).
Once we got back James and I immediately got to planning where else we'd like to visit and today, I thought I'd share a few of the spots that caught our eye. Where's on your travel list in Canada? Have you been to any of these destinations that you think we should visit? Let me know, I always love to get suggestions and recommendations!
Halifax, Nova Scotia
I visited Halifax 10 years ago on a cruise with my family but the day we were set to explore Halifax, I was suffering from a kidney infection (which I didn't know of until we got home - not fun). So needless to say, I don't remember much of that day. Both James and I really want to visit the East coast and explore the beautiful city and picturesque coast. My trip long ago was far too short and James has never been! I think we'll be looking at booking a flight to Halifax next year hopefully! I'd love to spend a week or two along the East coast.
Toronto, ONTARIO
James and I have both spent a little time in Toronto but it's usually been for work purposes. I was born in Toronto but moved to Edmonton as a young baby and it was years before I went back. I'd love to fly into Hamilton and spend a few days exploring the greater Toronto area before heading into the city and visiting the trendy shops and cafes and other delights that I had just a quick glimpse of last year when I went to Blogpodium.
Vancouver, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Despite living in Canada for my entire life, James has spent more time in Vancouver than I have! haha I visited Vancouver for the first time two years ago for Blogpodium and that's the only time I've ever been! When James and I flew into Abbotsford, we talked about how we'd love to come back and fly into Abbotsford again, spend a day or two visiting some of our favourite places and then drive to Vancouver for a few days of exploring Van city.
Where in Canada would you like to go? Also, New Leaf is hosting a few contests right now including giving away a trip per day for 150 days but the deadline is coming soon so make sure to head over here to enter!
I want to say a HUGE thank you to New Leaf Travel for sending James and I on this trip to Abbotsford. Our flight was fantastic, and we had an amazing trip.
*Our flights to Abbotsford were compensated by New Leaf Travel. As always, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog! Without them I wouldn't be able to do what I love.
