Canadian Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching. It shares a name with the American version of the holiday and there are several similarities between how the two events are celebrated – but there are quite a few differences too.
Today we are going to take a look at a few of the most notable differences you’ll find between the two holidays (that will make for great conversation over your next Thanksgiving dinner). Let’s get started. The Dates Are Different The most obvious difference between the two Thanksgivings is that they are celebrated at different times of the year. Canadian Thanksgiving occurs first and falls on the second Monday in October (which is October 8th in 2018). Coincidentally this is the same day as Columbus day in the USA, but there is no connection between the two holidays. American Thanksgiving falls over a month later on the 4th Thursday of November – this year it’s on November 22nd. They Celebrate Different Events The reason the dates are so different between these two holidays is that they started off by celebrating entirely different events. There’s a little bit of a debate surrounding the origins of Canadian Thanksgiving, but historians are generally agreed on the fact that the first Thanksgiving in North America was a Canadian one. Sir Martin Frobisher (an English explorer) and the crew of his ship are often credited with being the first people to celebrate Thanksgiving in an event that happened in Newfoundland in 1578 (but there are several historians who will argue against this). The sailors were trying to find the northwest passage through to Asia, but instead, they found North America. They celebrated their arrival (and the survival of the perilous journey) and thus Thanksgiving was born. The American version of Thanksgiving in Plymouth, MA didn’t make an appearance until over 40 years later in 1621. It Has Only “Recently” Been Made Official Part of the disagreement surrounding the time and location of the first Canadian Thanksgiving is not helped along by the ever-changing date of the holiday. American Thanksgiving has always celebrated the same event (the pilgrims being thankful for a bountiful harvest) but the Canadian version has had different meanings throughout the years. These days we’re usually celebrating a bountiful harvest, but in the past, we’ve held different Thanksgiving celebrations, at different times of the year, for different reasons. Here are 3 of the most interesting ones:
In recent years Canadians have been celebrating Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October (which has been happening since 1931) and this date was made official by parliament in 1957. We Don’t Have Black Friday While Black Friday has started to become more commonplace in Canada over the years, it’s still nowhere near on the scale of how it takes place in the USA. The biggest shopping day of the year in Canada is boxing day (the day after Christmas day) when the stores are full of people trying to take advantage of the traditionally generous discounts and deals that are on offer. It’s an action-packed event where long lines of people waiting to return unwanted gifts mingle with shoppers who are competing with one another to find the best deals. Despite all this excitement, it’s a tame and calm event compared to the chaotic American black Friday scenes that regularly make the rounds on the News channels every year - but it can certainly put the famous Canadian politeness to the test.
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Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting countless business travellers from all corners of the globe. Along the way, we’ve picked up a few excellent travel tips that can make a good business trip great. Here are 5 ways you can ensure that your next business trip is the smoothest one yet.
Fly Non-StopSpending half a day waiting around in the airport for a connecting flight is a massive waste of time and energy. Flying non-stop is almost always worth any extra expense or arrangements that need to be made. Ideally, you need to arrive at your destination as fresh as possible ready to get down to business. Bonus Tip:Ensure your flight is non-stop and not just direct. Direct flights can have a stop where the plane lands, refuels, and takes on passengers without you leaving the aircraft – this is better than a layover, but it’s still less than ideal. Join Loyalty ProgramsIf you’re making several trips a year, it pays to be loyal – both in the air and on the ground. Many airlines have frequent flyer schemes that can provide you with a range of benefits including lounge access, free upgrades, and priority boarding. Not all airlines are going to fly to every destination you want to go to - so try and pick one or two major ones and stick with them whenever possible. Similarly, most hotel chains will have loyalty programs that provide you with rewards to thank you for sending your repeat business their way – and they can be extremely generous. For example:Here at Monte Carlo Inns we have our Diamond Rewardsprogram with which you can earn free upgrades, complimentary rooms, and enjoy a whole host of other gifts and benefits too. Try And Avoid Checking BagsFor longer trips and in certain situations this tip isn’t going to be applicable - but if you can avoid checking in your bags, everything about flying becomes quicker and easier. The most obvious benefit is that you don’t have to wait 30 minutes after you land to collect your baggage, but there’s much more to it than that… • You don’t run the risk of missing an important meeting or turning up in your traveling clothes because the airline has lost your bag • Getting to and from the airport is much easier as you only have to carry one bag • If you only have carry on luggage in some airports you can skip the check-in desk completely. Simply print out your boarding pass at home and head straight for security when you arrive instead Get Your Charging Routine SortedThere’s nothing worse than leaving for a long haul flight only to find that you haven’t remembered to charge your phone / laptop / headphones. Leave all your essential electronics on charge overnight before you leave and place them next to your wallet or purse so you have no chance of forgetting them. Order A Vegetarian MealOn the vast majority of flights, special meals get distributed among the passengers first – which includes vegetarian options. Even if you’re not a vegetarian, if you’re willing to skip meat for just one meal while you’re on the plane it’s possibly a good idea to order the veggie option when you’re booking your ticket - especially on night flights. By doing this, you’ll almost certainly get your food before everyone else - which means you don’t have to wait for the entire plane to be fed and for dinner service to finish before you can relax and go to sleep. Summer is here in Toronto!
We’re currently enjoying glorious days of cloud-free skies, pristine sunshine, and soaring temperatures. Torontonians love it when the sun is out, the city comes alive and the atmosphere of happiness in the air brings a smile to the faces of tourists and locals alike. But, despite how much fun we have with the sun, sometimes you just need to cool off a bit. With that in mind today we’re going to share with you 4 ways you can beat the heat in Toronto this summer. Let’s get started Eat Some Ice Cream We’re blessed in Toronto to have some of the most delicious ice cream parlors in the entire country – and nothing cools you down on a summer’s day like an ice cold cone. Wherever you are in the city you’re not going to have to walk far to find a great ice cream, most neighborhoods have their own local legendary parlor. However, if you’re looking for something extra special, try out Ed’s Real Scoop. They’ve got an almost cult-like following among some locals, and it’s an ice cream you’re never going to forget. The original parlor is the one in the Beaches, but you’ll find them in Roncesvalles, Leslieville, or Roncey too. Be sure to ask about the ice cream pie, it’s a once in a lifetime experience. Stand Up Paddle-boarding While the aim of stand up paddleboarding is to stay out of the water and paddle around on the surface – if you’ve never tried it before, you’re pretty much guaranteed to get wet. There are numerous SUP rental places around the lake and the islands that will be able to get you started. Classes are optional but will speed up the learning curve – however, most people just grab a board and give it a go on their own. Note:Remember to wear lots of sunscreen and cover up if you rent a SUP - you’re going to be in direct sunlight. Whenever you feel like cooling down, just jump in! Woodbine Beach Who needs the sea when you’ve got a lake like this? Woodbine beach has a happy, electric, and alive feel to it on a hot summer’s day when Torontonians flock to its sandy shores to escape the heat of the concrete jungle. It’s one of Toronto’s swimmable beaches, and there are lifeguards present at certain points, so it’s great to take a dip on a warm day(it’sa blue flag beach). The beach is pretty large, so you’ll be able to take a soccer ball or some tennis rackets for a spot of beach sports if that’s your thing(andthere are volleyball courts there too). Note:There can very occasionally be undercurrents in the water here, so be sure to only swim in the areas designated as safe for swimming by the lifeguards. Chill Ice House Chill Ice House is the countries largest ice bar, and it’s the coldest place you can be in Toronto on a hot summer’s day(probably).The entire place is constantly kept at-5cand you’ll be drinking out of ice glasses and sitting on ice chairs while being served top quality beers, wines, and soft drinks. When you arrive you’ll be handed a warm parker coat and a pair of woolly gloves to keep you comfortable while you’re inside(whichis quite a surreal feeling after coming in from the heat). During the day it’s a family friendly place and kids absolutely love the experience, after about 8 pm it turns into a club that’s for adults only where you can dance the night away. It has been about a month now since our 19th Annual Charity Golf Tournament and the buzz around the office and our 8 properties continues. This year Monte Carlo Inns, along with the amazing support of all the volunteers, sponsors, donors and golfers, was able to raise a whopping $45,000 in support of the Darling Home for Kids. For those of you who have not heard of the Darling Home for Kids, it is a home that provides high quality respite and palliative care services for children who are medically fragile and technology dependent, many of whom suffer from progressive illness. This has been Monte Carlo Inns charity of choice for 19 years and it will continue to be for years to come.
For more information on the Darling Home for Kids, visit their website here. To get involved next year, either by means or donation, volunteering or golfing, please email us at customerservice@montecarloinns.com. Our event sold out fast this year and we are expecting the same for 2019! For those of you who don't know, Barrie is city about one hour north of Toronto that sits on the shore of beautiful Lake Simcoe. It has been knows for its beautiful scenic views in the summer and its proximity to many ski hills in the winter. For this reason, Monte Carlo Inns loved the idea of being one of the few hotels in Barrie.
Sit along the picturesque waterfront and grab a Kawartha Lakes Ice-cream and dine at one of the many restaurants, including our very own Scarpaccio Ristorante to complete a great day outside of the bustling city of Toronto. And, if you visit between July 6 and July 23, you can take advantage of the Barrielicious food menu, which is a food festival celebrating local restaurants and chefs. Our on site restaurant, Scarpaccio Ristorante, is taking part in this culinary feature, and their feature menu can be found here. For more information about hotels in Barrie, or visiting Barrie, please visit our website or call our toll free number at 1-800-363-6400. The New York Times touts Toronto as one of the top-10 places to visit… worldwide! And it’s no surprise—with all the summer events and activities the GTA has to propose, there are few places in the world that offer more!
Plus the GTA offers world-class accommodations at reasonable prices! Hotels in or near Brampton, Mississauga, Markham, Vaughan Mills, Oakville and elsewhere in Ontario offer great deals to overnight visitors. Let’s take a look at four of the no-miss summer events and activities you should take in while in Toronto:
Contact us at Monte Carlo Inns and let us be your home-away-from-home! With great hotel deals in or near Brampton, Mississauga, Markham, Vaughan Mills, Oakville and elsewhere in Ontario, Monte Carlo Inns are there for you! Staying in a Hotel with Your Children - Tips When Staying at Hotels Near Canada’s Wonderland5/23/2018 ![]() Visiting a new city is always exciting. If you and the entire family are visiting the area for fun at Canada’s Wonderland or the best shopping at Vaughan Mills, you will need hotels in Vaughan. Staying in hotels with children, especially young children, poses a few unique issues. From deciding how many rooms you will need to the size of the room and amenities, you have your work cut out for you. Luckily, you can narrow down the list just by knowing a few basics for selecting the right hotel for a family-friendly stay. Tips for Staying in Hotels Near Vaughan Mills and Surrounding Areas From implementing a few “survival tactics” to ensuring everyone has fun, here are some must-know tips when staying in hotels with young ones:
Many so called family-friendly hotels tend to slack on amenities that keep travelling parents comfortable. At Monte Carlo Inns, we understand that families need safe accommodations, but also a comfortable place to rest after a long day visiting the attractions. Our hotel in Vaughanis close to local attractions, and we offer large suites with our signature Simmons Beautyrest mattresses so that everyone gets a great night’s rest. Contact us onlineto inquire about our family-friendly accommodations or to see what options are available at our Monte Carlo Inns - Vaughan Suites. Book online nowor call 1-866-664-9500 to make your reservation at our hotel near Canada’s Wonderland. How about venturing “off the beaten track” and enjoying a quiet and romantic picnic in one of Toronto’s many parks? You will leave charmed and relaxed and wondering why you don’t do it more often!
And with unbeatable hotel deals available in Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton, you’re never far away from any of a number of magical picnic parks and other attractions! Let’s look at four of the premier picnicking spots and their nearby park attractions in the GTA:
Contact us at Monte Carlo Inns! With eight locations in the GTA offering great hotel deals, there’s a Monte Carlo Innnear your favourite picnic park in Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton. Contact us today! There is a reason Toronto is notable amongst Canadian sports cities for having several professional teams that operate at the highest level with leagues from the United States. Season after season, Toronto sports teams have proven to be tough competitors and continued to deliver exceptional performances again this year. It has truly been an exciting season for Toronto leagues and fans alike. Read through some of the highlights from the past season and cheer on your favourite teams when you book a stay at our Mississauga hotel.
Toronto has had a long history in sports, with some of the most passionate support in the city. Take a look at what you can expect from your Toronto sports teams:
At Monte Carlo Inns, our hotels in Torontoand Mississaugacombine comfortable accommodations with easy access to the heart of Toronto - all for an affordable rate. After the excitement of the game is over, come rest and relax in one of our suites. Our hotel is so well equipped with all the comforts of home, it will leave you feeling like you witnessed the game from your own living room. We are proud to be recognized as one of the finest hotels available in the area. Contact us onlineto see what options are available at our Toronto West Suites or book online now. Call 1-800-363-6400 to make your reservation. You can also inquire about our hotel deals in Mississaugaor check availability and book now. Visiting a new city is exciting, but it can also be somewhat intimidating. Whether you are travelling to another country for vacation or hopping to another city for business, knowing how to explore the town safely is important.
Important Items to Consider When Travelling to Toronto From finding the right means of transportation to locating hotels near Pearson Airport in Toronto, here are a few insider travel tips to help you:
Stay Close to It All with Monte Carlo Inns Monte Carlo Inns offers our hotels close to Pearson Airport as well as hotels further away in Vaughan for those seeking to visit attractions like Canada’s Wonderland. You can conveniently book your accommodations online, including the airport shuttle service for transportation. Whether you are coming to the area for business or pleasure, you can find the accommodations you need with the centralized locations you seek at Monte Carlo Inns. Our rooms are spacious, and we have more than 100 suites along with numerous amenities to make your stay in Toronto memorable. Contact us online to find out more about staying at Monte Carlo Inns – Airport Suites. Book online now or call 1-800-363-6400 to make your reservation at our Toronto airport hotels. |