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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:

• April 21st, 1814- “For glorious victories over our enemies”
• February 6th, 1833- “Cessation of Cholera”
• November 1st, 1834 - “End of quarantine of ships at Grosse Isle”

 
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.

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.

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:

1. CN Tower. Probably the best word to describe the CN Tower is “jaw-dropping”! There’s just no way around it! As national icon and engineering wonder, the CN Tower is a must-see. First, you’re catapulted to the top in a glass-walled elevator in 58 seconds. From there you can take in the incredible vistas (up to 160 kilometres on a clear day) from one of four observation decks (one with a glass floor—yikes!). The more intrepid can stroll on the “world’s highest outdoor walk on a building.” After the adrenaline has settled, enjoy a meal in the award-winning revolving restaurant or browse through the gift shop. There are activities for kids, as well!
2. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). The ROM celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2014. It is one of North America’s premiere cultural institutions and Canada’s largest museum with six million items on display in 40 exhibition spaces. No matter what interests you, you will find it in abundance at the ROM—visual art, material culture, palaeontology, earth sciences, archaeology… it’s all at the ROM!
3. Toronto Zoo. If you’re looking for something to do with the whole family, the Toronto Zoo is the place to go! With tours, events and exhibits of all kinds, you have an embarrassment of riches to choose from. And the Toronto Zoo is home to Canada’s only giant pandas… but only until March 2018! So hurry in with the family. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the kids!
4. Distillery District. Travel back in time at one of Toronto’s hottest tourist destinations! The Distillery District is a vibrant neighbourhood full of brick-lined, car-free streets and beautifully restored Victorian industrial buildings. What’s your fancy? Live theatre? Galleries? Award-winning restaurants? You’ll find it in the Distillery District… and it’s just a short walk from downtown Toronto!

There are so many things to do 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!

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:

• Contact the Hotel Ahead of Time -When looking for hotels, call the hotel directly and ask them about their family-friendly suites and room options. They can direct you as to which size room is best for a family, so you can ensure you have enough beds and space.
• Safety First -Some hotels are better suited for business travellers than families on vacation. So, bring along a few baby-proofing must-haves to ensure your hotel room is safe for any little ones coming along.
• Loyalty Program -If you and your family come to the area often, look for a hotel that offers a loyalty program so you can earn rewards and make family vacations cheaper.
• Modern Amenities -Travelling with teens? Then you will want to ensure the hotel you choose has the teen-approved amenities. This includes high-speed internet, digital movies, and a swimming pool.
• Connected Rooms -When travelling with older children, one hotel room might not be enough. When your kids are over 13 years, you may consider a separate room for the children. Ask the hotel if they have connected rooms so that you are side-by-side and have an access door in between.
• Local Deals -Some hotels near Canada’s Wonderland offer packages to make your trip more affordable. Planning to go to Legoland Discovery Centre? You might be able to book a room, breakfast, and tickets in the same transaction.

Enjoy Family-Friendly Amenities with Parent-Pleasing Accommodations at Monte Carlo Inns
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.
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​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:

1. Scarborough Bluffs. If you enjoy sensational natural vistas and like exploring, this one’s for you! Located in the heart of the East End, Scarborough Bluffs is an urban geological wonder boasting nearly fifteen kilometres of coastline, multiple trails to explore and an escarpment that rises ninety meters above Lake Ontario. Find a quiet corner and enjoy your picnic!
2. High Park. Grab a hotel deal in Mississauga or Brampton and get on over to High Park for a picnic before going about your evening activities! With 18 designated picnic areas, recreational activities and Grenadier Pond, there’s no shortage of beautiful and relaxing places to picnic. Depending when you’re here, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in the spring or Shakespeare in High Park until Labour Day! If you come with the kids, scoot on over to the High Park Zoo. Or visit the nearby hip and up-and-coming Junction neighbourhood.
3. Trinity Bellwoods Park — another popular picnic park with plenty of attractions in the area. You can’t get much closer to central Toronto than Trinity Bellwoods Park! Its massive trees provide welcome shade, or you can take in amateur tennis, volleyball and softball. Your kids will love the wading pool! And for the ultimate refreshing experience hit one of the ice cream shops on Queen or Ossington, or grab a cool brew at a local joint. Pets are welcome in the park and don’t forget to partake in one of the “Picnic in the Park” take-away specials from nearby eateries!
4. Port Credit Memorial Park. So… you’re enjoying your hotel deal in Mississauga or Brampton and you’re looking for a quick afternoon picnic getaway? Try Port Credit! It’s close by and features several barbecue and picnic areas. For a little post-picnic exercise, hop on the trail connector leading to the waterfront trail and enjoy the stroll and scenery.

Are you looking for hotel deals in Toronto, Mississauga or Brampton?
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:

• Maple Leafs:In the past year, 3 players in the top 10 NHL Draft were recruited to the Maple Leafs. Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander all made significant contributions to the Canadian team and their efforts led the Leafs through a successful season. For the second time since 2012-13, the Leafs clinched a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They met the Boston Bruins, a favourite to win the Stanley Cup, and gave them a run for their money. Unfortunately, the Leafs lost to the Bruins in Game 7 but their efforts signal a strong future ahead. Get ready to cheer on your favourite hockey team, as the Leafs kick off the next season in October.
• Raptors:It was an outstanding year for the Raptors. Once again, the team found themselves in the NBA playoffs. They finished the regular season as the first seed in the Eastern Conference. In 6 games, the team defeated the Washington Wizards in the First Round of the playoffs. However, their strong momentum could not carry them through the Semifinals, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 4 Game sweep. The Raptors continue to train in the offseason but significant changes to the roster remain ahead. It is almost guaranteed that a few players and their coach Dwane Casey will not be returning for the next season, with final decisions to be made later this summer.
• Blue Jays:All eyes are on the Blue Jays as one of Toronto's favourite sports teams. This year, the early season kicked off to a rocky start. The team has a big deficit to make up for in the remainder of the season, due to their less than stellar early season performance. Fortunately, the Blue Jays still have 3 outstanding starters in Marcus Stroman, Marco Estrada, and Francisco Liriano, to help their team to victory.
• TFC:Last year’s MLS Final was exactly the outcome TFC fans were hoping for when they won the championship vs. the Seattle Sounders. This year has started off a bit rocky but we have all the hope for our reigning champs!

Stay Close to All the Action at Our Hotels in Mississauga, Ontario
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:

• Only Hail Marked Cabs -Never hire a private cab or one that does not use a meter or carry a marking on the side. While most taxis found at airports will be reputable companies, it is important that you still ensure you use a trustworthy company.
• Explore Public Transit -To save on costs, use public transportation as much as you can. If you are staying in the downtown area, you will usually have numerous options, such as the bus, streetcars and subway trains, to help you get around.
• Read a Travel Guide -If you are going to a new city or country, look for a travel guide online that can provide you with some insight. Specifically, the attractions, etiquette, currency, and best areas to stay.
• Stay Centralized -When you are visiting an unfamiliar area of Toronto, it is best that you stay in hotels near the Pearson Airportthat are close to everything. This includes restaurants, bars, and local attractions. When you have a hotel that is conveniently nestled in the middle, most of what you need to see or do will be within walking distance.
• Utilize Shuttle Services -When booking Toronto airport hotels, check to see if your hotel offers an airport shuttle service. These are complimentary services that take you to and from the airport so that you can save on travel costs.

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.