Welcome to 10 Great

Our goal at Travelocity.ca is to Inspire Travellers and Deliver Great Experiences.

So we've developed our 10 Great series to provide you with suggestions of 10 Great places to see, 10 Great things to do, 10 Great people to see...well, you get the picture.

10 Great Reasons to Get Away

You know you need some time off but a million little excuses keep preventing you from getting away. But there are more reasons to get away than just making sure you use your vacation allotment, like health benefits and personal growth. Travelocity.ca and Dr. Mel Borins understand how important it is to take your annual vacation. So here are 10 Great reasons to get away:

• You Will Live Longer - Research shows both homemakers and employed women who took fewer vacations had a significant increase of heart attacks. Homemakers who had a vacation once every six years or less had almost twice the risk of developing a heart attack as homemakers who took vacations two or more times per year. Another study compared men who never took vacations to men going on annual vacations. Men who never take vacations were 79% less likely to die over the next nine years and 68% less likely to die of coronary heart disease.
  
  
• Set Some Life Goals - Being away on a holiday is an excellent time to collect your thoughts and take a fresh look at your life. The idea of setting goals will help you work towards the positive changes you want to make. Setting goals make you feel like a winner.
  
  
• Increased Life Satisfaction - Even though you have a stack of bills, email and phone messages after you get back from a vacation, usually you come back with new enthusiasm and a more positive attitude. Research shows this to be true too!
  
  
• The World is Our Classroom - Every travel experience can be used to teach our children about the world and about themselves. A really great way to learn about geography is to travel to different places and see the area in person. Your children will experience life moments they could never experience in school.
  
  
• Reconnect as a Family - Often we are so busy that we see our children only at mealtime or bedtime and lose touch with what they are thinking and feeling on a daily basis. There is no better way to connect with your spouse and children than spending full days with them. Family members usually feel much closer to each other after a holiday.
  
  
• Stimulate Your Brain Cells - Research found that there was a direct correlation between more stressful life events and a decline in intellectual functioning. However there was a positive relationship between vacations and intellectual functioning. Often when travelling to new places you are more stimulated and challenged so you can do crossword puzzles and Sudokus to your heart's content when you are away.
  
  
• Short Breaks Can Help With Stress - Getting away helps us distance ourselves from the stressful parts of our lives. If your job has been too overwhelming, your relationships too demanding, or your lifestyle unhealthy, getting away can be a tremendous relief. In one study, researchers measured blood pressure, heart rate and levels of epinephrine, in participants during both days off work and days at work. They found that all these measures were reduced when participants were at home. Even brief holidays of one or two days were found to have a positive impact.
  
  
• Longer Vacations Can Decrease Burnout - Research found that feelings of burnout decrease significantly during employee vacations. Other studies show that if you go away for 10 days or more the symptoms of burnout take longer to come back once you return. It is always better to prevent burnout by taking time off before the symptoms of fatigue, irritability, discouragement and gloom take over.
  
  
• Examine Your State of Health - Being away is an ideal time for a health check. You have more uncluttered, uninterrupted free time to identify problem areas before you return to the hectic pace of home. If there are important decisions to make such as changing jobs, going back to school or ending a relationship, getting away can help put things in perspective.
  
  
• Refocus Your Self-Image - Many of us strongly identify with self-labels, which have become an integral and central part of our personalities. But our jobs, nationality, and religious beliefs can overwhelm who we are. When you strip yourself of all social labels you get back to the essence of you.
  
  

10 Great Travel Safety Tips from Travelocity.ca

Travelocity.ca knows how important travel is for stress relief, relaxation and fun. With the excitement of a new place, culture and chance for adventure, it's easy to lose our inhibitions and forget about our own safety. Travelocity.ca has put together 10 Great helpful tips to help Canadians stay safe while still enjoying all of the wonders a new destination has to offer.

Safety first:

• If you can't bear to lose it, leave it at home – Expensive jewellery and watches don't only catch the eye of fellow travellers, but thieves as well. If you have jewellery, watches, or anything else of value that you couldn't bear to lose, then it's best to leave it locked up safely at home. And NEVER pack anything of value in your checked bags.
  
  
• Avoid pick-pockets - Keep all bags zipped and money out of sight. Never put bills in your back pockets. In crowds, take extra precaution and move daypacks and purses to the front of your body.
  
  
• Avoid nocturnal exploring - Avoid short cuts like alleys or poorly lit streets. Sticking to more populated areas is always a wise decision.
  
  
• Learn your ABCs - Learn key phrases in the local language or have them written down. This will make all the difference when exploring your destination and communicating with taxi drivers and locals.
  
  
• Find your way home - Take a business card from the hotel to ensure you have the right address and phone number when returning.
  
  
• Register with Foreign Affairs – Better safe than sorry. Registering your travel plans with Foreign Affairs & International Trade before travelling helps keep you connected to Canada in case of an emergency abroad, such as an earthquake or civil unrest, or can keep you informed about an emergency at home.
  
  
• Be Food/Water Safe - Say no to tap water and stay away from iced drinks. A beverage that may not be as cold as you'd like, may be a small price to pay. versus the effects of drinking unsafe water. And when eating, wash all fruit and vegetables in bottled water. Hotels don't always wash produce with filtered water. If a sensitive stomach is your concern, washing your produce with bottled water, and maybe even a bit of hand soap, is a wise precaution to take.
  
  
• Money carriers – Don't let their goofy look discourage you, money belts are a handy thing to have on day trips. They allow piece of mind and free hands to take in everything your destination has to offer. But always keep money belts hidden under your clothing if possible.
  
  
• Small amounts of cash – Take small amounts of cash out at a time and keep a reserve in your hotel room safe. On outings, keep a limited amount on your person. In the event of a mugging or robbery, the loss will not be as severe.
  
  
• Limited cap on credit and debit cards – Apply a small maximum charge/withdrawal allowance on your credit and debit cards. In the event your cards are lost or stolen, your bank account is spared. At the same time, ensure you get credit where credit is due – Banks have very sophisticated loss prevention programs in place and will lock accounts if they suspect fraudulent activity. Notify your bank and credit card provider of your travel plans to ensure uninterrupted access to your bank account and credit cards.

10 Great St. Patrick's Day celebration destinations

The greenest time of the year is just around the corner. St. Patrick's Day is synonymous with celebrating all things Irish, making it one of the most spirited and celebrated holidays of the year. And while we'd all love to visit the "emerald isle" itself to partake in the festivities, don't worry, St. Patrick's Day celebrations span the globe, and can be just as "sham-rocking."

We've gathered 10 great St. Patty's Day getaway destinations - truly channelling the spirit and diversity of Irish pride.

Dublin, Ireland: Who among us hasn't wanted to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the land where it all started? Ireland is a land of contrasts, from pure, unspoiled landscapes and dramatic coastlines, to the urban buzz of the country's dynamic cities like Dublin. Contrary to popular belief, you're not likely to find any green beer in Dublin, but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying a pint (or more). Sláinte!

Boston, United States: Home to one of the largest Irish communities in North America, there is no shortage of love for the Irish in Boston. Take part in the south Boston parade, cultural festivals, road-races, and multiple pubs - all while declaring your green pride.

Niagara Falls, Canada: Tourism Ireland has announced that the Falls will be one of several world-famous landmarks to turn green this year. For the first time ever, both the Canadian and U.S. Falls will be illuminated in green, which promises to be a beautiful sight. With endless attractions, restaurants, and hotels, Niagara Falls is a great spot to "go green."

Mew York City, United States: At this time of the year, the big apple becomes the big GREEN apple. New York celebrates the holiday by blanketing the city in a sea of emerald hues. If the green beer, bagels, water fountains and even a green Empire State building don't get you in the spirit, the parade, pubs and people will.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Argentina is home to the world's fifth largest Irish community and the St. Patrick's Day celebrations confirm it. In Buenos Aires, the weather is quite warm in March so people often take to the streets to celebrate Irish pride. They don't celebrate with a parade, but rather an all night party on downtown's Reconquista Street, where there are several Irish pubs.

Montreal, Canada: Although typically associated with the French, Montreal's Irish history stretches back to 1759 and the deep-rooted spirit can be felt throughout the city. In fact, approx. 5.5 per cent of Quebeckers identified themselves as Irish. So, wear your green and hit the streets for one of the oldest St. Patty's Day parades!

San Francisco, United States: With streets like O'Shaughnessy and O'Farrell, you know a city like San Francisco has a rich Irish heritage. Loaded with activities such as the United Irish Societies' annual parade, cultural festivals, live music and children's events, San Francisco is the perfect destination for families looking to experience Irish pride.

Sydney, Australia: The luck of the Irish pulsates through Sydney. The St. Patrick's Day Parade and Family Day is the largest Irish event in the Southern Hemisphere with over 30,000 Irish and Australian Irish families attending.

Toronto, Canada: Toronto is a multi-cultural hub and with almost two million Ontario residents claiming Irish heritage, a large Irish community is sure to be present in Ontario's largest city. The CN tower will be illuminated in green and shine like a beacon for Irish pride on the Toronto skyline. Check out the parade during the day, hit an authentic Irish pub at night, or just join the masses and wear your greenest attire.

Chicago, United States: For over 40 years, the Chicago River has been turned an incredible shade of Irish green and over 100,000 people turn out to watch the river's transformation before the annual parade whips the city into a flurry of green pride. People dressed in green and wearing funky hats and shamrock-shaped eyeglasses flood the streets and take over every Irish pub in sight. The celebrations continue long into the night, or until the green beer stops flowing.

10 Great Spooky Halloween Destinations

Counting down the days to Halloween? Travelocity.ca has scoured the world looking for places to scare travellers out of their sneakers. After countless hair raising scares and scenes that will make horror movies look like romantic comedies, we've come up with 10 Great Spooky Places, both near and far:

Disneyland Haunted Mansion: Anaheim, California: With the added autumn chill in the air, Disneyland's Haunted Mansion is a fright to behold for families looking for a Halloween scare.

Chase Mausoleum: Christ Church, Barbados: Cryptic legend surrounds the Chase Mausoleum in Christ Church Graveyard in Barbados. According to West Indian folklore, coffins of Chase family members buried in the early 1800s move around in the locked vault, sometimes lining up vertically along the walls, without the seal on the vault having been broken.

New Orleans, Louisiana: Known as “The Most Haunted City in America,” New Orleans is filled with tricks and treats for all ages. Wander through the “cities of the dead” and witness the eerie beauty of the above-ground tombs alongside rusty and decorative ironwork, statues and crosses.

Day of the Dead, Mexico: Mexicans have a truly soul searching tradition dating back to the indigenous culture. On the first and second day of November they celebrate a national holiday – the Day of the Dead – conducting rituals remembering and rejoicing the life and death of their ancestors. Families create cemetery alters with memorabilia, photos, food and drink to entice the spirits of the lost souls to surface for reconnection.

The Stanley Park Hallowe'en Ghost Train: Vancouver, British Columbia: Take a ride on the scary side for a family evening filled with fear and fun. As the cold darkness descends on Stanley Park, the Hallowe'en Ghost Train embarks on an illuminated journey through the deep, dark woods.

Jack the Ripper Tour: London, England: For a spine tingling journey, walk through the shadows of London's infamous terror—Jack the Ripper. Follow the bloodstained trail left by Jack the Ripper across the cobblestone courtyards and discrete passageways of London's East End.

Edinburgh Castle: Edinburgh, Scotland: Edinburgh Castle is reputed to be one of the most haunted spots in Scotland, and Edinburgh itself has been called the most haunted city in all of Europe. Venture beneath Edinburgh's Old Town and creep through the underground vaults and chambers of South Bridge.

Bachelor's Grove Cemetery: Chicago, Illinois: Rumoured to be one of the prohibition-era gangsters' favourite places to dump bodies, Bachelor's Grove Cemetery in Chicago, is an old and decaying burial ground that has been the site of countless stories about ghosts, spirits, and devil worship. Several headstones in the cemetery seem to move at will, and many claim that the spirits of the dead often materialize and walk the grounds at night.

Charleville Castle: County Offaly, Ireland: Filled with myth and mystery, legend has it the original design of Charleville Castle was meant to harness the energy of the druid people but instead attracted evil spirits. Others believe Ireland's most haunted castle was erected over a plague pit and is now doomed to the ghoulish wind of the trapped and diseased. Little Harriet, the youngest daughter of the third Earl of Charleville, who built the castle, died tragically in the staircase at eight years old and has been reported singing at night.

Salem, Massachusetts: There is no shortage of spooky things to do and see in the infamous coastal town, known as the site of the Salem Witchcraft Trials of 1692. During the trials, 19 people were hung and one man was crushed to death between stones after pleading not guilty to his conviction of witchcraft – before the hysteria ended, 24 people were brought to death.

10 Great Day Trips for Families

Summer vacation is upon us and many families are planning their next great adventure. Excitement can be found close to home as our great nation boasts many amusement parks, natural wonders and exciting museums right on travellers' doorsteps.

Travelocity.ca suggests these 10 Great Canadian family trips that will help make 2011 the most memorable summer vacation.

Algonquin Park, Ontario
With campsites in 12 organized campgrounds, 14 different hiking trails, and almost 8,000 sq km of semi wilderness, Algonquin Park is a must-visit destination for adventurous Canadian families who love to bike, hike or just enjoy the great outdoors.

Niagara Falls, Ontario
Children will be amazed by the mist of the most powerful waterfall in North America. With one of the best views of the falls, the legendary Maid of the Mist offers affordable daily tours.

Fort Edmonton Park, Edmonton, Alberta
A museum trip is a great activity to keep kids thinking over the long summer months. Ignite imagination and interest in the past with a visit to Canada's largest living history museum at Fort Edmonton Park.

Churchill, Manitoba
The "Polar Bear Capital of the World" is more than a winter wonderland – Churchill offers summer snorkelling and kayaking alongside thousands of beluga whales in Hudson Bay.

Victoria Bug Zoo, Victoria, British Columbia
The Victoria Bug Zoo offers an excellent opportunity to view and experience multi-legged creatures from around the world, like giant walking sticks, hairy tarantulas, and glow-in-the-dark scorpions - even Canada's largest ant farm.

Valcartier Vacation Village, Valcartier, Québec
Only 20 minutes from Quebec City, with over a dozen water-themed rides, including the six-lane Turbo 6, and the Pirates' Hideout, Valcartier Vacation Village is the perfect hot summer day out for a family with eager kids.

Bay of Fundy, Hopewell, New Brunswick
Hopewell Rocks is a natural wonder with 100-billion tonnes of salt-water, which slowly fills the Bay of Fundy creating the highest tides on the planet. When the tide is low, kids can play around the four-storey flower-pot shaped rocks gouged out of the cliffs. Vote to make the Bay of Fundy one of the New7Wonders of Nature at VoteMyFundy.com.

Grouse Grind, Vancouver, British Columbia
For active, young families seeking a challenge consider the Grouse Grind also known as Mother Nature's Stairmaster – a gruelling 90-minute climb up the mountain. After a long climb, the Skyride aerial tramway brings sleepy kids back to the base.

Dinosaurs and the Royal Tyrrell Museum , Drumheller, Alberta
The dinosaur capital of the world is home to the best badlands scenery in Canada, the richest deposits of fossils and dinosaur bones in North America, and the world-famous Royal Tyrrell Museum.

Metro Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Ontario
Discover the wild, ferocious and seemingly cuddly animals beyond Canada's backyard. From the 10-acre Tundra Trek with Polar bears to the Gorilla Rainforest, Splash Island, Waterside Theatre and rare African Penguins, the Metro Toronto Zoo is a full day of fun for the whole family.

10 Great for travelling with kids:

Travelling with your kids for the first time can be challenging. Packing proper equipment, dealing with jet-lag, and keeping your kids both occupied and fed is all a part of a well-travelled journey.

To limit hassle and keep your youngsters happy, be prepared with these 10 great travel tips from Travelocity.ca.

Get prepared – think about what equipment you may need
From strollers to diapers, consider what you should bring and what you can purchase or rent at your destination. If you're staying at a kid-friendly resort, inquire about on-site strollers, and most car rental firms rent car seats if you're renting a car.

Consider flight times
A 6 a.m. flight may not be suitable for younger children. Consider booking non-stop flights, rather than changing planes with your kids and carry-on in tow.

Speed-up airport check-in
Whiz through airport check-in by gate-checking bulkier items, such as strollers, and preparing effectively for security check-in points. If you're travelling internationally, have your kids wear comfortable and easy slip-on shoes as opposed to sandals or lace up runners as they will have to remove them for security. And don't forget to take advantage of web check-in when it's available.

When travelling think about food and hydration
The last thing you want is a cranky youngster on your hands. To avoid tantrums, pack an empty plastic drink bottle ahead of time and have the flight attendant fill it up during the flight. And keep a supply of snacks like Cheerios and fruit rollups with you, in case the kids get hungry.

Keep your kids occupied and save money
Airlines such as Air Canada and WestJet offer family movies and children's television programming. Bring or buy inexpensive headphones so you avoid paying the airline fee. Colouring books, handheld games (with headphones), and audiobooks also make for great entertainment.

Research kid-friendly activities
Before you book your hotel, call or go online to see what's available for the entire family. Most all inclusive resorts provide programs catered to kids and even daycare.

When the kids are asleep, order room service!
Just because your kids' bedtime is 8pm, doesn't mean yours has to be. Enjoy your evening by ordering room service and relaxing on your hotel balcony. If there is no escape, pack a booklight so you can read in bed.

Don't waste time or money eating out for breakfast and lunch
Try to book hotels with a kitchenette and visit a local grocery store for breakfast and lunch meals. Or find a grocery store that will deliver to your hotel. If your hotel provides free breakfast, a quick and healthy continental breakfast will save you time and money.

Plan accordingly for day trips
Before you venture to the beach or to an amusement park, pack snacks and necessary items such as sunscreen or appropriate layers of clothing. Always bring a refillable water bottle and leave any valuables behind in a hotel safe or better yet, at home.

Create a trip journal with the whole family
Once your vacation comes to an end ensure to share all the fun you had! Check out IgoUgo for an easy travel journal service.

10 Great tips to plan any vacation:

Planning a vacation, big or small, can be challenging. Whether you're travelling alone, with a loved one, or with the entire family, it's easy to fall into a vacation planning rut.

Instead of analyzing weather patterns and locating tourist attractions, Travelocity.ca recommends assessing your mood, likes, and dislikes for a different way to plan a great vacation.

To help with your vacation planning, Travelocity.ca brings you 10 Great vacation planning tips.

Think about how you feel and what you like
Thinking about your hobbies, interests, and current mood will help a great deal in your planning. If you enjoy mountain biking and are in the mood for adventure, then you may decide on a trip to the Rocky Mountains. If you enjoy night life and are in the mood to shop, then you may consider a weekend-getaway to the Big Apple, New York City.

Determine what kind of traveller you are
Ask yourself, 'What kind of traveller am I?" Are you an adventurer, ready for wild and extreme sports? Or are you a foodie with a refined pallet and only the most exotic restaurants will do? By asking these questions you will discover the perfect destination, suitable for the whole family or whomever you're travelling with.

Involve your kids
Travelling with your little ones? It's their vacation too, so why not get their input on what they'd like to do or see? If they're unable or unwilling to help, then consider their favourite movie, TV show, or sports team to see if that can be incorporated into your trip.

Travelling solo? Assess how you feel
When treating yourself to a solo-getaway, think about how you feel. Do you want to relax on the beach or hit the town to socialize? If you determine what you really want from your vacation, then you can narrow down the endless possibilities.

Couples Travelling – Set the mood
When travelling with your significant other, gauge activities according to what you'd like to do together or apart. Do you want to spend every waking moment together or do you want to enjoy a spa day while your significant other hits a round of golf? Finding the right balance will help you plan your itinerary.

Think group activities
To make travelling in a group of four or more people easy, think in terms of what you'll all enjoy doing together. Activities such as beach volleyball, skiing, taking a city tour, or enjoying the nightlife will allow you to get moving and enjoy your vacation to its fullest.

Consider your duration of stay
The length of your vacation plays a part in what you'll have time to do. If you're only going away for a long weekend, pick your top things to do and leave some free time for relaxation and exploration.

Try something new
Instead of going to a different resort at a location you've already been to, try somewhere totally new. If your last vacation was a Caribbean cruise, try touring the South of France to experience a different culture.

Don't plan everything
Avoid planning every last detail on your travel itinerary. By scheduling everything, you lose time to explore. You may meet some locals who will recommend a great restaurant or you may get invited to a party on the beach. Either way, leave some free time to relax and explore the unplanned.

Keep your cash safe
If you plan to bring cash, plan to exchange it before you go to the airport to avoid excessive exchange rates at airport kiosks. Better yet, avoid travelling with pockets full of cash and instead use an ATM to minimize the amount of cash you carry and to get the best exchange rates. For larger purchases, use credit cards and make sure you notify your bank that you'll be travelling to avoid bank fraud checks from blocking access to your credit card or bank card when you need it.

10 Great tips to packing light for all travel occasions:

A U.S. budget airline recently began charging as much as $45 per bag to store carry-on bags in overhead bins. Whether this is the start of a trend remains to be seen. To limit pre-flight hassle, pack light and be prepared with these 10 Great packing tips from Travelocity.ca.

The key to packing successfully is to plan ahead. Ask yourself the who, what, when, where, why and how as it relates to your trip. Consider the destination, activities, accommodation, and most importantly, the transportation involved in your journey. So wherever you're going, be prepared and pack light.

Know your limits
Different airlines often have different weight and size regulations for both carry-on and check-in baggage. Prior to your departure, call your airline or check the carrier's website to avoid surprises – and unexpected costs - at the check-in counter.

Pack "travel-friendly" fabrics
Light weight fabric that can withstand multiple wears is your best bet; think natural linens or synthetic fibers.

Iron out the wrinkles
Wrinkle-resistant and wash-and-wear clothes are best for travelling as they're the easiest to care for and will stand up to packing and unpacking. Choose bright colours and patterns to hide stains, just in case. Also, consider packing shirts and blouses in drycleaner bags to prevent wrinkling.

Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes
It might seem unreasonable, but two pairs of shoes is more than enough. Pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes for the day and a pair of dressier shoes for the evening. Speaking of shoes, store jewellery and loose items inside of a zip-lock bag and tuck into your shoes for protection. Or better yet, leave valuable jewellery at home.

Model your wardrobe
Want to be really sure? Try on the items you intend to pack ahead of time. If you're happy and comfortable with your wardrobe choice you're more likely to wear them when you're away. Try to mix-and-match clothing to make different outfits and lighter suitcases. When you are on the road nobody else will know you've worn the same pants twice this week.

Pack tiny toiletries
Pack tiny toiletries and avoid bulkier items such as mouth wash and soap. Call your hotel in advance to see if they provide all the basics. For carry-on, remember the 3-1-1 rule: 3 oz containers, in a 1 litre see-through bag, and 1 per passenger.

Avoid electronics
Reduce the extra bulk by leaving the hair-dryer and other unnecessary electronics at home. Unless you're travelling for business, don't bother bringing your laptop computer. Instead scope out your nearest Internet café.

Ditch the "what if" items
Packing a raincoat just because the weather predicts a 30 per cent change of rain? Forget it. Don't bring anything for those "just in case" scenarios; chances are you won't need it.

Find the right luggage
Packing light also means packing with the right luggage. If you're a business traveller, you may want to use a fold-up suit bag. Whereas, if you're travelling to Europe for two weeks, find a larger suitcase with various compartments and wheels.

Leave room for souvenirs
Last but not least, leave a little room for shopping and souvenirs. You never know what gem you may want to bring home with you.

10 Great Mouth-Watering Canadian Destinations:

Spring has truly sprung and as temperatures have risen, Canada has hit the peak of its food festival season, bringing with it the possibility of delicious Spring getaways.

Travelocity.ca has pulled together a list of ten great food-focused destinations across Canada to help both locals and travellers alike explore Canada's diverse epicurean delights.

EAT! Vancouver (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Take a bite out of Vancouver with the Eighth Annual EAT! Festival from May 28–30, featuring some of the area's top restaurants with both local and international cuisine. www.eat-vancouver.com

19th Annual Garlic Festival (Edmonton, Alberta)
Did you know garlic can be used in desserts? This festival, running April 1 to May 7, is the biggest of its kind in Canada, with proceeds supporting prostate cancer research.

Salut Wine & Food Festival (Toronto, Ontario)
Toronto's premier wine and food festival returns from May 8-15 for a full week of unique and delicious events. www.salutwinefestival.com

Taste of Spring (Regina, Saskatchewan)
From May 6-8, Regina will hold its annual celebration of fine wine and Saskatchewan-made gourmet foods.

Ottawa Veg Fest (Ottawa, Ontario)
On May 30, Ottawa will gear up for a special festival especially for vegetarians, complete with organic cupcakes and gluten-free desserts.

Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival (Banff, Alberta)
The third annual Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival returns to the mountains Rockies andat the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and Resort, on May 7-8, for a weekend celebration of food and wine. www.rockymountainwine.com

Lobsterpalooza, (Margaree Forks, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia)
Get your lemon slice ready and make sure you wear a bib for Cape Breton's Lobsterpalooza, which runs from May 15 to July 1, 2010. This event, celebrating lobster fishing season, is the perfect time to explore the Cabot Trail to experience 185 miles of seafaring traditions and seafood, ranging from hearty mussels to succulent crab…and of course, Lobster! www.lobsterpalooza.ca

Wine & Herb Tour (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario)
Niagara-on-the-lake Lake celebrates spring every weekend in May with the pairing of great wine and fresh herb-themed food. www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/wine-and-herb

Winnipeg Wine Festival (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
From April 25 – May 1, over 500 wines from 128 wineries will be showcased for public tasting. Proceeds for the ninth annual Winnipeg Wine Festival go to Special Olympics Manitoba. www.winnipegwinefestival.com