Weekly Goose 120

Good morning!

Did you know? The Canadian Pacific Railway was built more than 135 years ago and stretches 5,000 kilometres across Canada. The most challenging route is through the Rockies – where inclement weather, changing seasons, and mechanical defects can cause significant delays.

Speaking of trains, we recently published a video about our first-ever Via Rail train experience that we enjoyed this past March. We embarked on one of their “adventure routes”, travelling from Prince Rupert to Jasper. Late March isn’t really the best time for it, but nonetheless, there was some stunning scenery. We’ve added the video below for you to enjoy, as well as a video about the Rocky Mountaineer, a luxury train experience that takes you between Alberta and Vancouver.

So without further ado, enjoy the 120th edition of the Weekly Goose, which features videos about train rides in Canada, the best tours in Montreal and Niagara Falls, the best ice cream in Calgary, and more!

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Travel news in Canada.

• After cancelling hundreds of flights, WestJet and the union representing its pilots struck a last-minute deal to avert a strike. Although this doesn’t help the people who lost their flight already, it does end what would have been a nightmare for Canadian travellers this summer. On the other hand, this deal has set a precedent for upcoming negotiations with Air Canada and its pilots this summer.
  

• There are lots of Irish roots throughout Canada but none can compare to those found in Newfoundland. In fact, according to new research, some communities in Newfoundland are the “most Irish” you can find outside of Ireland. This is no secret to those who have explored “The Rock”.
  

• The oddly-popular bid to own the Ottawa Senators is heating up. Unfortunately, Ryan Reynolds is no longer in the running, but many other Canadians are throwing their hat in the ring, including former Olympian Donovan Bailey, many investors from Dragon’s Den (Robert Herjavec, Arlene Dickinson, Wes Hall, and Manjit and Ravinder Minhas), and even comedian Russel Peters.
  

• While we certainly doubt all the best bars are concentrated in a few select big cities, this list of North America’s 50 Best Bars for 2023 is a great resource for those that love cocktails. For Canadians, there are 6 bars that made the cut, including four in Toronto, one in Montreal, and one in Vancouver. There’s also one in Tijuana if you’re feeling adventurous.
  

• Hate going through security at the airport? We have good news! The federal government will gradually launch a verified traveller program this summer at six major Canadian airports in a bid to reduce delays amid another busy travel season. Verified travellers will be able to pass through security faster at major Canadian airports and even keep shoes, belts, and jackets on as they go through checkpoints.
  

• Imagine winning $1,000,000 on Canada’s Got Talent, which happens to be the biggest cash prize in Canadian TV history, and still not being able to afford a detached house in Toronto or Vancouver. Ouch.

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