No matter how much fun you might be having on your international jaunt, there are times when, as Dorothy, weary of all those munchkins, witches, and Technicolor, put it: “There’s no place like home.” Which brings us to the question: where are homesick Canadians to turn when they find themselves nostalgic for moose and maple leafs? The fries might not be so bad, but let’s face it, McDonalds is for Americans. Here, thus, are ten outposts of Canadiana, scattered across the globe, where you’ll find a cure for those homesick blues.

1. Canada Lodge; Campos de Jordão; Brazil:

Only two hours from Brazil’s megalopolis of São Paulo, Campos de Jordão is the highest town in Brazil. Lodged in the lush Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range, it’s also one of the coldest places in Brazil (more…)

With summer fast approaching, it’s never too soon to think of innovative ways to beat the heat. A sure-fire solution to avoid the rays (and the ozone hole in the atmosphere) is to seek an aquatic refuge. Here are some unusual underwater escapes where you can have fun while keeping your cool.

1. Suite Fit for a Mermaid: Water nymphs seeking a romantic retreat should check into the underwater accommodations at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort. To commemorate the five-year anniversary of Ithaa, the sleek 12-seat restaurant located five meters below the surface of the Indian Ocean, has been converted into a private suite for two. Encased entirely by Plexiglass, the views are otherworldly (although apparently the noonday sun is so bright that sunglasses are essential). Included in the price are a champagne dinner (the cuisine is billed as “Maldivian fusion”) and breakfast in your seabed. (more…)