Category Archives: Railway Adventures across Canada
In three hours, our train journey travels 4,000 miles from the historic rail trails of Newfoundland into the heart of Canada and across to British Columbia. En route our videos explore historical and modern cities, rainforests, wildlife, culture and cuisine. (Photo: Matthew G. Wheeler)
While the debate rages as to whether the industrious Beaver should continue to have pride of place as Canada’s national emblem, this guy is apparently unconcerned that a Canadian senator has referred to it as “a dentally defective rat”. In the 1600s and early 1700s trade in their pelts drove European expansion further and further into the North American wilderness and nearly drove the beaver into extinction. The ancestors of this one obviously survived in Jasper National Park, Alberta — a location that benefits from his ability to maintain water levels, improve habitat for many forms of wildlife, stabilize stream flow and prevent stream bed erosion. And a warning to viewers: far from being dentally defective, this beaver’s ability to sever a branch and chew off the bark may inspire jealousy in your dental hygienist.
Iguazu Falls, the Dead Sea, Grand Canyon, Vesuvius, the Amazon Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef; great company for Canada’s Bay of Fundy, and — along with 21 other natural wonder finalists — vying to be one of the new seven wonders of nature.
When the search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature began 440 locations were submitted from 220 countries. Founder and President of the campaign, Bernard Weber, noted “Breathtakingly beautiful, natural places are still quite unknown to many. From waterfalls to fjords, rainforests to mountain peaks, freshwater lakes to volcanoes, we are discovering together the incredible beauty and variety of our planet.” Global voting took place, the top 77 were shortlisted, and then a panel of experts advised on the selection of 28 official finalist candidates. The Bay of Fundy is the only finalist in Canada.
New Brunswick and Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy is where the ocean flexes its tidal muscle. This 170 mile long ocean bay stretches between the two Canadian provinces and is home to the Highest Tides in the World. 100 billion tons of seawater flows in and out of the Bay twice daily, creating magnificent tides that reach 16 metres (53 feet), the height of a four-storey building. It takes six hours and 13 minutes for the tides to go from high to low. The amount of water in one tide cycle would fill and then empty the Grand Canyon.
Interesting facts about the Bay:
. The tidal energy is 10 times more powerful than any other site in North America and generates environmentally-sustainable electricity.
. Comparable in marine biodiversity to the Amazon Rainforest
. Through ocean currents and massive tides, biologically linked to the rest of the world by fish, bird and marine mammal migrations.
. Hosts over 12 species of whales during their summer and fall feedings and half the world’s population of rare and endangered Right Whales.
. Has the world’s most complete fossil record of the “Coal Age” (300 million years ago).
. Home to the world’s oldest reptiles and Canada’s oldest dinosaurs.
. Site of the Triassic/Jurassic extinction.
In order to become one of the New 7 Wonders, and take its place on the worldwide tourism map, Fundy needs your vote NOW. To see the other finalists you can visit the campaign website www.n7w.com The deadline is November 11, 2011 and you can vote as follows:
The old railway tracks of Newfoundland offer a new lease on life as hiking and biking trails across the province. Explorations reveal ghost towns, sea birds, berry picking, old railway buildings and a railway museum that honours the last train across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Revelations on location at L’Anse Aux Meadows, a base for the early Vikings, plus the geological diversity of the World Heritage site of Gros Morne in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Exploring the City of St. John’s, Newfoundland, once the terminus for the railway and now enjoying tv fame as the base for the Republic of Doyle. From the lively excitement of downtown pubs, to the dramatic cliffs of Cape Spear – the most easterly point of North America – a visit to this City is full of fun.
Our sea-kayaking adventure takes place at Cape Bauld on Quirpon Island, about as far north as you can possibly get on the rock. Here, Kayakers enjoy the stunning glacial beauty of icebergs from Greenland and the Arctic that converge at Iceberg Alley in Newfoundland and Labrador. Overnight at a lighthouse inn and enjoy traditional Newfoundland fare (linkumtours.com). Check the “Railways” category and “Read more” for more info and links on this episode and others in the series.
On our train journey we’ll travel 4,000 miles from the historic rail trails of Newfoundland to the Pacific Coast and explore historic cities, rainforests, wildlife, culture and cuisine. A brief overview of the journey before our travels start in Atlantic Canada at Pier 21 in Halifax. For more information click here.
Since the mid 1970s, producer/host, Anne Martin, has been bringing stories to life through the medium of television. She thrives on tracking down the unusual and her work has encompassed history, geology, heritage and a positive outlook on the world around us. Read more about Anne Martin.
