JOURNAL
GALAPAGOS: WALKING IN DARWIN’S FOOTSTEPS
Article 1/2 Our Marketing Manager went to the remote Ecuadorian archipelago, full of endemic species all more surprising than the others! This year, I had the great opportunity to visit a place that fascinates me since I was a child. Mysterious, wild, iconic, the Galapagos Islands are a paradise for the animal lover I am! I had the chance to visit three islands: Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristóbal in the two weeks I spent there by traveling by boat and by plane. A LAND OF REPTILES When the young naturalist Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands in 1835, he discovered species found nowhere else on Earth. In addition to the famous finches that inspired his theory on the evolution of species, he observed a great variety of giant tortoises. Each one has physical characteristics peculiar to its respective environment. For example, the tortoise above has a domed shell, suitable for an environment where vegetation is abundant and accessible. The tortoise below has a saddle shaped shell, rather suitable for a diet located at height. This shape has inspired the name of the archipelago because of this singular form. I have to admit that they are very impressive in real life. I could never have imagined that they were so imposing! I have often seen terrestrial iguanas during my travels, but marine iguanas can only be found on the Galapagos Islands! These nice prehistoric reptiles are literally everywhere! Their ancestors, that arrived from the mainland a long time ago, had to adapt because of the lack of food, which led them to feed on the seaweed that grows in the rich and salty waters. THE SEA "DOGS" The waters surrounding the islands are relatively cold and are home to a diverse fauna, thanks to the Humboldt Current, which is full of nutrients that it transports from Antarctica. This marine wealth allows many species to proliferate. Among them, let's mention the famous hammerhead sharks and tiger sharks. However, the undisputed masters of the shallow waters are, without a doubt, these adorable Galapagos sea lions! During the day, it is possible to observe an impressive number of these basking in the sun! If you have the opportunity to dive with them, you will undoubtedly be impressed by their agility and playful spirit! COHABITATION IN ALL THIS? Before I landed, I confess that I was curious to know how the population of the habited islands coexisted with this omnipresent fauna. I was very pleased to see that Ecuadorians seem particularly proud of their unique wildlife! They protect and cherish it with exemplary respect! At the port of Puerto Ayora, fishermen raise their nets of the surrounded by sea lions, pelicans, frigates, herons and so on! The cohabitation is also to offer them the scrap of fish, to the apparent pleasure of these greedy stomachs. Read more: What to see and do on the Galapagos Islands >>
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GALAPAGOS: WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO
Article 2/2 Our Marketing Manager shares her favourite things to do and to see in the Galapagos Islands! Besides the observation of fauna and flora, the subject of my last article, I propose here other activities that I particularly recommend! Even after spending two weeks in the archipelago, I admit that I would have been happy to stay a little longer. I would have liked to spend more time on each of the islands I visited and have the time to visit others! SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO Located on the island of Isabela, the Sierra Negra is a huge shield volcano, one of the most active in the archipelago. Despite its recent eruption in June 2018, it is possible to visit it. The expedition includes a walk around the crater, but it is really when you reach the section where the lava flow has spread that the landscape changes! A landscape of desolate, with black and oxidized hues. A visit that makes us aware of the fragility of our environment and of the mighty power of nature. To make the most of your day, I recommend bringing with you: sunscreen, not to be neglected although it always rains at the top, water, a great pair of hiking shoes and walking sticks! You do not have walking sticks? The Montrealer company Location Backpack rents them at great prices! A DAY AT THE BEACH? If you want to cool off, there are many options! However, to reach some of them, you’ll have to work hard to enjoy the relaxation! TORTUGA BAY This is the case of the magnificent Tortuga Bay that you see above. A white sand of incredible finesse and softness, warm and translucent water! I assure you that this beach is worth the 2.5 km walk! Here is the path that will take you to paradise! For this walk, I recommend again a lot of water and comfortable clothes. This is why, I had chosen the GAX drirelease® TENCEL® top, which protected me from the sun and kept me cool and dry! It does not appear on the picture, but the heat and the sun were particularly overwhelming that day! LAS GRIETAS Still on the Santa Cruz Island, it is possible to go to Las Grietas after a water taxi ride and another walk. You will discover a crevasse surrounded by high cliffs where the water is very calm. It offers an absolutely magnificent view of a hundred feet long! BEACHES EVERYWHERE! Want to stay a little closer to the city? Many beaches are only a few minutes walk away. This is the case of this one on the island of Isabela where I stopped a few minutes. You may have noticed that I'm wearing my favourite item, the ZAZ Jumpsuit! This article has really been a must for this trip. Always rolled-up in my backpack, I could quickly put over my swimsuit for an improvised drink in a restaurant. During my transfers and my stopovers, I was reassured to know that this single article could suit me in all circumstances if my suitcase would gotten lost! To read the first part of my article on the Galapagos fauna, it's here >>
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CANOE-CAMPING DESTINATIONS THIS SUMMER
Our ambassador, Jessica (from Nomade Magazine), presents her two favorite canoe-camping destinations to enjoy the summer. When it’s summer time, I want to live as many experiences in nature as possible. Quebec is full of beautiful places to discover! No need to leave our beautiful province to fully enjoy summer vacation. A few years ago, I discovered canoe-camping and since then, it has been the type of getaway that I want to experience every summer season. Here are two places that I had the chance to discover and that will surely please you if you love to merge with the wilderness. THE VALLÉE BRAS-DU-NORD Located in Saint-Raymond, this paradise for outdoor enthusiasts has a lot to offer. You can go on a two-days canoe-camping trip including, of course, a night of wild camping. During this 17.5-kilometer trip on the Bras-du-Nord River, you’ll discover absolutely beautiful landscape while lulled by the sounds of the surrounding forest. Once you reach the 6th kilometer, it is possible to dock your boat to take a break for a break on land. Then, you have to admire the impressive Delaney Falls, the perfect spot for a picnic. Then, if you want to push your adventure further, I recommend hiking to the belvedere of the refuge Yourte Delaney to get an incredible panorama of the surroundings. Once your tent is up at the edge of the river, it is good to relax on the dock to admire the stars appear one by one. This campsite is totally wild so make sure to bring enough water for your stay. Note that it is not possible to bring your dog on board, but if you only want to go camping, it is possible to bring it with you. I loved wearing my FIG clothes that kept me comfortable on this adventure. REGIONAL NATURAL PARK OF PORTNEUF This time, I bring you near Portneuf, where we find a vast territory of magnificent landscapes. Several options are available to you to take advantage of all that the regional park of Portneuf has to offer! After your canoe-camping day, you have the opportunity to choose between a campsite with complete facilities or to do wild camping, several kilometers away from the 1st option. Since I like challenges, I decided to paddle under the hot summer sun a little longer to get to my destination. On my way, I was able to cross the long lake and take a break on a small beach to eat and admire the surrounding beauty before crossing the Black River. Once at the campsite, the view was so inspiring that I decided to rock in my hammock before enjoying a comforting meal over a crackling fire. You should know that there is a pump on site to get water. Do not forget to boil it before using it. For those who love to explore Quebec with their dogs, this park welcomes man’s best friend with open arms, whether aboard the canoe or anywhere else in the park! Luckily, I had my OTH pants to protect me from mosquitoes at the end of the day and to keep me warm at nightfall. These two locations are easily accessible and offer unforgettable panoramas! Take advantage of Quebec's diversity to discover remote forested places that will lead you to live unique adventures and recharge your batteries.
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AN OUTSTANDING SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA
Our ambassador, Laurie, shares the discoveries she made in South Africa. The excitement at its height, the alert look, grounded in the present ... that's how you feel when you find yourself near animals from the most exotics to the most dangerous of the animal kingdom. If you are a nature lover, South Africa will charm you with its great diversity of wildlife and all the activities surrounding it. SURF WITH THE GREAT WHITE SHARKS Located at the bottom of the African continent, South Africa is bordered by majestic coasts. Absolute surfer paradise with the Atlantic Ocean to the West and Indian to the East bring currents, surfers will surely find the perfect wave at the beaches of Muizenberg, Jeffrey's Bay or Durban. Get ready to share the waves with many seals ... and their main predator, the Great White Shark! GOING FOR A HIKE WITH WILD OSTRICHES With its various relief, this country offers gorgeous trails providing panoramic views for walkers of all levels. Keep in mind that the world's largest land bird roams freely in South Africa. Be vigilant on the road, the passages of ostriches are frequent! BEACH TIME WITH AFRICAN PENGUINS Enjoy an relax in the sun on one of the many beautiful beaches of South Africa. If you visit the famous Boulders Beach, near the capital Cape Town, keep your eyes opened: you may be visited by an African penguin! SAFARI WITH THE BIG 5 What could possible be better than a safari to complete your adventure in South Africa? Several national parks, including the famous Kruger National Park, will allow you to observe from up very close, and in a single day, the famous Big 5: lions, buffaloes, elephants, rhinos and leopards. Admire the "law of the jungle" to its most natural aspect!
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DISCOVER THE AMAZON WITH FIG
Our ambassador, Jessica (from Nomade Magazine), makes us discover the Amazon. A trip to the Amazon means adventure, heat and an extraordinary experience. After visiting the capital of the country, I had the chance to spend 4 days in the incredible rainforest of Ecuador near Tena. Despite all the physical activities and the changing weather, I remained comfortable at all time thanks to my choice of clothes. Since I know that I am not the only one who loves the outdoors and adventure travel, I thought it would be a good idea to share my 5 favourite clothes for this trip with you. IXU DRESS As my trip began in the mountainous Quito, I faced temperatures ranging from 18 to 25 degrees. I wanted to wear something cute and comfortable to melt with the beautiful surroundings of the capital, that's why I chose the IXU dress that has kept me warm thanks to its long sleeves. I felt comfortable walking through the different streets of the old city and I loved the convenience of small zip pockets hidden inside larger pockets on each side below the belt. This dress is a real favourite! FIZ TUNIC AND OTH PANTS To reach my host family's home in the Amazon, I had to take a bus for a 5:30 trip to get to Tena and then a taxi. I easily get cold when there is air conditioning in transport so I thought it was perfect to wear the FIZ tunic and the OTH pants on the bus. Both garments are made from very soft materials and offer a style that is both casual and stylish. I also appreciated the flexibility of my clothes that made dealing with my travel bags easy and efficient. I also wore these pants several times in the evening once in the Amazon to avoid mosquito biting my legs. WUU SHORT AND GAX TOP Once settled in the jungle, I was fortunate to experience a variety of activities such as hiking in the forest, climbing waterfall and rafting. For each of these activities, I had the pleasure of wearing the WUU shorts and the GAX shirt for the first time. I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort of these 2 pieces, despite being soaked from head to foot 90% of the time. I even sometime thought to be protected from the water until I felt its effect on me. I had no trouble swimming at the bottom of a waterfall and walking in the forest for over an hour afterwards. It is also with great satisfaction that I enjoyed a delicious meal between two rafting descents dressed in the same clothes without the urgent need to change. At the end of the day, I just rinsed off my t-shirt and shorts and hung them outside for a quick drying. I hope these recommendations will guide you for your next adventure trip preparation. It is always reassuring to know that it is possible to live in different situations comfortably thanks to a good selection of your clothes.
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BEST TRAVEL APPS
Find out everything your phone can do for you when you travel, with these awesome apps! TO EXPLORE A DESTINATION Enter your destination, travel dates and the activities you are planning and PackPoint will build your custom packing list! You can also modify it by adding or removing any item. You can also share it with your travel partners. For those who never know what to pack, this is a very useful starting point! TO ORGANIZE YOUR TRIP If you have multiple transports to coordinate, Tripit is the app you need. Simply forward all your travel confirmation emails to Tripit, and it will organize them into one clear and easy itinerary. Access it, whether you’re online or not, and share it with friends, family, or travel partners. TO EXPLORE A DESTINATION To replace or complement your traditional travel guides, try one of these three apps and discover the best from each destination: Detour, Cool Cousin, Hidden Place. FOR SPORTY PEOPLE The RunGo app is made for people who want to go for a run in a city they don’t know. It offers voice navigation for more than 100 000 different routes worldwide. You can also create routes for other users. FOR ROAD TRIPS GasBuddy helps you find gas stations on your itinerary and compare prices between retail points. The app lists more than 150 000 gas stations in Canada and the United States. Ideal for a road trip! TO MANAGE YOUR BUDGET CalConvert is a simple calculator and a currency converter. A useful, even essential tool to help you track expenses and manage your travel budget!
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5 LABOUR DAY GETAWAY IDEAS
Make the most of your long weekends. Here are 5 destinations you should visit! ADIRONDACKS, NEW YORK The Adirondacks region, Upstate New York, is an outdoor lovers’ paradise. Great hikes abound : Catmount Mountain, Mount Algonquin, Cascade Mountain! If you prefer being close to water, Saranac Lake is ideal for canoe-camping. Campers can rent spots on a number of islands in the middle of the lake. Reservations are needed. Distance : 150 km from Montreal Where to stay : Adirondak Lodge Loj at Heart Lake, Lake House Hotel Photo Credit : Gabrielle Dussault BURLINGTON, VERMONT If you’re looking for an agro-tourism weekend, Burlington and its surroundings deserve a visit. Known for its local farms, cheese shops, micro-breweries, distilleries, cafes and restaurants, Burlington is sure to charm epicurean travellers. Located only a couple hours from Montreal, it’s a place that is worth discovering. Distance : 150 km from Montreal Where to stay : Hotel Vermont, or North Beach Campground for smaller budgets. Photo Credit : Hen of the Wood SANDBANKS NATIONAL PARK, ONTARIO Craving the beach? Get your fix at Sandbanks National Park in Prince Edward County before the end of the summer. This magnificent park on Lake Ontario feels just like the sea! Long beaches, dunes and an amazing blue water for swimming and all nautical sports, make it a unique spot. The bonus? You are right in Ontario’s wine country, so you can visit wineries and taste local produce! Distance : 380 km from Montreal Where to stay : The June Motel, Drake Devonshire Hotel Photo Credit : Vanessa Ricard (FIG ambassador) ÎLE-AUX-LIÈVRES, QUEBEC For an off the beaten path experience, visit l'Île-aux-Lièvres! This island located off the coast of Rivière-du-Loup offers an amazing environment for those who wish to reconnect with nature. You can stay at their small cottages, at their lodge or book one of their several camping spots. The walking trails allow you to explore the island, and with a little bit of luck, see belugas, eiders and seals! Distance : 430 km from Montreal Photo Credit : Camille Bélanger KAMOURASKA, QUEBEC Another must along the St-Lawrence River is Kamouraska. The area is known for its climbing spots. If this is your sport, you should definitely consider booking a trip there. Kayak and zodiac excursions are also very popular. The sunsets in Kamouraska are among the nicest in Quebec and totally worth the drive! Distance : 400 km from Montreal Photo Credit : SEBKA: Camping, Kayak Rentals, etc.
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MICRO-ADVENTURES AROUND MONTREAL
Summer is made to enjoy beautiful weather and spend some time in nature. Weekend getaways can do so much good, without being overly complicated or pricey! Here are 5 atypical experiences to inspire you, only a few hours from Montreal. CAMP ON WATER AT DOMAINE POURKI Imagine sleeping on water! Domaine Pourki, located in Sainte-Anne-de-Sabrevois, offers an array of camping options on the Richelieu river. Each raft has its own teepee or "bora bora" hut as well as a picnic table. The camp also provides canoes, sheets and BBQs. So cook up a storm and dine under the sunset to the gentle waves of the river. Need a little more action? The Pourki Tiki bar has you covered. Things to do: Swimming, fishing, canoeing, rabaska Distance from Montreal: 45 minutes Price: $ 195 per night (high season) "Domaine Pourki is a great experience for families with children of all ages or for groups of friends who want to just relax and have a good time. The site offers several forms of entertainment including a Tiki Bar, a beach, a farm and a swimming pool. - Jessica, Nomade Magazine Photo credit: Jessica Gallant, Nomade Magazine SLEEP IN A HOBBIT HOUSE Looking for an atypical weekend getaway? Stay in a hobbit house, in the Eastern Townships. Entre Cîmes et Racines has several eco-homes to rent, including a lovely grass-covered stone structure that is straight out of Lord of the Rings. A truly unique experience. Nearby activities: Labyrinth on site, nearby Bolton Spa and several hiking trails Distance from Montreal: 1 h 15 Price: $ 150 per night (high season) Photo credit: Entre Cîmes et Racines SPEND THE NIGHT IN A TREEHOUSE Choose among several treehouses at Domaine du Diable Vert. Both rustic and charming, these raised cabins offer breathtaking views of the region. Our personal favourite, the Abenaki (below) is on a beautiful hundred-year-old tree. Sleepwalkers, abstain yourselves. Activities: Kayaking or SUP on the winding Missisquoi River, stargazing, fishing Distance from Montreal: 1 h 30 Price: The Abenaki (below) rents for 119 $ / night (high season) Photo credit: Domaine du Diable Vert SLEEP IN THE FOREST AT REPÈRE BORÉAL These tiny cubic homes, located in the heart of the Charlevoix region, are sure to wow you with their elegant design lines and floor-to-ceiling windows. Nestled in the middle of the forest, they are ideal to observe animals in their natural habitat and sleep under a starry sky. Each cabin has drinking water and cooking essentials, plus a cozy bed and an extra cot for a child. Guests can also enjoy the on-site sauna and thermal baths! Activities: Hiking (The Parc National des Hautes Gorges and L’acropole des draveurs is an hour away), swimming, dining, whale watching Distance from Montreal: 4 hours Price: The Shiship cabin rents for $ 159 per night (high season) Photo credit: Repère Boréal RESERVE A TINY HOUSE AT DOMAINE FLORAVIE For the best views of the St-Lawrence River, rent a tiny house at Domaine Floravie (1h30 from Quebec City). These colourful micro-homes can accommodate from 1 to 4 people. You will love their eco-friendly side: they were built with local wood, are insulated with hemp wool and are powered by solar panels - but most especially - the breathtaking views they offer of the water. Activities: Bic National Park is minutes away, where you can practise kayaking, hiking, and plenty of other activities. Distance from Montreal: 5 h 15 Price: $ 180 / night (high season) "There is something here that makes you want to sleep in, admire the coast and slow down a bit. Located on the Pointe à Santerre - named in honour of Pierre Santerre who bought the land in 1889 - in the village of Bic, Domaine Floravie offers an absolutely wonderful decor." - Marie-Michèle, Entre 2 Escales Photo credit: Marie-Michèle Doucet, Entre2escales blog GO ON A ROADTRIP WITH VANLIFE Spontaneous ones, have you heard about VanLife MTL?! Their vehicles are not only stylish, they are well-equipped and can accommodate from 2 to 4 people. So pick a destination and hit the road. Sandbanks, Cape Cod, the Catskills - where will you go? Price: For 2 travellers: $ 225 CAD / day For 4 travellers: $ 260 CAD / day *high season Photo credit: VanLife
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