Canadians: Getting a passport just got easier

by Martha Edwards on

I don’t know what the passport regulations are link where you live, but here in Canada, getting a passport involved jumping through several difficult hoops. One of those was finding a guarantor to sign the passport — a professional of some sort (Doctor, engineer, etc.) who you’ve known well for at least two years and who would be willing to provide a reference for you. Sometimes it’s easy; other times, it’s a bit of a hassle.

But getting a passport in Canada is easier now than ever. Passport Canada has made changes and guarantors no longer have to be a professional to sign off on someone’s passport. Here are the requirements to be a guarantor:

  • Be over 18 and a Canadian citizen
  • Be a holder of a valid Canadian passport
  • Have been 16 years or older when applied for their own passport
  • And have known the applicant for at least two years.

I’m not sure if the new rules are good or not. It certainly eases my mind for when I have to renew my passport, but it seems like it almost makes it a little too easy to get a passport. Thoughts?

Photo of the Day (8/30/07)

by Neil Woodburn on


Wow, that’s a lot of shades of blue in this spectacular photograph of Canada’s Lake Louise by Gadling reader Davo77.

And then, of course, there’s the reflection. Wow, again!

This is one of those rare photographs that immediately stopped me in mid-scroll as I surfed through our Gadling Flickr Pool. If you have a shot that might do the same, please visit the site and upload it right away; you too might be selected as our Photographer of the Day.

Traveling When the Dollar is Weak

by Martha Edwards on

When the dollar’s down, what’s a traveler to do? Stay home? Welcome to the life of a Canadian for the past decade and a half. We’ve been avoiding the US for the past few years because it was just too darn expensive. But now we’re about on par and I for one intend to take advantage of it.

But with the weakened US dollar, there’s bound to be less Americans at the Eiffel tower this year. As I know very well, Europe’s really expensive when you’re not at the top of the currency game, but just because it’s out, doesn’t mean there aren’t other affordable places to visit. Have you considered a trip to:

  • Canada? I can vouch for the fact that it’s beautiful here, for those who love both urban landscapes and rugged wilderness. My loyalties lie with Western Canada, but the east is ok too.
  • New Zealand? Sure, the airfare can be expensive, but the USD is stronger than the NZD so you’re bound to save some money. Plus, it’s absolutely gorgeous.
  • Thailand? Again, the airfare is a bit pricey, but Thailand is a bargain. You can easily live off of $30 a day.
  • Costa Rica? Although they boast beaches and rainforest and everything in between, this central American getaway is still one of the more affordable destinations.

Want some more advice for traveling when the dollar is down? Check out this link.

Potato Museum?!?!?

by Neil Woodburn on

Where I come from, potatoes are an integral part of life; hardly a day goes by without consuming potato chips, French fries, mash potatoes or some other variation on the versatile spud. In fact, as I write this, I’m boiling potatoes right now to make some mash.

Personally, I would argue that potatoes are the unsung heroes of American cuisine; I can’t believe someone hasn’t built a shrine to our spudsy friend.

Well, look no further. If you happen to be passing through Prince Edward Island–Canada’s smallest province–and looking for something to do, swing on by the Prince Edward Island Potato Museum. You can’t miss it; a 14-foot tall russet potato stands at the entrance.

The museum itself is an astounding 7,000 sqaure feet and packed with, according to the website, “the largest exhibit of potato artifacts in the world!”

Man, I love potatoes, but life must be awfully boring on Prince Edward Island to spend time amassing the largest exhibit of potato artifacts in the world. Nonetheless, if you’re in town, check it out. What else are you going to do?

One for the Road: 1,000 Places to See in the U.S. and Canada

by Kelly Amabile on

Yesterday we suggested a tool to use for logistical aspects of your travel planning. Today we overwhelm you with a list of destination choices for North America, a semi-tribute to America during the recent holiday.

Earlier this spring, Patricia Schultz, author of the mega 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, released a second version:1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die. So now you’ve essentially got about 2,000 places (minus the overlap) to choose from. Yikes!

This 1,200-page monster has loads of suggestions for travelers — things you can do this summer and throughout the year. The book is organized by region, and includes subject-specific indices sorted by interest — wilderness, great dining, best beaches, world-class museums, sports and adventures, road trips, and more. And hey, mom and dad — there’s also a handy index that breaks out the best destinations for travel with kiddies. Plenty to pick from in this one!

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