Amazing Race Canada 2 - Week 9: Montreal (YUL)

In Week 9, the teams visited the fabulous Canadian city of Montreal.

Here are a few highlights, from where the teams went, to other things we think are worth doing if you visit Montreal:

Did you know that Montreal has a 2nd airport? Montreal Mirabel  Airport (YMX) is used for cargo and general aviation only, but the show managed to visit it, not to fly, but for a precision driving competition!
Next was a visit to the Atwater Market. Doesn't the idea just make your mouth water? If you visit Montreal, here are 2 tours that include a visit to the Atwater Market:	Montreal Food Truck Tour by Bike Montreal Half-Day Bike Tour
If you were taken with the poses made by the teams for their sketches at the Parisian Laundry Art Gallery, then why not subscribe to their newsletter? Perhaps you'll find an exhibit you want to see when you visit.	Parisian Laundry Art Gallery Parisian Laundry newsletter
Also on the arts front, was a visit to Espace VERRE, where glass bead making was demonstrated and practiced. If you visit on a weekend, why not take a class yourself?	Espace VERRE Weekend classes
Or maybe you fell for all those wonderful cheeses that sounded so tasty during the grilled cheese sandwich challenge! If you fancy wine, as well as cheese, check out this fabulous tour that includes both:	Small-Group Quebec Wine Tour from Montreal with Optional Gourmet Lunch and Cheese Tasting
The pitstop for week 9 was at the Montreal Science Centre. You can see and explore the centre when you buy a Hop On Hop Off bus pass - the centre is an included stop! If you're a real science buff, you might enjoy the ecosystem in Montreal's Biodome, which can be included as part of an admission ticket to the Montreal Tower Observatory (it's fun too):	Montreal Science Centre Montreal City Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour Montreal Tower Observatory Admission plus Optional Ticket to the Biodome

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Now, to the airports... we've already mentioned Montreal Mirabel  Airport (YMX), which you are unlikely to visit unless you have a friend with a private plane - so let's talk about YUL...

The Amazing Race Canada has visited Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) previously. In case you missed it, here is our Season 1 post on Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL).

If you go, the easiest way to get to/from Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is by bus. Or book a private transfer from IHateTaxis and arrive stress free!

That's our post for Week 9 - merci, and we hope you have some good tips for visiting Montreal, and doing what the teams did. We're looking forward to Week 10. Go teams, go!

Related resources:

• Amazing Race Canada Season 2: Week 1 (YYC, YYJ), Week 2 (YYJ, YAZ), Week 3 (YVR, HKG), Week 4 (Macau), Week 5 (HKG, YXY), Week 6 (YWG), Week 7 (Normandy), Week 8 (Paris)
• Amazing Race Canada Season 1 airports recap
• Montreal layover ideas and things to do in Montreal
• Layover City: Montreal
• Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) transportation guide 
• Arrive stress-free: pre-book your private Montreal Airport transfer from IHateTaxis

All images are creative commons, please click each for source information

Amazing Race Canada 2 - Week 8: Paris (CDG)

Want to go where the teams did, and do what the teams did in Paris?

Teams emerged from last week's pitstop in Normandy to begin this leg of the race from Bayeux, and the beautiful Bayeux Cathedral. With clues in hand, the teams took the train from Bayeux (Gare de Bayeux) to Paris (Gare Saint-Lazare).	Private Tour: Bayeux Sightseeing and Caen Day Trip from Bayeux
Paris! The Arc de Triomphe! How thrilling for the teams, who once in Paris were met with the Detour, requiring them to choose between "Haute Couture" and "Plat du Jour".	Arc de Triomphe Walking Tour with Access to the Summit
In Haute Couture, teams made their way to the Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Once there, teams had to cut and sew  a Haute Couture dress. We're guessing these dresses will never hit he runway, or the stores, but it was fun to watch.	Paris L'Open Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour
In Plat du Jour, the teams searched the streets of the historic Marais District to find specially marked chalkboard signs outside three cafés - quite a task, considering there are a couple of cafés on every corner! At each, they purchased a menu item, delivering all three to guests outside another café - pronouncing them correctly. Not spilling the coffee seemed to be the larger challenge.	Paris Walking Tour: Discover the Marais District Heart of Paris Bike Tour
Faced with the Speed Bump, Ryan and Rob had to learn how to play the accordion! When they could perform the "Au clair de la lune" in unison for an audience outside the Centre Georges Pompidou, they could proceed.	Centre Pompidou Paris Pass
The Roadblock took place at Pont de Grenelle (the bridge over Île aux Cygnes), where one team member had to replicate a local modern art painting using Mentos candies (courtesy of the sponsor). "Race" sponsor Mentos candies.	Seine River Cruise and Paris Canals Tour
When they were done, teams raced to Week 8's pitstop on the Pont de l'Archevêché (this is the bridge that couples place padlocks symbolizing their love).	Paris Layover Tour: City Highlights between Flights from Charles de Gaulle Airport

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Now, to the airports...

As we mentioned in last week's post, to Paris via Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), but this is just one of several airports serving the City of Lights? Your trip itinerary may say "Paris", but your airport may be a long way from the city - especially if you are flying on one of Europe's low cost carriers. Needless to say, it's important to know which airport is "yours":

• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
• Paris Orly Airport (ORY)
• Paris Beauvais Airport (BVA)
• Paris Le Bourget Airport (LBG)
• Paris Vatry Disney Airport (XCR)

Paris is, unfortunately, prone to transportation strikes, so we suggest that it is a good idea to have both a Plan A and a Plan B for your airport transfers.

That's our post for Week 8 - hopefully you have some good tips for visiting Paris, and doing what the teams did. We're looking forward to Week . Go teams, go!

Related resources:

• Amazing Race Canada Season 2: Week 1 (YYC, YYJ), Week 2 (YYJ, YAZ), Week 3 (YVR, HKG), Week 4 (Macau), Week 5 (HKG, YXY), Week 6 (YWG), Week 7 (Normandy)
• Amazing Race Canada Season 1 airports recap
• Paris layover ideas and things to do in Paris
• Layover City: Paris
• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) transportation guide 
• Paris Orly Airport (ORY) transportation guide 
• Paris Beauvais Airport (BVA) transportation guide 
• Paris Le Bourget Airport (LBG) transportation guide 
• Paris Vatry Disney Airport (XCR) transportation guide 
• Arrive stress-free: pre-book your private Paris airport transfer from IHateTaxis: CDG, ORY, BVA

Amazing Race Canada 2 - Week 6: YWG

Winnipeg Union Station - Via Rail Station

Want to go where the teams did, and do what the teams did in Week 6 in Winnipeg?

The pitstop for Week 5 was at Miles Canyon on the Yukon River. From here, the teams headed to Whitehorse Airport to fly to Winnipeg Airport for Week 6's challenges.
This week's initial clue told teams to find "Golden Boy"... Golden Boy, the golden statue perched facing North on the dome of the Manitoba Legislative Building.	Virtual tour of the Manitoba Legislative Building Historic Sites of Manitoba feature on the building
One of the activities had the teams searching for ghost signs on some of Winnipeg's oldest buildings, in the funky Exchange District. Hunting for these hand-painted advertisements is a popular pastime for many travelers!	Winnipeg's Exchange District
A visit to the Royal Canadian Mint's Winnipeg facility was one of the week's highlights!	Visit the Winnipeg Mint
The teams even saw the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights. This latest of Canada's museums is set to open on September 20, 2014.	Canadian Museum for Human Rights official website
The teams visited many other iconic attractions and historic buildings in Winnipeg, including the MTS Centre, St. Ivan Suchavsky Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Whiskey Dix and the famous corner of Portage and Main.	St. Ivan Suchavsky Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral perogy orders
Winnipeg's pitstop for Week 6 was welcome, as the teams were ready for a good rest!	See Winnipeg from a hot air balloon!

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This is the first visit to Winnipeg International Airport (YWG) for The Amazing Race Canada.

Here are some things you may not know about Winnipeg International Airport (YWG):

• The airport's beautiful new terminal opened in 2011
• YWG was the first airport terminal in Canada to be LEED-certified for its environmentally friendly concept, design, construction and operation
• The airport has won numerous awards
• YWG was named one of the Coolest New Airport Terminals by Travel+Leisure Magazine (2012)
• Winnipeg's bitter winters are made tolerable by direct flights to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico
• The Winnipeg Bus Terminal is located next door, a brilliant transportation hub strategy
• The airport is an integral part of CentrePort Canada, a new 20,000-acre (81 km2) inland port area that will bring together distribution centres, warehouses and manufacturing facilities in one area
• Officially named Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, the airport is named to honour Richardson, pioneer of Canadian commercial aviation from Winnipeg

If you go, the easiest way to get to/from Winnipeg International Airport (YWG) is a taxi, or the bus.

Related resources:

• Amazing Race Canada Season 2: Week 1 (YYC, YYJ), Week 2 (YYJ, YAZ), Week 3 (YVR, HKG), Week 4 (Macau), Week 5 (HKG, YXY)
• Amazing Race Canada Season 1 airports recap
• Winnipeg International Airport (YWG) transportation guide
• Layover ideas and things to do in Winnipeg
• Winnipeg Architecture Foundation

Amazing Race Canada 2 - Week 5: HKG, YXY



The Yukon is ready to welcome you!

From Hong Kong, the teams flew back to Canada, via Vancouver, and up to Whitehorse. Miss the episode? You can watch it here.

Want to go where the teams did, and do what the teams did?

The teams emerged from Week 4's pitstop in Macau - which began in the heart of the casino action at Praça de Ferreira do Amaral - at the Kun Iam Statue.	Things to do in Macau
We didn't see all the details, but the teams hopped another Turbojet, then flew from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Whitehorse Airport (YXY), in Canada's Yukon Territory.	#ExploreYukon Through The Amazing Race Canada Whitehorse Guided Bike Tour
Also off-screen, the teams spent the night at Sky High Wilderness Ranch, before setting out again the next morning.	Sky High Wilderness Ranch 4-Night Yukon Summer Adventure Including Yurt Lodging	A Whitehorse sunset
The first part of the week's competition began with Make Your Bed (which involved setting up a campsite) or Ride a Sled (gearing up a dog sled team then letting the dogs take them for a run). Definitely fun to watch.	Whitehorse Copper Trail 3-Night Yukon Territory Tour from Whitehorse	 Yukon Quest dogs (wikicommons)
At the Biathalon Yukon Course, one member of each team had to ride a snow bike on a 1 kilometre (0.62 mile) course in the woods, then lay flat at the shooting range, and calmly (!?!) shooting the targets (with another bike around the track for misses), until all 5 targets were hit.	Grey Mountain Biathalon Yukon Biathalon Canada Yukon 4x4 Off-Road Tour to Montana Mountain	The concentration of a biathalon shooter - Olympic style
Out of the shooting range, the teams headed to Chadburn Lake, where they had to portage a canoe to the Yukon River at Miles Canyon... and paddle to the pit stop for week 5!	Chadburn Lake Yukon River Miles Canyon Yukon River Canoe Day Trip from Whitehorse	Miles Canyon

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Now, to the airports... We don't have a lot to share, as this week's airports were all return visits:

• We wrote about Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) when the teams arrived here in Week 3. [read more]
• The connecting airport was Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• This wasn't the first time The Amazing Race Canada visited Whitehorse Airport (YXY), as teams caught a flight here in Season 1, also in Week 5. [read more]

We hope you are enjoying our posts. Feel free to post feedback, and we'll see you soon in Week 6. Go teams, go!

Related resources:

• Amazing Race Canada Season 2: Week 1 (YYC, YYJ), Week 2 (YYJ, YAZ), Week 3 (YVR, HKG), Week 5 (Macau)
• Amazing Race Canada Season 1 airports recap
• Whitehorse Airport (YXY) transportation guide 
• Layover ideas and things to do in Whitehorse
• Whitehorse parks, trails, historic sites, rivers

Amazing Race Canada 2 - Week 4: Macau

Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral, one of Macau China's most famous sights

It was another exciting week for the teams. If you missed the episode, check out 'Amazing Race Canada' Season 2, Episode 4 Recap: Macau Mishaps for an interesting take on some of the week's highlights.

Want to go where the teams did, and do what the teams did?

The pitstop for Week 3 was located in Hong Kong, so it was from there that the teams set off on Week 4's adventures.	Layover City: Hong Kong
The teams travelled from Hong Kong to Macau, China by turbojet! This is the main means of transportation between Macau and Hong Kong and it takes about 50 minutes.	Macau Excursion from Hong Kong with Turbojet Full-Day Tour Macau Full-Day Group Tour from Hong Kong
At A-Ma Temple (Ma Kok Mui), in the Historic Centre of Macau (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), teams performed an ancient ceremony: lighting firecrackers - meant to ward off ancient spirits.	See A-Ma Temple
Are you one of those who craves to do EXACTLY what the teams did? Then you can, indeed, bungy jump at Macau Tower.	See Macau Tower Bungy Jump at Macau Tower
If you want the thrill of seeing Macau from upon high, but aren't ready to bungy jump, here's some other things you can do at Macau Tower:	Sky Jump at Macau Tower Macau Tower Skywalk Macau Tower Climb Macau Tower Climb Express
If you want to find happiness in Macau, or just the almond biscuit shop the teams visited on Happiness Street (Rua da Felicidade), take the Hop On Hop Off bus.	Macau City Sightseeing Tour
Beginning at the Ruins of St Paul's Cathedral, teams that chose "Stamp It" scoured the streets looking for 6 shrines, stamping their scroll with an ancient Chinese symbol at each.	See the Ruins of St Paul's Cathedral	The façade of St Paul's in 1854
In the charm of Senado Square (Senate Square), teams who chose "Stomp It" joined a Macanese folk dance troupe to learn a complicated routine.	See the Historic Centre of Macau
Gambling in Macau is central to the economy, so it's not surprise that the teams had to learn how to deal a game of Fan-Tan at the Grand Lapa Hotel. Fan Tan gambling houses first opened in Macau in 1867, and today the game is one of just 27 game types permitted to be played.	See Casino Lisboa	The game of Fan-Tan is very old
Next up, teams raced to the Grand Lisboa Hotel. From there, they navigated Macau's underground passageways to reach the pit stop.	Macau and Hong Kong Attractions Pass See Macau Attractions Pass Macau 30-Day City Attractions Pass
The pitstop for Week 4 was located at Praça de Ferreira do Amaral, in the heart of the casino action in Macau.	Private Tour: Macau Day Trip from Hong Kong

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No airports visited this week, but you can fly to Macau, of course.

Here are some things you may not know about Macau International Airport (MFM):

• MFM is the only airport serving Macau
• The runway is built on a strip of reclaimed land
• The terminal building is located on Tapai Island
• As in Hong Kong, Macau has its own immigration policies and is a separate customs territory from mainland China
• Transfer passengers headed to Mainland China or Hong Kong, and not staying in Macau, can take advantage of the "two customs, one checkpoint" service (in-transit passengers use a bus shuttle directly from the airport to the New Macau Ferry Terminal or the Taipa Ferry Terminal without passing immigration)

If you go, the easiest way to get to/from Macau Airport (MFM) is by bus or taxi.

As always, we welcome your feedback. We'll see you after Week 5. Go teams, go!

Related resources:

• Amazing Race Canada Season 2: Week 1 (YYC, YYJ), Week 2 (YYJ, YAZ), Week 3 (YVR, HKG)
• Amazing Race Canada Season 1 airports recap
• Macau International Airport (MFM) transportation guide 
• Layover ideas and things to do in Macau
• Layover ideas and things to do in Hong Kong

Amazing Race Canada 2 - Week 3: YVR, HKG

Welcome to Hong Kong!! The Amazing Race Canada teams landed here in Week 3.

Week 3 of The Amazing Race Canada was beyond amazing.... Do you want to go where the teams did, and do what the teams did? Here's how:

The Pit Stop for Week 2 was the at the crab dock in Tofino... but we bet they didn't sleep in there...	Tofino Crab Dock: What's in a name?
By some mysterious means, the teams mysteriously left Tofino, and mysteriously made their way to an international airport. Why so secret? ... (we jest, but it's fun!)	How did they leave Vancouver Island? Tofino Airport (YAZ) ? Nanaimo Airport (YCD) ? BC Ferries from Departure Bay?
In the kick-off for Week 3 of The Amazing Race Canada, the teams flew to Hong Kong on Air Canada... We're guessing they flew from Vancouver International Airport (YVR)... do you agree?	Arrival at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) was the first trip outside Canada for #RaceCDA!
Upon arrival in Hong Kong, the teams were told to make their way up to Lantau Peak. One team even knew which colour taxi to take! Once at the base, the teams took the Ngong Ping Cable Car up to Ngong Ping Village.	Ngong Ping / Tung Chung Cable Car Review
Next stop was the Po Lin Monastery, where each team received a blessing from a monk.	Say om.
From calm into the rush of the race it was, as the teams made the gruelling walk up to the Tian Tan Buddha.	Hong Kong Travel Pass Combo: MTR Pass, Ngong Ping Cable Car and Big Buddha Tour
Back down in the city, it was time to cook up some trouble with Master Chef judge Alvin Leung at his Bo Innovation restaurant. Nicknamed The Demon Chef, it was no surprise that Leung handed the teams a rather strange list of ingredients to shop for at the wet market.	Cooking Class and Wet Market Private Tour
Wrapping up with a little lesson from Kung Fu master Lee... ... and striking some compelling poses for a movie director... ... then it was off to the pitstop for Week 3.	Kowloon Culture and Life Tour Hong Kong Private Full-Day Living Culture Tour

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Now, to the airports...

The Amazing Race Canada visited Vancouver International Airport (YVR) three times in Season 1. If you missed it, we shared some interesting information on YVR in our Season 1/Week 3 blog post.

Of course, this was the first visit Hong Kong International Airport for the Amazing Race Canada. Here are some things you may not know about HKG Airport:

• There is a 24 hour Plaza Premium Airport Lounge (with showers!) located in the Arrivals Hall, beneath Airport Express platform - RESERVE NOW
• Have a layover? See the city with the Private Hong Kong Layover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transport

Getting to/from Hong Kong Airport:

• The easiest way to get into the city is by train: the trip takes just 24 minutes, and trains run every 10-12 minutes (more info)
• The Airport Express train station is between terminals 1 and 2 and is well sign posted
• You can buy your MTR metro and Airport Express Tickets before you travel with the Hong Kong Travel Pass
• You can buy the pass bundled with a Ngong Ping Cable Car and Big Buddha Tour before you travel with the Hong Kong Travel Pass Combo
• Prefer a limo? A Hong Kong Airport private car, with meet and greet service, will get you to the city, the port or anywhere else
• There are also good Hong Kong Airport bus services available
• There is a shared airport shuttle to Chek Lap Kok available
• You can find full details on all options (including how to connect to the Disneyland Resort) in our Hong Kong Airport transportation guide

We hope you found our information of value! We welcome your feedback and will see you next week. Go teams, go!

Related resources:

• Amazing Race Canada Season 2: Week 1 (YYC, YYJ), Week 2 (YYJ, YAZ)
• Amazing Race Canada Season 1 airports recap
• Taxis in Hong Kong - advice from IHateTaxis
• Layover City: Hong Kong - advice and options from our sister brand
• Layover ideas and things to do in Hong Kong

Amazing Race Canada 2 - Week 2: YYJ, YAZ

We hope you enjoyed Week 2 of the Amazing Race Canada as much as we did!

Want to go where the teams did, and do what the teams did?

Fisgard Lighthouse, the pitstop for Week 1, is located in Colwood just outside Victoria, was the starting point for Week 2.	Visit Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites
The teams flew from Victoria International Airport (YYJ) to Tofino Airport (YAZ), on the west coast of Vancouver Island. OK, one team almost took a taxi, but soon realized their error...	Tofino Airport (YAZ) Transportation Guide Tofino-Long Beach Airport Official Website	YAZ serves Tofino, Long Beach, Ucluelet
There is so much nature in the region, the teams only touched a part, spending most of their time - or should we say surfing time - at Wickaninnish Beach.	Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre and Wickaninnish Beach
While not visited by the teams, Tofino is also the launching point for visitors to Long Beach, Pacific Rim Park and the West Coast Trail. If you loved what you saw, check out these additional destinations!	Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada
Of course, the Village of Tofino played a central role in the episode. So, too, did nearby Ucluelet, another small community tucked next to the beauty of the Long Beach area.	Tofino Tourist Information Ucluelet Tourist Information	Full size map - © TofinoTime
The check-in point for the pitstop for Week 2 as at the Tofino Crab Dock.	Tofino Crab Dock: What's in a name?

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We don't have a lot more to share about airports from this week, so we'll call it a wrap - and we'll see you next week!

Related resources:

• Amazing Race Canada Season 1 airports recap
• Amazing Race Canada 2 - Week 1: YYC, YYJ
• Victoria International Airport (YYJ) transportation guide 
• Tofino Airport (YAZ) transportation guide 
• Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada
• Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre and Wickaninnish Beach
• Where to stay in Tofino, or in Ucluelet