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

Created with the HTML Table Generator

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

Created with the HTML Table Generator

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 7: Normandy

Canadian war vet returns to Juno Beach
with The Amazing Race Canada
Story and picture courtesy of the Calgary Herald

Want to go where the teams did, and do what the teams did in Week 7? If so, you are headed to France!

The teams emerged from the pitstop in Winnipeg, and set out from Portage and Main... to head to France! The teams flew to Paris, then made their way northward to the Normandy region of France. With such a historic year in the region - 2014 marks the 70th anniversary of D-Day - the teams spent an entire episode here.	D-Day 70th aniversary commemorations
At Coquainvilliers, at the Calvados Boulard distillery, one team member had to take a sample of calvados from a barrel and use a mathematical formula to distil the calvados to 40% ABV, and the satisfaction of the distiller.	Visit the Calvados Boulard distillery
Next, teams had to find Le Molay-Littry (or Hôtel de Ville), to receive their next clue. Those that thought Hôtel de Ville was a hotel were suitably stymied for awhile (read an amusing Hôtel de Ville as hotel story).	Visit Le Molay-Littry	The liberation of Le Molay-Littry
In the leg's Detour, teams that chose Show It first travelled to Saon (Ferme Elevage de Nesque). Once there, they chose a horse, groomed it, then had to correctly braid the horse's mane.	Visit Saon
In the courtyard of Bayeux Tapestry Museum (Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux), teams that chose Tell It had to correctly sequence a series of images of the Norman invasion of England, as depicted in the tapestry.	Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum on a Tour Visit the museum on your own
In Asnelles, teams participated in land sailing, completing a thrilling and mostly fun circuit on the beach shore 10 times. Land sailing is also referred to as sand yachting, or land yachting. Learn more...	Go land sailing at Asnelles
At the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, teams took a moment of reflection to honour the 2049 Canadian soldiers buried at the site. Learn more...	Visit the Canadian War Cemetery
At the Remembrance and Renewal statue at the Juno Beach Centre, teams gave their Lest We Forget card to the Canadian Army D-Day re-enactor stationed there.	Visit the Juno Beach Centre
Week 7's Pit Stop was a somber but meaningful one, at Juno Beach, which played such an important role in Canada's World War II effort, on D-Day. Each team had memorable opportunity to meet Canadian War Vet, Jim Parks.	Visit Juno Beach

Created with the HTML Table Generator

Now, to the airports...

The teams flew to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) - but did you know this is just one of several airports serving the City of Lights? We'll say more about this in next week's blog post.

We hope you have enjoyed our recap of information, and how to's helpful. We'll see you in Week 8. 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)
• Amazing Race Canada Season 1 airports recap
• Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG) transportation guide
• Paris layover ideas and things to do in Paris
• Layover City: Paris
• Canadian war vet returns to Juno Beach with The Amazing Race Canada

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!

Created with the HTML Table Generator

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 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

Created with the HTML Table Generator

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?

Created with the HTML Table Generator

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

Amazing Race Canada 2 - Week 1: YYC, YYJ

Season 2 of The Amazing Race Canada has begun... wasn't that a great episode?

In addition to information on the airports the teams visit, for this season of the race we will also bring you information on how to go where the teams went, and how to do what they did. Just in case you yelled, "I want to do that!" at your TV. Let's start with the fun stuff.

Want to go where the 11 teams did, and do what the teams did?

You saw Jon walking on the breathtaking Glacier Skywalk in Jasper National Park... want to try it too?	Glacier Skywalk Admission
Yes, you can ride in that cool red and white glacier friendly bus on Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park!	Columbia Icefield Tour from Calgary (or Jasper, or Banff)
Are you brave enough to ride North America's fastest zipline? You saw the teams do it, so you know why it's called "The Monster". Tip: you can also ride the bobsled at Calgary's Canada Olympic Park while you are there.	Zipline at Winsports Canada Olympic Park
Have you ever wanted to skydive? We can't think of a more beautiful spot to do a tandem skydive than Victoria! Of course, you can also take a scenic flight without jumping out!	Skydivers Victoria Panoramic Seaplane Tour
Was your mouth watering? The good news is the servers are very well trained, and Tea at the Empress is a very special experience.	Tea at the Empress Reservations Victoria City Tour - with optional Tea at the Empress
Fisgard Lighthouse, the pitstop for Week 1, is located in Colwood, just outside Victoria. The lighthouse opened in 1860 and was the first lighthouse on Canada's west coast.	Visit Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites

Created with the HTML Table Generator

Unfortunately, we can't tell you how to participate in the emergency drill activities the teams completed at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, as the base is not open to the public. There are occasions when the site is open to the public though, so check out the CFB Esquimalt Facebook page.

Now, to the airports... As you will recall, the teams visited two airports during week 1, so here is information on them both.

The Amazing Race Canada visited Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Season 1. If you missed it, you can read about what we said in our Season 1 Amazing Race Canada - Week 3 blog post.

This was the first visit to Victoria International Airport (YYJ) for the Amazing Race Canada. Here are some things you may not know about Victoria International Airport (YYJ):

• Victoria International Airport was named 8 among the 10 most loved airports in the world in a 2011 poll conducted by CNN on Facebook.
• YYJ is Canada's 10th busiest airport.
• There are direct flights from YYJ to San Francisco, Phoenix, Seattle, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, as well as cities in British Columbia.
• Seasonal direct service is offered Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Las Vegas and Honolulu.
• YYJ is located adjacent to the Pat Bay Seaplane Base (also known as Victoria Airport Water Aerodrome).
• The RCAF 443 Squadron operates a heliport here, which they refer to as Patricia Bay Heliport.
• There is a great observation lounge upstairs in the terminal (look for the elevator behind Tim Horton's).
• There is a 9.3 kilometre paved trail that surrounds the airport for walking, running, and cycling.

If you go, the easiest way to get to/from Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is by taxi, though there is now a decent YYJ airport shuttle, and even bus service.

We hope you found our information of value, and welcome your feedback. Like you, we look forward to Week 2. Go teams, go!

Related resources:

• Amazing Race Canada Season 1 airports recap
• Calgary International Airport (YYC) transportation guide 
• Victoria International Airport (YYJ) transportation guide 
• Layover ideas and things to do in Calgary
• Layover ideas and things to do in Victoria