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Top 5 Tips: How to Be a Tourist in Your Own City

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When most people think of the word "vacation," they might think of a week-long getaway to some faraway foreign place. But besides the time, big trips like that can come with a big price tag. So, if you're tight in either of those areas but still want to take a leisure trip, my suggestion is to make your own town or one nearby feel like it's a place you're visiting for the very first time with a "staycation." And with hotels around the country offering great late summer deals, taking an affordable, local vacation might be easier than you think.

To help further inspire you, I've put together five tips on how you can be a tourist in your own city, so you can turn any staycation into a dream vacation. New experiences await, just around the corner!

1. Look into Freebies
Most cities offer free events for friends and families from farmers markets offering local flavours, to art fairs, street festivals and concerts. You can also soak in the sun at one of Canada's waterfront beaches or national parks. Because these activities are often free to the public (or are free on certain days), my tip is to round up a large group of friends and use it as an opportunity for everyone to get together without spending any cash.

2. Take a Ride on the Tour Bus
It might seem a little cheesy, but tour buses are a great way to have an "out of towner" experience -- plus, you get a great history lesson while you're on it! Most large cities offer a tour bus or shuttle that transports you around the city for pretty reasonable prices, and you'll be able to check out new and historical architecture/monuments that you might have either forgotten were there or never even noticed. Whether you live on the outskirts of a city or in the center of it all, I recommend doing a little research into tour vendors and make that the highlight of your day - you will be surprised with what you didn't know.

3. Use Mobile Apps for a Refreshed Take on Your City
While you might have the urge to step into a familiar eatery for a bite while you are out and about, there are probably a few hidden gems not even the local foodie knows about. So, my tip is to use apps like Yelp and Urban Spoon to find new eateries. They'll certainly empower you to venture out and taste new local restaurants. If you're also interested in fun activities on the fly, be sure to download Time to Enjoy. It's free, and allows users to instantly find events in your surrounding area, so there's never a dull moment in your day.

4. Root for the Home Team
Whether you are a fan or not, hop on the local sports bandwagon and catch a home game. No matter the sport, seeing a live game is incredibly exciting and is a great activity for friends and families alike. Plus, you'll boost your spirits with some savoury foods and sweet treats. Resources like SeatGeek tend to offer awesome deals on tickets when booked in advance.

5. Plan Your Trip
While you might not technically be a tourist, you'll probably want to stay organized on vacation, even if it's a staycation. Download one of the free trip planning apps on your mobile device and coordinate your trip (whether it's a one-day adventure or a multi-day getaway) around town ahead of time. And don't forget to check out last-minute hotel sites like Hotwire to save big on your staycation.

WestJet Adds $25 Checked Baggage Fee For First Bag

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MONTREAL - The cost of flying is increasing for millions of Canadian passengers after WestJet Airlines announced it will start charging some economy fare customers a fee to check their first bag on flights within Canada and to the United States.

The new fee, ranging between $25 and $29.50 depending on provincial taxes, will apply to all new bookings made starting Monday for travel on WestJet and its regional airline Encore as of Oct. 29.

WestJet (TSX:WJA) said the new charge — to be paid at check-in or up to 24 hours online before travel — is expected to affect 20 per cent of its travellers, or some 4.4 million passengers a year.

Different baggage allowances will apply to those in other fare classes or those using its new loyalty program, also launched Monday.

WestJet's Flex fares avoid the first baggage charge, while Plus fares provide more leg room, boarding and two free checked bags. WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard holders and up to eight guests travelling on the same reservation won't pay the first checked bag fee.

Passengers flying to international destinations, including Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and Europe will continue to be able to check a first bag at no charge.

Baggage allowances for military personnel, infant and child equipment, mobility devices, and those travelling in connection with other airlines are not affected.

Despite the new baggage fee, the Calgary-based airline said its fares allow customers to purchase the services they want.

"This user-pay type of system allows us to keep fares as low as possible, introduce lower sale fares and avoid fare increases, which benefits you and liberates even more Canadians from the high cost of air travel," stated Bob Cummings, vice-president of sales, marketing and guest experiences.

WestJet has said it put off a decision on charging for first checked bag until technological challenges were ironed out to exempt frequent flyer and loyalty credit card customers. It currently charges all customers for a second checked bag, which will be changed to between $25 and $29.50.

Air Canada (TSX:AC.B) is expected to follow suit and charge for first checked bags on flights within Canada, as it does for service to the United States.

"We are always monitoring industry developments such as this with great interest. We will evaluate it going forward," Isabelle Arthur, a spokeswoman for the Montreal-based carrier, wrote in an email.

Porter Airlines began charging $25 for the first bag and $35 for a second bag checked on domestic travel as of May.

Walter Spracklin of RBC Capital Markets estimates the new baggage fee will generate more than $100 million in annual pre-tax operating profits (EBITDAR), representing $4.81 per share.

With the new charge, WestJet is catching up to other North American carriers which on average generate at least $20 per passenger in ancillary fees. The fee is expected to add $6 to the $10 per passenger WestJet currently receives.

"The key is that WestJet continues to have opportunities to close this gap including on-flight media fees and other ancillary revenue opportunities," he wrote in a report.

Spracklin said such a charge would also add about $100 million in EBITDAR for Air Canada, equal to $1.84 per share.

WestJet's baggage announcement boosted the share prices of the country's two largest airlines. On the Toronto Stock Exchange, WestJet's shares hit an all-time high of $32.88, and were up $1.74 or 5.65 per cent at $32.53 in later morning trading. Air Canada's shares were up 51 cents, or 5.96 per cent, at $8.98.

Analyst Chris Murray of AltaCorp Capital said the new baggage charge comes earlier than anticipated and should generate $11.9 million this year and $87.5 million in 2015.

He raised his 12-month target price for WestJet's shares to $38 from $34 due to his expectation that full-year earnings will increase 34 cents to $3.26 per share.

WestJet also launched Monday a new three-tier rewards program that will give customers as of Oct. 29 a variety of benefits depending on how much they spend on WestJet flights in a year.

Follow @RossMarowits on Twitter

See The Sights: How To Visit The Most Iconic Locales In Rio De Janeiro

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Rio de Janeiro is the kind of place that travel dreams are made of – where tall mountain peaks tower over stunning white-sand beaches and coastal rainforests, and where old architecture blends seamlessly with new urban cityscapes that are bustling with colourful Latin culture.

If you’re planning a trip to Rio, we’re sharing some suggestions on what sights you need to see, and the best ways to visit them:



Pao de Acucar/Sugarloaf Mountain

Towering above the city is the famous Sugarloaf Mountain, which provides panoramic views of both Rio and the coastline. For the best photos, try to go a few hours before dusk and stay long enough to capture the magnificent sunset. Sugarloaf Mountain is well worth a visit, but be prepared to do battle with crowds as this is one of Rio’s most popular tourist destinations. For a fee, two cable cars will take you to the peak; seniors over 60 will receive a discount.

Corvocado and Cristo Redentor

Rio’s Christ the Redeemer statue keeps watch over the bustling city, and you can too by visiting this iconic landmark and taking in the fantastic views. A tram will take you up the Corvocado Mountain to the statue, but be prepared to climb a few steps to get the best vantage point. Make sure to go on a sunny day and head out early to avoid the crowds. You can also book online ahead of time to avoid the line-ups.

Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil

Looking for a bit of culture? Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB) is a hub of all things cultural, with theatres, rotating exhibits, cinemas, bookstores and art galleries in one central location. The best part? Many of the exhibits are free. It’s a short walk from the metro station.

The Beaches

Rio is known for its stunning beaches, and the two most popular are trendy Ipanema and scenic Copacabana. Both are covered in powdery white sand and dotted with restaurants and cafes that make ideal venues for taking in the glorious weather while enjoying a bit of people watching. A word of caution: Both beaches can get extremely busy so it’s best to go early to score a spot in the sand. If you’re a swimmer, keep in mind that Copacabana has deceptively strong undercurrents, so be careful.

Jardim Botânico

Nature lovers will go nuts for Rio’s Botanical Garden, which has over 5,000 tropical species (including exotic plants and animals such as toucans and monkeys) in a serene and picturesque setting that will make visitors feel like they’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Just don’t forget to bring some insect repellent to protect yourself from the mosquitoes.

Theatro Municipal Do Rio De Janeiro

Whether you take in the opera or not, this breathtaking building is worth a visit. Prominent columns, statues and stained glass windows adorn the exterior while elaborate chandeliers, mirrors and murals decorate the lavish interior. Daytime visitors can purchase an inexpensive guided tour of the building, but check the opening times before you go so you don’t miss out.

Santa Teresa

Get a glimpse into colonial life in South America by paying a visit to Santa Teresa, a quaint and colourful neighbourhood that is covered in 19th century buildings along cobblestone streets. Unique cafes and shops line the streets, where an old-fashioned yellow trolley will take you to your destination. The neighbourhood is a bit hilly so expect a bit of physical activity as you explore, but know that you’ll be rewarded with stunning views from the Parque Ruinas once you reach the top.

Museu Histórico Nacional

A little off the usually tourist route is Rio’s National History Museum, a mecca for history buffs who want to learn more about Brazil’s colourful past. Set inside an old fort, the museum has an impressive collection of artifacts, particularly historical weapons and modes of transportation.

Parks and Recreation: National Parks Your Family Will Love

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We live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, home to some of the most stunning scenery on the planet. Not only does Canada have some of the best lakes, but the parks are pretty impressive too.

If you’re thinking of planning a road trip this summer, now is the perfect time to explore some of Canada’s parks. So get that map (or, let’s be honest, program your GPS), grab your gear, pack your car, and head for your nearest park; the fresh air will do you good.




Banff National Park

Banff National Park was created thanks to three Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers who came across a cave with hot springs on the slopes of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. Once the first cave was found, they worked to create a park to preserve the caves for future generations.

Once you arrive, take a lantern tour where you explore the cave and basin grotto walls as well as test out the thermal waters. If you’re still feeling brave after the caves, consider facing your fears on a ghost tour of the Banff Springs Hotel

Jasper National Park

Book a guided adventure and begin exploring the nooks and crannies of this Alberta park. You can go on a mountaineering, horseback, or boat trip tour. If guided adventure isn’t your thing, consider camping on the grounds, biking or hiking. If it’s the latter, try to hike in the Miette Hot Springs Area which is in the high country. You’ll likely spot some bears and Bighorn sheep which are best viewed from a distance!

Algonquin Provincial Park

This is one of the best-known parks in Ontario, with some of the best canoeing routes in the country. If canoeing isn’t your thing, there is camping, biking, hiking, backpacking and wildlife watching. Head along the Beaver Pond Trail where you can see and learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about beaver ponds (which are way more interesting than you’d think). Fortunately that’s just one of many species of wildlife you’re likely to see, so keep an eye out for bears, moose, and even wolves!

Thousand Islands National Park of Canada

This park is a combination of the mainland, islands and water. It’s located within the Thousands Islands and is perfect for those who want to combine land and water activities such as boating, paddling, and hiking. For the adrenaline junkies, there is also kite surfing at the St. Lawrence River, Mallorytown Landing.

Forillon National Park of Canada

This park is located on the eastern tip of the Gaspe Peninsula and is home to a boreal forest. If you love seals (and who doesn’t?), this is the place to watch them. If you love whales, Gaspe has seven species of whales. That’s right, seven, including the blue whale. If that wasn’t enough, there are porpoises as well.

Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne is not only a national park, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site because, as the site says, “the geology of the park illustrates the concept of plate tectonics, one of the most important ideas in modern science.”

If plate tectonics aren’t for you, Gros Morne is home to some of the best water features in all the parks. There is Baker’s Brook Falls which is 10 metres high, and the best part is that you can swim beneath it during the summer months.

People Living at the South Pole Have Gone Six Months Without Sunlight

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It's a little over a week until this year's Autumnal Equinox, the day that marks the familiar transition from summer to fall. The equinoxes -- equal nights -- are the two days each year when the day and night are each 12 hours, the same duration everywhere on the planet. Here in northern climes, they mark the descent into the ever-longer nights of winter; south of the equator, they're entering the long days of summer.

All the way south, a few dozen ragged souls are living at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, awaiting the return of light. They've been trapped there since February, keeping the place running through six-month night. Next weekend, they'll celebrate Sunrise, the beginning of a long return to normality. It'll be a few more weeks before planes and supplies can make it in to relieve them, but the return of sunlight is a huge milestone in the career of an Antarctic Winterover.

A few years ago, I was one of them, confused and overwhelmed by the sudden arrival of sunlight. I spent 11 months at the pole that year, operating and maintaining the 10m South Pole Telescope (SPT) through the frigid and desiccating winter. The SPT was built there because of the spectacularly clear view it offers of the oldest light in the Universe, light left over from an earlier time, from a very different Universe, almost 14-billion years ago.

I'm a cosmologist by trade, I study the universe on the largest scales, to try and understand what, exactly, is going on out there. The astonishing triumph of the last 20 years is that we have much of the puzzle in place: we know what's out there, how it got here; we have coherent models of what it does, and why it does it.

Can I tell you what that first spark was, the thing that initiated it all? No, not yet. We may never know all the answers, but day-by-day the curtain is being pulled back. I can tell you the elements which make up the earth and everything on it were forged in the heart of a dying star, a star that grew in a younger Milky Way galaxy, which coalesced along with other nearby galaxies out of a vast web of material running through the cosmos, a web that formed from pressure waves passing through a nascent universe. It's a remarkable story, but one we're confident of, one we've seen through decades of devoted observations.

Observations like those underway deep in the Antarctic interior, by SPT and other dedicated telescopes. There are no doubt gaps to be filled, assumptions to be checked, mistakes to be corrected, but thanks to humanity's unending curiosity and willingness to push their own limits, we know the broad strokes of how we came to be here. Staring into the depths of the celestial abyss and accepting our meagre role in an obscure corner of reality is by no means easy or comforting. Neither is building massive telescopes on the bottom of the planet and leaving people to run them in -100C windchills. But these things enrich us beyond ease or comfort, they help us understand our place, what impact we do have, and what spectacular beauty life holds.

Many among my friends, colleagues, and family bemoan the end of summer, the coming nights of winter. I've come to appreciate the cold and the dark, knowing that at the other end, there's a spring waiting to come out.

To those lonely polies keeping things running: Happy Sunrise!

'Sculpted In Time' Trailer Makes Us Want Winter To Come Early (VDEO)

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WARNING: What you are about to watch may cause you to prematurely wish away summer.

Sherpas Cinema, a film production house run by Calgarians living in Whistler, B.C., has released the trailer for their latest project, and it looks pretty gnarly.

The 'Sculpted in Time’ series follows the ski tracks of other past Sherpa epics 'Into the Mind' and 'All.I.Can.'

But unlike their other feature-length films, 'Sculpted in Time' is broken down into four short films, meant to capture the unique stories and deep spirit of skiing in Alberta.

The Sherpas have once again used their jaw-dropping cinematic tactics, including extreme slow motion footage, long time lapses and intense musical scores, creating an adrenaline-filled look at Alberta's mountain culture and those who live it.

Banff National Park plays backdrop to this latest project, and crews spent 30 rigorous days filming across Mt.Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Resort, Sunshine Village and parts of the park backcountry.

“To have the opportunity to complete a project like this in the Canadian Rockies was a dream come true for us”, said Malcolm Sangster of Sherpas Cinema.

“The Sherpas founders, including myself, Dave Mossop and Eric Crosland, all grew up together in Calgary and it was these very hills where we cut our teeth — both as skiers and filmmakers. The peaks of Banff National Park have truly had an everlasting positive impact on our personal lives and careers, their beauty and grandeur instills a sense of awe, humbleness and respect in everyone that lays eyes on them.”

We couldn't have said it better ourselves.

The short films will be ready for viewing, one released each week for four weeks, beginning Sept. 29 at skibig3.com/sherpas.

Check out more work from Sherpas Cinema:



Into The Mind - Official Teaser from Sherpas Cinema on Vimeo.



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Opening My Eyes to the Open Road: Travelling Canada by RV

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It's been a very, very long time since I've had any extra time on my hands, but this is precisely where I found myself this summer. I wanted to make the most of it and I wanted to go on a trip that I would never forget. And that's how I discovered RVing.

Due to my recent retirement from Skeleton racing, I had extra time. In fact, I had more time than I've had in 20 years, or since before I could drive... legally at least! My wife Darla and I wanted to take advantage of our recent life changes which also included a move to Victoria. We had a number of commitments that our wagon was tied to and our attendance was mandatory, so we had to build the rest of our holiday around those. Little did we know the perfect solution was waiting.

Darla and I have crisscrossed this amazing country a number of times. We've been able to see and do a great deal as a result of the teams and projects we've been a part of. The only problem was that it had always been very structured. We never got the chance to savour it and longed for the opportunity to kick back and enjoy the ride -- though we never thought the ride would look like this.

As we pieced together what we wanted to do, divine intervention stepped in -- Go RVing Canada approached us about working together this summer to help raise awareness about the RV lifestyle and the boatload of benefits it offers.

Darla and I both grew up camping, she in the bush with her Grandparents and me in little campgrounds all over the place, but neither of us have done much of it in the last 20 years and we were both green when it came to RVing. We didnʼt know how to operate a home-on-wheels and were concerned about our ability to maneuver it around the hazards that were patiently waiting to eat up our deposit. Excited by the chance to hit the open road in an RV, we set out not knowing what to expect outside of some jaw-dropping scenery and quintessentially Canadian adventures.

It took about 10 minutes and one night of camping to feel like a boss behind the wheel of our 32ʼ C class RV. It handled like a dream and I felt like I could have parallel parked it on a crowded city street. We travelled some 6000 kilometres this summer and it felt like 500. Iʼve crossed the prairies hundreds of times and I can say without a doubt that this trip stands apart from the others for a few reasons. What made it different? In an RV:

1. You can go to the bathroom while driving. Iʼm not sure itʼs legal or even acceptable RV etiquette, but in case of emergencies you can get it done.

2. The term "pack a lunch" takes on a whole new meaning - you have all your food and accoutrements at your fingertips.

3. There is no need to leave any sports equipment at home, you can bring it all with you.

4. You get to sleep comfortably in nature and enjoy freedom from noise, light, and air pollution.

5. You can carry an axe and not only walk around with it, but you can get some serious exercise using it.

6. You come home with a new perspective. In my case, I realized that humans are massive consumers and RVing helped me simplify.

7. You see the world you are a part of with your own eyes. Seeing is believing: the world is a beautiful place.

8. You are in the driver's seat of your own adventure, so you can take life by the wheel and create the trip you deseRVe!

From Crystal Cove in Tofino and Cascade Cove in Christina Lake, Darla and I were greeted with new surprises at every turn. My discovery of a hidden gem in BC that my wife decided to let me in on will forever be one of my favorite places to visit in Canada. I won't spoil the secret, but you might discover it for yourselves if you tour around.

We were able to watch Ben Harper perform at Birds Hill Provincial Park at Winnipeg's world-renowned Folk Fest. The Wasagaming Campground in Riding Mountain National Park, an hour from my hometown of Russell, was like a homecoming - I hadn't actually camped there in about 28 years. Stops in Drumheller, Lake Louise Trailer Campground at Banff National Park, and Whistler Riverside Campground punctuated our trip. The destinations, campgrounds, scenery and people we passed changed as often as the songs on the radio.

Discovering Canada this way was remarkable. We are among the most privileged people in the world to be able to call it home. We loved discovering our surroundings and exploring our own backyard. Darla and I hope that we've inspired even a handful of Canadians to see more of this great country of ours, and potentially to see it by RV. Whether a downtown city-dweller, suburban parent or small town country kid, anyone can have (and enjoy) their own RV adventure. And the best part is that no two RV vacations are the same, and it looks quite different depending on who you ask. The outdoors are amazing -- you don't need a membership, and shirts and shoes are optional.

As we passed through small towns and big cities from Victoria to Winnipeg and back again, passing fields of rolling green and yellow crops, we absorbed every passing moment excitedly. There was no destination greater than the trip we were on. I loved how traveling with a purpose, like I've done with sport and TV, was able to be accomplished in such a laid-back way. I didn't feel like I needed a vacation when I got home from a 6000 Km Canadian road-trip. And the best part? We can't wait to get back out on the road again.

See you down the line...
Jon M

This summer, Jon Montgomery partnered with Go RVing Canada to share his RV experiences, in hopes of inspiring others to see more of Canada and to consider seeing it by RV. The Go RVing Canada coalition is a non-profit association that consists of RV manufacturers, component suppliers, dealers and regional RV associations. GoRVing.ca is the go-to for all RVing related information, providing instructional videos, trip planning tools, RV basics and a lifestyle blog. Thank you to Camping and RV BC and Parks Canada for helping Jon and Darla plan their stops along the way.

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'Amazing Race Canada' Season 2, Episode 11 Recap: A Tidal Bore

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WARNING: Spoiler Alert! Do not read on unless you've seen "Amazing Race Canada" Season 2, Episode 11. Unless you like spoilers, then go right ahead!

With seven first-place finishes to their names, Natalie and Meaghan may as well be known as the "Amazing Race Canada"'s Prince(sses) of Tide. However, it's unfortunate their outstanding efforts were muddled in the New Brunswick-based semifinal leg, which was a Tidal (and Total) Bore.

Over 17 minutes of a 43-minute show were devoted to a painstakingly dull Detour of international signal flag arrangement and patterning. It may have taken place in the bed of the world-famous, beautiful Hopewell Rocks, but it was impossibly hard to follow, and seriously, who cares about flags?

"It seems so simple," said Meaghan, after her eleventh attempt. "Up one side, and down the other. We've checked and checked and checked."

With no connection to the local landmark, and no suspense or jockeying between the teams, the challenge completely weighed down the episode. Remember this season's coin matching task? Or last year's location scouting in Vancouver? These sluggish, hobby-focused tasks lack the intensity and competitive edge needed to complete the race's M.O.: test the relationship of the partners through stressful, unusual, and frustrating destination-focused challenges in a journey around the world (or Canada).

The pesky Sukhi and Jinder are still in the running, and while they irritated us at every turn, at least they provided a bit of entertainment. As has become their trademark, the brother-sister pair had the gall to beg the Olympic frontrunners for help on the challenge after misdirecting them on the last leg. Oh, and let's not forget their unnecessary U-Turn of Ryan and Rob on a previous episode. Begrudgingly sympathetic, Natalie and Meaghan show them their version of the task's clue, as part of their vow to play a clean and honest game. Sure. Regardless, the athletic pair never lost their lead in the episode, and dominated at each and every step.

First, the duos drove across Confederation Bridge to New Brunswick to visit the Bay of Fundy in Shediac, NB, the world's lobster capital. Except, instead of doing anything relating to lobster, they head to a Dairy Queen, to "prepare ice cream treats" for a birthday-celebrating family. Let's not forget: DQ is a delicacy across the country, just like Mentos.

On the way, the bratty siblings hit their first run-in with karma, and receive a 15-minute penalty for running a red light. Ultimately, it doesn't make much of a difference, as the teams then head to the Albert County Museum, again, for no reason but a name drop, and are given their choice between two Detours -- By Land (use GPS to find buried treasure) or By Sea (learn international signal flags and position them to send a message). Each pair chooses By Sea, to give viewers a lesson in mind-numbing monotony.

Then, it was off to the Roadblock at Cape Enrage (gotta love the suitable name), where one team member was tasked with rappelling down a cliff, climbing back up, and finally meeting Jon at the mat upon completion of its adjoining zipline. After a season of showboating, attitude and entitlement, it was here where Sukhi and Jinder finally found their comeuppance. While watching Sukhi struggle to rappel and climb, Jinder spotted Ryan and Rob nearing the Pit Stop, and knew their race was over. It didn't stop him from half-heartedly cheering on his sister as she finished up, or from expressing his disappointment to Jon.

"I know we're done," said Jinder. "It just sucks."

So, now what? The final three of Natalie and Meaghan, Mickey and Pete and Ryan and Rob will all head to Ottawa to compete for GAS FOR LIFE, a series of other prizes, and glory. Though the hockey players are the obvious picks to win, the cottage country hippies may have never won a leg of the race but they've placed on the podium on seven different occasions. Plus, each episode, they're quick to remind the audience about their variety of odd jobs, skills and experiences, which could be beneficial in the "how bad do you want it" race to the end. The Tims won with a similar, but less stellar record last year, so anything can happen.

As for Ryan and Rob? The bartenders are basically dead in the water. Even Jon was quick to dismiss their chances after they survived two non-elimination legs, saying, "It's pretty miraculous that you're here, I'm not gonna lie."

Who are you rooting for? Are you still watching after this lacklustre semifinal? Tweet us @HuffPostCanada.

Episode 10 Recap
Episode 9 Recap
Episode 8 Recap
Episode 7 Recap
Episode 6 Recap
Episode 5 Recap
Episode 4 Recap
Episode 3 Recap
Episode 2 Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Episode 1 Review

"Amazing Race Canada" Season 2 airs on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV. The Season 2 finale airs on CTV on Sunday, September 21 at 9 p.m. ET.


Air Canada Baggage Fee Follows Similar Move By WestJet

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MONTREAL — Air Canada has joined rival WestJet Airlines in charging a $25 fee for your first checked bag on domestic flights.

The fee applies to passengers booking the airline's lowest economy class Tango fares, as of Thursday for flights as of Nov. 2.

The Montreal-based airline (TSX:AC.B) has charged for a traveller's first checked bag on U.S. routes since 2011 and will now add a fee for flights between Canada and the Caribbean and Mexico.

"We're matching the market,'' chief financial officer Michael Rousseau told a CIBC investor conference.

Earlier this week, Calgary-based WestJet (TSX:WJA) announced a fee for a traveller's first checked bag that ranges between $25 and $29.50 depending on provincial taxes, for flights within Canada and to the United States, but not to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and Europe.

Industry observers had expected Air Canada to add the fee, which it says will affect about 20 per cent of passengers on domestic flights.

Air Canada's new bag fee means that nearly all North American airlines aside from Southwest and Jet Blue charge a first checked baggage fee.

"It's what the market is bearing at this point in time,'' Rousseau added.

Analyst Chris Murray of AltaCorp Capital estimates the fee will affect 40.7 million passengers in 2015 and add about $50 million in pre-tax operating earnings (EBITDAR) for Air Canada.

Meanwhile, Canaccord Genuity analyst David Tyerman estimated the bag fee will generate $46 million in additional revenue and $23 million in profits at Air Canada assuming no loss in the number of checked bags or change in base ticket fares.

"Overall, we would expect net benefits from the introduction of first-bag fees, although the degree of upside is debatable,'' he wrote in a report after estimating earlier this week that it could raise $65 million in new revenue.

"There is definitely the potential for base ticket price reductions, as WestJet has talked about reducing ticket prices this week as part of its first-bag fee initiative.''

Air Canada's new fee doesn't apply to higher economy class and business class fares, customers purchasing Air Canada Vacations packages or Altitude prestige, elite and super elite members as well as Star Alliance silver and gold members.

Business class customers can check two bags at no cost, while military personnel receive up to three free checked bags.

WestJet chief financial officer Vito Culmone later told the investor conference that the airline expects the new fee could reduce checked bags by 20 to 30 per cent, based on experience of other airlines.

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Humpback Whales In Prince Rupert Leave Boaters Gasping (VIDEO)

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Whale encounters aren't rare in British Columbia, but it's not often that you see so many, so close.

A lucky group of whale watchers in Prince Rupert got a completely unexpected encounter when several humpback whales swam right up to a boat owned by Prince Rupert Adventure Tours earlier this month.

A video uploaded to YouTube on Monday shows the whales swimming and breaching slowly as stunned passengers look on.

Boat captain Doug Davis told The Province newspaper that as many as 30 surrounded the boat at one point.

"It was quite the experience," he said.

This is hardly the first time that such a stunning video of sea mammals has been captured in the province.

Earlier this year, video surfaced of a humpback whale swimming right next to a fishing boat in Prince Rupert.

Last year, BC Ferries passengers saw a massive pod of Pacific White-sided dolphins as a vessel travelled between Galiano Island and Tsawwassen.

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Bridge Between Gabriola Island And Vancouver Island To Be Studied

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VICTORIA - Ferry service between Gabriola Island and Vancouver Island is so unreliable and expensive that it needs to be replaced by two bridges, says the man behind a petition that spurred a government feasibility study on the idea.

Jeremy Baker, of the Gabriola Island Bridge Society, said the idea of a fixed link has been floated for 40 years and debated in the legislature but the time has now come to make it happen.

"It's not right, what BC Ferries is doing," he said Thursday, adding that ongoing fare increases and service cuts propelled 660 Gabriola island residents to sign the petition calling for the study.

Baker said two bridges are needed — from Gabriola Island to Mudge Island, and from there to Joan Point Park — for what is now a 17-kilometre ferry trip that is supposed to be 20-minute trip.

However, regular delays mean the crossing can take three times as long, causing major inconvenience for people who work in Nanaimo or go there for doctors' appointments, he said.

A ferry advisory committee, appointed by BC Ferries, consists mostly of rich and retired people who don't have to deal with deteriorating service, Baker said.

"They don't care about late ferries for the people who get off shift late, they don't care about early ferries for people who have to get to work really early."

Gabriola Islanders who are against the fixed crossings because they don't want more people coming to the isolated location should consider moving elsewhere, Baker said.

"They want to keep people away."

Transportation Minister Todd Stone said Thursday that the feasibility study prompted by the petition is being done so any future discussions about a fixed link can be based on current information.

But the ministry said in a news release that an independent consultant conducting the study will not assess the level of public support for a bridge.

The study, expected to start this fall and finish next spring, will include an examination of potential locations for a fixed link, a cost estimate and a comparison of the cost between a bridge and existing ferry service.

Jordan Sturdy, a member of the legislature and the parliamentary secretary to the transportation minister, began touring Vancouver Island last week as part of a consultation process on a 10-year transportation plan that includes the entire province.

"For the people of British Columbia, the ferry system is a hopeless case. It's absolutely unsustainable," Baker said.

The idea of a bridge between Vancouver and Victoria has also made the rounds over the years as ferry service becomes increasingly unaffordable.

About 4,000 people live on Gabriola Island, which draws a larger population during summer months.

BC Ferries' service to the island east of Nanaimo was reduced as a cost-cutting measure last year when service on other routes was also chopped.



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'Amazing Race Canada' Season 2, Finale Recap: Cool Story, Bro

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** Contains spoilers. Please do not read unless you've seen the finale of 'Amazing Race Canada.' **

Nothing says "I'm so happy we won $250,000" like two men gyrating in their tight-and-bright briefs with an Olympic gold medalist in Canada's capital city. But after Mickey's hot pink cheetah-print Speedo bungee jump in Macau, this was clearly in the cards all along.

Way to go, Mickey and Pete! Much like last season's winners, the Tims, these hippies had one win over the course of the race, but they made sure to bring home the Canadian bacon and glory when it counted most. The long-haired, chilled out twosome may not have been the favourites to win (HuffPost Canada originally gave them 30:1 odds, with dating couple Alain and Audrey at 2:1 alongside perennial frontrunners, the Olympians Natalie and Meaghan), but they walked away with the aforementioned cash prize, free gas for life from Petro-Canada, and 10 round-trip tickets for two to anywhere on Air Canada's travel roster — in business class — for a year, as well as two matching Chevy Silverado High Country editions.

In other words: cool story, bro(s).

So, how did Mickey and Pete usurp seven-time first place finishers Natalie and Meaghan? It was all about timing.

Arriving in the capital from a Tidal (and Total) Bore in New Brunswick, each team was neck-and-neck upon leaving the Ottawa airport. In what has become classic Ryan and Rob fashion, particularly in a French-speaking region, they immediately got lost in their cab en route to the first challenge. Quickly, it became a two-team race to the finish, starting with a rocky whitewater kayak ride through the Rideau Canal. Though they had a lot of heart, Meaghan's injured hand slowed the Golden Girls down as they paddled to the end of the riverbank. And they never stood a chance in this task competing against Mickey and Pete, the former of whom (surprise, surprise!) runs his own eco-friendly white water rafting business.

Off to a quick (and clear) lead, the best buds then travelled to Hansard, the House of Commons' hall of records, to identify a specific moment in Canadian history. With the hockey players close behind, and Mickey's sweaty grey tank top hogging most of the camera time, the team then schlepped to the Diefenbunker for a military miniature scavenger hunt Roadblock. Again, like several "Amazing Race Canada" tasks this season, this was a cute idea, but did not translate to good, or compelling television.

It was quite the opposite at the next Roadblock. One half of each duo had to climb up 60 feet of rope and show off their aerial skills in the Canadian Museum of Nature's atrium, to receive their next clue. Luckily for Mickey, he channelled his inner Spider-Man and became the "friendly neighbourhood Mickey" and save for some extended grasps, swiftly completed the task. Meaghan, however, had a different experience. Since Natalie went hunting for tiny tanks and boats at the Diefenbunker, Meaghan was forced to take her hand, which was now "swollen up like a balloon" and make her ascent. Visibly cringing, and in pain, the hockey player fought through it like the champion she is, in spite of her physical limitations and the fact that Ryan and Rob were right on her tail. Natalie was moved while watching her partner struggle through the challenge.

"Seeing Meaghan up on those ropes and seeing how hard she's struggling just reminds me of how close we've grown over this race," said Natalie. "She's willing to put herself through all this pain just so we can make it to the end and win this race together."

Even though they're trailing behind Mickey and Pete, it doesn't stop the two from skating through the final task of the race: solving a "Paintings of the Race" puzzle at the National Gallery of Canada. The teams were asked to rearrange 12 rows of three paintings in the precise order they occurred on each leg of the race, amidst decoy landmarks, like the Taj Mahal. Interestingly, Natalie and Meaghan quickly caught up to the Muskoka, ON bros, but both teams made similar mistakes in recalling their times in Paris, and Montreal. Finally, Mickey and Pete corrected their Parisian faux-pas, and raced to Rideau Hall to meet Jon at the mat first, while each eliminated team cheered for their victory. With a celebratory strip-down, the two showed off their audition for "Magic Mike XXL" as they took in their big win.

bros winning

But don't forget, they couldn't have done it without their trusty cab driver, Tony. May we suggest he audition for "The Amazing Race Canada" 3? Something tells us he has what it takes to make it big.





What did you think of the season finale of "The Amazing Race Canada"? Did your favourite team win? Sound off in the comments below.


A more thorough recap of the season's best and worst moments is coming shortly.

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Backpacking Taught Me I Don't Need Makeup to Be Confident

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A mirror. That's what my 12-year-old self said I would want as my survival item on a deserted island.

In high school, I wouldn't leave the house without eyeliner on both lids.

One night in college, I was already late for a party, but still spent an hour on my hair to look good for everyone else.

A mosquito net. That's what I treasured most this past August while on a remote island in Cambodia for three nights. There was no mirror and I had no idea what I looked like.

I left Toronto four months ago to travel the world indefinitely. In that time, I've become more comfortable wearing little to no makeup and not fussing with my hair. I've become more comfortable with myself.

This morning, I combed my hair, brushed my teeth, put on moisturizer, sunscreen and lipstick and dressed. I was ready in 10 minutes. I've been doing this routine in busy cities like Bangkok, where women are meticulous about their makeup and take countless selfies; or the small island of Gili Air, near Bali, where I wear my bathing suit all day.

But, it wasn't until my boyfriend and I were having dinner recently in Bali -- surrounded by immaculate vacationers -- that I realized a change in comfort. I sat in flowy pants, a loose tank top, hair in a bun and no makeup. This moment brings me to my first of three lessons I've learned while traveling:

I want to be clear: this is my experience in self-image as it relates to many areas of my life including the pressures of Western ideals to constantly be beautiful, the need to be polished and professional in past corporate settings, and even living up to family and friends' perceptions of health: shiny hair, nice skin and being slim and stylish. This set of expectations over the years fuelled a habit of self-judgment. But, everyone's experience is unique. I know a lot of people who have never worn makeup and that's normal.

Comfort is priority
I bought a pair of goofy, orange, sweat- and water-proof sandals before we left Canada. I would have never bought this style for the summer in Toronto. I'd look dorky and they wouldn't pair with anything I owned. But I knew I needed reliable shoes for long days of walking and treks. I wear these sandals to the beach, dinner and hiking, and I once, although hesitant at first, wore them with a dress for an interview with an editor.

This same principle of comfort has translated to an important wardrobe of cotton dresses, flowy pants, and often tying my hair back.

On past trips to Europe, I had ignored my mom's insistence that I bring comfortable shoes for walking and instead wore the fashionable sandals with little to no sole that had my feet in agony at the end of the day. I wanted to look good all the time, and that meant looking like what I read in magazines or saw on TV.

I don't let things make me feel beautiful
In high school I had to wear a uniform. Once a month we were allowed a dress-down day, where we could wear our regular street clothes. I would often be at the mall the night before looking for a new outfit because I didn't want to be seen wearing a look people already knew.

I didn't realize how much clothing I had accumulated -- wasteful and shameful -- until I rummaged through endless bags and hangers of clothes that needed a home only weeks before our trip.

Before we left, as someone who loves fashion, I worried about how I would feel wearing the same shirt and shoes everyday. It was hard at first -- I missed the ability to exercise my style or choose which shoes I wanted to wear.

The less I focused on how I looked, the more I strengthened other areas of myself-the health of my stomach that I have long struggled with, getting the rest I need after a long day of travel (I was always on the go in Toronto), or spending less time getting ready so I can spend more time experiencing a city or moment.

I focus less on external beauty to strengthen internal confidence
I was Skyping with a girlfriend when she asked a question that I presume was more like a statement from one of my recent photos, "I guess, you don't really wear makeup most days?" The photo she might be referring to is one with my boyfriend that I wasn't sure if I'd post because I didn't want everyone to see me without makeup. In turn, no one seemed to notice.

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Writer Kristen Marano in the photo she hesitated to post because she wasn't wearing full makeup.



While I didn't wear much makeup when I was living in Toronto and working a busy agency job, I never would have left the house the way I do now for fear of judgment or not looking good enough.

Currently my eyebrows are the most grown out they've ever been. They could contend with my boyfriend's mini unibrow or the latest runway trend. The truth is, I want them to be threaded, but most places in Asia offer only waxing. In the meantime I'm OK with baring them.

Travelling and working gives me the freedom to design my days, which means endless time to contemplate about my life. I can choose to spend the time picking at potential physical flaws or reassert my time in other areas.

I just got through a full book, which I hadn't done in years in Toronto. I blamed my inability on my job at the time, where the pressure to consume constant information meant skimming articles and constant distractions. In the past two weeks I finished three books and the ability to recite and more clearly talk about ideas with my boyfriend or friends is rewarding. It's a confidence booster and a new affirmation of my self-image. It's becoming an important part of who I am and that's pretty cool.

I've never known what people mean when they talk about finding themselves in travel. But, if I'm to find a meaning for myself it would be that when you're forced to shower in cold water for days on end, wash and brush your teeth in a moving train cabin, pee in a hole and sweat under 40 degree sun, I've learned that I'm a stronger person for these experiences than making sure my hair looks perfect, constantly touching up my makeup or wearing shoes that aren't comfortable on long treks.

Perhaps a stronger self-image comes with growing up. I think my friends in their 30s might tell me that. But, I'd like to attribute it to my travel experiences that are putting priority on who I want to be. From a mirror to mosquito net, I'm redeeming myself.

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This Video Is Just The Pump-Up That September Needed

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We're over halfway through September, and while the Vancouver sun has been doing its very best to keep shining, we could probably all use a little pick-me-up right about now.

So before you mourn those summer nights and get into the often inevitable fall/winter slump, watch this video from local YouTube personalities High On Life Sundayfundayz.

The group of young and adventurous guys have made a name for themselves by seizing every opportunity and travelling the world – and now they've compiled footage of their adventures into a new video along with some inspirational advice.

So long, sleepy September. As they say in the video: "Follow your bliss. Get out of your comfort zone. Stop looking for reasons why you can’t and look for reasons why you can."

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First Signs Of Human Life In Canada May Be In B.C.

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VANCOUVER - Researchers using a robotic underwater vehicle off British Columbia's northern coast believe they may have found the earliest evidence of human habitation in Canada.

Unfortunately, the site that could date back almost 14,000 years lies beneath hundreds of metres of water in the ocean around the Haida Gwaii archipelago.

Archaeologist Quentin Mackie from the University of Victoria and his team returned earlier this month from a research trip to the archipelago, where they used the autonomous underwater vehicle to scan the sea floor in search of evidence of ancient civilization.

"We're not quite ready to say for sure that we found something," he said. "We have really interesting-looking targets on the sea floor that, as an archeologist, they look like they could be cultural."

Mackie has studied the area for 15 years, and came to believe that ancient residents would have harvested salmon near the coast of what was then a single island that stretched well across Hecate Strait toward the mainland.

At the time, the sea level was about 100 metres lower than it is today and the main island of the archipelago was twice as large.

Stone tools or evidence of campfires would not be possible to see on the ocean bottom. They're too small.

"But we had this idea that if people were harvesting salmon in the rivers... they might have been building fish weirs," Mackie said.

Armed with detailed scans of the sea floor and with the help of Parks Canada and their research vessel, Mackie and his colleagues set out to search.

For as many as 12 hours a day, for 10 days, the torpedo-like AUV used sonar to survey 25 kilometres of underwater riverbeds.

He's far from certain, but Mackie is hopeful the images show at least one stone weir — a man-made channel used to corral fish. The scan suggests a wall of large stones placed in a line at a right angle to the stream, a fishing tool common to the Haida and many other ancient cultures.

"That's pretty much the exact archetype of what we were looking for," he said.

Based on radio-carbon dating from another archeological site on the island, the weir could date back 13,800 years.

Alison Proctor, a research engineer from the university's ocean technology lab, programmed and operated the AUV for this expedition and during the 2012 search for the Franklin expedition in the Arctic

There are always technical challenges but "compared to the Franklin project, this one was fairly easy," she said.

There is nothing conclusive but "it gives us a reason to go on, to take this next year, pore over the data ... and go back and try to prove something conclusively," she said.

A geologist will now study the images to ensure the rocks are not a natural formation, then the team will return next summer to take samples of the sediment near the site and to look for stone tools.

If the site is what he hopes, it's a testament to the incredible resilience of the ancient Haida, Mackie said.

They lived through a time of tremendous climatic change, warming from the Ice Age that rapidly returned to near-glacial conditions for a millennium, before rapidly warming again.

"The village that you were born in would be under water by the time you died," he said. "And they're able to take all this change in stride, and they probably even thrived on that."

B.C. Fisherman Rescues Eagle In Heartwarming Tale Of Friendship (VIDEO)

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Ah, the age old tale of bird and man.

A B.C. fisherman was out on his boat off Nanoose Bay when he spotted an eagle that appeared to be floating and struggling in the water.

Don Dunbar eased his 24-ft. boat towards the bird to let him come aboard, reported The Province.

"Hey, buddy!" he says in his YouTube video of the encounter, which has been viewed over 62,000 times since being uploaded on Saturday. "Whaddya figure? You wanna come aboard?"

The 12-minute video includes Dunbar scooping the eagle out of the water with a net. The drenched animal then perches calmly inside the boat.

"I gotta say, you're the most unusual fishing partner I've ever had," Dunbar jovially tells the bird.

Once they docked, the eagle was taken to Delta's Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society where it was discovered to be very malnourished, reported the Times Colonist.

But wildlife officials told The Province that the bird has begun eating on his own, a "tiny victory."

Turns out a man is a bird's best friend.

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Five Reasons to Take a Cruise This Year

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Do you cruise? According to the U.S. Travel Department, international travel only accounts for about $123 billion of the $621 billion spent by Americans on travel. In contrast, as reported by the Canadian Tourism Commission, Canadians have actually been steadily increasing their overseas departures year over year. So it would appear, that when our southern friends take vacations, they are doing so domestically.

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The Brits used to be in the same boat, but -- perhaps having their interests piqued when The Duchess of Cambridge ceremoniously christened the Royal Princess ship in June 2013 -- a record-breaking 1.79-million British holidaymakers took a cruise that year. The Daily Mail UK also reported that 21.7-million people worldwide plan to book a 'floating resort' in 2014.

The top destination? The Caribbean, of course. Beaches and Bermuda shorts are followed by the allure of Mediterranean and European ports. Far-flung destinations in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and South America also prove to be popular. Bookings to Alaska are up as well, and I have it on good authority that one of the best ways to see the country is from a ship deck.

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Here are five more reasons to consider a cruise:

Reason #1 Rather than biting off more than one can chew, cruising offers a taste of other countries. From my own experience, I don't think I would have ever discovered the beauty of Cartagena's old town, if not for my cruise through the Panama Canal in early 2012. We only had time for lunch, but it is a place I imagine myself returning to in the future. It would seem others are having the same daydream, as it is the one board that is consistently re-pinned off of my Pinterest.

Reason #2 "I think people are drawn to what we offer because all the planning is taken care of for you," explains Paul Heyden, President of Holiday Cruise Line. "If you go your own way to plan a vacation, it's on you to figure out how to make the most of every day. Going on a cruise lets you relax, recharge, and allows the vacation to happen to you." He makes a good point. I have certainly been overwhelmed by the options in some destinations.

Reason #3 There is a level of support that isn't always there otherwise. "We take it as serious business when vacationers put their plans in our hands. It is our mission to deliver and take care of any problems immediately," says Heyden. Talk about taking a load off and just letting go.

Reason #4 Unpack once! Two sweet words that can make or break a vacation. Trust me on this.

Reason #5 See the best of the Bahamas, West Coast U.S. or Mexico. North Americans can get their feet wet with short sojourns offered by the likes of Holiday Cruise Line. Their Bahamas Celebration ship travels round trip from Florida to tropical Grand Bahamas' Island. I have mentioned this affordable two-day sail in this space before and still think it, as well as the three to five day getaways that Princess Cruises operates out of Los Angeles, are great ways to see some sunny ports without breaking the bank.

So I will ask again...do you cruise? If so, I'd love to know your reasons and favourite destinations in the comments below.

Images courtesy of Photopin.com and The Travel Presse.

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Sorry, KLM's Adorable Beagle Employee Was A PR Stunt

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Here’s another cruel lesson in how not everything is as it seems.

The adorable beagle who zipped into our hearts as a cute recruit to Dutch airline KLM’s lost and found crew has proven to be nothing more than a PR stunt.

An ad released Tuesday followed Sherlock, a fast-moving vest-wearing pooch, tasked with one job: reunite fliers with their lost items at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Several outlets reported the clip as fact before realizing they had been duped.

The jig was up after creatives with DDB & Tribal Worldwide Amsterdam admitted the ruse to Mediabistro, saying it was a marketing ploy to promote the airline’s new lost and found team.

“We feel they are a bit like detectives,” said Alex Herwig and Jeroen Thissen of airline staffers tasked to find missing items. “So to illustrate that KLM goes above and beyond for their passengers, we decided to involve a search dog.”

Earlier, the airline fuelled confusion after calling Sherlock their “newest team member” and “tail-wagging secret weapon.”

With no beagle help, the airline said they have been able to reunite 80 per cent of found items with their owners, according to a news release.

So what's stopping KLM from achieving a 100 per cent success rate? The solution could be right under their nose.

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Richard Branson Institutes Unlimited Vacation At Virgin

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It's not often you hear about a boss who doesn't want to count his employees' vacation days.

But Virgin Group founder Richard Branson isn't like other bosses.

In an excerpt from his book "The Virgin Way" that was posted on his blog Tuesday, he said he has introduced a policy at the company's U.S. and U.K. headquarters whereby employees can decide when to take time off work.

They decide for themselves how long they'll be away and they don't need to approve it with a manager first. They don't even have to keep track of how many days they've been gone.

The only catch is that they and their teams have to be up to date on any projects, and their time away from work can't hurt the business or their own careers.

"Flexible working has revolutionized how, where and when we all do our jobs," Branson wrote. "So, if working nine to five no longer applies, then why should strict annual leave (vacation) policies?"

Netflix inspired the billionaire's move to the new policy, after the video streaming company's employees wondered how they would manage time off if they were working at all different hours.

"If Netflix was no longer able to accurately track employees' total time on the job, why should it apply a different and outmoded standard to their time away from it?" Branson wrote.

Numerous professionals have extolled the health benefits that come from vacations.

Clinical psychologist Francine Lederer, for example, told ABC News in 2011 that the effects of time off on mental health are "profound," and that those who take vacations are "more motivated to achieve their goals" when they come back to work.

Branson's policy comes about as numerous businesses and governments are experimenting with new initiatives to help their employees achieve a work-life balance.

Earlier this year, some employers in France signed an agreement with unions with an "obligation to disconnect," which meant that independent employees who work outside the country's mandated 35-hour work week would enjoy 11 hours of rest every day, Slate reported.

(Erroneous reports emerged around this time that France had banned work emails after 6 p.m.)

Meanwhile, in Amsterdam, an office occupied by design studio Heldergroen lifts desks off the ground, computers and all, at 6 p.m. every day, making room for uses such as a dance party, yoga class and numerous other applications, Co.EXIST reported.

While Branson is encouraging employees to take off as much time as they need, the new policy could be a mixed blessing.

Christian May, head of campaigns at the U.K.'s Institute of Directors, told The Guardian that businesses could have difficulty functioning "if you don't know which staff you have in tomorrow, and they all decided to take the day off."

And it's reasonable to question whether employees would even take advantage of this lenient approach to vacations.

A Glassdoor survey reported by CBS Moneywatch last April found that U.S. employees only took half their vacation time over the past year.

Reasons for not taking full advantage of time off included unease over whether someone else could do their work for them, as well as falling behind when they came back. Others worried about losing their jobs altogether.

The story is similar in Canada, where 26 per cent of residents are not making use of paid vacation days, according to a survey by Robert Half.

So it's all well and good when your boss isn't monitoring your vacation time. But are employees bold enough to accept it?

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2014 Airport Affordability Index - Ranking the 20 Most Popular Airports Serving Canadians

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For the fourth year, Cheapflights.ca pulled data and crunched the numbers to come up with our Annual Airport Affordability Index to help you in your quest to get the best flight deals. The index, which uses average plane ticket prices our site users found during the month of August 2014 to rank 20 of the most popular airports serving Canadians, gives travellers a glimpse into the cheapest departure and arrival points.

The annual Cheapflights.ca Airport Affordability Index is a baseline for comparing airports and airfares, both in the moment and over time. The rankings include the previous year's position for each airport as well. While Kelowna made the jump into the top spot, St. John's gained the most ground versus last year. Meanwhile, the U.S. border airports slipped some in the rankings, showing the effect of the current currency disparity. Nonetheless, with travellers seeing an average airfare of C$414 from Bellingham to Honolulu in August versus C$493 from Vancouver, it's still worthwhile to do your homework and maybe take a drive. And don't always assume bigger is better when it comes to affordable airports either. In August, the airfares our users found from Ottawa's Macdonald-Cartier to Miami averaged C$370 compared to C$415 when flying from Toronto's Pearson International.

"This year's Airport Affordability Index underscores just how fluid airfares tend to be," said Melisse Hinkle, editor at Cheapflights.ca. "While getting away is a priority for many Canadians, so too is being savvy about saving on travel. The good news is that your hometown airport might be a truly affordable option. But the real takeaways are that finding flight deals often means exploring all your options, and being flexible can be the real key to stretching your travel budget."

Cheapflights.ca's sister site in the U.S., Cheapflights.com, also issues an annual Airport Affordability Rankings featuring the average airfare to key destinations for the 101 most popular airports in the U.S. As many Canadians travel to, from and within the U.S., this report can be an additional useful guide for seeing how these airports stack up.

As always, we recommend you to do your homework as deals can pop up anywhere. Our rankings provide travellers with a way of seeing how airports measure up and serve as a handy baseline for savvy travellers planning their next departure or destination.

These rankings fluctuate year to year and prices can change frequently (and dramatically) along routes, but as always, there are a few key takeaways: do your research, check out all your options and, if you can, be flexible with your travel plans -- it could yield significant savings!

Take a look at the full list:

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