The ShortTrips.ca team is excited to be back on the road again! If you're new here, we are a bus tour company based out of the Greater Toronto Area offering day trips and weekend getaways. If you're curious about how to begin safely travelling by bus keep reading!

We know that many of you are anxious to get travelling again. Thank you to all those who have written to us with words of support and encouragement. Now that the Toronto area is in Stage 3, we are starting up again with one-day trips.

We want all our valued patrons to be aware of the new regulations we are now in compliance with. The following changes will be implemented effective immediately:

• Our tours will now operate at a reduced capacity of 25 passengers as opposed to the standard of 55. 
• Face masks are to be worn in all "indoor" areas, including buses. Please provide your own mask or face covering. 
• Temperature checks and screening questions will be performed before boarding. 
• If you have a fever or are exhibiting other signs of an illness such as shortness of breath, for the safety of all other passengers, regrettably you will not be allowed to board and join the tour that day.
• Please sanitize your hands immediately before boarding the bus. Sanitizer will be provided to all passengers. 
• If you are worried about travelling solo, no need! Solo travelers will be given an extra empty seat, while families can be seated together. .
• We will board and disembark buses from back to front to further minimize contact.
• All our buses will undergo heavy sanitation at the end of each day. Additionally the drivers will wipe down all hard surfaces with sanitizing wipes during the tour when passengers are off the bus at a venue.

We took the time to establish a strong game plan to help our wonderful clients travel safely. We hope that you feel better prepared for your trip having read this and we look forward to welcoming you (safely) on one of our upcoming tours.

Being the largest city in the state of Massachusetts, Boston has a lot to offer. Having also been home to the first public school, this capital city is rich in history, culture, and architecture. Here are some of the top sights to see when visiting Boston!

1. Boston Tea Party Museum: Re-enact one of the most iconic moments in American history! At this amazing venue, patrons can enjoy an interactive experience involving exhibits and live actors. For more info click here.

2. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum: This exhibit is a dedication to the iconic 35th president on the United States, John F. Kennedy. Experience American history firsthand and tour this library to bring Kennedy's presidency to life. For more info click here.

3. Quincy Market: Home to over 60 retailers and 200,000 square feet of market space, this incredible outdoor market has stood the test of time. Patrons have been attending the market for 189 years to enjoy the food, cobblestone streets, music, and street performers. For more info click here. 

4. The Revere House: In 1775, Paul Revere set out on the journey that would one day make him famous. Before this venture, he inhabited a small wooden house that still stands in Boston as a historical landmark. Being the oldest building in downtown Boston, Revere's great grandson purchased the building to protect it from being demolished. Because of this and some external funding, the Revere House was able to open its doors to the public as one of America's first historical residential museums. To learn more, click here. 

5. Bunker Hill Monument: This 221ft tall monument commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill as it was built atop the field where combat ensued. What makes this monument particularly interesting is that it took 17 years to construct. For more info, click here. 
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To see all of these amazing sights and MORE, join us on our Boston & Salem Summer Tour this August as we travel to these fun-filled cities. If you would like to learn more about this tour click here or call us at (866) 208 2950. 

1. Use an ATM to get access to the local currency instead of using the currency exchange 

The fees charged by your bank when travelling to the US or overseas are typically cheaper than those offered to you by currency exchange bureaus. 

2. Invest in a portable charger. 

Even though our buses are equipped with outlets, you never know when you might run out of juice on-the-go. Pack a portable charger and bring cables for your phone, camera, or other electronics you want to bring on longer excursions. Don't forget to charge the unit itself overnight before your trip!

3. Only unpack what you really need. 

Upon arriving at your hotel, skip the part where you unpack all your luggage. Odds are you over-packed and won't use everything you brought with you. If you only unpack necessities then you're less likely to forget something behind when you leave. 

4. Make a shopping list for souvenirs. 

If you're prone to impulse buys or dishing out cash for extra keychains, mugs, and magnets to keep around the house as spare gifts, make a list of who you want to shop for and stick to it. 

 5. Pack a pashmina. 

A pashmina is the most versatile piece of clothing and saves space in your luggage. Use it as a blanket, a shawl or scarf, or an emergency towel. The beauty of a great pashmina gives a modern spin to what Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy has been telling us all along. 

Goat's milk is a nutritious and low fat alternative to cows milk that has become a hot topic item in both the culinary and beauty fields. That is because asides from the benefits that come from the consumption of goat's milk, there is a tremendous benefit to including this product into your beauty routine! It is easily absorbed into the skin and also helps to moisturize, especially for those with sensitive or problematic skin.

​1. Goat Milk Brie

2. Goat Milk Butter Crunch

3. Face cream

4. Hand soap

5. Lip balm

6. Popcorn

7. Soap

8. Lotion

​9. Face wash

10. Bath bombs 

​Haute Goat founders, Debbie and Shain, realized a great opportunity for them when they started raising Nigerian dwarf goats. Rather than simply producing milk and cheese, the pair sought to separate themselves and their products from the rest so they began making artisan food and beauty products. Today at Haute Goat you can purchase all of the items listed above. If you want to get your hands on some then join us on June 6th, 2020 for a 1-day bus tour to Haute Goat Farm from Toronto. Included in the cost of this is round-trip transportation, a 90 minute goat & alpaca encounter, a make your own felted animal workshop, a wonderful farm lunch, complimentary snacks and water, and of course, a chance to visit the gift shop.

To learn more about this tour, click HERE.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, also referred to as the Tomb of the Unknowns is a monument erected as a dedication to US service members who lost their lives and could not be identified by their remains. Located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, the monument overlooks Washington DC from atop a hill.

The monument is constructed of a white marble sarcophagus and has three Greek statues sculpted into it that each represent a different virtue: peace, victory, and valor. Also, there are six wreaths that represent the six major campaigns of World War I and an inscription that states: “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God” as Congress allowed an unidentified soldier to be buried there in the early 1920’s.

Later on, three other soldiers were also buried in the same tomb, from WWII, The Vietnam War,  and the Korean War. However, the Unknown of Vietnam was only a part of the memorial for a short time as DNA testing advances allowed scientists to identify the remains as belonging to Michael Joseph Blassie during an exhumation in 1988. Regardless, the Vietnam Unknown Soldier monument remains empty and the inscription now reads: “Honoring and Keeping Faith with America’s Missing Servicemen, 1958-1975.”

Another thing to note about this memorial is that it is guarded 24/7 by Tomb Guards who protect the monument rain or shine. These guards serve the section of the infantry known as “The Old Guard,” which is the oldest unit in the army and has been serving the United States since the 1700’s. It is an incredible honor to become a Tomb Guard as they work 24 hour shifts and live beneath the monument in the guards quarters when they are not working. There is also an important ceremony that happens called the Changing of the Guard, during which the acting Tomb Guard marches forward 21 steps and alternates facing north and east. The guard then places his weapon on his shoulder to signify the protection of the monument from threat.

If you are interested in witnessing the beauty of this incredible dedication to American loyalty and servitude, join us on March 27-30th as we visit Washington DC, and all that it has to offer. To learn more about this trip, click here. 

Recently the threat of climate change has become a prevalent issue, with many people showing concern for the future prosperity of our planet. These concerns are valid as every day we continue to advance technology and mass consumerism, we increase our global carbon footprint. As this happens, serious consequences will continue to arise for the environment. It is more important now than ever that we work together to reduce our individual carbon footprint and save the eco-systems that thrived before human life took root.

If you’re wondering what exactly a carbon footprint is, it is simply the levels of greenhouse gas emissions that an individual allows to enter the atmosphere at their own fault. It has been noted by multiple sources that these emissions have a direct effect on the temperature of the planet, leading to melting ice caps and rising sea levels. This is not only bad for the environment, but also bad for us. Entire cities could become submerged by the rising sea levels and cease to exist.

That being said, not all hope is lost! We as a global community have been banding together in the name of saving the planet. Each individuals carbon footprint makes a difference, meaning making slight changes to your lifestyle such as turning off lights when you leave a room, or reducing waste can reduce your carbon footprint drastically. That being said, one of the most effective ways to make a positive impact on the environment is changing the way you travel. In fact, one of the best ways to conquer the massive amount of carbon dioxide emissions put into the world, is by choosing a different form of transportation over another, such as bus tours.

The standard inter-city tour bus, like the ones we use at ShortTrips.ca, hold 55 passengers. When comparing this to the average capacity of a car being 5 passengers, it is evident that the more people that choose to travel by bus rather than car, the more positive effects we will see.
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While of course it is impossible for one’s carbon footprint to be reduced to zero, there are many small, easy, and fun changes that can be made to reduce the strain placed on the environment. Taking a bus tour is one of the most fulfilling changes you can make to the way you travel so you can continue to explore the world for years to come. 

Since we are a Toronto-based bus tour company, it is fair to say ShortTrips.ca is well accustomed to the GTA and all that it has to offer. If you are visiting the area from out of town, here is where we believe are the best tourist spots to hit up before you go!

1. Bata Shoe Museum

Shoe lovers unite! Bata is the most renowned North American shoe museum with over
13, 000 artifacts. Explore history and pop culture through 4 different galleries and seasonal exhibitions. 

http://batashoemuseum.ca/

2. Casa Loma 

Built in 1914, Casa Loma is a beautiful example of Toronto's rich culture and history. Located in midtown Toronto, this castle was built by Sir Henry Pellatt and remains in its original condition as a heritage landmark. Tour the castle on your own or participate in their new escape games!
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http://casaloma.ca/ 

3. Aga Khan Museum 

This museum displays the intellectual contributions of Islamic, Iranian, and Muslim heritage with beautiful artistic and cultural exhibits. The Aga Khan Museum was opened in 2014 and was built by a prestigious architect to represent the beauty of open dialogue about religious expression in Toronto.

https://www.agakhanmuseum.org/

4. Ripley's Aquarium

Explore the realm of Canadian and international aquatic wildlife! With over 20,000 species and many different shows and activities, it is easy to spend an entire day at this Aquarium. This location also features the longest underwater viewing tunnel in North America for all your photo ops! 

https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/

5. The Half House 

What a sight to see! This architectural feat is a result of tension between development workers and property owners that lead to the remarkable tearing down of half the house. Now it has become a popular photo destination for tourists from near and far. Read more about the history of the Half House here:

https://www.realtor.ca/blog/postpage/6283/1365/toronto%E2%80%99s-half-house-a-slice-of-unusual-architecture

6. Distillery District

This foot-traffic only zone is known for the prevalent 19th century buildings and architecture that remain from old whiskey distilleries. The streets are cobblestone and reminiscent of a small European village. This district features many trendy shops, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. 

https://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/

7. TIFF Bell Lightbox

This cultural hub in the downtown Toronto core is a destination for all things art, film, and culture. Encompassing 5 floors, this venue is a magnificent place to take in some thought provoking entertainment. You can see film's all year round, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to swing by during Toronto International Film Festival. 

https://www.tiff.net/calendar?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhZrbwqHQ5wIVjJyzCh27mwVlEAAYASAAEgLEMvD_BwE

8. What A Bagel 

With their first location opening in 1997, What A Bagel now has multiple locations across Toronto where you can enjoy bagels and other baked goods. What separates this bakery from the rest is their famous rainbow bagel that has been featured in many local news outlets. 

https://www.whatabagel.com/

9. The Monkey's Paw

This cute and indie store stocks special books, artifacts, and historical works. You'll also find the world's first vending machine for books. 

http://www.monkeyspaw.com/about/

10. Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

Featuring the largest collection of rare books and manuscripts in Canada. It is a part of the University of Toronto but is open to the general public for interaction and examination. They also hold special seasonal exhibits from time to time. 

https://fisher.library.utoronto.ca/

Maybe you've heard about the hype through friends, or maybe you've seen a post on Facebook. Either way, it seems like everyone is talking about "murder mystery dinner parties," so what are they? And why should you go?

Luckily, no one is really being murdered at these parties, at least not in real life that is. A mystery dinner is a type of dinner theater, where the play is more interactive and immersive than a typical performance. In fact, many of the locations that host these mystery dinners forego the stage and opt for having the actors sit down with the diners and behave normally, which only adds to the façade. 

Now the fun part comes when dinner is over and the diners become involved in the classic whodunnit style mystery, wherein the viewers are a part of the solution. The diners come together to play characters and forward the plot. The main difference with one of these performances is the audience participation that is involved. Typically, diners will interrogate suspects and put clues together to solve the mystery themselves. 

Do you think this sounds like fun? Well we just so happen to stop by at the Victorian Mount Hope Mansion for a theatrical interactive dining experience. According to their website, here's what the night entails: Meet and mingle with intriguing guests to the Mansion and be sure to take note as they visit guests table side while they dine. After enjoying a four-course meal and tastes of the mystery that is thick in the air, everyone will assemble in the Mansion's Theater Room for a time of interrogation, hilarity and the answer to the question on everyone's mind!

Have you ever found yourself wanting to get away for a weekend? Do you spend your work weeks doing the same tedious daily routine? Do you want to experience some excitement and travel the world, one weekend at a time? 

Bus tours might be for you! 

At ShortTrips.ca we offer unique bus tours and weekend getaways, all departing from the GTA. Travelling by bus is a great experience for EVERYONE. We welcome all age groups from kids to seniors, while also accepting solo travelers and larger groups!

Travelling by bus is an eco-friendly, budget-friendly, stress-free, and flexible way to tour whatever destination your heart desires. If you're on the fence, check out our past reviews to hear what our clients have to say about us!

The Canadian Tulip Festival is a celebration based on the gift of 100,000 tulip bulbs from Princess Juliana of the Netherlands to Ottawa, Canada’s capital, given in appreciation of the safe haven that members of Holland’s exiled royal family received during World War II in Ottawa and in recognition of the role which Canadian troops played in the liberation of the Netherlands.

The Festival is also a celebration of the return of spring, with over a million tulips in 50 varieties blooming in public spaces across the National Capital Region. 

Interesting Facts

• The Canadian Tulip Festival is the largest of its kind in the world, attracting some 600,000 visitors annually.
• While in exile in Canada, Princess Juliana gave birth to a daughter, Princess Margriet. To mark the new princess’ birth, the Dutch flag was flown at the top of the Peace Tower. This is the only time a foreign flag has flown over Canada’s Parliament Buildings.
• Tulips in Ottawa have grown to become a symbol of peace, freedom and international friendship. Each year, the Dutch Royal Family and the Dutch Growers Association each send 10,000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa