Nuuk is hardly what most people would consider a geopolitical hot spot or a hot spot of any kind, with average summer temperatures hovering in the low 40s F. Nevertheless, the city of just 20,000 residents has quickly become one of the most closely watched diplomatic hubs on earth. Canada and France have bolstered their ambassadorial presences in Greenland’s capital with newly opened consulates, all under the shadow of President Donald Trump’s outspoken imperial ambitions for the Danish territory.

‘Everyone in the world looking at us’

While efforts to establish a Canadian consulate in Nuuk have “been in the works for over a year,” the “timing” of the opening this month amid Trump’s saber-rattling is “not lost on anyone here,” said Politico. With America reorganizing its global role, “into that vacuum arrives Canada,” working to establish global bona fides by “building alliances and offering security guarantees that they once left to the United States.” It’s a new geopolitical strategy “taking shape in Nuuk.”

Greenlanders, meanwhile, are “curious about the expanding diplomatic presence” in their capital, said CTV News. Canada's and France’s new outposts “double the number of nations that hold consulates on the island,” which previously hosted only Greenland and the United States. “It’s positive [that] Donald Trump is doing this,” said Nuuk resident Gaba Christiansen to CTV. “Then we get everyone in the world looking at us.”

Canada, in particular, has “obvious reasons for wanting a diplomatic toehold” in Nuuk, said The New York Times, including geographic proximity and shared Inuit populations. France’s connection to Greenland is “less clear,” although French officials have “positioned their move as part of Europe’s pushback” to Trump’s expansionist aspirations.

It’s “really important” for residents of Nuuk to “know that we are not alone in this, that we actually have people from other countries who care about us,” Nuuk Mayor Avaaraq Olsen said to UPI. Greenlanders are “scared, and they are more and more concerned” with Trump’s threats toward their home.

Is Canada ‘poking the polar bear’?

Canada will “stand together” with Greenland on “defense and security, on economic resilience and bilateral ties, on issues relating to climate change and also Arctic cooperation,” said Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand at the flag-raising ceremony outside the newly opened consulate last week. But not all of Canada is as enthusiastic about deepening ties with Nuuk while relations with the United States remain frosty.

Pushing ahead with the consular opening is “ill-timed,” said The Winnipeg Sun, serving only to “further distance us from the United States.” Opening the consulate is a “silly, performative action” that’s taken “virtue signaling to a new level.”

Nuuk, with its new geopolitical importance, has emerged as an “unlikely magnet for provocateurs” and self-promotors, Politico said. The “attention economy has come to the Arctic.” So too has a sense of shared priorities and goals. For the French, whose consulate opening follows a “high-profile visit” by President Emmanuel Macron in December, Canada is a “partner and a friend here,” said one French diplomat to Politico. “We have a very constant dialogue with them.”

Panama and Canada have been negotiating on a copper mine that could have profound implications for the global resources market. The Cobre Panama mine, which is operated by Canadian mining company First Quantum, has been closed since 2023 following a ruling by Panama’s Supreme Court. While First Quantum seems open to allowing some operations to resume, the site remains mired in controversy within Panama.

The plan

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said that he will announce his decision about whether to reopen the Cobre Panama mine by June. The country had “halted operations” at the mine because its “government concession was deemed unconstitutional,” said The Independent. The closure also came amid protests by environmental groups.

The original decision to shutter the mine weighed heavily on Panama’s economy, as it “accounted for nearly 5% of Panama's gross domestic product the last year it operated,” said The Independent. Regardless of what happens next, First Quantum has welcomed a plan to “allow the removal and processing of stockpiled ore” at the site, said Reuters.

This plan, announced by Mulino, would help “mitigate the environmental and operational risks” associated with running the mine, said Reuters. But officials have also made it clear that the processing of stockpiles is “not a reopening of the mine,” First Quantum said in a statement. A decision on that end will be made later this year; the possibility has become “one of the biggest uncertainties in the global copper market,” said Bloomberg.

‘Significant lift’

Given the contentious circumstances of the mine’s closure, Panama now “faces a delicate balancing act” in the region, said Bloomberg. But Panama could also be receiving some assistance from a neighbor to the south. Chilean President-elect José Antonio Kast has offered to help with the mine, which “could lend credibility given Chile’s status as the world’s largest copper producer.” Kast has also been working in his own country to consolidate Chile’s mining industry before he takes office.

If Panama were to fully reopen the Cobre Panama mine, it “would provide a significant lift to Panama’s economy and to First Quantum,” said Bloomberg. This could also help give a boost to the copper economy, as the operation is set to “account for nearly 2% of global supply.” Continuing negotiations between Panama and Canada are “pending the outcome of an audit assessing the condition of the facilities and environmental risks.”

In the meantime, First Quantum will be surging ahead with its copper production. Across its other mines, the company expects to harvest 413,000 to 479,000 tons of copper in 2026, 451,000 to 518,000 tons in 2027, and 473,000 to 540,000 tons in 2028, according to First Quantum’s metrics. The company has slightly downgraded these numbers from prior figures, but the copper market “may take some comfort in the likelihood that the miner could begin processing stockpiled ore at Cobre Panama in the coming months,” said Matt Murphy, an analyst at BMO Metals, to industry outlet mining.com.

Built in 1984 by a family of keen anglers from Chicago, Gangler’s is “one of the world’s finest fishing lodges”. But this outpost in the forests of Northern Manitoba offers far more than the chance to catch pike and trout, said Mike MacEacheran in The Telegraph.

Set beside the North Seal River, three hours by floatplane north of the provincial capital, Winnipeg, it is mind-bendingly remote – 230 miles from the nearest dirt road, in the heart of a wilderness that is bigger than Wales but has no other lodges. These days, many guests come simply to spot some of the area’s spectacular wildlife, including bears, wolves, moose and caribou; it is also among the best places in the world to see the northern lights. The lodge’s current owner, Ken Gangler, is an “avuncular” host who was once a touring rock musician, and despite its “modern frills” (such as Wi-Fi), the lodge itself has a homely and “nostalgic” air, with “taxidermy decor” and accommodation in waterfront cabins.

The surrounding landscape shows spectacular traces of the last ice age, including many lakes, huge “erratic” boulders, and North America’s largest concentration of eskers – deposits of sand and grit shaped as narrow ridges, up to 400ft high and 180 miles long. The eskers serve as migration routes for creatures including caribou, command panoramic views and offer good wildlife-spotting opportunities.

During my stay at the lodge earlier this year, I went on a floatplane trip to Blackfish Lake to track timber wolves up an esker, and enjoyed a thrillingly close encounter with a mother wolf and her two cubs. The area’s climatic conditions, including frequent clear skies, make it highly likely you’ll see the northern lights if you stay a few nights. The prime viewing season is in August and September, when I visited. Each evening, the sky exploded in “comet trails of red and green”, rising and dipping slowly, like “great godlike hands” clutching at the stars.

Canada As You Like It has a five-night stay from £5,420pp, including flights.

What happened

Canada Monday became the first non-European Union country to join the EU’s $170 billion Security Action for Europe initiative, giving Canadian defense firms expanded access to the European market.

SAFE is “part of a major drive” to get the EU “ready to defend itself by 2030 amid fears of a Russian attack and doubts about U.S. protection,” Reuters said.

Who said what

“Welcome to SAFE, Canada!” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on social media. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country’s “participation in SAFE will fill key capability gaps, expand markets for Canadian suppliers and attract European defense investment into Canada.” In a joint statement, the EU and Canada called the agreement the “next step” in their “deepening cooperation” and “symbolic” of their “shared priorities.”

Carney’s pivot to Europe comes as Canada “looks to diversify its military spending away from the United States” after President Donald Trump’s “actions — including launching a trade war and suggesting Canada become the 51st U.S. state — infuriated Canadians,” The Associated Press said. Canada’s government “continues to review the purchase of U.S. F-35 fighter jets to explore other options.”

What next?

Bringing another G7 partner into SAFE strengthens the program’s credibility as the EU “seeks to coordinate long-term weapons demand and ramp up Europe’s defense industrial base,” Politico said. Talks for the U.K. to join “broke down on Friday.” EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius Monday said all 19 participating European nations have submitted their spending plans, financed by low-interest SAFE loans, and 15 of those plans included “billions, not millions” to support Ukraine.

“Please do not allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle,” said Fifa president Gianni Infantino before the last men’s World Cup in Qatar. That didn’t stop Qatar being accused of using the tournament to sportswash its poor human rights record.

Next up is Donald Trump, who is showing every intention of exploiting the 2026 World Cup – to be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico – to push his Maga agenda. Ever the showman, “Trump will make sure he is front and centre at this tournament”, said Alexander Abnos in The Guardian – even “in spots where he has no business or where his involvement may be seen as uncouth or inappropriate”.

Host cities threat

Having claimed credit for securing the tournament for North America back in his first term, the US president has repeatedly sought to insert himself into the World Cup narrative since returning to the White House.

He has recently used “safety concerns” to suggest he may ask Fifa to relocate matches away from Democratic-run US host cities, including Boston, Seattle and Los Angeles. “The governors are going to have to behave. The mayors are going to have to behave,” he warned.

Moving World Cup games away from a selected host city would be an “extraordinary decision that has little, if any, precedent”, said CNN. All the host cities were announced in 2022 and they have already lavished “time and money” on “infrastructure improvements, security planning and extensive plans to host an influx of millions of visitors”. Trump’s suggested alternative, against the background of his sending federal law enforcement agencies into Democratic-controlled areas “to crack down on illegal immigration and crime”, is for the host cities to “invite the National Guard” in now.

At a conference with Infantino in the White House, to discuss World Cup plans, Trump also told reporters he would be “OK” about ordering strikes against co-hosts Mexico as part of his ongoing war on drug trafficking. “They know how I stand,” he said.

Peace prize

Trump has struck up a bromance with Infantino – and critics say they share the same megalomaniac traits. This week’s visit to the White House was Infantino’s sixth this year, and he surprised many by accompanying the US president to Egypt for the signing of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Infantino will use next month’s World Cup draw in Washington D.C. to award the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize, conceived to reward “individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace and, by doing so, have united people across the world”. Fifa have disclosed no details about the process for choosing the winner and, if Trump receives the award, as expected, “it’s likely to add to the perception that it’s been created in response to the US president not winning the Nobel Peace Prize”, said The Associated Press.

The timing of the award and Infantino’s “proximity to the president” have “raised questions about whether FIFA is adhering to its own rules on political neutrality”, said The New York Times.

“Indelible, sublime moments will still happen” at next year’s World Cup, said Abnos in The Guardian. “But those moments will be punctuated by Trump – eternally encroaching on even the most elevated of emotional experiences.”

With its mountains, alpine forests and "emerald" glacial lakes, Canada's Banff National Park is glorious riding country – and you won’t find better guides to it than those at Banff Trail Riders, said Zoey Goto in National Geographic Traveller.

This corner of the Rocky Mountains has been attracting tourists since the late 19th century, and the national park – Canada's oldest, established in 1885 – has always drawn female adventurers. But even though early pioneers included the naturalist Mary Schäffer Warren and the mountaineer Georgia Engelhard, when Banff Trail Riders was founded in 1962, guiding was still a man's job. Today, however, 80% of the staff are women – reflecting, perhaps, the growing enthusiasm for the "cowgirl" lifestyle in the wider world.

The family-owned company is based on the outskirts of Banff, a resort town 110 miles west of Calgary, in southwestern Alberta. On one of its three-day treks, guests spend two nights at Sundance Lodge, a "rustic" ten-room log cabin that lies deep in the national park, a full day's ride from base. Built in 1991, the lodge sits next to Ten-Mile Cabin, a rest shelter dating back to 1923. It's a "modern take" on the early pioneer homesteads that once dotted this region, with stags' heads mounted on the walls; from its wraparound porch, marmots can often be seen on the lawn, standing up and sniffing the air "like fat meerkats". On the trail, you might also see bears (guides are well trained to handle such encounters, should they occur).

Mules accompany riding parties, and are loaded with supplies that include steaks to be "washed down with metallic mugs of cowboy coffee" during wonderful campfire lunches. The riding gets "rough-and-tumble" at times, along cliff-edge paths or through "boulder-strewn streams", but the horses and mules are as nimble as "ballroom dancers". And the views at almost every turn are epic in scale, from sweeping wildflower meadows to "jagged" peaks rising well above 3,000 metres.

The three-day trip costs from £945 (horseback.com).

Don't confuse a lack of snow for a lack of things to do — ski towns can be just as exciting in the summer as they are in winter. Instead of hitting the slopes, head to the trails for a hike, the lake for a paddleboarding session or downtown for a concert under the stars. These six destinations offer what you need for an action-packed mountain escape.

Breckenridge, Colorado

A high-altitude adventure awaits in Breckenridge. At 9,600 feet above sea level, it is one of the highest towns in Colorado and enjoys mild temperatures during summer. It stands out for its "world-class" activities, like fly-fishing, rafting, mountain biking, trail running, stargazing, wildflower spotting and panning for gold at the Country Boy Mine, said Outside. Downtown, the "very hands-on" Breckenridge Arts District beckons with its galleries, studios and performance spaces. The Breckenridge Festival of Arts, held each August, offers "everything from workshops to nature walks with local artists" and this year will premiere SPARK by Studio Roosegaarde, a sustainable light installation aiming to replace traditional fireworks.

Laax, Switzerland

Find recreation and relaxation in Laax, "known informally as the California of the Swiss Alps," Glamour UK said. This is a "haven" for sporty types seeking "sweeping mountain views," a "lively atmosphere" and "friendly community." Through September, travelers can book an accommodation at the LAAX and TCS Pop-Up Glamping experience. Guests stay on Alp Nagens in luxe tents equipped with electricity, heating, toilets and have breakfast served outside from a tuk-tuk. This is the perfect way to start a busy day of biking, hiking, climbing and saunas.

Megève, France

This "stunning" alpine village in Southeastern France dates back to the 13th century, and you can see that history around every corner, said Vogue. The cobblestoned medieval square is surrounded by old buildings, filled with shops and restaurants and the heart of Megève's cultural scene, often hosting concerts and festivals. There are ample opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors, with visitors able to "roam around mountain pastures sprinkled with wildflowers" and "swim in cool, clear rivers."

Stowe, Vermont

Summer in Stowe means trading in your skis for canoes and kayaks. During warmer months, adventurers can be found on the water and biking around this "classic" New England town, Lonely Planet said. The paved 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path is your riverside route to parks and swimming holes and leads from downtown Stowe to a covered bridge. On Sundays through mid-October, the Stowe Farmers' Market is buzzing with vendors offering fresh produce, cheese and meat, and artisans selling jewelry, purses and artwork.

Sun Valley, Idaho

In this laid-back destination, "every kind of outdoor enthusiast can find their slice of paradise," Travel and Leisure said. In the summer, golfers hit the links at the Trail Creek Golf Course, and fly fishers bring their lures to the Big Wood and Salmon rivers. Hikers flock to trails like Fox Creek, a "challenging" seven-mile loop in the Sawtooth National Forest, and for most of the summer Bald Mountain's gondolas whisk people to the top of the peak for more hiking, lunch at the lodge or to just enjoy the panoramic views.

Whistler, British Columbia

In Whistler, the transition from skiing to mountain biking is such a big deal that it is celebrated each May during a day known as Whismas. The biking here is "almost as legendary as the skiing," Powder said, with "every type of terrain imaginable." Pros should carve out time for Top of the World, a tech trail that starts at the summit of Whistler Mountain and boasts "incredible views." To learn more about the area and its Indigenous history and culture, visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center, where the "exhibitions, short films and drum music bursting forth all foster a sense of exploration," Condé Nast Traveler said.

A sunny beach getaway, a quiet lakeside escape and camping off the beaten path are all great ways to spend the summer. Sometimes, though, you crave all the action and want to be surrounded by things to do, places to go and people to see. When that urban urge strikes, head into the hustle and stay at one of these big-city hotels.

Andaz Mexico City Condesa

This colorful hotel in Mexico City's "hip" La Condesa neighborhood retains many of the building's original touches, including mosaic murals and "eye-catching" tile floors, alongside new installations like Andaz's "signature pink escalators," Travel and Leisure said. The rooms are "sleek and modern," and the heated rooftop pool boasts "one of the best views of the city and the mountains." Still, the hotel's "biggest strength" might be its location within walking distance of "countless" restaurants, "trendy" boutiques and art galleries and "bustling" bars.

Gansevoort Meatpacking, New York City

Neighborhoods change. It's an inevitability of any city — but especially the behemoths. The smartest and best hotels know to shift alongside those metamorphoses. The Gansevoort in New York City's Meatpacking District began its life in 2004, when popular culture bestowed the area with "'Sex and the City'-anointed 'it' neighborhood status," said Condé Nast Traveler. In the ensuing decades, the Meatpacking District shifted into a high-end shopping hub, with an Apple flagship and endless boutiques.

Beginning in 2021 and finished for the hotel's twentieth anniversary in 2024, the Gansevoort debuted a complete overhaul "gutted down to the studs" and the 186 rooms given new life with "blue and grey ombré wallpaper" and "subway-tiled bathrooms," plus Lululemon full-length exercise mirror panels. Feast on lively French-inspired dishes at the hotel's anchor restaurant, Le Coin. The patio is the place to be when the weather cooperates.

Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin

A "Berlin institution," Hotel Adlon Kempinski is "arguably" the best five-star property in the city, said Condé Nast Traveler. Its "light-filled" signature suites offer "iconic" views of the Brandenburg Gate, along with "total soundproofing" for a good night's sleep. The Adlon is in the "nerve-center" of Berlin and within walking distance of museums, monuments and parks. Or you can opt for borrowing a bicycle or reserving the hotel's limo service to get around.

L7 Chicago by Lotte

L7 Chicago By Lotte, right by the Magnificent Mile, caters to the "creative class," said Afar. The bold space is filled with curated works from local artists, and guests that book the Artist's Suite receive tickets to the Art Institute of Chicago and a signed limited edition print by artist David Heo, among other perks. Rooms and suites come equipped with luxuries like Frette linens, but there is also a "subtle industrial aesthetic that feels just right in this busy part of town."

Malmaison Edinburgh City

The vibrant Malmaison Edinburgh City is in the heart of St. Andrew Square, where the capital's "shopping, social life and sightseeing intersection," The Telegraph said. It is easy to get to and from the boutique property — the tram and bus stops and Waverley train station are all within a five-minute walk — and once inside you instantly feel welcome, thanks to the "jolly staff" ready to answer questions and point you in the direction you seek. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, featuring "entertaining, eye-slapping examples of graphic art."

The Middle House, Shanghai

In the heart of Shanghai's Jing'an District is The Middle House, a "hushed private space that's upped the city's design game," Condé Nast Traveler said. Windows stretching from the floor to ceiling "make even the smallest rooms feel larger," and guests appreciate the "gorgeous works of photography." For a slice of history, the famed French Concession is a few minutes away, offering a "glimpse at what's left of Shanghai's legendary libertine epoch of the 1920s and 1930s."

1 Hotel Toronto

With its "cutting-edge sustainability measures" and "ultra-stylish interiors," 1 Hotel Toronto is perfect for travelers seeking an elevated eco-friendly stay, said the Michelin Guide. Stepping inside, you feel at one with nature. The furniture is made of local and reclaimed timber and driftwood, and the "surprisingly sunny" rooms are "warmed by plenty of organic textures and living houseplants." 1 Hotel Toronto is in the King West neighborhood, once an industrial part of town that today is home to flourishing bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Perhaps the most telling moment of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's first meeting with President Donald Trump came after the two world leaders had concluded their awkward, occasionally tense sit-down: "I'm glad that you couldn't tell what was going through my mind," Carney said, after being asked by Toronto Star reporter Tonda MacCharles what he was thinking while listening to Trump extol the virtues of annexing Canada. "Oh, I could," MacCharles laughed.

With relations between the United States and Canada at an all-time low, and the president's agenda of sweeping tariffs wreaking acute damage on global finances, Tuesday's meeting between Carney and Trump offered both leaders an opportunity to feel one another out as they each asserted their shifting national priorities. The leaders emerged with diverging views on what they each achieved and where they go from here.

A 'decidedly different tone'

Carney's "mixture of flattery and firmness" during his first meeting with Trump represented an attempt to "deliver a principled resistance" that resulted in a "respectful repartee" between the two leaders, said The Washington Post. At one point, Trump insisted that annexing Canada as the 51st American state would be a "wonderful marriage." Carney responded: "As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale." It was an attempt to "charm" the president while at the same time signaling to his "base of liberal supporters" that he was "up for the job of standing up to Trump."

For much of their meeting, Trump took on a "decidedly different tone" than before, particularly after framing Canadians as a "bunch of freeloaders who couldn't survive without the United States" in a post on Truth Social shared just as Carney arrived at the White House, said The New York Times. While Carney may have "appeared to be walking into a lion's den," it was a "house cat he found there" instead. With an "uneasy grin pasted on his face," Carney "never quite dropped his guard" even as Trump appeared to be "coming face to face with the consequences of his own actions and not quite wanting to deal with them."

Although Carney is typically "not someone who suffers fools," his sit-down with the president showed there's "one colossal fool the prime minister will find a way to suffer quietly," said Shannon Proudfoot at The Globe and Mail. For Carney, the challenge was "always going to be" how he "juggled two very different audiences," said Andrew Chang at CBC: "one American, and one Canadian."

A 'test for US allies more generally'

Even though Trump "refused to back off" from his threats of sweeping tariffs and the annexation of Canada, he was "largely friendlier toward the new prime minister" than he'd been toward former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with whom he'd had a "frosty relationship" for years, The Hill said. The result, said The Toronto Star, was a "more serious engagement than had been the case under Trudeau." Behind closed doors, Trump "sought Carney’s views" on a "range" of issues, including "China, Russia, Ukraine, Iran and the Middle East," the Star said.

Ultimately, Carney's largely hiccup-free meeting with Trump presented a "test for U.S. allies more generally" as they have "struggled to manage the president's upending of relationships around the world," said the Post. "Being too unyielding," like in the contentious sit-down with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy, "risks getting kicked out of the White House," while "too soft an approach can be ineffective or prompt blowback from constituents."

Two of the largest players in gasoline distribution are looking to form a marriage, and it could create a ripple effect when consumers head to the pump. Sunoco, which is based in the U.S., has announced its intention to purchase the Canadian company Parkland in a multi-billion-dollar deal that would create a dominating force in the North American petroleum industry. But the deal for the U.S. company to acquire its Canadian rival also hinges on regulatory and government approval that could be made harder by the current political rift between the U.S. and Canada.

Why is this deal being made?

The $9.1 billion deal represents a "definitive agreement whereby Sunoco will acquire all outstanding shares of Parkland in a cash and equity transaction," said Sunoco in a press release. It would create "significant financial benefits for shareholders and would position the combined company as the largest independent fuel distributor in the Americas," said Michael Jennings, the executive chairman of Parkland, in a statement.

The deal was largely made as a lifeline for Parkland. The company is in the "midst of a leadership upheaval and a fight with its largest shareholder," said Bloomberg. It "marks a dramatic pivot for Parkland, which launched a formal strategic review in March after facing escalating pressure." Parkland's largest shareholder, Simpson, has accused the company of "repeatedly missing financial guidance, pursuing flawed acquisitions and overseeing rising costs," causing it to look for a different path.

What does this mean for consumers?

Together, the combined companies appear poised to dominate the gas station market. Sunoco has 7,400 gas stations across the U.S., including its own branded stations and partner brands like ExxonMobil and Shell. Parkland has 4,000 gas stations in Canada, the U.S. and the Caribbean, using partner brands like Chevron. This means the deal "creates a network of more than 11,000 fueling stations," said Fortune.

The combined company will "distribute more than 15 billion gallons of fuel annually," said CNBC, making it difficult to fill up at a pump that isn't owned by them. If it closes, the deal will "deliver over $250 million in annual cost savings by the third year," according to Reuters, which could affect prices inside the convenience stores of gas stations.

It's an open question whether actual gas prices would be affected, as Canada is the "biggest foreign supplier to the U.S., accounting for about 60% of its oil imports," said the Financial Times. These types of deals have become "increasingly important to aging U.S. oil refineries, which were built to handle heavier grades of crude."

There is also the geopolitical aspect of the deal, given the current relationship between the U.S. and Canada. While the transaction is expected to be finalized, it will "require approval from the federal government at a time when relations between the U.S. and Canada are in a deep freeze due to President Donald Trump's imposition of tariffs," said The Globe and Mail. Canada's Liberal Party, which recently won reelection largely thanks to Canadians' souring toward Trump, has "pledged to heighten reviews of deals deemed predatory, due to any decline in value of the Canadian target because of U.S. trade practices."

What happened

Canada's Liberal Party won the most seats in Monday's national election, securing Prime Minister Mark Carney a full term in office, according to preliminary results Tuesday morning. The rare fourth consecutive election victory sealed a remarkable comeback for the Liberals, who trailed the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, by more than 20 percentage points as recently as January.

Who said what

Carney, 60, became prime minister last month after Justin Trudeau stepped down amid sagging poll numbers. The combination of Trudeau's exit and President Donald Trump's "annexation threats and trade war" fueled the Liberals' "stunning turnaround in fortunes," The Associated Press said. "To say it's unprecedented is not only an understatement," Mount Royal University political scientist Lori Williams told The Washington Post, "it underplays the magnitude of the shift."

Trump "is trying to break us so that America can own us," Carney said in his victory speech. Canada's "old relationship with the United States" is "over," but "we are over the shock of the American betrayal" and "have many, many other options than the United States to build prosperity for all Canadians." A central banker new to politics, Carney easily won his first-ever seat in Parliament Monday.

Poilievre — who lost his own seat to a Liberal rival, the CBC/Radio-Canada projected Tuesday morning — conceded Monday night that the Conservatives "didn't quite get over the finish line yet" but focused on its gain of "well over 20 seats." In a "different election," the Conservatives would have been "successful" with their vote share, the BBC said, but the Liberals benefited as voters ditched smaller parties, "especially the left-wing New Democrats." Jagmeet Singh stepped down as NDP leader after losing his seat.

What next?

As of Tuesday morning, it wasn't clear whether the Liberals won a majority, or at least 172 seats — they were on track for at least 168, versus 144 for the Conservatives. "This is a dramatic comeback, but if the Liberals cannot win a majority," the "political uncertainty" could "complicate things for them," said McGill University political science professor Daniel Béland to the AP.

New York is not the only city that never sleeps. In Berlin, Rio, Seoul and Accra, the night never has to end. Clubs, bars and restaurants are open until the wee hours — if they even close at all. For entertainment from sunset to sunrise, these seven destinations are tops.

Accra, Ghana

The parties start outside in this coastal city, with revelers flocking to "rooftop bars, open-air concerts, live DJ sets and art festivals," Accra expert Kofi Dotse said to Time Out. Every night of the week, Accra's "vibrant" streets are "buzzing with food vendors and music," and those wanting to dance under the moonlight know to visit Labadi Beach for its all-night bashes. For "high-energy clubbing," visit "iconic venues" like South Village for its warehouse parties and Alley Bar.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is where "anything goes," the BBC said, with clubbers bouncing from "techno temples" to "hedonistic hideouts" to "multi-day raves in former Cold War bunkers." There are often rules in place to protect the sanctity of partying, like no phones allowed inside, and brace yourself for bouncers who strictly control who enters. There is no official closing time for venues in Berlin and buses are always running, making a night of revelry easy.

Budapest, Hungary

For an only-in-Budapest experience, head to a "ruin bar" — an old, dilapidated building transformed into an establishment offering "drinking, dancing and socializing in a slightly shabby but always charming setting," Lonely Planet said. In the Jewish Quarter, these bars, each one with its own character, can primarily be found behind the Great Synagogue. The "granddaddy of them all" is Szimpla Kert, the first to open and "arguably the best and bawdiest of the bunch," with multiple rooms offering different vibes.

Guadalajara, Mexico

In Guadalajara, you can do just about anything once the sun goes down. A night out may include "world-class cuisine or bacon-wrapped hot dogs, a symphony concert or a raucous lucha libre (wrestling) match," Lonely Planet said. Find a traditional cantina like Cantina La Fuente, the oldest watering hole in the city, order a beer or tequila and then see where the evening takes you. Guadalajara is also "one of the most accepting and inclusive" spots in Mexico for LGBTQ+ people, with an annual Pride festival and many gay bars.

Montreal, Canada

Montreal is "unapologetically modern," Condé Nast Traveler said, for an "incredibly historic" city. Nightlife can be found most everywhere, from Quartier des Spectacles, the "beating heart of arts and culture," to Gay Village and its famed Cabaret Mado drag bar, both of which are "a little gritty, a little sparkly and utterly fabulous." Sports fans can also get in on the action, attending a Montreal Canadiens hockey game at Bell Center before dinner and a bar crawl. Night owls, take note: Plans are in the works for the city to have an all-night district where venues can stay open and serve alcohol 24/7.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Of course the home of the world's biggest Carnival celebration is going to be a nightlife hotspot. Rio de Janeiro has a well-earned reputation as "one of the most epic party cities on the planet," Travel and Leisure said, with the "beats of samba de rodas, the country's best-known musical form," echoing across neighborhoods.

Lapa's bohemian bars "still enchant locals and visitors alike," and travelers who like to be ahead of the curve should check out the trendy Morro do Pinto. The Botafogo district melds food and entertainment at "up-and-coming gastronomic hotspots like Alba and Vian Cocktail Bar" that turn into "dance floors on the weekend," said Time Out Rio de Janeiro editor Renata Magalhaes, who noted the city's street scenes are "livelier" than ever.

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul "truly comes alive at night," Cosmopolitan UK said, with bars, karaoke spots, restaurants and shops open "well into the early hours." The city has "distinct pockets boasting a different vibe," with Hongdae featuring "themed photo booths on basically every corner" and Seongsu-dong "packed with edgy cocktail bars." Go to any section of Seoul and you will find "throwback dive bars and strobe-lit nightclubs," Lonely Planet said. It is not unusual for partiers to stay out until morning, "rallying outside convenience stores at 7 a.m."

The journey by train across Canada from Toronto in the east to Vancouver on the west coast is a wonderful way to see this vast and varied land, and if you can, do it on The Canadian, said Ruaridh Nicoll in the Financial Times.

With its "silvery" 1950s carriages and domed viewing cars, this sleeper train is an "atomic dream" on rails. But despite its splendid appearance, it is an ordinary service, with seats-only carriages in economy class. A "working train" making its way through "wild land", it travels at an average speed of 30mph, and allows stops between stations if requested in advance. Locals hop on and off along the way (sometimes at lakes for kayaking in the summer), and the whole trip takes 97 hours – making it the longest passenger rail journey by duration outside Russia. The construction of the transcontinental railways in Canada from 1871 helped unite the new confederation, and allayed fears that the US might annex its prairies, "on the pretext of bringing order" to a region on which lawless veterans of the American Civil War were increasingly encroaching.

The Canadian Northern Railway, on which The Canadian train runs, was completed in 1915. Among the cities through which it passes is Winnipeg, where I broke my journey for four nights to go ice-skating on the river (I was travelling in January) and admire the superb Inuit art in the city's main public gallery. I also hopped off in Kamloops, further on, to sample the excellent skiing at the huge Sun Peaks resort. With its window-facing chairs and en-suite lavatory, my Sleeper Plus cabin came to feel "like home" (cabins in Prestige class also have their own showers). The dining car – where guests share linen-draped tables for four – was delightfully sociable (the train seems to attract "remarkable" passengers). And the slow speed gives plenty of time to spot wildlife (I even saw a bobcat) and take in the views – which are particularly majestic in the Rockies, with their "Valhalla cliffs" and lakes of "crystal" ice.

Private cabins cost from £925pp (viarail.ca).

There's been a sharp decline in tourists visiting America – as people confront the US administration's draconian new visa requirements and witness a series of travellers being detained and deported.

Official US statistics for overseas visitors show a 2.4% drop in February – the first full month of Donald Trump's second presidential term – compared with the same time last year.

Some experts even "fear a permanent chilling effect" that could upend America's status as a "hub for both business travel and vacations", said The Independent.

Why are travellers avoiding the US?

Since Trump took office, there have been "stories of temporary visitors with innocuous itineraries being imprisoned for days or weeks", said the paper.

Canadian actor Jasmine Mooney, 35, was kept in detention for 12 days after presenting herself at the US border and requesting a new visa. And Welsh backpacker Becky Burke, 28, was detained for 19 days, accused of violating the terms of her visa, and then removed in leg chains and handcuffs to a deportation flight.

German national Lucas Sielaff, who had a valid visa-waiver entry permit, was shackled at the Mexican border, interrogated and detained for 16 days before being flown back to Germany. "I still have nightmares," he told the Financial Times, which said he is just "one of a string" of European and Canadian tourists to have "suffered hostile treatment at the hands of border guards".

These recent cases are "all the more striking" because they involve citizens of "countries long allied to the US", said The Guardian. Visitors from other regions of the world have "long had difficulty entering the US" but immigration officials had, until now, "taken a more lenient stance towards travellers from allied nations".

How have US visa rules changed?

Trump's executive order to focus on "foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats" has put visas for foreign nationals in "jeopardy", said the BBC.

The order requires the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State to implement "enhanced vetting" for visa applicants. This means visas will need "extended processing time", and "visa appointments are likely to be delayed or suspended".

The US administration is also considering a new travel ban that will target "the citizens of as many as 43 countries" and will be "broader" than the restrictions imposed during Trump's first term, said The New York Times.

Top would be a "red" list of 11 countries, including Cuba and Venezuela, whose citizens would be "flatly barred from entry". Then, citizens of 10 countries on an "orange" list, including Pakistan and Russia, would be allowed entry as a business traveller but not as a tourist or immigrant. Countries on a long "yellow" list, including St Lucia and Zimbabwe, would have 60 days to address US concerns about "deficiencies" or risk being moved to the red or orange list.

Some of the countries on the draft red and orange lists "share characteristics with earlier lists" from Trump's first term, said the paper, in that "they are generally Muslim-majority or otherwise non-white, poor and have governments that are considered weak or corrupt".

Who is especially at risk?

The Foreign Office has recently revised its advice for British citizens travelling to the America to include a warning that anyone found breaking US conditions of entry "may be liable to arrest or detention", rather than just a rejection as before.

The situation for foreign citizens who have changed their gender is particularly unclear. The US State Department has suspended the processing of American passports with the X identity marker, "leaving many non-binary Americans potentially cut off from international travel", said the BBC. And, taking their cue from that, nine European countries – Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Netherlands – have advised "caution" for trans people planning to visit the US, warning that they should seek advice from an American embassy before travelling.

Could this backfire on the US?

Pollsters are reporting that 36% of Canadians have already cancelled their plans to holiday south of border, said The Telegraph – figures no doubt swelled by Trump's "continued rhetoric about Canada becoming the 51st state".

This may all play well to Trump's Maga base but, if tourists from other countries follow Canada's lead, the White House could end up seriously short-changed. According to US consultancy Tourism Economics, a 5% drop in international visitors could deliver a $64 billion (£49 billion) blow to the American economy.

Can Canadian consumers take on Trump? Does Nepal want its king back? And could eating fish make you kinder? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days.

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What happened

President Donald Trump Wednesday imposed blanket 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, prompting immediate retaliatory measures from Canada and the European Union. Trump said Wednesday afternoon that he would "of course" respond to the EU countermeasures with more tariffs. "Whatever they charge us with, we're charging them," he said.

Who said what

EU officials said Wednesday they were hitting back with equivalent tariffs only after Trump expressed no interest in negotiating an off-ramp. "Tariffs are taxes. They are bad for business, and even worse for consumers," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. "Jobs are at stake, prices up, nobody needs that." Britain, Australia, Mexico and Brazil said they would not immediately retaliate over Trump's import taxes on steel, aluminum and "hundreds of downstream products, from nuts and bolts to bulldozer blades and soda cans," Reuters said.

Trump "risks igniting a global trade war" and juicing U.S. inflation, CNN said. But it has been "hard for Europeans — and other American trading partners — to decide how to respond" to his "unfolding trade conflict," The New York Times said, especially since it isn't clear what Trump's "goals are," which tariffs will "ultimately be retained," who "to talk to in the Trump administration" about trade or "how decisions are being made."

What next?

It's possible Trump is right his "erratic tariff policies" and budget cuts will result in "unexpected gains" and revived U.S. manufacturing "on the other side" of the resulting "period of havoc," but "there isn't much evidence" to support that, The Wall Street Journal said. Instead, his economic theories "edge close to the 'liquidationist'" policies "most infamously associated with former President Herbert Hoover's Treasury secretary who advised him to let the economy fall."

Canada's retaliatory 25% tariffs on $20.6 billion in U.S. aluminum, steel, computer, sporting goods and other imports take effect Thursday. The EU's 50% tariffs on American whisky, motorcycles and other politically sensitive goods start April 1, with more levies following a few weeks later.

Canada has a new leader for the first time in a decade: Mark Carney will become the 24th Canadian prime minister after being elected leader of the country's Liberal Party on March 9. Carney is replacing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has led Canada since 2015.

Carney was elected Liberal Party leader in a landslide despite never having served in elected government before; he was previously a banker who served as governor of the Bank of Canada. It also remains unclear how long Carney will be able to hold power, as federal elections are widely expected to be called soon. But for now, he will lead a nation at odds with one of its closest allies: the United States.

Carney's beginnings

Carney, 59, was born in Canada's Northwest Territories and attended Harvard University and Oxford University. His work has largely been defined by stints in the banking industry. Carney "began his career in the private sector, spending over a decade in the London, Tokyo, New York and Toronto offices of Goldman Sachs," said NPR.

He eventually became directly involved in Canada's fiscal policy, and ran the Bank of Canada, the country's central bank, from 2008 to 2013, a "period which included the global financial crisis," said NPR. He then ran the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020, making him the "first non-Briton appointed to do so." Carney is married to British economist Diana Fox Carney and has four children.

Leading Canada

Carney will enter Canadian politics facing a mountain of challenges. He is the first person to become Canadian prime minister without having ever been a member of Parliament, said The Guardian. As a political outsider, his background "would in normal times have killed his candidacy in Canada but his distance from unpopular incumbent Justin Trudeau and a high-profile banking career played to his advantage."

His most pressing matter will likely be the current trade war between Canada and the United States. President Donald Trump's Canadian tariffs are the "greatest crisis of our lifetimes," Carney said in his victory speech. If the tariffs succeed, they "would destroy our way of life." But Carney has also stood firm against Trump, including the president's threat to make Canada the 51st state. Canada "never, ever will be part of America in any way," he said. The U.S. "should make no mistake: In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win."

Carney's conservative opponents are working to spotlight his lack of government experience. Since he is not a member of Parliament, Carney "cannot cast a ballot in parliamentary votes, nor can he participate in Question Period, when government ministers are challenged by lawmakers," said The Washington Post. But his work as a banking mogul "earned him a reputation as 'fixer' that he has wrapped into his pitch to Canadian voters."

However, the "reconstituted Liberal government is likely to be short-lived," said Reuters. Canada's federal elections must legally be held by Oct. 20, 2025, but Carney can call them earlier. He is likely to do this, as if he "does not call an election, his political opponents have said they would defeat the government at their first opportunity when the Parliament reconvenes in late March." The opposition Conservative Party, alongside the smaller Bloc Quebecois and New Democrats, have all said they will challenge the Liberals.

It was widely expected that the Conservative Party would win the upcoming election, as "opinion polls consistently showed the Conservatives with a strong lead," said the BBC. But Trudeau's resignation and Trump's tariffs have "raised expectations of a closer vote."

What happened

Canada's Liberal Party Sunday chose Mark Carney, a former central bank chief in Canada and the U.K., as its party leader and the nation's 24th prime minister. Carney, a political novice, won 85.9% of the vote from party members, beating former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and two other candidates to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Who said what

In choosing Carney, the Liberals tapped an "unelected technocrat" who "steered the Bank of Canada through the 2008 global financial crisis and the Bank of England through Brexit," The New York Times said. His "first and most pressing challenge will be to manage the threat" President Donald Trump poses to Canada's "economy and sovereignty."

Trump's "trade war and his talk of making Canada the 51st U.S. state have infuriated Canadians" and the resulting "surge in Canadian nationalism has bolstered the Liberal Party's chances in a parliamentary election expected within days or weeks," The Associated Press said. The election "suddenly seems winnable," just weeks after the opposition Conservative Party "seemed on the cusp of a landslide," The Wall Street Journal said. After trailing the Conservatives and their populist leader Pierre Poilievre by more than 20 percentage points in January, the Liberals are now nearly tied in recent polls.

"This is a nation-defining moment," Trudeau said at the Liberal leadership conference. "Democracy is not a given. Freedom is not a given. Even Canada is not a given." Trump is "attacking Canadian families, workers and businesses," and while "we didn't ask for this fight," it is a challenge Canadians accept, Carney said in his acceptance speech. And "in trade, as in hockey, Canada will win." He said his government will keep retaliatory tariffs on U.S goods "until the Americans show us respect," and regardless of Trump's plans, "Canada will never, ever will be a part of America in any way, shape or form."

What next?

Carney, 59, will be sworn in as prime minister this week and is expected to face voters soon, either by calling a snap election or losing a vote of confidence in Parliament, where he is not a member. He "could legally serve as prime minister without a seat," Reuters said, "but tradition dictates that he should seek to win one as soon as possible."

President Donald Trump has launched a trade war against Canada by levying 25% tariffs on the country's goods, and some Canadians are now preparing to abandon their vacation plans to the U.S. in protest. This could have a significant impact on the American tourism sector, as Canadians comprise a substantial percentage of the U.S.' travel revenue.

This impact will largely be felt by the states bordering Canada but also by additional states where Canadians travel for warmer weather. And Canada is not the only country whose tourists may cancel their next trip to the U.S.

Canadians have a heavy impact on American tourism

If Canadians stop traveling to the U.S., it could mean a large reduction in revenue for the American tourism industry. Canada is the "top source of international visitors to the United States, with 20.4 million visits in 2024, generating $20.5 billion in spending and supporting 140,000 American jobs," according to the U.S. Travel Association. A decrease of just 10% in Canadian travel to the U.S. could result in "2.0 million fewer visits, $2.1 billion in lost spending and 14,000 job losses."

The top five most-visited states by Canadians are California, Florida, Nevada, New York and Texas, and they could all "see declines in retail and hospitality revenue, as shopping is the top leisure activity for Canadian visitors," said the U.S. Travel Association.

Urging alternate plans

As Trump's tariffs continue, many Canadians, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, are urging their fellow countrymen to find alternate travel plans. This is the "time to choose Canada," Trudeau said during a press conference following the tariff announcement. Beyond buying Canadian-made products, Trudeau added this "might mean changing your summer vacation plans to stay here in Canada and explore the many national and provincial parks, historical sites and tourist destinations our great country has to offer."

It seems that many Canadians are heeding Trudeau's advice. "I've decided that I will no longer be traveling to the U.S. unless it's absolutely necessary to go," said Harold White of Quebec, who canceled his annual trip to Maine, to The New York Times. This "time around, really, I feel like Canadians have been slapped across the face by Trump."

Canadians are "starting to pivot away and avoid the U.S.," Alexis von Hoensbroech, the CEO of Canadian airline WestJet, said to the Times. There has been an "increase of bookings into Mexico, into the Caribbean, into other non-U.S. destinations." Other airlines have said the same: "We are anticipating proactively that there could be a slowdown," Air Canada Vice President Mark Galardo said to the Times.

For states near the Canadian border, the signs of a "Canadian tourist backlash are cropping up from accommodations in Vermont to campgrounds in New Jersey," said NPR. Hotel bookings are also down in another sign of the times: Bookings "decreased 8% year over year in Niagara Falls, New York, and 12% in the Bellingham area of northwest Washington, about 50 miles south of Vancouver." Niagara Falls is one of Canada's and the U.S.' most popular attractions and reportedly gets 12 million visitors per year.

Canada may not be the only country affected by these tourism shifts, as other nationalities consider slowing down their U.S. travel, too. There has been an uptick in "people heading to Canada's East Coast, Mexico, Portugal and Antigua in recent weeks" instead of the United States, Amra Durakovic from the travel agency Flight Centre said to the CBC.

Sprawling along Canada's Pacific coast, from the northern tip of Vancouver Island to the Alaskan border, the Great Bear Rainforest is a protected wilderness area roughly twice the size of Belgium. It harbours all kinds of wondrous creatures, of which the most striking is surely the spirit bear, says Oliver Berry in the Financial Times.

Long thought to be cousins of the polar bear, these creamy-white animals are, in fact, Kermode bears (a subspecies of the black bear) that have pale coats owing to a genetic variant. They are found only in British Columbia, where estimates of their numbers vary between 100 and 500. Sightings are very rare, therefore – but I have long "dreamt" of seeing one, and last year I decided to try my luck.

From Vancouver, I flew to Bella Bella, then travelled for two hours by boat to the Spirit Bear Lodge, on Swindle Island, which supports a remote First Nations community. The lodge has good wildlife guides, who accompanied me each day on boat trips to nearby Princess Royal Island, which is as big as Herefordshire but entirely uninhabited, and is thought to be home to the densest population of spirit bears. Each morning, we ventured up rivers before striking out on walks ever deeper into the forest. We ducked under waterfalls, saw ancient rock paintings, and spent hours "hunkered in hides, waiting, watching".

And we had so many spectacular wildlife encounters that I became "almost blasé" about them. We watched grizzly bears "pawing fish from the water" while their cubs played nearby. We spied bald eagles "arcing over the treetops" and sea otters "rafting in the shallows". Humpbacks cruised past our boat "like submarines", porpoises twirled through its wake, and a single wolf watched from the shore. The spirit bear remained "phantasmal", however, and in a way I was glad it did. "There are still wild things in this world", the forest seemed to be saying – "wild places where nature, not man, holds dominion".

Audley Travel (audleytravel.com) has a five-day trip from £4,310pp, excl. international flights.

It's hard to overstate how wildly Donald Trump's foreign policy is deviating from that of his predecessor – and even "from his own campaign pitch of America First restraint", said Dave Lawler on Axios. Before taking office, Trump caused alarm by threatening to seize the Panama Canal and Greenland. Since then he has "stunned" even his own advisers with his plan for the US to take over the Gaza Strip. He says he wants Canada to become the 51st US state; he has taken an axe to America's main foreign aid agency, USAID.

And now, to the horror of European partners, he is abandoning Ukraine. Although not the first Western leader to rail against the "dictator" that started the war, he is the first to have been referring to President Zelenskyy, not Putin. His projection of raw, unfocused power is fuelling the sense that Trump's America is to be feared, even by its allies.

Well, sometimes a tougher approach – more vinegar than honey – is needed, said Rich Lowry in the New York Post. In 2011, the then defence secretary, Robert Gates, gave a speech in which he warned Europe's leaders that there would eventually be "a dwindling appetite and patience" in the "American body politic" to expend funds on behalf of nations that weren't prepared to be serious partners in their own defence. Europe ignored that warning. Trump is "abrasive", but his message is hard to ignore. Even so, he should moderate his tone, said Peggy Noonan in The Wall Street Journal. "The future will be a hard place", and we'll need old friends at our side. It is not wise to estrange them.

Trump says he is disengaging from Europe to focus on the threat from China, but if he pushes the US's allies away, Beijing will reap the benefits, said Eugene Robinson in The Washington Post. EU officials are now talking of expanding trade with China. Dismantling USAID will only make developing nations even more reliant on Chinese money, said Michael Schuman in The Atlantic. Indeed, there is evidence that Beijing is already moving to fill some of the gaps created by the US aid freeze. And by pulling the US out of the World Health Organisation and other bodies, Trump is clearing the way for China to use them as "instruments" of its power. His handling of Ukraine presents another opportunity for President Xi, who may in the future be able to make the case that only he can rein in Putin's territorial ambitions – and in this way, expand China's influence in Europe. How is any of this in America's best interests?

Perhaps contrary to its national reputation of equanimity, Canada is matching President Donald Trump's bellicosity about tariffs with a steely resolve. The actions "by the White House split us apart instead of bringing us together," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a Saturday speech. The country has wasted little time readying retaliatory measures against the Trump administration's planned tariffs.

In a fitting metaphor for the United States' standing with Canada, the typically jocular hockey rivalry between the two nations took on a sharper edge as Canadian fans drowned out the U.S. national anthem with a chorus of boos at recent games against American teams. But arena-echoing jeers aren't Canada's only response to the Trump administration's trade war, initially set to go into effect this week but delayed a month after last-minute negotiations.

What did the commentators say?

Canada plans on "moving forward with 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of goods in response to the unjustified and unreasonable tariffs imposed by the United States on Canadian goods," its government said. The retaliatory tariffs will apply to "American products like orange juice, peanut butter, wine, spirits, beer, coffee, appliance, apparel, footwear, motorcycles, cosmetics and pulp and paper," said the CBC — goods that Canada would ordinarily import from the U.S. "for which there is a replacement" from other countries, said Finance and Intergovernmental affairs minister Dominic LeBlanc. Trudeau has also encouraged shoppers to focus on buying Canadian products, "effectively urging a boycott of U.S. goods," said The Associated Press.

The Canadian government is "not ruling out other retaliatory measures," Politico said, including "targeting Elon Musk's companies, or slapping export taxes on Canadian oil." Already, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has pledged to end his province's contract with Musk's StarLink internet provider, drawing a line in the sand for American companies "hellbent on destroying our economy" as part of Trump's leadership team. "Trump is the only person to be blamed," said Ford to ABC News. "Maybe Elon Musk can call his buddy?"

What next?

Canadians "appear to have misunderstood the plain language of the executive order," said White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett on CNBC. Instead, Canada is mistakenly "interpreting it as a trade war" rather than accepting Trump's claim that the tariffs are intended to stop undocumented immigration and drug trafficking, said Hassett. To that end, the agreement negotiated to delay Trump's tariffs by a month included on the Canadian side "measures that were already being enacted under its $1.3 billion border plan," The New York Times said, as well as the creation of a "joint strike force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering."

With the immediate threat delayed for now by at least a month, Canadian provincial lawmakers have nevertheless been "united and resolute" in the face of the tariff threat, with each "crafting individual retaliation measures that will continue to unfold in the days ahead," said TD Bank in its analysis of the ongoing showdown. Given Canada's "Twisted Sister" declaration that "we're not gonna take it," TD Bank's analysts said, "brace for a further escalation."

"I won't sugarcoat it," said Prime Minister Trudeau in an address. "Our nation could be facing difficult times in the coming days and weeks." Although Canada prefers to "solve our disputes with diplomacy," Trudeau added, the country is "ready to fight when necessary."

What happened

President Donald Trump paused his 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada Monday after speaking with their respective leaders, but his additional 10% import tax on Chinese goods took effect at midnight. China said it will retaliate with 10-15% tariffs on U.S. energy products, agricultural machinery and large passenger vehicles, plus restrictions on exports of critical minerals. Beijing also announced an antimonopoly investigation into Google.

Who said what

Trump backed off taxing imports from America's two closest neighbors for 30 days after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced measures to beef up security on their U.S. borders to curb immigration and fentanyl trafficking. But it doesn't appear "any of those measures were major concessions," The New York Times said. Mexican National Guard troops have been patrolling the U.S. border for a year and Sheinbaum was already cracking down on fentanyl. And while Trudeau promised a new "fentanyl czar" and cross-border task force, the biggest part of Canada's border plan was announced in December.

This wasn't "some genius power play" by Trump, The Wall Street Journal said in an editorial. But "if the North American leaders need to cheer about a minor deal so they all claim victory, that's better for everyone."

What next?

Trump called the China tariffs an "opening salvo" and said he "would be speaking to China, probably in the next 24 hours." He also said he planned to levy import taxes on the European Union "very soon."

2025 is looking good for travelers ready to check into someplace new. That might mean heading to Rome to see how the Orient Express handles luxury accommodations off the tracks or trekking to Uganda for an unforgettable stay among the gorillas. Whatever the type of hotel experience, you should be able to find it at one of these eight fresh properties.

One&Only Moonlight Basin, Montana

The first One&Only resort in the United States is coming to Montana. The hotel, located on the northwest side of Lone Mountain, will offer "direct gondola access to Big Sky's 5,800 acres of piste, as well as top-tier mountain golf," Elite Traveler said, in addition to kayaking, biking and other outdoor activities. Guests can expect comfortable rooms with fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, leather furnishings and local art, with amenities like a hidden whisky shack in the forest and wellness treatments inspired by the wilds of Montana.

Orient Express La Minerva, Rome

When it opens this spring, Orient Express La Minerva will technically be the newest hotel in Rome, but its roots were planted long ago, in the 17th century. La Minerva, built for a wealthy family in 1620 and turned into an inn 200 years later, is the first hotel under the Orient Express brand. The "meticulously curated" property "highlights Rome's rich history," CNN said, and is steps from the Pantheon. Rooms feature king-size beds and marble bathrooms, and for a treat, book a signature suite with a private terrace, turntable and vinyl record collection.

Portrush Adelphi, Northern Ireland

Renovations are in full swing at Portrush Adelphi, a boutique hotel opening in April next door to the storied Royal Portrush Golf Club. Now part of Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts, the seaside property will "cater to golf enthusiasts," the Belfast Telegraph said, with fully revamped guest rooms and common areas. An on-site Italian grill and bar and concierge who will set up tee times round out the hotel's updated offerings.

Salterra, Turks & Caicos

Salterra offers a new way to experience Turks & Caicos. The property, scheduled to open in February, sits on South Caicos, far from the most populous areas of the archipelago. Each room is decorated in muted tones, with wood finishings and large windows to soak up the views. The nearby Salinas salt flats inspired the hotel's design, and an in-house "saltmelier" will be on hand to take guests to the Salinas boardwalk to learn about the island's history of salt production and guide them through a sea salt tasting.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, Uganda

Prepare to be awed when Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge opens in May. Deep in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this luxe 10-tent property is not only a great base camp for gorilla trekking but is often a stop for gorillas passing through the area. The comfortable accommodations include en-suite bathrooms with a bathtub and shower and private decks, where you can relax after a day of adventure, like taking a game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park or hiking through the forest to meet members of the Batwa tribe.

Skyridge, Alberta, Canada

Glamp your way through all four seasons inside one of the micro-cabins at Skyridge, opening in January. This year-round, adults-only resort in the town of Canmore has two types of accommodations: the Sky Box and SkyGlass, an innovative structure with floor to ceiling windows for unobstructed views of the stunning Canadian Rockies. At 302 square feet, the cabins are designed for two guests and have everything necessary for "roughing it" in style, including a plush king-size bed, bathroom, kitchen with stovetop and microwave, and heating and air conditioning to keep glampers warm during the winter and cool during the summer.

The Sundays, Hamilton Island, Australia

The Sundays, opening in April, embraces its prime position in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The hotel's 59 rooms have been "conscientiously designed," Vogue Australia said, and the "calming combination of ocean and sand tones" act as an "extension of the beach surroundings." An oceanfront swimming pool and water's-edge restaurant and bar add to the "laidback lavishness" of the property.

Veranó San Juan, Puerto Rico

A 1950s office building in San Juan's vibrant Santurce neighborhood is getting a second act as Veranó, a stylish boutique hotel. Set to open its doors in April, Veranó will have 40 sleek rooms and suites, the City House restaurant and a rooftop bar perfect for grabbing a drink to enjoy at sunset. The property sits on the Avenida Ponce de León, amid shops, restaurants and art galleries and close to several beaches.

Justin Trudeau was the face of Canadian politics for nearly a decade. Now he is stepping down as prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party, leaving his country's immediate future cloudy.

The "Trump factor" was a key element driving Trudeau's resignation, Chantal Da Silva said at NBC News. Incoming U.S. president Donald Trump has threatened to slap large tariffs on America's northern neighbor — and has frequently mused about making Canada America's "51st state." Trudeau "sought to appease Trump" by visiting Mar-a-Lago, Da Silva said, but those efforts "precipitated the final blow" to Trudeau's tenure. What's next? An election, possibly sooner than later. The Canada Elections Act says national elections must be held by Oct. 20, and Trudeau's resignation "means it's likely that a vote will be called before then."

Those elections won't come immediately, though. During his resignation speech, Trudeau announced he is suspending Parliament until March 24 to allow the Liberal Party to select a new leader to take his place, said BBC News. It's a technique used by Canadian governments to "buy time during a political crisis." In this case, Trudeau's maneuver prevents opposition parties (for now) from calling a no-confidence vote that would trigger the election Liberals would likely lose. That's more than two months of breathing space, but Trudeau's replacement "will not have much time to govern" after Parliament resumes.

A 'lame duck' with little support

Trudeau's resignation announcement "dumps Canadians into one hell of a chaotic mess," Rick Bell said at The Calgary Herald. The suspension of Parliament gives his opposition "no chance to vote and dump the Trudeau government," which would trigger an immediate nationwide election that would let Canadians immediately put the Liberal Party out of power. But that leaves Trudeau as a "lame duck" who doesn't even have the support of his own party as he tangles with Trump "mocking him at every turn."

Canada has a disempowered prime minister at the precise moment "we need a government with a strong mandate," Brian Lilley said at The Toronto Sun. "Who will negotiate with Trump" over his tariff threats? The new American president "will need to be dealt with" but "Trudeau is in no position to negotiate with Trump or anyone else." Announcing a resignation without calling a new election was a "selfish act" that leaves Canada vulnerable at a critical moment. "You can hear Trump laughing all the way from Mar-a-Lago."

Up next: A Conservative populist

Trudeau's replacement is likely to be Pierre Poilievre, a populist who "rode a wave of discontent with Covid-19 policies" to become the Conservative Party leader, said The Wall Street Journal. Poilievre is known for a "pointed speaking style and a lack of respect for Ottawa's political norms" His "bristly personality" can be a turn-off to voters: One poll shows that 55% of Canadians have unfavorable views of the Conservative. Those negative numbers are "still better than Trudeau," said the Journal.

But Poilievre may not get along any better with Trump, said The Hill. Canada "will never be the 51st state," Poilievre posted Tuesday, and added: "I will fight for Canada."

What happened

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday that he is stepping down after nearly a decade in office, as soon as his Liberal Party picks a new leader. That leader will take over as prime minister heading into elections that the opposition Conservative Party is heavily favored to win, and as Donald Trump takes office in the U.S., threatening punishing tariffs.

Who said what

"It's time for a reset," Trudeau, 53, told reporters outside his Ottawa residence. Canada "deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election."

Trudeau is the "latest leader in the West to be swept aside by a mood of anti-incumbency" and anger over immigration and post-pandemic inflation, The New York Times said. But the pointed resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland in December "ignited a growing chorus" among Liberal lawmakers for Trudeau to "step aside for the sake of the party," sealing his downfall.

It's also "rare" for a Canadian leader to "rack up four election wins in a row," The Washington Post said, and Trudeau has won three. "This is a government in its 10th year — at some point the milk just expires," Shachi Kurl, president of pollster Angus Reid, said to Reuters. "I think the milk has turned pretty sour."

What next?

Trudeau said Canada's Parliament, scheduled to return to session Jan. 27, will now be suspended until March 24, allowing the Liberals to pick their new leader. "All three main opposition parties have said they plan to topple the Liberal Party in a no-confidence vote when Parliament resumes," The Associated Press said, teeing up new elections as soon as May.

In 1989, American political scientist Francis Fukuyama wrote "perhaps the best-known statement on the then-apparent triumph of liberal democracy", said Ben Ansell on NPR.

In his essay "The End of History?", published as the Berlin Wall fell, Fukuyama argued that the ideologies of the 20th century – fascism, nationalism, communism – had "lost the battle of ideas". Liberal democracy, both economic and political, had triumphed.

But now, the resignation of Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, once "hailed as the poster boy of global liberalism", reflects "the wider political trend that has upended the liberal consensus", said The Telegraph.

What did the commentators say?

Thirty-five years on from "The End of History?", Donald Trump's victory in the US election "represents a decisive rejection by American voters of liberalism", said Fukuyama in the Financial Times. Trump "not only wants to roll back neoliberalism and woke liberalism, but is a major threat to classical liberalism itself".

Discontent over rising inflation and migration, and a "backlash" against government measures imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic, is causing a "growing global disenchantment" with liberalism, said The Telegraph.

Another "doyenne of the global liberal left", the former prime minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern, "fell from grace" in 2023. Japan's long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party lost its majority in October's elections, its worst result in more than a decade. In France, the centrist President Emmanuel Macron is facing a "mounting challenge" from Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party. Germany's coalition government has collapsed and Olaf Scholz, the moderate chancellor, is expected to suffer a "heavy defeat" in next month's general election.

The far-right Alternative for Germany may emerge as "the second-biggest party", said Ishaan Tharoor in The Washington Post. That would have been "unthinkable just a few years ago" when Berlin – under the then chancellor Angela Merkel – "styled itself a bulwark of the liberal order".

Scholz and Trudeau are both "politically tethered to a liberal establishment in the West that is in pronounced retreat". Its values, including an embrace of globalisation, multiculturalism and environmentalism, are increasingly "seen as the aloof dogma of an entrenched elite". It's unclear whether right-wing opponents have the right solutions, but voters across the West are "eager for change and more open to anti-system politics".

This shift has also "swept across Latin America", said Newsweek, a region "once synonymous with progressive ideas and left-wing governments". Argentina's election of controversial economist Javier Milei was "perhaps the most profound illustration". In Britain, Keir Starmer is "on the political ropes" and approval ratings for the newly elected Labour government have already tanked. Brexit-era tensions still "dominate", while "right-wing rhetoric" resonates strongly.

Progressive leaders worldwide are failing to address voter discontent while trying to counter the "growing appeal of nationalist and populist ideologies". The "clarity" of such ideologies leaves progressives "struggling to articulate a compelling alternative vision for the future".

Yes, Trump's re-election marks the end of the US as a "liberal empire", said The Atlantic. But the very idea of a "liberal international order" was, for many, "always a Western fiction". Just look at Joe Biden's "spotty record" of mobilising support to defend it, in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Such an order existed only as long as "the US had the power and political will to impose it".

If liberals are to respond effectively to the challenges ahead, they will need to "discard the story they've always told themselves" about 1989. "The means of overcoming despair is to be found in better comprehension."

What next?

Trudeau plans to stay on as prime minister until a new leader of the Liberal Party can be chosen. Parliament will be suspended until 24 March to allow for a leadership race, but all three main opposition parties have said they plan to topple the party in a no-confidence vote when it resumes, so a spring election is likely. Whatever happens, a national election must take place by October, and the Liberals are on track for a "bruising defeat", said The Telegraph.

The leader of Canada's Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre, is widely tipped to be the next prime minister. Starmer's Labour government "could soon become the last remaining left-leaning administration within the G7".

But Fukuyama's argument was about the power of ideas, said Ansell, and "we can chalk up one victory for him". The idea of elections (regardless of how free or seriously taken) has come to prevail almost everywhere in the world. And that means democracy, whether liberal or not, "will always be in with a fighting chance".

The United States and Canada have the longest undefended border in the world. Relations between the two countries are usually placid. A second Donald Trump presidency could change that.

Trump "appears interested in adding a 51st star to the American flag," Alexandra Sharp said at Foreign Policy. The president-elect has veered between threatening massive tariffs on Canadian imports to speculating — some would say trolling — about the possibility of absorbing Canada into the United States. "I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!" Trump said on Truth Social. "The revolutionary nature of these threats is hard to overstate, even by Trump's own audacious standards," said Foreign Policy columnist Edward Alden.

Trump's provocations have created a "near-existential moment" in Canadian politics, said The New York Times. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was already in "serious trouble" before Trump's election, but now there's a new element of chaos. Chrystia Freeland, Canada's finance minister, resigned in mid-December, suggesting that Trudeau was failing at the task of "pushing back at 'America First' economic nationalism" in the form of tariffs. Trudeau's future is murky. What's clear: Trump "will continue to loom large over Canadian politics," said the Times.

Trade war would 'make life more expensive'

Trump has focused on America's trade deficit with Canada while threatening tariffs. In one social media post, he complained that "we subsidize Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year." That grievance is "nonsense," Zeeshan Aleem said at MSNBC. There is "nothing innately wrong with having a trade deficit," but Trump tends to see international relations as all winners and losers: "You're either ripping someone off, or you're the one getting ripped off." In fact, the U.S. "benefits economically from what it imports from Canada."

Canadian officials are now preparing export taxes — on commodities like uranium, oil and potash — that would "drive up costs for U.S. consumers, farmers and businesses" as a response to Trump's proposed tariffs, Brian Platt said at Bloomberg. Americans could end up paying at the pump: Canada is the "largest external supplier of oil" to the United States. A trade war could end up being messy for both sides. "All it does is make life more expensive," said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

'Like cousins or siblings'

"Trump is going after Canada now — but everyone else is next," Stephen Collinson said at CNN. The incoming president's "vindictive behavior" is focused on America's neighbor at the present, but it's likely to be the dominant mode in his foreign policy. Canadians are "getting an early taste of what Trump's second term will be like," Collinson said. "But everyone else will soon catch up."

Some Canadian officials are trying to downplay the potential conflict. The U.S. and Canada are "like family, like cousins or siblings," Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the U.S., said to Politico. She is trying to emphasize what the countries have in common over sources of potential conflict. "There's no country in the world that wants a strong America more than Canada, right?" she said. However, "a strong Canada is good for the United States."

"The Sticky" begins, as most crime dramas tend to, with a body. But "this body happens to be submerged in a vat of maple syrup", said Aramide Tinubu in Variety.

In this new Amazon Prime series, writers Brian Donovan and Ed Herro have "put their own Fargo-like spin" on the real-life Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist of 2011, in which thieves stole almost 3,000 tons of the sticky sap from a storage facility in Quebec.

The "beautifully unhinged dramedy" follows "bitter maple farmer" Ruth (Margo Martindale) as she attempts to stop her business from folding while she's looking after her husband, who's fallen into a coma. When she finds out her farm is being shut down, she turns to local mobster Mike (Chris Diamantopoulos) and Remy (Guillaume Cyr), a "well-meaning security guard" at the Quebec Maple Association. Together, the "unlikely crew" band together for a "zany mission" to make off with $150 million of the "poorly guarded syrup".

However, "things don't exactly go according to plan", and the trio comes dangerously close to being discovered in almost every episode. "Breezy, fun and entirely insane", the series takes viewers on a "wild and wacky ride" filled with "high jinks and false starts".

"There are great moments of farce" and the action-packed episodes fly by so fast, "you could easily binge this in a couple of days", said Anita Singh in The Telegraph. Jamie Lee Curtis makes a cameo appearance (her production company backed the show), but the series is "tremendous fun, even before she shows up".

Such is its pace, you start to wonder why the series wasn't "honed into a single feature film", said Jesse Hassenger in The Guardian. And too much time is spent "dithering around the idea of the heist", rather than letting viewers "enjoy the details and mechanics of one".

Still, the trio of fictional characters at the heart of the crime caper are "hugely entertaining", said Pat Stacey in the Irish Independent. The "wonderful" Margo Martindale anchors the entire show, "grabbing a rare leading role with both hands".

All in all, "The Sticky" is a "delightful, suspenseful adventure, full of jokes, bizarre situations and a sharp cast", said Tinubu in Variety. "It never stops being a complete ball of fun."

What happened

The Canadian government confirmed Tuesday that it believes Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, a close ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was behind a campaign of violence and intimidation targeting Sikh separatists in Canada. Ottawa earlier this month publicly accused Indian embassy officials of involvement in the 2023 assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia and the broader plot against Sikh separatists, leading to Canada and India expelling each other's top diplomats.

Who said what

Canadian officials did not publicly name Shah, "described as India's 'second most powerful man,'" earlier this month, but The Washington Post reported his alleged masterminding of the Sikh violence plot, the CBC said. Yesterday, Canadian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison told a national security committee in Parliament that he was the Post's source. "The journalist called me and asked if it was that person. I confirmed it was that person," he said.

Morrison did not elaborate on the government's evidence against Shah. "Canada told India about Shah's alleged role in the plots around October 2023," Reuters said, citing an Indian government source, "but New Delhi thinks the information is very weak, flimsy and does not expect it to cause any trouble for Shah or the government."

What next?

The U.S. Justice Department announced "murder-for-hire charges" against another Indian government employee earlier this month, The Associated Press said, accusing Vikash Yadav of directing a plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist in New York, a killing allegedly "meant to precede a string of other politically motivated murders in the United States and Canada." The accusations, Reuters said, "have tested Washington and Ottawa's relations with India, often viewed by the West as a counterbalance to China."

As our Rocky Mountaineer train winds through the spectacular scenery, I fall into chatting with the woman standing next to me on the open-air platform between carriages. She tells me she has been on this journey many, many times. When I ask her why, she gestures towards the mighty Rocky Mountains that surround us and replies: "Just look around. This never gets old."

She's right. Like the Alps on amphetamines, being in the presence of the Canadian Rockies is an awe-inspiring, exhilarating business. The colours are off the charts, too. The summits are coated with attractive striations of snow that make the mountains look like giant liquorice allsorts. The trees have terrific names as well – I particularly like the Trembling Aspen. This is a truly epic, widescreen landscape designed to put us fundamentally unimportant humans in our place.

The Rocky Mountaineer

Founded in 1990, the Rocky Mountaineer takes passengers on four beautiful routes through the Rockies: our route takes us from Vancouver to Banff on a 25-carriage long train staffed by 100 people, with an overnight stay at a hotel in Kamloops.

Opting for the premium GoldLeaf service puts you in a luxury double-decker carriage whose upper deck boasts a vast domed roof and windows, giving you unimpeded, panoramic views of the majestic mountain range and its wildlife, including eagles, ospreys, elk, bighorn sheep and the occasional bear. The lower deck of the GoldLeaf carriage is an upmarket dining car. The food, which is all locally sourced, is excellent. During our two days of fine dining on the Rocky Mountaineer, we sample such delicacies as Rare Seared Albacore Tuna, Lois Lake Steelhead and Alberta Striploin Steak. The high standard of cooking is especially impressive considering that its taking place in a tight galley kitchen while the train rocks 'n' rolls more vigorously than Elvis.

The train rattles along the tracks of the Canadian Pacific Railway, completed in 1885 under the company's pioneering president William Van Horne, who declared: "If we can't export the scenery, then we will have to import the tourists."

The railway is a death-defying feat of engineering, its highest point crossing the Continental Divide at 5,332ft. It was exceptionally dangerous work, involving thousands of labourers. They would descend into precipitous canyons on ropes and improvised ladders to drill holes and stuff them with sticks of dynamite before hurrying back up the cliff faces.

The railroad is a far more tranquil experience now. As it gently meanders through this Unesco World Heritage Site, often stopping for passing freight trains, the Rocky Mountaineer is a terrific example of the therapeutic benefits of slow travel. Never has a rocky ride been quite so smooth or pleasurable.

Where to stay and eat

The "First Passage to the West" route starts in Vancouver, where we stay at the Fairmont Hotel, a splendid establishment known as "The Castle in the City". Its steep green copper roof mimics the grandeur of a French château. Opened by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939, the hotel has a marvellous secret dining room, accessed through a hidden door disguised as a bookcase. The room inside is decorated with an eye-catching mixture of autumnal leaves and flowers, the perfect setting for our delicious Autumn Harvest Tea. Whisper it, but the cranberry orange scone with handmade cream and jam may be better than anything served in Devon or Cornwall.

At the end of the line in Banff, the curved structure and hilltop location of the Rimrock Resort Hotel provide wondrous views of the encircling Rockies. Food at the hotel's Eden Restaurant is also something to behold – and the wine's not half bad, either. The cellar houses some 17,000 bottles, the most expensive is a 1960 Petrus, which comes with the eye-watering price tag of CAN$15,000 (over £8,000).

The verdict

By the entrance to the Primrose Restaurant, where you have breakfast at the Rimrock, is a neon sign which reads: "Another day in paradise." From now on, whenever I hear that phrase, rather than thinking of the naff song by Phil Collins, I will be reminded of the splendour of the Rockies. "Breathtaking" is an overused word in travel journalism, but it really does apply to the Rocky Mountaineer.

James Rampton was a guest of Rocky Mountaineer. The two-day First Passage to the West route, from Vancouver to Banff in Canada, departing between 14 April and 10 October 2025, costs from £1,389 pp for SilverLeaf Service or from £1,897 pp for GoldLeaf Service. Price includes two days onboard Rocky Mountaineer, all meals onboard the train, and one night hotel stay in Kamloops; rockymountaineer.com

Canada and India have expelled each other's top ambassadors as a row over last year's assassination of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil intensified.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there were "credible allegations" linking Indian diplomats and intelligence services to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar – an activist who advocated for a separate Sikh state to be carved out of India. New Delhi rejected the accusation as "preposterous". Both countries have expelled six of the other's diplomats in tit-for-tat moves.

India has accused Trudeau of "pandering to Canada's large Sikh community for political gain", said the BBC. Canada, for its part, maintains that it has "evidence that cannot be ignored" linking India to the crime.

Canadian police have accused Indian consular staff of "clandestine" and "criminal activities" in the country. The force has evidence of "agents" acting on behalf of the Indian government engaging in extortion, intimidation and harassment, said the head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at a press conference.

"Investigations have revealed that Indian diplomats and consular officials based in Canada leveraged their official positions to engage in clandestine activities," said Commissioner Mike Duheme.

These claims are the "first official glimpse from police into the scope and depth of India's alleged activities in Canada", said The Guardian.

Designating Indian diplomats as "persons of interest" takes the India-Canada spat over Nijjar's killing to "a new low", said The Economic Times. The allegations levelled by Trudeau, who is widely expected to lose the next election, are likely to "burden the next government with unwanted diplomatic baggage".

In the meantime, said Newsweek, "tensions between the two nations continue to rise".

Canada's carbon tax has become as toxic as the fossil-fuel emissions it aims to curb.

The federal levy has been "hailed as a global model of progressive environmental policy", said The Guardian, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party is under mounting pressure to remove his flagship policy. For months the leader of the opposition Conservative Party has been issuing "dire and increasingly apocalyptic warnings about the future" – and blaming the carbon tax.

Canada's cost-of-living crisis and the "pugnacious" populist Pierre Poilievre have pushed the policy back into the spotlight. Poilievre said this month that there was only one way to avoid a "devastating crisis": Trudeau must "call a 'carbon tax' election".

Visible cost of cutting emissions

The carbon tax was introduced in 2019 to crack down on carbon dioxide pollution and encourage the transition towards clean energy. At the moment, Canada aims to cut its CO2 emissions by 40%-45% below 2005 levels by 2030.

Each province and territory designs its system and collects the proceeds of the tax. About 90% of those revenues are then returned to households through quarterly rebates based on family size. The other 10% helps grant recipients, such as businesses and schools, reduce fossil fuel consumption.

The idea is to incentivise people and businesses to change their behaviour. When fossil fuels cost more, people use less, and are free to choose the cheapest way to reduce their emissions.

The levy targets both consumers and industry, and taken together it is projected to reduce Canada's emissions by as much as 50% by 2030, according to a recent report by the Canadian Climate Institute.

Along with other climate policies, it has already reduced emissions by about 8%, said Katya Rhodes, assistant professor at the University of Victoria, on The Conversation.

It also returns most revenues to households, and Canadians are "better off with carbon pricing than without it". But none of that outweighs "the heavily visible costs that citizens experience at the pump", or on their home heating bill.

The consumer tax came into effect at $20 per tonne but has "steadily climbed since", said CBC, rising to $80 per tonne in April. Almost 70% of Canadians opposed that increase, according to a survey by Leger.

The green policy culture war

The tax is "seen as a test case" of how to win public backing for a green transition that costs consumers in the short term, said the Financial Times. But Trudeau's "flagship policy" has become so unpopular that last November, the prime minister was "pressured into agreeing a three-year delay to its imposition on home-heating oil" just to keep his hopes of re-election in 2025 alive.

Trudeau's struggle shows the difficulty of winning public support for policies that "impose the upfront costs of the net-zero transition on households and companies already struggling with high inflation".

Support for the carbon tax has "eroded even among the policy's former backers", said Reuters. The Conservatives have vowed to "axe the tax" if they win power in the next election, scheduled for October next year. At the moment, polls suggest that Trudeau's Liberals would "lose badly to the Conservatives".

With that significant lead, the Conservatives are "keen to capture mounting frustration with the incumbent government and transform a federal vote into a referendum" on the carbon tax, said The Guardian. They argue that it hurts Canadians already grappling with rising costs in rent, groceries and transport.

Last month, New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh said the policy puts the "burden on the backs of working people".

"The reality is, it's easy to say 'axe the tax'," said Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault. "No one likes to pay taxes. It is more complicated to explain that climate change is real, it's costing Canadians billions of dollars and carbon pricing is one of many measures we’re putting in place to try and fight climate change."

The carbon tax, and environmental policies in general, have been dragged into "this culture war where facts don't matter, where the truth has no currency".

A polar bear has been shot dead in a remote Icelandic village, the latest casualty of growing tensions between humans and the Arctic mammals.

Polar bears are not native to Iceland, but they occasionally travel onto land via ice floes from Greenland. Even that is "relatively rare", said The Associated Press – a polar bear was last seen in Iceland in 2016. Police shot the animal earlier this month after an elderly woman spotted it rummaging through rubbish outside the summer house she was staying in.

Polar bears are the world's largest land carnivore, but attacks on humans are extremely uncommon – only 73 were recorded between 1870 and 2014, in Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia and the US. But the frequency is increasing: 15 of those attacks took place this century. The rapid loss of sea ice due to climate change is "driving hungry bears to land and putting both at risk".

The Arctic Usain Bolt

"Over a distance of ten metres polar bears in the prime of life are as quick as Usain Bolt," said The Times. "They can weigh two-thirds of a tonne and are said to be capable of knocking a beluga whale senseless with a single swipe of a paw."

And on Ny-Ålesund, the largest island of Norway's Svalbard archipelago and site of the "world's most northerly human settlement", they have "made a comeback". In 1973, hunting the animals was banned and the population was saved from extinction. But temperatures in Svalbard are rising more rapidly than almost anywhere else in the world, with frozen seas melting into open water, shrinking hunting grounds. In the Nineties it was rare to see a polar bear; since May, it has been a weekly occurrence.

Bears are "extraordinarily inquisitive" – they don't necessarily see humans as food, but "will investigate anything that stands up vertically from the horizon". Longyearbyen, Svalbard's largest town with a population of about 2,200, uses helicopters to scare the bears away. But precautions aren't always enough. In 2011, a trip-wire designed to alert a group camping near Longyearbyen failed, and a polar bear "reported to be starving and emaciated" killed a 17-year-old British boy and injured four others.

In Greenland's Ittoqqortoormiit, the "loneliest town in the Arctic", hungry polar bears are increasingly wandering into human territory, said The Telegraph. The bears are "driven inland", and two have recently been shot. But bears also fall foul of human hunters; they "supplement the local diet", while around town there are a few "bearskins airing in the wind". A quota allows Ittoqqortoormiit locals to kill 35 polar bears per year.

A 'looming clash'

Canada is home to about 17,000 polar bears – about two-thirds of the world's population. But unlike in Svalbard, the species is "in decline", said the BBC. In August, two bears killed a technician working on Brevoort Island, in the northern Nunavut territory, in an attack that "rattled a region well-versed" in polar bears, said The Guardian. The location was unusual for a bear, as was the fact that there were two involved. It is a harbinger of what experts say is a "looming clash" between humans and bears.

In the 1980s, the bears would "look like giant fat sausages lying on the beach", said Andrew Derocher, biology professor at the University of Alberta. But now they are "much leaner". As food becomes scarcer, "they'll start entering communities", only a handful of which have bear patrol programmes. "Are those communities ready? Absolutely not."

Residents of Nunavut and Canada's Northwest Territories are also taking the fight back to the bears. Killing one can be "financially lucrative", said The Guardian; governments spend "thousands of dollars in subsidies for pelts".

Encounters will increase, and "get a lot worse", but eventually "it's going to get better" – at least from a human perspective, said Derocher. "This population of bears isn't expected to persist past mid-century."

With a total solar eclipse and the Perseid meteor shower, it's been an incredible year so far for astrotourism – the practice of travelling to remote destinations to observe the night sky. And with the northern lights season about to begin, there is no better time to start planning a stargazing trip.

Light pollution impacts the vast majority of the world, said Alicia Miller in the London Evening Standard, making it a rarity to find a place where the sky is "blanketed in stars".

There's been a rise in demand for this elusive type of trip. Nordic tour operator Discover the World reported a 40% year-on-year increase in northern lights holiday enquiries, while Black Tomato is now offering dedicated "eclipse" trips for travellers keen to witness "rare solar or lunar events".

While the aurora borealis and solar eclipses get "the most attention", said Cassandra Brooklyn in National Geographic, other "spectacular night sky events" take place throughout the year. Still to come in 2024, Saturn will converge with the Moon on multiple occasions including 17 September, 14 and 15 October, 11 November and 8 December. Observers in Australia, western US, Canada and northwestern Mexico will be able to witness the "silvery lunar glow and giant yellow planet" with or without binoculars.

As the nights draw in, here are some of the best destinations around the world for a stargazing adventure.

Skylark Cabin, New Zealand

The Mackenzie region on New Zealand's South Island is beautiful by day, said Miller, but by night the southern hemisphere's largest dark skies reserve "shimmers in a frothy sea of pin-prick stars". In the midst of this vast protected landscape lies Skylark Cabin, a "luxe, contemporary hideaway in dark glass and wood". Guests can marvel at the stars from the outdoor hot tub and "observe the twinkling" from the king-size bed set "strategically" beneath a skylight.

skylarkcabin.co.nz

&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia

This seriously luxurious lodge is located over 80 miles from the nearest town in the Namib Desert and has "minimal-to-zero" light pollution, making it one of Africa's many great stargazing spots, said Miller. The hotel has resident astronomers, its own observatory, and sprawling suites with skylights revealing the inky night sky.

andbeyond.com

Alto Atacama, Chile

The "heady mix of parched desert air, nominal light pollution and high altitude" make the clear skies above the Atacama Desert among the planet's very best for stargazing, said The Telegraph. Guests have access to a nearby hilltop observatory and can book guided sessions to learn about the constellations.

nayaraaltoatacama.com

Trout Point Lodge, Canada

Situated in Nova Scotia's Tobeatic Wilderness Area, this remote wilderness lodge is "haute rustic in style and equally impressive on food", said The Telegraph. The hotel has a stargazing platform in a nearby riverside meadow – a peaceful setting to take advantage of the area's low light pollution levels.

troutpoint.com

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland

Situated deep in Finnish Lapland, the "picturesque glass igloos" at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offer entirely "unobstructed views" of the northern lights, said Stefanie Weldek in Travel + Leisure. When guests can bring themselves to leave their cosy domes, the hotel also runs "northern lights-chasing excursions" hosted by expert guides.

kakslauttanen.fi

Caban y Nen, Wales

"Why go to the observatory when it can come to you?" said Katie Gatens in The Times. These solar-powered shepherd's huts in west Wales have "more than a touch of James Bond about them". Guests can open the roof to "reveal the night sky" and stargaze from the comfort of their beds.

bestofwales.co.uk

September is a magical time for traveling. With kids back in school the crowds are smaller, and while the mercury is still high in many locations, temperatures drop from sizzling to kinda-sorta palatable. Why not make the most of the beginning of the off-season by booking a laidback hotel that is, say, a sanctuary in Oregon's wine country or a tennis lover's dream in northeastern Spain?

The Allison Inn and Spa, Newberg, Oregon

Sitting on 35 prime acres in the Willamette Valley, The Allison Inn and Spa is a wonder. Its 77 guest rooms and suites were built with comfort and views in mind; the upholstered window seats make looking at Oregon wine country even more enjoyable. Take the time to check out the Allison's 500-piece strong collection of original Oregon art, including sculptures and paintings, and book a table at the on-site restaurant, Jory. Executive chef Jack Strong is a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and his menu "often emphasizes traditional foodways and foods indigenous to Oregon," Eater Portland said. That might mean options like sesame crusted Oregon albacore, wild Chinook crudo or a garden tomato gazpacho.

Banjaar Tola, A Taj Safari, Kanha National Park, India

At Banjaar Tola, a Taj Safari, guests can sleep (safely) with the tigers. This luxe property sits inside Kanha National Park, a tiger reserve that is also home to jackals and wild pigs. Guests are spread out across 18 tented suites in two campsites, with each accommodation including a private deck boasting unforgettable jungle and river views. Banjaar Tola sets up morning and evening game drives for guests, each one led by expert naturalists who know Kanha National Park inside and out, as well as visits to local villages. 

The Dorian, Calgary

The spirit of Oscar Wilde is alive and well at The Dorian. The famed author and his classic novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray" served as inspiration for this charming hotel, where the whimsical rooms are decorated in jewel tones and have flair like peacock feathers, dressmaking forms and gilded beverage trolleys. "Presumably there's an image of a far less attractive hotel locked away somewhere on the premises," the Michelin Guide quipped, and downstairs in the lobby there is a picture of Dorian Gray on the wall — but this one is a mite different. Guests can interact with it by sharing confessions anonymously through their phone, then watch as the portrait's appearance shifts based on what information was spilled.

Harbor Club, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia 

If swimming is your passion, Harbor Club might be your new favorite hotel. The resort has four huge pools and several king or double swim-up rooms, where all you have to do to get into the water is walk to your patio and hop in. Having this access feels "totally luxurious and exclusive," Glamour UK said. Prefer to be pampered? Head to the spa, where the masseuses "reinvent the treatments based on local festivities in the Saint Lucien calendar," a fun way to enliven the experience. 

Magma Resort, Santorini, Greece 

Up against a Santorini hillside, surrounded by slopes carved by lava, is Magma Resort. A blend of the traditional and modern, Magma's "peaceful setting and Aegan Sea views give it a sense of calm that permeates throughout its 59 rooms and suites," Condé Nast Traveler said. Guests have a range of options when it comes to accommodations, starting with the king-sized room up to the Magma Suite with a private pool. There is no need to rush here. A full day could include taking a dip in the resort's infinity pool and spending time in the Lava Spa's sauna and steam room before ending on a high note with dinner at Magma Soul, where chef Lefteris Soultatos offers a contemporary take on Greek classics. 

Nayara Gardens, Arenal National Park, Costa Rica

Nayara Gardens understood the assignment. When you build in the Arenal Volcano National Park, you have to respect nature and design your property to enhance the surroundings, not stifle them. This is why lush rainforest envelopes every casita and villa at Nayara Gardens and it is easy to spend hours birdwatching from your private deck. Exploring the grounds doubles as a nature walk, with sloths and monkeys making mid-day appearances and red-eyed tree frogs appearing at night. At the spa, every treatment pavilion comes with a hot tub and outdoor shower, putting it in a "league of its own," Forbes Travel Guide said. Keep it local by trying a volcanic mud massage or Costa Rican coffee scrub.

Zel Costa Brava, Girona, Spain

Pack that racket. Zel Costa Brava is a collaboration between Meliá Hotels and tennis star Rafael Nadal, and, as such, features nine tennis courts. While the game is "naturally a cornerstone of this coastal retreat," there are plenty of other "sporting pursuits" from "cycling to hockey and water polo," The Telegraph said. The modern rooms with soothing neutral palettes put guests at ease, especially those that have views of the Mediterranean, and further relaxation can be found in the wellness area. Guests can swim in the indoor pool, get a quick sauna session and book a facial and body treatment.

What happened

The Canadian government ordered the country's two main freight railroads and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference union into binding arbitration, forcing an end to a 17-hour shutdown. The railroads, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Southern (CPKC), had locked out 10,000 union engineers, conductors and dispatchers at midnight amid an impasse in labor contract negotiations.

Who said what

A "prolonged shutdown could have brought severe economic repercussions" for Canada's "export-driven economy," The New York Times said. Roughly half of Canada's exports, mostly to the U.S., may have come to a halt, snarling supply chains and harming "several sectors of Canada's economy, including agriculture, mining, forestry, oil and manufacturing."

"We gave negotiations every possible opportunity to succeed," said Steve MacKinnon, Canada's labor minister. But "impacts of the current impasse are being borne by all Canadians," and the government has a "responsibility to ensure industrial peace." Teamsters Canada Rail Conference President Paul Boucher said his union is "deeply disappointed by this shameful decision," adding Canadian National and CPKC "manufactured this crisis" and "took the country hostage." The railways, which had asked the government for binding arbitration and been rejected, praised the decision.

What next?

MacKinnon said he expected the trains to start moving again "within days." 

Canada's Olympic women's soccer team is mired in an off-the-field controversy that threatens to derail their chances for glory at the Paris games. The scandal involves the reported use of drones to spy on opposing teams, and has led to the suspension of Canada's coach and questions about how much Canadian soccer officials knew. 

The scandal marks a fall from grace for a Canadian team that is the reigning world champion, having won the gold medal at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. What happened at the Paris games to cause the scandal, and where does Canada's Olympic women's team go from here?

What is the crux of the scandal? 

The incident began on July 22 when staff members for New Zealand's Olympic women's soccer team "noticed a drone flying above their practice" in Paris and called the police, said The Athletic. Law enforcement "tracked the drone back to its operator, Joseph Lombardi, an 'unaccredited analyst' with the Canadian women’s team." Lombardi was eventually arrested, and it was also revealed that a "separate drone incident at New Zealand training — on July 19 — had come to light."

Following an investigation, it was determined that Lombardi was "believed to have been using a drone to record the New Zealand women's football team during practice," the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) said in a statement. As the investigation continued, it was revealed that this was likely not "an isolated incident but a much larger pattern that extends across both the women's and men's national teams," Canada Soccer CEO and general secretary Kevin Blue said to reporters, per The Athletic. 

The Canadian team's coach, Beverly Priestman, also appeared to be aware of the spying. The use of drones to spy on other clubs is "something the analyst has always done and I know there is a whole operation on the men's side with regards to it," Priestman previously wrote in an email released by FIFA, adding that it was the "difference between winning and losing and all top 10 teams do it."

What is the fallout from the scandal?

The biggest fallout was the removal of Priestman, which came at the behest of the COC; the coach was suspended from the Canadian team for one year in addition to fines being levied. Priestman was "absolutely heartbroken for the players, and I would like to apologize from the bottom of my heart for the impact this situation has had on all of them," the now-suspended coach said in a statement after the spying allegations came to light. 

In addition, FIFA "assessed a six-point penalty on the women's team during its Olympic run" as a penalty for the spying scandal, said NPR. This was a "major setback that meant Canada would need to win all three group stage games to advance." The team appealed FIFA's decision on the matter, but their effort was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Despite the six-point deduction, Canada did win all three group stage games, and "will next face Germany in the Olympic quarterfinals."

Aside from the Paris games, the scandal "threatens to spread beyond the Olympics, where Canada is the defending women's champion, to the men's team at the 2026 World Cup," said The Associated Press. Even as "Canada's players revived their Olympic title hopes on the field, the damage to the country's reputation for soccer integrity was hit hard," and there are "risks [of] further damage from spinoff investigations."

On the back of the drone fallout, the Canadian team is attempting to move past the issue — at least on the field. The players "haven't slept in the last three days. We haven't eaten. We've been crying," player Vanessa Gilles said to reporters after Canada beat France. They are "not cheaters. We're damn players. We're a damn good team. We're a damn good group, and we proved that today."

One of the world's worst countries for car thefts is not one that you might expect. Nevertheless, Canada is dealing with an epidemic of stolen vehicles. Despite many Canadians going to extreme lengths to protect their valuables, car thefts in the land of maple leaves continue to be a widespread and pervasive problem. 

While the issue has been ongoing, recent years have seen a significant uptick in the crime. Car thefts were up 24% across the country in 2022, according to The New York Times, and in Canada's largest city, Toronto, thefts have risen 150% over the last six years. Just how many cars are stolen in Canada, and why has it become such a significant crime? 

How many cars are stolen in Canada?

The number is staggering: More than 105,000 cars have been stolen in Canada since 2022, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), which translates to one every five minutes. Since February 2024 alone, more than 1,500 vehicles first stolen in Canada have been detected around the world, according to Interpol. Stolen Canadian cars are currently being identified at a rate of more than 200 per week, the international policing agency said.

Most of these vehicles "are being identified in other countries, typically at ports of entry," Jalopnik said. Notably, not even "members of the Canadian government are untouched by the waves of thefts." Former Canadian Justice Minister David Lametti "had his government-issued car stolen three times over the past three years," and the same Highlander XLE that was stolen from Lametti "was stolen from his successor, Arif Virani, in November 2023."

It is true that "the U.S., Canada and the U.K. have all experienced a spike in car thefts since the Covid-19 pandemic," said the BBC. But "Canada's rate of thefts (262.5 per 100,000 people) is higher than that of England and Wales (220 per 100,000 people)."  

Why is car theft in Canada so bad? 

"The pervasiveness of car thefts in Canada is surprising given how small the country's population is compared to the U.S. and the U.K. — other countries with high rates of such crime," Alexis Piquero, the director of the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, said to the BBC. 

It is true that the Covid pandemic has played a significant role in the auto theft spike, both in Canada and globally. Cars "have become a lucrative business for crime rings in recent years," and "auto parts and semiconductor shortages during the Covid-19 pandemic constrained car production and increased demand for newer-model cars already on the road,"  Bryan Gast, the vice president of investigative services at Canadian insurance fraud tracker Équité Association, said to The Wall Street Journal. 

Many stolen Canadian cars are often found in Africa, where "demand for used cars in African countries is surging" due to a growing middle class on the continent, said the Journal. Around 40% of the world's used cars are in Africa, and "newer models of cars such as the Honda CR-V sport-utility vehicle are sold at substantial markups to what they could fetch in Canada." This makes cars attractive targets for Canadian thieves looking to sell products offshore. These thieves, many associated with large crime rings, use the cars "as currency, using proceeds from selling the vehicles in foreign markets to fund drugs and arms operations as a way of avoiding the Canadian banking system," Gast said. 

And while Canada's fight against auto theft "has largely focused on ramping up inspections at shipping ports," criminals are "increasingly selling hot vehicles in Canada to unsuspecting buyers with little protection, exploiting a weakness in provincial registration systems that veteran investigators argue needs to be fixed," said the CBC. 

Car theft remains "one of the top three revenue generators for organized crime," Nick Milinovich, deputy chief of the Peel Regional Police, said to the CBC. It is "high reward, low risk and an easy crime."

Québec has something to offer every visitor. Glorious countryside is under half an hour from the city,  and there's a wealth of indigenous culture, past and present, to experience. For gourmands, there are countless outstanding restaurants where you can feast on locally sourced produce, including artisanal wine, cider and beer. And there's over 400 years of history to discover within the province.

Getting there is also fairly straightforward: for example, there are flights direct from London to Québec City with Air Transat, as well as several airlines offering direct flights from Montreal, just two-and-a-half hours from Québec City.

There's no danger of running out of things to do in Québec, but you might run out of time to experience them – a good excuse to book a return.

Québec City

The city itself is compact enough to find your way around. For a central stay, there's the four-star, plush Hotel Manoir Victoria and you can book a fascinating Old Québec walking tour with Cicerone Tours for an immersive impression of how Québec's multi-layered identity has been shaped by its rulers and inhabitants. 

In Old Québec, there's the iconic Le Fairmont Château Frontenac, one of the first grand railway hotels. As a luxurious extravagance, book a room with Gold privileges for additional exclusive features such as a dedicated reception and lounge. There are also the tantalising dining options on offer, from stand-out French onion soup, to perfect cocktails on the rooftop terrace with spectacular views over the city. 

Québec City is rich in top-flight cuisine. There's Le Bedeau for small plates and exceptional wine pairings, swanky Le Clan for a hunting- and shooting-based menu, meticulously put together with local produce – I couldn't fault any dish. For a lively vibe and fresh hand-made pasta Bello Ristorante  specialises in Italian classics such linguine vongole or try a sumptuous seafood risotto . 

If after all that gourmet exploration you find yourself in need or some R&R, check out Strøm Nordic Spa for a plethora of hot and cold pools, sauna, steam rooms and more, all overlooking the stunning Saint Lawrence River. 

For a retreat to remember, spend a couple of days in centrally located Le Monastère des Augustines to find peace as the nuns did, sleeping in an Augustinian cloister, and join meditative walks, a yoga class or simply sip on herbal tea in their pretty garden. 

 Wendake

To find out more about the indigenous people and their way of life, visit Wendake,  just outside Québec City and home to the only Huron-Wendat Nation in Canada. 

Stay at the First Nations Hotel & Museum, a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, where the birdsong and rippling rolls of the river provide a melodic background. 

The food is fantastic, I particularly liked the burger with wild boar bacon and berry ketchup. The museum is informative and fun – if possible, visit when they have their pow-wow – a colourful cultural celebration. 

Île d'Orléans

Île d'Orléans is a beautiful island with a rural feel, located in the Saint Lawrence River, less than 30 minutes drive from Québec City, so easy to wander for few hours if you're staying centrally. Quaint wood and brick houses, immaculately kept, with enviable verandas are set back in their pretty gardens along tree-lined roads. Grab a coffee from the original Smith Café and sit looking out at the river. Indulge in an "elevated poutine" (chips with toppings; in this case, local lobster, caviar and crunchy calamari) at Chez Mag, before heading to Cassis Monna & Filles to fill your boots with homemade cassis Sangria.

Charlevoix 

Travel in style from Québec City to Charlevoix, on the Train de Charlevoix for jaw-dropping vistas from the window – you won't be tempted to look at your phone – or hop on a coach for a picturesque road journey.

You can also join an AML Whale Cruise, guided by a naturalist – whether its humpback, beluga or fin, seeing their flukes flip up from the water is a thrill. 

While in Charlevoix, consider booking into the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu for epic views of Saint Lawrence river while eating fresh lobster ravioli in the scenic restaurant, a truly delicious experience. For lunch, it has to be Le Café de la Gare, which offers local charcuterie and cheese on a pleasingly laden platter.

But an experience not to be missed is a stay at Le Germain Charlevoix, where you can enjoy a coffee on your private veranda looking across at handsome highland cattle, ducks on the hotel's farm, then a dip in the hot and cold Nordic thermal pools, before a hearty lunch of lobster pizza – uniquely tasty.

Southern Québec 

For rolling hills, painterly countryside and vineyards serving delicious wine, while enjoying a view such as Léon Courville Vigneron, Southern Quebéc is ideal. Head to Sutton and stay at quintessentially Victorian Le Pleasant Hotel & Café, for excellent local coffee and tasty breakfasts. Take an evening stroll into town for home-brewed beer and pub gastronomy at Suberge Sutton Brouërie. 

For getting out and about, you could rent an e-bike from E Mobilite Café and cycle to Vignoble Ruisseau for a wine tour and incredible, mouthwatering food from esteemed chef Hakim Chajar. 

In Magog, a city hugged by Lake Memphremagog, which you can enjoy views of while staying at Hôtel Verso. From here, it's a short walk to Au Comptoir MarCel for a memorable meal – try the scallop ceviche and one of their many natural wines. 

Bleu Lavande is a destination in itself for walks through its perfumed lavender fields, then you can enjoy a lavender lemonade while listening to live music, not to mention their shop full of, you guessed it, lavender products. Or take a trip to downtown Sherbrooke City to see the 18 immense murals, bringing to light the rich heritage of the city's old neighbourhoods. 

Before bidding farewell to this wonderful region, taste a grilled cheese sandwich made with homemade cheese aged in the church at Fromagerie du Presbytère – quirky, and a cheesy must. 

Yasemen was a guest of Bonjour Québec and Destination Québec cité.

Getting from your hotel room to the links in a matter of minutes is everything a golfer on vacation could ask for, especially when the courses offer views so incredible they might distract you from the game itself. Here are 10 beautiful hotels with golf courses on property — or a few steps away — that will thrill any player. 

The Bushmills Inn, Northern Ireland 

The area around The Bushmills Inn is a golfer's dream. Historic clubs are abundant, from the Royal Portrush and its two majestic championship courses to the Portstewart with three emerald courses boasting views of the Atlantic Ocean, Donegal hills and River Bann. The inn offers transportation to the courses, among other amenities like a boutique cinema and traditional Irish breakfast served in the morning. The rooms and suites are charming, with features like four-poster beds and heated towel racks. After a day on the green, unwind at the legendary Bushmills Distillery for a tour and whiskey tasting.

Cabot Cape Breton, Inverness, Nova Scotia 

High on the cliffs above the Gulf of St. Lawrence stands Cabot Cape Breton and its three exceptional golf courses. Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs both made Golf Digest's World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses list, thanks in part to their stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and rolling fairways. The newer Nest is a 10-hole, par 3 course designed for a quicker game. Stay in one of the comfortable rooms at the Cabot Links Lodge — each one has an ocean view — or upgrade to a plush golf villa overlooking the greens. 

Coeur d'Alene Resort, Idaho

This is a golf course with a twist. At the Coeur d'Alene Resort, the 14th hole is a floating green, with a tee that changes positions every day. You get two opportunities to land the ball on the island (if you miss, it gets dropped down) and then hop on an electric-powered boat to finish the hole. The views as you play are just as memorable, with Lake Coeur d'Alene in the background and geraniums, petunias, wildflowers and junipers dotting the landscape. The resort has five different kinds of accommodations; the 2,500-square-foot Hagadone Penthouse, complete with two private terraces and a glass-bottom swimming pool, is the most impressive. 

Half Moon Montego Bay, Jamaica

Golf carts are available to rent, but you are going to want to walk this one. The 18-hole championship Half Moon Golf Course stretches across the grounds of a former sugarcane estate, surrounded by native trees that almost always seem to be swaying in the breeze. Guests also have access to the nearby Cinnamon Hill and White Witch courses and can book private lessons with visiting pro instructors. All of Half Moon's rooms, suites and villas come with private balconies or patios, and there is an option to book a dining plan that lets you explore the hotel's 11 restaurants and bars.

Kawana Hotel and Golf Course, Shizuoka, Japan

You have two courses to choose from at the Kawana Hotel: Fuji and Oshima. The challenging Fuji Course is legendary, with 18 holes surrounded by deep bunkers. It is in a picturesque setting above the Pacific Ocean and in sight of Mount Fuji and must be walked with a caddie. Oshima, one of the oldest golf courses in Japan, is just as gorgeous, but golfers are allowed to use carts, do not need caddies and can play at their own speed. The hotel's spacious rooms make it easy to unwind after a day of golf, as does the Main Bar, where guests can enjoy a drink in a moody space filled with leather and wood.

The Lodge at Sea Island, Georgia

Sea Island entices golfers not only with three championship courses but also enchanting accommodations. Serious players can hone their skills with expert help at the state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center, while those looking to spend quality time with their kids will find it at the 18-hole Speedway putting course. A boutique experience awaits at The Lodge, with its 43 elegant rooms and suites that come with 24-hour butler service and nightly turndowns. The highlight of every evening occurs at sunset, when a bagpiper serenades guests from the Lodge's veranda, heralding the transition from day to night. 

Marine Troon, Scotland 

Put your golf skills to the test in Troon, Scotland, where the rugged Old Course at Royal Troon Golf Club awaits. A striking spot to play, with 18 holes that get more and more challenging, this is one of several courses near Marine & Lawn's Marine Troon. The property makes golfing easy, offering club storage and rentals, an expansive putting green for practicing and a concierge team ready to assist with scheduling tee times. Rooms here are warm and inviting, with colorful wallpaper, traditional artwork and velvet touches.  

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, Whitefield, New Hampshire

Make Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa your family's summer playground. Covering 1,700 acres, this immense property in the White Mountains offers a little bit of everything. The lovely nine-hole Mountain View Golf Course, originally built in 1900 and redesigned in 1938, can be played by novices and pros alike. To switch approaches, hang up your clubs and try your hand at disc golf. Afterward, visit the Mountain View Farm and its goats and llamas, play a round of tennis on one of four clay courts with views of the Presidential Mountain Range or jump in the outdoor pool. To ensure there is room for all your guests, book the Presidential Suite with a sleeper sofa and two bathrooms.

The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach, California

When designing the Ocean North and Ocean South Golf Courses at The Resort at Pelican Hill, architect Tom Fazio wanted every round to feel like "once in a lifetime, every time." He succeeded, as all 36 holes perfectly complement the majestic scenery, with the Pacific Ocean or lush greenery viewed from every tee. For a memorable experience, book a time early in the morning and another at sunset, to see the courses through fresh eyes and at golden hour. Accommodations at the resort include bungalows outfitted with limestone fireplaces and terraces and fully furnished villas featuring gourmet kitchens and marble bathrooms.

Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, Mexico

Perched above the largest marine preserve in Mexico, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto seems unreal. Dazzling views of the Sea of Cortez and Sierra de la Giganta mountain range are two perks of staying at this all-inclusive resort, with another being able to play on the 18-hole TPC Danzante Bay Golf Course. It is a remarkable spot, with valleys, dunes, foothills, cliffs and arroyos. Choose one of the resort's premium suites to get a view of the course plus amenities like a mini-bar stocked daily and access to the spa's hydrotherapy circuit.

Nigel Farage has made no bones about his desire for Reform UK to supplant the Conservatives as the main opposition to Labour following next week's general election.

Political commentators and many voters may scoff at the idea that a party with no current MPs could replace one of the most electorally successful political entities in the history of democracy, but "there is a playbook for this", said The Telegraph's Philip Johnston.

Just such a surprise victory in Canada in 1993 has "acquired a near mythical status on the populist right". And the parallels with the UK today – a Conservative administration in office for over a decade and led by a relatively new prime minister – are "uncanny".

What happened to Canada's Conservatives?

It is "difficult to overstate the magnitude" of what happened at the 1993 Canadian federal elections, said the UK in a Changing Europe think tank.

Just five years earlier, under then prime minister Brian Mulroney, the Progressive Conservatives (PC) had won a second consecutive majority with 43% of the vote. Following the 1993 election, they were reduced to two seats in Canada's 295-seat Parliament. "They had official party status removed, and were effectively supplanted by Canada's Reform Party, which became the broad home of right-wing voters" said City A.M.

The result "fundamentally altered the country's political landscape" said The Guardian, and "shattered the notion that only the Liberals and the Progressive Conservatives were the rightful parties of government".

"The lessons of 1993 are that the worst-case scenario can happen," said political analyst Éric Grenier at the Writ. "Just because you've been around forever doesn't mean that you will be around forever. You can have the kind of election that requires you to restart a party and to come back from almost zero."

As UK Conservatives faces the prospect of a comparable defeat, political historians say Canada's recent past offers "lessons on the challenges of tempering populist rumbles – and the steep electoral losses that can follow", said The Guardian.

What happened to Canada's Reform Party?

"Huge, huge, huge," said Farage when he was asked about how important the former leader of Canada's Reform Party has been in shaping his campaign.

Founded and led by Preston Manning, initially as a protest movement, Reform won its first seat in Canada's parliament in a by-election in Alberta in 1989. Campaigning on a "populist agenda, which included creating an elected Senate, abolishing official bilingualism and broadly reducing the size of government" at the 1993 federal election, Reform "stormed to prominence, winning 52 seats and replacing the Progressive Conservatives as the voice of Western Canada" said the national broadcaster CBC News.

In less than a decade, rebranded as the Conservative Alliance, the party swept to power under Stephen Harper, who served as prime minister for nine years.

"In the end they sort of 'reverse took over' the old Conservative Party – they are the model," said Farage. "That's the plan." 

Will it happen in the UK?

There are some "almost exact parallels with the current political moment in the UK", said the London Evening Standard: the economy was failing, a conservative incumbent had recently replaced its leader, and it was up against a young, insurgent right-wing party named Reform. The "most significant similarity" between Westminster and Canada may be that both use first past the post (FPTP), "a system that has the potential to significantly skew how votes are converted into MPs".

If the polls are correct, the Conservatives are heading for a cataclysmic defeat on 4 July. 

Clearly, there are "several similarities between the difficulties they confront and the PC’s dire situation in 1993", said UK in a Changing Europe. But "as dim as the prospects are for the Tories, they are unlikely to suffer an electoral rout on the same scale due to the much more territorialised nature of the Canadian party system".

In the 1993 Canadian election, "regional issues were highly salient, and whereas the PC vote share was geographically diffuse and highly inefficient, two of their main competitors benefitted from having regionally concentrated support".

That Reform UK does not have the "geographical base in the same way that Reform in Canada had" poses Farage's real problem in Britain's FPTP system, as his party will struggle to translate votes into seats, Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London, told CBC News.

If Labour returns to power next week, it is "likely that the Conservatives will be the biggest opposition party", said Prospect magazine. "What is remarkable is that the question is even worth asking."

The only way to reach Vancouver Island is by boat or plane. Either way, arriving at this remote sanctuary off Canada's Pacific Coast is a memorable experience: cedar trees carpet the rocky shores, hazy mountains stretch as far as the eye can see. 

If you're lucky, you might be greeted with the bark of a seal or the whistle of a bald eagle returning to its nest. The island is teeming with wildlife; this is a place where black bears roam the forests and humpback whales can be spotted along the coast. Here are a few ways to experience the untamed beauty of Vancouver Island. 

Catch waves at Tofino

In the manicured streets of Victoria on the southern tip of the island "you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Cheltenham", said Stanley Stewart in Conde Nast Traveler. "But things get rugged remarkably quickly." Around a three hour drive up the coast lies Tofino - a little beach town known as the surfing capital of Canada. Cox Bay Beach hosts most of the surf competitions, while Mackenzie Beach is ideal for families thanks to its sheltered location and calm waters. The winter months can be spent storm-watching: expect dramatic skies, gigantic waves and fearsome winds (take it all in from Pointe Restaurant overlooking Chesterman Beach).

Hike the West Coast Trail 

Built in 1907 to help rescuers reach shipwreck survivors along the treacherous 'Graveyard of the Pacific', the West Coast Trail is one of Canada's most popular hiking spots. The 47-mile stretch of "ladders, bridges, creek crossings, rock-hopping and beachcombing hugs the Pacific shoreline for most of its course", said Brendan Sainsbury in Lonely Planet. Adventurous hikers will need a permit, camping gear and between five and seven days to complete it, but despite volatile weather and slippery conditions "the rewards are immense". Be sure to plan your route carefully in advance - and bring a sturdy pair of hiking boots.

Take in the forest from the Malahat Skywalk

For panoramic views of the forest, fjords and mountains beyond, it's worth taking a scenic stroll along the Malahat Skywalk. Located a 35-minute drive from Victoria, the spiral tree-walk opened in 2021. The 32-metre glass and wooden structure looks like a "giant cane basket poking above the forest canopy" and is accessed by a "gently graded walkway that curls up through 10 storeys to a circular lookout", said Sainsbury in The Independent. There's also an 'adventure net' for daring guests to bounce across at the top, and a 20-metre spiral slide for kids.

Go wine tasting in Cowichan Valley 

Those looking for something a bit more relaxing could consider taking a scenic drive from Victoria around an hour north along the Trans-Canada highway to Cowichan Valley. Known for its warm, dry summers and mild winters, the region is home to a burgeoning collection of wineries and vineyards. In Cobble Hill, craft cider maker Merridale offers tours and tastings, and has plush yurts on site for overnight stays. "The best place to eat is hidden in the woods near Lake Cowichan, where passionate locavore and chef Brock Windsor runs the Stone Soup Inn," shared Carolyn B. Heller in Forbes. The menu is brimming with foraged ingredients and changes with the seasons.

Where to stay

Perched on the far edge of Vancouver Island in Tofino, the Wickaninnish Inn looks out over Chesterman Beach. The stunning landscape is "reflected indoors at every turn", said Nikki Bayley in The Telegraph, from the floor-to-ceiling windows to the custom furnishings crafted from driftwood. All of the rooms have balconies with ocean views, cosy fireplaces and bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. 

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge comprises 25 luxurious tented accommodations on the banks of Clayoquot Sound. It might be hard to reach but the journey is "well worth the effort", said Sarah Marshall in The Times. Set in a former mining outpost, each of the lodge's eco-friendly tents feature spacious outdoor decks and ensuite bathrooms.

How to get there

BC Ferries operates vessels between the mainland and Vancouver Island. Leave Vancouver from Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen to arrive in Victoria or Nanaimo (you can also take a one-day scenic cruise through the Inside Passage between Prince Rupert and Port Hardy). The other option is to fly: daily flights from Calgary and Edmonton take visitors to Victoria, Comox and Nanaimo. 

Think of a May vacation as being one last spring fling, a chance to enjoy a getaway before the summer crowds arrive. When you are one step ahead of the masses, you are assured a more pleasant travel experience — and you also usually score lower hotel rates, too.

The Stafford London in London, England

The choice is yours at the graceful Stafford London. There are three buildings at this boutique hotel: the Main House, where each room and suite has its own color theme and handcrafted furniture; the more modern Mews Suites in the courtyard; and the Carriage House, renovated stables that bring the country to the city. The Stafford London is in the St. James's neighborhood, close to major landmarks like Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. After a day of sightseeing, come back for afternoon tea at the Game Bird, a drink at the American Bar or an evening with the head sommelier for a five-course dinner with wine pairing.

The Sarojin in Khao Lak, Thailand

The Sarojin feels like a dream. This alluring resort is on a secluded white sand beach, surrounded by acres of tropical gardens. Privacy is paramount, and the guest residences are spread out across seven buildings. There is a beautiful pool for everyone to use, but spring for one of the 14 residences that come with individual pools, spa-like bathrooms and outdoor pavilions. The hotel works with guests to craft special experiences and will do everything from booking a snorkeling adventure at the Similan and Surin Islands' Marine National Parks to setting up a private candlelight dinner by a jungle waterfall.

Cayo Levantado Resort in Samaná, Dominican Republic

You feel good staying at the new Cayo Levantado Resort, and not just because this is a luxurious, all-inclusive wellness retreat. Cayo Levantado is also an eco-friendly property that uses clean energy, produces its own drinking water, grows its own organic produce and gives guests the opportunity to help maintain coral nurseries and participate in reforestation efforts. Each stay is personalized, with guests picking a wellness path — refresh, restore, relax or renew — that offers activities, therapies and treatments tailored to what their bodies need. The chic suites and villas are warm and inviting and the perfect place to unwind further after a day of rejuvenation. 

The Burrard in Vancouver, British Columbia

The Burrard is a mid-century gem in downtown Vancouver. This retro spot opened in 1956 as a motor inn and today offers modern amenities along with vintage charm. Guests choose from double, queen and king rooms, all with pillow-top mattresses and Nespresso machines, and can borrow one of the hotel's bikes or e-bikes to tool around town. In between games of ping pong in the courtyard or while headed to dinner on the patio at Burgoo, make sure to look around the hotel and check out the original murals and photographs on display by local artists. 

Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa

The 125-year-old Mount Nelson Hotel is a pink palace, painted a rosy hue at the end of World War I to symbolize hope and joy. It still feels jubilant, with guests spending their days playing tennis, swimming in the heated pools and indulging in spa treatments. There are rooms and suites to meet all needs, including deluxe cottages with fireplaces, terraces and rose gardens. If you put one item on your to do list, make it this: Afternoon Tea in the lounge. With a menu crafted by Vicky Gurovich, the executive pastry chef, and Craig Cupido, South Africa's first expert tea sommelier, it is an unforgettable experience.

Hotel Byblos in Saint-Tropez, France

Experience the good life at this legendary property by the sea. The colorful hotel opened in 1967 and over the years has welcomed the likes of Cher, Mick Jagger, Jack Nicholson and Brigitte Bardot. Fashion lovers often opt to book the Suite Missoni, featuring vibrant silk and cotton fabrics by the Italian luxury brand, and starting in May guests can also stay in one of the four new suites designed by Laura Gonzalez. Plan on spending some time at the recently renovated and expanded Byblos Spa by Sisley, and book an Epic Journey. Customized for each guest, the Epic Journeys are based on the elements and include yoga sessions, wellness classes, spa treatments and time in the hammam, sauna and sensory waterfall shower.

Hotel Magnolia in Santiago, Chile

Housed inside a stately restored 1929 mansion, the charming Hotel Magnolia is in the heart of the historical Lastarria neighborhood, close to restaurants, boutiques and parks. The deluxe room with a balcony offers views of Santa Lucia Hill and the busy city streets, while the larger junior suite is covered in wood, from the walls to the floors. Once night falls, head down to the Magnolia Restaurant for dinner and drinks. The menu is heavy on seafood and beef dishes like steer tartar, but there are several vegetarian and vegan options as well.

The beauty of traveling solo is that you make the rules. Get up at noon, eat breakfast for dinner, visit all the spas within a five-mile radius, go to the theater every night — spend your vacation doing what you want, when you want. Exploring on your own can be done for a change of pace or to mark a big transition, like a graduation, career change or break-up. Now, go embrace your freedom.

Tokyo, Japan

An electric city like Tokyo gives solo travelers the chance to try just about anything. Spend your days exploring neighborhoods like the bustling Shinjuku, known for its neon lights and entertainment district, fashion-forward Harajuku, or Ebisu and Meguro, home to art museums and trendy boutiques. You'll feel like a local checking out a lively matsuri (festival), relaxing at an onsen (hot springs) or sento (public bath house) and catching a high-speed bullet train for a day trip to Nagano, where you can see the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and Zenko-ji Temple. Tokyo's vibrant food scene ensures you will be eating well — and since solo dining is common here, it will be easy to feel comfortable enjoying your tempura, nigiri and ramen on your own.

Lisbon, Portugal

Right on the shores of the River Tagus, Lisbon offers a refreshing taste of coastal life. Pack your comfy shoes — this is a city filled with museums, palaces, markets and plazas to see. Free walking tours weave through the historic alleyways of colorful Alfama and Mouraria, once the city's Moorish quarter. As you pass by bars and restaurants, listen for the sounds of Fado, a traditional Portuguese music genre — and if you like what you hear, pop in for a song or two and enjoy a shot of ginja, a sour cherry liqueur. Because Lisbon is on the Atlantic coast, seafood restaurants abound, as do spots offering the famed pastel de nata, a two-bite egg tart.

Quepos, Costa Rica

Get back to nature in Quepos, the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. Book a park tour and an expert will guide you through beaches and rainforests, sharing insights on the flora and fauna that call this gorgeous stretch of the Pacific coast home. Expect to see sloths and squirrel monkeys in the trees, iguanas sunning themselves on the rocks and colorful crabs in the sand. Staying at a wellness-focused resort adds to the experience, and there are several options to choose from near and in Manuel Antonio. Gaia Hotel and Nature Reserve, for example, is surrounded by lush tropical greenery and sweeping ocean views, with a spa offering luxe treatments using organic cocoa beans and volcanic clay.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Make Reykjavik your home base for an Icelandic adventure. This capital city is easy to navigate and filled with interesting architecture, from the Hallgrímskirkja church to the colorful homes dotting the landscape. Spend a day at the National Museum, which takes visitors on a journey from the Settlement Age to the present, and enjoy the peaceful Reykjavik Botanical Garden before heading to one of the lagoons just minutes from downtown. From Reykjavik, you can set off for the Golden Circle, a scenic route with stops at sites like the Great Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall and Thingvellir National Park. If your timing is right, you may even catch the northern lights twinkling in the sky, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Note: Multiple volcanic eruptions have occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southern Iceland since December. Reykjavik has not been affected, but visitors may feel a bit more at ease after purchasing travel insurance.

Serengeti, Tanzania

Safaris are the perfect way for solo travelers to go wild. For the ultimate experience, head to Serengeti National Park, home of the Great Migration. On this massive expanse of land, thousands of lions and leopards, hundreds of cheetahs and 500 bird species roam. The timing of your trip will depend on what is most important: If it is your dream to witness the wildebeests charge across the savanna, visit in July or August; if avoiding crowds is your goal, go during the off-season, when you will still have ample opportunities to view the wildlife. Serengeti offers all types of safaris and lodging, from mobile tented camps to posh five-star accommodations.

Montreal, Quebec

Montreal's cosmopolitan vibes make it the ideal haunt for a solo traveler who wants to see the world from one spot. This is the largest French-speaking city in North America, and you likely will pick up a few new words and phrases as a souvenir of your visit. Plan on stopping at landmarks like the soaring 19th century Notre-Dame Basilica, a Gothic revival cathedral filled with carved woodwork and stained glass windows — but be sure to get off the beaten path, too. Follow the city's cobblestone roads to neighborhood markets, spacious green parks and tiny restaurants known for their poutine. 

In early April, Christina Sharpe, the creative nonfiction author and professor at York University in Toronto, won the prestigious Windham Campbell prize. The prize givers wrote, "recalibrating images of Black existence, Christina Sharpe’s incisive, multi-layered work demands that we wrestle with brutality as we create meaning through language and art."

Prizes are all well and good, especially when they come with an unrestricted grant of $175,000. For Sharpe's admirers — and those fans are legion and include the authors, playwrights and artists Alexander Chee, Lynn Nottage and Simone Leigh — such a gift promises that Sharpe will continue thinking and writing. Who is the woman who inspires such accolades and devotion?

'A new intellectual renaissance'

Christina Sharpe was born in Pennsylvania. Her father died while Sharpe was young, and her mother, Ida, became caretaker, instilling in Sharpe a love of beauty and words. There was little disposable income so "in lieu of trips to the ballet or theater, Ida hosted Sunday salons where she served poundcake and tea, and mother and daughter read poetry to each other," said J Wortham in a profile of Sharpe in the New York Times Magazine. 

Sharpe received a PhD in English from Cornell University, then taught at Tufts University, where she was the first Black woman to receive tenure in the English department. Her goal with her writing, as she noted in the video accompanying her Windham Campbell award: "Black people have deep theoretical understandings of the conditions under which we are living, and it was important to me to write books that spoke to those conditions."

Her second book, "In the Wake: On Blackness and Being," published in 2016 by Duke University Press, began to trickle across the Black intellectual wires. Sharpe unpacks the word "wake," tying its denotations and connotations to Blackness and Black life. The Middle Passage, the ripple effects of centuries of subjugation, funerals. Sharpe's readers were stupefied. "As a Black woman who works in publishing, I recognize what I'm seeing to be rare," said poet and writer Hafizah Augustus Geter about "In the Wake" in Harper's Bazaar. "Through this single text, I am witnessing a new intellectual renaissance. One that, in real time, I can track. I can trace In the Wake's wake in HBO's 'Watchmen,' in the movie 'Sorry to Bother You' and in Questlove's documentary, 'Summer of Soul.'" It is as though with Sharpe's clear-eyed perceptivity, a generation of thinkers and artists now had the intellectual framework to set into motion their own work. 

'Ordinary Notes;' extraordinary care

Sharpe's latest work, "Ordinary Notes," is a collection of 248 vignettes that meld the personal, the theoretical and the historical. The book's unconventional structure was intentional. "I think what I wanted the notes to do was to build and accumulate, and thereby make an argument without my having to work an argument through in the ways that I have been taught to as an academic," Sharpe said during an episode of the literary podcast "Between the Covers."

In "Ordinary Notes," she considers and reconsiders her past, her hometown of Wayne, Pennsylvania, her tender relationship with her mother. She also upends presuppositions, as with Note 56: "I am annoyed by the phrase 'Black excellence.' It doesn't do the affirming work that many people who deploy it imagine that it does.… 'Black excellence' is the answer to a racist question." 

Such is how Sharpe thinks: She liberates individuals and Black people in particular as she explodes meaning. When New York Times Magazine writer J Wortham sat in on one of Sharpe's class lectures, Sharpe held up a copy of Toni Morrison's novel "Beloved," and "read the title aloud: 'Beloved.' She paused and reframed the word for us. 'Be loved.' The name of the book, Sharpe told the class, is 'an injunction, a command, a wish, a plea, a lamentation.' To love the self, to believe the self worthy of love and to let that love radiate out and fill up others around you."

An acute thinker and visual arts enthusiast, Sharpe is attuned to both the communal and community. In her acceptance video for the Windham Campbell prize, she paraphrased a section from "In the Wake." "We Black people may have been constituted through — and by — overwhelming violence and force, but we are not known only to ourselves and to each other by that force." 

Prince Edward Island (PEI) may be the smallest of Canada's 13 provinces and territories, at just 280km long, but it certainly packs a punch.

Located off New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in the Gulf of St Lawrence, there's much to discover here, from breathtaking scenery, quaint villages and historic buildings to incredible local seafood, wellness offerings and arts and crafts shops, and the friendly locals will be eager to show you around. 

What to see and do

The Anne of Green Gables Museum at the picturesque Campbell Homestead is a must for fans of Lucy Maud Montgomery's 1908 novel, and those who love a good story alongside some history. Visitors can explore the actual house that inspired the classic children's novel, since turned into a Netflix series, and enjoy a walk in the stunning surrounding scenery.

Take a leisurely stroll or guided hike around the expansive Prince Edward Island National Park. Experience the majestic Dunes Trail in Greenwich, a fun stroll on a large floating boardwalk that leads to a beautiful beach and numerous photo opportunities.  

The Greenwich Interpretation Centre showcases the transformation of the national park from the farmland it was almost a century ago to today's parkland, which is closer to its origins as a thriving forest with indigenous plant species. Learn about the area's original inhabitants, the Mi’kmaq and Acadian people, and explore other scenic areas including Cavendish and Brackley-Dalvay. 

From there, visit Victoria-by-the-Sea, an adorable fishing village full of craft shops, chocolate shops, cute cafes, art galleries and working studios where artists will happily tell you about their handiwork. A so-called "factory coffee" from Island Chocolates is a must – it's essentially a cup of coffee poured into a cup lined with their very own award-winning chocolate.

Wander through the pretty capital, Charlottetown, with its historic buildings, gift shops, cafes and restaurants. Head to Cows ice cream shop, which is touted as the best place in Canada for the acclaimed PEI blueberry ice cream. 

The Confederation Trail is regarded as the most scenic and well-maintained part of the 15,000-mile coast-to-coast Trans Canada Trail. Walk or cycle along it to take in the beautiful vistas, and find out more about the area from the some 245 information panels dotted along the route. 

There is also the Island Walk, a 435-mile trail that loops around the island. Or for something a little different (and less strenuous), take a walk alongside a friendly tribe of goats on a trip arranged by Beach Goats.  

Relax and unwind at Mysa Nordic Spa. Book a private cottage overlooking St Peters Bay and sip coffee on the deck while you watch the sunrise. A host of thermal and spa treatments then awaits you, and there's healthy cuisine and nutrient-packed smoothies to keep you going. 

Located in the national park and overlooking Dalvay Lake, Dalvay by the Sea is a grand, historic hotel surrounded by immaculately groomed grounds. You can book a private yoga class with Modo Yoga, before enjoying a treatment in the spa with the intuitive therapists. 

Where to eat and drink 

Sea Rocket Oyster House in Charlottetown offers fresh, local and delectable seafood. Meat lovers can also indulge in dishes such as succulent steak, best sampled with island-grown potatoes.

The floor-to-ceiling windows in Fin Folk Food offer fantastic beachside views served up alongside plates of seafood classics, such as a local lobster roll. Try a variety of the region's best oyster species at Landmark Oyster House, and sample delicious mussels at Blue Mussel Café in North Rustico Harbour, which prides itself on serving locally sourced produce. 

PEI Preserve Company is an ideal stop for breakfast, and you can buy many of the items from the menu from the on-site shop. And with a beachside setting, Lighthouse Willy's is a picturesque place to enjoy seafood staples such as whole lobster and PEI baby potatoes.  

Where to stay  

Rodd Charlottetown Hotel is housed in an imposing building constructed in 1931, conveniently located in the centre of Charlottetown. The charming rooms are decorated with replica antiques in keeping with the period hotel exterior. Friendly staff are ready and waiting to welcome guests to the inviting dining room, where Canadian classics and continuous helpings of coffee are offered at breakfast.  

For a truly unique stay, opt for West Point Lighthouse. Whether you choose a room in the lighthouse itself or in the adjacent building, a private balcony will afford you a view of the deep red sandy beach and the waters of the Northumberland Strait. The impressive black-and-white striped five-storey beacon, which dates from 1875, also houses a museum, so guests can find out what life was like for the lighthouse-keepers who lived and worked in this idyllic setting. 

How to get to Prince Edward Island

A number of airlines fly from the United Kingdom to Prince Edward Island, and the most popular direct route is from London Heathrow to Charlottetown, with an average flight time of 12 hours and 30 minutes. 

Yasemen was a guest of Tourism PEI. 

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A woman said she spotted an "angel" in the sky over a church, just moments before she won the lottery. Tracey Preston was leaving the church of St Endellion in Port Isaac, Cornwall, on New Year's Eve when she spotted clouds shaped like a giant angel reaching down towards her, she told Lad Bible. "When I got home that day, I had an email from the National Lottery saying I’d won £214," she said. "A good omen indeed."

Sun returns to Canadian town

A Canadian town has celebrated the return of the sun after 30 nights. The Inuvik sunrise festival in the Northwest Territories marks the return of the sun after more than 30 days of "polar nights and no official sunrise", said the BBC. A polar night, when the night lasts for more than 24 hours, is caused because Earth rotates on a titled axis, meaning there are periods where the Arctic Circle and the Antarctic Circle are either completely exposed or obscured from the sun.

Trucker reunited with cat

A US trucker was reunited with his cat after the moggy fled from his vehicle during a pit stop at a truck stop in Nevada. Chad McIntyre said he often takes his cat, Tyler, on his long-haul drives. "It's nice that he's lying there in the passenger seat, and yeah, he doesn't talk back, but it's nice to have somebody, something to talk to," he told Fox 13. The missing cat was discovered 670 miles away and identified through his microchip.

Start 2024 on a high note with a winter vacation you'll be talking about all year. Here are seven destinations to consider to start the year right:

Vienna

Vienna feels extra magical in the winter, and one major reason is that it's ball season, with more than 450 taking place. These grand events reach their peak in January and February, and almost all are open to the public (you can buy tickets online in advance). Most of the city's professional guilds hold balls, with the Confectioners' Ball set for Jan. 11, 2024, followed by the Ball of Industry and Technology on Jan. 20, the Doctors' Ball and Viennese Ball of the Sciences on Jan. 27 and the Vienna Coffee House Owners' Ball on Feb. 2. When you're not being the belle — or beau — of the ball, bundle up and go on a walking tour of the city to see the stunning architecture and landmarks like the Hofburg Palace and Rathaus.

Zanzibar

The Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean is where cultures converge. There are African, Arab, Indian and European influences on full display, especially in the historic Stone Town, with its buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, and marketplaces (be sure to stock up on spices to bring home). It's hot and dry on the archipelago January through March, so plan on spending lots of time on the pristine white sand beaches or diving in the coral reefs at Mnemnba Atoll and Tumbatu. Wildlife lovers should also set aside a day to explore Jozani Forest, Zanzibar's only national park and home to the rare red colobus monkeys. For a relaxing stay, check into The Residence Zanzibar, a beachfront resort with accommodations that include private pools.

Patagonia

Patagonia has something for everyone, especially this time of year. The region, which covers parts of Chile and Argentina, is known for its postcard-perfect landscape, with glaciers, fjords, rugged mountain ranges, deserts and lakes. December through February is summer in Patagonia, so it's the best season to venture out and go hiking and whitewater rafting. As a bonus, this is also prime penguin-watching season. Punta Tombo in Argentina has the largest Magellanic penguin colony in all of South America, and the Puñihuil Natural Monument on the coast of Chiloé Island in Chile is the stomping grounds for both Magellanic and Humboldt penguins. 

Bangkok

You can sleep on the plane ride home. In Bangkok, there's so much to see, do and taste you'll want to start your day early and not end it until well after dark. In January and February the weather is cooler and dryer, making it easier to cover more ground. Plan on stops at Wat Pho, home to Bangkok's largest reclining Buddha and Thailand's biggest collection of Buddha images; the Grand Palace; Lumphini Park; and as many night markets and food stalls as you can handle. The impressive Siam Kempinski Hotel, with spacious rooms and hosts who can answer any questions you have about the city, is a centrally located home base.

Banff

Banff is a winter wonderland. From skiing to ice skating to relaxing in hot springs, if it's a winter activity you can probably do it in this town high in the Canadian Rockies. The annual SnowDays festivities will take place Jan. 19  to Feb. 4, 2024, with events in Banff and Lake Louise. Massive snow sculptures will appear along the streets of downtown Banff, while ice sculptures will take shape on the lake. A word of caution: It's very cold here, and the weather is often unpredictable. Be prepared for blustery conditions (pack warm gloves, hats and coats and dress in layers), and stay on the beaten path.

Canary Islands

With more than 500 beaches, the Canary Islands appeal to those looking for sand and surf. That's not all the islands have to offer, though. There are incredible forests to visit, like the Garajonay National Park on La Gomera, and volcanic landscapes, including Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote. Visitors to Tenerife should check out the massive Acantilados de los Gigantes cliffs and Mount Teide, a volcano that is the highest peak in Spain. On Gran Canaria, a new family-friendly resort has opened on San Agustin Beach. The Paradisus Gran Canaria has all-inclusive rates that cover local activities and cultural experiences, plus programs for kids and teens.

Anguilla

Anguilla is a Caribbean dream, with its beautiful beaches like Shoal Bay East and swaying palms. Prepare to be in or on the water, as the snorkeling is exceptional and one of the best ways to take in the island's scenery is by sloop. Here, live music isn't just offered in restaurants on the weekends: You can go out every night and listen to singers and bands at clubs and beach bars. It's fun to hop from spot to spot, either on your own or as part of a guided nightlife tour. 

Hurricane Larry brought an "astonishing" amount of microplastics into previously unpolluted areas when it hit Canada in 2021, according to a new study.

When the storm battered Newfoundland, two students from Dalhousie University in Halifax went to a clearing in its path near St Michaels, a community of fewer than 300 people, to find out whether "the ocean might whip microplastics up into the atmosphere then transport them by air to otherwise pristine conditions", said CBC News.

More than 100,000 particles of plastic per square metre were collected per day during the hurricane, according to the findings published last week in leading science journal Nature – more than any other study of atmospheric microplastics. The result, lead researcher Anna Ryan told CBC, was "astonishing".

Why are microplastics in the air?

Microplastics are "tiny pieces of plastic, less than five millimetres in length", said CBC, which come from the "degradation" or shedding of particles from larger plastic products like water bottles, packaging and synthetic clothes.

Because these tiny microplastics travel so readily on winds and ocean currents, research has shown that even "the most pristine" environments like rural St Michaels "now have plastics in the air", said Ryan.

But a hurricane's impact on the spread of microplastics had never been studied before, Ryan explained to New Scientist – this was their chance. Because warm ocean water contributes to hurricane formation, Ryan and her team wondered whether hurricanes could pick up microplastics from the sea's surface and deposit them when they made landfall.

Now, the findings suggest that hurricanes are "yet another way for plastic particles to spread where they don't belong", said Wired.

What did the study find?

The team installed a glass cylinder, secured to the ground with wooden stakes, in that Newfoundland clearing. From two days before Hurricane Larry arrived to two days after it, the researchers would empty the cylinder every six hours. It would have collected any falling particles, and any rain that fell. 

"The team found that even before and after Larry, tens of thousands of microplastics fell per square metre of land per day," said Wired.

But when Larry hit, that figure shot up to, at its highest, nearly 114,000. Ryan told CBC that was a far higher amount than has been found in any other study of atmospheric microplastics. 

That may be because the storm passed over the so–called "garbage patch" of the North Atlantic Gyre, said New Scientist, a "gyre" being a region where currents move in an inward, circular motion, thus trapping debris, creating an unusually high amount of accumulated waste. 

By simulating where the air had been before arriving at the cylinder, using a technique called back trajectory modelling, the scientists confirmed Larry picked up the microplastics at sea.

These numbers are probably underestimates, as "it remains difficult and expensive to look for the smallest of plastic particles", said Wired. The scientists could only measure microplastics up to a certain size – there were likely more particles that went unrecorded. 

Steve Allen, a University of Birmingham microplastic researcher and co–author of the paper, told Wired: "The numbers in this paper here are just staggering."

What does this mean for us?

"There's still a lot of questions as far as the full extent of microplastic impacts," Ryan said to New Scientist. 

Microplastic pollution is a "growing concern", said CBC, which poses "a risk to human and animal health, as well as overall ecosystem health, though the extent of that harm is still not well understood". 

“Scientists are racing to figure out how the particles are affecting the organisms" in previously pristine, but now microplastic–polluted, environments, said Wired. Research has already revealed that Arctic creatures and their diets contain microplastics. 

We must limit single–use plastics, Ryan told CBC, to prevent them entering the environment at all. 

Ultimately, said Wired, the research is "ominous", showing that microplastics "are not only infiltrating every corner of the environment", but are "readily moving between land, sea, and air".