This wine-tasting thing is a breeze -- until you've had your fair share and are recommended to spit after sipping. It just seems like such a waste, but what's a tipsy gal (with two more wineries to visit before lunch) to do but comply?

For years, the Cabot Trail has been one of the world's most famous roads to drive. It runs about 300 kilometres, looping around the edges of Cape Breton Island. As too many who venture onto the road have discovered, however, the trail is deserving of much more time than what a simple day trip affords.

The Juno Awards are just days away and Regina is buzzing as stars prepare to descend into the city. With the Saskatchewan capital not being the most well-known of Canada's destinations, we thought we would offer some advice to the nominees who may be wondering what to do in town.

The whole world loves the Irish. How could anyone not? No other country is as stereotypically drunk, fun and friendly. Maybe that's why we take St. Patrick's Day so seriously in Canada. But how do Canada's festivities hold up to the main event in the founding nation?

Canadians' appetite for naming their favourite restaurant is proving to be insatiable. With six weeks left in public voting for the 2013 Vacay.ca Top 50 Restaurants in Canada, two of the nation's most acclaimed establishments are in a tight battle for the People's Choice award -- which is determined by votes from Canadians.

Scott Vivian may have done more for Toronto's culinary rep than anyone else in recent years. And, it was all thanks to a few beers. He told Anthony Bourdain he should film an episode of his TV show in Toronto. That's exactly what Bourdain did.

2013 in Ireland will be different -- the gloom is replaced with optimism. This year all of those who left, all who claim Irish ancestry and all who love Irish culture have been invited back for The Gathering -- the world's ultimate homecoming, running from Galway to Dublin, Cork to Londonderry in Northern Ireland. The Gathering is not an event. It's a year-long series of events and happenings developed by the Irish government.

Canadians are teaming with some of the nation's most outstanding chefs to determine the best restaurants in Canada. The 2013 Top 50 Restaurants in Canada will be announced on April 25, with the public voting ending at midnight on April 15.

For decades, I avoided skis, until last month when I figured I'd go for it, believing I had matured enough to avoid any reckless danger. Worst-case scenario? I'd fall a few times on a bunny hill and have a silly, self-deprecating travel article to share with you. Instead, this story is about the thrill of victory.

Are you Canada's greatest food lover? If you are, you could be in for one fabulous treat. In conjunction with its Top 50 Restaurants in Canada Guide for 2013, Vacay.ca will crown the Canadian Foodie of the Year in April. The winner will have the opportunity to dine at one of the 2013 Top 50 Restaurants in Canada.

Like all forms of luxury travel, a cruise isn't inherently dangerous. But these days, buyers need to be more aware than ever when making their cruise purchase. My advice when someone asks about going on a multi-day cruise aboard a mega-liner is always the same: Don't go.

News that Jonathan Gushue, 41, has been missing since December 31, 2012 is worrisome for anyone who's enjoyed his food, his dedication to Canadian cuisine or his affable spirit. Gushue has elevated Canadian cuisine as much as any other chef in the country.

Go east. That's the advice from Vacay.ca writers, editors and photographers who selected the 20 Best Places to Travel in Canada in 2013. Six entries, including four in the top 10, are east of Quebec. Ontario led all provinces with four destinations on the list, while British Columbia, Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador notched three spots each.

Today, Louisbourg still exhibits the spirit and mindset of its founders. Set in 1744, toward the end of French rule of the territory on Cape Breton, the recreated historic village replicates life as it was for the blacksmiths, tavern owners, military personnel, government officials and citizens in the 18th century.

I spent the summer on the road, touching down in nine of the 10 provinces in Canada. Tourism opportunities abound in big centres and small, with people eager to search out local experiences, whether it be culinary finds or historic tours that are short on gimmicks and strong on depth and personality. In all, 2012 was a fantastic year for seeing Canada.

If you're visiting Vancouver and you'd like to try your hand at winter sports, the local mountains have a variety of activities for the casual winter tourist to the more adventurous and serious boarders and skiers. On clear days, you can see the city and the forests that surround it from Grouse Mountain's famous gondola, the Grouse Mountain Skyride.