Not everyone has the money to go to some exotic overseas location on their honeymoon. There’s plenty of great places right here in Canada that don’t require a passport or long flights across the country. Spend your time exploring this beautiful country instead of traveling to some remote destination where you have to spend the first day recovering from jet leg. Here are some ideas you may not have thought about for your post-wedding vacation.
Whitehorse, Yukon
Come see the Northern Lights and enjoy the most romantic view on the planet when you visit this capital city. With a population of less than 30,000, you’ll have plenty of privacy for romantic walks along the historic sites or at the outdoor attractions. There are a number of trails available for both motorized and non-motorized travel. For a peaceful honeymoon in the great outdoors, Whitehorse is a great place.
Montreal, Quebec
The second largest city in Canada, Montreal is the ninth largest in North America. It’s home to all types of music, but is probably best known for producing jazz musicians. There’s plenty of art museums and architecture if you want to get some culture on your honeymoon. Montreal is also home to a number of sports teams. Depending on the season, you’ll have lots of options for great outings to make exciting memories.
Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick
Home to the highest tidal range in the world, Bay of Fundy is a romantic getaway for brides and grooms everywhere. Take a walk along the beach or kayak down one of the many rivers when the tide is high. Visit a winery for a special bottle to take home, or enjoy whale watching during the right season. Bikes are available for rental to enjoy the rustic villages and trails during the day. Small communities offer unique restaurants and local artisan work for souvenirs.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is the eighth largest city in Canada, but named as one of the top five cities worldwide for livability. You’ll have indoor and outdoor options, with luxurious accommodations developed when Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympics. Art, music, and shopping are close at hand if you want to experience an urban getaway, while skiing and other outdoor sports complexes are within driving range for an active day of fun. You can explore the beach or the forest, both in the same day if you like.
Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia
For a natural vacation near glacial formations, the fishing village of Peggy’s Cove offers fresh seafood, lighthouses, and ocean walks. Stay at one of the inns or cottages along the beach to wake up to a sunrise over the bay or enjoy the sunset right from your own dock. There’s plenty to do and see, or you could just pack a picnic and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
Quebec City, Quebec
As one of the oldest cities in North America, Quebec City is one of the prettiest with a number of historical landmarks. Enjoy the Parc Aquarium du Quebec on one of your dates. Come see hundreds of animals unique to North America and learn about the conservation efforts to protect the environment. For a more urban getaway, go shopping or enjoy the numerous nightclubs. If you enjoy sports, you’ll find professional teams of all kinds. There’s so much to see and do to make memories in Quebec City when you’re on your honeymoon.
Banff, Alberta
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff, Alberta is a small town in the Alberta Rockies. It sits 1,400 meters above sea level, making it the community with the second highest elevation in Alberta. Come for the hot springs or the outdoor sports. It’s a resort town with plenty to keep the two of you busy. There are a number of hotels and cottages offering accommodations all year long.
A special event is happening in 2017. This year marks the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. It was in 1867 when the Constitution Act formally proclaimed the unity of four provinces, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, making up the new country of Canada. Celebration starts early at some of the most beautiful locations in Canada, with Parks Canada offering free admission throughout 2017.
Buying your annual pass this year means that you won’t have to renew it until 2018. Not only does this pass let you get into the national parks, but you also give you entry into historic sites and marine conservation areas that are interconnected with the national park system. It just so happens that they make great honeymoon spots! Here are some of the prettiest places to visit in Canada on your honeymoon, anniversary trip, or family vacation.
Banff National Park in Alberta
If you enjoy the outdoors, Banff National Park has the goods. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter months to canoeing and biking in the summer, you’re sure to get lots of picturesque memories to take home with you. As the first national park, Banff is a great place to camp and view the Northern Lights.
Forillon National Park in Quebec
At Forillon, you can see colonies of seals on the cliffs or walk along a pebble beach. Some enjoy snorkeling when the weather is warmer, and you may get to see up to seven different species of whales that call the area home. With more than 244 square kilometers to explore, you could spend days exploring nature. Forillon is home to some of the first fishing stations in the area, with plenty of historical sites that show how the early settlers lived.
Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland
UNESCO designated this national park as a world heritage site not just because of the history, but also due to its exceptionally beautiful scenery. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the area. From May to October, day cruises are offered to get a different view of the terrain. Trek to the historical lighthouse, then enjoy a walk along the coast before having a dinner of fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in British Columbia
Home to the culture of the Nuu-chah-nulth, the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers First Nation cultural experiences along with water sports, cycling, birding, boating, and camping. The beaches offer surfing for beginners and experts. Serious surfers don’t wait for the summer. Long Beach and Wickaninnish Beach offer year-round activities, with rentals and lessons available from local businesses. Take a self-guided tour along trails with hand-carved totems. Take home memories from local artisans who appreciate the history of the community. During the summer months, the park also offers educational programs for visitors.
Marine Conservation Areas
Marine areas are not only home to animals that live in the water, but also to birds and mammals. All of these parks feature ecosystems of rich flora and fauna to enjoy together. Every season will have different things to see and do. Most of the sites have other nearby parks and nature reserves to visit while you’re in the area.
Fathom Five National Marine Park of Canada, Ontario
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, British Columbia
Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area of Canada, Ontario
Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, Quebec
Take Advantage of This Special Offer
Explore Canada together with your spouse and keep your travel dollars close to home. Although the price of gas has gone down, the price of groceries is going up. The loonie has been weakening over the last few months, which is keeping more Canadians at home. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a spectacular honeymoon. Canada has plenty to see in your own backyard.
Exploring beautiful landscapes is a great way to spend your honeymoon.
Traditionally, a honeymoon gave the bride and groom time to celebrate their new union by sharing private moments. Taking a trip on the honeymoon became popular in 19th century England when couples would take a bridal tour to visit relatives who could not attend the wedding. Today, couples go to romantic and exotic locations to have time together and make memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some of Canada’s best locations, designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites because of their cultural or natural significance. Consider visiting one of these great locations on your honeymoon to make the trip even more memorable.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Along the Red Deer River in southeastern Alberta are a prairie and badlands, which offer many remains of birds, mammals, and dinosaurs. Take a tour of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, the only museum in Canada totally dedicated to prehistoric life. With over 800 fossils on display, you’ll be able to see some of the largest land animals that are known to man. Scientists find new specimens each year. You can also enjoy a bus tour of the area. Explore Canada’s history during the Ice Age and appreciate today’s civilization.
Red Bay Basque Whaling Station
In Newfoundland, on the northeastern seaboard, is the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station. Named as one of the World Heritage Sites in 2014, it’s been a historic site for much longer. It’s an archaeological center that has preserved the heritage of whaling. The days of whaling may be over, but this site gives a glimpse into why whales are on the endangered list. It’s a beautiful location with much to offer.
Historic District of Old Quebec
If natural history isn’t your thing, the historic district in Quebec is an example of a colonial town that is fortified. The ramparts in this city have been preserved. You can observe the original bastions and gates that provided defense for Quebec in the early 17th century. Outside of the historic district, Quebec is a modern city with more to see and do. Understand Canadian heritage and see how your ancestors lived and defended themselves before today’s technology.
Old Town Lunenburg
In Nova Scotia, the town of Lunenburg was a British settlement. However, the British government recruited Protestants from Germany, France, and Switzerland to settle in the town as a balance to the French and Catholic presence already established in Nova Scotia. It’s a well-preserved example of British settlement, which made it a World Heritage Site in 1995. Early settlers were mostly involved in the fishing industry and faced many agricultural challenges and hardships in the early days. Many films use the location as a picturesque backdrop and historical site.
L’Anse aux Meadows
The Vikings have come back into popularity in the last few years with television programs examining the culture. Explore a historic district in Newfoundland, L’Anse aux Meadows, which is the first authentic Norse site discovered in North America. There are three building complexes that remain, and archaeologists have found evidence of Danes dating back to the 9th century. Inshore fishing supports the community today, which means you’ll find plenty of fresh seafood on the menu.
Nahanni National Park Reserve
On the opposite coast, in the Northwest Territories, sits a wilderness with mountains, great views, rivers, and hot springs in the Nahanni National Park Reserve. Settlers were drawn to the area by the lure of gold in the early 1900s. Gold was never found, but the land was thought to be beautiful and unique. Canada included the area in its national park system in the 1970s. It’s a mecca for bird watchers, as more than 120 species have been recorded. Those who enjoy canoeing believe the Nahanni River is one of the best in the world. Honeymooners can enjoy hiking and camping while seeing the beauty of Canada.
Taking a trip to a tourist destination like a big city is fun and romantic, and maybe even a bit frivolous. If you’re visiting Montrealyou may be interested in seeing the sights and experiencing the dining and nightlife atmosphere. When planning a weekend trip you may research things to do near the Marriott Hotel, or if there will be any festivals in town. However, if you’re thinking about a long-term move to Canada’s second-largest city, you probably have a whole different set of concerns that may extend further than where to eat and what to see.
Moving to a new city means meeting new people, settling into a new neighborhood, and finding your niche in the community. Many people may have concerns about the culture of their new city, including the religious atmosphere and political goings-on. Whether you are religious or non-religious, you may want to increase your understanding of your new city by researching the important issues related to religion in Montreal.
Religious Issues of a Beautiful City
This historic, French-speaking city was mainly Catholic for several decades. Currently, the area is fairly diverse and multi-cultural. Christianity is still the religion most widely practiced in Quebec, followed by Islam and Judaism. A recent and ongoing religious debate began at the end of last year, with a proposed legislative ban on city officials wearing visible religious symbols. The proposal, Bill 60, is a move toward secularism that would ban religious clothing like hijabs, jewelry with religious symbols, and other overtly religious signs.
Many people, religious and non-religious alike, have raised opposition to the secular move, calling it an attack on religious freedom, as well as a blatant scheme by Parti Quebecois (the political party that advocates for national sovereignty for Quebec) to attract media attention. There have been public protests against the ban as well as many furious articles and blogs written to speak out against Bill 60. The bill’s supporters advocate a move toward secularism by banning civil servants from wearing potential divisive “ostentatious” religious symbols.
Get Involved
If you’re planning on moving to Quebec, you may be participating in the area’s political process in the near future. You may also be looking for a conventional religious community to become a member of – or even a non-conventional group. Keep abreast of the important issues facing your community and your family. Our blog features both secular and religious-based topics. Universal Life Church is an inclusive community that honors all faiths including both religious and non-religious persons.
Recognizing Old and Creating New Canadian Wedding Traditions
Weddings are one of the most fascinating cultural events for people all around the world. Every religion, country, and ethnic group has distinct traditions associated with weddings. Some wedding traditions require the pomp and circumstance of an ordained minister that has spent years learning theology and who is familiar with a specific sacred text. Other traditions are newly made by couples who are ready to make the world their own. Canadian wedding traditions are similar to many of those in Western culture.
A Typical Canadian Wedding
It is a little silly to label any one specific wedding style as typical. In the past, religion has dictated what is important in a wedding ceremony and what is not. A large and historic church, such as the Catholic Church, has specific ceremonies that accompany a wedding. In fact, they have important ceremonies for many things. One such holy rite was held on December 8th of 2013 as the Notre–DamedeQuebecBasilica received holy bronze doors that were to be opened after a priest knocked three times. Once the ceremony ends, the doors are sealed for at least 25 years, if not longer.
Non-Denominational Traditions
Even as children, many young women dream of their wedding day and once engaged, they excitedly plan every detail. Canadians host what is known as a TrousseauTea. Although not a particularly common practice, sewing a trousseau was very important to English women and some other European countries for many hundreds of years. Since cloth was precious, and a woman wanted to be able to bring lily while linens with her to her marriage, a girl would begin saving sheets, dresses, table cloths, etc., for her marriage. Now, instead of sewing bed sheets, Canadians prefer to host a luncheon or dinner for friends that cannot make it to the wedding ceremony. This special Tea could be described as making good memories with which to enter a marriage instead of linens. This is a Canadian wedding tradition that does not belong solely to any one religious denomination.
Saying Special Vows
A very common practice among married couples in Canada and around the world is writing their own vows before their wedding ceremonies. These vows can be anything a couple would like to promise one another. Ceremonies that contain personalized vows are able to be overseen by anyone who is ordained to perform weddings. There need not be any association with religion if the couple does not wish it. One of the most freeing options for any soon-to-be wed couple is the possibility of creating their own Canadian wedding traditions. Women and men are often excited to begin new lives starting with matrimony, and what better way is there than to start than with brand new traditions that can be passed on to their own children.
Not everyone has the money to go to some exotic overseas location on their honeymoon. There’s plenty of great places right here in Canada that don’t require a passport or long flights across the country. Spend your time exploring this beautiful country instead of traveling to some remote destination where you have to spend the first day recovering from jet leg. Here are some ideas you may not have thought about for your post-wedding vacation.
Whitehorse, Yukon
Come see the Northern Lights and enjoy the most romantic view on the planet when you visit this capital city. With a population of less than 30,000, you’ll have plenty of privacy for romantic walks along the historic sites or at the outdoor attractions. There are a number of trails available for both motorized and non-motorized travel. For a peaceful honeymoon in the great outdoors, Whitehorse is a great place.
Montreal, Quebec
The second largest city in Canada, Montreal is the ninth largest in North America. It’s home to all types of music, but is probably best known for producing jazz musicians. There’s plenty of art museums and architecture if you want to get some culture on your honeymoon. Montreal is also home to a number of sports teams. Depending on the season, you’ll have lots of options for great outings to make exciting memories.
Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick
Home to the highest tidal range in the world, Bay of Fundy is a romantic getaway for brides and grooms everywhere. Take a walk along the beach or kayak down one of the many rivers when the tide is high. Visit a winery for a special bottle to take home, or enjoy whale watching during the right season. Bikes are available for rental to enjoy the rustic villages and trails during the day. Small communities offer unique restaurants and local artisan work for souvenirs.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is the eighth largest city in Canada, but named as one of the top five cities worldwide for livability. You’ll have indoor and outdoor options, with luxurious accommodations developed when Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympics. Art, music, and shopping are close at hand if you want to experience an urban getaway, while skiing and other outdoor sports complexes are within driving range for an active day of fun. You can explore the beach or the forest, both in the same day if you like.
Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia
For a natural vacation near glacial formations, the fishing village of Peggy’s Cove offers fresh seafood, lighthouses, and ocean walks. Stay at one of the inns or cottages along the beach to wake up to a sunrise over the bay or enjoy the sunset right from your own dock. There’s plenty to do and see, or you could just pack a picnic and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
Quebec City, Quebec
As one of the oldest cities in North America, Quebec City is one of the prettiest with a number of historical landmarks. Enjoy the Parc Aquarium du Quebec on one of your dates. Come see hundreds of animals unique to North America and learn about the conservation efforts to protect the environment. For a more urban getaway, go shopping or enjoy the numerous nightclubs. If you enjoy sports, you’ll find professional teams of all kinds. There’s so much to see and do to make memories in Quebec City when you’re on your honeymoon.
Banff, Alberta
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff, Alberta is a small town in the Alberta Rockies. It sits 1,400 meters above sea level, making it the community with the second highest elevation in Alberta. Come for the hot springs or the outdoor sports. It’s a resort town with plenty to keep the two of you busy. There are a number of hotels and cottages offering accommodations all year long.
A special event is happening in 2017. This year marks the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. It was in 1867 when the Constitution Act formally proclaimed the unity of four provinces, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, making up the new country of Canada. Celebration starts early at some of the most beautiful locations in Canada, with Parks Canada offering free admission throughout 2017.
Buying your annual pass this year means that you won’t have to renew it until 2018. Not only does this pass let you get into the national parks, but you also give you entry into historic sites and marine conservation areas that are interconnected with the national park system. It just so happens that they make great honeymoon spots! Here are some of the prettiest places to visit in Canada on your honeymoon, anniversary trip, or family vacation.
Banff National Park in Alberta
If you enjoy the outdoors, Banff National Park has the goods. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter months to canoeing and biking in the summer, you’re sure to get lots of picturesque memories to take home with you. As the first national park, Banff is a great place to camp and view the Northern Lights.
Forillon National Park in Quebec
At Forillon, you can see colonies of seals on the cliffs or walk along a pebble beach. Some enjoy snorkeling when the weather is warmer, and you may get to see up to seven different species of whales that call the area home. With more than 244 square kilometers to explore, you could spend days exploring nature. Forillon is home to some of the first fishing stations in the area, with plenty of historical sites that show how the early settlers lived.
Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland
UNESCO designated this national park as a world heritage site not just because of the history, but also due to its exceptionally beautiful scenery. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the area. From May to October, day cruises are offered to get a different view of the terrain. Trek to the historical lighthouse, then enjoy a walk along the coast before having a dinner of fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in British Columbia
Home to the culture of the Nuu-chah-nulth, the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers First Nation cultural experiences along with water sports, cycling, birding, boating, and camping. The beaches offer surfing for beginners and experts. Serious surfers don’t wait for the summer. Long Beach and Wickaninnish Beach offer year-round activities, with rentals and lessons available from local businesses. Take a self-guided tour along trails with hand-carved totems. Take home memories from local artisans who appreciate the history of the community. During the summer months, the park also offers educational programs for visitors.
Marine Conservation Areas
Marine areas are not only home to animals that live in the water, but also to birds and mammals. All of these parks feature ecosystems of rich flora and fauna to enjoy together. Every season will have different things to see and do. Most of the sites have other nearby parks and nature reserves to visit while you’re in the area.
Fathom Five National Marine Park of Canada, Ontario
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, British Columbia
Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area of Canada, Ontario
Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, Quebec
Take Advantage of This Special Offer
Explore Canada together with your spouse and keep your travel dollars close to home. Although the price of gas has gone down, the price of groceries is going up. The loonie has been weakening over the last few months, which is keeping more Canadians at home. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a spectacular honeymoon. Canada has plenty to see in your own backyard.
Exploring beautiful landscapes is a great way to spend your honeymoon.
Traditionally, a honeymoon gave the bride and groom time to celebrate their new union by sharing private moments. Taking a trip on the honeymoon became popular in 19th century England when couples would take a bridal tour to visit relatives who could not attend the wedding. Today, couples go to romantic and exotic locations to have time together and make memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some of Canada’s best locations, designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites because of their cultural or natural significance. Consider visiting one of these great locations on your honeymoon to make the trip even more memorable.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Along the Red Deer River in southeastern Alberta are a prairie and badlands, which offer many remains of birds, mammals, and dinosaurs. Take a tour of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, the only museum in Canada totally dedicated to prehistoric life. With over 800 fossils on display, you’ll be able to see some of the largest land animals that are known to man. Scientists find new specimens each year. You can also enjoy a bus tour of the area. Explore Canada’s history during the Ice Age and appreciate today’s civilization.
Red Bay Basque Whaling Station
In Newfoundland, on the northeastern seaboard, is the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station. Named as one of the World Heritage Sites in 2014, it’s been a historic site for much longer. It’s an archaeological center that has preserved the heritage of whaling. The days of whaling may be over, but this site gives a glimpse into why whales are on the endangered list. It’s a beautiful location with much to offer.
Historic District of Old Quebec
If natural history isn’t your thing, the historic district in Quebec is an example of a colonial town that is fortified. The ramparts in this city have been preserved. You can observe the original bastions and gates that provided defense for Quebec in the early 17th century. Outside of the historic district, Quebec is a modern city with more to see and do. Understand Canadian heritage and see how your ancestors lived and defended themselves before today’s technology.
Old Town Lunenburg
In Nova Scotia, the town of Lunenburg was a British settlement. However, the British government recruited Protestants from Germany, France, and Switzerland to settle in the town as a balance to the French and Catholic presence already established in Nova Scotia. It’s a well-preserved example of British settlement, which made it a World Heritage Site in 1995. Early settlers were mostly involved in the fishing industry and faced many agricultural challenges and hardships in the early days. Many films use the location as a picturesque backdrop and historical site.
L’Anse aux Meadows
The Vikings have come back into popularity in the last few years with television programs examining the culture. Explore a historic district in Newfoundland, L’Anse aux Meadows, which is the first authentic Norse site discovered in North America. There are three building complexes that remain, and archaeologists have found evidence of Danes dating back to the 9th century. Inshore fishing supports the community today, which means you’ll find plenty of fresh seafood on the menu.
Nahanni National Park Reserve
On the opposite coast, in the Northwest Territories, sits a wilderness with mountains, great views, rivers, and hot springs in the Nahanni National Park Reserve. Settlers were drawn to the area by the lure of gold in the early 1900s. Gold was never found, but the land was thought to be beautiful and unique. Canada included the area in its national park system in the 1970s. It’s a mecca for bird watchers, as more than 120 species have been recorded. Those who enjoy canoeing believe the Nahanni River is one of the best in the world. Honeymooners can enjoy hiking and camping while seeing the beauty of Canada.
Taking a trip to a tourist destination like a big city is fun and romantic, and maybe even a bit frivolous. If you’re visiting Montrealyou may be interested in seeing the sights and experiencing the dining and nightlife atmosphere. When planning a weekend trip you may research things to do near the Marriott Hotel, or if there will be any festivals in town. However, if you’re thinking about a long-term move to Canada’s second-largest city, you probably have a whole different set of concerns that may extend further than where to eat and what to see.
Moving to a new city means meeting new people, settling into a new neighborhood, and finding your niche in the community. Many people may have concerns about the culture of their new city, including the religious atmosphere and political goings-on. Whether you are religious or non-religious, you may want to increase your understanding of your new city by researching the important issues related to religion in Montreal.
Religious Issues of a Beautiful City
This historic, French-speaking city was mainly Catholic for several decades. Currently, the area is fairly diverse and multi-cultural. Christianity is still the religion most widely practiced in Quebec, followed by Islam and Judaism. A recent and ongoing religious debate began at the end of last year, with a proposed legislative ban on city officials wearing visible religious symbols. The proposal, Bill 60, is a move toward secularism that would ban religious clothing like hijabs, jewelry with religious symbols, and other overtly religious signs.
Many people, religious and non-religious alike, have raised opposition to the secular move, calling it an attack on religious freedom, as well as a blatant scheme by Parti Quebecois (the political party that advocates for national sovereignty for Quebec) to attract media attention. There have been public protests against the ban as well as many furious articles and blogs written to speak out against Bill 60. The bill’s supporters advocate a move toward secularism by banning civil servants from wearing potential divisive “ostentatious” religious symbols.
Get Involved
If you’re planning on moving to Quebec, you may be participating in the area’s political process in the near future. You may also be looking for a conventional religious community to become a member of – or even a non-conventional group. Keep abreast of the important issues facing your community and your family. Our blog features both secular and religious-based topics. Universal Life Church is an inclusive community that honors all faiths including both religious and non-religious persons.
Recognizing Old and Creating New Canadian Wedding Traditions
Weddings are one of the most fascinating cultural events for people all around the world. Every religion, country, and ethnic group has distinct traditions associated with weddings. Some wedding traditions require the pomp and circumstance of an ordained minister that has spent years learning theology and who is familiar with a specific sacred text. Other traditions are newly made by couples who are ready to make the world their own. Canadian wedding traditions are similar to many of those in Western culture.
A Typical Canadian Wedding
It is a little silly to label any one specific wedding style as typical. In the past, religion has dictated what is important in a wedding ceremony and what is not. A large and historic church, such as the Catholic Church, has specific ceremonies that accompany a wedding. In fact, they have important ceremonies for many things. One such holy rite was held on December 8th of 2013 as the Notre–DamedeQuebecBasilica received holy bronze doors that were to be opened after a priest knocked three times. Once the ceremony ends, the doors are sealed for at least 25 years, if not longer.
Non-Denominational Traditions
Even as children, many young women dream of their wedding day and once engaged, they excitedly plan every detail. Canadians host what is known as a TrousseauTea. Although not a particularly common practice, sewing a trousseau was very important to English women and some other European countries for many hundreds of years. Since cloth was precious, and a woman wanted to be able to bring lily while linens with her to her marriage, a girl would begin saving sheets, dresses, table cloths, etc., for her marriage. Now, instead of sewing bed sheets, Canadians prefer to host a luncheon or dinner for friends that cannot make it to the wedding ceremony. This special Tea could be described as making good memories with which to enter a marriage instead of linens. This is a Canadian wedding tradition that does not belong solely to any one religious denomination.
Saying Special Vows
A very common practice among married couples in Canada and around the world is writing their own vows before their wedding ceremonies. These vows can be anything a couple would like to promise one another. Ceremonies that contain personalized vows are able to be overseen by anyone who is ordained to perform weddings. There need not be any association with religion if the couple does not wish it. One of the most freeing options for any soon-to-be wed couple is the possibility of creating their own Canadian wedding traditions. Women and men are often excited to begin new lives starting with matrimony, and what better way is there than to start than with brand new traditions that can be passed on to their own children.
