Skill: ivangdavila/canada (version 1.0.0)

--- name: Canada slug: canada version: 1.0.0 homepage: https://clawic.com/skills/canada changelog: "Initial release with city guides, itineraries, and practical Canada travel playbooks." description: Discover Canada like a local with concrete city recommendations, regional insights, nature routes, and practical planning tips. metadata: {"clawdbot":{"emoji":"🍁","requires":{"bins":[],"config":["~/canada/"]},"os":["linux","darwin","win32"]}} --- ## Setup If `~/canada/` doesn't exist or is empty, read `setup.md` and start naturally. ## When to Use User planning a trip to Canada or asking for local insights: what to eat, which regions to prioritize, what to skip, season tradeoffs, and practical logistics. ## Architecture Memory lives in `~/canada/`. See `memory-template.md` for structure. ``` ~/canada/ └── memory.md # Trip context ``` ## Quick Reference | Topic | File | |-------|------| | **Cities & Regions** | | | Toronto complete guide | `toronto.md` | | Vancouver complete guide | `vancouver.md` | | Montreal complete guide | `montreal.md` | | Banff & Jasper complete guide | `banff-jasper.md` | | **Planning** | | | Sample itineraries | `itineraries.md` | | Where to stay by style | `accommodation.md` | | Useful apps | `apps.md` | | **Food & Drink** | | | Regional dishes and restaurants | `food-guide.md` | | Wine regions and tastings | `wine.md` | | **Experiences** | | | Signature experiences | `experiences.md` | | Beaches and lake towns | `beaches.md` | | Hikes and safety by season | `hiking.md` | | Nightlife by city | `nightlife.md` | | **Reference** | | | Provinces and regional differences | `regions.md` | | Culture, etiquette, expectations | `culture.md` | | Traveling with children | `with-kids.md` | | **Practical** | | | Intercity transport | `transport.md` | | Phone and internet | `telecoms.md` | | Emergencies and safety | `emergencies.md` | ## Core Rules ### 1. Specific Over Generic Do not say "visit Toronto neighborhoods". Say "start in St. Lawrence Market before 10:30, then walk to Distillery District after lunch when crowds thin, and skip CN Tower at sunset unless you prebook a timed slot." ### 2. Local Perspective What locals actually do, not brochure advice: - Toronto food courts in major landmarks are expensive and average; better meals are often one block away - Vancouver's Capilano Suspension Bridge is polished but pricey; Lynn Canyon is free and quieter - Montreal downtown chain brunch spots are crowded; neighborhood bakeries are better value and faster - Banff town can feel overrun in peak summer; sunrise starts and shuttle-first planning matter ### 3. Regional Differences | Region | Key difference | |--------|----------------| | Ontario | Big-city pace, museum and food density, easy road trips | | Quebec | French-first culture, stronger local identity, distinct food scene | | British Columbia | Ocean + mountain access, outdoor focus, high accommodation costs | | Alberta Rockies | Nature-first itineraries, weather shifts fast, shuttle logistics crucial | | Atlantic Canada | Coastal towns, seafood focus, slower pace, weather variability | | North (Yukon/NWT/Nunavut) | Extreme distances, northern lights potential, higher costs | ### 4. Timing is Everything - Peak summer in major parks: book accommodation and shuttles months ahead - Fall foliage: late September to mid October in many areas, but dates vary by province - Winter city trips: easier prices, fewer crowds, but daylight is short - Long weekends: highway and airport congestion spikes - Shoulder seasons: often best value for urban + nature combinations ### 5. Flag Tourist Traps Be explicit about what to avoid: - Any restaurant with giant wait and mostly social-media hype near main attractions - Last-minute Banff parking attempts in July and August - Paying premium prices for generic airport transfer options without checking rail or bus alternatives - Underestimating drive times in mountain areas because map distance looks short ### 6. Match Trip Style | Traveler | Focus on | |----------|----------| | Foodie | `food-guide.md`, `montreal.md`, `toronto.md` | | Nature | `banff-jasper.md`, `hiking.md`, `experiences.md` | | Family | `with-kids.md`, `accommodation.md`, `itineraries.md` | | City break | `toronto.md`, `montreal.md`, `nightlife.md` | | Scenic road trip | `itineraries.md`, `transport.md`, `hiking.md` | | Wine trip | `wine.md`, `regions.md` | ## Common Traps - Treating Canada like one compact destination. Distances are huge. - Trying to combine too many provinces in one short trip. - Booking Rockies logistics too late in peak season. - Assuming weather stability in mountain regions. - Ignoring bilingual context in Quebec service interactions. - Expecting cheap data plans without checking eSIM or prepaid options first. - Relying on rideshare in remote areas where coverage is inconsistent. - Missing travel insurance for trips with outdoor activities. ## Security & Privacy **Data that stays local:** Trip preferences in `~/canada/` **This skill does NOT:** Access files outside `~/canada/` or make network requests. ## Related Skills Install with `clawhub install <slug>` if user confirms: - `travel` — General trip planning and trip structuring - `food` — Deeper restaurant and cuisine recommendations - `english` — Language support for bookings and communication - `french` — Useful for Quebec travel context ## Feedback - If useful: `clawhub star canada` - Stay updated: `clawhub sync`

path: accommodation.md
content: # Accommodation Guide — Canada

## Booking Principles

1. Pick fewer bases; avoid one-night chains across long distances.
2. Prioritize transit access in major cities.
3. In park regions, lock logistics first (parking/shuttle constraints).

## Toronto

- **Best convenience:** Financial District / Union access
- **Best local feel:** Queen West edge, Annex-adjacent areas
- **Budget reality:** True budget inventory is limited in core zones

## Vancouver

- **Best convenience:** Downtown near main transit
- **Best value compromise:** Mount Pleasant or Broadway corridor
- **Peak season warning:** Waterfront inventory tightens quickly

## Montreal

- **Best first-time stay:** Old Montreal edge (walkable, but pricier)
- **Best local rhythm:** Plateau or Mile End-adjacent zones
- **Festival periods:** Prices can jump sharply

## Banff and Jasper

- **Banff town:** Most convenient for first timers, expensive in peak season
- **Canmore:** Often better value with short drive tradeoff
- **Jasper:** Smaller inventory, book early for summer

## Hotel vs Apartment

| Style | Best for | Tradeoff |
|-------|----------|----------|
| Hotel | Short stays, high simplicity | Higher nightly cost |
| Apartment | Longer stays, kitchen use | Quality consistency varies |
| Lodge | Nature-first trips | Less flexible dining options nearby |


path: apps.md
content: # Useful Apps for Canada Travel

## Navigation and Transit

- **Google Maps** — strongest baseline for transit and walking
- **Citymapper** (where available) — useful transit timing overlays
- **Transit** — strong in major Canadian cities

## Flights and Intercity

- **Airline apps** — gate and delay updates faster than aggregator apps
- **Rome2Rio** — quick route option scan before final booking

## Outdoor and Weather

- **AllTrails** — route previews and difficulty filtering
- **Windy / WeatherCAN equivalents** — useful for mountain condition checks
- **Avalanche updates (regional)** — required for winter backcountry plans

## Money and Practical

- **Wise / Revolut-style tools** — exchange and card management
- **Uber / Lyft** — city-dependent availability
- **OpenTable / Resy equivalents** — reservation reliability in top restaurants

## Booking Flow Tip

Use apps for discovery, then verify directly with official operator pages before final payment for high-cost activities.


path: banff-jasper.md
content: # Banff and Jasper Complete Guide

## Core Reality

This is logistics-first travel. Views are extraordinary, but timing, shuttles, weather, and road pacing determine whether the trip is smooth or stressful.

## Banff Base Strategy

**Best for:** Lake Louise, Moraine Lake corridor, shorter iconic hikes, town amenities.

### High-impact plan
- Day 1: Banff town + Bow Falls + Sulphur area
- Day 2: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake using shuttle-first approach
- Day 3: Icefields Parkway partial route or nearby hike

## Jasper Base Strategy

**Best for:** Longer scenic drives, wildlife viewing, darker skies, quieter pace.

### High-impact plan
- Maligne Lake and canyon day
- Valley of the Five Lakes or moderate alternative
- Sunset viewpoints with weather buffer

## Icefields Parkway (Banff-Jasper Route)

- One of the most scenic drives in North America
- Build in photo and stop time; do not treat it as a fast transfer
- Fuel and food options are sparse compared with city standards

## Accommodation Reality

- Peak summer prices are high and inventory tight
- Shoulder season offers better value but more variable weather
- Book flexible options when possible in case conditions shift

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Driving long mountain routes without weather checks.
2. Assuming parking will be available at top lakes in peak season.
3. Overpacking one day with multiple major hikes and long transfer legs.
4. Ignoring altitude, hydration, and fast weather changes.


path: beaches.md
content: # Beaches and Lake Towns — Canada

## British Columbia

- **Kitsilano Beach (Vancouver):** Easy city-beach mix, best in clear summer windows.
- **English Bay:** Sunset-heavy social scene, busy in peak evenings.
- **Tofino area beaches (Vancouver Island):** Dramatic landscapes, strong surf culture, weather-variable.

## Ontario

- **Toronto Islands beaches:** Convenient city escape, best on calm-weather days.
- **Wasaga Beach:** Huge sandy stretch, summer crowd density can be high.
- **Prince Edward County shores:** Better paired with food and wine routes.

## Atlantic Canada

- **Prince Edward Island coastal beaches:** Family-friendly rhythm and classic east-coast vibe.
- **Nova Scotia beaches:** Scenic and varied, but water temperature expectations matter.

## Practical Notes

- Water temperatures are often cooler than visitors expect, even in summer.
- Parking and ferry logistics can dominate the day if not preplanned.
- Weather shifts quickly on coasts and lakes; keep backup options.


path: culture.md
content: # Culture and Etiquette — Canada

## Social Norms

- Politeness and queue culture are strong in public settings.
- Service tone is generally friendly but efficient.
- Personal space expectations are higher than in some high-density destinations.

## Language Context

- English dominates in most provinces.
- French is central in Quebec and visible in federal environments nationwide.
- In visitor-heavy zones, bilingual service is common but not guaranteed everywhere.

## Tipping and Payments

- Sit-down service usually expects 15-20% tip range.
- Card-first payment culture is standard in most cities.
- Contactless is widely accepted.

## Practical Culture Notes

- Small talk in service interactions is normal.
- Strong seasonal behavior shifts: city rhythm changes between winter and summer.
- Outdoor culture is part of identity, especially in western provinces.

## Respect and Awareness

- Learn basic context for Indigenous lands and local place names where possible.
- Treat wildlife and protected nature areas with strict respect.
- Follow local regulations in parks and public spaces.


path: emergencies.md
content: # Emergencies and Safety — Canada

## Emergency Numbers

- **Police / Fire / Ambulance:** 911
- **Non-emergency medical advice:** province-dependent hotlines

## Health and Medical

- Travel insurance is highly recommended for visitors.
- Urgent care and ER wait times vary by city and season.
- Keep medication list and key documents accessible offline.

## Outdoor Safety

- Check weather and trail conditions before departure.
- Respect wildlife distance rules.
- Carry water, layers, and backup power.
- Tell someone your route for longer hikes.

## Urban Safety Basics

- Standard city awareness applies in nightlife and transit hubs.
- Use licensed transport at late hours.
- Keep backup payment method in case of card issues.

## Winter Risk Notes

- Ice and low visibility increase driving and walking risk.
- Keep extra transit time buffer.
- Wear proper footwear, not just insulated sneakers.

## When to Escalate

- Call 911 for immediate danger, medical emergencies, or active incidents.
- For non-urgent issues, use local non-emergency channels and official advisories.


path: experiences.md
content: # Signature Experiences in Canada

## Urban Highlights

- Toronto food-neighborhood crawl (Kensington + Queen West)
- Montreal old city plus late-night dining route
- Vancouver seawall bike loop with sunset finish

## Nature Highlights

- Banff and Jasper lake-and-viewpoint structure
- Icefields Parkway scenic day
- Whale watching windows on west or east coasts (season dependent)

## Seasonal Experiences

| Season | Good choices |
|--------|--------------|
| Winter | City culture trips + mountain base with weather buffer |
| Spring | Lower crowds in cities, variable mountain conditions |
| Summer | Peak park access, longest days, highest prices |
| Fall | Foliage routes in Ontario/Quebec, strong city-weather balance |

## Advanced Add-ons

- Yukon or northern routes for aurora-focused trips
- Atlantic coastal loops for seafood + scenic drives
- Multi-city rail segments when schedule flexibility allows

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Planning fixed outdoor days with no weather fallback.
2. Underestimating transfer fatigue between distant regions.
3. Prioritizing checklist volume over realistic pacing.


path: food-guide.md
content: # Canada Food Guide

## Essential Dishes by Region

| Region | Dish | Notes |
|--------|------|-------|
| Quebec | Poutine | Best in casse-croûtes and classic diners, not novelty-only versions |
| Quebec | Tourtiere | Meat pie, strong in winter/festive menus |
| Montreal | Smoked meat | Sandwich institutions still define the category |
| Ontario | Peameal bacon sandwich | Toronto market classic |
| Atlantic | Lobster roll | Quality varies by freshness and bread balance |
| Atlantic | Seafood chowder | Better in coastal towns than tourist-center chains |
| West Coast | Salmon-focused plates | Look for seasonal preparations |
| BC/West | Spot prawn specials (seasonal) | Limited windows, high demand |
| Nationwide | Butter tarts | Bakery quality matters more than branding |
| Nationwide | Nanaimo bars | Better from independent bakeries than mass retail |

## Reliable Food Cities

### Montreal
Strongest identity-driven dining mix: French bistros, bagel culture, smoked meat, modern tasting rooms.

### Toronto
Most diverse overall. Great for global cuisine density and neighborhood-specific food crawls.

### Vancouver
Excellent seafood, Japanese and pan-Asian depth, plus strong produce-driven kitchens.

## Practical Dining Rules

- Reserve signature restaurants early in peak travel months.
- For value, lunch menus often outperform dinner pricing.
- In top food neighborhoods, walk one or two blocks off the main strip for better quality-price ratio.
- Tipping norms typically land around 15-20% in sit-down service.

## Food Traps to Avoid

1. Social-media-only picks with long lines and average execution.
2. High-rent attraction zones where menu quality is secondary to location.
3. Assuming all "best of" lists age well without seasonal checks.
4. Booking no-reservation weekends in high-demand neighborhoods.


path: hiking.md
content: # Hiking Guide — Canada

## Core Rule

Choose hikes by season, current conditions, and realistic fitness, not just photos.

## Strong Options by Region

### Rockies
- **Plain of Six Glaciers (Banff area)** — classic views, timing matters
- **Larch Valley windows (seasonal)** — high demand in fall color period

### Vancouver/BC
- **St. Mark's Summit / similar day hikes** — weather-sensitive, strong reward-to-effort
- **Garibaldi / Sea-to-Sky corridor options** — require early starts and forecast checks

### Atlantic
- **Skyline Trail (Cape Breton)** — accessible scenic payoff
- **Gros Morne routes** — varied difficulty and terrain types

## Safety Basics

- Start earlier than you think in mountain regions.
- Carry layers, water, and offline map backup.
- Respect trail closures and wildlife guidance.
- Do not chase summit goals in unstable weather.

## Common Mistakes

1. Late starts leading to dark returns.
2. Inadequate footwear for wet or rocky terrain.
3. No bear-aware preparation in relevant regions.
4. Copying social content routes without condition checks.


path: itineraries.md
content: # Canada Itineraries

## 7 Days — City + Nature Lite (Toronto + Montreal)

### Day 1-3 Toronto
- Distillery + St. Lawrence intro
- One culture day (ROM/AGO) plus neighborhood food night
- Optional Toronto Islands weather-permitting

### Day 4-7 Montreal
- Old Montreal and Plateau split days
- Bagel + market + nightlife loop
- Optional day trip depending season and energy

**Who this fits:** First-time visitors wanting low-friction logistics.

## 10 Days — West Coast + Rockies Sampler (Vancouver + Banff)

### Day 1-4 Vancouver
- Seawall + Granville + neighborhood food loops
- One mountain day trip based on forecast

### Day 5-10 Banff area
- Shuttle-priority lake days
- One moderate hike day
- One scenic transfer-focused day

**Who this fits:** Travelers wanting iconic scenery without full Alberta loop complexity.

## 14 Days — Signature Canada Mix

### Day 1-4 Toronto
### Day 5-7 Montreal
### Day 8-10 Vancouver
### Day 11-14 Banff/Jasper focus

**Important:** This plan has many flights/transfers. Keep buffer windows and avoid stacking late arrivals with early tours.

## Seasonal Alternatives

- **Winter focus:** Montreal + Quebec corridor + one mountain base
- **Fall foliage focus:** Ontario + Quebec routes with flexible timing
- **Summer peak:** Choose fewer bases and book park logistics early


path: memory-template.md
content: # Canada Trip Memory

## Status
- **Planning stage:** [researching / booked / traveling / completed]
- **Last updated:** YYYY-MM-DD

## Trip Details
- **Dates:**
- **Duration:**
- **Regions:** [Ontario / Quebec / BC / Alberta Rockies / Atlantic / North]
- **Cities/Bases:**
- **Travelers:** [solo / couple / family / group]
- **Kids:** [yes (ages) / no]

## Preferences
- **Travel style:** [foodie / city / nature / road-trip / family / nightlife / mixed]
- **Budget:** [budget / mid-range / luxury]
- **Dietary:** [none / vegetarian / vegan / gluten-free / other]
- **Mobility:** [full / limited / wheelchair]
- **Transport:** [public transit / rental car / mixed]

## Interests
- [ ] Food and markets
- [ ] Museums and culture
- [ ] Hiking and national parks
- [ ] Lakes and beaches
- [ ] Wine tasting
- [ ] Wildlife experiences
- [ ] Nightlife
- [ ] Family activities

## Places Visited/Planned

### Toronto
- **Neighborhoods:**
- **Restaurants tried:**
- **Notes:**

### Vancouver
- **Areas:**
- **Activities:**
- **Notes:**

### Montreal
- **Neighborhoods:**
- **Food spots:**
- **Notes:**

### Rockies (Banff/Jasper)
- **Routes:**
- **Hikes:**
- **Notes:**

## Bookings Made
| What | Where | Date | Confirmation |
|------|-------|------|--------------|
| | | | |

## Lessons Learned
-

## For Next Trip
-


path: montreal.md
content: # Montreal Complete Guide

## Neighborhoods — Where to Go

### Old Montreal
**Vibe:** Historic stone streets, river walks, polished restaurants.
**Best for:** First day, architecture, photo-friendly route.

**Do:**
- Notre-Dame Basilica timed visit
- Old Port walk before dinner

### Plateau Mont-Royal
**Vibe:** Residential charm, cafes, creative atmosphere.
**Best for:** Slow mornings, bakery hopping, local dining.

### Mile End
**Vibe:** Independent shops, coffee culture, iconic bagel debate.
**Best for:** Food-focused half-day.

**Do:**
- Compare **St-Viateur** and **Fairmount** bagels
- Combine with nearby casual lunch spots

### Downtown + Quartier des Spectacles
**Vibe:** Events, larger hotels, shopping and nightlife access.
**Best for:** Festival-driven trips and transit convenience.

## Restaurants — Reliable Picks

| Name | Area | Specialty | Price |
|------|------|-----------|-------|
| L'Express | Plateau edge | French bistro classic | CAD 45-85 |
| Schwartz's | Plateau area | Smoked meat | CAD 20-40 |
| Joe Beef | Little Burgundy | Signature splurge | CAD 120+ |
| Mon Lapin | Little Italy area | Wine and seasonal menu | CAD 90-160 |
| Au Pied de Cochon | Plateau area | Rich Quebec classics | CAD 70-140 |

## City Rhythm Notes

- Brunch culture is strong; top spots can have long waits on weekends
- Dinner reservations matter for higher-demand kitchens
- Language: service is generally bilingual in visitor-heavy zones

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Staying only in Old Montreal and skipping neighborhood culture.
2. Treating Montreal nightlife like Toronto timing (late starts are common).
3. Assuming every top restaurant accepts easy same-day reservations.
4. Driving into dense central areas without parking planning.


path: nightlife.md
content: # Nightlife Guide — Canada

## Toronto

### Best zones
- **Ossington / Dundas West:** Cocktail bars and mid-size venues
- **King West:** Club-heavy and polished, sometimes style-first
- **Queen West:** Better mix of casual bars and music spots

## Montreal

### Best zones
- **Saint-Laurent corridor:** Dense late-night movement
- **Plateau spots:** Strong bar variety and local rhythm
- **Old Port pockets:** Polished but often pricier

## Vancouver

### Best zones
- **Gastown:** Cocktail-forward, design-driven bars
- **Main Street / Mount Pleasant:** More relaxed neighborhood tone
- **Yaletown:** Upscale but can be inconsistent value

## Practical Notes

- Peak entry windows fill fast on weekends.
- Cover charges vary heavily by event nights.
- Late-night food planning matters after venue close times.

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming all cities run on identical nightlife timing.
2. Skipping reservations for high-demand cocktail bars.
3. Planning complicated cross-city venue hopping without transit checks.


path: regions.md
content: # Regions Overview — Canada

## Provinces at a Glance

| Province | Trip Identity |
|----------|---------------|
| Ontario | Big-city access + lakes + mixed cultural routes |
| Quebec | French-first culture, strong food identity, historic cities |
| British Columbia | Ocean and mountain blend, outdoor-first pace |
| Alberta | Rockies access, road-trip infrastructure |
| Nova Scotia | Coastal drives, seafood, maritime towns |
| New Brunswick | Bay landscapes and quieter pace |
| Prince Edward Island | Compact island routes and summer rhythm |
| Manitoba | Prairie context plus Winnipeg urban culture |
| Saskatchewan | Wide-open landscapes and lower crowd pressure |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Rugged coastlines and remote-feeling routes |

## Territories

| Territory | Travel Identity |
|-----------|-----------------|
| Yukon | Aurora and wilderness routes |
| Northwest Territories | Northern experiences, high-logistics planning |
| Nunavut | Remote and specialized expedition-style travel |

## Regional Planning Rule

Pick 1-2 major regions per trip unless you have significant time. Canada's scale punishes over-ambitious routing.


path: setup.md
content: # Setup — Canada Travel Guide

## First-Time Setup

When user mentions Canada travel for the first time:

### 1. Create Memory Structure
```bash
mkdir -p ~/canada
```

### 2. Initialize Memory File
Create `~/canada/memory.md` using the template from `memory-template.md`.

### 3. Gather Trip Context
Ask naturally (not as a form):
- What month are you traveling? (season is critical in Canada)
- How long is the trip?
- Which cities or regions matter most?
- What trip style fits best? (food, cities, nature, family)
- Any mobility, dietary, or budget constraints?
- Are you renting a car or using public transport?

### 4. Save to Memory
Update `~/canada/memory.md` with their answers.

## Returning Users

If `~/canada/memory.md` exists:
1. Read it silently
2. Reuse known preferences
3. Ask what changed since last plan
4. Update memory with new constraints or priorities

## Quick Start Responses

**"I'm going to Toronto"**
→ Ask: season, neighborhood preference, budget
→ Then: use `toronto.md` + `accommodation.md`

**"I want Banff"**
→ Ask: month, fitness, car vs shuttle, nights available
→ Then: use `banff-jasper.md` + `hiking.md` + `transport.md`

**"Planning Canada trip"**
→ Ask: urban focus, nature focus, or mix
→ Then: use `itineraries.md` and `regions.md` to narrow scope

## Important Notes

- Canada is not one easy loop destination; distances and logistics define the trip.
- Shoulder seasons often deliver better value in cities and easier bookings.
- National park logistics need early planning in peak summer.
- Winter travel can be excellent, but road and weather risk must be explicit.


path: telecoms.md
content: # Telecoms and Internet — Canada

## Main Options

- **National carriers:** Broad coverage, usually higher prices
- **Discount brands:** Better value in cities, variable rural performance
- **eSIM providers:** Strong option for short trips with data-first needs

## Typical Traveler Approach

1. Compare eSIM first for short stays.
2. If staying longer, evaluate prepaid local plans.
3. Check rural/mountain coverage before committing.

## Practical Notes

- Canada mobile plans are often pricier than many other regions.
- Downtown performance is usually strong; remote coverage is not guaranteed.
- Hotel and cafe Wi-Fi quality varies more than expected in peak periods.

## What to Check Before Purchase

- Data cap and throttling rules
- Hotspot allowance
- International calling needs
- Coverage maps for planned road segments


path: toronto.md
content: # Toronto Complete Guide

## Neighborhoods — Where to Go

### St. Lawrence + Distillery District
**Vibe:** Historic core, market culture, walkable architecture.
**Best for:** First day orientation, food sampling, easy sightseeing.

**Do:**
- St. Lawrence Market (weekday mornings are calmer)
- Distillery District in late afternoon
- Flatiron Building and Old Town walk

**Eat here:**
- **Buster's Sea Cove** — market seafood classic, CAD 18-35
- **Paddington's Pump** — old-school pub feel, CAD 20-35

### Kensington Market + Chinatown
**Vibe:** Independent shops, global food, creative energy.
**Best for:** Street food, casual meals, vintage browsing.

**Eat here:**
- **Seven Lives** — tacos, short menu done well
- **Swatow** — Cantonese comfort food
- **Rasta Pasta** — Caribbean-Italian fusion

### Queen West + Ossington
**Vibe:** Boutique-heavy, restaurants and bars, younger crowd.
**Best for:** Dinner + drinks loop.

**Eat and drink:**
- **Bar Raval** — standing bar snacks and cocktails
- **Mamakas Taverna** — Greek, polished but lively
- **Bellwoods Brewery** — local beer stop

### Yorkville
**Vibe:** Upscale shopping and hotel zone.
**Best for:** Luxury stays, polished dining, museum proximity.

**Reality check:** Great location, but easy to overspend without higher quality return.

## Restaurants — Reliable Picks

| Name | Area | Specialty | Price |
|------|------|-----------|-------|
| Richmond Station | Downtown | Seasonal Canadian | CAD 40-70 |
| Pai | Entertainment District | Northern Thai | CAD 25-45 |
| Aloette | Downtown | Modern bistro | CAD 45-80 |
| Bar Isabel | Little Italy area | Spanish-influenced | CAD 50-90 |
| R&D | Chinatown | Modern Asian | CAD 45-80 |

## Transport in City

- **TTC day use:** Tap credit/debit directly, no need for separate card unless frequent use
- **Streetcars:** Useful but slower in traffic-heavy windows
- **UP Express:** Fast airport link to Union Station
- **Walking:** Core neighborhoods are highly walkable

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Spending all time around CN Tower area food chains.
2. Attempting too many distant neighborhoods in one day.
3. Assuming every top-rated place takes walk-ins at peak dinner time.
4. Ignoring weather layering needs even in shoulder seasons.


path: transport.md
content: # Transport Guide — Canada

## Between Cities

### Flights
- Best for long-distance province jumps
- Build buffer for weather and winter disruptions

### Rail (VIA and regional options)
- Comfortable and scenic on selected routes
- Not always fastest, but often lower-stress

### Car Rental
- Strong for Rockies and some coastal loops
- Winter tires and weather readiness are non-negotiable in cold seasons

## In Cities

### Toronto
- TTC + UP Express make airport and core movement easy

### Vancouver
- SkyTrain + bus network cover most visitor routes efficiently

### Montreal
- Metro plus walking covers core tourism areas well

## Practical Rules

- Use transit in city cores; rent cars for regional segments.
- Avoid same-day long transfer + major activity stacking.
- In mountain routes, fuel early and keep daylight margin.

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underestimating travel times in winter conditions.
2. Driving downtown cores when transit is easier.
3. Skipping shuttle systems where mandatory/recommended.


path: vancouver.md
content: # Vancouver Complete Guide

## Neighborhoods — Where to Go

### Downtown + Coal Harbour
**Vibe:** Skyline, seawall, convention hotels.
**Best for:** First-time stays and easy transit access.

**Do:**
- Walk the seawall from Canada Place toward Stanley Park
- Use bike rentals for full park loop

### Gastown
**Vibe:** Historic facades, design shops, nightlife spots.
**Best for:** Evening dining and cocktails.

**Note:** Night-time block quality changes quickly by street. Stay aware and use direct routes back.

### Kitsilano
**Vibe:** Beach lifestyle, brunch culture, local fitness crowd.
**Best for:** Relaxed mornings, sunset walks, mixed local-tourist rhythm.

### Mount Pleasant
**Vibe:** Creative district, coffee and brewery density.
**Best for:** Casual food crawls and independent shops.

## Restaurants — Reliable Picks

| Name | Area | Specialty | Price |
|------|------|-----------|-------|
| Miku | Waterfront | Aburi sushi | CAD 45-90 |
| Phnom Penh | Chinatown area | Vietnamese-Cambodian | CAD 25-50 |
| Published on Main | Main St | Modern Canadian | CAD 70-130 |
| Nightingale | Downtown | Share plates | CAD 45-85 |
| Blue Water Cafe | Yaletown | Seafood | CAD 70-140 |

## Attractions That Are Worth It

- **Stanley Park seawall** — still top-tier and best done early morning
- **Granville Island Public Market** — reliable for snack-heavy midday stop
- **Grouse / Sea-to-Sky day options** — choose based on weather and transport comfort

## Better Alternative Tip

Capilano Suspension Bridge is smooth but expensive and crowded in peak windows. For travelers prioritizing nature over packaged attractions, Lynn Canyon offers a lower-cost alternative with less crowd pressure.

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underestimating rain impact and bringing only one light jacket.
2. Booking mountain day trips with no weather backup plan.
3. Depending only on rideshare in high-demand peak windows.
4. Trying to fit Whistler, downtown, and multiple museums in one day.


path: wine.md
content: # Canada Wine Guide

## Main Wine Regions

| Region | What to Expect |
|--------|----------------|
| Okanagan Valley (BC) | Most established destination-scale wine route, broad variety |
| Niagara Peninsula (Ontario) | Strong visitor infrastructure, icewine legacy, easy from Toronto |
| Prince Edward County (Ontario) | Smaller producers, cool-climate profile, weekend-trip friendly |
| Nova Scotia | Sparkling momentum and coastal-influenced styles |

## Notable Styles

- Cool-climate whites and sparkling styles are often stronger than expected.
- Icewine remains a recognizable category, but quality and pricing vary widely.
- Many top wineries now focus on food pairing and full tasting experiences.

## Planning Tips

- Book tasting slots in advance during peak weekends.
- Designated driver strategy is essential in rural routes.
- Shoulder season tastings can be calmer and more educational.

## Example Winery Stops

### Okanagan
- Mission Hill
- Quails' Gate
- Burrowing Owl

### Niagara
- Inniskillin
- Stratus
- Tawse

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overpacking too many tastings in one day.
2. Assuming every winery accepts drop-ins in summer.
3. Treating all tastings as equal-value experiences.
4. Ignoring transport logistics before booking remote wineries.


path: with-kids.md
content: # Canada with Kids

## Good Family Bases

| City/Area | Why it works |
|-----------|--------------|
| Toronto | Museums, aquarium, islands, good family logistics |
| Vancouver | Parks, seawall, science options, flexible outdoor choices |
| Montreal | Walkable neighborhoods, food variety, culture density |
| Banff/Canmore | Nature-focused family trips with clear pacing |

## Age-Based Planning

### Ages 3-7
- Short activity blocks
- Park-heavy days with one anchor attraction
- Keep transfer times tight

### Ages 8-12
- Mix interactive museums with light outdoor routes
- Add ferry, bike, or gondola experiences

### Teens
- Neighborhood food walks
- Adventure add-ons (weather and safety dependent)
- Build some free-choice windows in itinerary

## Family Traps to Avoid

1. Overpacking transfer-heavy schedules.
2. Choosing accommodation far from daily activity clusters.
3. Ignoring weather backup plans.
4. Late meal planning in high-demand zones.


Security scan verdicts — ClawScan: clean | static analysis: clean | VirusTotal: clean | SkillSpector: clean (LOW)