Ottawa has been actively expanding its LRT system in all three directions: east, west, and south. However, the progress of the east-west extensions is dependent on resolving significant reliability issues that have been affecting commuters on the Confederation Line since its opening in 2019. On the other hand, the Trillium Line South extension is making comparatively good progress, although there have already been some delays so it's unclear if it will open in 2023. As part of the annual Doors Open Ottawa event held on June 3, 2023, OC Transpo showcased its latest Swiss-made Stadler Flirt train to the public at Greenboro Station. Obviously, I couldn't miss this opportunity to attend this event and see the new train for the first time. 

This is the second part of a story about my backpacking adventure to the Eastern Townships in late May 2023. In the previous article, I talked about some logistical challenges to travel without a car in Canada as well as my experience in the town of Sherbrooke. In this article, I'll cover the rest of my trip including the town of Magog, Mont-Orford National Park, and some places between them.

I’m continuing my experiments with car-free backpacking travel in North America to prove that not only is it possible, but it can actually be quite an enjoyable experience. Backpacking travel presents two key benefits over traditional car-centric travel: a focus on sustainability and a deeper connection to nature and local cultures. After all, if this form of travel has successfully thrived in numerous European, Asian, and Latin American countries, it is only logical to question why it would be any different in Canada and the United States. Right?

The Boston Metro, also known as the "T," holds the distinction of being the oldest subway system in the United States, beating its closest rival, New York by more than seven years. It began operations on September 1, 1897, with a 1.5-mile stretch of track running from Park Street to Sullivan Square and addressed a particularly painful issue of street traffic congestion in the growing metropolis. With its rich history, a mix of vintage and contemporary cars, and the diverse architectural styles of its stations, the Boston Metro system holds a special place in the hearts of Bostonians, who view it as more than just a transportation system but an essential aspect of their city's identity. 

People from all walks of life flock to the Great Glebe Garage Sale which has become the largest annual event of its kind in Canada. Located in Ottawa's Glebe neighbourhood, known for its eclectic and vibrant community, this event is not your average garage sale. It spans multiple streets and blocks, with over 1000 households participating and setting up their stalls. In my five years living in Ottawa, I’d never been to the Great Glebe Garage Sale, so I decided to fix it once and for all. Having equipped myself with a DSLR camera and allocating a modest budget of $10 just in case, I went on a 1000 sq mile photo hunt looking for peculiar subjects.