A Canadian Getaway
Seven Cadettes from Alfred-based Troop 426 ventured north this July to explore the natural beauty of Canada! The idea for the five-day trip came about completely from the Girl Scouts themselves as they researched faraway adventures.
“The girls came up with the idea. We paired them up and they had to present trip ideas to the other girls and then they did a silent vote,” says Troop 426 Leader Missy McCarthy.
“We started talking to each troop as Daisies and Brownies about taking a big trip. We started saving when they were little, putting aside money each year to be able to take a trip one day,” says another Troop 426 Leader Kristen DalPra.
After a successful vote putting Canada at the forefront, Troop 426 began to plan the trip. They broke up the journey to stay in two locations: Niagara Falls for one day and night and Toronto for the remainder. After researching budgets and transportation, the troop decided to drive and opted for a hotel and an Airbnb for their accommodations.
Kicking off their Canadian tour with a sightseeing boat tour of Niagara Falls called the “Maid of the Mist,” the troop took in the breathtaking views and iconic scenery before heading to Toronto.
“After driving to Toronto, we did a double-decker bus tour on Monday afternoon. On Tuesday, we used our 24-hour tour pass again to visit Casa Loma, a gothic revival style castle built around 1914,” says Kristen.
Other trip highlights included stopovers at the famed CN Tower, the Toronto Zoo, Canada’s Wonderland amusement park, an evening city cruise, and even a Blue Jays baseball game at the Roger’s Center!
“My personal takeaway is that these girls have more navigational skills than I gave them credit for. It was such a fantastic trip, and these girls amazed me so much,” says Missy.
The troop had much to talk about during their long journey home through Ontario, Quebec, Vermont, and New Hampshire as they reflected on the amazing memories made on such a special trip!
See more photos here.
