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The cool factor

By Chantal Tranchemontagne

Two ideas to warm up to this winter.

Road tripping

Just ask Snoop Dogg: HFX Adventures, Canada’s first Hummer tour operator, is the hottest way to off-road in Nova Scotia. Explore the backcountry for a two- to four-hour off-road excursion or load up the ski rack for a breathtaking multi-day sporting adventure. When you’re traveling in the lap of luxury – think leather seats, video gaming console and Bose sound system – don’t mistake comfort for weakness. Rest assured that nothing can stop this powerhouse from humming along nicely.

902-209-5255, hfxadventures.ca

Hot trend

If you’re ready to take the plunge, you’ll flip for Nordic spa treatments, the latest revitalizing therapy. After a hot steam, take a stimulating dip in icy water. The benefits will make it all worthwhile: toxin purge, invigorated skin and total muscle relaxation. Try one of these Quebec spas:

Spa Nature Le Scandinave, Mont-Tremblant, 819-425-5524, www.scandinave.com
Spa Ofuro, Morin Heights, 1-877-884-2442, www.spaofuro.com
Le Nordique Spa et Détente, Stoneham-Tewkesbury, 418-848-7727
www.lenordique.com

Getting here

Tourism Nova Scotia, 1-800-565-0000, novascotia.com
Tourism Quebec, 1 877 BONJOUR (266-5687), bonjourquebec.com

Photo credit: Le Scandinave