Located on the west side of Vancouver Island, the small community of Tofino is famous for Long Beach. (Courtesy Tourism British Columbia)

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Q: Would you be able to share any celebrity and film connections to travel destinations?

-- S. Reid, Brampton

A: People just can't get enough celebrity news, and entertainment connections can really boost a locale's popularity. Cheap Flights Canada compiled a Top 10 Celebrity Hotspots list in March that proved so popular, the online company released a second one July 8 called Top Celebrity Beaches in Canada and Around the World. It lists Tofino, Muskoka, Miami, South Africa, Majorca as hot destinations for A-listers.

Located on the west side of Vancouver Island, the small community of Tofino is famous for Long Beach. Recently the makers of New Moon, the second instalment of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga, filmed some scenes there. Indie songstress Sarah McLachlan has a home there and actors Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds tied the knot north of Tofino at the Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat surrounded by the surf and rainforest.

The Muskoka area attracts a crop of celebrity summer residents. Don't be surprised to bump into Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg up there.

To see the entire list, go tocheapflights.ca/travel-tips/top-ten-celebrity-beaches-in-canada-and-around-the-world.

Q: A few years ago I stayed at Ottawa's Fairmont Chateau Laurier and was perplexed by a "destination marketing fee" I was charged. I'm considering going there again and want to know what these funds are used for, and if the property is offering any summer packages?

-- R. Bowness, Toronto

A: Funds collected through the destination marketing fee (DMF) were once used to promote Ottawa as a tourist destination. The DMF was implemented in Ottawa in 2004. But Deneen Perrin, public relations director for the Chateau Laurier says now that the HST has come into effect, the DMF has been dropped.

The hotel has two summer deals available through Sept. 6 . The Environmentally Friendly Package -- $285 per night -- includes one nights' lodging for two, a bike rental, free parking for hybrid cars and a donation to the National Geographic Society. The Discover Ottawa family package -- from $625 for a two-night stay for a family of four -- includes a family museums pass, a double decker bus tour, Beaver Tail coupons, complimentary self-parking and free breakfast for children under 12 years of age. For reservations, visit fairmont.com/laurier or call toll-free 1-866-540-4410.

Q: I will be flying Porter Airlines for the first time. Any tips?

-- G. Gupta, Toronto

A: Porter Airlines is wooing passengers with their great in-flight service and fabulous passenger lounge. You can forget the hassles at Pearson International, too. Instead you'll take the world's shortest ferry ride -- 121 metres -- to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

Next up is the pain-free check-in (you're allowed two carry-on pieces and two complimentary checked bags. See flyporter.com/fly2/Travel/FAQ?#8 for size limits. The security screening process is easy, too, as you won't encounter any long lines. For a domestic flight, I was able to check in as late as 30 minutes before departure but I had heard rave reviews about the lounge in their new terminal and decided to go earlier. The chic cafeteria is well stocked with complimentary snacks -- Scottish shortbread cookies, salted almonds, etc. -- and coffee, espresso, cappuccino and designer teas. A self-serve fridge has everything from juices to water.

Complimentary newspapers are provided, and you can web surf at a Mac kiosk or fire up your laptop in the wi-fi friendly lounge. For more, visit flyporter.com.

ilona@mycompass.ca