We have a suitcase and a hard drive full of photo's (I'll bore you with some of the better ones if you want) You can't help taking pictures.
When you see the photo's you sometimes magine that they must be touched up - the water is almost flourescent blue but no, that really is what it's like!
The criteria changed a few years ago so it's points based now but you do get some points for having relatives in Canada. The points requirements threshold was raised a couple of years ago though (some say to cut down on the large backlog of applications) so right now it's quite hard to get in unless you have very good qualifications and / or a job offer etc.
There are several types of application though: Skilled worker, Familly class, Enterpeneur (some special allowance for people doing cultural work such as art)
It is a long flight and it really hits how big the country is ... it takes about 3 hours to get to Canada and then 5 or 6 to fly across it to the bit you want! We were terrified too, more because we had the two little 'uns but they loved it and were good as gold. It's a long day though - get a direct flight if you can to avoid changing in Heathrow (the armpit of the world).
Some special offers here: http://www.canadian-affair.com/
You're right Cathy ... we need to make time for family and see them when we can.