W Canada Travel

Posted by Lori Henry

The last time I was in Edmonton, AB, I had a tour of the wonderful Royal Alberta Museum. In the works was a new exhibit that piqued my interest: the legend of the dragon was being displayed with over 200 artifacts and fossil remains from museums and private collections.

Work on the room was just getting started, so I wasn’t able to see anything, but I imagined learning about these mythical creatures while marvelling at what they left behind. I became fascinated and hoped that I could make it back for the opening. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it, although the exhibit is still running until September 14, 2008.

This same exhibit was first created in France and has toured in Canada at the Museum of Civilization in Quebec City before travelling to Edmonton.

“The Royal Alberta Museum is proud and privileged to be hosting the exhibit, which opened to rave reviews in its previous showings,” said Royal Alberta Museum Executive Director, Bruce McGillivray. “The artifacts demonstrate how dragons have evolved across different cultures and over time, and provide a fascinating example of the power of the imagination to give form to what is mysterious and unexplained.”

On top of the show, the Royal Alberta Museum is throwing in other events related to dragons: Here Be Dragons, a Sunday afternoon lecture series with dragon experts and storytellers, Dragon Tales for younger kids, a dragon film festival, and roving dragon characters. Sounds fun!

Please let me know if you see the exhibit in Edmonton, as I’d love to know what I’m missing :) Or maybe I can sneak in another trip to Alberta…

Dragons: Between Science and Fiction runs until September 14, 2008. Contact the Royal Alberta Museum (780-453-9100) for opening hours and program schedules.

Posted by Lori Henry

I wondered how I would spend my Canada Day in Vancouver when I got the e-newsletter from Latidos Productions: Aché Brasil would be performing for free downtown at Robson and Bute Streets.

Having had an interest in Brazilian dancing for awhile now, I decided to ride my bike down and check it out. WOW, the performance knocked me out! The band and dancers were all dressed in appropriate attire and let their sparkling personalities shine to the crowd.

Even though Vancouverites can be a bit shy on the dance floor, they got a few locals swaying their hips and lifting their arms. Most looked like they wanted to join in but instead just clapped and smiled.

After a little research, I noted that the Aché Brasil Academy here in Vancouver, BC is a training ground for students in Capoeira. Classes run throughout the week for all levels and your first class is free. If you’re visiting Vancouver, I suggest stopping in and trying out a few classes- the touring group certainly made it look infectious and fun.

Hmmm, maybe I’ll have to go down and try a Samba class…

Aché Brasil Academy- Vancouver

341 East Broadway (just east of Main Street)

Vancouver, BC V5W 3K9

Tel: (604) 876-2422

Posted by Lori Henry

One of my favourite things to do in the summer in Vancouver is hang out at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. David Lam Park hosts free concerts (just outside the Roundhouse Community Centre) and is the best venue, where I join everyone to lie on the grass and enjoy the musicians on stage.

Crowds of thousands gather with their towels, picnics, umbrellas and lawn chairs to groove with the musicians. The first weekend is usually held in Gastown and at Victory Square on the edge of downtown Vancouver. Although fun, the David Lam Park location beats Gastown. There’s no comparison to sitting near the water, with a breeze blowing through, and listening to jazz.

Every year I ride my bike from Main Street, which takes me down Ontario Street, past Science World, and along the waterfront until I hit David Lam Park. Every year it seems to get busier, but the scenery is still invigorating. It’s a glorious ride, although the trip home is all up hill :)

This weekend, I caught Duane Andrews, who played Newfoundland-style jazz and folk music: lovely tunes for relaxing. My favourite, though, was Zapato Negro, a mix of musicians from Cuba, Venezuela and Vancouver. Their music has an Afro-Caribbean, Latin and classic jazz mix, perfect for dancing away the hot summer day…

Posted by Lori Henry

One of my favourite festivals to grace Vancouver is the French Film Festival, only in its second year. Eight films from France will play from now until August 14, 2008 at the Park Theatre on Cambie Street and 18th Avenue (3440 Cambie Street, 604-709-FILM).

This year, win a free trip to France just by attending! Enter your name in the draw box and pray for it to be to chosen on August 15th. Details can be found at the festival link above.

The French Language Films (with subtitles, of course!)

Showing now is Claude Lelouch’s Roman de Gare, which I will see tonight and report back on.

Next up is Flight of the Red Balloon by Hsiao-hsien Hou, opening this Friday June 27. Starring the always-perfect Juliette Binoche and based on Albert Lamorisse’s 1956 classic film of the same name, the story is based on family conflicts woven together with a red balloon. Binoche steals the show as the obvious master of her craft, joined by young Simon Iteanu and Fang Song, who offer average performances.

Opening on July 4th is the popular Priceless, starring the ravishing Audrey Tautou (of Amélie fame) and charming Gad Elmaleh (of Le Valet). A hodgepodge of excellent talent rounds out the fun, including Marie-Christine Adam, Vernon Dobtcheff, Jacques Spiesser, and Annelise Hesme. Hilarious, entertaining and moving are the keys to this French gem that will have you planning your next trip to the French Riviera in search of… well, you’ll have to see the movie.

I’ll report back on the future films being screened: Love Songs (Louis Garrel and Ludivine Sagnier), The Duchess of Langeais set in 1820’s Paris, Catherine Breillat’s The Last Mistress, A Secret (Cécile de France and Patrick Bruel), and Conversations With My Gardener (Daniel Auteuil and Jean-Pierre Darroussin).

Posted by Lori Henry

Golf fans travelling to Whistler are in for a treat. The Chateau Whistler Golf Course is usually lauded as the spot to tee up, but the Adara Hotel is proving they have other ideas. The inventive accommodation in BC has announced it’s newest package: heli-golf off of Mount Currie (Pemberton) and the Big Sky Golf and Country Club.

I’m not a golf enthusiast, but the thought of being escorted by a private helicopter over beautiful BC and plopped down on the peak of Mount Curry to drive balls, doesn’t sound too shabby. Then, play a round at the Big Sky Golf and Country Club and be guided back to Adara Hotel in Whistler. Nice.

The deal has started and will be available until October 1, 2008. Packages include:

• A night’s stay in a Superior Queen Guestroom

• Breakfast at The Mix by Ric’s (to the value of $50)

• Transportation to and from Whistler Village to the heli-port

• A scenic helicopter flight to the glacier on Mount Currie in Pemberton

• Individual drivers for Eco balls and 5 Eco golf balls per person

• Flight from the Mount Currie glacier to Big Sky Golf and Country Club

• Green fees and golf cart at Big Sky Golf and Country Club

• Return flight from Big Sky Golf and Country Club to Whistler

• Dinner at Araxi restaurant (to the value of $250)

Prices are $2,778 CDN for four people ($694.50 CDN per person).

Contact Adara Hotel ((866-502 2372) for more info and to book.

Posted by Lori Henry

Pender Island, one of the Gulf Islands of BC, is a real treat close to Vancouver. I just came back from a three day trip there this week.

As my first time on the island, I was truly impressed with the friendly people I met and uniqueness of the environment. Driving through the narrow streets almost engulfed in dense forest, it was in stark contrast to the city streets of metropolis Vancouver.

I stayed at the gorgeous Poets Cove Resort & Spa, a luxury hotel overlooking Bedwell Harbour. Highlights were definitely the kayaking trip from the resort’s marina, Poets Cove’s Susurrus Spa, Morning Bay Vineyards and Estate Winery, and the bakery at Driftwood Centre, the main shopping village of the island.

I actually dreaded taking the ferry, as it always seems like the trip takes so long, but this journey fine. Or maybe I’m just learning about patience and enjoying the beautiful scenery!

The drive from Vancouver to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal is the worst part, but it’s smooth sailing from there. A two hour ferry ride later with BC Ferries (1-800-223-3779) and I arrived at Pender Island excited to explore. Now, I can’t wait to go back.

Read about my BC island adventures in the following articles:

Pender Island Health & Wellness

Posted by Lori Henry

Vancouver, BC might seem a more likely city to find vegetarian restaurants. Yoga addicts, the laid back west coast attitude, and a focus on fresh, nutritious food make it easier to open up a restaurant offering meat free or mostly veggie menus.

But Calgary, known for delicious Alberta beef, is a city also full of vegetarian options. I travelled there last month and thought I’d have to do some serious restaurant searching because I don’t eat meat. It wasn’t all that difficult, though.

Restaurants like River Café, with its critical accolades and organic cuisine, and Buzzards Restaurant & Bar, which has an awesome veggie burger, are great places for vegetarians. Even the restaurant at the Hyatt, with a focus on local produce, has a delicious tofu dish that certainly made a trip there worth it.

In Vancouver, the choices are even more varied. The Naam is the familiar name for veggie options, staying open 24 hours and only closed on Christmas day. Bo Kong Vegetarian Restaurant on Main Street and Yogi’s Vegetarian Restaurant dish up delectable Chinese and Indian-inspired cuisine. Almost all menus in Vancouver offer vegetarian options.

I’ve written articles on vegetarian restaurants in both cities, so check them out if you think there’s nowhere there for you to eat meat free food.

Vegetarian Restaurants in Vancouver, BC

Vegetarian Restaurants in Calgary, AB

Posted by Lori Henry

I have just returned from a trip travelling through Saskatchewan, Canada. The prairie province is a treasure trove of interesting rural towns and infinite gravel roads.

Flying from Vancouver, I hit Regina first. I had a day and a half to explore the capital city of Saskatchewan. Of note were the RCMP Heritage Centre and Government House Heritage Property.

A short drive southwest to Moose Jaw and I was dipping my weary body into the famous Temple Gardens Mineral Spa’s mineral pool. This is where I also explored the underground "Tunnels of Moose Jaw" to see the stories of the Chinese immigrants and bootleggers of the city.

Off south to the small town of Val Marie, the gateway to Grasslands National Park of Canada, was a lovely excursion. I stayed at The Convent Country Inn, a 1939 building that served as a residence high school operated by The Sisters of Assumption.

A trip west to the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park was next on the agenda. This is where Fort Walsh National Historic Site is, as well as the Historical Ressor Ranch, the hospitable accommodation I stayed at.

Up to Saskatoon for a couple of days, the highlight was definitely the Western Development Museum. The largest of the four Saskatchewan branches, the 1910 indoor street is a recreated version of booming Saskatoon.

Lastly, I headed north to the town of Waskesiu within Prince Albert National Park. Beautiful! I went on a canoe trip at the Marina Adventure Centre and saw beaver lodges in the lake; the scenic drive through the park was gorgeous.

Tourism Saskatchewan did a fantastic job of planning this itinerary for me, all of which you’ll be reading about in the next few weeks. There’s a certain charm that got to me and still has me dreaming of the infinite skies...

Posted by Lori Henry

The sun has started to shine in Vancouver, BC and there’s no city as beautiful in the summer. Locals get outdoors and take advantage of the scenery and things to do, from rollerblading along the seawall to sipping cocktails on the best patios.

For the best way to mix nature with the modern city, try patios at Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar (604-915-9463, 1138 Homer Street), Provence Marinaside (604-681-4144, 1177 Marinaside Crescent), or Lift Restaurant (604-689-5438, 333 Menchion Mews).

Summer Events in Vancouver run the gamut from the Vancouver International Children’s Festival, Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, the Vancouver International Folk Music Festival, Festival Vancouver, and the Celebration of Light fireworks competition.

If you're in Vancouver or thinking of visiting the city this summer, check on dates for the above festivals before making your plans concrete. They're worth getting to as a taste of what Vancouverites most love about July and August.

Posted by Lori Henry

I attended the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival in and around Osoyoos a couple of weeks ago. Apart from all the wine drinking, the highlight was learning about the aboriginal culture in the area.

I was lucky enough to stay at the Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa, located within the 200-acre Nk’Mip Resort (pronounced in-ka-meep). It shares the land with the Sonora Dunes Golf Course, Mt. Baldy Ski Resort, Nk’Mip Cellars, a lakefront RV park and campground, and the fantastic Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (1-888-495-8555).

Inside is the Pithouse Theatre with a multi-media performance, another theatre that plays the impressive “Coyote Spirit” film, a gallery featuring local artists and Mk’Mip children’s artwork, and the interesting gift shop. Outside are more interactive stations, rattlesnake “hotels,” a tule mat tepee, and 50 acres of walking trails. Overall, there is 20,000 square feet of space to roam.

The staff are passionate and knowledgeable. I was absolutely thrilled with the experience there and recommend it as a MUST if you’re visiting the Okanagan. It’s open daily from 9:30am – 4:30pm (slightly reduced hours in the winter) and has a variety of tours and special interpretive programs. Definitely good for all ages.