Canada's Best New Restaurants 2015 via Air Canada's enRoute magazine

Bar in Montreal. Photo by Sue Frause.

Each year when when Air Canada's enRoute magazine announces the winners of Canada's Best New Restaurants, my list grows longer. Too many restos, too little time. This year's list contains ten more that I need to experience. Luckily, two of them are fairly near me, just across the border in British Columbia. 

This year's top ten hail from British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador. 

So how are they selected? One writer visited 30 nominated restaurants across Canada selected by a panel of food professionals ("expert regional scouts"). Restaurants that opened between late spring 2014 and June 2015 were eligible. Air Canada's enRoute writer visited them all anonymously and the meals were paid for. Here are the winners!

AIR CANADA | enROUTE CANADA'S BEST NEW RESTAURANTS 2015 

1. Pigeonhole: CALGARY | 306 17TH AVE. S.W. | 403-452-4694 

2. Port City Royal: SAINT JOHN | 45 GRANNAN ST. | 506-631-3714 

3. Pilgrimme: GALIANO ISLAND, BC | 2806 MONTAGUE RD. | 250-539-5392

4. Dailo: TORONTO | 503 COLLEGE ST. | 647-341-8882 |

5. Bar raval: TORONTO | 505 COLLEGE ST. 

6. Annalena: VANCOUVER | 1809 W. 1ST AVE. | 778-379-4052 

7. ADELAIDE OYSTER HOUSE: ST-JOHN'S | 334 WATER ST. | 709-722-7222 

8. yasu: TORONTO | 81 HARBORD ST. | 416-477-2361 

9. Enoteca: WINNIPEG | 1670 CORYDON AVE. | 204-487-1529

10. SOIF: GATINEAU | 88, RUE MONTCALM | 819-600-7643

Restaurant in Vancouver. Sue Frause Photo.

Holiday Classics 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' and 'A Christmas Carol' have Canadian connections

Two of my favorite holiday shows, A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) and A Christmas Story (1983), have Canadian connections. I recently watched a report on CBC's The National, and learned that Halifax drummer Jerry Granelli is the lone surviving musician of the Vince Guaraldi Trio. The popular trio provided the soundtrack for A Charlie Brown Christmas (Guaraldi died in 1976).

Granelli, a San Francisco-born drummer who moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia in the early '90s, hadn't played the music since its debut nearly 50 years ago. But this past weekend, the 72-year-old musician took to the stage once again to play the familiar tunes, this time in Halifax. Read the complete story (with video) about the reunion of the drummer and the Peanuts gang on the cbc.ca website.

Also aging nicely is A Christmas Story, which turns 30 this year. Although Cleveland, Ohio gets all the glory for being the setting of the film, the classic holiday movie has Canadian roots. Here's an excerpt from the Canadian magazine Maclean's:

"Very little of the film -- two shooting weeks of nine, in fact -- were filmed in the city. In what may come as a blasphemous shock to American fans, the rest of the movie was filmed on a sound stage in Toronto and on location in St. Catharines, Ont." 

Read the full story here: A Christmas Story has surprising Canadian roots. No matter where it was filmed, it's a family favorite, and we'll be watching it this weekend. 

If your travels take you to The Buckeye State, A Christmas Story House is open year-round in Cleveland for public tours. Now "restored to its movie splendor," Ralphie's house is located just across the street from A Christmas Story Museum -- which contains props, costumes and memorabilia from the movie (including Randy's snowsuit). And yes, you can even buy one of those famous leg lamps or deluxe bunny suit pajamas from Aunt Clara in the museum's gift shop. (Photo courtesy A Christmas Story House)

Mudd, Sweat & Tears: Mud Run Obstacle Course Races to Cross Canada

A new competitive event kicks off in Kelowna, BC on May 4, 2013 and will travel to five other venues across Canada. Mudd, Sweat & Tears is an obstacle course race where hundreds of hard-body fitness fiends, runners and athletes will take on some of Canada's toughest terrain, steep inclines and muddy conditions.

The event was founded by Adventure Architects of Canada, a professional sports marketing and event management company based in Rossland, BC. The two-day event challenges participants' stamina, strength and perseverance with a number of race routes: 5km, 10km and a most extreme obstacle course mud run. Among the many obstacles and challenges are ropes, climbing walls, slides and ice baths -- all while trudging knee deep through mud pits. 

John Reed, who I met a number of years ago when he had a kayaking business in BC, is with Adventure Architects and gung-ho about the event. "It's so much more than a race," he said. In addition to bringing Canada's dedicated fitness community together, John says it's an opportunity to "push personal limits, conquer fears and prove to your mates, fellow competitors and yourself that you have too much grit to quit!"

Extreme obstacle course racing is among the latest and fiercest of trends to hit the fitness world. Courses are selected and designed with Canada's unique outdoor offerings in mind, and individual locales feature signature obstacles that reflect the unique characteristics of each designation. The timed obstacle course events are as much about crossing the finish line and helping fellow competitors as winning the race. Registration is $60-$150 per entrant.

2013 Mudd, Sweat & Tears Schedule 

• May 4 | MST Kelowna | Lake Okanagan Resort | Kelowna, BC  

• July 6-7 | MST Rockies | Fernie Alpine Resort  Fernie, BC

• Aug. 17 | MST Vancouver Island | Mount Washington Alpine Resort, BC

• Aug. 31-Sept. 1 | MST Ottawa Valley Wilderness Tours Resort | Beachburg, ON

• Sept. 28 | MST Ottawa Urban | Mooney's Bay  Park, ON

• Oct. 5 | Niagara Falls | Niagara Falls, ON

About Mudd, Sweat & Tears  Mudd, Sweat & Tears (MST) pushes athletes, runners and fitness enthusiasts to the limit with the ultimate 5k and 10k  mud run obstacle course race. Competitors can prove endurance, test toughness, and have a crazy amount of fun with the MST race line-up, and then take on the epic MST monster obstacle course mud run, in addition to the 5k & 10k format. Not for the faint of heart or unprepared. Participants will get dirty, muddy, scraped up, cold, physically and mentally punished, and may end up smiling continuously. The MST series supports Breakfast Clubs of Canada as their national charity partner by donating a portion of net receipts towards the organization that raises money to ensure every child in Canada has an equal start in life. The 2013 Mudd, Sweat & Tears race series includes six events across Canada, from Vancouver Island to Niagara Falls. By 2014, the USA and Australia will host events on their home turf. 

Photos courtesy Adventure Architects of Canada 

Discovering Canada in Finland and Lithuania

I've been missing in action with my Closet Canuck blog for the simple reason that I was on the road. I just returned from two weeks in Europe that included five days in Helsinki, Finland and a week in the Baltics where my husband and I spent time in Tallinn, Estonia; Riga, Latvia; and Vilnius, Lithuania. I'd never been to any of the four countries, and the business-pleasure trip was both fun and fascinating.

While in Helsinki, there was a big hockey tournament going on, which included a Canadian team. Our hotel was filled to capacity, with many hockey fans among the guests. The IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) World Championship is being held in Helsinki and Stockholm during the month of May. Read more about the Canadian team's performance here.

Another Canadian connection that I wasn't aware of is there are two Canadian communities named after Vilnius, Lithuania. Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and its largest city, with a population of 554,060 (2011). We spent two days in the city of 65 churches, right in the heart of the Old Town near the Vilnius Cathedral. In 2009, Vilnius was selected as one of two European Capitals of Culture, along with Lenz, Austria.

The rural town of Wilno, Ontario was named after the Polish name for Vilnius (Wilno) back in the 1860s. Located in the Madawaska Valley of Ontario near Algonquin Park, Wilno is the first and oldest Polish settlement in Canada. Accommodations include a B&B and a motel, and the Wilno Tavern Restaurant has been a dining destination since 1894. An end of summer event attended by several thousand people for the past 65 years is the Annual Chicken Supper on Labour Day Weekend at St. Mary's Church. The menu includes authentic Kaszebe-Polish fare and original settler cuisine.

In Alberta, the community of Vilna was founded in 1907 and was also named for Vilnius, Lithuania. A historic village located 150km northeast of Edmonton in central Alberta, it's home to 249 people and also claims to be home to the world's largest mushroom -- a metal sculpture that's become a roadside attraction.

Photos by Sue Frause
Vilnius, Lithuania's Old Town as seem from the Gediminas Tower
Vilnius Cathedral 

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VIA Rail Canada derails in Ontario, three crew members die

VIA Rail Canada issued an update today about train number 92 that derailed en route from Niagara Falls to Toronto. The accident happened at approximately 3:30 PM local time on Feb. 26, 2012 in Burlington, Ontario. 

There were 75 passengers and five crew members on board the train at the time of the accident, in which all six cars of the train derailed. There were numerous injuries to passengers and three fatalities, all VIA crew members who were in the locomotive at the time of the accident. They were Ken Simmonds, 56, and Peter Snarr, 52, both from Toronto. Both had more than 30 years of service as locomotive engineers with CN and VIA. The third was Patrick Robinson, 40, of Cornwall, Ontario, a new VIA employee who was on board as an observer as part of his familiarization program. 

"This is a truly heart-rending situation for all of us at VIA," said Marc Laliberte, VIA's President and CEO. "Our sincerest condolences go out to the family members of our employees who died in the line of duty yesterday, and our thoughts and prayers to those passengers who were injured."

An investigation commenced on Sunday evening to determine the cause or causes of the accident, and will continue until the cause is determined. VIA Rail has put measures in place to prevent any such recurrence, and is collaborating with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and Transport Canada in its inquiries. They will also be working in concert with local authorities and CN, the track owner. 

Three passengers were airlifted to hospital with serious injuries, including a broken back, broken leg and a heart attack. Forty-two other passengers and a crew member were also taken to local hospitals -- all but nine were released shortly after midnight.

For those wanting information about passengers who may have been on this train, there is a special number for this purpose: 888.842.6141. VIA trains will continue to be detoured or replaced by charter bus service on the Toronto-Niagara Falls and Toronto-London-Windsor routes. Passengers in southwest Ontario can check on the status of trains at 888.VIA.RAIL (888.842.7245) or viarail.ca.

VIA Rail Canada in Jasper, Alberta

Photo by Sue Frause

Canadian singer and songwriter Justin Hines is hitting his prime

I hadn't heard of Justin Hines until this morning when I saw him featured on CBS Sunday Morning. What an inspiration. In fact I was so inspired, I ordered his Chasing Silver CD.

Justin, now 29, was born in Newmarket, Ontario with Larsen syndrome -- a rare genetic joint condition. He uses a wheelchair, and in addition to being a singer, songwriter and poet he plays guitar, harmonica, bass guitar and keyboards. He's an advocate for numerous causes and charities and often performs at fundraising events. He is the founder of the Justine Hines Foundation, which provides for people with disabilities.

I'd love to hear him in person at some point, but it looks like I'll have to wait -- none of his upcoming shows (dates below) are where I'll be in the new year. In the meantime, I'll enjoy listening to his music. Here's a video from the his latest CD, Justin Hines Days To Recall, titled Say What You Will. It's making big waves around the world. Bravo Justin!

Dec. 21, 2011 - Lebovic Centre for Arts & Entertainment - Stouffville, Ontario

Jan. 20, 2012 - River Run Centre - Guelph, Ontario

Feb. 8, 2012 - The Tower Theatre - Fresno, California

2011 Grey Cup Festival Features Football, Cory Monteith, Nickelback

While Americans will be reveling in leftovers following their Thanksgiving dinners, Canadians will have something other than turkey on their minds. The 99th Annual Grey Cup Festival is in Vancouver Nov. 24-27, 2011.

Hosted by the BC Lions Football Club, highlights of the four-day festival include the Telus Street Fest, Friday-Sunday; Vanier Cup Championship at BC Place on Friday; Safeway Grey Cup Festival Parade on Saturday; and the 99th Grey Cup Championship at BC Place on Sunday. Plus all the other activities that make for a pre-winter celebration in Vancouver.

Friday's Vanier Cup (Coupe Vanier) pits the McMaster Marauders of Hamilton, Ontario against Quebec's Laval Rouge et Or. I'd never heard of the cup, and discovered it's the championship game of Canadian Interuniversity Sport football, played between the winners of the Uteck Bowl and the Mitchell Bowl.

The Safeway Grey Cup Festival Parade, which features Glee star (and BC boy!) Cory Monteith as the Grand Marshal, is on Saturday at 10 AM. It begins at Smithe and Hornby, turning onto Burrard toward the water. While part of the procession travels west on West Cordova, the other will travel down Canada Place Way. It will end at the Nissan Family Zone in Jack Poole Plaza around 12 noon. Organizers are expecting about 125,000 people for the family event.

The 99th Grey Cup on Sunday decides the champion for the 2011 CFL Season. This year's contest is between Eastern Division champions Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the hometown Western Division champions BC Lions. It's only the second time the two teams have faced off for the Grey Cup -- the other was in 1988 during the 76th Grey Cup. It will be played at the recently refurbished BC Place Stadium, which now has a new retractable roof as part of its $458 million renovation.

Entertainment for the Grey Cup's Pepsi MAX Half-Time Show will be provided by multi-platinum selling rock band Nickelback. The Canadian band members (Chad and Mike Kroeger, Ryan Peak, Daniel Adair) are originally from Hanna, Alberta. They're now based in Vancouver.

Elsewhere, Colin James will be taking his full band to the Molson Canadian House, which features entertainment throughout the weekend. As part of the Vancouver Convention Centre West, it's open to ages 19 and over who want to enjoy a cold beer and cool music. Colin peforms Friday from 9:30-11 PM. Click on for the complete schedule.

Canada's Signature Experiences Collection expands to 115 members

Canadian Museum of Civilization's Great Hall in Gatineau, Quebec. 

The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) launched a new marketing program in July 2011 called the Signature Experiences Collection. In an effort to attract more international travelers who are looking for the unique and exotic, the inaugural list was comprised of 48 Canadian tourist highlights. In October 2011, 67 additional tourism enterprises were added, bringing the total to 115 members.

According to the CTC, the collection's tourist attractions are located coast to coast and deliver the authentic experiences that "high spending target customers look for when they choose a vacation destination."  It's all part of Canada's tourism brand, Canada. Keep Exploring, and is being marketed in 11 countries: Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, United Kingdom and the United States. The CTC will incorporate the tourism experiences in its marketing materials via social, print, online and broadcast media.

A second application period for new members begins Nov. 15, 2011 and runs through Dec. 15, 2011. Evaluation and selection will be held Jan. 2-Feb. 29, 2012. Here is a sampling of some of the 115 current members (those marked with * are the newest additions).

Arriving by helicopter at BC's Sonora Resort in Desolation Sound. 

British Columbia: Granville Island Market Tour-Edible British Columbia; Luxury in the Wilderness-Sonora Resort; Canadian Rockies Highlights-Rocky Mountaineer; East Meets West at Echo Valley Ranch-Echo Valley Ranch and Spa*; Blooms, Music and Fireworks!-The Butchart Gardens*.

Taking the elevator to Ranahans restaurant at the Calgary Stampede.

Alberta: The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth-Calgary Stampede; Dinosaurs Unearthed-Royal Tyrell Museum of Paleontology; Soaking up History-Canadian Rockies Hot Springs*; Johnston Canyon Icewalk-Discover Banff Tours*; Paws in the Wilderness-Holiday on Horseback*.

Cadets at Regina's Royal Canadian Mounted Police Heritage Centre.

Saskatchewan: Cypress Hills Cowboy Adventure-Historic Reesor Ranch; Canada's Iconic Mounted Heroes-Royal Canadian Mounted Police Heritage Centre.

Churchill, Manitoba is home to polar bears, belugas and birds.

Manitoba: Marvels of Manitoba-Churchill Nature Tours; Birds, Bears and Belugas-Churchill Wild; Polar Bears by Tundra Buggy-Frontiers North; Hermetic Code Tour of the Manitoba Legislature-Heartland International Travel and Tours; Pathway of the Voyageurs-Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge*; The Lazy Bear Wilderness Expedition-Lazy Bear Lodge*.

Experience "Journey Behind the Falls" at Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Ontario: Unique Sky High Adrenaline Rush-CN Tower; Stimulating the Senses! National Gallery of Canada*; Exploring Canada's flavours in a unique culinary destination-Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa*; A Look Behind the Curtain-Shaw Festival Theatre*; Journey Behind the Falls-Niagara Parks Commission*.

The new Hotel-Musee Premieres Nations is in Wendake, Quebec.

Quebec: The Grand Festival of Winter-Quebec Winter Carnival; Mountain Getaway-Chic-Choc Lodge; All That's Jazz-Montreal International Jazz Festival*;  The Grand Hall Tour-Canadian Museum of Civilization*; Huron-Wendat Heritage on the Edge of Quebec City-Hotel Musee Premieres Nations*.

New Brunswick: Hopewell Rocks and Bay of Fundy Coastal Tour-Roads to Sea Guided Tours; Dive into Acadian Culture-Village Historique Acadien; Lobster Tales-Shediac Bay Cruises; Life in 19th Century New Brunswick-Kings Landing Historical Settlement*.

Beer and history at Alexander Keith's Brewery in Halifax. 

Nova Scotia: Step Back in Time to the Birthplace of Great Beer-Alexander Keith's Brewery; History on High: Halifax Citadel-the Halifax Citadel National Historic City of Canada; Cape Breton Island Multi-Sport Kayak, Bike and Hike-Freewheeling Adventures; Tidal Bore River Rafting and Mud Sliding-Schubenacadie Tidal Bore Rafting Park and Cottages; Celebrate Celtic Music Throughout Cape Breton-Celtic Colours International Festival*.

Prince Edward Island: Tong and Shuck-Future Seafoods Inc/Experiences PEI; Giant Bar Clam Dig Adventure-Tranquility Cove Adventures.

Newfoundland and Labrador: Sagas and Shadows-L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site of Canada; A Guided Adventure on Your Own-CapeRace; The Iceberg Quest-Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours*; Picnic with the Whales-Gatherall's Puffin & Whale Watch*; Adventures and Mysteries in the Torngat Mountains-Torngat Mountains Base Camp & Research Station*.

Yukon: Through the Last Great Gold Rush of 1898-Klondike National Historic Sites of Canada; Alsek and Nahanni River Rafting Adventure-Canadian River Expeditions/Nahanni River Adventures; Yukon Aurora Tours-Northern Tales Travel Services Ltd.*; Summer Solstice Eco-Yurt & Yukon Biking Adventure-Bzoreale Mountain Biking*.

Northwest Territories: Aurora Wonderland by Dogsled-Beck's Kennels; Lodge Life and Cultural Traditions-Yellow Dog Lodge.

Nunavut: Cruising Adventures Redefined-Adventure Canada; Narwhal & Polar Bear Adventure on the FloeEdge-Arctic Kingdom Polar Expeditions*; Living the Inuit Lifestyle-Carrefour Nunavut*; A Polar Bear Adventure-The Great Canadian Travel Company.

The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City is a Canadian icon.

National: Historic Railway Hotels-Fairmont Hotels and Resorts; Trans-Canada Experience on The Canadia-VIA Rail Canada.

Photos by Sue Frause

All American Handyman features Mike Holmes, Scott McGillivray

Both my husband and I are hooked on HGTV's All American Handyman. Probably because (1) my hubby is a handyman and (2) my dad was a handyman. We just started watching this season, and caught last night's final episode. I was a bit disappointed that Allison didn't win -- Jared ended up taking home the $10,000 grand prize, along with some sort of TV deal.

I wasn't surprised that the two All American Handyman judges, Mike Holmes and Scott McGillivray,  are Canadian -- I heard it in their Canada speak while watching the show for the first time. Mike Holmes is well known to TV audiences. The 48-year-old from Halton Hills, Ontario is the host of Canadian TV shows Holmes on Homes and Holmes Inspection, and a judge on HGTV Canada's Handyman Superstar Challenge. A contractor by trade, in 2006 he launched The Holmes Foundation to support the training of youth in skilled trades through apprenticeships and scholarships. Holmes is also the author of two books, writes a weekly newspaper column and is heading up Wind Walk -- a sustainable development in southern Alberta.

Scott McGillivray describes himself on his website as a "full time real estate investor, television host, executive producer, writer and educator." And he's also got really white teeth! The 33-year old was born in Toronto, and in addition to being a judge on All American Handyman, he's the host of HGTV's Income Property. McGillivray is a graduate of the University of Guelph, with an honor's degree in commerce. McGillivray and his business partner Michael Sarracini have developed the Lifetime Wealth Academy, a real estate coaching company specializing in real estate training and mentorship.

Mike Holmes and Scott McGillivray on All American Handyman
Photo by Sue Frause

Canada Day: Ottawa hosts William and Kate during Royal Tour

It's probably a given that Ottawa's Canada Day celebration will be the biggest in the country. Last year, the capital city hosted Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on July 1, and the crowds were large. This year, it's William and Kate, officially known as Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. More than a half a million people are expected to turn out for a look at the lovely newlyweds, who arrived in Ottawa on June 30, 2011 for two nights.

The couple has a full-day planned; probably not much time to head to the beach for a swim. Here's the official itinerary of the 2011 Royal Tour on July 1:

10:30 AM - Canadian Citizenship Ceremony - Canadian Museum of Civilization

To demonstrate how civic pride is celebrated and the integral role of the Sovereign in our constitutional monarchy, Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend a Citizenship Ceremony welcoming Canada’s newest citizens.

12:05 PM - Canada Day Parliament Hill Noon Show – Public Event

Their Royal Highnesses join millions of Canadians celebrating Canada’s 144th Birthday. Steeped in artistic talent and cultural vitality, Canadians are treated to full military honours, a 21-gun salute and a fly past by the Canadian Forces CF-18s and Snowbirds.

Read about my 2009 visit to Ottawa during a ten-day cross-Canada trip aboard VIA Rail Canada in HuffpostCanada (Huffington Post).

The Canadian flag flies atop the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa
Photo by Sue Frause

Royal Wedding List: Did any Canadians make the cut?

It looks like Canada did make the cut. No, Prime Minister Stephen Harper won't be there (nor will President Obama), but former Ontario Lieutenant Governor Hilary Weston and her husband Galen will be among the elite at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011.

But across Canada, royal watchers will rise 'n shine early Friday morning to watch the marathon coverage on television, and restaurants and hotels are bringing out their finest tea pots as they hop on the wedding wagon. The Fairmont Empress in Victoria has been celebrating all of April with its Royal Month.

According to an article in The Province, the royal wedding list has caused some controversy. No surprise there.

Earth Day Canada celebrated in April throughout the provinces

There are hundreds of Earth Day 2011 events across Canada during the month of April. Here's just a sampling of what's happening on April 22, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. And if you're wondering how the first Earth Day came to be, click on here.

British Columbia: Vancouver is the site of an Earth Day Parade, starting at the Broadway Skytrain and going up Commercial Street to Britannia Field. Family activities, speakers, entertainment.

Alberta: Fifty Canadian cities are competing to be the Green Capital. Participants fill out weekly green activity sheets and earn points for their city. Concludes on Earth Day 2012. Sponsored by The Green Grouch, based in Alberta.

Saskatchewan: The Yoga Loft in Moose Jaw is hosting a Candlelight Meditation.

Manitoba: It's Earth Day at the Marsh at Oak Hammock Marsh. Guided tours of the wetlands, compost and green building tours, healthy water classes and recipes for green cleaning products.

Ontario: The Queen's Lantern in the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa is the venue for the Children's Concert and Award Show. Featuring the music of Keith Shackleton and young award-winning artists in the Waste to Gold and Cloth Bag Design contests.

Quebec: Earth Day at the Biosphere in Montreal. Activities include talks by Mikael Rioux and Sylvie Van Brabant; NFB documentary Earth Keepers; ONE | Outfits from a New Era, an exhibition featuring 16 outfits fashioned from garbage.

New Brunswick: Minto Elementary Middle School has been doing a week-long School Grounds Clean Up & Earth Day Classroom Activities.

Nova Scotia: The Friends of Cranberry Lake in Cole Harbour are holding a community Earth Day celebration and collecting rubbish from the pathways and wooded areas around Cranberry Lake.

Orbis World Globe at the Vancouver Convention Centre
Photo by Sue Frause

Springtime in Niagara, Ontario means packages and perks

Ahh --- Springtime in Niagara! I was in Niagara, Ontario for the first time in the fall of 2009. It was part of my Great Big Canadian Train Adventure from Halifax to Vancouver. And now through May 31, there are more than 200 packages and 88 perks offers available online at www.niagaraspringflings.com. On the website you'll find:

Perks Card: Download, print it out and use at 88 participating tourism partners. Good for discounts and value added offers for accommodations, attractions, shopping, dining, wineries and wine tours. Perks are redeemable at locations throughout the Niagara Region: Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Fort Erie, St. Catharines, Port Colborne and the Twenty Valley.

Touring Itineraries: Suggested itineraries are provided, separated by type of activity (theatre, spa, wine, etc.) and travel occasion (couples getaways or girls getaways). Itineraries include the highlights of the region, plus some new ideas for repeat visitors.

Travel Packages: More than 200 travel packages combine a variety of Niagara experiences, with a search function making it easy to select from the options based on destination, price, occasion and activity. Both day and overnight packages are available and include:

• Victorian Charm...and Bunnies! Victorian Charm B&B offers accommodation, bike rental and trail map, picnic lunch, tour of organic garden and live bunnies.
• Elegant Easter: Vintage Hotels' package includes accommodations at choice of three hotels, Shaw Festival's My Fair Lady, plus a trio of spa treatments.
• Come for the Day: Visit the rainforest setting of the National Park Commission's Butterfly Conservatory, home to more than 2,000 free-flying butterflies. After the papillon immersion, enjoy lunch at Queenston Heights Restaurant overlooking the Niagara River.
• Fun for the Entire Family: Skyline Inn's package includes two nights' accommodation, breakfast for four, four two-day indoor water park passes and four Niagara Parks Adventure Passes.

Niagara Falls

Photo by Sue Frause

March Break: Fairmont Royal York's Royal Maharaja Package

The more I find out out about Canada, the more I don't know. First there was February's Reading Week, which I blogged about a few weeks ago. Now it's all about March Break, which this year is March 14-18, 2011. Read more about it in About.com Toronto.

The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto is inviting families to experience the Royal Maharaja Package during the month of March. It's part of the Art Gallery of Ontario's exhibit, Maharaja: The Splendour of India's Royal Courts. The packages includes:

One night's accommodation in a Fairmont Guestroom
Two adult tickets to Maharaja: The Splendour of India's Royal Courts
Complimentary tickets for children, accompanied by an adult

Package prices start at $219 per night on weekends (Thursday-Sunday) and from $249 on weekdays (Monday-Wednesday). The exhibition runs through April 1, 2011.

Maharaja: The Splendour of India's Royal Courts features more than 200 works of art created for India's great kings. The exhibit, which is in Canada for the first time, includes such opulent objects as artwork, tapestry, thrones, weapons and jewels. It spans the last 300 years of India's culture and celebrates the legacy of cultural patronage by generations of Maharajas, both in India and Europe.

The artifacts are on loan from more than a dozen museums and private lenders from around the world. The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Among the treasures are the Patiala Necklace, part of the largest single commission that the French house of Cartier has ever executed. It was completed in 1928 and restored in 2002, and includes 2,930 diamonds. It weighs nearly 1,000 carats.


(Top) Art Gallery of Ontario, Photo by Sue Frause
(Bottom) Patiala Necklace on Sir Bhupindra Singh, Maharaja of Patiala © National Portrait Gallery, London

IMAX: Film technology developed in Canada 40+ years ago

I recall when Seattle's Pacific Science got its first IMAX Theater. It was a really big deal, and I still love watching movies in this larger than life format.

Last week, while attending the launch of Victoria's Dine Around, Stay in Town, I took in the the film Arabia at the National Geographic IMAX Theatre at the Royal BC Museum. What a wonderful movie about this part of the world. Released in 2011 by MacGillvray Freeman Films (they also produced Everest and Mystery of the Nile plus others), here's a short synopsis:

"Travel to the exotic and fascinating land of Arabia. Explore the ancient tombs of a lost city; dive through the reefs of the Red Sea; and experience the Hajj - the largest gathering of people on Earth. Discover an extraordinary culture and experience modern day Arabia in the midst of monumental change."

After seeing the film, I recalled the Canadian connection. The IMAX system had its roots in Montreal's EXPO '67, where multi-screen films were "the hit of the fair." Shortly after that, a group of Canadian filmmakers and entrepreneurs decided to design a new system using a single, powerful project (as opposed to the multiple projectors used at that time).

Here's a timeline of IMAX:

1970 - IMAX technology premieres at EXPO '70's Fuji Pavilion in Osaka, Japan
1971 - First permanent IMAX projection system installed at Ontario Place's Cinesphere, Toronto
1973 - IMAX Dome (OMNIMAX) debuts at the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theatre, San Diego
1986 - World's first IMAX 3D system premiers EXPO '86's Canada Pavilion, Vancouver
1994 - IMAX listed on NASDAQ stock exchange; first multiplex installation at Loews IMAX Theatre, New York City

Today, there are IMAX Theatres, IMAX Domes and IMAX 3D Theatres in 48 countries around the world.

The 2011 film Arabia is currently playing at the Royal BC Museum's National Geographic IMAX Theatre in Victoria..

Family Day, Louis Riel Day, Islander Day celebrated in February

Our friends north of the 49th Parallel aren't celebrating Presidents Day today. But the third Monday in February is a holiday for many Canadians.

Family Day is celebrated in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario. According to Wikipedia, it was first celebrated in Alberta in 1990, and the two other provinces followed in Alberta's footsteps. But since it's not a federal holiday, government workers in all provinces still have to show up.

Elsewhere in Canada, Louis Riel Day went into effect in 2008 in Manitoba. It honors Louis Riel, the Metis leader who is considered to be the Father of Manitoba.

And not wanting to be left out, the province of Prince Edward Island has been celebrating Islander Day since 2009.

Louis Riel tombstone in Winnipeg's St. Boniface Cemetery, Manitoba
Photo by Sue Frause

New Year's Eve and Winter Festival of Lights at Niagara Falls

I've only been to Ontario's Niagara Falls once, during my VIA Rail Canada cross-country trip from Halifax to Vancouver in November, 2009.

It was a beautiful autumn day during my visit. I can only imagine New Year's Eve at these famous falls with fireworks on high! Here's a list of what's happening New Year's Eve in Niagara Falls and throughout the month of January:

Niagara Falls New Year's Eve Bash - 6:30 PM to 12:05 AM - Free. Entertainment includes Canadian groups Barenaked Ladies, Great Big Sea, comedian Calwyn Shurgold, rapper Kardinall Offishall and Running Red Lights.

New Year's Eve Fireworks Over the Falls - 9 PM and Midnight - Free

Winter Festival of Lights - Canada's largest light festival - through Jan. 31, 2011. Nightly fireworks at 9 PM.

Winter Festival of Lights in place, November 2009
Photo by Sue Frause

Hallelujah! Canadian Christmas Food Court Flash Mob goes viral

Chorus Niagara's Christmas Food Court Flash Mob of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah has gone viral.

When I watched it, I was one of more than three million to have already viewed it.

The flash mob was staged at the Seaway Mall in Welland, Ontario (part of Niagara, Ontario). The city is known for its large francophone population. An article in The Niagara Falls Review has details on how the video came to be.

The Messiah, a sacred oratorio, was composed by G.F. Handel in London (1741-1742) and first performed in Dublin, Ireland in 1742. Chorus Niagara is giving two performances of the Messiah in Ontario this holiday season:

Saturday, December 11, 7:30 PM
Mountainview Christian Reformed Church
Grimsby, Ontario

Sunday, December 12, 3 PM
Calvary Church
St. Catharines, Ontario

Top Ten Best New Restaurants in Canada 2010

Charcut Roast Huse in Calgary. Sue Frause photo.

I have some serious eating and drinking to do. Air Canada's enRoute magazine has announced the winner of Canada's Best New Restaurant 2010. As Canada's most respected restaurant honor, it includes the Top Ten Best New Restaurants in Canada.

enRoute magazine and contributing food writer, Sarah Musgrave, toured the nation for its ninth annual survey. To qualify, the winning restaurants had to have opened between the summers of 2009 and 2010.

The number one resto? Haisai in Singhampton, Ontario. "Dinner here is a fairy tale, the kind with a very happy ending." (Sarah Musgrave)

Sad to say I've only been to one of the top ten, and it was a highlight during a summer culinary road trip in Alberta with Chef Ned Bell: Charcut Roast House in Calgary. I'm hoping to experience the three restos in BC during the coming year, since they're just up the road (as the seagull flies). BonAppetit!

enRoute's Top Ten Best New Restaurants in Canada 

• 1. Haisai, Singhampton, Ontario
• 2. Bao Bei, Vancouver
• 3. Cava, Montreal
• 4. Local Kitchen & Wine Bar, Toronto
• 5. Stone Soup Inn, Cowichan Valley, BC
• 6. Charcut Roast House, Calgary
• 7. Quatrefoil Restaurant, Dundas, Ontario
• 8. EdGe, Sooke, BC
• 9. Buca, Toronto
• 10. Le Quartier General, Montreal

Is Tom Cruise from Canada? A Canadian I met in Italy thought so!

While traveling in Italy for a couple of weeks, I met up with a Canadian from Ontario (now living in California) who tried to convince me that Tom Cruise was from Canada.

No way!

I pretty much know my high-profile Canadians, and I'd never heard that one. Well, Google to the rescue, and according to Wikipedia, Thomas Cruise Mapother IV was born in Syracuse, NY on July 3, 1962. But there is a Canadian connection:

"The Mapother family then moved to the suburb of Beacon Hill, in Ottawa, Ontario, so Cruise's father could take a position as a defence consultant with the Canadian Armed Forces. There, Cruise completed grade six at Henry Munro Middle School, part of the Carleton Board of Education, where he was active in athletics, playing floor hockey almost every night, showing himself to be a ruthless player, and eventually chipping his front tooth. In the game British bulldogs, he then lost his newly capped tooth and hurt his knee. Henry Munro was also where Cruise became involved in drama, under the tutelage of George Steinburg.The first play he participated in was called IT, in which Cruise won the co-lead with Michael de Waal, one playing "Evil", the other playing "Good." The play met much acclaim, and toured with five other classmates to various schools around the Ottawa area, even being filmed at the local Ottawa TV station."

For more on Tom Cruise, the sort-of-Canadian, see his official website.

Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz in Knight and Day