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The sounds of summer
| Barbarians in Beijing |
Shop till you drop, Beijing style
Perhaps no nation holds as much mystery for the West as China, one of the oldest civilizations on Earth. Until the mid-20th century, the country was ruled by a series of imperial dynasties, but today, after 50 years of communism, its vast urban population is feverishly embracing capitalism. For a preview of what the rest of the world will encounter during the Summer Olympics of 2008, join writer Jerry Kobalenko and his wife Alexandra on their Beijing adventure. |
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| TASTETRIP:
Canada’s culinary destinations |
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Winery finds its way to Cowichan Bay
Vancouver Island’s Rocky Creek Winery has found a new home. The family-owned boutique winery
is now located just 45 minutes north of Victoria in Cowichan Bay, at the centre of Canada’s
fastest-growing wine region. With room to breathe, the third-generation winemaker continues
to produce such award-winning wines as Blackberry Port, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Ortega.
From June 1 through September 15, the winery welcomes visitors on Fridays and Saturdays,
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Visit: www.rockycreekwinery.ca |
| METRO PASS: Your key to all things urban |
| Victoria by land: Jazzfest International swings into town
From June 20-29, 2008, JazzFest International 2008 will feature 10 hot days and cool nights
as musicians from around the globe arrive in the provincial capital to perform jazz, blues
and world music. Headlining are jazz icons Dave Brubeck and Wynton Marsalis; other artists
include Jesse Cook, Pink Martini, Maceo Parker and Susan Tedeschi. Call (250) 388-4423 or
visit jazzvictoria.ca |
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Victoria by sea: Sail ho! Tall ships take Victoria!
It’s time to go down to the seas again, as more than two dozen ships from all over the
world sail into Victoria’s Inner Harbour for the 2008 Victoria Tall Ships® Festival.
From June 26–29, enjoy a tour of the infamous Bounty and The
Niña. Also up, a
maritime marketplace, pirate school and live music. Visit: www.tourismvictoria.com/tallships |
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Vancouver, B.C.: It’s all happening at the . . . aquarium!
Visit the amazing Vancouver Aquarium in beautiful Stanley Park, where our new exhibit “Frogs
Forever?” teaches you how to help save these amphibians from extinction. Don’t
miss a stroll through our rain forest, with its tropical birds, bright green lizards, tortoises
and elusive sloths, and then engage with our world-famous sea otters, beluga whales, dolphin
and sharks. Visit: www.vanaqua.org |
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The New All-Jeep Liberty.
The Ultimate Travel Companion.
With the incredible blend of off-road prowess delivered by its Command-Trac II™ 4WD system and innovative features such as the industry-exclusive Sky Slider™ roof, the Liberty makes travelling easy and entertaining. Whether you’re on a road trip with friends or spending a day with the family, you can be confident knowing that the Liberty has everything you need. Discover more about the 2008 Jeep Liberty at jeep.ca — and have fun out there.
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| TRAVEL
ADVISORY: The insider’s Canada |
Ontario
Get the wrinkles out of your soul
There’s nothing like an epic adventure to cure the modern malaise. Something grand and
ambitious and brimming with guts and glory. These adventures are not about gratification or
relaxation, they're about challenge and achievement. There’s nothing quick and easy
about these endeavours. They’re not planned — they’re carefully crafted.
Full immersion and total commitment are required. The reward? At journey’s end, your
spirit soars, your body is empowered, and your soul is enriched. Indeed, you’re infused
with a state of youthfulness. And that – that is what irons out the
wrinkles of the soul.
In Ontario, the possibilities for epic adventures are infinite. Here’s just a sample of what’s out there:
• All-Women’s
Sea Kayaking Trips on the Great Lakes
• Canoe Trip in the Heart of Lake Temagami
• Slate Islands - with Caribou Expeditions
If you’d like to see more but prefer a surprise, why not check out our Trip of the Week at www.ontariooutdoor.com.
Perhaps you’re not quite ready for an epic, but you are ready to get outdoors, find an outdoor event that suits you at www.ontariooutdoor.com near you.
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Vancouver Island
Welcome to the Valley of Festivals
With more than 50 annual festivals and events showcasing the bounty of the land and sea and
the region’s arts and culture, there’s no doubt the Comox Valley loves to celebrate.
Come on out for the Comox Valley Shellfish Festival, the Showcase Theatre Festival, the Vancouver
Island Music Fest, and more.
Visit: www.discovercomoxvalley.com |
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Haliburton
Some like it sizzling
Put a little heat in your life. In the Haliburton Highlands, an introduction to glass-blowing
and blacksmithing will help warm up the artist in you. Learn the fundamentals and create
your own work of art. Throw in some spicy cuisine, the beat of the world drum, art appreciation,
and some outdoor activity, and you have a very hot arts adventure. Visit: www.haliburtonholidays.ca |
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Northwest Territories
There’s a diamond in them thar hills!
Each year, thousands of travellers drive the Deh Cho Travel Connection, a scenic route that
links the Alaska, Mackenzie and Liard Highways and traverses some of the most spectacular
terrain in northern Canada. In 2008, take part in our “Diamonds in the Rough” Passport
Contest to win an 11-carat Canadian diamond. Visit: www.dehchotravel.com |
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| DO NOT DISTURB: Spas, lodges and inns |
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Mount Engadine Lodge, Kananaskis Country, Alberta
One of Canada’s hidden
treasures
Just south of Canmore near Banff National Park, Mount Engadine Lodge borders a meadow that
is nestled against the Rocky Mountains. Within easy walking distance are hiking and biking
trails and pristine lakes. Enjoy healthy meals, fresh-baked breads and desserts, all in a peaceful
forested setting — moose love to visit the willows in our backyard.
Visit: www.mountengadine.com |
LUGGAGE RACK:
Gear up with great tools and products |
Trail-A-Bike
The perfect solution for active families who want to introduce their children to the joys of
cycling — and stay safe. The compact folding Trail-A-Bike is a cinch to transport, and
its low centre of gravity and narrow handlebar provide stability and comfort for young children
between the ages of three and five. A steel hitch complete with four shims fits almost any
seatpost. www.trail-a-bike.com
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REQUIRED READING:
Travel and adventure books |
The Great Lakes by Wayne
Grady
One of Canada’s most literary natural history writers, Wayne Grady brings his signature
strengths to his latest book. Tackling all five lakes and the natural history of the region’s
vast drainage basin, Grady considers a host of complex environmental issues. His ear is especially
attuned to the threats the area faces from pollution, invasive species and climate change,
all of which are the discouraging legacy of human activity. From Greystone Books. |
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| INTERNATIONAL AGENDA: Your passport to world travel |
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Belize
More
from Signature
Vacations’ Top 10
Belize offers fantastic rain forest and river adventures, but one of its most notable claims
to fame lies about 60 kilometres offshore. Legend has it that during the ice age, the Blue
Hole was an opening to a dry cave system which flooded as the ice melted and the sea rose.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 135-metre-deep Blue Hole is a “must do” for divers
worldwide for its resident sponges, barracudas, corals, angelfish and sharks. |
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