RoseAnna Schick

There’s something about London

London has always captivated me. One of the largest and most significant cities in the world, I have always imagined it to be fascinating and full of fancy tales. On a recent trip to the U.K., I discovered a lot of interesting things about the city.

For starters, I didn’t know it was originally called Londinium. The name dates back to 43 A.D., when ancient Romans founded a shipping port and trading site in the marshy valley of the River Thames. They established a settlement, constructed a bridge across the waterway, and the town became a hub of trade and commerce.

Less than 20 years later, this entire first town would be burned to the ground during battle. In centuries to follow, Londinium would be rebuilt, burned down again, rebuilt again, and regularly attacked by marauding groups of raiders and invaders. By the eighth century, still enduring after various forms of destruction, it’s name had been shortened to ‘London’.

The city became more permanent in 960 A.D., when Benedictine monks built a house of worship near the riverbank. One hundred years later, King Edward I built his royal palace on a nearby tract of land, and expanded the monastery. He commissioned the construction of a Romanesque stone church, which would become the original Westminster Abbey. In the middle of the 1200s, King Henry III had it rebuilt into the Gothic style we are familiar with today, with the new cathedral officially dedicated in 1269.

Explore history during Doors Open Winnipeg

Visiting historic sites is one of my favourite things to do when travelling. I find it fascinating to get glimpses of the people and places that helped lay the foundations wherever I happen to be.

It’s also interesting and eye-opening to go back in time in your hometown, in order to gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for the place you call home.

Here in Winnipeg, we have a trove of heritage treasures that are architecturally, historically and culturally significant. Doors Open Winnipeg, organized by Heritage Winnipeg, is a designated weekend that allows visitors to take free tours of unique locales all over the city.

This year’s 20th anniversary event happens May 27 and 28, with 50 buildings and a dozen outdoor spaces open to visitors. All you have to do is review the doorsopenwinnipeg.ca website, decide where you want to go, note the opening times and policies, and then show up. Tickets are not required, but some locations do request pre-registration (with instructions listed on their page). Several options are designated as being wheelchair accessible.

The legacy of The Prince’s Trust

The coronation of King Charles III is generating a new generation of interest in the British Royal Family. I recently did a dive to discover more about its charitable activities, and learned about an innovative enterprise started by Charles that is dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged youth.

In 1976, after completing his duty in the Royal Navy, the Prince of Wales – which was his title prior to becoming King – came up with an idea. At that time, the U.K. was struggling with record levels of unemployment and inflation, and young people, in particular, were suffering. Charles used his Navy severance pay to fund 21 youth-focused community initiatives around the country. These early pilot projects became the foundation for a new charity.

The Prince’s Trust is built on the mandate that every young person should have the chance to succeed, regardless of their backgrounds or the challenges they face. The aim is to help those from disadvantaged communities by helping them develop the confidence and skills to live, learn, and earn.

The Prince’s Trust offers a range of free programs designed for those aged 11 to 30 to develop essential life skills, prepare for work, and access job opportunities that can lead to a more stable and fulfilling life. Also available on its website – www.princes-trust.org.uk – is a selection of useful resources like business plan templates, networking tips, budget planners, and more. These tools are free for anyone to access.

U.K. prepares for coronation of King Charles III

On Saturday, May 6, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will officially crown King Charles III — almost70 years to the day that his mother, Queen Elizabeth II was anointed on June 2, 1953. Thanks to the evolution of broadcasting and the invention of the internet since audiences from around the world will be able to experience the complete coronation in real-time.

Reserve your Manitoba camping spots now

I’ve written previous columns about some of our 92 provincial parks here in Manitoba. This year, the province is introducing a new, staggered online booking system that is intended to make the reservation process easier. At the same time, it’s also a little more complicated — because when you can book depends on where you want to go.

Visiting Christian holy sites

For Christians, the season leading up to Easter Sunday is significant. Lent is a period of reflection and reparation that begins on Ash Wednesday and spans 40 days. It ends the day before Good Friday and is a spiritual time for holy places and pilgrimages. For those who want to unite in prayer and purpose, or for those simply seeking to nourish the soul, here are some renowned Christian sites worth visiting:

Exploring the beaches of Portugal

When tourism was cancelled during the pandemic, we could only dream of faraway places. So I wrote a story about virtual travel, because peering in on webcams was one safe way to still see the world without leaving home.

Exploring the City of Angels

The sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles – ‘The Angels’ in Spanish – is the second largest city in the United States. It was founded in 1781 under Spanish rule, and was part of Mexico until 1848 when it was transferred to the U.S. and became incorporated as a municipality in 1850. Los Angeles County lies on the ancestral lands of many Indigenous tribes, including the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples.

Mesa’s Fresh Foodie Trail

Mesa is Arizona’s third-largest city and a true gem of a destination, situated just east of Phoenix. The word ‘mesa’ is Spanish for ‘table’, and it was so-named because of its flat geography in the centre of valleys, mountains, and rolling deserts. It’s the perfect moniker for a place where agri-tourism thrives and good food is in the spotlight.

Skating trails abound across Canada

Ice skating has long been a favourite winter pastime in Winnipeg. In fact, we once held the Guinness Book of World Records record for the longest naturally frozen skating trail. That was in 2008, when our beloved river trail created by The Forks measured 8.54 kilometres.

Secret surprises of Melbourne, Australia

There’s a saying in the city of Melbourne that’s popular among locals: “If you hide it, they will come.”

Christmas in Canadian cities

When I was a kid living in the tiny Manitoba town of Marquette, going to the ‘big city’ of Winnipeg was always a thrill – but especially at Christmas! The twinkling lights, the music in malls, the bustle of shoppers seeking treasures… to this very day I am still enamoured of the sights and sounds of the season in urban settings.

24 hours in Lisbon? Here’s how to spend them

I’m the kind of traveller who tries to maximize every available minute in any destination. I like to do advance research to identify nice sites to see, interesting places to go, and unique experiences. Then I’ll determine where different locales are in proximity to each other, figure out how much time I have to play tourist, and make my plan of attack.

Camino cache – what to bring to walk your path

This story is the second in a two-part series. Find the first part here.

Camino cache: what to bring to walk your path

For my recent Camino walk from Porto in Portugal to Santiago de Compestela in Spain, I learned there are many different ways to walk your path.

Exploring Winnipeg’s war memorials

Last year, during the uncertainty of the global pandemic, I wrote about war memorials right here in Winnipeg. All that staying home and walking around our city and my neighbourhood suddenly made me more acutely aware of my surroundings. I was noticing memorials, cenotaphs, site markings, statues — things I hadn’t noticed much before. Things I sometimes saw, but hadn’t really seen. I began to pay better attention to history around me, and discovered that our city has many dedications to local heroes who fought for freedom.

Scary Prairie places to visit this fall

There are plenty of unexplained happenings in this world, and ghostly tales of people who may have gone before us but never really went. Instead, they stayed around to roam their surroundings, continuing to make their presences known. Places like this exist all around the prairies, too, with well-documented histories that suggest there could be restless spirits. If you go to one of these haunting site, you never know just who you might encounter. (Warning, the following stories can be disturbing.)

A sanctuary of serenity in Quebec

If a sprawling sanctuary of serenity is your cup of tea, then expect to find the entire teapot at Nordik Spa-Nature. Nestled in the Gatineau Hills near Chelsea, Que., just a short drive from downtown Ottawa, the largest spa in North America has been offering relaxation and rejuvenation to locals in the region — and travellers from around the world — since 2005.

A dream day in Canmore

The picturesque town of Canmore, Alta, located within Treaty 7 Territory, is one of those places that gets better each time you visit. Just when you think you’ve seen everything it has to offer, take another look. There are a multitude of hidden gems that the locals know and love, but if I had a single day to spend in Canmore, this is what I’d do:

Support locals wherever you travel

When travelling, I make a conscious effort to support the local economy wherever I go. Doing this can take many forms, from where to stay to what to eat to what to buy.

Backwoods travel – my first big adventure

It’s been 25 years since my first big backwoods adventure. That month-long journey instilled in me the deep love for the wilderness that I carry today, while revealing to me just how resilient I can be. It also sparked my penchant for travel writing – resulting in my first byline in the Winnipeg Free Press back in 1997. Here is a shortened version of the feature-length story that started it all…

(Re)Discovering Ottawa — Part 2

This story is the second in a two-part series about Ottawa. Find the first part here.

(Re)Discovering Ottawa

Ottawa is a city with so much to discover. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’ve been before, there is always something new and different in Canada’s capital. And it all starts with a great home-base from which to explore around town.

The Lord Elgin Hotel is centrally located across from Confederation Park and just steps away from all the places you’ll most definitely want to roam. Built in 1941 and named after one of Canada’s first governors general, the hotel’s elegance shines through with the right combination of historic style and modern comfort. The rooms are spacious and tastefully designed and the lobby has lots of cool, cozy places to hang out. The pool is long enough to swim laps in, and its fitness centre is open 24 hours, but you probably won’t need to swim or work out because you’ll be getting in plenty of steps on the streets.

The first place to venture is ByWard Market, merely 10 minutes away from Lord Elgin. This area, roughly four blocks square, is one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets, and Ottawa’s top tourist attraction. Established in 1826 by Lt.-Col. John By, two of the streets here were intentionally designed to be extra wide in order to accommodate horse-drawn carriages bringing food and wares to market back in the day. Walking down present-day George Street and neighbouring York Street gives one the feeling of stepping back in time — all the way back to Ottawa’s oldest tavern.

Chateau Lafayette began in the booze business in 1849 in the heart of ByWard Market. Walking into ‘The Laff’ today gives one the feeling of stepping back in time — and straight into a TV series. At first it totally feels like Cheers, where everybody knows everybody. After a while, though, you realize the crowd is largely made up a bunch of random strangers coincidentally coming and going, making merry, and having some laughs together. Which makes it even more fun. As two-piece outfit Shawn and Dave churn out an impressive aresenal of cover songs while the crowd sings along, the mood in the air is warm and giddy, as if people were simply grateful and happy to be out again, amongst other people. It felt good.

Canada Day around town

Exactly two years ago, the chances of ever gathering together were slim to none. One year ago, it seemed a little more possible, but still most likely impossible. This year, though, there’s a different feeling in the air. I don’t know about you, but to me, life is starting to feel a little closer to ‘normal’ again.

Events are returning to the calendar. Folks are venturing further from home. Families are reuniting. Friends are reconnecting. As we emerge from the fog of two-plus years of a global pandemic, it feels like people are a little more hopeful. There’s a growing sense of wanting to do things that make us happy, and to do something about the things that don’t. Sometimes, that means making a new start.

This year on July 1, Winnipeg’s favourite meeting place is emerging with a renewed sense of inclusion. “A New Day at The Forks” invites visitors to take part in multicultural experiences throughout the site that reflect Canada’s diversity. Family-friendly activities will take place, including soccer and basketball tournaments, pow wow dancers, drummers, craft stations, theatre performances, and other entertainment. A specially curated playlist will create a soundtrack of Manitoba musicians to enjoy whilst strolling amongst food trucks and storytelling tents.

A New Day at The Forks aims to support dedicated Indigenous-led spaces for ceremony and healing, alongside areas for families to share food and fun. The intention is to provide space and opportunity for people to come together at the heart of our city – with hearts open. It’s a chance to gather as one community, celebrate together, and learn from one another. And at the end of the day, maybe walking away with a little more tolerance and understanding.

Ten years as Canstar travel columnist

Almost exactly 10 years ago – June 13, 2012 – my first Travelations column was published. When Canstar Community News managing editor John Kendle offered me the chance to write about travel back then, neither of us knew where it would take me. Figuratively and literally!

But here we are a decade later, and Travelations is still going strong – even surviving a two-year global pandemic. Now here you are, about to read column no. 262, which recalls some of the destinations visited in my first year as a travel columnist.

One of the most beautiful cities in Canada is Quebec City, or Ville de Québec. Situated on a rocky bluff high above the St. Lawrence, you’ll find strategically placed public stairways everywhere that allow you to traverse up-and-down the steep slope. One of the oldest cities in Canada, a permanent settlement was established here in 1608. Vieux-Québec – or Old Québec – is an historic neighbourhood and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the only completely garrison-walled city north of Mexico. Visitors who walk through any of the four gates are immediately transported back in time with 19th Century buildings, cobblestone streets, and stone-covered cathedrals rising above the narrow alleys.

While New Mexico joined the US in 1912 as the 47th state, the first capital city in America rose up from the area long before then. Spanish colonialists started traveling north from Mexico in the mid-1500s looking for gold, but all they found was gold-coloured rocks, canyons, and deserts. They claimed the territory anyway, named it ‘New Mexico’, and established its capital city in 1610. Santa Fe – or ‘holy faith’ – quickly became the hub of trade, and was a vital commercial and military highway until the railway arrived in 1880. Today, modern day Santa Fe remains a thriving hub that attracts tourists from around the globe, known for its diverse arts’ scene, delectable fusion cuisine, and busy Indigenous marketplace.

Corner to corner in Manitoba

It’s hard to believe that it’s June already, but here we are. With summer finally (hopefully) upon us, thoughts turn to places to roam — and I’ve always loved a good road trip. In Manitoba, if you venture in any direction as far as you can go, here are some interesting locations you might end up.

In the southwest corner is the town of Melita — a.k.a. the “Grasslands Bird Capital of Manitoba.” Birdwatchers apparently come from all over the world to view rare endangered prairie species here, such as the burrowing owl and Baird’s sparrow. The Manitoba Grasslands Birding Trail guide booklet (available at Travel Manitoba outlets or online at www.melitamb.ca/p/bird-watching) features a variety of habitats to be explored, with tall, short and mixed-grass prairies, thriving wetlands, lush green valleys, and arid ridges.

Near Melita is one of Manitoba’s best kept archeological secrets. The Linear Mounds site, overlooking the Souris River, consists of two long earthen mounds. At first glance they look like random bumps oddly protruding from the surrounding flatlands. But dig a little deeper (figuratively speaking of course!) and you’ll discover they are burial mounds from 900 to 1400 AD. Formally recognized as a national historic site in 1973, they are part of a larger network of mounds stretching across southern Manitoba and southern Saskatchewan, and into Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

In the southeast is the quiet little town of Middlebro — the easternmost community in southern Manitoba. It was once called ‘Gravel Pit’ due to massive amounts of gravel storage in the early 1900s by the Canadian National Railway during construction. Today, Middlebro has a community hall, a baseball field, a play centre for the kiddies, and what they claim to be the best tasting water in the world. Head another 15 kilometres to the east to Buffalo Point, and you’ll find a ruggedly beautiful resort area bordering Lake of the Woods, with sandy white beaches, world-class pickerel fishing, and championship golf.

Explore Manitoba, earn yourself a rebate

In 2021, Manitoba’s struggling tourism industry was able to benefit from a Tourism Rebate Incentive program (TRIP) initiated by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. The innovative idea saw nearly 25,000 Manitobans earn rebates on Manitoba-based adventures, road trips and staycations throughout the province.

This summer, the program is returning, with participants able to choose from one of two incentives: either a $100 rebate for accommodations at hotels, motels and resorts, or a 50 per cent rebate for general admission at ‘star attractions’. TRIP Phase 3 just wrapped up, with rebates available for travel between May 6 and May 16, and receipt submissions accepted until Mon., May 23.

It’s expected that TRIP Phase 4 will be announced soon — so if you are thinking about doing some Manitoba travel this summer, keep your ear to the ground. In the meantime, start planning your own trip to your favourite destinations. If you’re not sure where to go… here are a few recommendations for unique places to stay:

Arrow Lake Ranch in Rossburn is an authentic log cabin surrounded by woodlands, verlooking the lake. It has a spacious yard and short path that leads to the water, and is equipped with a full kitchen, two bedrooms, and satellite television. The cabin sleeps up to six people, and features a large deck with propane barbecue that allows the perfect space for enjoying outdoor meals, socializing, and relaxing, all with a beautiful view of Arrow Lake.

Manitoba festivals – more to love!

A few weeks ago I wrote about the return of Manitoba festivals. A few readers reached out to me after the story was published to let me know about their favourites. So here’s a second round-up of festivals coming our way this summer:

Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival is returning July 29-31 to Selo Ukraina — the Ukrainian heritage and cultural site located 12 kilometres south of Dauphin on the edge of Riding Mountain National Park. The roots of this festival go back to 1965, when the founding group of organizers was established and charged with the task of creating an event intended to reflect Ukrainian culture in Canada. Today the festival offers activities such as pysanky (Easter egg) decorating, face painting, a parade, art workshops, choirs, dancers, and more.

Did you know the inaugural Icelandic Festival of Manitoba was held in Winnipeg in 1890? It took place in the city annually before moving to Gimli in 1932. Also known as Islendingadagurinn — which translates into ‘day of the Icelanders’ — it is one of the oldest ethnic festivals in North America. It takes place this year from July 29 to Aug. 1, and normally boasts the largest parade in rural Manitoba. However, during the pandemic it shifted to a ‘virtual lawn-parade’ contest, inviting entrants from around the world to decorate their yards in Icelandic fashion and showcase their Viking spirit for all to see. Other highlights include a family scavenger hunt, fashion show, beach volleyball tournament, Viking battles, road races, and live music.

There’s a new kid on the festival block, and its aim is to be second-to-none at making a first impression. Current wants people who love Winnipeg to come together at The Forks from Aug. 12-14 for a ‘weekend of summer luxury’ through quality ‘sips, sounds, arts and eats’. All these are great things, especially when they happen at the same time. It sounds like an ideal way to experience festival season without having to leave home, in celebration of everything local — from the creative chefs serving up fine restaurant fare in a tastefully designed food hall, to the beer, spirits and wines you can enjoy while sitting on soft furnishings, enjoying sweet music from Manitoba artists.

Chaplin’s World a must-see Swiss attraction

Charlie Chaplin would have turned 133 on April 16. He was one of the pioneers of Hollywood’s motion picture industry but, to be honest, I hadn’t given him much thought until I visited the Swiss region of Corsier-sur-Vevey. It was here on one damp and drizzly day that I unexpectedly became a fan of the fascinating man who inadvertently blazed many a trail.

Nestled between Lake Geneva and the western edge of the Swiss Alps is Chaplin’s World, a unique and expansive museum dedicated to the life of the legendary actor. Situated on a 3,000-square-metre park-like property lined with towering centuries-old trees and enchanting gardens is Manoir de Ban, the stately home where Chaplin lived for nearly 25 years of his life, and where he died on Dec. 25, 1977.

As you wind your way through regal rooms and alluring halls, details of Chaplin’s public and private lives are revealed through writings, images, personal items, and life-sized dioramas. Considered a genius by many, his engaging story starts two decades before the birth of Hollywood, going all the way back to when little Charles Spencer Chaplin was born in 1889, in London, England. Essentially orphaned by the age of 10, young Charlie took to the stage with his natural talent, as it was best way of supporting himself and younger brother Sydney.

A fortuitous career path took him to the United States as a featured player with a touring vaudeville company in 1910. This led to his first motion-picture contract in 1913, and the start of an impressive and accomplished movie career that ran to 1967.

Podcasts to soothe your pandemic wanderlust

With international and even domestic travel having been mostly on hold for two years now, some travellers have taken to indulging wanderlust tendencies in other ways. I started listening to travel-themed podcasts somewhere along the way, and have since discovered several I enjoy. Here are a few:

Travel that Matters is a podcast from award-winning journalist Bruce Wallin. Now in its second season, it gives the listener insider knowledge about one-of-a-kind luxury travel destinations, cutting-edge innovators, and extra-fun intel like secret getaways. It bills itself as a ‘door to extraordinary experiences’ and rightly so, given the depth of interesting content. The latest episode shares insights about the best way to see the Galapagos Islands, an incredibly alluring place located 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, and considered one of the world’s greatest wildlife destinations.

A Girls’ Guide to Travelling Alone is exactly that – dedicated to helping solo female travellers do travel better. Host Gemma Thompson has always preferred to travel alone, and is passionate about the benefits it brings to one’s self-confidence, how enriching it can be, and how doors can unexpectedly open when you take the leap to spend time alone out in the big world. Through blogging and podcasting she offers perspective about getting started in solo travel, finding inspiration in being alone, and how to make time for more adventures. Whether you are an aspiring first-timer or an already experienced tourist, this informative girl has got your back.

Zero to Travel shows just about anyone how you can go from never having traveled outside your hometown to becoming a successful nomad. Host Jason Moore invites guests with extensive knowledge about how to get the most out of traveling, with hundreds of podcast episodes already archived. He offers a wealth of resources to support all kinds of endeavours, whether you’re planning a one-off dream vacation,or preparing to leap more permanently into full-time wandering. Website offerings include mini-courses on saving money, tips on finding travel jobs, the ‘side hustle’ success guide, and a comprehensive review of travel reward credit cards.

The return of Manitoba festivals

On the day I sat down to write this column, mask mandates in Manitoba were officially lifted — nearly two full years to the day that our province first declared its COVID state of emergency. Now, as we hopefully cautiously venture into our previously-normal-but-now-strange new world, events will begin to re-emerge, festivals will resume rollouts, and life will slowly transition from virtual screens to in-person. It will be most welcome, I’m sure.

On this summer’s anticipated festival front, those who like to plan holidays around music and culture will have lots to choose from — starting with Dauphin’s Countryfest from July 1 to3, and the return of good ol’ fashioned Countryfest shenanigans. The all-Canadian musical lineup will feature headliners such as Paul Brandt, Dean Brody, Johnny Reid, Terri Clark, and more. Loyal patrons who kept their tickets over the past two years will enjoy an exclusive opening night kickoff party with Corb Lund and Charlie Major, the latter of whom will also put on a private concert at a special cocktail reception for VIP ticket holders.

For nearly 50 years so many great performers have graced Winnipeg Folk Festival stages, ever since Murray McLauchlan, Sylvia Tyson, Leon Redbone, and two dozen other artists played the inaugural folk music gathering in 1974. Winnipeg Folk Festival will take up residence at Birds Hill Provincial Park from July 7 to 10, with a soon-to-be-announced lineup, and an even stronger emphasis on local partnerships with businesses such as Little Brown Jug, which is ready to pour beverages from the festival’s tavern taps.

Live theatre action will again be found at the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, with a host of live shows taking place July 13 to 24. The second largest event of its kind in North America, more than 170 companies are expected to come together to present independent theatre in the heart of our city. The beauty of the Fringe is that it’s a non-juried festival, with performances chosen by lottery. This means artists are free to maintain complete creative control over what they present, which makes for sometimes unexpected, often insightful, and always entertaining theatre.

Our deep connections to Ukraine

It’s difficult to write about happy travel things as the world watches in horror as Ukraine is invaded. So many of us are connected to Ukraine. Some of my relatives are Ukrainian. Good friends and colleagues. One of my favourite teachers at university was from Ukraine. It’s been estimated that there are 182,000 Manitobans of Ukrainian descent.

Just the other day I met a woman who shared with me — with tears welling in her eyes — that her sister lives just 40 minutes away from the bombing. I can’t even fathom the fear. My heart goes out to all Ukrainians and their beautiful country — a place I have not yet visited but hope to someday.

Here in Manitoba, there are several sites, places and monuments that reflect the rich culture and history of Ukraine. Places such as the Wasyl Negrych Pioneer Homestead, which is considered Canada’s oldest known Ukrainian dwelling is lies nestled away off a dusty gravel road just north of Gilbert Plains.

In the late 1800s, immigrants to Canada were offered deeds to portions of land on the prairies at reasonable prices, on the condition they build homesteads and remain as settlers. Along came Wasyl Negrych, wife Anna, and seven children from the highlands of western Ukraine. They bought a quarter-section of land in 1897 and built a temporary shelter of poplar poles and cowhide. In 1899, construction of their permanent house was completed, with a sturdy beamed ceiling and extremely rare wooden roof — the only Canadian example of a long-shingle Carpathian roof.

Indigenous tourism experiences in Alberta

With International Women’s Day approaching, Indigenous Tourism Alberta is showcasing female members working to strengthen the tourism industry. In every corner of the province, women are displaying their skills, art and businesses, and providing activities designed to authentically educate visitors on Indigenous culture and the true history of Canada.

Natural beauty is the calling card of Alberta but to really understand a place, Indigenous perspectives are needed. Land-based learning activities provide opportunities to physically and spiritually connect an area through tourism experiences such as plant walks, fireside chats, stargazing, and more. Urban experiences include visits to art galleries, restaurants, and cultural centres. Although each experience may be vastly different, Indigenous tour operators collectively aim to create a connection to both place and culture.

Métis Crossing is Alberta’s first major Métis cultural interpretive destination, and a great place to make the most of a winter weekend. One of their signature experiences is Tales from the Trapline, a three-hour immersive activity that explores traditional winter activities. Strap on a set of snowshoes, set a snare, build a survival shelter, and learn traditional art to create your own unique keepsake. The newly-opened Vision, Hopes and Dreams Wildlife Park features a herd of rare white bison — majestic animals that have been re-introduced to their natural habitat in a region they once roamed freely.

Talking Rock Tours provides guided hikes of the geological wonders of Alberta, with both natural and cultural history storytelling components. The two-day Badlands Discovery tour offers exploration of the area’s intriguing attributes and the opportunity to learn local history, while searching for dinosaur and petrified tree fragments. The Edmonton River Valley tour takes visitors on treks inside Alberta’s capital city along beautiful urban waterways, where you’ll discover more about the valley’s natural features, and have the chance to participate in a sharing circle with Indigenous music and storytelling.

Manitoba’s most romantic resorts

Winter is the best time for getting away to the woods. As Manitoba temperatures drop outside, there’s nothing like stoking up the fire inside at your preferred destination. If you don’t have one yet, here are a few suggestions. I’ve visited each one and would gladly return anytime.

Pinewood Lodge on Dorothy Lake is one of my favourite places. It has five open-concept lakefront chalets, each with a loft bedroom with a two-person jacuzzi tub, king bed and spectacular view of the lake. Elsewhere in the chalet, depending on which one you’re in, you might find a dry cedar sauna, a Swedish steam bath, or a locally grown cedar tree at the centre of the space. The fully equipped kitchen has everything needed to whip up your own delicious meal. Bring your own food, or purchase from the convenience store or in-room menu.

Barrier Bay Resort is the perfect ‘adults only’ getaway destination. Nestled within Whiteshell Provincial Park near Seven Sisters Falls, it offers nine cabins and a natural environment that’s kid-free, pet-free, and prime for a peaceful stay. Spark up the outdoor campfire for roasting marshmallow treats while enjoying stellar views of the starry sky and — if you’re lucky — an overhead show of dazzling northern lights. Back inside on any freezing cold night, curl up with a good book and hot beverage, soak in the jacuzzi tub or watch your next favourite movie.

Inverness Falls Resort is home to three secluded chalets set in a natural spruce grove alongside a stream. Each has spacious comfort with either one or two bedrooms, wood-burning fireplace, and bathroom with rain shower and heated flooring. The two-person massage tub comes with acupressure therapy to relieve achiness. Private satellite receivers provide easy access to entertainment, while the fully equipped kitchen has everything you could need for a cozy weekend in the woods.

Enjoy winter at The Forks

For those who love outdoor winter activity, now is the most wonderful time. I’ll admit that I’ve become more of a fair-weather adventurer in recent years, preferring to venture out on warmer wintry days but when I do emerge, you’ll most likely find me exploring our frozen rivers.

The Forks kicked off its annual river trail season at the beginning of January, thanks in part to the extreme deep-freeze that blanketed Winnipeg over Christmas. The new name – Nestaweya River Trail – connects to the history of the area and honours the Indigenous peoples who have gathered where rivers meet for thousands of years.

Nestaweya is the original Cree name for the site of The Forks. It means ‘three points’ and signifies that people arrived here from three directions on the rivers. It’s a perfectly fitting name, especially considering that today people continue to come to The Forks — one of the most popular meeting points in Winnipeg — from all directions.  

The Nestaweya River Trail, presented by The Winnipeg Foundation, is one of Canada’s longest skating trails. It typically spans a distance of seven to 10 kilometres along the Red and Assiniboine rivers, and visitors this year can skate, walk, bike, and cross-country ski, making it one of the biggest and most functional trails ever to grace our waterways. At the present time, Nestaweya is just over six kilometres long, running from the Hugo Docks on the Assiniboine at one end, all the way to Churchill Drive on the Red at the other end.

Canadian travel is the way to go in 2022

With the Omicron variant of COVID-19 surging worldwide, and others sure to follow it looks as 2022 might be a lot like the past two years. With so much uncertainty about travel and border-crossing rules that seem to be changing every day, it’s not easy keeping up with the latest policies and best practices.

Personally speaking, it’s going to be a while before I set my sights on traveling outside of Canada again — and that’s totally OK with me. There are so many amazing places to visit right here at home, so I plan to keep my focus on Canadian travel for the next while.

I’ve been fortunate to have seen a lot of our beautiful country so far and to have had the chance to travel to unexpected places off the beaten path.

Here are two of my favourite Canadian destinations:

Dreaming of bucket-list getaways

It’s been nearly two years since I’ve given any thought to traveling — and for a travel writer, that’s a long time! Given the unpredictable pandemic conditions, it may even be two more years before I want to travel again.

So, when a friend recently asked me what places were still on my bucket list, I had to stop and seriously think about it.  

In days gone by, I could have easily rattled off a dozen or more places to go — some of them for no other reason but simply checking them off the list. But now I think that travel is going to be much more selective. For me, it’s going to be less about checking off locations and more about appreciating destinations. Less about quantity and more about quality. Less about choosing an obvious place on a map and more about discovering the unexpected locales that call out to you.

Several years ago, while visiting the Bahamas, I went strolling along the sandy shore far away from the resorts, as far away as I could reach. Near the end of the beach, tucked away in a peaceful forested area, was a yoga ashram. I had never heard of such a place, and was intrigued to learn that people from all over the world came to attend retreats. The manager on duty that day gave me a tour, showed me the accommodations and practise spaces, and answered my gazillion questions. Even though I was fortunate to be staying at a luxurious five-star resort nearby, I couldn’t help but feel as if I’d just struck gold by stumbling upon this modest and mystical little place.

Holiday season in the Big Apple

There’s something magical about Christmas in New York City. Maybe it’s because it has been the setting of many favourite movies over the years, such as Miracle on 34th Street, Serendipity and Elf.

Or perhaps it’s because some of New York’s most iconic holiday traditions date back to the 19th century. Even the ‘Big Guy’ himself has a little known ‘Big Apple’ connection.

Have you ever wondered how Santa Claus got his famous look? It has been credited to Thomas Nast, a New York political cartoonist who drew Santa for Harper’s Weekly in 1863. In the first drawing, a rotund Santa is donning an early version of his iconic red and white suit, which included stars and stripes at that time, as he gives out gifts to American Civil War troops. In the second illustration, Nast featured Santa in his sleigh,going down a chimney. In decades to follow, Santa’s outfit evolved to become less about politics, and more about the wintry season.

One of New York’s most magical locations is the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center — a beloved tradition that began in 1931 when a tree was erected on the grounds while the site was still being constructed. That first tree was a six-metre-high balsam fir put in place by Rockefeller Center construction workers who decorated it with handmade garlands made by their families. This year’s tree is over 24 metres tall and features more than 50,000 twinkling lights. Towering above the ice-skating rink below, the Rockefeller Christmas tree is a timeless attraction for locals and visitors alike, and one of the quintessential NYC experiences.  

Give globally this holiday season

If we’ve learned anything during this unexpected global pandemic, it’s that our world is all connected. What happens in one country affects another. What affects one environment ripples into the next.

When disasters strike, we are all ultimately affected. Fortunately, humans have the ability to evoke change and can help make a difference just about anywhere in the world these days.

If I’ve learned another thing during this period, it’s that I am truly blessed to have everything I need — and more.

With the season of giving upon us, and global perspective in mind, I’ve decided to make donations this year to a few international organizations in addition to the local causes I support.

The tradition of getting a live Christmas tree

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner once again. It’s also hard to forget that, last year at this time, we were in a lockdown that would keep us isolated right through the holiday season. Traditions were thrown completely out the window as we were asked to stay put inside our homes and celebrate Christmas apart.

While we’re still not in the COVID-19 clear and must remain vigilant, there’s a very good chance that Christmas will look different this year — more like it used to look, with (hopefully) the return of many holiday traditions.

Getting a Christmas tree has always been one of my favourite things to do at this time of year. Making an event out of it has always appealed to me, and last year’s experience was, of course, just not the same. It involved having to pre-order well ahead of time, waiting in a long, masked- and socially-distanced line in order to unceremoniously pick it up, tie it to the roof of the vehicle and then scurry home in order to stay away from other humans.

Strange days indeed.

Visit one of Winnipeg’s many war memorials

In just about every destination I have had the privilege of visiting, there is a memorial, monument, or museum dedicated to fallen soldiers.

This time of year always gets me thinking about those who came before me, who sacrificed their lives for the rest of us, and reflecting on the universality of war. But I don’t have to be in some distant location to be reminded. Right here at home there are plenty of physical reminders all around us. In fact, just the other day while waiting in my vehicle at a red light, I noticed one of Winnipeg’s most obvious commemorations for the first time.

At the corner of Broadway and Osborne Street, on the northwest corner of the grounds of the Manitoba legislature, is the Next of Kin monument. It was unveiled nearly a century ago, in 1923, to remember the 1,663 Manitobans — mostly from Winnipeg — who never came home from the First World War. It’s kind of hard to miss, and I can’t believe I had never really noticed it previously.

In the 1930s, a site in St. Boniface that had been informally used as a local dump was converted into public green space. The grounds of Coronation Park were levelled and landscaped, and officially opened on May 12, 1937, to coincide with the coronation of King George VI. In July 1947 a cenotaph was unveiled at the site to honour fallen soldiers of the First World War and Second World War, with acknowledgement of the Korean War added in later years.

Plenty of Halloween howls to be had this year

Since Halloween — and just about everything else — was cancelled in 2020, ghoulish gatherings around Manitoba are set to make a fourth-quarter comeback in 2021.

The town of Deloraine is going all out in its 2021 edition of The Nightmare Factory, which will run Oct. 29 to 31 and if now accepting private group reservations. This Tourism Westman ‘Event of the Year’ nominee offers 3,000-square-feet of terror, madness and mayhem, with recreations of scenes from horror movies and two terrifying escape rooms. Escape from Oz puts you on a Midwestern road-trip in the U.S., where you decide to stop in Kansas for a friendly visit at great Aunty Dorothy’s house — and instead get caught up in a tornado from hell. From there, your mission is to find the Wizard, as only he can save you.

You can also get your Heebie Jeebies in Oak Bluff until Oct. 31, a huge maze complex which features over 70,000-square-feet of haunted corridors full of fearful fun. Each of the four themed mazes takes about 10 minutes to complete, and all will keep you on high alert throughout the experience. Venture through Bunker Z, where you’ll encounter a zombie apocalypse, or the Junkyard which warns against trespassing and is filled with a lot more than just junk. Safely on the outside of the horror you can enjoy fireworks and free hot chocolate,while listening to the shrill screams of the visitors brave enough to make their way through the mazes.

The Haunted Forest in St. Adolphe is a popular event for families, and it runs until the Oct. 31. This interactive outdoor experience features a walk in the woods where spooky creatures come to life. Daylight hours are best for smaller kids, as the atmosphere is sure to get a whole lot scarier after dark.

Happy trails to you: Winnipeg edition

Autumn is the perfect time to get out and explore Manitoba. Not only is the landscape bursting with gorgeous fall colours but there are fewer bugs and it’s not too hot or too cold - usually just the right climate for venturing outdoors.

Here are some places to check out on each side of the city:

Just south of Winnipeg, near St. Norbert, you’ll find La Barrière Park. It’s a popular location, judging by the amount of people who were out and about on the same sunny Sunday that I visited. La Barrière’s 2.9 kilometre hiking trail loop is relatively short compared to other Manitoba trails, is easy enough for all skill levels, and - being mostly bordered by the La Salle River- is quite scenic. It’s a busy little place for paddling, too, with an entry point to the La Salle right at the park entrance, and a regular stream of kayakers, canoeists and paddle boarders can usually be spotted on the water.

Earlier this summer, on the east side of the city, I accidentally discovered the Transcona Bioreserve while out bike riding with my nephew Evan.

Get away to Dakota Dunes Resort

On a recent road-trip through Saskatchewan, my sister Phyllis and I decided to take a detour off the beaten path to explore part of the province we’ve never visited. Travelling south from Saskatoon on Highway 219, we entered Whitecap Dakota Unceded Territory, nestled in the South Saskatchewan River Valley.

Historically, the Dakota Nation occupied a large territory, spanning from Ontario through to Saskatchewan. Their way of life emphasizes respect for all living things and the environment. They relied on ‘tatanka’ (buffalo) for survival, as it provided essentials such as food, clothing, tools and weapons. Consequently, the buffalo holds great significance to the Dakota people and is found prominently in teachings and cultural elements.

In 1879, Chief Whitecap and his people settled in their current location, 26 kilometres south of present-day Saskatoon - an area previously known as Moose Woods. Today, three Dakota communities live in Saskatchewan: Standing Buffalo, Wahpeton, and Whitecap.

The Whitecap Dakota First Nation is a modern and progressive First Nation recognized nationally for its economic and community development successes. Through resourcefulness, creativity, and entrepreneurial vision, Whitecap is a business leader in Canada. Dakota Dunes Resort is a newly built, 155-room facility with a wide range of services and amenities.

Fascinating things to learn in North Battleford

Saskatchewan is a province that Manitobans often rival with, drive through, and sometimes poke fun at. It’s also an intriguing and scenic place to explore.

In the spirit of wanting to travel but not too far, I recently embarked on a little road trip. It was the first time on the road again since the pandemic hit, and the goal was finding an interesting place within one day’s drive of Winnipeg. Destination: North Battleford, in Treaty 6 territory.

A random mark on the map along the Yellowhead Highway, North Battleford is a place I knew nothing about. My sister and I drove west to Regina before turning northwest to Saskatoon, travelling double-lanes all the way. Saskatchewan takes good care of its highways, with a brand-new extensive bypass system that helps keep traffic diverting around both urban centres.

Arriving into North Battleford, we settled into our home-away-from-home — Gold Eagle Lodge. A premier hotel suitable for all travelers, it has 112 spacious guest rooms, including oversized family rooms, executive king suites, a bi-level penthouse suite, and wheelchair-accessible rooms. There is a fitness facility, business centre, meeting spaces, loads of free parking, and complimentary continental breakfast.

Enjoy world-class fishing at Totem Resorts

Did you know the largest fishing resort in North America is a mere three-hour drive from Winnipeg?

Totem Resorts is made up of four distinct fishing properties under one banner, with each situated in an outstanding Lake of the Woods location where world-class fishing experiences are the catch of the day.

Owned and operated by the Brown family for the past 43 years, Totem Resorts on the edge of Sioux Narrows has quietly cultivated multiple generations of good times, traditions, and trophy fish. The list of species found along the 105,000 kilometres of Lake of the Woods shoreline and around the nearly 15,000 islands includes pickerel, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, lake trout, muskie, and crappie.

Totem Resorts takes pride in being the only five-star-rated resort in all of northwestern Ontario. Its goal has always been to make their resorts exclusive, comfortable and affordable. Guests can spoil themselves in the woods with lavish cabins, top-of-the-line amenities and superb services such as customized all-inclusive packages, professionally-guided or self-guided fishing, hunting and trap shooting, fly-out backwoods adventures, and more. Their impressive variety of accommodations can host large groups and events, while still catering to small gatherings, families, and couples getaways.

Farmers’ markets for everyone!

Farmers’ markets are a fun tradition in Manitoba, and also practical. There’s nothing quite like purchasing fresh goods, taking them home, and whipping up delicious meals farm-to-table style.

Not only does it feel good to be supporting local merchants, but it also tastes good to be eating locally grown and preservative-free produce, meats, and baking.

The holy grail of Manitoba markets is Le Marché St. Norbert Farmers’ Market, a non-profit cooperative that supports 130 full-time vendors and 70 occasional vendors. For the past 34 years, farm families have come from all over the province with their vegetables, honey, cookies, artwork, toys, jewelry, soaps, and more. Open year-round, the motto of Manitoba’s largest market is ‘We make it, bake it, and grow it for you’. Shop the onsite market on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings, or order online 24/7 for onsite pickups.

Located right in the heart of Winnipeg, South Osborne Farmers’ Market is held Wednesdays from June to September in the outdoor rink beside Lord Roberts Community Centre on Kylemore Avenue. Discover 30 vendors featuring locally raised meats, spray-free organic fruits and vegetables, sourdough bread, handicrafts, and other treasures. The thriving community space also presents local beer, cider, and fresh squeezed lemonade, and is dog-friendly for pets who are on-leash and comfortable around people and noise.   

Adventure show an exercise in empowerment

It was 20 years ago that I heard about an epic adventure in the form of ‘living history’ television series Quest for the Bay. Frantic Films announced it was looking for eight ‘intrepid individuals’ to row a 19th century York boat from downtown Winnipeg to faraway York Factory on the Hudson Bay.

The trip was to begin on Canada Day — July 1, 2001 — with the same equipment, supplies, clothing and provisions that the original York boaters would have had in 1840.

That meant no sleeping bags, no rain gear, no sunglasses, no insect repellent, no toilet paper. The journey would require strength and guts, teamwork and tolerance, courage and confidence, patience and persistence. It would be extremely laborious, tremendously difficult, and probably mostly horrible.

It was something I absolutely wanted to do.

Explore Canada’s museums online

I don’t know about you, but I’ve actually been grateful for this period of being isolated. I’ve appreciated the shift to online platforms, and getting to see more of the world virtually. I’ve enjoyed being able to check out a wide variety of places without leaving home. With destinations still churning out and publishing new online content every day, it’s looking like a trend that is here to stay.

Digital Museums Canada is a federally funded program designed to help build digital capacity for museums and heritage organizations. It invests in initiatives designed to share slices of Canadian history, and recently announced 29 projects meant to generate inspiring online experiences.

Here are a few that I found intriguing:

• Exploramer: Discovering the Sea is a museum in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts dedicated to raising public awareness of the St. Lawrence marine ecosystem. Its Make Your Mouth Water interactive experience will introduce you to the edible species found in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, from the well-known lobster to the little-known ocean pout. If you love to learn about fish, seafood, and seaweed, this virtual visit will reveal more about the ecology and biology of different species, fishing techniques, history and conservation, and best practices for seafood meal prep.

The hidden glory of Spirit Sands

One of the most intriguing places in our province has to be Spirit Sands in Spruce Woods Provincial Park – often referred to as “Manitoba’s desert”.

As glacial Lake Agassiz retreated from this region more than 15,000 years ago, it left behind an expansive abundance of sandy deposits. Today, approximately four square kilometres of sands remain, forming shifting dunes, nestled in a diverse landscape of mixed-grass prairie, river-bottom forests, and spruce parklands.

The sands have an aquifer quality, meaning that huge amounts of groundwater naturally store here. Although the area looks and feels very dry, moisture exists at shallow depths just below the surface. One of the most interesting sites is the Devil’s Punch Bowl, a blue-green oasis created by a spring-fed pond. Wooden walkways span it, allowing you to get close to the surface and feel the coolness that radiates from the waters.

Because the region gets nearly double the rain as an actual desert, the unique ecosystem supports a rich variety of flora and fauna. There are pincushion and spinystar cacti, hognose snakes, prairie skinks (Manitoba’s only lizard), plains spadefoot toads, and several species of small endangered moths. Larger animals, such as elk and deer, and sometimes even wolves and bears, can also be seen in Spruce Woods.

Memories of Canada’s playoff cities

The National Hockey League realigned its four divisions for the 2021 regular season in order to eliminate cross-border travel between Canada and the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The league’s new North Division consisted of the seven Canadian teams.

Over these past few months, it’s felt like Canada’s game has returned home. Playful rivalries between friends and foes have sprung up across the country, even moreso than during a normal hockey season.

With four Canadian teams competing in the first round of playoffs - including the Winnipeg Jets, who eliminated the Edmonton Oilers in four straight games to move on to play either Toronto or Montreal (as I write this, their series had not concluded) - immersing ourselves in hockey has provided a little bit of normalcy and a nice distraction from the pandemic world we’ve been immersed in for the past 15 months.

Journey through history from home

It’s been a long year of various states of lockdown across Canada, and we’re not quite out of the woods yet.

To accommodate the importance of staying apart to stay safe, some of the museums here in Manitoba have pivoted to offer virtual experiences. While peering through a screen is never quite the same as the real thing, it’s still a great opportunity to explore new attractions without leaving home — while making a list of the places you’d like to visit in-person once things open up again.

Fort la Reine Museum in Portage la Prairie is home to more than two dozen unique heritage structures, reflecting life on the Prairies from 1738-1950. One of their current exhibits, Unmasking Influenza, highlights the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918-1919 while making comparisons to contemporary times. You’ll have to wait to visit this exhibit in person, but in the meantime, the museum does have a great list of virtual programs including a “behind the barriers” tour of a 1920s barbershop, and a “virtual field trip” to the West Prospect School House built in 1881.  Visit www.fortlareinemuseum.com for more information.

The Royal Aviation Museum has created virtual curriculum-based programming for grades K to 8 about the science and history of aviation. Hosted live from their Wellington Avenue location in Winnipeg, the programs feature artifacts and aircrafts in restoration, along with hands-on activities targeted to specific age groups. They also work with teachers to tailor sessions towards specific learning outcomes. The facilitator has 15 years of experience delivering programs for the museum, and is also a professional children’s entertainer who uses humour and fun to bring history and science to the forefront. Visit www.royalaviationmuseum.com for more information.

Destinations strive to be eco-friendly

Climate change is an important topic, and one that tends to get more attention in springtime around Earth Day, on April 22.

As concerns continue to grow over global climate action, more and more destinations are stepping up their commitments to move toward emission-free lifestyles and economies, while making efforts to better protect environments. Tourism initiatives are becoming more thoughtful, providing visitors with authentic eco-friendly experiences and first-hand education about sustainable practices.

I visited Costa Rica in 2017 and climate change was a big topic of discussion then. Earlier this year, the Central American country celebrated the second anniversary of its ‘national decarbonization plan’ that focuses on transportation, the electrical grid, technologies, waste management, and more. It has a goal of increasing forest cover by 60 per cent by the year 2050, and through its urban natural parks initiative has already restored more than three kilometres of urban corridors to protect and preserve green spaces within metropolitan areas. Lodges and hotels offer community tours, with volunteer work opportunities around organic farming, energy production, and eco-literacy. Travellers can learn about sustainable farming without the use of pesticides or chemicals, try their hand at milking cows and enjoy an authentic meal produced with fresh, locally grown ingredients. You can participate in guided hikes through primary and secondary rainforests, tour re-seeding greenhouses, help plant trees, and lend a hand on construction projects.

In Hawaii, guests are invited to ‘malama’ - take care of and tend to - our earth, each other, and ourselves. In an effort to inspire mindful travel, partners and organizations across the state have come together with an initiative that encourages visitors to give back to the destination. Volunteer projects range from reforestation and tree-planting to self-directed beach cleanups, ocean reef preservation, and even creating quilts for Hawaiian kupuna (elders).

What’s old is new again at Aunt Sally’s Farm

One of my favourite places to go as a kid was Aunt Sally’s Farm at Assiniboine Park Zoo. What I liked best was that it had lots of cute animals to interact with - not like the big scary cows that lived on our farm, which I mostly stayed away from. As an animal-lover, it was always a thrill to go to Aunt Sally’s Farm.  

When I heard that a ‘new’ Aunt Sally’s Farm was opening at the zoo, I gathered some littles from within my ‘bubble’ and set off on an Easter Sunday adventure to see what we would see. I ashamedly admit that the last time I visited Assiniboine Park Zoo was 10 years ago - and it had been much longer since I last visited Aunt Sally’s Farm, which closed in the late 1980s.

The name commemorates Sally Warnock, who came to Canada from Northern Island in 1911.

She began working at the Winnipeg Humane Society in 1920 and became a passionate and influential animal advocate over the 33 years she was with the organization. After her passing in 1957, donations were made in her honour to build a new wing at the animal shelter on Logan Avenue. The City of Winnipeg named Warnock Street after her, and Aunt Sally’s Farm opened at the zoo in 1959, paying tribute to her lifelong dedication to animals.

A long-awaited return to Thermëa

One of my favourite places for a getaway right here in Winnipeg is Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature.

Like other businesses affected by COVID-19 this past year, Thermëa faced operating restrictions. But as of March 5, it has re-opened with new regulations in place to ensure a safe experience in the well-known wellness haven visitors have come to love.

Before getting to what is different, let’s talk about what remains the same — the awesome spa ritual. Thermal cycles are an age-old tradition consisting of hot, cold, and relaxation. They are meant to purify the body by helping to eliminate toxins, stimulate circulation, release adrenaline, and increase endorphins. After intentionally moving through three to four thermal rounds, you can’t help but feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on your world. Which is exactly why I have come to love thermal cycles so much.

Thermëa features a Gëser hot tub, a tepid Tempër pool, an icy-cold Polabër plunge at the base of the Icebër waterfall, the Finlandia Sauna, and two Vaporo steam saunas (scented with eucalyptus and orange). There is also the Relaxa pavilion with different indoor rest areas, and — my favourite place of all — Fläm, an open-air log cabin with an enclosed fire pit. Here you get the sweet smell of wood smoke, the warmth of a blazing fire, and the freshness of the great outdoors, all while sheltered inside rustic walls.

Calgary: Home of the curling bubble

I love curling. It was a big part of my life growing up in a tiny prairie town. Marquette didn’t have much of anything, but it did have a one-sheet rink enclosed in corrugated iron that operated from the first days of freeze-up right through until the trickle of spring thaw.  

My older brothers played the sport, and we younger kids would spend countless hours running back and forth from our farm on one side of town to the rink on the opposite side. Back then, though, I think I was more interested in trying to come up with 50 cents for the canteen to buy a slice of the best lemon meringue pie ever to exist than I was in actually watching the games.

I never actually tried curling myself until I was in my mid-30s — and I quickly became hooked. Since then I have discovered great joy playing in rec leagues, taking lessons, and taking part in fun bonspiels. My ongoing pursuit has been learning more about the game, improving my technique, and furthering my knowledge of all the strategy that goes into it.

I’ve also gotten quite hooked on watching it, especially in 2013, when Winnipeg played host to the Canadian Olympic curling trials. That was the first time I got to watch professional curling in person, and it was super exciting to witness the very best teams all together in my city. This year, the best teams will gather once again, this time in Alberta and this time, without fans in the stands.

Now that I’ve arrived… the world can wait

This time last year, I found myself returning home from a whirlwind 48 hours in New York City, and was coming off the ‘high’ of what was a definite highlight of my travel writing career.

This trip wasn’t for a media ‘familiarization’ tour where we get escorted around town, nor was it a mission to take in some of the many attractions unique to Manhattan, or to visit the next best luxury resort. Nope.

This particular visit to New York City consisted of a very long day of sit-down meetings in a wide-open, crowded, and noisy space. The only ‘travel’ I did was walking from the Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan to the nearby Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre early in the morning, and then back to my hotel in the evening. Between those two treks, within those 12 hours, the world of travel had been opened up to me in a whole new way.

Let me tell you why.

Enjoying the pleasures of ‘slow travel’

You may have heard of slow food, or maybe slow fashion. But what about slow travel?

This term has been popping up a lot lately, referring to an approach that is more about connecting to a place through meaningful experiences and less about trying to see and do as much as you can squeeze in. It’s about being mindful, slowing down, and appreciating where you are.

With the pandemic putting travel dreams on hold, it’s no surprise there is a growing trend towards embracing destinations. The more I think about it, the more I realize that ‘slow travel’ is something

I’ve actually been doing for years. Seeking authentic experiences has always been a preferred practise of mine, long before the phrase was coined.

Get away from it all on a cross-country ski trail

As we settle into 2021, there is still so much uncertainty about travel. Winter vacations to tropical locales are becoming staycations inside our bubbles. I, for one, don’t mind being sheltered at home for as long as it takes to get through this pandemic, and I  am focusing on the silver linings as best I can.

One way to get outside of our houses — and our heads — is cross-country skiing. An ideal winter activity for Canadian climates, it’s relatively easy to learn, invigorates your senses, and allows you to absorb the beauty of nature while at the same time offering important benefits for both mental health and fitness.

Cross-country skiing is a total body work-out, and one of the best physical activities you can do. Skiing at a moderate pace can burn 800 calories per hour, while improving circulation, and enhancing balance and co-ordination. Best of all, it doesn’t require any special skills to get started. However, you will need some gear. During normal times, it’s easy and affordable to rent skis, poles and boots at different places around Winnipeg. Right now, though, you’ll have to have your own.

For urban outings, there are groomed cross-country ski trails all over the city. Windsor Park Nordic Centre, maintained by the Cross Country Ski Association of Manitoba, is the epicentre of the sport, with over nine kilometres of trails groomed daily, seven days per week. One of the most beautiful times to go is after dark, when the trails are lit up (until 10 p.m.). Other places with groomed trails include city-run spaces such as Crescent Drive Park, Harbourview Park, Kildonan Park, and St. Vital Park.  

Why travel to enjoy a spa day?

This strange-but-true holiday season has been unlike any other in our lifetime. It brings to a close a year that has been challenging for most, scary for some, and tragic for far too many. However, amid the difficulties of 2020, the year has also brought some blessings.

It forced many — myself included — to slow down, put the brakes on and spend more time at home. Or should I say, spend all the time at home. That’s OK, though, as it helped me appreciate even more that I have a warm place to live, a roof over my head, food on my table and clean water flowing from my taps. That’s everything I need, really. After growing up with so little, I’ve always appreciated the basics. I definitely appreciated them more this year than ever before.

I’ve been self-employed and working from home for 16 years now, fortunate to have found a good groove with recurring clients and contracts. It’s a career I love but sometimes I have felt like I was on auto-pilot, just going through the motions.

But then, suddenly, the whole world changed. Jobs changed. Businesses changed. Entire industries changed — including all the ones I work in. While the pandemic  brought a lot of devastation and uncertainty, it also offered a blessing in the chance to surrender, step back, assess and reflect.

Heard the one about the Christmas pickle?

This Travelations column is the second in a two-part series revealing fun holiday traditions to experience with your loved ones this season. Read the first part at www.canstarnews.com

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You’ve heard of the Christmas turkey, the Christmas ham, the Christmas pudding… what about the Christmas pickle?

There is a quirky tradition referred to as ‘Weihnachtsgurke’ in many parts of Germany that involves hiding a pickle deep in the branches of your tree. Whoever spots it first is said to have good fortune in the coming year, and is rewarded with an extra gift or treat. Most shops that sell Christmas ornaments now offer up various versions of the pickle, allowing for a fun and easy addition to Christmas morning shenanigans.

Holiday traditions inspired by European travels

Christmas of 2020 is going to look a lot different for most people — myself included.

The past two years, I travelled to Northern B.C. to celebrate with family members who live far away. The year before that, I spent a good chunk of November with AmaWaterways, river-cruising from Switzerland to Amsterdam on a European Christmas markets tour.

Just about every mid-sized town along the way presented its own version of the Christmas market, offering local crafts, whimsical gifts, warm drinks and roasted chestnuts. Everywhere we went, the air was filled with community warmth and seasonal cheer, bringing light and love to the long dark nights of winter. We discovered many fun and meaningful Christmas traditions that changed from region to region.

Here are a few to share with you:

Canadian War Museum fascinates

One of the most fascinating museums I’ve ever visited is right here in Canada, in our nation’s capital. The origins of the Canadian War Museum can be traced back to 1880, when it first started out as a small assemblage of military pieces. Over the next 125 years the collection would grow, and so would the need for larger, more permanent space.

The museum we know today opened its doors in 2005 on the LeBreton Flats site in Ottawa. It’s an unforgettable place that connects human stories to the horrors of war. Known for housing some of the finest military holdings in the world, the museum is home to over three million artifacts and items, including personal memoirs, medals and regalia, audio and visual recordings, artillery and equipment, and more.    

One of the most popular galleries, the Military Technology Collection, features rare vehicles and large weaponry, showcasing the many ‘tools of the trade’ used throughout times of war and peacekeeping. Canada’s military history is presented in four permanent Canadian Experience galleries, each highlighting significant moments that shaped our country.

The Early Wars in Canada gallery portrays the First Peoples, European contact, and the subsequent wars waged by the French and British. The South African and First World Wars gallery illustrates Canada’s first contributions to overseas battles, which led to increased international recognition and a greater sense of nationhood, but also came at great cost in lives lost.

Spooky places to put on your wish lists

It’s that time of year when people are drawn to frightening things. While there is certainly plenty of scariness going on in the United States, even without Halloween, there are also lots of officially designated spooky places to visit once travel is happening again.

Here are some of them:

• The ‘Old Line State’ of Maryland has spent nearly 400 years collecting colonial ghosts ever since European settlement began in 1634. The battlefields of Antietam - the site of American’s bloodiest single-day battle - just might be the most haunted grounds around, as more than 23,000 lives were lost here. Visitors and locals alike regularly report seeing solders in uniform wandering as if lost, or hearing the distant fire of guns and cannons on quiet evenings.  

Frederick is labelled the ‘most haunted city’ in Maryland, where present-day Courthouse Square was once the home to brutal executions. Over at the Tivoli Theatre, it seems some former stage hands and actors have never wrapped and audience members have never given up their favourite seats. Down the road at Barbara Fritchie’s house, even 158 years after her death, she continues to stand guard against invading Confederate soldiers, now part of American folklore through immortalization in a popular poem.

Immerse yourself in the work of Van Gogh

I’m sure you’ve heard by now that Imagine Van Gogh: The Immersive Exhibition at the RBC Convention Centre is fantastic.

This unique journey invites visitors into the dreamy landscape of the renowned Dutch painter, bringing to life his works and his world in a powerful and emotive way.

The show features than 200 of Van Gogh’s paintings in a series of ever-changing projections, flawlessly flowing from one to the next. Drifting views surround you from floor to ceiling, with varied angles that are often prominent, sometimes distorted, and always larger than life.

Winnipeg’s Gilles Paquin is the local producer of Imagine Van Gogh: The Immersive Exhibition.

Developing a Manitoba hiking habit

These have been strange times, to say the least. Amid stretches of self-induced self-isolation, sticking mostly close to familiar spaces, and avoiding other people as much as humanly possible, one revitalizing pastime has been trekking. Getting outdoors and onto new pathways has not only been good for the body, mind and spirit, but has also made the world seem a little bit ‘normal’ again, one trail at a time.

Hiking is especially satisfying at this time of year, when the landscape is blanketed in autumn tones. A current goal is to hit new locations during this most colourful time and to get a few additional hikes under my belt before the snow flies. Then next summer I’ll consider venturing out into tougher places, possibly over longer distances. Maybe I’ll even attempt my first overnight trip.

Who knows? With so much more yet to explore, and many uncertainties ahead, I’m taking it one day at a time.

The hiking habit can easily begin right here in Winnipeg. Bois-des-Esprit is an absolute gem of an outdoorsy locale, smack dab in the middle of urban living. It’s a vital stretch of the Seine River Greenway, and the largest remaining riverbank forest in the entire city. It consists of 117 wooded acres that remain largely undisturbed, and five different ecosystems that support rich varieties of vegetation and wildlife.

Manitoba’s roadside attractions

As we head into fall, with great uncertainty still surrounding COVID-19, it’s hard to imagine anyone wanting to travel outside Manitoba anytime soon — myself included.

I’ve always been a fan of exploring our province, and 2020 has granted more reason than ever before to take in some of the unique sites and roadside attractions. Here are a few of my favourites that you can visit all in the same day:

When I was a kid we lived in the very southern region of Manitoba’s Interlake. We had family in Balmoral and went there often but anything further north seemed like a mysterious world away. One of my first trips beyond the familiar frontier was to Komarno — a place named after the Ukrainian word meaning ‘lots of mosquitos’. The statue here honours this name, and getting up close to this massive mosquito for a roadside selfie won’t leave you scratching your head, or anything else for that matter.

A little further up Highway 7 is another cool site in the town of Meleb  — giant fibreglass mushrooms modelled after three local fungi delicacies known as pidpenky, smorzhi, and kozari. While foraging for wild mushrooms is not recommended without an expert on hand, you can find these statuesque versions all on your own in Meleb Park, which opened in 1994 to honour the area’s veterans and to celebrate 90 years of settlement.

Exploring Churchill once more

This story is the second in a two-part series about one of my absolute favourite places — Churchill, Man. You can find the first part at www.canstarnews.comChurchill’s rugged and remote coastline is heaped with smooth sand stones, granite rocks and wind-swept boulders. Archaeological studies done in the area show evidence of humans residing as far back as 4,000 years, when the Dené and Cree Indigenous peoples populated the region. The landscape is desolate and magnificent, and the perfect backdrop for cultural exploration, historic tales, and a fort named for the Prince of Wales. Located across the Churchill River, at the most northerly point possible, is one of Manitoba’s national historic sites. Prince of Wales Fort was built by the Hudson Bay Company between 1731 and 1771 to protect England’s interest in the fur trade during troubled times with France. The crowning jewel of the construction had to be the outer walls, measuring almost seven metres high and 11 metres thick. Adorned with more than 40 cannons strategically placed to cover every approach, the British fort was ironically lost to French warships in 1782 without a single cannon shot fired.Once you’ve discovered what’s on the ground and in the water, look up. Waaaay up.Did you know the highest intensity of northern lights in the Arctic occurs over Churchill from January to March? That’s the best time of year to see nature’s most dazzling display light up winter’s long dark nights. The best part is, you don’t even have to stand outside in deep-freeze weather to witness their wonder. The Aurora Domes offer viewing with all the comforts of the great indoors. Visitors get to sit in heated Plexiglas bubbles that provide clear observation of the entire night sky, and wait patiently for the brilliantly coloured dancing bands to come out and play. There’s a very good chance you’ll see them, too, because when it’s clear and cold, they almost always appear.   The domes were originally constructed for scientists to observe the aurora borealis when the Churchill Research Range was operational. After the Canadian government quit using them in the mid 1980s, they were purchased privately and transformed into a unique and successful tourist attraction. Once again, a new use was found for something that had run its course, in a little town with a long tradition of having to reinvent itself.   A trip to Churchill would not be complete without a stop at the Itsanitaq Museum, which offers a precious glimpse at some of the oldest and finest Inuit carvings and artifacts in the world. The quaint museum is open year-round, and pays tribute to the creativity and resourcefulness of the Inuit people. Exhibits on display include a seal-skin kayak, a walrus, and a polar bear (not live, of course). The gift shop has a selection of books about the north, history and outdoor adventure, unique arts and crafts, local preserves and treats, and plenty of other one-of-kind finds. The kinds of things you’ll only discover in a place that truly is one-of-a-kind. RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller and music lover who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca

This story is the second in a two-part series about one of my absolute favourite places — Churchill, Man. You can find the first part at www.canstarnews.com

Churchill’s rugged and remote coastline is heaped with smooth sand stones, granite rocks and wind-swept boulders. Archaeological studies done in the area show evidence of humans residing as far back as 4,000 years, when the Dené and Cree Indigenous peoples populated the region. The landscape is desolate and magnificent, and the perfect backdrop for cultural exploration, historic tales, and a fort named for the Prince of Wales. 

Located across the Churchill River, at the most northerly point possible, is one of Manitoba’s national historic sites. Prince of Wales Fort was built by the Hudson Bay Company between 1731 and 1771 to protect England’s interest in the fur trade during troubled times with France. The crowning jewel of the construction had to be the outer walls, measuring almost seven metres high and 11 metres thick.

Thinking of Churchill? Now’s the time

So you’ve probably heard about the polar bears … but what else is up there in Churchill?

You just might be pleasantly surprised.

Situated north of Manitoba’s timber-line, Churchill has reinvented itself many times over. From its establishment as fur trade-era fort and continental seaport, to later iterations as a military base and rocket science hub, the main driver of Churchill’s modern economy is tourism — and rightfully so.

If you’ve been wanting to visit Churchill, and are thinking of driving there, think again. The paved highway ends in Thompson and the continuing gravel road ends just past Gillam — which still leaves you about 300 kilometres short.

Explore Winnipeg Beach anew

Winnipeg Beach is an ideal place for a summer day-trip, with a three-kilometre sandy stretch, boardwalk, picnic areas, tennis and volleyball courts, and one of the best wind-surfing bays on the lake.

In the year 2000, a permanent bandstand was built to host musical performances (currently on hold due to COVID-19), and in 2011, the Winnipeg Beach campground opened with 120 fully-serviced sites.

The tradition of Winnipeg Beach as a resort town dates back more than a century, when William Whyte of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) first came across the beautiful length of beach in 1900. He had the CPR purchase 330 acres of waterfront land to develop a beach resort, with the intention of getting a jump on the Canadian Northern Railway (CNR) who already had sights set on building a line to Lake Manitoba.  

Railway tracks reached Winnipeg Beach in 1901, and by 1903, the first CPR train arrived with 500 passengers seeking piers, parks and picnic grounds. By 1906, there were multiple trains transporting tens of thousands of tourists back-and-forth for the round-trip cost of 50 cents, with the ‘Moonlight Special’ returning to the city on Saturday nights at midnight.

A joyous day trip down the Pinawa Channel

You could say it’s in Adrian Storimans’ soul to want to spend summer days guiding groups of paddlers. His love for nature traces all the way back to his boyhood in The Netherlands, and was nurtured during an adventuring life in Winnipeg before he moved to Seven Sisters Falls — in the heart of Manitoba’s canoeing country — 27 years ago.

Since 2010, Storimans’ eco-touring company, Wild Harmony Canoe Adventures, has been a gateway to outdoor excursions throughout southeastern Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.

One of Storimans’ favourite routes is the Pinawa Channel, a 13-kilometre stretch from the town site to Old Pinawa Dam. He considers it one of the most scenic day trips in the entire province, and I think he might be right.

We met up with Adrian at Pinawa Town Dock, received instruction and safety information, geared up, shuttled half the vehicles to Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park, and returned to where we started. If all went according to plan, we’d reach the take-out point in about five hours.

Canoeing Pigeon River is not for the timid

I’ve always loved a good adventure, and paddling has been an important and impactful part of my life. It has given me insight and inspiration. It has brought pleasure and peacefulness and also fear and anxiety. I usually experience a combination of all those things, on any given voyage — particularly the eight-day canoe trip I once did on the Pigeon River.

With runs of rapids comparable in size and frequency to the Colorado River, Manitoba’s Pigeon is a whitewater dream — or nightmare, if you suddenly realize big waves aren’t your thing.

The journey began with a three-hour drive from Winnipeg through the heart of the Interlake up Highway 8 and Provincial Road 234 to the end of the road — literally. We took a ferry to reach Matheson Island, loaded our gear into a float plane, fastened four canoes to the floats, and were whisked away to the wild.

A short time later, we landed in the middle of Vickers Lake. The pilot proceeded to cut the engines, open the airplane doors, and start lowering our gear down onto the floats below.

Plenty of ways to celebrate Canada Day

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada Day is going virtual. In all of Canada’s 153 birthdays, this one coming up will mark the first time it will be celebrated with no crowds present. So while the show will go on, it’s going to look a lot different. Virtually so.

Ottawa is planning the country’s national birthday bash to take place on-screen. In 2019, Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill were attended by more than 56,000 Canadians and international visitors, and viewed by millions more across the country. This year, with live events cancelled everywhere, the Department of Canadian Heritage has announced a digital celebration featuring artists and artisans curated to reflect “our diversity and values” and showcase “the immense talent our country has to offer.”

On a normal Canada Day in Winnipeg, The Forks will see over 30,000 people streaming on to the grounds and adjoining trails, coming out in droves to participate in-person. Instead, 2020 will see a one-hour celebration streamed online, with audiences tuning in from the other side of a screen in comfort of their homes. The taped party will feature music, comedy, a fireworks display, and an unforgettable performance by a Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra musician in an empty field.

Speaking of empty, that’s how it’s been in the grandstand at Assiniboia Downs. But that hasn’t stopped the horse racing action at Manitoba’s “little track that could.” Fans can catch the equine competition livestreamed on Canada Day, or any Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday until September, for that matter. Spectator-less live racing resumed May 25 at the Downs after a 68-day pandemic shut-down — the longest since 2004, when a fire destroyed the race day operation centre. At that time, a temporary press box put in place saw races up and running again 11 days later.

Explore our home province this summer

Did you know that Manitoba has 92 designated provincial parks?

I did not. In fact, I’d never realized just how abundant the parks system here really is until I started researching for new and interesting places to go within our province — and there are plenty.

Precambrian Shield is the setting of Paint Lake Provincial Park’s rugged shorelines, lush forests, and sparkling lakes dotted with tiny islands. At nearby Pisew Falls, the Grass River drops 13 metres into a gushing gorge that can be safely viewed from observation platforms.

Seeing Kwasitchewan Falls, Manitoba’s highest waterfall, requires a 22-kilometre return backcountry trip along the Upper Track Trail. It skirts along a 1700s trading route that led fur-traders to the Saskatchewan River and from there to all of Western Canada’s interior. And the rest is history.

It’s Manitoba’s 150th and you can still explore the province

May marks the 150th anniversary of Manitoba. Even though special events might be postponed for a while, you can still celebrate by making plans to see some of our province.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting many Manitoba destinations so far, with more on the list. Here are a few of them.

Spirit Sands in Spruce Woods Provincial Park is Manitoba’s only desert, and one of the few in Canada. Deposited there by ancient Lake Agassiz, the four-kilometre tract of sand dunes creates a unique environment that is home to the only lizard in these parts, the prairie skink, several types of snakes, and two kinds of cacti. The Devil’s Punch Bowl trail travels through grasslands, river-bottom forests, wetlands, and rolling parklands. All of this, right here in our homelands.

I’ve heard many things about Tulabi Falls, mostly from my outdoor-adventuring niece. Brit loves going there because it has easy access but still boasts a stunning wilderness setting for trail hikes, lakes swims, and peaceful solitude among spruce, jack pines, and balsam fir.

How I became a travel junkie

This story is the second in a three-part series. You can find the first part at www.canstarnews.com I first travelled outside Canada when I was 20. I was in my first year at the University of Winnipeg and a local tour company put together a spring break package for students to head to Daytona Beach. After traveling 48 hours by party bus, we spent five fun-filled days in Florida, carousing around attractions, dancing at local clubs, soaking up the sand and surf, and gazing off into sunsets. It was my first time witnessing the awesome ocean, and I fell in love with its infinite horizon. It could very well be that it reminded me of the flat prairie landscapes I had grown to know.  Adventure travel would mark the next phase of my escapades. There is something empowering about getting away for extended periods of time, relying only on yourselves. Canoeing became serious business at the age of 29, when eight girlfriends  and I took on the challenge of journeying the rugged and remote Canadian Shield. We travelled in three canoes across northwestern Ontario, traversing more than 500 kilometres in 31 days, from one full moon to another. We had a pre-set drop-off and pick-up, carried only the bare minimum and arranged for a food-drop at the halfway mark. It was quite the logistical marvel and, fortunately, it all worked out. Work travel began for me around this same time, with my first business trip to Toronto. My sister and I went there to meet with national advertising agencies for a newspaper we were publishing — and it seemed like such a big and bustling city. I loved it — which was good, because it was the first of dozens of trips to Toronto over the next 20 years for work connected to music, film, and television. It’s a metropolis I’ve come know quite well, with plenty of good friends who live there, it has also come to feel like a second home.  Work opportunities also led to my first trip overseas, while interning at motion picture production company Buffalo Gal Pictures. The employment grant covering my position required international mentorship, and so it was arranged for me to travel to New Orleans for the NATPE television conference, to Cannes, France, for MIPCOM, the world’s largest TV marketplace, and the Mannheim-Heidelberg Film Festival in Germany. In 2001, boardrooms morphed to backwoods again, when I applied to be — and was selected as — one of eight ‘intrepid individuals’ for a once-in-a-lifetime wilderness adventure to be made for television.The five-part History Channel series Quest for the Bay involved rowing a 19th century York boat from downtown Winnipeg to York Factory on the edge of Hudson Bay. It meant using equipment, supplies and provisions as they would have had in 1840, with everything made from wood, cast iron, linen or wool. We had no sleeping bags, rain gear, sunglasses, insect repellent, not even toilet paper. The undertaking took 61 days, and can best be described as laborious, difficult, hugely stressful, and mostly horrible. On the flip side… it was extremely gratifying and incredibly inspiring, and would further instill in me the desire to want to keep on adventuring… MORE TO COME: My next Travelations will be the final instalment of a three-part series reflecting on the experiences that shaped me into a traveller – with hopes of inspiring you.RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller and music lover who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca

This story is the second in a three-part series. 

I first travelled outside Canada when I was 20. I was in my first year at the University of Winnipeg and a local tour company put together a spring break package for students to head to Daytona Beach. After traveling 48 hours by party bus, we spent five fun-filled days in Florida, carousing around attractions, dancing at local clubs, soaking up the sand and surf, and gazing off into sunsets. It was my first time witnessing the awesome ocean, and I fell in love with its infinite horizon. It could very well be that it reminded me of the flat prairie landscapes I had grown to know.  

Adventure travel would mark the next phase of my escapades. There is something empowering about getting away for extended periods of time, relying only on yourselves. Canoeing became serious business at the age of 29, when eight girlfriends  and I took on the challenge of journeying the rugged and remote Canadian Shield. We travelled in three canoes across northwestern Ontario, traversing more than 500 kilometres in 31 days, from one full moon to another. We had a pre-set drop-off and pick-up, carried only the bare minimum and arranged for a food-drop at the halfway mark. It was quite the logistical marvel and, fortunately, it all worked out. 

What sparked your wanderlust?

What’s your travelling story? Because if you’re a traveller, your tendency for taking trips surely comes from somewhere. Was there a defining moment along the way that made you want to see the world beyond your own horizons? A series of events that influenced you? Someone who inspired you? I hadn’t thought much about it before, to be honest. But now, with the world on pandemic lockdown and travel not being an option, I can stay put, look back, and clearly see the moments that instilled in me my love for travel today. No doubt.   Growing up in a tiny prairie town beside the railroad tracks sparked my initial desire. Watching the passenger trains was often the most exciting part of any day —  hearing the whistle blow and rushing to a good vantage point to see the next one approach from the far-off distance. Sometimes I’d get close enough to feel the ground rumble and air blast as it barrelled by, closing my eyes, holding my breath, and being enveloped in the power of its velocity. I’d turn to keep it in view for as long as I could, too, until it was long gone. Wondering where all those people were going. Imagining the places they’d been. Anticipating when the next train would come along. When I was 13, an opportunity to travel was offered to me as an academic incentive. My brother in Thunder Bay said I could visit if I got good grades. So I did. Two of my other brothers drove me out in summertime, through stunning Canadian Shield country. Up to that point, my world had been mostly flat and wide-open. To suddenly see this rocky, forested landscape was amazing! I stayed on in Ontario for a few weeks before flying to Winnipeg, and vividly remember the thrill of that first flight. Seeing and feeling the plane rise off the ground, higher and higher, up into the clouds, was super-exciting but also scary. I still feel that way today. I travelled outside of the province once again at 15, to babysit for my brother in Brooks, Alta. During my time there we day-tripped to Lethbridge, Calgary, and the very thrilling Calaway Park. We also visited Banff, which was my introduction to the splendour of the mountains. It was so astoundingly different from Marquette, Man. Most memorable, though, was that the trip allowed me to spend precious weeks with my nephew and godson, who was born with an illness,and whose life was to be fleeting. He was my little buddy that summer, and although just a few months old, he taught me deeply.At the age of 19 and for the next few years I worked at Camp Stephens on Lake of the Woods. Northwestern Ontario became my home, and it’s where I learned to travel in a different way —  for the sake of adventure, the benefits that come with spending time in the outdoors, and the satisfaction and challenge of embarking on wilderness trips. Lessons that would shape the next era of my travel. No doubt. More to comeMy next Travelations will be part-two of my travelling story, reflecting on experiences that shaped me into a traveller, with hopes of inspiring you. RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller and music lover who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca 

What’s your travelling story?

Because if you’re a traveller, your tendency for taking trips surely comes from somewhere. Was there a defining moment along the way that made you want to see the world beyond your own horizons? A series of events that influenced you? Someone who inspired you? 

How to travel while stuck at home

We’re living in strange times right now. As a travel columnist, I’m finding myself conflicted about wanting to recommend wonderful places to visit and experience, and also realizing that travel is the last thing on anyone’s mind. So this Travelations is about incorporating travel into your life in different ways, and letting travel still bring joy during an uncertain time when leaving home is not recommended. Most people have hundreds, if not thousands, of digital photos from previous trips that they most likely don’t do anything with. Plus, let’s just be honest, nobody likes to view massive quantities of photos of anyone’s trip, no matter who they are or where they went.Go through your batch of travel pictures, choose your best dozen, pick your best posse, and have a slideshow party — or simply post a series on Instagram. It’s a safe way to selectively share in each other’s travel moments without having to endure all 22 angles of that one picturesque pelican on the beach that time in Florida. Plan for an evening of international cuisine — homemade with love — from a country you’ve always wanted to visit. Research recipes for a dish you’d like to try, plan to have all the ingredients on hand, and really take time to prepare and savour the meal. Learn more about the dish you chose, and the customs behind it. Include dessert, too, and create something sweet from another place altogether. In fact, you could visit a whole region with separate courses, and accompanying beverage-tasting. People are purposely staying in and looking for things to watch, and there’s never been a better time to visit foreign cinema.Pick a country and pick out a sub-titled feature. Get hooked on a travel series. Seek out documentaries of where you want to visit. Travel the world through your screen, and while you’re at it, explore music from other countries, too. Music also goes exceptionally well with an evening of international cuisine and beverage-tasting. See above. If you love a good spa, designate space in your home as spa-space for a day. Make it as peaceful as possible. Play spa-like music. Freshen the air. Do at-home facials, manicures, pedicures, whatever you are able. Sip herbal tea and nibble on spa-snacks. Flip through a magazine, or a dive into a book you’ve been meaning to read. Partake in a little digital detox by disconnecting from devices for a few hours, or even the whole day if you can take the time away. Be in the moment. Take as many moments for yourself as possible. Your mind, body and spirit will all thank you. Create a vision board or scrapbook of your ideal trip. Dream as absolutely big as possible. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? What would you do there? Where would you stay? Who would you meet? Rarely does it seem we ever have time to just sit and dream. So if you’re staying home these days and looking for things to do, why not use your time to try and manifest the trip of a lifetime. After all, anything is possible. And stranger things have happened. Like the times we are living in.  RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller and music lover who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca

We’re living in strange times right now. As a travel columnist, I’m finding myself conflicted about wanting to recommend wonderful places to visit and experience, and also realizing that travel is the last thing on anyone’s mind. 

So this Travelations is about incorporating travel into your life in different ways, and letting travel still bring joy during an uncertain time when leaving home is not recommended. 

Most people have hundreds, if not thousands, of digital photos from previous trips that they most likely don’t do anything with. Plus, let’s just be honest, nobody likes to view massive quantities of photos of anyone’s trip, no matter who they are or where they went.Go through your batch of travel pictures, choose your best dozen, pick your best posse, and have a slideshow party — or simply post a series on Instagram. It’s a safe way to selectively share in each other’s travel moments without having to endure all 22 angles of that one picturesque pelican on the beach that time in Florida. 

Parents, are you ready for spring break?

Well Winnipeg, we’ve nearly made it through another winter.Before we know it, spring will be here – and with it, spring break. It’s a great time of year to become hometown tourists and make some family moments together. Or, even better, take a break from your kids by sending them off to camp. Spring break camp at Assiniboine Park Zoo offers individual theme days, or an entire week filled with experiential and educational activities. The Northern Explorers day digs into the life of polar bears and other animals of the tundra, revealing how they survive the cold, how they change from season to season, and how shifting climates truly affect them. On the flip side, Rain Forest Rangers gives campers a tropical adventure by celebrating the lush green jungle plants of Toucan Ridge, and exploring more about the precious rain forests, and the animals that love the heat. Spring break camp at FortWhyte Alive teaches campers about Manitoba plants and animals in the spring season. Migration Madness focuses on the return of FortWhyte’s summer residents of the feathered kind, such as geese and robins who spend winters down south before migrating back to Canada. Skills for Survival impresses upon campers how to keep safe in the wilderness, how to use different kinds of outdoor gear, and, perhaps most importantly, how to use your brains to avoid outcomes like getting lost in the woods. In Voyageur Adventure, campers  will experience what life was like during the bustling fur-trading days by playing voyageur games, practising trading and learning how the fur trade shaped the history of Canada. School of Rock Winnipeg is a five-day music camp that will stoke the musical fires in any kid who shows interest in music. The week consists of practising a variety of instruments, finding melodic voices, and bonding with other musical minds in a team-effort of putting on a show. Kids go from zero to performance with rehearsals, music trivia, gear education, and band-related activities all aimed at helping kids learn a set of songs and rock them live on the final day in front of an audience. Winnipeg Art Gallery’s spring break art camp also allows enrollment for single days or the entire week. It’s a chance for children to explore the gallery, learn about the exhibits, get their imaginations running, and create art. Featured activities include molding self-drying clay into unique take-home pieces, creating illustrated narrative stories, learning to draw, and even programming robots. The week wraps up with a one-of-a-kind camper-curated exhibition.  There will be plenty of drama breaking out at Manitoba Theatre for Young People’s spring break theatre camp, where five days are spent working with theatre professionals, forging new friendships, and playing games that encourage campers to step out of comfort zones and into different roles. In just one week the group will build and produce an entire stage show from the ground up, and perform it on the final day of camp for family and friends. University of Manitoba offers a variety of active spring break streams through its Mini U Program. Kids can partake in a variety of sports and activities in a fun and non-competitive environment, while learning about teamwork, fair play, skills development, and the joy that comes with just getting in the game. On the agenda this year is glow-in-the-dark dodgeball, wall-climbing in a safe indoor environment, and using strength for good while training to be superheroes —something this world of ours can always use more of. RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller and music lover who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca

Well Winnipeg, we’ve nearly made it through another winter.

Before we know it, spring will be here – and with it, spring break. It’s a great time of year to become hometown tourists and make some family moments together. Or, even better, take a break from your kids by sending them off to camp. 

Spring break camp at Assiniboine Park Zoo offers individual theme days, or an entire week filled with experiential and educational activities. The Northern Explorers day digs into the life of polar bears and other animals of the tundra, revealing how they survive the cold, how they change from season to season, and how shifting climates truly affect them. On the flip side, Rain Forest Rangers gives campers a tropical adventure by celebrating the lush green jungle plants of Toucan Ridge, and exploring more about the precious rain forests, and the animals that love the heat. 

The surreal and beautiful in the Yucatan

Travellers to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula are most often drawn to the beautiful sandy beaches, and the hypnotic lull of rolling tides. But some of the most amazing water moments here don’t happen beside the ocean, or even near the shoreline. Some of the coolest aqua experiences to be found actually happen underground. Cenotes are natural watering holes and caves that are formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock. It’s believed there are more than 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula region, which has limestone as its foundation. Limestone is porous, and does not allow for water to accumulate above ground and turn into lakes and rivers. Instead, the water here drains below the surface and collects underground in places where erosion in the earth has occurred. The result is cenotes. These hallowed places were worshipped and honoured by ancient Mayans for their giving of fresh water year-round — pristine water that is naturally clean and pure, having been filtered many times over by the surrounding limestone. Villages were strategically built in close proximity to these distinct geological features, and they were also known to be used as ceremonial sites. Some cenotes are deep and seemingly bottomless, while others are shallow and walkable. Some are partially open to the surface, while others are completely hidden underground in cavernous spaces. Often, numerous cenotes are linked together to form a system of caves, creating a secret and mysterious subterranean world.Rio Secreto, located near Playa del Carmen, is a river that flows deep below the Mexican state known as Quintana Roo. Visitors can journey the one-kilometre long route, hiking and swimming through caverns dating back millions of years, alongside stalagmites, stalactites, and other mineral formations that were patiently formed one tiny drip-drop of water at a time. The surroundings down there are both beautiful and surreal. They provide the gear you need — wetsuit, life-jacket, helmet and headlamp — and purposely keep the tours small, limited to ten guests at a time. This makes for a more intimate and interactive experience with greater opportunity to explore and learn about the unique environment that encompasses you. It also allows for the chance to have everyone in the group turn headlamps off when you’re deep inside the caves, offering a few fleeting moments of utter blackness and dead silence to be savoured. Moments that are both very peaceful and totally unnerving at the same time. Rio Secreto — or any one of the many cenotes that tourists can take in — is one of those must-visit places to add to your travel bucket list. So the next time you find yourself in Mexico, leave the sandy surface behind for a while and make some time to head underground. You won’t be disappointed. RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller and music lover who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca

Travellers to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula are most often drawn to the beautiful sandy beaches, and the hypnotic lull of rolling tides. But some of the most amazing water moments here don’t happen beside the ocean, or even near the shoreline.

Some of the coolest aqua experiences to be found actually happen underground. Cenotes are natural watering holes and caves that are formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock. It’s believed there are more than 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula region, which has limestone as its foundation.

Limestone is porous, and does not allow for water to accumulate above ground and turn into lakes and rivers. Instead, the water here drains below the surface and collects underground in places where erosion in the earth has occurred. 

The surreal and beautiful in the Yucatan

Travellers to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula are most often drawn to the beautiful sandy beaches, and the hypnotic lull of rolling tides. But some of the most amazing water moments here don’t happen beside the ocean, or even near the shoreline. Some of the coolest aqua experiences to be found actually happen underground. Cenotes are natural watering holes and caves that are formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock. It’s believed there are more than 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula region, which has limestone as its foundation. Limestone is porous, and does not allow for water to accumulate above ground and turn into lakes and rivers. Instead, the water here drains below the surface and collects underground in places where erosion in the earth has occurred. The result is cenotes. These hallowed places were worshipped and honoured by ancient Mayans for their giving of fresh water year-round — pristine water that is naturally clean and pure, having been filtered many times over by the surrounding limestone. Villages were strategically built in close proximity to these distinct geological features, and they were also known to be used as ceremonial sites. Some cenotes are deep and seemingly bottomless, while others are shallow and walkable. Some are partially open to the surface, while others are completely hidden underground in cavernous spaces. Often, numerous cenotes are linked together to form a system of caves, creating a secret and mysterious subterranean world.Rio Secreto, located near Playa del Carmen, is a river that flows deep below the Mexican state known as Quintana Roo. Visitors can journey the one-kilometre long route, hiking and swimming through caverns dating back millions of years, alongside stalagmites, stalactites, and other mineral formations that were patiently formed one tiny drip-drop of water at a time. The surroundings down there are both beautiful and surreal. They provide the gear you need — wetsuit, life-jacket, helmet and headlamp — and purposely keep the tours small, limited to ten guests at a time. This makes for a more intimate and interactive experience with greater opportunity to explore and learn about the unique environment that encompasses you. It also allows for the chance to have everyone in the group turn headlamps off when you’re deep inside the caves, offering a few fleeting moments of utter blackness and dead silence to be savoured. Moments that are both very peaceful and totally unnerving at the same time. Rio Secreto — or any one of the many cenotes that tourists can take in — is one of those must-visit places to add to your travel bucket list. So the next time you find yourself in Mexico, leave the sandy surface behind for a while and make some time to head underground. You won’t be disappointed. RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller and music lover who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca

Travellers to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula are most often drawn to the beautiful sandy beaches, and the hypnotic lull of rolling tides. 

But some of the most amazing water moments here don’t happen beside the ocean, or even near the shoreline. Some of the coolest aqua experiences to be found actually happen underground. 

Cenotes are natural watering holes and caves that are formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock. It’s believed there are more than 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula region, which has limestone as its foundation. Limestone is porous, and does not allow for water to accumulate above ground and turn into lakes and rivers. Instead, the water here drains below the surface and collects underground in places where erosion in the earth has occurred. 

My own little west side story

New York City is the kind of place you can go back to more than once, and feel like you’ve never been before. When I first travelled there, my jam-packed agenda consisted of some of the top tourist attractions — like taking in the breathtaking view from the 70th floor of Rockefeller Centre, being dazzled by gigantic digital screens in Times Square, ice-skating under the bright lights at Bryant Park, and enjoying a fabulous dinner and a musical on Broadway. That first trip also consisted of a few activities more personal to me, like taking time to read every single name inscribed in bronze on the 9/11 Memorial; gazing at the Dakota Apartments where John Lennon once lived (and tragically died much too young); and going for a run around Central Park — literally. I put nearly 10 kilometres on my running shoes that morning, starting in one spot, following the trails that bordered the park’s edges, and eventually ending up back where I started. This year, I was fortunate to experience my second trip to the Big Apple — but this time, with no agenda except wandering around to see what I could see. The only thing on my “for sure” list was arriving safely to my hotel — the Crowne Plaza HY36. The newest built Crowne Plaza property is conveniently situated in Midtown Manhattan, where front desk staff welcomed me with friendly smiles, complimentary snacks, and a glass of champagne. Designed for the modern business traveller, the rooms are contemporary, calming, and super quiet. The Manhattan Waterfront Greenway loop is a trail encircling all of Manhattan. Along the west side, the fully paved and wheelchair accessible Hudson River Greenway stretches down to the southern tip of the island. Safely separated from the city’s relentless traffic flow, it passes by 13 public piers, a marine estuary, a series of parks and picnic areas, and various recreational spaces. It offers up stunning views of Hudson River at sunset, and the twinkling New Jersey skyline at sundown. Following the shoreline to Lower Manhattan, I decided to change up the scenery and take an inland route back home. To keep with the ‘Hudson’ theme of my adventure thus far, I chose to walk down Hudson Street, which according to Google Maps took me through the neighbourhoods of Soho, Greenwich Village, and Chelsea. After journeying what felt like most of Manhattan’s west side — this time putting 15 kilometres on my walking shoes — the best part was getting back to my cozy Crowne Plaza room and finding that turn-down service had left an aromatherapy-induced facial wipe, and tiny spritzer of lavender mist to spray on my pillow. It was a nice touch that I appreciated very much, because having just spent my day roaming the streets of the city that never sleeps, I was ready to sleep like a baby. RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller and music lover who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca

New York City is the kind of place you can go back to more than once, and feel like you’ve never been before. 

When I first travelled there, my jam-packed agenda consisted of some of the top tourist attractions — like taking in the breathtaking view from the 70th floor of Rockefeller Centre, being dazzled by gigantic digital screens in Times Square, ice-skating under the bright lights at Bryant Park, and enjoying a fabulous dinner and a musical on Broadway. 

That first trip also consisted of a few activities more personal to me, like taking time to read every single name inscribed in bronze on the 9/11 Memorial; gazing at the Dakota Apartments where John Lennon once lived (and tragically died much too young); and going for a run around Central Park — literally. I put nearly 10 kilometres on my running shoes that morning, starting in one spot, following the trails that bordered the park’s edges, and eventually ending up back where I started. 

My own little west side story

New York City is the kind of place you can go back to more than once, and feel like you’ve never been before.

When I first travelled there, my jam-packed agenda consisted of some of the top tourist attractions — like taking in the breathtaking view from the 70th floor of Rockefeller Centre, being dazzled by gigantic digital screens in Times Square, ice-skating under the bright lights at Bryant Park, and enjoying a fabulous dinner and a musical on Broadway.

That first trip also consisted of a few activities more personal to me, like taking time to read every single name inscribed in bronze on the 9/11 Memorial; gazing at the Dakota Apartments where John Lennon once lived (and tragically died much too young); and going for a run around Central Park — literally. I put nearly 10 kilometres on my running shoes that morning, starting in one spot, following the trails that bordered the park’s edges, and eventually ending up back where I started.

This year, I was fortunate to experience my second trip to the Big Apple — but this time, with no agenda except wandering around to see what I could see. The only thing on my “for sure” list was arriving safely to my hotel — the Crowne Plaza HY36. The newest built Crowne Plaza property is conveniently situated in Midtown Manhattan, where front desk staff welcomed me with friendly smiles, complimentary snacks, and a glass of champagne.

Mush north for dogsledding fun

Dogsledding is a form of transportation first developed by northern Indigenous Peoples. Over the centuries it was adopted by explorers and trappers as an efficient way to haul loads across frozen landscapes. Today, it’s an activity that you can experience right here in Manitoba.While Churchill might best be known for polar bears and beluga whales, it’s also one of the best places in the world for dogsled adventures. The first time I travelled to Churchill, the unexpected highlight was a jaunt through the wintry wilderness with Wapusk Adventures, Canada’s largest sled dog kennel and a leader in the mushing community. Owners David and Valerie Daley are longtime residents of Churchill, with an outstanding crew of racing huskies, a groomed trail system that sits inside the sheltered tree line, and custom designed tour sleds. They are two of the co-founders of the annual Hudson Bay Quest, a 320-kilometre dogsled race that was built on the history of the fur trade. The race takes place in March from Gillam to Churchill, following an old trapping route along the edge of Wapusk National Park.  Bluesky Expeditions, also in Churchill, is run by internationally renowned musher Gerald Azure (also a co-founder of Hudson Bay Quest) and Jenafor Ollander. Since 2006 they’ve been offering ‘bed and sled’ packages from their B & B on the edge of town, with northern hospitality served up with morning pancakes topped with tundra berry syrup, and a cup of tundra berry tea by the fire in the evening. Harness Adventure Mushing Co. is located in Richer, just 30 minutes east of Winnipeg. Mushers Marc-André and Samantha Belcourt started the operation eight years ago after making the life-changing decision to take over a kennel of eight Siberian Huskies from a friend in Northwest Territories. Their two-hour adventure involves a three-kilometre run in the woods, while the overnight “glamping” package delivers you by dogsled to the doorstep of your woodstove-heated walled-tent complete with queen-sized bed, loveseat, and all the magic of a cozy winter’s night. Over in western Manitoba, in Onanole, you can give dogsledding a try at Elkhorn Resort next month. For two days only, Feb. 16 and 17, award-winning musher Chris Turner from Juneau, Alaska, will take guests on three-kilometre runs around the expansive resort grounds. Don’t forget to take a little time afterwards for some pampering at Solstice Spa, where you can enjoy a treatment, take a dip in the mineral pool, or kick-back in the steam rooms. Because after an afternoon of dogsledding in the great outdoors, there’s nothing like a few hours of relaxing at the spa to chase away the dog days of winter.   RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller and music lover who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca

Dogsledding is a form of transportation first developed by northern Indigenous Peoples. Over the centuries it was adopted by explorers and trappers as an efficient way to haul loads across frozen landscapes. Today, it’s an activity that you can experience right here in Manitoba.

While Churchill might best be known for polar bears and beluga whales, it’s also one of the best places in the world for dogsled adventures. The first time I travelled to Churchill, the unexpected highlight was a jaunt through the wintry wilderness with Wapusk Adventures, Canada’s largest sled dog kennel and a leader in the mushing community. 

Owners David and Valerie Daley are longtime residents of Churchill, with an outstanding crew of racing huskies, a groomed trail system that sits inside the sheltered tree line, and custom designed tour sleds. They are two of the co-founders of the annual Hudson Bay Quest, a 320-kilometre dogsled race that was built on the history of the fur trade. The race takes place in March from Gillam to Churchill, following an old trapping route along the edge of Wapusk National Park.  

Travel resolutions for 2020

Happy New Year! While I’ve been fortunate to have travelled to many amazing destinations in my life so far, dozens of alluring places remain on my bucket list. They say if you want something to happen to set your intentions toward it, so I’m setting my sights on seeing these places one day.

Ever since I first heard Stompin’ Tom Connors sing “Just take a little piece of P.E.I” in one of his classic Canadiana songs, I’ve wanted to visit Prince Edward Island. It seemed so far away from my tiny prairie town of Marquette. As a young girl, I didn’t know much about it, except that Anne of Green Gables lived there. I also knew — from another Connors’ song Bud the Spud — that potatoes came from there. Since my family lived on a potato farm, I figured that P.E.I would feel like home to me. One of these days, I will still find that out.

When I started work in the film industry after graduating from Red River College, one of my first jobs was working on a documentary that required research into Manitoba’s Icelandic connections. It was then I first learned Iceland is home to more than 130 volcanoes — many of which are presently active. I also learned that in the late 1800s, dozens of volcanic eruptions lead to a mass exodus of Icelanders who chose to leave their country. Many of them came to Canada, and eventually found their way into Manitoba’s Interlake region. Since then, it’s been on my list to visit Iceland.

I love adventure books, and Kon-Tiki is one of my all-time favourites. It’s about a 1947 journey undertaken by a Norwegian explorer who set out on a balsa wood raft from Peru, determined to prove his theory about the flow of tides. Along with a small crew, he travelled the Pacific Ocean for 101 days before miraculously reaching ground in the Polynesian Islands — proving to a world full of naysayers that his theory was correct. I’d like to travel to Fiji today, to see the region he must have been so incredibly ecstatic to reach. However, as much as I enjoy outdoor adventure, I’d skip the 101 days on a raft and travel by air.

Christmas in Vancouver

Travellers looking for a Christmas getaway may not think of heading to the west coast.

Truth is, you don’t need a blanket of snow on the ground to get into the holiday spirit, and Vancouver is the perfect example. Here are a few ideas for things to do this festive season.

I’ve been to Vancouver several times in my life, and can’t believe no one’s ever told me about Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The name Capilano comes from the Squamish Nation and means ‘beautiful river’. The original spelling, Kia’palano, is also the name of a great Squamish chief who lived in the area two centuries ago. The first bridge to span the canyon in 1889 was made from hemp rope and cedar planks, and most likely crossed by only the most daring. This was replaced in 1903 by a wire cable bridge, which was eventually rebuilt and further reinforced in 1956.

Today, the 137-metre long, 70-metre high Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver’s top attractions. It’s especially spectacular to visit at Christmas, when the rainforest is transformed into a wonderland — minus the winter part. Hundreds of thousands of lights line the bridges and pathways and adorn 250-year-old Douglas firs, while the sounds of holiday music and the smell of campfire conjures up a sense of comfort and nostalgia from Christmases past.

More adventures in Victoria

This column is the second in a two-part series about Australia’s state of Victoria. You can find the first part at www.canstarnews.com.  

Outdoor enthusiasts visiting Australia’s state of Victoria must check out Grampians National Park, a rugged mountain range consisting of sandstone ridges carved into steep craggy slopes. With more than 50 trails winding through a system of sparkling lakes, cascading waterfalls, and magnificent panoramic vistas, the region is favourite among hikers, cyclists, paddlers and climbers.

Four-wheel drive backwoods tours can also take you deep into remote regions teeming with native plants, birds and other critters — the kind you knew just had to be there, but didn’t want to ever see.

I’m talking about Australia’s infamous spiders and snakes. Yes, they exist. And yes, they can kill you. But the locals I was travelling with weren’t at all fazed, and I paraphrase: “We grew up knowing about them. They’re just part of our environment. We don’t think about them much.”

Golden experiences in the land Down Under

For the adventurous traveller, Australia is a treasure worth exploring. A young country in terms of colonization, the Commonwealth of Australia was born in 1901. Today, with a population of nearly 25 million in six states and two territories, it’s a vast and diverse landscape inhabited by few people — much like Canada. Victoria, the second largest state, is located in southeastern Australia. The city of Melbourne is the state capital, situated on the northern shores of Port Phillip Bay, and known for world-class shopping, multicultural flair, and cosmopolitan feel. Melbourne also boasts a proud tradition of sport, being the birthplace of Aussie-rules football and the AFL (Australian Football League). Many of Victoria’s most popular attractions are within a short drive of Melbourne, like the town of Ballarat. Here you’ll find Sovereign Hill, a recreated gold-rush town that immerses visitors in historic happenings re-enacted by costumed characters.  When an abundance of gold was discovered at the Victorian goldfields in the 1850s, the lure of easy lucre was irresistible. Just like Yukon’s famous Klondike gold rush, hordes of people gambled everything they had to try their luck panning for gold. Wannabe prospectors made their way to Australia from around the world and swarmed the area, desperate to strike it rich. For a lucky few, fortunes were made overnight. For most, the dream remained unrealized. I, too, would try my luck, quickly falling victim to the addictive lure of the pan. The technique involved shovelling scoops of gravel, rock and sand into a round iron plate, then stooping over and sifting the heavy contents back and forth, dumping out the big stuff, eventually getting down to smaller substances. It took plenty of practice to attain the finest nitty-gritty, and by then I was hooked — particularly after final swirls of the softest silkiest sands began to reveal miniscule specks of gold. This astounding discovery roused an overwhelming obsession that there could be more. There must be more! Surely I will find my fortune if I just… keep… on… panning… After two hours of shovelling, scooping and sifting, my host had to practically pull me away from the creek-bed. By then I had effectively mastered the technique, amassing enough gold to equal the size of the tiniest grain of rice. Which meant I was still poor. But my sheer determination and near madness earned a timeless memento worth more than its weight in gold. Switching from minerals to animals, nearby Ballarat Wildlife Park offers a natural setting to observe adorable koalas lolling about eucalyptus branches, see real Tasmanian devils which look nothing like the one on Bugs Bunny, safely get up close to killer crocodiles and deadly snakes, and stroll about cute little kangaroos while feeding them right out of your hand. You will also get accosted by big scary emus who will peck at your hand in search of food, should they get within striking range. MORE TO COME: My next Travelations will share more about the beautiful Australian state of Victoria, highlighting a rugged national park, a renowned road that runs along the ocean, and walking among the treetops.

For the adventurous traveller, Australia is a treasure worth exploring. 

A young country in terms of colonization, the Commonwealth of Australia was born in 1901. Today, with a population of nearly 25 million in six states and two territories, it’s a vast and diverse landscape inhabited by few people — much like Canada. 

Victoria, the second largest state, is located in southeastern Australia. The city of Melbourne is the state capital, situated on the northern shores of Port Phillip Bay, and known for world-class shopping, multicultural flair, and cosmopolitan feel. Melbourne also boasts a proud tradition of sport, being the birthplace of Aussie-rules football and the AFL (Australian Football League).

A museum all about the beautiful game

Football — more commonly known as soccer in North America — is the most played sport on the planet.

There’s no doubt football-loving fans around the world are crazy about the game, with FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) sanctioning 211 national associations and six regional confederations. And it’s no surprise, then, to see a world-class attraction dedicated to the sport.

The FIFA World Football Museum in Zürich, Switzerland, opened its doors in 2016, and celebrates the rich heritage of football. It showcases how the sport grew from humble beginnings to a global culture, and features the game’s ability to connect and inspire the world. The bright, modern interior space is futuristic in feel, and as you journey through you can follow the evolution of the sport and its gear, compare jerseys and memorabilia from every team, learn about current superstar players, and take your picture with the most coveted sporting prize – the World Cup Trophy.

The display that moved me the most was the “Galaxy of Footballs.” Out of sheer love for the game, children around the globe make their own handmade balls out of fabric, rubber bands, rope, plastic bags, and even banana leaves. It’s fascinating to see how inventive and passionate kids can be. It also goes to show that anyone, anywhere, can play the sport, if they have enough drive and imagination to make a ball. The only requirement is that it be round.

Visiting a city once divided

Berlin has a long history of being a renowned city.

In the early 1800s, entrepreneurs here became early pioneers in the use of steam engines, and experts in textiles and manufacturing. When the German Empire was founded in 1871, Berlin became its capital, and its population grew exponentially in years to follow. At the turn of the century, Berlin had earned a worldwide reputation as a leader in science, the humanities, music, and education, among other things.

During the Second World War, Berlin was virtually destroyed by bombing and artillery raids, as Allied forces fought to gain hold of the city. In 1945, the Battle of Berlin resulted in the surrender of the German army and the end of the Second World War, and the city was divided into four sectors by the American, British, French and Soviet allies.

As east-west relations deteriorated in the years following the war, Soviet occupation of Berlin continued. In 1961, the communist East German government began to build a wall to physically stop the exodus of East Berlin citizens to West Berlin. Stretching for over 155 kilometres, the wall was built overnight, with no warning, separating neighbourhoods and families and essentially cutting East Berlin off from the western world for almost three decades.

Check out gorgeous views in Switzerland

Landlocked Switzerland — bordered by France, Italy, Austria, Germany and Liechtenstein — has long been a through-way for transporters and trekkers.

The endless variety of trails winding through the Swiss Alps, over rolling hills, and across meandering meadows make it the ideal destination for walkers and hikers of all ages and abilities. With 2019 dubbed the ‘Year of Hiking’ by Switzerland Tourism, travellers continue to discover why it’s one of the best places to go and get moving.

It’s easier to get to Switzerland from Canada these days, too, with Air Canada providing non-stop seasonal flights from Vancouver to Zurich. The service operates five times per week from June through October aboard the Boeing 787-Dreamliner with seating that is actually spacious and comfortable, and a smooth ride transporting you high over the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.

The most convenient option for travelling around Switzerland is the Swiss Travel Pass. It allows you to journey by rail, bus and boat, wherever and whenever you please, including panoramic trains, public transportation in more than 90 cities and towns, free admission to more than 500 museums, and 50 per cent off mountain excursions.

Enjoy the rest of this Manitoba summer

It’s been a terrific summer here in Manitoba. The best part is, there are still a few weeks left to enjoy and make some new memories with friends and family.

If you’re feeling like you haven’t had enough summer yet, here are a few more good reasons to get out and go day-tripping around the province:

The town of Arborg, located just west of Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba’s Interlake Region, is rich in Icelandic history. When settlers from the Republic of New Iceland started spreading out along the Icelandic River in 1890, they reached the present day site of Arborg. Today, one of the best times of year to visit is during the annual Arborg Street Festival, coming up Aug. 16 and 17. The lineup of activities includes a rubber ducky race, dog show, old-time bingo, street hockey, C.W.E. Wrestling, and the popular Interlake’s Got Talent competition.

Over in eastern Manitoba, along the beaches of Lake Winnipeg and the rugged Winnipeg River system, creativity runs deep. The third annual Boreal Shores Art Tour is a self-guided road trip on Aug. 17 and 18 featuring 43 artists showcasing visual art steeped in the culture and tradition of the many diverse communities scattered on the edge of the Canadian Shield.

Beer and barbecue in Virginia

Virginia’s heritage of craft culture combined with the purity of water flowing from the Blue Ridge Mountains has set the stage for the craft beer scene to explode over the past decade — putting Virginia on the map as a must-visit destination for craft beer seekers.

Today, there are more than 200 breweries in Virginia, ranging from tiny micros to larger operations whose beverages sell throughout the mid-Atlantic. Beer trails have sprung up all over, with the largest, the Beltway Beer Trail, showcasing 25 breweries. The Coastal VA Beer Trail sticks to shoreline locales, while the Helltown Beer Trail traverses the northern valley and includes a stop at the Virginia Beer Museum that traces back to the origins of beer here in 1607.

Guided tours make it easy to visit and taste at breweries in close proximity to each other while someone else does the driving for you. The Hop-On Hop-Off Brewery Tour, presented by Tour Roanoke, provides custom shuttle service for groups of friends to check out three local breweries. They pick you up and drop you off again at your hotel, provide snacks and water on the bus, give away prizes, and all along the way provide tour-guide commentary of the stunning state.

The keenest aficionados will want to join the Cheers Trail Passport Program, featuring two dozen breweries, wineries, and producers of spirits. The regional tourism initiative delivers a free passport via text or email, provides exclusive deals and special offers, and awards users with a free T-shirt after visiting five different places.

Singing to the dolphins

Polperro Dolphin Swims is a family-run multi-award winning eco-tourism company located near Melbourne, Australia.

They provide up close and personal marine animal experiences, purposely keeping groups small to ensure more intimate aquatic opportunities, and better environmental care.

It was with Polperro that one sunny morning, I boarded a boat for my first adventure on the high seas. Our group would just be two — myself, an eager tourist from the land-locked Canadian prairies who hadn’t really ever been to sea, and a laid-back Australian girl celebrating her 18th birthday. We dawned wetsuits, masks and snorkels, learned some safety lessons, and set out seeking creatures of the deep.

In order to get comfortable with snorkeling, our first mission was to visit seals. Since they typically lounged around a wooden gazebo-like structure not far from shore, they were easy to find. Seeing seals right there above the surface was thrilling to begin with! But it was the first glimpse of them underwater that really got our hearts pounding.

Exploring northern Manitoba

Manitoba is most often associated with wheat fields, wide open prairies, and flat lands. But if you take the time to venture into the northern reaches of our province, you’ll find remote and rugged landscapes, natural wonders, and unspoiled wilderness. Whether your forte is to fly-in, paddle up, or drive to, Manitoba’s north holds true treasures for every type of backwoods roamer.  Six hours northwest of Winnipeg — and just 40 kilometres from The Pas — is Clearwater Lake Provincial Park. Its name comes from the crystal-clear waters that are fed by springs, and more likely associated with a tropical destination than a northern lake. A self-guided loop-trail takes you to a series of crevasses called ‘The Caves,’ created from cliff faces that fractured and broke away, resulting in strange moss-covered rock formations and high-walled passageways estimated to be more than 400 million years old. Near Snow Lake, the mighty Grass River plunges almost 12 metres to create Wekusko Falls. Named after the region’s sweet-grass, to Indigenous peoples, it was likely a sacred place. In the 1700s it was part of the ‘Upper Track’ fur trade route, while gold-seekers flocked here in the 1900s. Today, Wekusko Falls is a popular spot for day-tripping tourists and wilderness seekers alike, with two suspension bridges that allow you to feel the cool mist emanating off the rushing waters below. Known as the ‘Hub of the North,’ Thompson is a northern city with all the amenities, but still small enough to feel like you’re far away from the urban grind. Spirit Way, an award-winning hiking and biking pathway, highlights 16 points of interest including stunning artwork inspired by wolves. The Heritage North Museum consists of two log structures and an open-air blacksmith shop, and features First Nation and fur trade artifacts, a boreal forest diorama, ancient fossils, and a woolly mammoth tusk. Northern Manitoba travellers know Grand Rapids as the “last place for gas” before a long uninhabited stretch of Highway 6. History buffs might know it as the home of the Grand Rapids Tramway, one of Manitoba’s most significant historic sites. The first rail line in Western Canada was constructed here in 1877, replacing a much-used portage trail around rapids on the Saskatchewan River. Nearly six kilometres of track was laid down to carry freight and people by horse-drawn cars — with the first official passengers being Governor General Lord Dufferin and wife Lady Dufferin. While the treacherous rapids have long since disappeared as a result of hydroelectricity development, a short section of rails was moved to a commemorative location in Grand Rapids, and two original tramcars were restored. The Canadian Society for Civil Engineering unveiled a plaque here in 1987, with the Manitoba Heritage Council following suit with their own dedication in 2001. RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca

Manitoba is most often associated with wheat fields, wide open prairies, and flatlands. 

But if you take the time to venture into the northern reaches of our province, you’ll find remote and rugged landscapes, natural wonders, and unspoiled wilderness. Whether your forte is to fly-in, paddle up, or drive to, Manitoba’s north holds true treasures for every type of backwoods roamer.  

Six hours northwest of Winnipeg — and just 40 kilometres from The Pas — is Clearwater Lake Provincial Park. Its name comes from the crystal-clear waters that are fed by springs, and more likely associated with a tropical destination than a northern lake. A self-guided loop-trail takes you to a series of crevasses called ‘The Caves,’ created from cliff faces that fractured and broke away, resulting in strange moss-covered rock formations and high-walled passageways estimated to be more than 400 million years old. 

Glacier a stunning sight

The Aletsch Glacier in Switzerland is considered a titan among glaciers.

At over 22 kilometres long, and a depth of 900 metres, it’s the longest in the Alps, and the largest on continental Europe. Surrounded by the 4,000-metre peaks of Jungfrau, Mönch and Fiescherhorn, the region where it sits was chosen in 2001 as the first alpine UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Aletsch Glacier provides drinking water to the villages and farmlands, and the many waterfalls that emanate from it contribute to the region’s hydro-electric power. On a hot summer day, up to 60 cubic metres of water leaves the glacier every single second. To put its sheer immensity and volume into perspective… if the entire glacier was thawed, each person on earth could have one litre of its fresh alpine water every day for six years.

The glacier can be viewed from four different vantage points that can be reached with little effort. Depending on time of year and location, you can hike right on top of it, or take a look underneath it, where a magical world of icy blue caves await. Our group would walk alongside it.

Summer in Manitoba

Hard to believe, but Canada Day is just around the corner.

For many, it officially marks the end of another school year, and the beginning of summer travels. With the July 1 holiday falling on a Monday this year, it makes for a true long weekend, and a great time to explore our own province of Manitoba.

Start the season by getting out the map and taking a road trip to new places you’ve never been, to see new attractions you’ve never seen, and celebrations of all sorts.

Down in the southwest corner, you’ll find a fun family atmosphere at the Killarney Fair on June 28 and 29. Friday evening kicks off with chuckwagon and chariot races, plenty of live music, and a market with handmade crafts. The cattle show and light and heavy horse competitions are a traditional part of each year’s exhibition, and the Saturday parade traverses through the centre of town with festive floats, candy for the kids, and other surprises.

Stupendous scenes along the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail — known as the A.T. — is an expansive collection of interconnected pathways, and one of the world’s most famous and sought-after adventure destinations.

Measuring roughly 2,190 miles and spanning 14 states, from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Katahdin in Maine, the A.T. traverses the crests and valleys of the Appalachian mountain range, passing through eight national forests, six national parks, and two wildlife refuges.

It’s estimated that more than 3 million people visit the trail every year, while only a handful attempt to “thru-hike” — or travel the entire thing. If trudging through the woods for four months loaded down with a backpack isn’t your idea of a good time… there are hundreds of access points and plenty of picturesque places to embark on A.T. day hikes, allowing for a small taste of the backwoods experience without the strenuous commitment.

Virginia is home to the most miles (550) and it’s where I first spent time on the Appalachian Trail. One of the most photographed sites on the entire A.T. is McAfee Knob, a stunning overhang jutting out into thin air. From the parking area just minutes from Roanoke, it’s a steady climb of 1,700 feet and 4.4 miles. Most of the gain is in the final third portion, so if you think the beginning ascent is challenging, it only goes up from there. Once you reach the giant boulder rock formations, you’re finally near the top, 3,200 feet high. A few steps later, and the terrain opens up to a nearly-panoramic view of the valleys sprawling far below.  

Scenic cruises and tasty pastry in Amsterdam

One of the bonuses of AmaWaterways’ Christmas Markets on the Rhine river cruise is that the ship’s final destination is Amsterdam, giving guests the gift of one full day and night to explore this vibrant cosmopolitan city.

If you ever find yourself here with 24 hours to spend, here is how to do Amsterdam.

The cultural and commercial capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam’s sheltered and strategic coastal location once made it one of the most important seaports in the world. Its 17th century historic canal system earned the nickname “Venice of the North,” and was added to the 2010 UNESCO World Heritage List. Today, the tall narrow townhouses that closely line the concentric canals are considered iconic features of the city’s centre.

Amsterdam is a compact place, easy to get around on foot or bicycle. In fact, you’ll likely notice the bicycles right away, zipping around like speed demons with the right of way. While it’s an excellent example of active urban transportation, it’s also an ongoing exercise of looking both ways before crossing anything, keeping on your toes, and keeping out of the way.

Branson’s Titanic museum worth the trip

It’s been 107 years since the sinking of the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic, and many remain captivated by the stories — myself included. As a teenager who loved to read, one of my favourite books was A Night to Remember. When Titanic’s wreckage was located in 1985, there was renewed interest in discovering exactly what happened on April 14, 1912, when the ship struck an iceberg during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. The 1997 Hollywood blockbuster movie, Titanic, brought the event to life in a way we had never seen. I was hooked. And still am. Obviously others are, too, with museums around the world dedicated to depicting this disaster. While Branson, Mo., may best be known for music and theatres, the Titanic Museum is what stole the show for me. Billed as the ‘world’s largest Titanic museum attraction’, the building itself is a replica of the bow of the actual ship, built to half-scale. Even though it’s smaller than the original, it still felt massive. Upon embarking, it’s like walking back in time. Each guest is given a boarding pass with information about a real-life person whose destiny became forever intertwined with that of the Titanic. During the self-guided tour, you discover what would have happened to you — a first-hand experience that drives home the enormity of a tragedy that touched the world, and the 2,028 names that line the memorial room’s wall. Titanic museum features more than 20 galleries of over 400 personal and private artifacts, and replicates cabins, hallways, and other common areas. The grand staircase, made famous by scenes from the movie, was constructed from the ship’s original plans, with oak panelling, elaborate hand-railings and ironwork, darling cherub statue, and magnificent glass dome. The accompanying clock is framed by intricate elegant carvings, and is set to what would have been the final time it ever saw the surface. Interactive displays allow you to feel some of the conditions passengers would have experienced. For example, when the ship began to tilt, the deck would have sloped. Three floor models set to varying inclines — 12, 30 and 45 degrees — allow you to walk the same slope, which becomes increasingly more difficult, demonstrating the physical struggle it would have been to stay on-deck.    One of the biggest Titanic tragedies was the fact lifeboats could have held more than they did. To give the feel of what this would have been like, you can sit in a full-sized lifeboat inside a darkened gallery with stars overhead. Those who didn’t make it into the small safety vessels would have gone right into the -2C ocean. Reaching your hand into water set at this temperature is eye-opening. Seeing how long you can keep it there is alarming. I certainly couldn’t keep it there very long, nor could I imagine the horrors of that night. But for a moment, I could feel connected to the stories like never before, and grateful I wasn’t there. And still am.  RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca 

It’s been 107 years since the sinking of the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic, and many remain captivated by the stories — myself included. As a teenager who loved to read, one of my favourite books was A Night to Remember.

When Titanic’s wreckage was located in 1985, there was renewed interest in discovering exactly what happened on April 14, 1912, when the ship struck an iceberg during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. The 1997 Hollywood blockbuster movie, Titanic, brought the event to life in a way we had never seen. I was hooked. And still am. 

Triumph over TreeUmph!

The glaring sun bore down on me in the Florida forest, making me crave the tiny patches of shady reprieve.

The stifling heat caused droplets of sweat to trickle down my face, and anytime my heart started racing too fast I’d close my eyes, take a few deep breaths, and just listen. The sounds of the songbirds and the whispering wind brought peaceful reprieve. I could hear leaves rustling above me, beside me, below me. Then I’d slowly open my eyes, realizing once again exactly where I was — harnessed high-up in the treetops. Higher than my comfort zone.

Welcome to TreeUmph! Adventure Course — a place designed to test your nerve, fitness and endurance. One of Florida’s most unique attractions, you will either love it or hate it, and most likely both. TreeUmph! features five levels of obstacles nestled among the trees, spanning 10 football fields and getting higher, harder, progressively more difficult, and consequently more frightening the further you go. Those who make it all the way to Level 5 will reach 60 feet in the air (if they dare).

The rest of us will drop out (sometimes literally) at some other point along the way. But first, everyone starts by checking in at ground zero, where a guide will meet you, fit you for gear, gather you together with a group of strangers, and make you watch an instructional video. It’s at this point you may slowly begin to realize what you might have gotten yourself into.

See the continent by bus

One of the best things about university and college days (besides of course the benefits of acquiring a solid education) was spring break, and with it, the festivities. Back then, bus trips from Winnipeg’s frozen, frigid landscape to sandy, sunny shorelines were all the rage, traveling by motor coach 48 hours each way, and spending five unforgettable days that by now I’ve mostly forgotten about.

A recent trip to Florida had me reminiscing about the adventure of it all, and wondering if spring break bus trips were even still a thing. While a bout of online research did not uncover any such happenings from Winnipeg these days, it did discover a bunch of other excursions that depart from right here that look like equally fun adventures.

Louisiana is about as far south as you can get in the United States, and Anytyme Travel will take you to experience Cajun and Creole culture throughout the state on its three-week trip in 2020. After a weekend of parading and sightseeing in New Orleans and Bourbon Street, stops beckon from Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and the “Crawfish Capital of the World” Breaux Bridge. The old Mississippi River Road with clusters of 300-year-old oak trees borders historic plantations and stately mansions, and amazing music is in the air everywhere you go, with sounds of zydeco, Cajun music, dixieland, jazz and blues.

Go west with Fehr-Way Tours this June, across the great Saskatchewan plains and rolling hills of Alberta to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. And then keep right on going through them all the way to the ocean, with Banff, Lake Louise, and Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, on the agenda. Adventure on icefield glaciers, and in gorge country, witness the thunderous rush of water ever-flowing through Maligne Canyon. Once you reach the coast, head south on a 15-hour oceanic journey along BC’s Inside Passage coast, and ferry over to Victoria and a few days on Vancouver Island.  

A wonderful winter in Manitoba

February is long enough into the New Year to have recovered from Christmas, but still far enough away from spring that you’re ready to break up the long dark seasonal stretch with something fun. For many, it’s a great time to take a vacation, while for others, a staycation might be more up their alley. Here are some things to do right here in our own backyards that don’t require a lot of personal time or travel money, but still let you get out and celebrate the wintry climate in a special way.

Winter really is wonderful at the 53rd annual Wonderful Winter Weekend happening Feb. 15 to 18 at Winnipeg Beach. If you like money and sweets then its sure to be win-win at the Cash & Candies Bonspiel, where winners take home the money and losers get the candy. No one will go hungry with a community pancake breakfast, fish fry, cookie and pie-baking contests, daily meat draws, weenie roasts, and hot cocoa and marshmallows around the bonfire, all topped off with fireworks on the lake.

Winnipeg has really embraced the notion of being a winter city in recent years, with a growing list of unique outdoor events. Such as racing in a canoe, without water, or even paddles. The Wild Winter Canoe Race at Shaw Park on Feb. 16 sees teams of five push their watercraft across snowy terrain, while the very first Fam Jam Snow Tube Challenge lets parents and kids compete (for free) in teams of two on a 200-foot course, with the adults running in show shoes while hauling their offspring behind them on inner tubes.

What might be Manitoba’s largest pond hockey tournament actually takes place on a lake. The 13th annual Skate the Lake tournament features several hockey rinks groomed and ready to run simultaneous hockey games on beautiful Lake Minnedosa Feb. 16 and 17, with four-on-four non-contact hockey action that uses customized nets instead of goalies.

Taking in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert

Did you know there is a place you can experience each of the seasons at the same time?

And you just might be surprised to learn where it is, too. Welcome to Mesa, Ariz., fast becoming the Valley of the Sun gateway to an expanse of outdoor activities and stunning sites, and vastly changing climates and landscapes. Plan your visit to this region late in the year, and you’ll be able to enjoy all four seasons with just one trip.

A short drive from Mesa is one of Arizona’s hidden treasures. The historic and scenic Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch takes you back to a simpler life along the banks of the Salt River. There are no phones or TVs in the rustic guest cabins, but they do have a front porch for sitting, and panoramic wilderness views to gaze at. Wifi is limited to the main lodge, where you can sip tea beside the magnificent four-sided rock fireplace, play a game of pool with a craft beer, curl up on the couch with a book or board game, or sit around the big communal picture box and watch what everyone else is watching, just like we used to.

Spring arrives here every sunrise when towering canyon cliffs light up with fiery golden reds, songbirds begin to sing from every nearest perch, and Sonoran Desert blossoms open up to embrace the daylight. Some of the best horseback riding trails in all of Arizona are right here in the majestic Goldfield Mountains, and experienced wranglers will guide you across the Lower Salt River, along Saguaro cactus-studded ridges, and up, down, all around flora-covered hills. Keep your eyes open for great blue herons, bald eagles, and even wild horses.

Be a hometown tourist this winter

Winter just might be the best time to become a hometown tourist.

Sure, it’s cold. But the entire province is also nestled under a blanket of snow, making the world look beautiful, sparkly, and oh so magical. Here are a few ideas for attractions in and near Winnipeg that people come from all over to take part in.

While the Americans continue to fight over building concrete walls, here in Canada we are building walls out of winter, and making great big mazes. The world’s largest snow maze (pending Guinness World Record review) is open for business at A Maze in Corn. This family-owned business in St. Adolphe has been operating an enormous corn maze every autumn since 1998, and took the past few months to create their newest attraction: a massive frozen labyrinth measuring in at 4,200 square-feet, with walls over six feet tall and two feet wide.

FortWhyte Alive hosts its annual Winterfest on Jan. 20 at this impressive nature reserve located inside the city limits. It’s a one-stop urban destination for snowshoeing, skating, and learning to cross-country ski, with on-site certified instructors. Those with a need for speed will get their thrill on the toboggan slide, while kids 14 and under can try their hand — and possibly win a prize — at ice-fishing, during the drop-in Mini Ice Fishing Tournament.

Revisiting to-do lists as a new year begins

Here we are at the start of another New Year, and a time for reflection. It’s also a good time to revisit my “100 Things To Do” list and see what intentional adventures still linger there. I started this long ago, and by now, some of the items are looking like pipe dreams. Nevertheless, here are some of the experiences I once wanted to do — and maybe still will one day. Yoga ashram in the Bahamas: Once when I was staying at Atlantis Resort, I came across a secluded forested area a few kilometres down the beach. Further investigation revealed it to be a place where people went for personal retreats, to rejuvenate their spirit, mind and body. What a concept! Ever since that encounter there has been something very appealing about retreating for a true digital detox, getting away from it all, and doing nothing but stretching, meditating, eating, and sleeping for multiple days. I’m sure it would totally inspire me to come back to civilization and want to do more with my life. Either that, or turn me into the laziest human that I ever could aspire to. Mount Everest base camp: I’ve always been drawn to reading books and watching documentaries about Mount Everest, finding myself equally fascinated by the tragedies as the triumphs. What entices me the most about the world’s highest peak, though, is the mountain itself. Known as ‘Chomolungma’ or ‘goddess mother of earth’ by the Tibetan people, and ‘Sagarmatha’ or ‘goddess of the sky’ by the Nepalese, both cultures revered it as a monumental and powerful place long before the English named it after a British surveyor in 1865. While this non-climber has no delusions beyond base camp, one day I would like to see the mountain up close and pay my respects to her magnificence. See a volcano: It’s written on my list exactly this way, with no further clarification, and a quick Google search reveals places to go on every continent to see active volcanos. In fact, one of the most active is in Central America, considered to be Mount Arenal in the Costa Rica jungle, which destroyed the nearby town of Tabacon the same year I was born. The volcano that wreaked most overall havoc on the global population at large has to be at Eyjafjallajökull glacier in Iceland, whose giant looming ash cloud in 2010 grounded thousands of European flights. In Italy, Mount Vesuvius buried the city of Pompeii under a thick layer of ash in AD 79, pristinely preserving it until the city was “found” again in 1748. Ice skate at Rockefeller Centre: This one almost happened! And sort of did. But not really. During my first (and only) trip to New York City one January, I had some free time upon arrival and eagerly set out to finally go ice-skating at Rockefeller Centre. So I began walking in the general direction, and suddenly, here was an ice rink! Excitement overcame me as I traded in slushy street shoes for a pair of shiny-but-super-dull skates, gliding around the rink for a few victory laps and soaking up the moment before asking a stranger to take a picture of me on the ice. “I just have to have a picture of myself ice-skating at Rockefeller Centre!” I quipped to the stranger. “Well then you better get going, because this is Bryant Park.” Which goes to show that sometimes, the destination you end up at might be totally different than the one you set out for. And when it comes to travelling, that’s half the fun. Happy New Year!RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca

Here we are at the start of another New Year, and a time for reflection. It’s also a good time to revisit my “100 Things To Do” list and see what intentional adventures still linger there. I started this long ago, and by now, some of the items are looking like pipe dreams.Nevertheless, here are some of the experiences I once wanted to do — and maybe still will one day:

Yoga ashram in the Bahamas: Once when I was staying at Atlantis Resort, I came across a secluded forested area a few kilometres down the beach. Further investigation revealed it to be a place where people went for personal retreats, to rejuvenate their spirit, mind and body. What a concept! Ever since that encounter there has been something very appealing about retreating for a true digital detox, getting away from it all, and doing nothing but stretching, meditating, eating, and sleeping for multiple days. I’m sure it would totally inspire me to come back to civilization and want to do more with my life. Either that, or turn me into the laziest human that I ever could aspire to. 

Mount Everest base camp: I’ve always been drawn to reading books and watching documentaries about Mount Everest, finding myself equally fascinated by the tragedies as the triumphs. What entices me the most about the world’s highest peak, though, is the mountain itself. Known as ‘Chomolungma’ or ‘goddess mother of earth’ by the Tibetan people, and ‘Sagarmatha’ or ‘goddess of the sky’ by the Nepalese, both cultures revered it as a monumental and powerful place long before the English named it after a British surveyor in 1865. While this non-climber has no delusions beyond base camp, one day I would like to see the mountain up close and pay my respects to her magnificence. 

Sun and fun in south Florida

My first experience with Florida was during my much younger years, travelling by bus from Winnipeg on a university spring break trip.

Our destination was Daytona Beach, where we hit up amusement parks and local dance clubs, and soaked up the sun on the beaches. It was the first time I’d ever travelled to a warm place in winter, and I’ve wanted to go back to the Sunshine State ever since.

My travelling escapades came full-circle this fall, with a return to Florida — this time to the Gulf of Mexico side. Just south of Tampa, north of Sarasota, and nestled along the Manatee River, is the small city of Bradenton. Home to arts, culture, history and nature, Bradenton is a welcoming and unassuming place with plenty of treasures to be discovered.

Treasures like the South Florida Museum, the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s gulf coast. It offers a constantly changing lineup of exhibits and educational programs, and its magnificent and massive mammoth skeleton is one of the largest intact prehistoric displays in North America. Bishop Planetarium, the region’s premier astronomy education facility, is outfitted with an entirely digital state-of-the-art projection system boasting stunning multimedia capabilities that bring the distant cosmos way up close.

Christmas gifts for the active traveller

I’ve long been an adventure seeker, but finding time for pursuing it can be challenging.

Travelling is an ideal opportunity to allow yourself to slip in some outdoor excursions, and make time for it that you otherwise might not make. If you know people like me who like to be active while they travel, here are a few ideas for holiday gifts that they will surely love.

The most important thing that I consider for any given trip is what to take for my feet. If I’m walking, I’ll definitely need outdoor shoes. But if it’s more serious trekking, then serious hiking boots must come into play. I’m pretty keen about the KEEN Targhees, which are light enough for walking around airports and towns, yet sturdy and protective enough for rugged spaces. They’ve taken me to new heights in British Columbia, Northern Ontario, Virginia, Arizona, and even Peru, and have fast become my active travelling footwear of choice.

Unless you want to wear hikers for an entire trip, you will need other footwear. But it all takes up valuable space inside your luggage. If you want recreational shoes that are next to zero extra weight, really flexible, and super suitcase-friendly, Xero fits that bill. Designed to fit your feet just like a glove, the lightweight minimalist footwear is inspired by the practice of barefoot running. Xero’s stylish shoes and sandals allow you to feel the ground underneath your feet, without actually having to walking around on it. (Unless you really want to, in which case, just take them off.)

Markets light up a dark winter

Christmas markets are a centuries-old tradition that brings community warmth and seasonal cheer to the long dark nights of winter.

Dating back to the Middle Ages, it’s believed the concept originated in Germany, when villagers would gather on the street to showcase their wares, trade and barter food and handicrafts, and stock up on enough supplies to last the winter. Over time, these winter markets expanded to include more offerings, eventually evolving into the Christmas markets of modern times.

Today just about every mid-sized town in Germany and France (and plenty of other countries, too) has a Christmas market that combines the excitement of open-air shopping with the nostalgic charm of tradition, mixed with the enchantment of childhood memories.

You’ll find luscious chestnuts roasting on an open fire (for real), decadently decorated gingerbread treats, mouth-watering grilled meats, handmade toys and trinkets, soaps and lotions, holiday ornaments, and an endless collection of one-of-a-kind items that make perfectly unique holiday gifts.

Museums offer deeper look into history of war

Remembrance Day is a time to reflect upon those who fought for freedom.

Next year will mark 80 years since the start of the Second World War in 1939, considered the largest and deadliest war in history, and involving more than 30 countries. Today, wartime museums around Europe are frequented year-round by those wanting to learn more.

Perhaps the most famous of Second World War battles was the D-Day invasion of June 6, 1944, which saw Allied forces primarily consisting of Canadian, British and American troops swarm the Normandy coastline in Northern France. A 60-mile stretch was chosen for its firm and flat beaches, and divided into five sectors codenamed Sword, Gold, Omaha, Utah, and Juno. The latter was under Canadian leadership and manned by 14,000 Canadian troops. Today’s Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer is a contemporary museum in the shape of a maple leaf, dedicated to the Canadian soldiers who fought here.  

The Bastogne War Museum brings the Second World War in Belgium to life. The nearly six-week-long Battle of the Bulge started Dec. 16, 1944, and continued right over Christmas. It would be the last major German offensive on the Western Front, as the forested Ardennes region of eastern Belgium became a surprising stronghold in resistance. The German army ended up with severely depleted armored forces which they were never able to adequately replenish, and this triggered the beginning of the end of Germany’s relentless advancement westward across the European continent.

Explore Saskatchewan’s scary places

There are mysterious locales all over this world that are home to unexplainable happenings, even right here in our own city.

Our closest prairie neighbours have their share of spooky spaces, too, and I’m not talking about Mosaic Stadium at playoff time. Here are a few of Saskatchewan’s scariest public places to visit on your next trip west.

The Western Development Museum (WDM) is considered one of the most haunted sites in Western Canada. Eerie activities have been going on in its various buildings for years, like the former residence of Dr. Joseph Hamelin, one of North Battleford’s first doctors and primary caregiver during the 1918 influenza outbreak. His home was donated and turned into a museum in 1970 and today it’s not uncommon to hear footsteps emanating from the locked-up attic, and spot mysterious faces peering out from windows. At the WDM location in Saskatoon, a ghostly woman in red is seen frequenting the 1910-era Boomtown Café, while the museum’s main lobby is rife with ghostly noises.

No one is certain whose spirits haunt the hallways and lecture theatre at the College Avenue Campus at the University of Regina’s Centre for Continuing Education. But it was here in 1920 that a typhoid epidemic broke out after salmonella was brought into the school, and the entire third floor was converted into a hospital.

Get crafty at fall, winter sales

One of the benefits of travelling to different places is finding one-of-a-kind creations that you won’t find anywhere else.

However, you don’t have to travel far from home to pick-up that special something for your someone special. Tis the season to start your quest for unique gifts, with more than 50 craft shows taking place right here in Manitoba between now and Christmas.

Get a jump on your holiday shopping on Nov. 2 and 3 at the Inspirations Market. With close to 90 booths featuring local talent all on one floor at the Assiniboine Downs, you’ll find a large variety of handmade and upcycled items. Treat yourself to lunch, treats, and specialty coffee while you shop. If freebies are more your cup of tea, then make sure to be one of the first 100 shoppers through the door to receive a free gift bag of goodies.

If you can’t “make it, bake it or grow it” then you simply you won’t find it at the 22nd Teulon: Farmers Market Winterfest Craft Sale, Nov. 16 and 17 at Teulon-Rockwood Centennial Centre. The annual event is hosted by the local farmers’ market, and their policy guarantees that every item up for sale is handmade. They also strive for balance in type of vendor so as to not have oversaturation of any one product, while bringing in brand new sellers each year ensures a new experience even for those who have attended before.

Celebrating the Day of the Dead

There’s nothing like seeing how people are memorialized to get a deeper glimpse into that culture. Touring a cemetery in Mexico during Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) reveals a beautiful tradition of remembering those who have passed amid the celebration of life.

The belief is that the human spirit does not die, and can travel between this world and the afterlife. It’s during Dia de Muertos when souls of the deceased are allowed to return to their loved ones. Celebrations happen all over Mexico, with festivals and festivities taking place for up to a week long. The actual holiday days are at the start of November, when children are said to reunite with loved ones on the 1st, and adults on the 2nd.

Families get together to remember ancestors, and plan and prepare seven-level altars that tell stories about lives lived and legacies left. The altars are vibrantly decorated with photos, arrays of flowers, candles, favourite food and drink, sweet bread called Pan de Muerto made especially for the occasion, and mementos that were meaningful to each person. The items are put out to welcome the spirits, helping each one connect with the familiar and find its way home.

Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant artistic city that pays special homage to the holiday with exhibitions, music, dancing, parades, and all kinds of parties. Locals and tourists alike get into the spirit by donning colourful costumes and painting their faces with fascinating designs that signify both life and death, sporting macabre features like dark eyes and stitched mouths juxtaposed with swirly flowery decorations.

Summer’s over, but there’s still plenty to do

It may be back to school time, but that doesn’t mean the good times have to stop.

Keep the activities happening by being on the greens, taking a walk with dinosaurs, floating gently down a stream, rolling in a haystack, or searching for the next great pumpkin.

Harbour View Golf & Recreation Complex is an outdoor oasis on the edge of the city. There’s golf on a nine-hole par 27 course, and 18 holes of mini-golf on a challenging multi-level layout bearing tunnels, chutes, and slanted greens. Other stuff includes horseshoe pits, play structure, tennis courts, and a lovely large pond where you can watch waterfowl glide onto wooden columns protruding from the water, and ponder with a seven year old why the columns are there in the first place.

With the splendour of autumn’s colours nearly upon us, make a point of seeing the city from a different seat. Rent a canoe or kayak from an outfitter like Wilderness Supply or Mountain Equipment Co-op for a trip down the meandering Assiniboine or another river. Water levels are lower in the fall, so if you’ve never tried paddling, this is the best time to give it a whirl. Pack a picnic lunch and some beverages, take a few friends along, and enjoy a day on the water right here in an urban setting.

Magical James Bay moments

For reasons unknown, for my entire life, I’ve been drawn to bodies of water. First it was Woodland’s tiny Miami Beach, where we roamed as kids.

Then it was Lake of the Woods, where I spent early adulthood as a summer camp counsellor. Next the Hudson Bay beckoned with a 61-day adventure in a leaky wooden boat, with the purpose of setting foot on its shores. These days it’s mostly oceans that entice me, with seaside getaways and endless beachcombing.   

Over the past five years, a work project has taken my attention to the James Bay in Northern Ontario. It’s a place I’ve come to know a lot about even though I’d never been there — until this summer, when I had the chance to travel to one of its communities, learn more about the region, and finally see for myself the vast expanse of water that has been calling my name.

The James Bay, which protrudes south from the Hudson Bay, is bordered by two provinces. On the Quebec side, you can drive all the way on an all-season road. But in Ontario, the main provincial highway system reaches as far as Cochrane. From there it’s train or plane another 250 kilometres due north into Moosonee — a town on the Moose River about 20 kilometres just south of the mouth of the James Bay.

Roll out the Boler

Did you know the Boler turns 50 this summer?

Yes indeed, the quirky little camper that could has been turning heads worldwide for half a century. Did you also know it was the brainchild of a Winnipegger? Indeed it was.  

In the 1960s, Ray Olecko earned a reputation developing lightweight fiberglass septic tanks as an alternative to bulky concrete and steel. Also an avid camper and outdoorsman, he came up with the idea of taking the same molded fibreglass technology created for septic tanks and building a lightweight compact trailer big enough to fit two adults and two children.  

Olecko sketched out the shape on a piece of cardboard and handed the drawing to his fibreglass mould-maker, Sandor Dusa. “Make it like this,” he told him.

Travel with the WAG

The Winnipeg Art Gallery exhibits works from around the world, housing creations from distant locations.

Now, you can experience some of those faraway places for real through a WAG Travel Tour, put on by the Associates of the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

WAG Travel Tours has roots that reach back to the 1960s, with the first organized trips planned as outgrowth projects for WAG members to go and see first-hand where their artwork was coming from.

Early focus was on North American destinations, before including Europe in the 1970s, and eventually adding cruises and developing countries in the 2000s. These days the entire world is the limit, along with everything in it.

A river cruise you’re sure to love

Cities spanning Europe are connected by a series of waterways criss-crossing the continent, making for hundreds if not thousands of potential river routes.

It’s not surprising then, that river cruises have emerged as the trendy new way to tour. You get to cover a lot of ground, visit multiple countries, and enjoy ever-changing views, while your accommodations remain the same.

Whereas bus and auto tours require you to pack up your luggage and check into a different place every time you change regions, river cruise ships are essentially floating luxury hotels that go along with you. This means you’ll spend less time packing, moving and unpacking, and more time exploring the places and faces encountered along the way.

AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by three families, and is a leader in river cruises. Company president Rudi Schreiner was born in Vienna, and grew up with a love for design, architecture, and travel. His first “river cruise” took place in 1975 in South America, when he spent seven months exploring the Amazon on a raft he built himself. Soon after, he started working in travel, creating unique tours in Europe, and planting the seeds for AmaWaterways.

Great food is all around

Over the years I’ve heard much admiration expressed for celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.

He shared the philosophy that food sets the table for a world of discoveries outside of what’s on your plate, and connects you like nothing else to local people and their customs and cultures. It’s a philosophy I’ve come to embrace in my own travels, and often make a point of seeking out dining experiences instead of just having a meal. Here are a few of what have been my favourites.

What began as an affordable way to feed hungry hordes of fishermen in Door County, Wis., is now a not-to-be-missed attraction known as the fish boil. At sundown, diners gather around an outdoor bonfire containing a massive kettle of salted water. When precisely the correct temperature is reached, boilmaster Earl T. Jones adds a basket of potatoes and onions, and whitefish steaks fresh from Lake Michigan. Part host, part showman, part comedian, he paces around telling jokes and stories before dramatically tossing kerosene into the fire for one gigantic blaze of boil-over glory. Resulting in one of the tastiest fish meals I’ve ever had.

Tugboats Restaurant at Hyannis Marina in Cape Cod offers a spectacular view of fishing fleets and ferries, and yachts bigger than your average house. It was here I got my first taste of authentic New England clam chowder — or “chowda” as written on the menu, and pronounced by every local I met. Restaurants here take great pride in their soup, each one preparing it in their own special way, and serving it up with stories about their own particular recipe. If you embark on the “clam chowda challenge” and order it at every restaurant you visit, you’ll discover no two bowls — or tales — are ever the same.

Ride down the river at your own pace

Back in the day, me and my outdoorsy pals would spend as much time as possible canoeing.

Today, with time being of the essence seemingly all the time, trips have become fewer and further between. Fortunately there is a new company in town ready to take the work of planning, organizing, routing and guiding off your hands, so all you have to do is show up, be present, and paddle.

Twin River Travel provides fully outfitted overnight canoe trips, and is on a mission to share the beauty of Manitoba’s pristine paddling routes with as many people as possible. Company founders Tristan Schneider and Sam Anthony are avid travellers who share mutual passion for the wilderness, and young entrepreneurs who recognized a need for paddling options in a province teeming with world-class waterways.

“Our goal was to make canoe trips in Manitoba easy to do, so tourists could try them, and so could locals that didn’t want to invest in all the gear. There’s also the peace-of-mind that comes with having a trained guide on the trip,” says Anthony, who took his first canoe trip at the age of three, and has spent every summer on the water ever since.

Enjoying the city this summer

NHL playoff fever has been bringing Winnipeggers out in droves to celebrate our beloved Jets, generating a frenzy of hometown pride, and renewing interest in experiencing the uniqueness of our own city.

Long after the last puck drops and the hockey parties have subsided, folks can continue hitting the streets for all kinds of activities designed to solidify the fact that Winnipeg really is one great city. With a lot of delicious dishes, too.  

Eat your way Around the World in a Few Blocks, as part of the West End BIZ walking tours. With more than 100 restaurants in this west-central region alone, global cuisine has never been easier to try. Not only will you indulge in samplings of unique international dishes, but will also be regaled with tales and trivia from your tour guide about Winnipeg’s most culturally diverse neighbourhood. Downtown Winnipeg BIZ is back with an explorative extravaganza of the many flavours of downtown. Breakfast Club tours start the day off right by serving up sunnyside samplings at four stops, Tap In allows you to discover some of the best beers made right here in Manitoba, while the evening Patio Crawl beckons you to soak up the sun with your favourite appetizer and beverage. For those who prefer more movement, A Moveable Feast bike tour gets you up on two-wheels and on your way to five different restaurants.

For tours of the four-wheeled kind… hop aboard a historically-inspired vehicle for the Heart of a Nation City Tour by Winnipeg Trolley Company. The trip will take you through St. Boniface, the most charming French quarter in Western Canada, Osborne Village, voted “Canada’s greatest neighbourhood” in a 2012 Canadian Institute of Planners poll, and the Exchange District national historic site, where you’ll find North America’s largest collection of turn-of-the-century architecture.

Diefenbunker captures Cold War tensions

Winding your way through the Ontario countryside just outside of Ottawa can lead to an unexpectedly cool attraction you’ve likely never heard of. That’s probably because it was built to be one of the best-kept secrets in the country.

In 1959, with worldwide tensions escalating at the height of the Cold War, then-Prime Minister John Diefenbaker wanted to create a bunker for key members of the Canadian government and military in the event of nuclear attack. He commissioned the top-secret Diefenbunker, which began construction that same year under the code name Project Emergency Army Signals Establishment (EASE).

The site had to be within evacuation distance of downtown Ottawa, in a natural valley, with ideal geological conditions. They chose a farm 35 kilometres away, near the town of Carp, to house a 23-metre underground bunker designed and engineered in less than 18 months.

From the outside, the Diefenbunker looks like any ordinary aluminum-sided shed with garage door. But inside, this extraordinary marvel of engineering spans 100,000 square-feet over four levels, with 5,000 tons of steel, 32,000 cubic yards of hand-poured concrete, and what resembles a gigantic steel culvert. The 118-metre blast tunnel was built to withstand a five-megaton strike from 1.8 kilometres away, allowing the pressure wave from a nuclear blast to enter and be diverted away, thus ensuring the bunker itself remained safe.

Dancers of the powwow trail

With summer just around the corner, many First Nation families will soon be hitting the ‘powwow trail’ — a succession of gatherings across Canada and the United States that celebrate and honour Indigenous culture and traditions. If you’ve never been to a pow wow, they truly are a spectacle of sight and sound.

A powwow can last for one or multiple days, and every day begins the same way. For the “grand entry,” dancers, elders, and honoured guests line-up, enter into a large circle, and dance together while moving in a clockwise direction. Positioned around the outer edges of the large circle are the drum groups, who perform the powwow songs. Each drum group — traditionally made up of all males (although that is starting to change as well) — sits in a smaller tight circle with a bass drum at its centre.

Songs are started by the lead singer, and guided by the beating of the drum, which is said to parallel the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Many songs have been passed down from one generation to the next, and hold significant meaning. Some songs also serve special purposes at a powwow, like honour songs, memorial songs, and prayer songs, as a few examples.

Dancing has always been an important part of life for Indigenous people. Although dance styles and presentations have evolved and changed over the generations, their meaning and importance have not. Dances are divided into categories, and separated into men’s and women’s, and also by age. Different kinds of dances you’ll see include traditional, grass dance, fancy bustle, jingle dress, and fancy shawl. There may be other dances and special demonstrations, too, depending on region.  

Exploring the Inca Trail

Machu Picchu, one of the greatest architectural mysteries of Incan civilization, is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. It’s a destination for adventurers of all ages, with three ways to get there depending on physical ability.

Tourists typically arrive on LATAM Airlines, from Lima, Peru, into Cusco. Once the capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco is nestled in the Peruvian Andes at the elevation of 3,399 metres.  It’s actually higher up than Machu Picchu, making it a choice place to spend time acclimatizing. Thinner air can leave you feeling short of breath and headachy, but a few days of rest, lots of water and good nutrition helps you adjust.

Cusco has plenty of nice hotel options for the traveller. The Novotel near the city’s historic centre is both modern and colonial, with free (and decent) wi-fi, large rooms, lovely courtyard, cocoa tea in the lobby, and resident baby llama that you’ll want to take selfies with.

The journey to Machu Picchu begins far below Cusco, in the Sacred Valley of south Peru. The village of Ollantaytambo spans the Urubamba River and is surrounded by mountains. Its old-town is an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings framed by the Ollantaytambo ruins, a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces. It’s the village where you catch the train to Machu Picchu.

Peru’s hidden fortress

Machu Picchu is one of the greatest architectural mysteries of Incan civilization — the largest and most sophisticated empire in pre-Columbian America.

They rose to power in the early 13th century, spanning out from southern Peru in both directions, from modern-day Chile in the south to Ecuador in the north. Along the way they constructed more than 20,000 kilometres of stone trails to link their towns and cultural sites. At the centre of Inca civilization is a city called Cusco, which means “navel.” Perched in the Peruvian Andes at an elevation of 3,399 metres, Cusco was once the capital of the Incan Empire. Tourists travelling to Machu Picchu typically arrive by air from Lima into Cusco, and spend a few days acclimatizing here.

Being my first time experiencing high altitude, I initially felt exhausted, light-headed, slow in my thinking, and with zero appetite. But after two or three days of extra rest, increased hydration, a few good meals, and several Advils, I began to feel like myself, eager to finally see the place that has long been on my bucket list.

The ancient city of Machu Picchu was built on a plateau at 2,430 metres, beginning around the year 1430, and there are many theories as to why it exists. Some local legends explain it as a ceremonial site, since many of its structures — both man-made and natural — align with astronomical events. Others believe it to be a strategic military fortress nestled in the mountains, accessible by only two trails that could be easily barricaded. This theory makes sense when you also consider Machu Picchu is nearly encircled by the turbulent Urubamba River in the valley far below, is surrounded by 44 mountains, and most importantly, is completely hidden from every lower vantage point.

Get ready for an eventful spring

Believe it or not, spring is in the air! Pretty soon, the icy cold days of winter will pass, and people will once again emerge from indoor abodes, seeking something to do. Here are a few ideas for getting you out and about in our province enjoying regional fare and festivities during the melting month of April.

Just in case you didn’t get enough ice-fishing over the winter… take a weekend trip up to The Pas for the Bill Bannock Classic Ice Fishing Derby out on Clearwater Lake on April 7. Organized by the Rotary Club, it’s one of the largest fishing derbies in Manitoba, sporting a $25,000 first prize, and another $25,000 if you catch Lonesome Mary, the tagged fish. However, if your name happens to be Lonesome Mary, you should probably just stay away.  

There’s nothing more Canadian than maple syrup. Did you know that it’s also Manitoban? McCreary’s Manitoba Maple Syrup Festival celebrates the local producers, culture and heritage of maple syrup in the region, from April 13 to 14. Learn how the sweet stuff is made through tree tapping clinics, enjoy the maple-themed dinner, fluffy pancakes with maple syrup, maple taffy on snow, horse and wagon rides, music all day, and other activities.

If breakfast with the birds sounds like your idea of a good time, then don’t miss spring migration at FortWhyte Alive. Come for a sunrise hike with an experienced birding guide, who will open your eyes — and ears — to a whole new birding world. Afterwards, compare notes over a delicious breakfast in the Buffalo Stone Café. Birding and Breakfast events take place weekly on Wednesday mornings for a month, starting April 18.

Let Zephyr sweep you away to new locales

With an MBA in entrepreneurial management, Allan Wright knew he wanted to start his own company.

The caveat was that it had to be in a field he enjoyed, and would meet his personal criteria for outdoor activities, international culture, travel, group bonding, and fun.

Enter Zephyr Adventures, based out of the small town of Red Lodge, Mont. The company was founded by Wright in 1997 as the world’s first inline skating tour company. Over the past 21 years it has evolved and adapted to offer additional active travel excursions like hiking, trekking, biking, and sometimes, a combination of activities.

Rather than trying to be everything to everybody, Zephyr focuses on tours where they can be the best in the business, accommodate people of varying skill level, and stand out among hundreds of adventure tour companies.

The art and practicality of packing for travel

People often ask for tips to refine the art of travelling. Myself, I feel like I’ve gotten my systems down to somewhat of a science.

While everyone has their own favourite ways of doing things, I’m happy to share these timely tidbits about packing that I learned firsthand over many journeys.

The first and most important part of packing, is knowing what to pack — something you don’t want to leave until the day before. One week out from any given trip, I typically start my “to pack” list, where I jot down whatever I think I’ll need — passport, health insurance, currency, credit card, sunscreen, bathing suit, sunglasses, toiletries, etc.

I also note necessary info to take with me, like hotel details (if crossing borders, you may need to know hotel info while in transit), an itinerary showing all flights for entire trip (not just the ‘next’ boarding time), activity schedules, contacts that may be needed upon arrival, even relevant travel-point cards/numbers.

Winning at winter

You may have recently heard that Winnipeg is “winning at winter” — which is true! There are definitely a lot of things to get out and do, that can help one make it through the long cold months currently upon us.

Unless you’ve spent the past few weeks living under a rock, or pile of snow, you should know by now that Winnipeg has Ice Castles. Built at Parks Canada Place on The Forks Historic Site by a Utah-based company, the utterly impressive Ice Castles are handcrafted entirely out of water, using only icicles as the building medium. The result is a giant structure of interconnected caves, tunnels and towers spanning an acre, shimmering in natural shades of blue during the day, and glowing with LED lights at night. Meet enchanted ice princesses from Frozen on weekend afternoons, or check out a high-energy fire show on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature is still one of my favourite places for a half (or full) day getaway — especially in winter. They build their own miniature ice structure each year called Icebër, an icy waterfall that you can walk right under, provided you are brave enough to tread through the Polabër cold water pool. If you are, tread quickly, because I’ll be honest in saying that the intense cold is excruciating! The thermal jolt awakens every cell in your body, and the rush of adrenaline gets your pulse racing and heart pounding. It truly is a shock to your system, setting you up perfectly for the relaxation cycle, and the profound sense of calming and peace that comes with recovery.

Next is the heat cycle. For this I love the Aufguss (German for “infusion”), now taking place nine times each day. During the 15-minute ritual, water enriched with essential oils is vapourized on scorching rocks. It gets hot enough inside the Finlandia sauna that you’ll actually want to cool things down again with a freezing cold plunge. Then rest. Then heat. And repeat. Going through the thermal cycle a few times in a row will re-energize and refresh you like nothing else.

Puerto Vallarta a tourist paradise

The first time I recall hearing of Puerto Vallarta was as a kid, watching the television series The Price Is Right. They often gave away trips to this exotic locale, and it seemed like a whole different world, far removed from my tiny prairie town of Marquette.

Puerto Vallarta was a thriving Mexican village with a beach-landing port long before it became an international tourist destination. It’s proximity to an agricultural valley and mining region, while being situated on the ocean, makes for a diverse and fascinating cultural and economic history.

By the mid-19th century, vacationers from local towns were flocking here to soak up the scenery, sprawling beaches, and tropical year-round climate. It wasn’t until the 1960s, though, that the rest of the world began to catch on to the jewel it really was.

In 1963, American film director John Huston shot his movie The Night of the Iguana in a town just south of Puerto Vallarta. The U.S. media gave extensive coverage to the presence of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor — the latter was not in the film, but was reported in the tabloids because of off-screen activities with Burton. The publicity put Puerto Vallarta on the map for North American tourists.

Drivin’ in a Winter Wonderland

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening — and so are the spectacular Christmas lights at Canad Inns Winter Wonderland at Red River Exhibition Park.

Manitoba’s largest drive-thru light show is celebrating 18 years, and has doubled in size since the early days. Beginning in 1999 with 500,000 lights, Winter Wonderland now features over one million lights in 26 different theme areas along a 2.5-kilometre route. The experience will dazzle you right into the spirit of Christmas, and the park’s radio station will have you singing along to old and new favourite holiday tunes.

Prior to the opening of Winter Wonderland, staff members are just about as busy as Santa’s elves. It takes the operations team two full months to set up the more than 30 kilometres of light strands it takes to decorate the park before opening on December 1. Included in the assembly is a 23-metre Christmas tree made up of almost 3,000 LED light bulbs.

Other highlights include a free skating rink every day (bring your own skates!) and free horse-drawn sleigh rides on weekends. While you’re making memories, take some memorable family pictures at the Wonderland Photo Shop near the skating rink at the Wonderland Photo Stop. Here you can pose with a polar bear statue, a teddy bear, a gingerbread family, and other festive friends. Be sure to stop for a treat at the concession stand, too, and indulge on hot chocolate, mini donuts, cotton candy, and popcorn.

Riding (rollercoasters) like an outlaw

This story is the second in a two-part series about Branson, Mo. You can find the first part here.

Marvel Cave is a massive cavern just west of Branson that descends 152 metres below the surface. When you’re at the bottom of the Cathedral Room — one of the largest entry rooms of any North American cave — you can’t help but feel swallowed up by the sheer depth and utter vastness of this underground wonder. It’s mind-boggling to think this exists below your feet, when you’re outside walking around on the ground.

The local Indigenous people long referred to it as “Devil’s Den” and revered it as the place that has no bottom. The cave was first ‘discovered’ by outsiders on a mining expedition in 1869. Miners believed they’d find lead here, but instead, found rock that looked like marble. So they named it “marble cave.” Once they figured out no resources were to be found, the cave was purchased in 1894 and started operating as a tourist attraction.

In the mid-1950s, tourists were coming in great numbers. The family that operated it wanted something for them to do while waiting around on the surface, so they started hiring Ozark craftsmen to do demonstrations. It eventually turned into a theme park called Silver Dollar City. Today, Silver Dollar City is Branson’s biggest attraction. Here you’ll still find Ozark craftsmen displaying their talents, along with live regional music, downhome dining, distinct shopping, year-round special celebrations, and an impressive amusement park that includes one of the most terrifying rollercoasters ever.

Get into the Christmas spirit in Branson

If you love Christmas, you must visit Branson. With twinkling lights, festive parades, hot apple cider, homemade candy, and a whole lot more, Branson rolls out the red-and-green — and every colour in between — to truly celebrate in style.

Starting in early November, Branson is all about Christmas. This southwest Missouri destination might only have a population of 10,000, but I’m absolutely certain every single person who resides there fully immerses themselves into the spirit of Christmas. And you can’t help but feel it. It’s small-town hospitality at its best, which likely explain why nearly 10 million people travel here each year.

Branson has earned a reputation as a musical city, with 45 music theatres and more seats than you’ll find on New York’s famed Broadway. Each theatre hosts one to three shows daily, with live entertainment from early morning until late evening, six days per week (most businesses close on Sundays). The Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza at the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center & Theatre — which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, in 2017 — is sure to put you in the holiday mood.

This variety-style show features The Osmonds (yes, the REAL Osmonds!) and The Lennon Sisters, taking you on a direct one-way trip down memory lane. The surprise and unexpected highlight of the night is when Andy Williams himself appears as a lifelike hologram to accompany his musical guests. It’s a magical experience (albeit a little creepy) that I guarantee will make the song Moon River an earworm the next time you hear Andy Williams’ name. For the rest of your life.

Hoop dancing a wonderful art

Each year, hoop dancers from all over North America gather at the Heard Museum in Phoenix for the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest.

The 28th annual event is coming up Feb. 10 to 11, 2018, with men, women, and children of all ages gathering together to compete for cash prizes and the prestigious “world champion” title.

One by one, dancers await their turn to take the circle, dressed in colourful regalia laden with intricate beadwork, and flowing with feathers and tassels. Each outfit tells a story, donning patterns that reflect aspects of a dancer’s own Indigenous culture. Then, the drumming starts. The dancer moves in time with the beat, performing their own variation and modern interpretation of traditional movements, and implementing hoops — as few as four, to as many as 50 — into their dance.

For the audience, hoop dancing is a truly stunning spectacle, and an amazing display of timing, precision, athleticism, and grace. For the dancer, it’s a craft passed down from previous generations, and a great honour to continue sharing the tradition.

Try these music fests when out east

The music world recently lost a true icon by the name of Tom Petty.

I had the pleasure of seeing him perform this past July at RBC Ottawa Bluesfest – and I’m sure glad I did. Reflecting back on this unforgettable experience, it got me thinking about other artists, and other music festivals. One of the best things about festivals is that you get to enjoy several artists, usually over the course of several days. Festivals themselves have become popular destinations, and going to a fest is a great reason to travel. Here are a few you’ll find in Canada’s eastern regions that are worthy of planning a trip for.

It was my first time at Ottawa’s Bluesfest, which has grown to become the landmark event of their summer. Its humble beginnings date back to 1994, and today, Billboard Magazine calls it one of the top-10 music festivals in the world. It’s located at LeBreton Flats Park adjacent to the Canadian War Museum, and a unique attraction is twin main stages that allow audiences to transfer between headlining acts. The festival’s mandate is to support the growth of emerging and diverse musical genres, so besides blues, you’ll hear rock, roots, country, jazz, funk, soul, and more. You can taste the world all in one place, too, with a wide array of multicultural foods.

Festival d’été de Quebec turns 51 in 2018. It’s also one of the largest festivals in our country, attracting over one million festival goers to Quebec City’s historic district for concerts by international superstars and top new talent, playing every style of music. It takes place on the famed Plains of Abraham battlefield, boasting North America’s biggest self-supporting stage. Visitors can take in 300 shows in 10 venues over 11 days, all located within downtown and easy walking distance. Be sure to check out the street performances on Saint-Jean Street, too, one of the city’s oldest and busiest streets.

Get your dose of gridiron glory

Are you ready for some football?

As teams across North America hit the field to celebrate camaraderie and revel in rivalries, ’tis the season to take a sporty vacation. Here are some prime NFL locations you’ll want to add to your football bucket list.

If hallowed ground is what you seek, head to Green Bay. Lambeau Field is one of the most revered stadiums in the U.S., and a year-round destination venue and cultural centre. It is steeped in tradition and history as home of the oldest NFL franchise in continuous operation with the same name — the Green Bay Packers. It has 81,441 seats with totally unobstructed sightlines, and has been sold out consistently since 1960. Getting a ticket for an individual game is not impossible, but akin to winning the lottery. Good luck!  

The 65,000-seat Raymond James Stadium is where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lay their pirate hats. It boasts the most technologically advanced HD video system in use today, and it the only stadium that permanently harbours a pirate ship (made by the same company the produces Disney props). This unique and impressive backdrop comes to life at every football game, with cannons blasting when the Buccaneers score and an animatronic parrot perched on its stern that is known to heckle passersby.

Journey provides clarity

This story is the second in a two-part series about the new adventures of Prairie Paddlers. You can find the first part here.

The Experimental Lakes Area is a “natural laboratory” just east of Kenora, containing 58 lakes and their watersheds. Scientists from all over the world come here to study freshwater ecosystems, while paddlers like us come here to seek serenity.

After some hoopla, group pictures on the gravel road, and a champagne toast, we glided away in loaded-down canoes, over-the-top happy. We were eager to leave civilization behind for a short time, and perhaps just as eager to prove to ourselves that yes, we could still do this.

It didn’t take long to find a gorgeous campsite with enough space for our gigantic tent. The bonus feature was an offshore rock to swim to and lounge on. It was a picture-perfect evening of perfectly calm waters, a slowly setting sun, and the lake all to ourselves. It’s as if the loons were singing just for us.

The new adventures of the Prairie Paddlers

It seems like only yesterday that nine 20-something gals from the flatlands of Manitoba journeyed into the rugged and remote Canadian Shield in Northwestern Ontario.

We travelled in three canoes, from one full moon to another, overcoming whatever obstacles came between us and our destination. We called ourselves the Prairie Paddlers, a name that was resurrected this summer when six of the now 40-something women reunited for a 20th anniversary adventure.

The seed was planted early in the New Year when it dawned on us two decades had passed since our big trip. It was time to get back out there, and commit to another backwoods excursion. Except this one would be less difficult, more casual, and closer in tune with our modern day lives.

Last time we travelled over 500 kilometres in 31 days, with a pre-set drop-off and pick-up. We carried only the bare minimum, arranging for a food-drop at the halfway mark. It was quite the logistical marvel. This time, the trip would be five days, and maybe we’d do 20 kilometres or so. Some of the ladies hadn’t been in canoes for a long time, so we chose a looped route with different options. This would give us the choice to adjust the distance as we went, allowing us to play things by ear. And body.

Fall supper season is almost upon us

It’s hard to believe, but autumn is just around the corner, bringing with it a lovely landscape featuring painted palettes of fall colours.

It’s my absolute favourite season to take a day-trip drive to somewhere else, for no other reason other than to experience new places, meet new faces, and enjoy adventures along the way. Here are few happenings to get you out of your house, and on the road:

• This ain’t their first rodeo. In fact, it’s their 25th. The Ashern Rodeo is a popular rodeo stop on the Manitoba circuit, and it takes place Sept. 1 to 3. There’s a street dance, fireworks, pancake breakfast, parade and outdoor cabaret. There’s also entertainment for the kids, food vendors, beer gardens, and the good old 50/50 draw for those who carry a horseshoe around with them.

• Manitobans love to shop at farmers’ markets, where you can purchase local produce, take it all home, and whip up your own tasty meals. But have you ever had a meal right there at the market? St. Norbert Farmers’ Market is hosting a Farmers’ Feast under the market canopies on Sept. 7. Guests will enjoy a five-course dinner by chef Ben Kramer, featuring fare from local farmers, and dinner music.

Get hiking at Mount Seymour

I recently decided it was time to acquire a good pair of hikers, and see where they take me. Literally.  After some research, I settled for Keen Targhees. I’ve been wearing them around the house for the past few weeks, waiting for an opportunity to try them out. And I did, when my B.C.-dwelling niece Brittani and partner Justin offered to take me on an alpine adventure during recent travels to Vancouver.

There are plenty of places within easy reach of the city, including Mount Seymour Provincial Park — a popular ski resort in winter and hiker’s playground in summer. Mount Seymour is known for spectacular views of Vancouver, surrounding coastal mountain range, and Vancouver Island. Brit and Justin also told me it was an “easy” hike. I believed them.

We set off from Mount Seymour Resort parking lot to the trailhead. Almost immediately, the trail climbed steeply. I realized after the first two sections of serious incline that it was going to be a real challenge. I also realized it was way too early to even think about saying “are we there yet??” So I kept my head down, and focused on putting one Keen-covered foot in front of the other. It wasn’t long before we encountered snow. In fact, by the time we were midway up, it was mostly snow. At first, it was fun trudging through the white stuff on this hot and sunny July day, slipping and sliding around, and throwing snowballs. But the fun wore off quickly, and it soon became laborious to secure footing for each new step. I started to wonder if I’d gotten in over my head.  

The snow-packed stretches were broken up by rugged sections of rocks, roots, and streams. While this terrain was more crossable, it almost always came with a serious ascent. Soon, it was hard to tell what was more challenging — the slippery gradual slopes, or the jagged steep slants. I resigned myself to the fact it was all going to be difficult, all the way to the top.

Ecotourism in Manitoba

Beyond Manitoba’s wheat fields exists a compelling landscape, home to desert dunes, sparkling sandy beaches, rocky boreal shores, and rugged coastlines. Manitoba’s wilderness stretches from vast prairie grasslands in the south to frozen Arctic tundra in the north. With five different eco-regions in the province, the geography’s diversity is paradise to adventure seekers.

Ecotourism has many incarnates including outdoor leisure and recreational activities, remote wilderness adventures, observing wildlife in natural habitats, and experiencing cultural traditions and lifestyles. While the term encompasses different principles, the common denominator is that it refers to experiences in outdoor settings that are respectful of natural environments and communities.

Ecotourism can be initiated for enjoyment and challenge, or for more specialized purposes such as outdoor skills development, corporate teambuilding, environmental research, and interpretive educational programs. It can involve activities like canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, and just about anything wilderness-based that also respects the surroundings.

Manitoba has local outfitters and tour operators located throughout the province, many of whom offer ecologically sound outdoor experiences. If you’re not sure what you want, there are companies to help figure that out. All it takes is a little research to get going.

Fond memories of Red Lake Falls

Back in the day, tubing was a summertime tradition we couldn’t get enough of. My circle of friends, and much of my family, too, would convoy from Manitoba down to Minnesota to spend weekends partaking in this particular ritual.

If you’re not familiar with tubing, the concept is simple. You sit in an inflated inner tube, tied to other inner tubes with other people in them, with another smaller tube holding your cooler. Once you’re all interconnected, and cold beverages are safely stowed within easy reach, you push off from shore and away you go, floating down the river for the next few hours in one big happy flotilla. That is how tubing is done.

The best place I know of to do this is Red Lake Falls. It’s a small town with a traditional feel, old brick buildings, and wide streets. There are no traffic lights here, and locals joke that people stop in Red Lake Falls because they want to, not because they have to.  

The town has an interesting history tied to Winnipeg, as the site of a 1798 Northwest Company trading post. It was here Voyageurs transported supplies down the Red Lake River, to the Red River, eventually reaching the Red River Colony. Today, commercial activity still exists between Red Lake Falls and Winnipeg, with the most obvious connection being recreational.

Get to know Winnipeg’s musical history

One of the things I enjoy most when travelling is taking part in special tours of the area. It’s also something I enjoy doing right here in my own city. So when a friend recently told me about a music tour, I definitely wanted to know more about it.

Winnipeg’s Magical Musical History tour is a three-hour throwback to the colourful rock ’n’ roll scene in the city called Canada’s rock ’n’ roll capital throughout the 1960s. It’s led by music historian John Einarson, who was born and raised here, and is one of our country’s most respected musicologists.

Einarson has written countless articles, and authored 14 music biographies about artists like Neil Young, Randy Bachman, The Byrds, and others. He has written television documentaries, curated museum exhibits, and is an award-winning teacher of music history classes. Given his background, serious credentials, ongoing passion for music, and deep roots here in the ’Peg, if anyone can create a fascinating musical tour, it would be Einarson.

Now in its sixth year, the Magical Musical History Tour shows where Neil Young once lived, where he started recording, and played his first live performances. It discloses locations where some of the most memorable songs by Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman were written. It reveals painted murals, memorabilia, vintage photos, and quirky anecdotes known by only a few — those who were there, and those who heard about it from Einarson.

Check out those midwestern shores

Travellers who seek the waterfront might not think of Wisconsin as a coastal area. But spend a little time in the eastern part of this Midwestern state, and you’ll discover it has all the charms of a seaside region — right in Middle America.

The Door County peninsula, nicknamed the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” is bordered by 482 kilometres of Lake Michigan shoreline. So many ships went down near its shores that it earned the French moniker “port des morts” — or “door of death.” It was then shortened to death’s door, before becoming the much more pleasant name it has today.

Door County is home to 11 historic lighthouses, and over two dozen parks, offering some of the best biking and hiking in the state. It’s also where you’ll find the beginning of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail — a 1,930 kilometre-long footpath that winds its way through most of Wisconsin, starting from Potawatomi State Park along Sturgeon Bay.

More than 12,000 years ago, when the immense flow of glacial ice retreated, it left behind a sculpted landscape of unique features. The glacial remnants are now considered among the world’s finest examples of how continental glaciation sculpted planet earth.

Great ways to enjoy Canada Day

One of the best times to get out and explore Manitoba, while at the same time celebrating our collective heritage — is Canada Day.

With this year being a special anniversary, and with July 1 falling on a Saturday, there are even more events going on than usual. Here are some things you can do in the city, and around our province. The Assiniboine Park is a terrific gathering place at any time of year, and even moreso in summer. They’ll host the Canad Inns Family Fun Day on July 1, featuring a kidzone, live entertainment all day and evening on the Lyric Stage, a giant Canada Day birthday cake to share with everyone, and spectacular fireworks. Canad Inns is also offering “park and ride” service from noon to midnight, from nearby parking lots.  

The Fort la Reine Museum in Portage la Prairie is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Canadian prairies. With 28 unique sites displaying actual artifacts, it illustrates what life was like for early pioneers. On Canada’s 150th birthday, visitors are invited to help build a Red River cart — a vehicle that was integral to the 19th century fur trade and Canada’s expansion westward. A Métis historian/craftsman will reveal the history of this two-wheeled prairie icon, and the main method of hauling goods in the region before the construction of roads, and eventually, railroads.

Canada Day in the tiny town of Vita is always a big deal, and their annual celebration is the epitome of small-town spirit mixed with national pride. On the schedule is a pancake breakfast, perogy supper, parade, and flea market — and that’s just the beginning. There will also be an antique car show, rodeo, baseball tournament, 3-on-3 basketball, beer gardens, and live entertainment. You can also drive around town and check out the entries in the “best dressed yard” contest that celebrates 150 years of Canada.

‘Barefoot Park’ good for the sole

This story is the second in a two-part series about Germany’s growing wellness scene. You can find the first part here.

One of the most popular places in Germany to get back to nature — and nurture your spirit, mind and body — is national park Kellerwald-Edersee. Its crowning jewel is a 27-kilometre lake that begets a wealth of watersports, like paddling, sailing, and windsurfing. It is flanked by sandy beaches, meandering trails, and picturesque promenades, and surrounded by hills covered in ancient red beech trees. This gorgeous region, with idyllic valleys, deep gorges, and flower-filled meadows, has recently been designated World Natural Heritage status by UNESCO.

At the edge of the national park awaits a bird’s eye view of the stunning scenery. The TreeTopWalk der Baumkronenweg am Edersee begins on a quaint path which transforms into raised walkways, gradually taking you higher and higher to 30 metres above the forest floor. Interactive learning stations along the way teach you about the trees, birds, and forest critters, and will help take your mind off the fact that the ground is a long way down.

One of the coolest experiences I’ve ever done, anywhere, was on this trip. It was something so simple, too, that I never would have guessed it to be so fun, invigorating, and beneficial for your health.

Get the royal treatment at German spas

When you think of Germany, images of beer and bratwurst might come to mind. You might not think of it as a place to go to get away from it all. But it most definitely is.

Just north of Frankfurt is an idyllic town called Bad Homburg — the prefix ‘bad’ means ‘spa’ and officially designates it as a spa town. This first mineral spring was discovered here in 1809, and throughout the next century it gained an excellent reputation as the summer residence of German emperors, international dignitaries, and celebrities. Today, guests travel here from all over the world to soak in its natural mineral waters, visit its medical clinics, pursue preventative and rehabilitation treatments, and seek wellness. Bad Homburg vor der Höhe — the formal name of the town — is a former royal spa that offers

traditional health treatments for those looking for a little rest and rejuvenation. You’ll find 14 therapeutic springs in all, including cold, carbonated, salt-water, and chalybeate, which contain iron. The springs have been used to treat rheumatism, digestive issues, and circulatory problems for more than 170 years.

Kur Royal Day Spa is located inside the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Bad, the former spa of princes, and a historical landmark lush with magnificent architectural detail. You feel like royalty the moment you walk through its doors, with its high-ceilinged rooms, mosaic décor, and luxurious atmosphere.

Parks, historic sites you can visit for free

You know how you’ve always wanted to take that trip with family or friends to someplace special in Canada?

Or maybe there are different destinations you’ve wanted to visit, and would like to cross a few of them of your bucket list at once? Well, this might be the ideal year to do it.

In honour of Canada’s 150th birthday, Parks Canada is giving Canadians a birthday present — free Discovery Passes. Valid throughout 2017 (until Dec. 31) these passes grant unlimited access to national parks, national marine conservation areas, and national historic sites from coast-to-coast-to-coast.

National marine conservation areas are special coastal locations designed for sustainable use and ecological integrity. National parks are natural areas considered to be of significance to preserving Canada’s diverse landscapes and species. Back in 1885, Banff National Park was the very first designation. Today there are more than 40 national parks and park reserves, including mountainous ranges, untamed forests, diverse grasslands, and sprawling tundra.

Goats and yoga: a perfect match

On a recent trip to Phoenix, Ariz., I was invited to take part in a new craze called Goat Yoga. Because of the title, I naturally assumed this involved doing yoga, with goats. How exactly they’d be connected, I had no clue. But was eager to find out.

The idea came from Sarah Williams who owns Desert Paddleboards, has taught yoga for 20 years, and wanted to come up with a creative way for people to exercise outside. She paired up with April Gould, who owns a goat farm near Mesa, and is known as Arizona’s famous goat farmer after being featured on American Ninja Warrior and labelled the “goat whisperer.”

Arizona Goat Yoga’s mission is to connect yogis with their inner farm child. The class is described as therapeutic in that it relieves stress, releases endorphins from exercise, and increases oxytocin with pet therapy.

Approaching the fenced-in yoga space situated at a crossroads in a rural-like setting, it seems like a regular outdoor yoga class. At first glance you notice 80 or so people in yoga clothes, and rows of yoga mats positioned in a giant circle. In the middle is Sarah the yoga instructor, leading the class through seemingly normal yoga stretches and poses. It doesn’t seem like anything out of the ordinary at all.

Adventurous races in Manitoba

Being a casual runner, it’s easy to fall off the beaten path when snow blankets the ground.

But with spring around the corner now, fair-weather runners like myself are no doubt digging out and dusting off the old sneakers. Getting back in the groove takes determination, and something that always helps get me moving again is training with a purpose — for an upcoming event.

Here are some activities on the calendar that will not only motivate you to want to start hitting the pavement, but will also spark your sense of adventure, move you beyond your comfort zone, and give you the chance to see a little more of Manitoba. And maybe even play in the mud, too.

If you like getting down and dirty, you might be a Mud Hero. What has become a popular event all across Canada stops at Hilltop Resort in Beaconia on July 29. Participants can choose from two courses: six kilometres with 16 obstacles, or 10 kilometres with 21 obstacles. With names like “muddy lagoons,” “cargo climb,” “deep woods,” and “camo crawl,” just reaching the end of these obstacles sounds like an exercise in determination. Not to mention good ol’ filthy fun.

See Costa Rica’s pura vida

Exclusive Resorts is the world’s leading luxury vacation and travel club, and the ultimate rental for an exceptional getaway. Their priority is to provide the ideal setting and services for guests to create family memories, or for groups of friends to share special occasions.

Exclusive offers the best of both worlds: private accommodations combined with luxury resort amenities. They have more than 400 residences in 120 locations around the world, including the Papagayo Peninsula in Costa Rica. The cliffside homes-away-from-home are stunning sanctuaries tucked away in the jungle, surrounded by tropical birds singing and gentle breezes rustling through the trees.  

Inside a 4,000-square-foot residence are four large bedrooms each with private balcony, full bathroom with enormous soaker tub, and outdoor shower enclosed with bamboo. The open-concept communal space is gorgeous and inviting, with floor to ceiling windows that reveal views of the ocean, and the lush jungle on all sides. It’s the perfect gathering place to kickback, listen to music on surround sound, sip on a cocktail blended in your chef-grade kitchen, and spend quality time doing absolutely nothing.

The backyard features an infinity pool, hot tub, lounge chairs, cozy seating, and outdoor cooking and dining. As an extra added bonus, your backyard in Costa Rica might actually have monkeys in it, too. As soon as we found out little creatures were potentially looming about, we made up a “monkey spotting” game. It might take a while to see your first one, but once you do, they get easier to spot. On the third day, we noticed one hanging around our trees, watching us. After a little “coaxing” by a housemate (turns out she’s a pretty effective monkey caller!) he came right down to the deck and proceeded to pace back and forth along the railings. Moments later, a second one appeared out of nowhere — and then there were two!  

Are you up for a challenge?

Asessippi Provincial Park is just off the Yellowhead Route between Russell and Roblin.

At the south end of man-made Lake of the Prairies, the locale is flanked by the valley walls of the Assiniboine and Shell rivers — creating an ideal destination for year-round outdoor recreation.  

Carved into this picturesque valley is Asessippi Ski Area & Resort, a sprawling and impressive expanse designed for skiing, snowboarding, ski-bikes, and snow-tubes. Asessippi’s priority is to create great winter experiences for everyone, so in addition to downhill pursuits, there is snowshoeing, dog-sledding, kiteboarding, and ultralight flights with breathtaking views of the region.  

Now in its 17th year, Asessippi is the perfect place to learn how to ski-from-scratch, advance your current skills, or for the most experienced, have a jolly good time flying down treacherous-looking black diamond inclines. The resort’s layout has been thoughtfully planned with 26 runs, three chair lifts, two terrain parks, and a gently-sloping bunny hill for beginners.

The real Cuba — beyond the beaches

This story is the second in a two-part series about Cuba. You can find the first part here.

The Republic of Cuba is an archipelago of one large island and over 4,100 tiny cays and islets. Its total land area is nearly 111,000 square kilometres, and you could very easily spend weeks exploring its 15 provinces.

Choosing a few cities and devoting a few days in and around each one is, in my opinion, the best way to experience the real Cuba.

Trinidad — one of the country’s oldest cities — was founded in 1514 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. Narrow cobblestone streets are lined with pastel-coloured houses and shops, overlooked by continuous balconies framed with wrought-iron grills and intricate wooden bannisters. At the centre is Manaca-Iznaga Tower, a picturesque construct 45 metres high once used for overseeing the work of slaves in surrounding sugarcane fields. If climbing the tower’s 137 steps in the Cuban heat makes you thirsty, stop just about anywhere for a refreshing Canchanchara cocktail made from lime juice, honey and wine. Even more fun is to meander off the beaten path to any corner bar for an ice cold Cuban beer that only costs one peso.  

Finding the real Cuba

Cuba is the largest island nation in the Caribbean, and a country that carries a lot of charm and mystique in today’s modern-day world.

In many ways, it has stayed a snapshot of what life was like back in the 1950s, captivating visitors with a slowed-down existence reminiscent of simpler times.

No matter where you go in Cuba, it’s not uncommon to see horses pulling loaded-up carts, donkeys carrying packs,  people riding around on refurbished bicycles, rickety pick-up trucks transporting the masses, and classic cars doubling as taxis, all sharing the same weathered and worn-out roads. The casual pace of commuting is just one part of what makes Cuba appear so laid-back. It’s the kind of place where you still see groups of kids playing outside, families gathered around front stoops, and musicians coming together for impromptu street performances.

But take a look below the surface, past the colourful architecture and the cultural pride, and you’ll find a complex Cuba that is as diverse as it is dynamic, only just beginning to connect itself to the digital world, and figuring out how to define itself in the global scheme of things.  

Enjoying the Christmas capital

Because Winnipeg is almost always guaranteed to have snow on the ground at Christmas — which makes the most beautiful backdrop for Christmas lights — it’s been referred to as the “Christmas capital of Canada.”

Here are some events and happenings close to home that will put you in the spirit of the season, while helping keep Manitoba on the Christmas map.  

Santa’s paying a visit to FortWhyte Alive on Dec. 10, and you can join him for breakfast at the Buffalo Stone Café. Afterward, explore FortWhyte’s forest world in a scavenger hunt for natural wonders. On Sunday, drop by for Holiday Storytelling in the Sodhouse, featuring A Christmas Carol Unplugged and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  

Climb aboard the “Winter Wonderland” holiday lights tour through Winnipeg on Dec. 14, taking in twinkling sights at the Manitoba legislature, camels and wise men atop the Great-West Life building, and dazzling displays at various residential and commercial locales. Along the way sing carols, and play Christmas light bingo and trivia for festive prizes.

Get pampered at Riverstone

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to take personal time out to recharge your batteries.

Winnipeg has several great spas where one can go to relax — including one of my favourites, Riverstone Spa.

Tucked away inside the Inn at The Forks, Riverstone opened in 2004. Its name was inspired by the historical and spiritual significance of The Forks, and its focus is on being “one with the earth” through the beauty and tranquility of nature and ritual.

Riverstone’s ongoing goal is to create a serene sanctuary of healing and wellness, and their philosophy is to provide guests with treatments that harmonize body, mind and spirit. They believe in embracing positive energy and applying it to everything they do. For example, their facilities are cleansed daily with clearing crystals, and traditional First Nations sage smudging. And every time the moon is full, they place their massage stones in full view of the evening sky to purify and enhance them.

Take the hometown tour

The Manitoba government recently dedicated a stretch of highway to musician Tom Cochrane, who was born and raised in the northern town of Lynn Lake.

He was honoured at the Manitoba legislature on Oct. 31, when new road signs touting ‘Tom Cochrane’s Life is a Highway’ were unveiled. “You can leave Manitoba, but it never leaves you,” Cochrane said.

This got me thinking about other Manitoba towns that were once home to individuals who went on to become famous — and what fun it would be to take a road trip to these places. Here are a few ideas for what I call “Manitoba’s most famous hometowns” tour.

Margaret Laurence is one of Canada’s best-known authors. She was born in Neepawa and lived there until the age of 18. Her most renowned book, The Stone Angel, was published in 1964. More than four decades later, Winnipeg production company Buffalo Gal Pictures would co-produce a beautiful film of the same name. Today, the Margaret Laurence House in Neepawa, built circa 1894, is a Manitoba Provincial Heritage Site. It was once owned by her grandfather, and Laurence herself lived there from 1935 to 1944.

Charlevoix a great spot for foodies

Autumn is a favourite time of year because no matter where you are, there is beauty in abundance. This is especially true in rural areas, where the countryside comes to life with the dazzling splendor of fall colours.

Charlevoix is a region in Quebec, about an hour up the coast from Quebec City. It stretches from the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River into distant forested farmland, featuring dramatic rolling landscapes and encompassing many charming towns and villages.  

Early in its colonial days, Charlevoix was known as a resort district. Noblemen settled here, hosting guests at magnificent manors. It was also a magnet for wealthy visitors who travelled the Saint Lawrence seeking less inhabited vacation spots. Currently, it’s a compelling centre for arts, music, history, and lingering legends caused by a collision from out of this world. Literally.

More than 300 million years ago, the topography of this region was significantly altered by a massive meteorite crashing down from outer space. The impact forced the earth to buckle and thrust upward around the edges, forming the present-day mountains. Inside the area that was hit, the land gently rippled as it ever-so-slowly “bounced back” over time, creating the picturesque lakes and valleys that are synonymous with Charlevoix today.

Halloween round-up

When I was a kid I used to love going to the drive-in to watch scary movies, and staying up too late on Saturday nights waiting for Chiller Thriller to come on TV. I’d read Grimm’s Ghost Stories to my little sister before bed, and play spooky games with friends in the dark.

In recent years, however, I’ve lost my nerve for all things unnerving. Now, I avoid scary things like the plague. But I do know that a lot of you folks out there still like horrific things. So here are some of the best places in Manitoba that you can go to get your “boo” on this fall.

Grim Acres is the place be; farm living is a fright to see. Located near Brandon, Grim Acres is on a mission to ‘scare away cancer’ with an annual fundraiser designed to entertain the community, while giving back. They’ve got a frightful yard, haunted maze, and this year, are hosting a themed escape room for those who enjoy raising their anxiety levels off the charts. Donations for the Canadian Cancer Society are gratefully accepted onsite.

Six Pines Haunted Attractions just north of Winnipeg is an annual favourite that has grown into an interactive experience for all ages. New attractions this year include the “Terror Train” and the “carnEvil.”  You never know what you’ll find in the popular “Barn of Doom.” Legend goes it was rebuilt in 1911, replacing the original barn that was torn down in 1901 after some brutal murders took place by escaped inmates. For real. That alone is enough for me to conclude it’s one heck of an eerie place. Speaking of barns… the people who organized Oakbank’s Zombie Walk in 2013 now bring you “Spooky Barn.” After seven years running, this family of four believes they have now perfected the art of scaring the daylights out of people. Their very scary attraction is geared towards adults and teenagers, and they don’t recommend bringing young children. In addition to being greatly amused themselves, their efforts go towards raising food and funds for the Springfield food bank.

Cruising through France

After experiencing a European river cruise, I can understand why they’ve become so popular.

River cruising allows you to see a large part of the countryside, discover different regions, and take in various attractions — all from one comfortable vessel. This means you can unpack your belongings at the beginning of your trip, nestle into your cabin, and feel right at home — while your home travels along with you.

Scenic River Cruises thoughtfully plans every nuance and detail to ensure travellers enjoy a truly all-inclusive vacation. From the moment you step onboard one of their state-of-the-art “space-ships” everything is included — food and snacks, premium beverages, WiFi that actually works, even gratuities. With a wide selection of dining options, a fully stocked mini-bar in each suite, and even a pillow menu that lets you choose what to lay your weary head upon, Scenic takes pride in positioning themselves as a floating five-star luxury hotel.

Every guestroom boasts a balcony with a sliding glass exterior wall that silences the outside world with one press of a button, while still providing a full view. Guests are also assigned their own butler, there to answer questions, tend to queries, or bring you hot tea and fresh chocolate croissants every morning. My butler Costin was so attentive that he evoked plenty of butler-envy among my travelling companions.

Canoeing adventure in Winnipeg

I’ve been canoeing for a long time, and love the peacefulness of it. There’s nothing like paddling down a remote waterway with birds singing, sun shining, and breeze gently blowing.

My family knows my affinity for this, and patiently listen to my stories, endure my pictures, and smile when I get all excited about whatever the next adventure. “Good for you,” they say. “Better you than me,” they think.

The reality is that none of my family members are avid canoeists (except for a few nieces and nephews from the “next” generation). So imagine my surprise when my sister-in-law Charlene — whom I’ve known for 25 years — says to me, right out of the blue, “I want to go canoeing!”

She first brought this up three years ago, and I didn’t think she was serious. So I kind of shrugged it off. Then last summer, she brought it up again. “When are we going?” she would ask whenever I saw her. Again, we didn’t go. This summer, she insisted. “We really have to go.” Apparently she was serious, and even had a plan that involved picking me and my canoe up, being driven to a drop-point, and paddling to my Riverview neighbourhood. So this fall, we finally embarked on Charlene’s first canoeing adventure.

Ancient and modern beauty collide in Brussels

Belgium may be a small country, but its contribution to global influence is enormous.

With a strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and a long history of neutrality, modern-day Belgium has earned its place as the seat of many international institutions.  Brussels, the capital city, is headquarters of the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the World Customs Organization (WCO), and thousands of governmental and non-governmental organizations. Add to this more than 200 embassies and consulates, and its level of international presence is second only to New York.

Brussels is a multi-cultural and multi-lingual city with most residents speaking English along with one, two or three of Belgium’s official languages: French, Dutch and German. It has stunning architecture, and a walking tour of the European Quarter reveals magnificent art nouveau treasures nestled within the bustling cosmopolitan centre. The Grand Place — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is Brussels’ iconic central square, surrounded by opulent structures of gothic and baroque styles from the 14th to 17th centuries, and one of the city’s most memorable landmarks.

The Atomium is another must-see attraction, a futuristic-looking collection of nine spheres spread out over eight levels. It was built for the 1958 World Fair, and has since been resurrected as exhibition space. The revolving Atomium Restaurant in the upper sphere, nearly 100 metres off the ground, offers diners a spectacular 360-degree view along with gourmet menu selections and fine wines.

Thermëa just as good in the summer

Thermal cycles are an age-old tradition consisting of hot, cold, and relaxation, meant to purify the body by helping to eliminate toxins.

After going through three-to-four thermal rounds, you are supposed to feel rejuvenated, refreshed, and ready to take on your world.

My first thermal experience was a few years ago in Quebec. Nordik Spa-Nature is tucked away in the Gatineau Hills, a short drive from downtown Ottawa. North America’s largest spa, it is sprawled over a multi-level rocky landscape teeming with outdoor baths, saunas and steams, cold plunges, underground saltwater floating pool, and dozens of cozy nook areas where you can rest or nap. It’s an absolutely amazing place, even in the dead of winter — which was when I visited.

Lucky for Winnipeg, the Nordik group chose our city as the location for their second spa. Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature opened in January 2015, nestled on the edge of the forest beside Crescent Drive Golf Course. Once again I visited in winter, and once again, it was wonderful. But I had to wonder… what would it be like in summertime?

The beauty of travelling in Belgium

Driving through Belgium’s idyllic countryside, you wouldn’t have any idea it’s one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

That could be because it’s also the most urbanized country in Europe, with an estimated 98 per cent of Belgians tucked away in urban areas.

Maybe it’s because Belgium has more castles per kilometre than any place, anywhere — converging with the natural landscape of forests, grottoes and rivers, and giving off the impression you’ve gone back to a time when there were less people around.

Or perhaps because Belgium’s southern French-speaking region of Wallonia is teeming with magnificent treasures like the Gardens of Annevoie, a sprawling 17th century estate adorned with fountains, streams, ponds, and statues, blending classical charm with ultimate tranquility.

Vieux-Québec a great backdrop for UCI race

When it comes to pro-cycling, most have heard about the Tour de France — touted as France’s greatest sporting occasion, and the world’s largest annual spectator event.

It takes place in July and lasts three weeks, with racers covering 3,500 kilometres before finishing in Paris. Hundreds of thousands of bystanders line the streets daily, waiting for fleeting glimpses of riders whizzing by. This popular tourist attraction draws fans from around the world, with an estimated 12 million people watching the race in person.

I’ve never been to the Tour de France, but I have been fortunate to attend two pro-cycling events in two different countries — the first, right here in Canada. Some of the world’s best cycling happens in Québec City’s ‘Old Town’ — or Vieux-Québec. Founded in 1608, it is one of Canada’s oldest cities, and today is the only fortified city in North America where the walls still exist.

Vieux-Québec is a fascinating destination with cobblestone streets and historic structures that create the perfectly scenic backdrop for the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec. This one-day road race in September is the second-last event on the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) World Tour. It is one of only two professional tour stops in North America — the second is in Montreal two days later — so it’s a pretty special occasion that captivates the entire city.

Take a tour of the Interlake

One of the most interesting road trips you can take in our province is into the Interlake, that region nestled between Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg.

There are many special places to visit, with sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and breezy marshlands, divided by tracts of forest and multi-coloured fields. Occasional glimpses of the lakes reveal water stretching beyond the horizon, seeming as vast and infinite as an ocean. Sometimes the landscape morphs into something different every few kilometres. At other times, it feels like the sameness will never end.

The Interlake embraces a deep cultural legacy comprising Aboriginal roots, and early settlers of Icelandic, Ukrainian and Scottish descent. Every town offers up a small piece of the region’s historic puzzle. Every landmark conjures up a bit of fascinating folklore.

Guarding the southern gateway to the Interlake is the ‘White Horse’ statue, noticeable when driving west on the Trans-Canada, and standing stoically since 1966. Legend has it a Sioux chief wished to marry the daughter of an Assiniboine chief, but her hand had already been promised to a Cree chief, who offered a rare snow-white horse as a gift. I won’t tell you the rest, because it doesn’t have a happy ending. Today, this area is known as the White Horse Plain, and accompanying plaques tell you more.

Québec City adventure

Québec City is a popular place for travel because of its stunning beauty, fascinating history, and the fact it’s the closest you’ll get to European culture without leaving Canada. It’s also a fantastic hub from which to explore the outdoors.

First, nestle in somewhere like Hôtel Le Concorde, located close to everything, and within walking distance of the old city. You’ll want a room with a view, because the sight of the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac set against a Saint Lawrence River backdrop is stunning. You’ll also want to allow some lounging time around the outdoor pool on the four floor terrace, overlooking Plaines d’Abraham. Adventuring begins with a walk along the parklands and La Citadelle de Québec, before skirting the fortifications surrounding Old Québec — North America’s only remaining fortified city. The wall is nearly five kilometres in length, offering historic glimpses from each vantage point. But don’t be lured by the old city. Keep trekking to Cyclo Services, rent bikes, and pedal 12 kilometres to Parc de la Chute-Montmorency.

Montmorency Falls are utterly majestic. At 83 metres, they are a full 30 metres higher than Niagara Falls, and can be experienced up-close in different ways. You can simply walk over top, on the public bridge. You can feel the mist coming off them on the Via Ferrata course, which involves scaling 250 metres up a canyon wall and vertical rock-face beside the falls, without needing any technical climbing skills whatsoever. It evokes just as much terror as actual climbing, and is absolutely empowering. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

It’s one physically small (but mentally huge) step off a cliff and into the void, where you’ll dangle for a fraction of a second before gravity takes over, zipping you across a 300-metre-long cable spanning canyon walls. It happens so fast that your fear factor doesn’t have a chance to realize what’s happening before fun-factor takes over. As soon as you realize you aren’t going to immediately drop to your death into swirling waters far below, you can actually relax (a little!) and enjoy (sort of!) the high-speed ride.  

Manitoba summer roundup

It’s summertime, and no doubt you’ll soon be looking for things to do, and places to go.

Travel doesn’t have to break the budget, nor does it have to take you far away. There are endless options for things to do right here in Winnipeg and Manitoba — starting with one of my old time favourites.

Growing up as a kid in small town Marquette, we never got to visit big-city Winnipeg much. But when we did, we hoped it was during the Ex! Although much has changed at the Red River Exhibition since those days, some things remain the same: the dazzling sight of the bright lights, the taste of candy apples and warm donuts, and the thrill of the world’s largest travelling midway. Going to the fair is still a fun day out for kids of all ages, and the Ex, which runs June 17 to 26, offers something for everyone — dog shows, concerts, buskers, dancers, circus acts, even Highland games. Little ones will love meeting their favourite princesses, too.

Thompson, Manitoba, is far removed from Marquette, at least in the eyes of a child. My mom went to this mysterious distant place once and brought home souvenirs from the nickel mine — which I still have, tucked away among my special mementos. Today, anyone can take in Nickel Days, held annually each June, and features a parade, midway, the National King Miner contest, youth talent shows, softball, dance parties, and a concert by The Sheepdogs. It all goes down up in Thompson from June 23 to 26.

Awe and wonder at the Rockies

Jasper is a laid-back town, nestled in a valley surrounded by a stunning vista of majestic mountains.

It’s an extraordinary place to visit, whether for a couple’s getaway, a trip with friends, or — in my case — a sisters’ weekend, and my chance to spend precious time with a sibling who lives in Edmonton.

Sherryl and I stayed at the Sawridge Inn Jasper, on the edge of town. They offer special packages, and have a Jacuzzi, eucalyptus-scented steam room, and indoor pool. It’s close enough to stroll to the town centre, but far enough away that the setting remains peaceful. It’s snuggled right up to the woods, too, with a hiking trail out back. Right out front, near the train lines, is a common place for Jasper’s most famous residents (elk) to meet up and lock horns.

The Jasper Dark Sky Festival happens in October, connecting stargazers in one of the world’s largest dark sky preserves – a designation received by Canada’s Royal Astronomical Society due to the region’s limited light pollution and ideal conditions for night viewing. Lake Annette is one of the sites where aficionados point their telescopes to planets, distant galaxies, and other stellar discoveries. Back in town, another group of telescopes focuses on the moon. During daytime hours you can sun-gaze through special lenses, peering safely at magnificent details of Earth’s closest star.

Rowing all around the globe

If you’ve been reading my travel column, you’ll know that I love sports — especially rowing.

I’ve been a rower for many years now, and every time I travel, if ever there is free time in my schedule you can bet I’ll be online searching for the local rowing club.

With this approach, I’ve located kindred rowing spirits in places like Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Ottawa, Philadelphia, Virginia, and even Melbourne, Australia. It’s been a fantastic way to get a different perspective on all of these destinations, while pursuing an activity I am passionate about, and keeping fit at the same time. I’ve often thought that rowing is a great reason to travel. And now you can do it, too.

Rowing the World is a company started by Winnipegger Ruth Marr, whom I’ve come to know as an avid traveller, fellow adventurer, and devoted rower. Marr developed her business savvy in adventure travel through 15 years of experience founding and operating Randonnée Tours, which created more than 75 self-guided trips around the world.

Budapest — city of extraordinary sights

I had the pleasure of going on a Viking River Cruise in Europe last summer, along the Danube River. We began in Nuremberg, traveled through southeastern Bavarian Germany, crossed the entirety of Austria, and eventually reached Budapest.

When I began the trip, I’ll admit I knew very little about Hungary. In fact, I knew virtually nothing about Hungary — a place I would never have thought to visit on my own. So imagine my surprise when it turned out to be the most fascinating, not to mention stunning, destination on the journey.

Landlocked Hungary is bordered by Austria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine, which has had waves of cultural influences over the centuries. Having so many neighbouring countries has also made Hungary vulnerable to attack, and it has spent most of its existence being occupied by one regime or another.

Hungary’s tumultuous history dates back 1,120 years, to its founding in 896.  The country was destroyed by Mongols in 1241, captured by Turks in 1526, and won back by Austrians in 1686. In the 20th century, Hungary endured Nazi occupation before being taken over by Soviet troops in 1945. More than 30,000 buildings in Budapest were destroyed during the Second World War and the 1956 revolution.

Golfing getaways in Manitoba

If you like to golf, then you probably know that Manitoba boasts plenty of prime locales to hit the links. But did you know that golf tours are not just for pros?

There are 100 courses registered with Golf Manitoba — and many more that aren’t. This makes golf accessible for every skill level, in every region, and with every kind of scenery. Planning your own golf tour is as simple as looking at a map, picking a region, and charting your course(s). Line up a few B&Bs or resorts for overnights, and just like that, you’ve got your very own customized golf vacation that will be the envy of all your golfing buddies.

Eastman has some stunning places to play — including two of my favourites. Pinawa Golf and Country Club in rugged Canadian Shield country meanders along the Winnipeg River and Pinawa Channel. It’s not uncommon here to tee off from rocky ledges, lob over natural obstacles, or hunt for your ball in the boreal forest. As an added bonus, the birdwatching and wildlife viewing is pretty cool, with deer, fox, beavers, and maybe even wolves (if you’re lucky).

Bordering Belair Provincial Forest is Grand Pines Golf Club, with natural rolling contours that morph from open meadow to large stands of birch and pines. The course lies in the heart of Manitoba’s beach country and, with water coming into play on 11 holes and nearly 60 sand traps scattered about, you might think you’re at the beach.

Oh, the places you’ll go

This column — my 100th Travelations — is a milestone! Since June of 2013, I’ve written more than 50,000 words dedicated to travel, and have been fortunate to visit dozens of fascinating locations.

Thinking about this makes me realize there are countless destinations yet to visit, and many more adventures to pursue.

In Canada alone, my travel bucket list is lengthy — with Newfoundland on top. From what I’ve seen in other media, Newfoundland appears rugged and romantic, and is teeming with tradition and adventure. It also has lobster, what more can I say? Finally, my sister in law comes from Newfoundland, so if the rest of the people are anything like her, it will be pretty fun.

Another Canadian locale is Montreal. As kids in Manitoba’s Interlake, we had an aunt and uncle from Montreal who’d visit us with their two children. Our Montreal cousins could only speak French. We only spoke English. Yet somehow we managed to communicate and become friends. Until I was 10 years old, Montreal seemed like the most foreign place I ever sort-of knew.

Been to the Forks lately?

When was the last time you visited Winnipeg’s top tourist destination? The Forks is not only a great place to take out of town guests, it’s also an ideal locale for us locals to go for shopping, dining, gathering, and adventuring.

This is going to make me sound old… but I remember The Forks before the site was developed. As a teenager, we’d sometimes go there at night, crawl through a hole in the fence, and make our way to the old railroad bridge built in 1888. There we’d sit, looking up at the stars, contemplating our young lives, and dreaming about the future. It was one of my favourite spots to go back then, and still is. While much has changed at The Forks since my first discovery of it, the feeling of it being special — and historic — still remains.

The Forks first opened to the public in 1989, with the market building at its hub. It was created from two neighbouring turn-of-the-century brick stables once owned by competing rail companies, which were refurbished and joined together by a courtyard and bridges. The Johnston Terminal, established in a cold storage railway warehouse from the 1920s, opened in 1993. Next came the Manitoba Children’s Museum in 1994, bringing vibrant new life to the site’s oldest remaining structure, circa 1889.

Today there is always something happening at The Forks, with festivals and programming year-round. There are opportunities to learn about Aboriginal history, the fur trade, railways, agriculture, and many other topics. You can get active, too, with riverside trails, tandem bike rentals, skateboard plaza, and adventure playground. Seniors enjoy free fitness classes every Tuesday and Thursday, and anyone can take part in organized running/walking events and outdoor activities throughout the four seasons.

Toasting the Caribbean sunrise

Sometimes it’s nice to travel for the sake of adventure. At other times, it’s a welcome reprieve to seek out a destination that’s simply good for the soul.

Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres is one of those places that provide the best of both worlds. There are five Zoëtry resorts in the Caribbean, taking the all-inclusive experience to a new level of luxury. Every visit to Zoëtry Villa Rolandi begins with a 25-minute private yacht transfer to the lovely island of Isla Mujeres — the island of women — located eight miles off the coast of Cancun.

Zoëtry’s ‘Endless Privileges’ features amenities like a welcome bottle of rum or tequila, and a beautiful beach bag handmade by a local artisan. You’ll get daily fresh fruit and sparkling wine, and mini-bar brimming with beverages and snacks. There’s 24-hour in-suite dining, and complimentary laundry service. With complimentary worldwide phone calls, and Wi-Fi that really works, it’s easy to stay in touch with home.

Each of the 35 rooms at Zoëtry is actually a suite, with separate sleeping and sitting areas, spa-like bathroom with dual therapeutic shower, and your own Jacuzzi on an outdoor terrace. Every suite is complete with full view of turquoise Caribbean waters during the day, and twinkling Cancun lights at night.  

Rustic charm in Minnesota

This story is the second in a two-part series about Minnesota’s Iron Range. You can find the first part at www.canstarnews.com After a day (or two) outdoors at Giants Ridge, the Laurentian Divide Salon & Spa inside The Lodge is a welcoming respite. The waiting area is warm and welcoming, with soft white couches strewn with pillows. They’ve got complimentary coffee, tea and wine for spa-goers, and full range of esthetic services and packages, with massages of the relaxation, hot stone, and chakra kind. Certified therapist Ann has terrific technique, and delivers a deep tissue treatment that eliminates any and all aches and pains. For accommodations, there are choices for all party sizes and budgets. The most unique is Green Gate Guest Houses, conveniently located just a few kilometres from Giants Ridge. The property began as an iron ore mining site with over 100 workers and a dozen homes. When the mine closed, the homes were moved, and the tiny town disappeared overnight — except for one family. They stayed on and farmed for most of the next century. In 2002, Shawn Callahan acquired what remained of the 13-acre farm, now surrounded with forest and bordered by a man-made diversion channel that nature spent 60 years transforming into an idyllic wooded river. He renovated the original one-story dilapidated farmhouse — once lived in by the family of 13 — into a stunning two-storey structure, using salvaged materials that maintain the century-old home’s historic charm. The barn home at Green Gate is inspired by an actual 1935 hay barn on the property that Callahan had to tear down. From the outside, it looks just like a cute little barn. Inside, it boasts 1,250 spacious square-feet on two levels, with an attached silo that can be entered from either floor. The third guest house is a hand-hewn log cabin, originally crafted by a Finnish builder around 1890, and moved to Green Gate over a century later. The 15x15-foot floor plan is cozy and rustic, with fully modern amenities. The kitchen — in all three guest homes — comes well-stocked with everything needed to prepare meals, including spices and sauces, and coffee and teas. You also get soaps and shampoos, fresh towels and linens, and endless supply of wood for campfires or wood stove.  If you don’t feel like cooking, there are lots of restaurants in nearby towns. The Whistling Bird in Gilbert brings a taste of Caribbean to the Iron Range. The tropical ambience, inspired dishes, and rum-laced cocktails served in parrot glasses are fun. It’s a happy place, and the food is absolutely delicious. The coconut chicken is crispy and tender, the curry shrimp is nicely spiced, and the au gratin potatoes melt in your mouth. For desert, try the chocolate and caramel galaxy cake. Just order two slices off the top, though, because once you have one bite you seriously won’t want to share with anyone. BoomTown in Eveleth is comfort food with a twist, serving made-from-scratch dishes and craft beers accented by crackling fire. Sunday’s “bloody acoustic brunch” features live music and expansive bloody mary bar loaded with garnishes galore — no doubt a bloody good time for anyone who doesn’t have to drive 594 kilometres home.  RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca

This story is the second in a two-part series about Minnesota’s Iron Range. You can find the first part here.

After a day (or two) outdoors at Giants Ridge, the Laurentian Divide Salon & Spa inside The Lodge is a welcoming respite. The waiting area is warm and welcoming, with soft white couches strewn with pillows.

They’ve got complimentary coffee, tea and wine for spa-goers, and full range of esthetic services and packages, with massages of the relaxation, hot stone, and chakra kind. Certified therapist Ann has terrific technique, and delivers a deep tissue treatment that eliminates any and all aches and pains. For accommodations, there are choices for all party sizes and budgets. The most unique is Green Gate Guest Houses, conveniently located just a few kilometres from Giants Ridge. The property began as an iron ore mining site with over 100 workers and a dozen homes.

Getting our ski legs under us

Several roads lead south from Winnipeg to northeastern Minnesota’s Iron Range, like the 594-kilometre Highway-59-I-2 route through Thief River Falls, Bemidji, and Grand Rapids.

It’s a beautiful drive, especially when you throw in a surprise visit to Mahnomen, detouring through Zerkel, and getting back on track at Bagley. Call it a round-about way to get to Biwabik, named from the Ojibwa word for iron, and nestled in the region containing the U.S.’s chief deposit of iron ore. Amid the peaks (many of which are oddly flat on top) and valleys of the area resides Giants Ridge recreation resort. With 35 downhill runs, 60 kilometres of cross-country tracks, 17 kilometres of fat bike trails, two snowboard terrain parks, and snow-tubing, it’s an adventurer’s playground. Skiers and boarders of all skill level can find their legs here, and their groove.

As beginner intermediates, my friend and I opted for a lesson with Mary, director of the Snow Sports School. She had us comfortable on skis in no time, riding the magic carpet, storming the bunny hill, and conquering foam trees. Then it was right to the top of the chair lift to seek out idyllic slopes, gentle hills, and even rollers — never did I think I’d ever ski rollers. It was thrilling, exhilarating, and adrenaline-inducing, with enough anxiety thrown in to keep you on your toes (and skis). Mary, who was just like one of the girls, made the downhill runs so much fun that by the end of the day, it was hard to break away.

Day two brought a second morning of alpine all on our own, reinforcing everything learned the day before. At lunch in the restaurant at The Lodge we met Carol, who welcomed us like old friends, shared Minnesota stories, and made sure we enjoyed the bean and bacon soup.

A beautiful (and tough) run in Barbados

This story is the second in a two-part series about Barbados. You can find the first part here.

The Barbados Marathon is a three-day gathering in early December for runners of all ages and levels of ability.

It kicks off with a Fun Run Mile on Friday night; continues with a 5 km run, a 5 km walk, and a 10 km run on Saturday afternoon; and wraps up with full and half marathons Sunday morning. Since 1983, its festive atmosphere has embraced the theme “Come for the run, stay for the fun!”

The start and finish of the out-and-back route is on the picturesque Bay Street Esplanade, opposite the Prime Minister’s office and the third oldest parliament in the Commonwealth. The course winds its way down the Bridgetown Boardwalk with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, along a historic seaport, and through the streets of Bridgetown.

The beauty of Barbados — part one

Travelling along one of the many highways that criss-cross the island of Barbados, a road sign catches my eye: “Every day is filled with miracles… what did you notice today?”

The words resonate in my mind, causing me to pause and think of the things I’ve noticed about this charming Caribbean country.

First and foremost, it’s hot there. Like all the time. During a five-day trip in early December, the temperature remained steady in the low 30s (Celsius), even at night. Fortunately it’s a comfortable heat, usually accompanied by refreshing ocean breezes, and mostly sunny skies.

Another thing I noticed is that Barbados is small. At only 34 kilometres long and 23 kilometres at its widest point, you can drive around the entire island in less than a day. Inland, you’ll see rolling farmlands with sugar cane crops, quaint villages, and lush tropical forests. The must-see view is from atop Cherry Tree Hill, looking down from 260 metres above sea level to an expansive valley accented by sprawling white sands and never-ending vista of turquoise waters.

Take in a show during the holidays

When this story comes out, there will only be two more sleeps until Christmas Day!

Then, there will probably be a day or two (maybe three) of being festive and happy and running from place to place. Then, the madness will slowly subside, once again bringing peace and quiet. For your own little escape during this busy time, here are some ideas for things to do between Christmas and New Year:

The Assiniboine Park Zoo is giving the gift of free admission to kids 12 and under until Jan. 3. Enjoy an indoor Arctic wonderland playground, and take part in Santa’s scavenger hunt and receive a holiday treat. Discover fun facts about polar bears and seals, and meet the newest and cutest snow leopard cubs Yuki and Kang.

Check out the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s holiday classic Nutcracker at Centennial Concert Hall (555 Main St.) on December 27 and 28. Relive young Clara’s Christmas fantasy where toys come to life, a sugar plum fairy spreads magic, a mischievous bear steals the pudding, and 12 polar bear cubs will steal your heart.

Finding the perfect tree

Packing for an adventure

For active travellers who want to pack light yet be properly prepared, it can be a challenge deciding what clothing and footwear to bring — especially if you’re only taking a carry-on.

While it’s fairly easy to pack for warmer climates, destinations where you might ski, snowshoe, ice-skate or dogsled require exceptionally smart packing. For winter outdoor enthusiasts, here are a few ideas for Christmas gifts that make packing a pleasure.

I’ve tried lots of different brands of sportswear over the years, and Columbia is by far my favourite. Not only are their products functional and durable, but also stylish. No matter what you need, they’ve got you covered. Literally.

The Women’s Platinum Plus 860 TurboDown hooded jacket is outfitted with a combination of traditional goose down and Omni-Heat synthetic insulation. Add to that a reflective lining that retains heat and water-resistant shell that repels moisture and you’ve got the ultimate outdoor outerwear for cold temperatures. It weighs only .48 kg and compresses minimally for any suitcase or backpack. Best of all, the active fit moves with your body, and drop tail keeps your backside toasty, too.

Sometimes the best thing is to get away

There are many great reasons to travel: to see new places, to try different things, to learn about other cultures. What about to work on your relationship?

Linda Churchill has been a marriage and family therapist in Winnipeg for over two decades. She developed a unique and intensive two-day workshop called Deeper Connections, offered in three different locations: at Crescentwood Counselling in Osborne Village; at Calder House Bed & Breakfast near Steinbach; and, for the first time, in La Cruz Huanacaxtle, Mexico.

Churchill — the only therapist in Manitoba currently offering this kind of couples’ therapeutic retreat — came up with the idea after noticing some American counterparts were providing similar services. A change of pace and scenery can enhance the therapy process and relationship renewal, since couples are removed from usual settings, habits and routines. In addition, being away from the hubbub of the world, and in particular being close to nature, can be refreshing, restorative, and rejuvenating.  

Churchill likens the journey to leading a couple out of a forest to an open clearing, giving them new clarity and insight, and helping them regain closeness. The two-day process involves seven hours of workshops on each day, and is especially useful because the concentrated period of time builds true momentum and jump-starts hope, while packing in a huge trajectory of learning.  

Manitoba’s spookiest sites

October is cozy. There’s something about the last of the leaves falling, the cool air becoming crisper, and the smell of woodstoves that makes me feel like it’s time to nestle in.

To an outdoor-loving adult, I can appreciate the stark beauty and sense of comfort and nostalgia that comes with October. To a kid, all of these things can only mean one thing — Halloween is coming! And with it, a whole bunch of frightful fun.

There are many stories about ghosts that haunt airplanes, hangars, and airstrips around the world. To shed light on some of these dark happenings, the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada (958 Ferry Rd. in Winnipeg) has been featuring a guided tour called Aircraft Graveyard Tales. Find out more about haunted airplanes, unidentified flying objects, and unfortunate final flights. They also have the Haunted Hangar, with ghost stories and candy for kids.

Tales are often told of sea vessels being home to lost souls, and Halloween Haunt at the Selkirk Marine Museum lets you explore three haunted ghost ships. M.S. Joe Simpson has face painting, live entertainment, and a concession with caramel apples. M.S. Lady Canadian is designed for young children to enjoy scare-free. But only the bravest will want to venture onto the S.S. Keenora, the ship that will make you want to walk the plank right the heck out of there.

Enjoy the fall on city’s hiking trails

Hiking is a great way to witness the splendour of fall’s changing landscapes. It’s an activity that doesn’t require any special gear, doesn’t have to cost a lot to do, and can be done just about anywhere.

Right here in Manitoba, we have countless trails to explore. In Winnipeg alone there are 36 of them mapped out by the Winnipeg Trails Association, and dozens more within our parks. All of these trails are available to roam free of charge for anyone who wants to get out and into the great outdoors, but might not have the time or resources to leave the city. Here are just a few of them to explore:Bunn’s Creek Trail in North Kildonan is a three-kilometre route that follows the meandering Bunn’s Creek. It might be one of the most “outdoorsy” trails in the city, with natural vegetation still intact.

It’s populated with birds, waterfowl, and little critters. You might even come across turtles. At the mouth of the creek at the Red River, look west over to McBeth Park and lay your eyes on some of the oldest cottonwood trees remaining Winnipeg.

In Transcona, the three-kilometre Cordite Trail (broken into two sections) runs through an open meadow along the south bank of the Cordite Ditch. It is named after a nearby plant that manufactured cordite between 1941 and 1945, an explosive used in munitions during the Second World War. Today this peaceful area is adorned with beautiful bulrushes and home to marsh birds and foxy wildlife.  

A trip to intriguing, enchanting Vienna

One of the greatest joys of travelling is discovering new places, especially those in the “old country.” When it comes to my father’s homeland, I know he was born in a small village near Vienna in Austria  — or the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as it was called in 1907. His father was from Germany; his mother from Poland. They left Europe when my father was an infant, travelling by ship across the Atlantic.

They eventually found their way to Manitoba’s Interlake region.

The Interlake must have looked quite different from the picturesque rolling hills of the Danube Valley they left behind. Gazing over those hills on a recent trip to Austria with Viking River Cruises, I can’t help but think about what life here was like back then. I wonder what my family was like. Did their eyes gaze upon some of the same places I’m now seeing for myself?

Maybe they saw the spectacular Benedictine Abbey monastery, perched on cliffs overlooking Melk, Austria. It rises majestically and steeply above the Danube, in a location that has been home to Benedictine monks since the ninth century. In the early 1700s, after many wars and plagues, the Abbey was rebuilt to its present form with seven inner courtyards, and bright yellow and gold outbuildings. Its library contains more than 85,000 leather-bound books and medieval manuscripts, and its octagonal church dome and twin spires are noticeable from miles around. I wonder if my dad’s family ever noticed them?

The great Manitoban golf tour

One summer day, several years ago, I found myself yearning for adventure.

So I rented a car, packed a suitcase, loaded up my golf clubs, and ventured north. It was one of the most spontaneous things I’ve ever done — taking a road trip alone, on remote highways I’ve never driven, to places I’ve never been, to play a game I wasn’t particularly good at. It all sounded great to me.

My first stop on The Great Northern Manitoba Golf Tour was Thompson — a mere 750 kilometres from home. After all, if I was going to venture, why not head straight to “the hub of the north”? The Thompson Golf Club was picturesque and well-groomed, with thick plush greens that appeared closer than they really were. Which is kind of like Thompson itself. Because while the thought of driving there alone seemed like a good idea, 750 kilometres turned out to be a lot farther than it first appeared.

Next it was a 250-kilometre drive to Snow Lake, and the Snow Lake Golf and Country Club. Built alongside a mine, and right over mining ground in some places, the course is not very long. But what it lacked in length was made up for in ruggedness, with thick bushy areas, marshy regions, and rocky protrusions. Also notable is that people were still arriving and teeing off at 9 p.m., proving that extended hours of sunlight in the north is a golfer’s dream.  

The best things about Bavaria

As mentioned in a previous column, Viking River Cruises offers several European trips. I recently had the pleasure of travelling part of Germany along the Danube River — starting in a city nearly 1,000 years old.

Nuremberg, once a medieval metropolis, is still surrounded by 13th century walls. Throughout its history it was known for toymaking, metalwork, and inventions like the world’s first pocket watch (circa 1510). It’s also known for the Imperial Castle, an imposing fortress on sandstone cliffs that looms high above the cobblestone streets.

Nuremberg earned an infamous distinction in the 20th century as the site of the Nazi party rallies, and production headquarters for aircraft and submarines. Because of its significance to military efforts, nearly 90 per cent of the city was destroyed during Second World War. Later, the Nuremberg trials took place post-war in the Palace of Justice — one of the few buildings that remained undamaged despite extensive Allied bombing.  

Another interesting thing I learned about Nuremberg is that it’s the second largest city in Germany’s largest state. Bavaria was its own kingdom before joining the German Empire in 1871, and for a long time maintained special rights within the federation. Today, many locals still consider Bavaria its own country, with its own identity and distinct culture.

Exploring Europe the Viking way

Viking Cruises is an international company that operates the world’s largest fleet of river cruise vessels in Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia, and Egypt.

Combining the ancient Viking tradition of exploring great waterways, with the most elegant comforts and luxuries, results in a sophisticated journey that’s second to none. Viking’s state-of-the-art river boats are called ‘longships’ — and they are long. They’re also flat and streamlined to effectively traverse narrow locks and low-lying bridges. Compared to gigantic ocean liners, they’re considered small, with only three inside decks. On top is the very popular sundeck, where you can stretch out on loungers for 360-degree views of the ever-changing and charming European countryside.  

Our ship, the Viking Tor, accommodated 189 guests during an eight-day cruise along the Danube River, from Nuremberg, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary. The first impression as you step onboard is the bright and spacious atrium-style lobby. The staff members who greet you are warm and welcoming, and quick to escort you into the lounge to get your bearings after a long day (or two) of international travel.

Viking Tor has 95 stylish staterooms, each with a veranda, French balcony, or picture window. Guests enjoy large comfy beds, private bathroom, premium bath products, bottled water and fresh fruit, and 40-inch flat-panel TVs with infotainment system. Watch television or movies, listen to music, or review your daily detailed itinerary and regional maps. You can also flip on a “live cam” that shows the lounge, and maybe catch some music by Doroteya, the talented onboard pianist/vocalist from Bulgaria.

Float away from worries here at home

In order to seek the benefits of floating in salt water, the only choice for North Americans used to be to travel halfway around the globe.

The Dead Sea, also known as Salt Sea, is a hypersaline lake bordering Israel and Jordan. With 33.7 per cent salinity, it’s one of the saltiest bodies of waters on the planet, and provides natural buoyancy. It’s a popular tourist destination, and was once the world’s first health resort.

Personally, I hadn’t given much thought to floating in salt water until visiting Nordik Spa-Nature in Chelsea, Que. There, you can descend underground to Källa — a large salt water pool dug five metres into rock. It provides the extraordinary experience of weightlessness, and is only the second pool of its kind (the other is in Switzerland).

It has long been believed that floating in concentrated saline is healthy. Physical benefits touted include improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, removing toxins, increasing immune function, even accelerating the healing of wounds.

The sweet sounds of the Music City

Nashville is home to the most thriving country music scene in — dare I say — the entire world. Every country legend you can think of has either lived there, recorded there, or is somehow connected to “Music City.” It’s a place I’ve wanted to visit for as long as I can remember.

As a born-and-raised prairie girl, classic country permeated my life. I listened to it on the radio over crackling airwaves, and on dusty old records pulled from stacks in our living room. Even my older brother’s garage bands played old country tunes. But my fondest memories are those of my mother serenading us with songs by Kitty Wells, Skeeter Davis, Burl Ives, Ray Price, and the list goes on.

Nashville is most alluring to me because every country legend left their mark there in some way. Also, there’s always the chance you might meet someone directly connected to some of those greats. Kind of like touching the hand that touched the hand.

Like Jerry Bradley… a living legend from behind-the-scenes. He’s the son of industry pioneer Owen Bradley, who built the first music business on Nashville’s “Music Row” in 1955. Owen produced Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Ernest Tubb, Ferlin Husky, Marty Robbins, and so many more. Jerry grew up in the presence of these artists, and has a gazillion first-hand stories to tell. Later, when he became president of RCA Records, Jerry himself worked with Waylon Jennings, Ray Stevens, Ronnie Milsap, and Charlie Pride, to name a few.  

Love the links? You’re in luck

Summertime is precious, and the days of sunshine and warm weather can feel pretty fleeting.

So it’s important to make the most of opportunities to get outdoors and soak up some of the season. One of the best ways to enjoy outside time in various settings is with clubs swinging.

Whether you golf (or not), or whether you golf well (or not), it’s a great excuse to go someplace you’ve never been, try an activity that you maybe never tried, and laugh at yourself (and your golf mates) like never before. Manitoba has close to 130 courses and choice destinations for golfing getaways. Here are a couple recommendations for memorable places to “play and stay” that put you in close proximity to the greatest freshwater treasure available in our backyard.

One of the finest courses along the shores of Lake Winnipeg can be found on Hecla Island. The 18-hole public course is nestled in the rugged forest of Hecla Provincial Park, with stunning views of the vast and majestic lake, and the frequent company of cute and furry woodland creatures.

Enjoy the Tennessee countryside

There’s no question that cities like Nashville and Memphis are alluring for fans of country music, and the industry’s many notable people and places. But for travellers fond of country spaces, rural Tennessee is where you wanna be.

Tennessee’s flag displays three stars that represent the state’s western, eastern, and middle tracks, and the rich heritage you’ll find everywhere. Like Montgomery County. Nestled in the mountainous region north of Nashville, Clarksville is a charming blend of metropolitan-meets-small town. With world-class theatres and art, homegrown honky-tonks, unique boutiques, and an expansive network of outdoor trails, there’s much to do here.

Downtown provides the perfect vantage point from which to count the dozens of spires that top historic churches along the riverside. If you like home-cooked meals in quirky locales, the Lovin’ Spoonful Café serves tasty comfort food in a nostalgic setting decorated wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling with paint-by-numbers, ceramic animal statues, glowing lava lamps, and other memorabilia you probably haven’t seen since the 1970s. It’s a really neat idea, and quite the sight.

Another must-see place is Goodlettsville’s legendary Long Hollow Jamboree. Locals come in droves on Friday and Saturday nights to indulge in “meat-and-three-style” country cooking, followed by toe-tapping music from house band Blue Creek. In no time, folks are up square dancing, circle dancing, line dancing, and every other kind of country dancing. The hall is adorned with hairspray-hoisted hairdos, big hats, even bigger moustaches, polished boots and shiny belt-buckles, and western shirts and bedazzled skirts. It’s like something right out of a TV show, and people-watching at its absolute finest.  

Festival goers have plenty to choose from

It’s lovely to watch Winnipeg come back to life after winter, when landscapes burst open in countless shades of green, and the sweet scent of blossoming gardens, backyard barbecues, and evening campfires fill the air. If thoughts are turning to “what to do” this summer, the good news is you don’t have to travel far beyond your own backyard to make memories you’ll long remember.

Is fishing your forte? Summer Family Fishing Weekend takes place province-wide (excluding federal parks) on June 13 and 14. It’s the one weekend you can fish without acquiring a licence, and an opportune time to experience Manitoba’s beautiful lakes and rivers with everyone you know. Keep in mind all other conservation rules, regulations, and limits apply, so you’ll want to know all this stuff before venturing out.

Steinbach’s 7th Annual Summer in the City Festival is June 19 to 21. They shut down Main Street for three entire days to make way for a midway, artists and crafters, children’s entertainment, multicultural performers, car show, and fireworks. Brand new this year is a street hockey tournament, and headlining the evening concerts are The Road Hammers and Colin James.  

On June 27 at Winnipeg Beach, the BeachScape Traditional Music & Arts Festival celebrates Manitoba’s cultural diversity with demonstrations, workshops, performances, and traditional crafters and vendors market. It all happens at the beach plaza and bandstand, spanning the idyllic shores of Lake Winnipeg.

A whole new rowing experience

This story is the second in a two-part series about Calm Waters Rowing in Virginia. You can find the first part at www.canstarnews.com.  Calm Waters Rowing is located near Lancaster, Va. and run by husband/wife team John Dunn and Charlotte Hollings. Collectively, they’ve spent more than 70 years immersed in the sport, winning international medals with their respective U.S. national teams, and working as high-performance coaches. Their coaching paths crossed at Cornell University, and they married soon after. It was while coaching together at a sculling camp in Florida that life took an unexpected turn. The rowing couple discovered so much joy and satisfaction out of coaching masters that they set out to open their own sculling camp. They bought an inn and a lake in Virginia, and started Calm Waters Rowing in 2001. I flew into Richmond, rented a car, studied Google maps, and set out to find them some 85 miles away. Their home base is an inn called Levelfields, a gorgeous Georgia-style manor house built in 1859 that was once the centre of a sprawling plantation. Rowing sessions take place three times daily on their private lake — a pond originally dammed to provide water to a mill – located a short drive away. Between rowing, they provide demonstrations, analyze videos, and discuss technique. They also videotape participants each morning and review the footage the same day, providing points of focus for the next on-water session.  Dunn and Hollings have a knack for zeroing in on ways to fine-tune someone’s technique, and relay it in ways that makes sense. During the first part of my stay, I witnessed them coach a mother and daughter who were absolute beginners, progressing them from wide-bottomed singles to narrow racing shells in just four days. Later in the week, I watched them help very experienced rowers make obvious improvements in just a handful of sessions. With me, they were able to remove the layers of years of coaching (from many different coaches) and take me back to the basics of the stroke. They had me eliminate all power and effort, row lightly, and just feel the stroke. Feel where the blades want to sit in the water. See the height where my hands want to be. Notice the pressure on the soles of the feet. Feel the connection to the core. Roll the handles away at the finish. Take the weight off the handles at the catch. And on it went. During my week with them, I had countless “ah-ha” moments. Strange as it may sound, while I’ve been rowing for 13 years, I don’t think I’ve ever really “felt” a stroke before. Not like this. It was a brand-new experience, and so exciting.Dunn and Hollings share a philosophy that rowing should feel easy. It’s through applying power, speed and acceleration that it becomes more challenging. I believe the challenge is what makes rowing so exhilarating. That thrill of chasing the perfect stroke can be the most difficult thing — and in the same moment, the most satisfying. The most frustrating, and the most fulfilling. That must be the magic that keeps rowers coming back, row after row, for more. More pain, more gain. I left Calm Waters feeling more competent and more confident — exactly what I set out to do — and came home renewed, rejuvenated, and more in love with the sport than ever before. I’m also more motivated to continue training to achieve my own potential, and get as good as I can. Still hopeful that one day, maybe even sometime soon, it will all click.RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller andmusic lover who seeks inspiration wherevershe goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.caThis story is the second in a two-part series about Calm Waters Rowing in Virginia. You can find the first part here.

Calm Waters Rowing is located near Lancaster, Va. and run by husband/wife team John Dunn and Charlotte Hollings. Collectively, they’ve spent more than 70 years immersed in the sport, winning international medals with their respective U.S. national teams, and working as high-performance coaches. Their coaching paths crossed at Cornell University, and they married soon after. 

It was while coaching together at a sculling camp in Florida that life took an unexpected turn. The rowing couple discovered so much joy and satisfaction out of coaching masters that they set out to open their own sculling camp. They bought an inn and a lake in Virginia, and started Calm Waters Rowing in 2001. 

Remembering some rousing rowing

One of the best excuses to travel is for sports. Runners migrate to other cities for marathons. Hockey players go road-tripping to tournaments. Golfers tour to seek new fairways. Skiers venture to downhill terrain. My sport is rowing, and along with crewmates from the Winnipeg Rowing Club, I sometimes travel to regattas.

I’ve been rowing longer than I should probably admit. What started as a casual pursuit many years ago has become a mission to compete in the sport. Get as good as I can. Achieve my own potential. But it hasn’t been an easy road, by any means. Let’s begin by saying I’m not a natural athlete whatsoever. I’m more genetically inclined to play bingo rather than sports. But I love sports. In school, I tried baseball, basketball, volleyball, water polo, racquetball, even cross-country. While I was “okay” at most activities, I excelled at none. Still, I kept trying, hopeful that one day, something would click.

In 2001, I was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime through History Television series Quest for the Bay. Selected as one of a crew of eight, our task was to row a York boat from Winnipeg to the Hudson Bay in the tradition of the fur trade — with gear, clothing and food the same as it would have been in 1840.

It took 61 gruelling days of backbreaking labour and blistered hands to achieve our goal of reaching York Factory. We crossed 10 lakes, followed four rivers, hauled the boat over five portages, and shot through nearly 50 sets of rapids. It was the most incredible experience, and the most terrifying existence. It was exhausting, and exhilarating. It was horrible, and wonderful. It was everything I hoped it would be, and so much more than I ever could have imagined.

Richmond’s riches

Walking around Richmond, Va. — a city founded in 1737 — I feel like I’m in a place that has stories to tell.

Historic architecture whispers of yesterday, and the generations of people who strolled beneath the archways. The cobblestone streets, still prevalent in the present, echo with sounds from the past. I can almost hear horses clip-clopping, wagon wheels grinding, or revolutionary soldiers marching off to battle.

The Richmond region is home to more Civil War and Emancipation sites than anywhere else in the nation, and 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of a significant moment in U.S. history. In April 1865, Richmond — the capital of the Confederacy — finally fell after four years of battle.

The Union army entered the city, marking the beginning of reunification of the United States, and also the beginning of the end of 250 years of slavery in America.

Travel doesn’t have to be uncomfortable

Christmas may be long gone and spring might already be springing but travel gifts never stop being in season. Vacations, special gatherings, and weekend getaways happen year-round, so next time you’re looking to buy someone a present, consider something they’ll keep — and use at their most memorable times.

I travel fairly often, and it took many years to train myself to sleep on airplanes. So now, the moment we start pulling away from the terminal, the conditioning kicks in and I instantly want to nap. I’ve tried many different travel pillows to stop my sleepy head from flopping around but most don’t work. They’ll usually be alright for awhile before they stop inflating,or before whatever is stuffed inside starts spilling out. Or they’ll get flat, or lumpy, or just be awkward and bulky to carry around.

All of that changed when I tried Cabeau’s Evolution Pillow — my new travel essential for planes, trains and automobiles. Made of memory foam, it molds to the position you need, yet remains sturdy. It has a clasp in front so you can close it, giving 360-degree support and securing you from the dreaded (and painful), sudden head-bob. Its cover is removable and washable, with a pocket to store headphones, earplugs, or your phone. Best of all, it comes with a storage bag that compacts it down to a quarter of its original size for easy carrying.

Cabeau also makes the Midnight Magic sleep mask that effectively blocks out morning no matter how bright. It’s constructed of comfy soft velour, with adjustable straps, a nose bridge that contours to fit your face, and eye depressions so it doesn’t press against your eyelids. Earplugs are also vital for light sleepers, and the mask conveniently comes with memory foam earplugs contained inside a small pocket.

A small town with plenty to offer

When Bob Seger penned the lyrics “and sometimes even now when I’m feeling lonely and beat, I drift back in time and I find my feet, down on Main Street,” the place he’s referring to is Ann Arbor, Mich., where he grew up.

Today, Ann Arbor is a popular destination known for its thriving arts and entertainment scene, impressive dining options, and one heck of a gigantic “house.”

Ann Arbor is midwestern-rural-meets-cosmopolitan-urban. It has the energy of a big city, yet feels small-town. It’s fast-paced and laid back. Modern and progressive, yet charming and quaint. Live theatre, art galleries, museums and music spaces are as prominent as the 50,000 trees which line its streets. It boasts an exceptional pedestrian shopping area, hosting events like ‘midnight madness’ where stores stay open late with special discounts and giveaways, and serve up warm beverages on a cool evening.

Ann Arbor is a centre of Michigan’s food culture, with award-winning restaurants and acclaimed chefs tying in farms from the surrounding countryside with downtown’s fine dining. There is great emphasis on cooking with freshly grown local produce and organically made products, and great pride in presenting creative dishes that are as delicious as they are different.

Checking things off the list

Years ago I started a list called “100 things to do” — what others might call a “bucket list.”

It contains names of people I want to meet, goals I want to achieve, and experiences I want to have. It’s fun to daydream, and somehow it feels more attainable if it’s documented, and the intention is set.

Along the way, I’ve discovered that as my age and perspective changes, so does the list — and that’s OK. After all, it’s my life and my list, so it can be whatever I want it to be. That’s the fun part. The other fun part is checking things off the list. Here are a few of my “100 things to do” that I’ve been fortunate to get done during my travels.

Run the “Rocky steps”: When I was a kid, Rocky was one of my favourite movies. Who can ever forget the scene where he runs up those steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art? Not me. I vowed that one day I would run up those steps — and I did! All 72 of them. Several times in fact. And you can bet I’ll do it several more times if I’m ever in Philadelphia again.  

Up the mountain we go

You know you’re someplace special the moment you step off the plane at Mont Tremblant International Airport.

With forest view in every direction, the smell of wood smoke in the air, and a cozy log cabin terminal with couches and a fireplace, you might think you’re at a lodge instead of arriving at Quebec’s third international airport.

The 35-kilometre drive north takes you through a picturesque countryside with winding roads and quaint country homes, before the landscape opens to reveal the Mont Tremblant resort village nestled in the Laurentian Mountains. The scene is breathtaking, and with beckoning downhill runs looming as a backdrop, you’ll either feel keen anticipation, or rising anxiety. I mostly felt the latter.

I’ve never considered myself a skier, and have only been on slopes with slippery boards strapped to my feet a handful of times. To tell you the truth, the thought of speeding down a mountain scares the heck out of me. Yet, I welcome the opportunity to get better at the sport. So when I heard that Mont Tremblant has one of the best ski schools in the country, with one of the best beginner runs, how could I refuse?

Thermëa plays it hot and cold

The wait is over. After years of preparing, partnering and constructing, Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature is officially open in our city. It’s unlike anything most North American spa-goers have seen.

Nestled on the edge of the forest beside Crescent Drive Golf Course, Thermëa is intentionally set in the heart of nature. The thermal spa ritual involves cycles of heat and cold, allowing the body to eliminate toxins, stimulate circulation, release adrenaline, and increase flow of endorphins. This results in purification, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

Winnipeg is the second Canadian location for this exceptional Nordic spa concept, popular across Europe for centuries. The first location, Nordik Spa-Nature, has been offering the benefits of thermotherapy to Chelsea, Que. since 2005. Now it’s our turn.

Thermëa is an indoor-outdoor haven, open year-round. Its world-class facilities were carefully and thoughtfully planned, with the owners taking into consideration every little thing from proximity to the trees, wind patterns, sightlines, and the path of the sun across the sky, in order to give spa-goers the best, most Zen-like experience possible.  

Plenty of ways to make a splash

Aquaventure Waterpark is 141 acres of aquatic fun, free for guests staying at Atlantis Paradise Island. It’s the largest water park in the Caribbean, consisting of 20 million gallons of water, 11 swimming pools, eight high-speed waterslides, and a kids’ water fort, all connected by a lush tropical landscape.

It also has two floating rides; each one quite unlike the other. The Lazy River is a gentle quarter-mile stretch, offering tranquil drifting in an inner tube. The second is called The Current, and many get on this one thinking it’s the nice meandering river. However, many are quickly shocked and sometimes traumatized to discover it’s a mile-long thrill ride that propels you through extreme rapids, rolling waves, water surges, and darkened tunnels. Lucky for me I enjoyed it, even though I, too, got on the wrong one.

As for the waterslides, they were all pretty nerve-wracking. The most visually intimidating is called Leap of Faith, which offers a 60-foot almost-vertical open-air drop from the top of a picturesque Mayan Temple. It’s the most iconic and photographed slide in the park. Fortunately, it’s over so fast, you don’t even know what happened.

The scariest waterslide is The Abyss. It’s like Leap of Faith on steroids, and in the dark. It goes on and on, with two vertical drops, countless twists and turns, surges of water, you name it.

Journey to a not-so-lost kingdom

I’ve been fortunate to visit a few resorts in my travelling life, but never have I stayed at one quite like Atlantis, Paradise Island.

With loads of outdoor adventure, decadent indoor luxury, and full schedule of daily activities and attractions, you get the best of all worlds here.

Atlantis, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2014, is a sprawling property on one of the best beaches in The Bahamas. It’s situated on a peninsula, allowing for breathtaking views of turquoise waters and white sands. It’s an ideal destination for group travel, because there really is something for everyone, and every budget.

The economic traveller looking for the most affordable option will find casual tropical décor in the Beach Tower guest rooms. Mid-range spenders can check into Coral Towers and choose from contemporary guest rooms or suites. The iconic Royal Towers, central to all of Atlantis’ premiere attractions, offer deluxe accommodations and are the most photographed structures on-site.

Soaking up everything about Sonoma

Cruising through the rolling Sonoma Valley, we see winding asphalt stretched out before us, and rows upon rows of grapevines lining the idyllic countryside.

Every crest in the road offers a new view of something old — weathered barn, quaint windmill, cozy farmhouse — steeped in striking contrast to vivid fall colours. Every downhill dip brings exhilarating speed and momentary relief to our hard-working legs. Every corner turned brings promise of the next vineyard, just around the bend.

Welcome to bicycling in California’s wine country, which is on my bucket list and can now be checked off. Wine Country Bikes, located in Healdsburg, outfits riders with top-quality biking gear, and customized itinerary for your desired length of time (from a few hours, to multiple days). They can also provide experienced guides, locally-grown picnic lunches delivered to predetermined locations, luggage shuttling from one inn to the next, and whatever you need to support your own biking adventure.  

Visiting wineries is the thing to do here. With over 400 wineries dotting Sonoma County, the next tasting is practically just a stone’s throw from the last. And each one has an interesting story, and something unique to offer.

Wintertime at Hecla

I’ve written before about visiting Hecla Island in summer. But I’d venture to say that winter is the most magical time to check out this special place.

There’s something about a thick blanket of snow on the ground that makes inside seem even warmer and cozier, and outside more dramatic. The air is unmistakably cold and crisp, and every fleeting breath drifts away on clouds of white vapour. The silence that surrounds is tremendous. The stillness is overwhelming. The sense of peacefulness is profound.  

Lakeview Hecla Resort is a family-and-pet-friendly locale that offers vacation packages throughout winter, like buy two nights and stay for three. Guests enjoy free wireless internet and DVD movies, and other comforts of the great indoors like a waterpark with giant waterslide, family pool and lazy river, and an adult-only aquatic zone with hydrokinetic pool, mineral bath, hot tub, cold plunge and steam room.

The full-service Salka Spa offers an enticing list of soul-soothing selections, while Seagulls Restaurant & Lounge serves a good variety of dishes, with at least seven containing Lake Winnipeg pickerel. You can even have the tasty fish for breakfast if you so choose.

Ghostly gatherings in Winnipeg

I once had an infinite curiosity for ghost stories.

As a kid, I remember staying up way past bedtime to watch scary movies on TV, and reading Grimm’s Ghost Stories by flashlight under the covers. Nowadays, though, I avoid all things spooky. Horror movies? No way. Paranormal shows? Not a chance. Frightening fiction? Forget about it.

So I surprised myself recently when, deciding to be a tourist in my hometown, I chose a haunted excursion with Muddy Waters Tours. Their “Talking to the Dead” three-hour adventure is designed for the “spirited” personality. I was game, but not completely.

Our mission was to visit four Winnipeg locations suspected of hauntings, and investigate using basic tools and techniques. It sounded like an exciting way to spend an evening, since I secretly yearn to be a crime scene investigator. I just hoped we wouldn’t actually encounter any ghosts.

An adventure you’ll never forget

I’m often drawn to places for unusual reasons. For example, my mother’s name was Madeleine. So when I found out there’s a place called Îles de la Madeleine, I had to go there.

Îles de la Madeleine is an isolated group of islands located in the middle of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Even though the closest landmass is Prince Edward Island (105 kilometres away) and Cape Breton Island (95 kilometres away), Îles de la Madeleine is part of Quebec.

The archipelago — also known as the Magdalen Islands — consists of six tiny islands linked by Route 199. This main road was built upon sand dunes, and runs from one end to the other, spanning 65 kilometres. A seventh inhabited island, Entry Island, is not linked by road, and remains an intriguing mystery to most.

Îles de la Madeleine is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone, and nobody locks their doors. It’s a place where residents go with the flow depending on which way the winds blow, and where traffic stops every afternoon so cows can cross the road. It’s a place where visitors are made to feel right at home from the very first bonjour.

Leaving a piece of me behind

Winding along the famed 297-kilometre Cabot Trail that skirts the edge of Cape Breton Island,

I feel like I’m in an exceptional place, far different — and far removed — from any other I’ve visited.  

The only physical connection Cape Breton has to the continent is a 1,400-metre long bridge completed in 1955. If something were to happen to the Canso Causeway, Cape Breton could retreat into seclusion from the rest of Canada. And I’d venture to guess the locals would probably be OK with it.

I’m not saying this because Cape Bretoners don’t like tourists. I think they love tourists. Wherever you go, they’ll invite you into their communities, their houses, and their hearts.

Heck of a time at Hecla: part two

While the recently reopened Lakeview Hecla Resort is beautiful on the inside, it’s what’s on the outside that truly makes the trip worthwhile.

Hecla Island itself is 6.5 kilometres wide and 26.5 kilometres long. It has a historic village with a self-guided trail, marshes with interpretive kiosks, a playground, tennis courts, beach volleyball, picnic areas, a campground, and vacation cabin rentals. There are rocky shorelines, sprawling beaches, rugged limestone cliffs, dense forests, over 180 species of birds, and 24 kinds of animals.

The outdoor adventure begins right out back of the resort, where you’ll find a pond adorned with decorative fountains and arched footbridges. Look closely, and you’ll also find hordes of tiny frogs hopping about the edges, capturing the childlike curiosity of onlookers of all ages.

Venture a little further, and on the edge of the Lakeview property is a public beach from which extends a peninsula. With Lake Winnipeg Narrows flowing along one side and Gull Harbour on the other, the three-kilometre scenic trail leads to a still-functioning lighthouse constructed in 1926 to replace the original one from 1898.

Heck of a time at Hecla

Standing next to the Hecla Provincial Park sign and façade lighthouse, 175 kilometres due north from Winnipeg, the need to hurry falls away.

Upon crossing the Causeway at Grassy Narrows that’s been connecting Hecla Island to the mainland since 1972, an immediate sense of peacefulness takes over.

Named after a famous volcano in Iceland, Mount Hekla, Icelanders settled on this island in 1876 and established a marine community tucked away on Lake Winnipeg. It must have felt like the ocean to them, and maybe that’s why they chose to establish the ‘seaside’ town of Hecla Village, extending their Icelandic roots down as deep as they could reach.

In the late 1970s, a federal-provincial government project saw a resort built on Hecla Island, intended to attract tourists to the newly-formed provincial park. Originally called Gull Harbour Resort, it was sold off privately in 2005, eventually going into receivership and closing for a few years.

History comes to life at Fortress of Louisbourg

Imagine standing atop a lengthy stone wall, gazing across a foggy harbour.

From the distance, a ship sails towards you. You’re not sure who is approaching, nor if they’re friends or foes, so muskets and cannons are ready just in case. As the ship gets closer, you realize they’re not a threat. The massive gate swings open to welcome them into your town, and out comes the rum to toast the arrival of guests from afar.

Welcome to the Fortress of Louisbourg, circa early 18th century. Founded by France in 1713, Louisbourg is on the eastern coast of what is presently known as Cape Breton Island. It was established as a fishing haven, trade port, and military base, and grew into a settlement town and colonial capital. By the 1740s, 2,000 people lived inside the fortress walls, with another 1,000 beyond the walls, and hundreds more who came and went each summer.

Things were going well for Louisbourg until 1744, when France and Britain went to war. Over the next several years, French and English rule alternated, before a final attack in 1758 saw residents exiled, and the fortress demolished. For the next two centuries, the rubble lay abandoned on the desolate ocean shore. Louisbourg, the only major colonial North American town not to have had a modern city built on top of it, was quietly forgotten.  

Laid-back time at Detroit Lakes

It’s no secret that Manitobans like to travel to Minneapolis for shopping its massive malls and big-box stores.

My favourite cross-border destination in Minnesota is a less obvious location with terrific places to shop, fantastic food, oodles of charm, and a genuine laid-back vibe.  Detroit Lakes is four hours southeast of Winnipeg, at the junction of Highway 59 South and Highway 10. With a population of just under 9,000, it may be little, but it boasts everything a larger centre has to offer, all while maintaining the appeal of small town hospitality. Washington Avenue in the downtown district is a short but sweet street, lined with bargains galore at department stores like JC Penney and Norby’s. If you like larger retail locations like Menards, Payless Shoes, and Walmart, you’ll find all of those and plenty more choices on the edge of town.

The Lodge on Lake Detroit is a must-stay resort. The lakefront hotel and spa opened on Big Detroit Lake in 2006, and has since earned the Explore Minnesota Sustainable Tourism Award in recognition of environmentally-friendly practices.

All of the guest rooms and suites are lakefront, each one finished with thoughtful detail like its own piece of one-of-a-kind mosaic artwork positioned under a spotlight, depicting the sunset over Big Detroit Lake. Free amenities include in-room coffee, daily hot breakfast bar, 24-hour fitness centre, wireless high speed internet, and local phone calls. They offer consecutive night deals, jazz concerts, special theme stays, wine-tasting weekends, and other packages.   Sunset is a magical experience, and the best time to relax with a glass of organic wine in the fireside lobby while being serenaded by the grand piano. For a memorable nighttime activity, request a s’mores-making kit from the front desk, spark up a lakeside fire, and treat yourself to decadent dark chocolate and gooey marshmallows melted between graham crackers.

Get to know the city a little better

Some folks like to travel in summer, while others prefer to stick close to home.

Why not do both by becoming a “hometown tourist” and exploring the interesting treasures waiting to be discovered in your own backyard? Here are some ideas for things to do with the family that just might give you a whole new appreciation of your own city:

The Winnipeg Arts Council is providing free guided bicycle and walking tours of public artworks — like “emptyful” in the Millennium Library Park, or “land/mark” in St. Vital. Some are fun and interactive, others are bright colourful, and then there are those that are just plain weird. Tours vary in length, level of difficulty, and time of day, taking you to every corner of the city to learn about some of our most obvious and unassuming artistic assets.

After a successful sold-out run in 2013, Downtown Winnipeg BIZ has a new series of touring events this year. The popular Patio Crawl outdoor walking tour offers a taste of four patios in one evening, while the Moveable Feast Tour has seven restaurants on the menu. My favourite, the Biking & Beer tour, is a 50-kilometre trip traversing the city’s newest biking routes, and finishing with a cold beverage on a downtown patio.   

Traversing the Appalachian Trail

When the railroad came to Virginia’s Roanoke Valley in 1852, an entire nearby town uprooted, moved to the tracks, and renamed itself.

It quickly became the crossroads for the Norfolk and Western Railway, and bustling marketplace. Today, Roanoke is still a centre for transportation and trade, and a gateway to fascinating history, stunning scenery, outdoor recreation, and the biggest star in the world. Literally.

Perched atop Mill Mountain is Roanoke’s stellar attraction: the world’s largest man-made star. This 30-metre-high structure is made of illuminated steel and concrete, visible at night from nearly 100 kilometres away. It’s a longtime landmark for aviators, and earned Roanoke the nickname “Star City of the South.”

In the middle of Roanoke is Center in the Square, containing museums, a theatre, rooftop pavilion, and an indoor 6,000-gallon living coral reef aquarium — the largest in the mid-Atlantic. Within it live 250 colourful marine fish, numerous sea creatures, and 150 live coral. It grows and changes over time, meaning no two visits are ever the same.  

Paddling the Bloodvein

If it’s in your blood, you’ve got to do it. And if it’s a passion for paddling that pulses through you, then you’ve got to do the Bloodvein.

Winding its way for more than 300 kilometres through Canadian Shield country on its way to Lake Winnipeg, the Bloodvein River begins in Ontario’s Woodland Caribou Provincial Park. From there, it flows west across the provincial border and through Manitoba’s Atikaki Provincial Wilderness Park.

The Bloodvein has no summer road access, and is accessible only by floatplane and watercraft. Consequently, it remains remote and mostly untouched, and is designated a Canadian Heritage River.

With more than 100 sets of rapids and falls in Manitoba alone, largely undisturbed natural ecosystems, and some of the oldest Precambrian Shield rock in all of Canada, the Bloodvein is a wilderness lover’s paradise. It also boasts a rich cultural history, with the discovery of stone tools, copper items, ceramics and other artifacts providing evidence of inhabitants as far back as 6,000 years ago. Faded pictographs are still visible, having so far weathered the elements, and standing testament to the passing of time.

Living the Vegas life: part two

While people love the buffets in Las Vegas, I made it my goal to venture beyond, and see what else there was in terms of dining.

Julian Serrano in the ARIA Hotel serves tapas — or small plates — in classic Spanish style. One of my favourites was the goat cheese salad, with heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, fresh mint and almonds. The mixed seafood ceviche came with a side of taro root chips, perfectly accompanied by a glass of Riesling. The crispy artichoke was crusted and deep-fried, topping off a delicious dining experience.

For fine dining with a large group, Tom Colicchio’s Heritage Steak at The Mirage is ideal. Their meats are prepared entirely over an open flame, using wood-burning ovens and charcoal grills, and my prime filet was cooked to perfection. For sharing side dishes, we tried roasted mushrooms, sugar snap peas, asparagus and warm king crab.

Las Vegans loves their pizza, and there’s no shortage of places to go. Five50 Pizza Bar offers Sicilian-style pizza by the slice or 16-inch pies. The forager came with mushrooms, bacon and whipped romano cheese. They also serve an impressive selection of local and regional craft beers, handmade pastas and charcuterie selection.

Living the Vegas life: part one

In 1829, a travelling party in the Mojave Desert noticed green areas fed by artesian wells, decided it would be a good resupply point, and named the place “the meadows” in Spanish.

In May 1905, Las Vegas was officially founded as a city, and when Nevada legalized gambling in 1931, Vegas began its rise as the gaming capital of the world.

All first-timers must witness The Strip, a seven-kilometre stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard, home to some of the world’s largest hotel, casino and resort properties. The MGM Grand has four 30-storey towers and more than 5,000 guest rooms. The front entrance features the largest bronze statue in the U.S. — a more than 45,000-kilogram bronze lion, measuring 13.7 metres tall, perched atop a 7.6-metre pedestal.

One of the best views of The Strip is from up above. The brand new 168-metre tall High Roller is the world’s largest observation wheel, and crown jewel of The LINQ, Vegas’ newest outdoor entertainment district. Each of the High Roller’s 28 glass-enclosed spherical cabins holds up to 40 people, offering breathtaking views in the 30-minute ride. At night, it stands out amid the dazzle, with 2,000 glowing LED lights ever-changing colours.

Get pedalling this summer

For a summer “active travel” adventure in your own backyard, tune up your two-wheeler for a fundraising bike tour right here in Manitoba.

Inhale the fresh air, exhale your cares away, soak up the sun, and enjoy the view — all from the seat of your bicycle, and for a good cause.

Since 1989, MS Bike tours have raised money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, and have grown into the largest cycling series in North America. Money raised in our province stays here, and goes towards research, providing financial assistance for special equipment and home care, and funding services and programs for Manitobans living with MS.  

This year, a total of 27 cycling events will take place across Canada between June and September, and over 10,000 people will get out their bikes and ride. Here in Manitoba, cyclists can choose from two routes.

In search of Texas blossoms

I like flowers. Even though I don’t have any inkling of a green thumb, I can still appreciate the beauty of colourful buds.

So when I heard that Texas is blanketed with blossoms each spring, I wanted to witness the floral splendor, and stop and smell the bluebonnets. But first, we’d have to find them.

Halfway between Houston and Austin is the scenic and historic region of Washington County. Renowned as the “birthplace of Texas,” it’s here the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed in 1836. Today, you can tour a replica of Independence Hall, or enjoy just-like-home-cooking at R Place. From the outside, this diner resembles a tin-covered machine shop circa 1920. But inside it serves up some of the region’s most mouth-watering barbecue and tangy potato salad.

I’ve always associated Texas with cowboys, and was thrilled for the chance to become one for the morning. Texas Ranch Life is a working ranch resort home to quarter horses, American bison, and one of the country’s largest Texas Longhorn herds. After some important instruction in horsemanship, we got to experience an open range ride.

Serenading the belugas

The sun beat down on my bright yellow kayak as gentle waves rocked the hull back and forth. Directly behind me was the port of Churchill, one of the most diverse and interesting places I’ve ever visited. Directly in front of me was a pod of beluga whales, magnificent glistening creatures gliding gracefully in and out of the water.

I’d spent the past half-hour trying to manoeuvre my watercraft near enough to get a good glimpse, but they were awesome at eluding me. Just when I’d get relatively close, they’d dart off in the opposite direction, leaving little hope I’d ever get to see them. Until, all of a sudden, they turned and headed in my exact direction. Dozens of them, coming straight at me!  

My first instinct was to turn around and paddle the hell out of there. After all, they could so easily flip my tippy little kayak if they really wanted to. Even though our guide Lindsay from Sea North Tours told us they were docile, I couldn’t be certain. What if she was wrong? What if they weren’t gentle? What if they were angry and wanted to take it out on an innocent human who happened to be in the wrong place at the right time?

Thoughts of doom raced through my mind as my pulse quickened. Anxiety welled up in my chest as I took a deep breath, pointed myself in their direction, and paddled at full speed, straight towards them! I had to go for it. I had to trust.

Take me back to old Kentucky

Did you know that all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon? I found this out during a recent visit to Lexington, Ky. — where it’s the norm to talk horses over bourbon. America’s only native spirit, 95% of all bourbon produced in the U.S. comes from Kentucky.

Three main requirements make it different from other types of whiskey: it must be distilled from minimum 51% corn; it must be aged at least two years in charred oak barrels; and it can’t have any flavour, colour, or anything else added.

Bourbon is so popular in Kentucky that they’ve developed a driving tour around it. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail features tours and tastings at eight historic distilleries. A tour of Wild Turkey gives a fascinating look at how they roll out bourbon by the barrels – half a million barrels, to be exact, that were aging at the time of our visit. Enough barrels to fill their seven-storey warehouse.

Wine lovers don’t fret, because Kentucky has that, too. Talon Winery is a lovely place teeming with lush vineyards on rolling farmland. Enjoy the tasting room and gift shop inside an original 18th-century farmhouse before touring the processing area with state-of-the-art holding and bottling systems.

Taking on the Copper Mountain

This story is the second in a two-part series about Colorado. You can find the first part here.

I’ve always imagined cowboys came from Colorado, so I was delighted to meet Ray from Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch near the tiny town of Clark.

Ray has resided in the Yampa Valley for six generations, and is as real a cowboy you could ever hope to meet.

He wore a full-length tan-coloured leather coat, weathered cowboy hat, and a great big smile. He had a warm personality, cheeky spirit, and a lifetime of stories spanning his 76 years. An ardent skier, Ray was on the US ski jumping team at the 1960 Olympics, and ski racing coach for 40 years. These days you’ll find him on backcountry hills every Sunday, indulging in his two passions — hilltops and horses.

Conquering the mountains of Colorado

Seeing Colorado for the first time filled me with a sense of pure wonderment.

The vast and rugged landscape was one of the nicest I’d ever seen. Even though I’m not a religious person, the term “God’s country” actually came to mind as I gazed upon the mountains and valleys.

At the same time, it also filled me with utter apprehension. The phrase “God help me” became my mantra when I realized I’d be skiing these slopes. Considering I’d only skied once before in my life, I wondered how I would make it to the end of the week still intact.

Steamboat Springs on a wintry day is like a Christmas card come to life. Situated in the Yampa Valley three hours northwest of Denver, the winding Highway 40 that traverses through town was once the main road that spanned the continent coast-to-coast. Today it leads to an outdoor paradise, home to more Olympians per capita than any other U.S. locale.

There’s no place like the Bahamas

Imagine an extravagant resort on the silkiest sandy beach you’ve ever set foot on, along the most turquoise waters you’ve ever seen.

The natural setting is breathtaking. The grounds are meticulously groomed. The mediterranean-inspired cuisine is exquisite. The rooms are spacious and sophisticated. Best of all, you’ll find not one, but an entire team of butlers at your service 24-7.

Yes, Virginia, there is a place like this. It’s called the One & Only Ocean Club in The Bahamas, and contrary to its name, it’s not the only one. The global collection boasts eight exclusive resorts in exotic locales like South Africa, Dubai, and Australia, with three more opening soon.

Situated on Paradise Island, The Bahamas’ One & Only is the jewel in the crown of a region that thrives on tourism. It’s patronized by those with a penchant for unprecedented luxury, and the pocketbook to afford it, since you do pay for everything in this not-all-inclusive setting.

Manitoba’s romantic resorts

With the thermostat dipping far below zero, winter can be the most magical time for couples to partake in a romantic getaway.

Manitoba has many special locales waiting for you to spark up the fireplace and nestle in for a wintry weekend, including four resorts that cater exclusively to couples.

Barrier Bay Resort is Whiteshell Provincial Park’s must-visit spot for sweethearts. Located east of Seven Sisters Falls, they pay special attention to detail, from birdfeeders outside the windows, to bird-watching guides on coffee tables, to coffee grinders in the kitchens. Each of their nine gorgeous lakefront cabins are unique in setup and style, with choice of open floor plan, master bedroom, or the two-storey “Whiskey Jack” with upper level master bedroom, and lower level living room, whirlpool room, and gourmet kitchen.

One of the nicest touches is supplying wicker baskets for a winter picnic, complete with Thermos, red-checked tablecloth, and birdseed for the chickadees. A scenic picnic spot is Pine Point Rapids, which never freeze and make for stunning winter wilderness photography.

Christmas in Manitoba

Christmas is my favourite time of year. I know that sounds cliché, but it really is.

Despite the deep freeze outside, there is something ever so warm and magical about brightly coloured lights twinkling through lightly falling snow.

Throw in some holiday music, a few special traditions, and as many family and friends as you can tolerate, and you have all the fixings to make your days merry and bright.

Christmas is also a great time of year to discover the charms of a different place — right here in our own backyards. If you need a good reason to leave the city, why not go on an adventure to select and cut down your own Christmas tree? The Manitoba Christmas Tree Growers Association has a list of seven tree farms on its website, with all the details you need to know.

Learning to love the Valley of the Sun

After taking my first winter vacation six years ago, I now have an affinity for warmer climes.

As soon as snow arrives, I feel the lure of sandy beaches and oceanfront resorts as they call out to me from places like Mexico, Cuba and The Bahamas. Then one day, Phoenix came calling, so I went there instead. However, considering it’s in the desert with no waterfront, I didn’t expect to enjoy it.

Boy was I wrong.

Phoenix is nicknamed the Valley of the Sun, and has more than 300 sunny days each year. Situated in the Sonoran Desert, the dry air is a welcome reprieve for someone who melts in humidity (like me). Phoenix is also surrounded by mountains, so for those who like outdoor activity (again, that would be me) it’s a haven for hiking. It’s also home to magnificent resorts that easily rival those along the shore.

Tackling the Mall of America

Shopping in Minneapolis is a rite of passage for Manitoba consumers.

For years I’ve heard countless friends talk of weekend getaways, yet I couldn’t understand the big attraction. So this fall I finally decided to go down there and find out first-hand what it’s all about.

Departing Winnipeg on a Friday afternoon, my friend Elizabeth and I arrived in Minneapolis that night. Our home base was the DoubleTree by Hilton on Park Place, only minutes from downtown. The best thing about this location is that it’s close enough to everything to make for easy travel, yet far enough away that you get free parking and Wi-Fi. Upon arrival they also gave us warm chocolate chip cookies, making us feel right at home.

The DoubleTree is next to a string of restaurants, movie theatres, and a market district called the Shops at West End. This means you can wine and dine or shop till you drop without having to drive anywhere. It sounded great, but our sights were set on a different destination.

A trip inside a world-class spa

Did you know the largest spa in North America is a spectacular, sprawling setting on a hillside in Chelsea, Que.?

And that Winnipeg’s Wildwood Park neighbourhood will soon be home to its sister facility?

If you’ve driven down Crescent Drive lately, you may have noticed construction on the edge of Crescent Drive Golf Course. This is the development of Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature, a thermal spa set in the heart of nature. It’s the second Canadian location for an exceptional spa concept that has been popular for centuries across Europe.

The idea of a thermal spa is to go through purifying cycles alternating hot and cold, with rejuvenation in between. The year-round indoor-outdoor haven slated for Winnipeg will feature techniques and rituals from Nordic countries, with cold, temperate and hot Nordic baths, Finnish saunas, aromatic steam pavilions, waterfalls, and relaxation areas for unwinding and re-energizing.

Ghostly tales from the shoreline

At this time of year, haunted sites and ghostly tours are a hot commodity. It seems that just about every place has a spooky story to share on a cool autumn night. Like this one.

In the spring of 1976, a caretaker was working alone in Chambers Island Lighthouse, located near Fish Creek in Green Bay, Wis. He was startled to hear the sound of footsteps coming down the tower’s staircase, and stood frozen in his tracks as the footsteps continued through the living room and kitchen, ending with the unmistakable ‘click’ of the door closing. Shaken enough to share his story, it became known as the first haunting of Chambers Island Lighthouse.

Did the caretaker simply have an overactive imagination? Or were the footsteps those of Lewis S. William, who worked as the Chambers Island Lighthouse keeper from 1868 (the year it was built) until 1889? Was the ghost of Williams also responsible for making tools disappear, only to end up in unlikely places? Who shook the beds of overnight visitors with mighty, unseen hands?

While no one knows for sure, the folklore of haunted lighthouses along the Great Lakes is alive, thriving, and hugely popular among tourists. There are nine lighthouses believed to be home to restless souls, including Old Presque Isle in Michigan, Fairport Harbor in Ohio, and Gibraltar Point in Ontario.

The charms of Canada’s capital

Ottawa has a history steeped in folklore and ghostly tales. The Haunted Walk offers ghost tours led by lantern-carrying storytellers cloaked in black. The 90-minute Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa features spooky stories about the Bytown Museum, Grant House, Lisgar Collegiate, and Ottawa’s most renowned hotel: The Fairmont Château Laurier.

Today, the Château is reminiscent of days gone by. The tradition of afternoon tea at Zoe’s Lounge, one of Ottawa’s most stylish and elegant salons, is a popular pastime serving up flavourful teas, dainty open-faced sandwiches, and fresh-baked scones and pastries.  

ByWard Market — one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets — was established in 1826 by Lt-Col. John By, the builder of Ottawa’s Rideau Canal. It’s the premier destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment, and the place to find unique eats like BeaverTails pastry and lobster poutine.

One of the best views of Parliament Hill is from across the river in Gatineau. Walk, run or bike along the Ottawa River Pathway — part of the Trans Canada Trail System — and cross one of the bridges into Quebec, and back again. This seven-kilometre loop is just a taste of the more than 300 kilometers of bike paths in Canada’s Capital Region.

Running’s a great way to see the sights

For people who like to stay active, travelling requires an easy way to fit in fitness on the road.

That’s why I run. It’s something you can do just about anywhere, and it’s easy to undertake — all you need is a pair of shoes, good music on the headphones, and a sense of adventure.  Running is also a reason to travel.

Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site is North America’s only restored stone fort from the fur trade era. For over 180 years it has stood on the banks of the Red River, alongside today’s Highway 9. The fort was a major business site for surrounding settlements, outfitting farmers and trappers with supplies. Take “A Run Through History” here on Sept. 22, with 10 km and 5 km races starting and finishing within the fort walls.

Up the road in Lockport, it’s “The Race for Your Heart” on Sept. 29. Proceeds from the half marathon and 10 km race benefit greyhound rescue. Afterwards, visit the St. Andrews Lock and Dam and wonder at the engineering marvel that opened in 1910. It was constructed to solve the challenge of the St. Andrew’s Rapids, an unnavigable obstacle that blocked boats from gaining access to Lake Winnipeg. By increasing the depth of the river, boats were finally able to safely float over the rapids.

Riding the rails to Churchill a pleasure

When I was a kid in Marquette, Man., we lived beside the railroad tracks.

I’d run outside when I’d hear the whistle blow, hoping to see the passenger train go by. I always wondered who those people were behind the glass, and to what faraway places they were going.

Forty years later, I finally got to take the train to my own faraway place — from Winnipeg to Churchill. The Via Rail service departs Winnipeg’s Union Station on Tuesdays and Sundays at noon, arriving in Churchill two days later at 9 a.m.

For me, taking the train was all about the journey. My adventure started at Union Station, a magnificent building that celebrated its 100th birthday in 2012. Back then, train travel was the only option besides horses. Trains brought people home, and took others away. The train station was the centre of celebrations and sadness, joy and tears, hopes and fears.

Museums provide insight into Native American history

As Winnipeg awaits the opening of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, there is much discussion about what it will contain.

One of the exhibits being planned is about Canada’s treatment of aboriginal people. While I’m sure it will be both compelling and controversial, it won’t be the first museum to shine light on aboriginal history.

In Phoenix, Ariz., the Heard Museum is one of the world’s most renowned destinations for learning about Native American arts and culture. Its mission is to educate about the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, emphasizing the tribes of the southwest.

The Heard Museum was founded in 1929 by Dwight and Maie Bartlett Heard, a prominent couple who moved to the valley from Chicago in 1895, and who wanted to share their private collection of Native American artifacts and art. It has since grown in size and stature to where it is recognized internationally for the quality of its collections and educational programming.  

Lake Winnipeg: no place I’d rather be

One of the best things about living in Winnipeg is the close proximity to so many spectacular locales. You don’t need a lot of time to feel like you’ve gone somewhere, including one of the planet’s greatest bodies of water.

A mere hour’s drive away is Lake Winnipeg, the 10th largest freshwater lake in the world, and the last remains of glacial Lake Agassiz. It measures in at 436 kilometres long, and 111 kilometres across at its widest point. It has beautiful beaches, quirky resort towns, and interesting sites. You could go to the lake every weekend in summer and never see the same place twice.

Lake Winnipeg is massive, mysterious and powerful. While I had known about it all my life, my real introduction came in 2001 during the shooting of History Television series Quest for the Bay. I was one of eight ‘intrepid individuals’ selected to row a 19th century York boat from Winnipeg to York Factory. It meant travelling the entirety of Lake Winnipeg, and then some.

Quest for the Bay involved equipment, supplies and provisions from 1840. Everything was made from wood, cast iron, linen and wool. We had no sleeping bags, raingear, sunglasses, insect repellent, not even toilet paper. The task required strength and guts, teamwork and tolerance, patience and persistence. It was extremely laborious, tremendously difficult, and often quite horrible. It was also amply gratifying, inspiring, and empowering.

Drifting Away in Elkhart Lake