Toronto
The light turns red. You wait. In a flash, the piece of sidewalk you occupy fills with faces from around the world. Talking, laughing, dreaming, hoping – each one on a unique journey. She’s going for dim sum with her in-laws in Chinatown. He’s on his way to an art-house flick in the Annex. These two are off to put a fashion dent in their wallets down on Queen Street. And you? You had ambitiously planned to do all of that – today.
Category: Canada
St. John’s
The cod’s slimy lips beckon. You pucker up, grant them a reluctant kiss, and quickly down a shot of “screech”. As the bar erupts in wild cheers, you wonder which tasted better – the gaping mouth of an expired fish, or the local rum. Welcome to the island at the edge of the Western World.
From the customary “screech in” ceremony that welcomes those from away, to the brightly painted heritage homes dotting its harbour, St. John’s redefines colourful. The boisterous spirit of explorers, merchants, soldiers, pirates and mariners permeates this coastal town like the ghostly fogs that regularly roll into its rugged coves.
Manitoba
Polar bears wrestle each other in the open tundra around Churchill, white furry bodies tumbling on white fluffy snow. You don’t mind when one of them focuses his glare through your window, warm breath puffing against the glass. And you certainly weren’t complaining when a 4′ long Northern Pike splashed into your boat from the bountiful waters of Lake Winnipeg.
Ottawa
The ceremonial music of bagpipes approaches with the heavy thumps of measured footsteps. Sidewalk spectators lean in to get a better look at the men in red coats and tall bearskin caps marching up the grand boulevard. As the neat rows of guardsmen pass, you notice they are being trailed by a loose group of ordinary people, faces beaming with delight. Spontaneously, you defect from your position on the sidelines and join them as they follow the guards up the Hill. An excited throng greets you when you reach the emerald lawns of Parliament. You’ve never been prouder to bring up the rear.
Victoria
The handcrafted tapestries and antique furnishings in the Tea Lobby emit a stately elegance. Your posture instinctively straightens. Through the window, a perfect view of the Inner Harbour reveals a tour group of giddy Captain Ahabs, eager for the chance to spot a great whale of their own. Tea is poured expertly into your fine china cup as fresh berries and Devon-style double Jersey cream arrive in a crystal dish. A triple-tiered silver platter of sandwiches, scones and pastries are set down.
Ontario
The unforgettable call of the loon wakes you from your sun-drenched reverie. Applying another layer of sunscreen, you resume your artful pose at the end of the dock. You’re sad to say goodbye to the peaceful lake and cozy cottage.
The excitement of steering into a tumultuous river of water as it cascades down a steep drop pulls you away. The thundering roar of Niagara Falls drowns out all conversation, but the wide-eyed grins say it all. You dry off and warm up with the latest vintage from down the road.
Montreal
The pasta tonight was superb, the wine a revelation. You nod your head to the music filtering out from inside the bar. You don’t even mind the jostle as more revelers arrive on your turf. A casual bump leads to casual conversation. It’s a jumble of English, French and whatever you can gesture.
Your second bottle arrives and you offer a glass to your newest friends. Soon, you’re at the centre of a party whose only reason for being is itself. Outside on the street, you’re certain the same scene will repeat itself over and over as stylish partygoers make their way into the night.
Kelowna
Sun-drenched vineyards meet sun-dappled lakes
Give your glass a gentle swirl, then gaze across sun-drenched vineyards and beyond to shimmering Okanagan Lake. You’re in Kelowna, the largest city in British Columbia’s famed Okanagan Valley. And on this day, you don’t want to be anywhere else.
It’s easy to feel more alive in Kelowna. You can smell the fragrant fruit blossoms wafting in the air. These blossoms, come harvest time, will have transformed into fresh apples, cherries, peaches and apricots that you can pick yourself.
Quebec
Church bells ring in the picturesque towns nestled in the rolling hills. The old mill is still grinding flour on its stone wheel. The maple trees are still tapped for their sweet sap. You discover the time-honoured tradition of maple taffy on snow – a refreshing chill on your tongue that melts into sweetness as it slips down your throat.
In the narrow cobblestone streets of the old city, you find vestiges of colonial France – turreted stone buildings, horse drawn buggies, weavers working their looms. Street performers sing, juggle and dance in the square while you dine by candlelight on a romantic terrace. A breezy standard seduces you into a late night jazz bar with a thumping bass and sprightly trumpet. The room squeezes in tighter with a crush of newcomers and you realize the night is still very young.
Quebec City
Spectacular fireworks illuminate the night skies as you explore the steep and narrow alleyways beneath the lofty ramparts and storied citadel of this historic walled city. The seductive charm of Old Europe is everywhere, and la belle provence’s photogenic capital has never looked so beautiful, or so festive.