WHEREmail

// April 2009

Dear Subscriber

Find exciting things to do in a city near you—there's lots going on with pro sports games and festivals, hot concerts and cultural events filling up the month of April. We tell you whether there really are travel deals happening during the recession, as well as travel news, trivia, specials and where to find late-night dining spots across Canada.

WHAT'S HOT IN APRIL:

Victoria

Victoria's hockey arenas are where the action is. The city's ECHL pro favourites, the Victoria Salmon Kings, are capping off another successful season with a play-off run starting April 7. The fun continues into May, when the B.C. Hockey League's Victoria Grizzlies, coached by former NHLer Geoff Courtnall, host the RBC Cup May 2 to 10.

Halifax

An all-star cast of figure-skating legends strut their stuff in Halifax on April 23. The roster includes Canadian legend Kurt Browning, Olympic gold medallists Jamie Sale and David Pelletier, silver medallist Sasha Cohen, plus bronze medallist and World Champion Jeffrey Buttle. Check out Stars on Ice at the Metro Centre on Duke Street.

Toronto

The Canadian Opera Company presents a pair of classical operas this month, including Verdi's romantic Italian opus Simon Boccanegra, from April 11 to 28, and Puccini's timeless libretto, La Bohème, from April 17 to 30. Catch pitcher Roy Halladay throwing his signature cut fastball against the formidable Detroit Tigers on April 6, as Major League Baseball's Toronto Blue Jays swing back into action with regular-season home games.

Whistler

Bid farewell to winter by joining the ski bums and board bunnies descending on Whistler for the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival, April 17 to 26. The annual event sees pro skiers and snowboarders duke it out in the Big Air and Superpipe competitions, and includes filmmaking and photography contests, fashion shows, free outdoor concerts and film screenings.

Ottawa

Six hundred British Columbian artists — musicians, dancers, literary masters, and more — descend on the capital for BC Scene—13 days of performances April 21 to May 3. At the Ottawa International Writers Festival literary legends — such as Adrienne Clarkson, Thomas Homer Dixon, and Ursula K. Le Guin — hit town for over a week of discussions, readings, and more April 24 to May 2.

Edmonton

Comic actor Ron Pederson, formerly of Fox's MADtv, stars in the world premiere of Extinction Song, a daring story of the dysfunctional family of James, a sadly deluded seven-year-old who convinces himself he was raised by wolves like Mowgli in Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book — it runs until April 19. In La Traviata April 25, 28, 30, Edmonton Opera weaves spellbinding music with the story of Violetta Valery, the famous courtesan whose love for the dying young Alfredo is so great that she will sacrifice anything for him. Alberta-born soprano Laura Whalen stars.

Canadian Rockies

Ski bunnies take over the ski areas April 25 to 26 during on-hill spring skiing parties. Lake Louise hosts their annual Spring Episode with live music, beer gardens, barbecues, terrain park competition, kids zone fun and fat tire mountain bike racing. Or try Sunshine Village's Peak Party with a snowpants bikini contest, DJs, beer garden and a mini slope-style contest.

Vancouver

Her life has been a three-ring circus lately, so Britney Spears chose to call both her new album and new tour Circus. Reports from early shows indicate the pop superstar is back in top form, shimmying her way through new hits such as "Womanizer" and old favourites such as "...Baby One More Time." See her April 8 at GM Place.

Calgary

Canuck jazz artist Diana Krall, known for her soft, sultry voice and skilled piano playing, puts on an intimate show at the Jubilee Auditorium, April 13. Meanwhile, the infectious sounds from rock group The Killers fill the Saddledome April 26. Their latest single "Human," was recently voted Best Song of 2008 by Rolling Stone readers.

The WHERE List:

LATE-NIGHT EATS

It's late, you're hungry, most restaurant kitchens are closed—where do you go for a bite to eat? Where editors give the 411 on what hot spots are open late across the country to satisfy your hunger.

Toronto

Satisfy late-night cravings at the intimate 7 West Café. Open around the clock daily, the cozy patio overlooking Charles St is an ideal setting for sharing a slice of delectable double chocolate fudge cake or the hot proscuitto panino. End – or begin – your night with a smooth cocktail at one-stop night spot The Drake Hotel. Open during weekends until the wee hours of the morning, this Queen West fixture boasts a mean menu of drinks.

Canadian Rockies

Banff's Rose & Crown comes alive nightly at 10 pm with live music. Tuesday to Saturday funk, blues, reggae, pop or top 40s bands hit the stage; Sunday a host band plays with guests; and Maritime Monday has a guitarist/singer that performs songbook requests and everyone joins in and sings along. All this toe-tapping may induce hunger and their pub-style fare (served until midnight) satisfies all.

Calgary

French bistro Belgo Brasserie serves up dishes like slow-cooked Brie with fig and pecans, and moules et frites until 1 am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, Tuesdays and Wednesdays the kitchen is open until 11 pm. Meanwhile, the pizza at the late-night haunt Wicked Wedge has whole wheat crust and comes in a variety of unusual toppings and names (like the "Chief Wiggum").

Halifax

For a late-night nosh, Freeman's Little New York is a Halifax tradition. The Italian-American eatery is open until 5 a.m. daily, serving pasta, pub food and pizza. With locations uptown on Quinpool Rd and in the heart of the downtown on Grafton St, it's a popular stop for refreshments after a night on the town.

Edmonton

Edmontonians have long appreciated the fine food and ambiance of Packrat Louie Kitchen & Bar—a sublime spot for a glass of wine, a fabulous meal or a late-evening snack, like one of our favourites, their luscious pan-seared calamari. As one of Edmonton's premiere wine bars and bistros, 4th & Vine Wine Bar & Bistro offers a casual and friendly atmosphere with an extensive menu featuring eclectic Alberta cuisine paired with an over-the-top wine selection.

Vancouver

If you have a hankering for vegetarian food at 3 a.m., you're in luck. The Naam is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year (except for Christmas). This funky spot boasts a garden patio for the warm weather, a wood-burning fireplace for chillier evenings, and live jazz and blues every night.

Ottawa

More than just a watering hole, local institute D'arcy McGees Irish Pub, serves traditional pub favourites late into the night.

Whistler

In the mood for late-night tapas? Head to Elements Urban Tapas Parlour, a favourite of locals and visitors alike. The panko-crusted goat cheese is to die for, at any hour of the day or night, and the wine list is extensive.