WHEREmail

// June 2009

Dear Subscriber

This month, discover hot jazz festivals happening across the country, as well as pro sports events, concerts and stand-up comedy. We also give a run-down on the best golf courses in Canada, tell you how you can win great prizes like a Nokia Smartphone and a family canoe trip, and dish the latest buzz in travel news.

WHAT'S HOT IN JUNE:

Toronto

Luminato lights up Toronto's stages, streets and public spaces with 10 days of arts and creativity. Between June 5 and 14, more than 140 free and ticketed arts events are certain to capture your imagination. Opening June 26, the TD Canada Trust Jazz Festival brings the best of the musical genre to the city, with over 1,500 accomplished performers putting on jiving shows at venues. Don't miss headlining acts like legendary saxophonist Sonny Rollins on June 26 and Kool & the Gang on June 29.

Whistler

The Whistler Farmer's Market runs every Sunday from June 21 to October 11. Offering local, organic produce, you'll also find clothing, homemade soaps, fresh baked goods, jewellery and more. Upper Village near Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Thomas the Tank Engine rolls into Squamish for rides, crafts, stories and music June 6 to 7, and 13 to 14, as part of the Day Out With Thomas 2009: The Hero Of The Rails Tour. West Coast Railway Heritage Park, Squamish.

Ottawa

Catch some of jazz music's hottest acts performing at venues around town during the Ottawa International Jazz Festival from June 25 to July 5. Don't miss the stunning collection of 16th century art on display at the National Gallery of Canada in From Raphael to Carracci: The Art of Papal Rome . On view through the summer until September 7.

Canadian Rockies

During the Banff National Park Bike Fest June 18 to 21, cyclists compete in seven challenging races that include a time trial, hill climb, sprint and criterium amidst famous Canadian Rocky Mountain scenery. Family-friendly events include a Little Crits costume race for kids.

Vancouver

Often dubbed the world's greatest living saxophonist, Sonny Rollins is just one of the many great musicians featured at this year's TD Canada Trust Vancouver International Jazz Festival, June 26 to July 5. Other performers guaranteed to get you all jazzed up? The David Sanborn Group, The Derek Trucks Band and Al Di Meola World Sinfonia.

Calgary

Comedian and TV star Jerry Seinfeld stops in Calgary to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Owen Hart Foundation on June 16. Seinfeld will present an evening of stand-up comedy at the Jubilee Auditorium, with proceeds benefiting the foundation. On June 17, the Calgary Stampeders —the 2008 Grey Cup champions—start the season at McMahon Stadium against Western rivals the B.C. Lions.

Halifax

A sentinel at the mouth of Halifax Harbour, Georges Island has guarded the city for centuries. Although it's a National Historic Site, it's been closed to the public so few visitors get a chance to see this key piece of Halifax's heritage. That all changes on June 13 and 14, as the Explore Georges Island event opens the site to the public for two days only. It's a rare chance to visit one of the city's hidden treasures.

Victoria

Take in 10 hot days and nights of cool jazz during the Victoria JazzFest, June 26 to July 5. One of the premiere festivals of summer, highlights this year include Michael Kaeshammer, the David Sanborn Group, Al Di Meola and many others.

Edmonton

When The Blind Boys of Alabama formed in 1939, few dreamed they'd be giving gospel goosebumps to fans seven decades later. They perform June 19 at Jubilee Auditorium. Branford Marsalis, an artist at the forefront of modern jazz, is a three-time Grammy winner and man of many musical tastes, from jazz, blues and funk to classical. The New Orleans native's 2009 release, Metamorphosen , marks the 10th anniversary of the Branford Marsalis Quartet, they perform June 28 at Winspear Centre.

The WHERE List:

BEST GOLF COURSES

From greens known for their scenic beauty to holes that are challenging even for a low-handicap golfer, these golf courses were chosen as Canada's best by Where editors from coast to coast.

Calgary

One of Alberta's finest courses, Heritage Pointe, is set in the pristine Pine Creek Valley. This upscale, public golf course was ranked #3 for service in Canada by Score Golf Magazine, and is known for its three distinct nines, slick greens, world-class practice facilities, and a beautiful, full-service clubhouse.

Halifax

Located just outside Halifax in Bayside, Granite Springs is one of Nova Scotia's finest and most picturesque golf courses, as rolling hills contrast with scenic seaside vistas. Challenging bunkers and water features force golfers to bring their best game. (902) 852-4653, 4441 Prospect Rd.

Vancouver

Metro Vancouver boasts a plethora of scenic courses, ranging from Westwood Plateau in Coquitlam to Peace Portal Golf Course in Surrey to Newlands Golf and Country Club in Langley to University Golf Club in Vancouver. And because it's Vancouver, after a round of golf you can go sailing or running on the seawall or skiing—yes, even in the summer, at nearby Whistler.

Ottawa

Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, The Marshes Golf Club at the Brookstreet Hotel is both challenging and breathtakingly beautiful. Less experienced or time-restricted golfers can tee off at the attached MarchWood—a European par three that's a perfect small-scale version of The Marshes.

Whistler

Whistler is known for its stunningly beautiful courses that incorporate mountains and water, including Nicklaus North Golf Course, Big Sky Golf and Country Club, Furry Creek Golf and Country Club, and Whistler Golf Club. Even non-golfers are happy, as long as they have a camera in hand.

Edmonton

One of Edmonton's premier golf destinations, The Royal Mayfair Golf Club runs along the scenic North Saskatchewan River in the heart of the city, mere minutes from downtown hotels. Ringed by river valley greenery and popular Hawrelak Park, the Mayfair caters to golfers—pros and duffers alike—who appreciate a classy 18. 9450 Groat Rd, 780-432-0066.

Toronto

Head north to hit a round at the picturesque Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course in Huntsville. This 7,011-yard tour de force is a playable but demanding favourite of professionals and amateurs alike—don't miss the signature 10th hole, where elevated tee areas perch 30-feet above a natural rock wall.

Canadian Rockies

There are many incredible golf courses in the Canadian Rockies, including classic Stanley Thompson layouts at the Fairmont Banff Springs and Jasper Park Lodge . But our pick for "best value" is the 36-hole Kananaskis Country Golf Course, known for its Robert Trent Jones, Sr design, scenic Kananaskis River Valley location, exceptional dedication to customer service and $90 green fee. For more info, check out our Mountains of Golf article.

Victoria

Victoria's prestigious Bear Mountain Resort has just opened its second offering, the 18-hole Valley Course. Like the original Mountain Course, the new course offers gorgeous views of dramatic West Course landscape, challenging play adapted to a range of skill levels and a wide array of related amenities. Together, the two courses form Canada's only Nicklaus-designed 36-hole golf resort.