Dear Subscriber

This month we get you started on your seasonal shopping with our Editors' picks for one of a kind stores. There's also tips on great events, including two gridiron classics, a pair of winter fairs, one dying soprano and a fab-four Beatles concert (sort of). Also tips for traveling with baby and where to go to get a really expensive meal.

What's Hot in November:

Edmonton

Filumena, a tale of murder, passion and tragedy, tells the true story of the last woman to be hanged in Alberta. Edmonton Opera performs Nov 26 - Dec 1 at the Jubilee Auditorium.

Toronto

An annual family tradition, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair opens Nov 4 for a nine-day extravaganza featuring the elegant Royal Horse Show, the lively Eukanuba Superdogs, a petting zoo and great wine and food exhibitors.

Vancouver

Many consider Canadian football the best kind: close games, lots of scoring and passionate fans. The favoured BC Lions head into the playoffs with high expectations; in any case Vancouver hosts the Grey Cup game, Nov 27 at BC Place Stadium.

Victoria

The Victoria Dance Series welcomes Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal to the Royal Theatre stage Nov 18 and 19 for the wickedly funny and virtuostic The Stolen Show, choreographed by Crystal Pite.

Canadian Rockies

The Jasper Welcomes Winter exhibition includes a Santa Claus parade, Christmas craft fair, shopping extravaganza and Festival of Trees. There are also special hotel packages; visit WHERE's Accommodation Grid for links.

Winnipeg

Let the good times roll with tunes such as "On Broadway", "Jailhouse Rock" and "Yakety Yak". The '50s returns to Winnipeg with Rainbow Stage's winter production of the Grammy award-winning Smokey Joe's Cafe.

Calgary

Just for Laughs is a comedic  phenomenon, spreading hilarity coast to coast with a traveling show, featuring This Hour has 22 minute's Shaun Majumder and a host of talented comedians. They yuk up the Jack Singer Concert Hall, Nov 20.

Halifax

The Uteck Bowl is a college football classic, as the Atlantic and Ontario college football champions meet at Huskies Stadium on Nov 19. The winner goes on to the national championship Vanier Cup.

Ottawa

They're not quite the Beatles, but they sure know how to perform the fab four's greatest hits—tribute band Rain plays the Civic Centre Nov 22 and 23.

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Winnipeg Explorer's Guide

The editors of WHERE Winnipeg have just published the first-ever, full-colour guide to the city, just in time for the Holidays. This is a 140 page pocket-book size guide that includes over 500 entries, a calendar of events for 2006, and even recipes featuring modern interpretations of traditional regional dishes like bison, pickerel, wild rice and even pemmican. The Winnipeg Explorer's Guide retails for $19.95 and is available for purchase on-line with free shipping anywhere in Canada or the US. Order yours now >

Travel Unravelled:

Baby on Board

Q. I'm bringing my baby with me on a flight to Winnipeg next month. Do I need a ticket for her? What else should I know? -Genevieve LaSalle, Montreal

A. Traveling with a baby requires good preparation and planning. Here are some rules, recommendations and tips...

Submit your own question to Travel Unravelled!

Guess WHERE:

A selection of one-of-a-kind travel trivia from around the globe.

Q. Where is the most expensive restaurant in the world?

Click here for the answer >


The WHERE List:

If you want to avoid kitsch or cliché this holiday gift-giving season, or are searching for a store that's as individual as you are, check out this month's WHERE List. Our Editors give their picks for distinctive local stores and galleries where you can find something that's truly one-of-a kind.

Halifax

Nestled downtown amidst the rich heritage of Halifax's Historic Properties, Handsmiths showcases fine works by artisans from around the region and across the country. Pieces include ceramics, glass, wood, jewellery, metal, fabrics and much more.

Victoria

For unique, Vancouver Island-made pieces, the new Garden Gallery at the Butchart Gardens is a must-see. Located indoors in a garden-like setting, the gallery features beautiful statuary, fountains and other lovely works by local artists.

Canadian Rockies

The Rocky Mountain Soap Company makes soaps and body/bath items that are handmade without chemicals or artificial scents. You can preview their unique merchandise and order on line at their website or visit their Canmore and Banff stores.

Toronto

Located in the art-friendly Distillery Historic District, a place to get truly original works is Distill. The gallery features the work of more than 60 emerging Canadian artists, craftspeople and designers, working in a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, furniture, ceramics, glass and jewellery.

Calgary

Rubaiyat carries a diverse array of jewellery, art objects and home décor, ranging from pieces imported from Africa and Asia to carefully selected works by local artisans. Also check out our special feature, One of a Kind Gifts, for more unique ideas.

Vancouver

The Circle Craft Co-operative is located in the ever-popular Granville Island and specializes in regional fine craft. This month it also holds its annual Christmas Craft Market at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre: more than 200 Canadian artisans and craftspeople sell everything from puppets and pottery to weaving and jewellery (Nov 9 - 13).

Edmonton

The Alberta Craft Council Gallery offers a diverse selection of Alberta-made fine crafts including handcrafted pottery, glassware, textiles, jewellery and home furnishings. This colourful downtown shop also hosts special exhibits and events throughout the year.

Winnipeg

The Garden Room carries great merchandise to bring the outdoors in, including artwork, tools, decor accents and ornaments. It is located at 444 Academy Rd.

 

WHERE Specials

As a service to readers and our tourism partners, here's a selection of special travel deals. For more information or to book, please contact the providers directly.

Delta Pays the Way Whistler BC Vacation

Whistler is known of course as a world-class ski and snowboard destination. But also consider visiting during Cornucopia, Whistler's wine and food celebration (Nov 9 to 13) or the Whistler Film Festival (Dec 1 to 4). If there isn't a festival to your liking, escape for a spa retreat at Sacha Spa and get an Ultimate Body Renewal or Ginger Root Detox Treatment. You can also tour Whistler's famous Brewhouse Pub or scale the Great Wall Underground, Whistler's climbing and guiding centre.

There's plenty to try and Delta helps Pay the Way at Delta Whistler Village Suites. Book now and receive a $40 fuel credit rebate off your master bill, as well as daily parking for one vehicle, a 15% discount at Milestones Restaurant, and two nights accommodation in a Delta-category room, starting at only $109 per night. Click here to book.

(All prices in Canadian dollars. WHERE accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or availability of these packages. Please contact package supplier directly.)

Contests

Win Dinner for two

Win Dinner for two in Calgary

Enter our monthly draw for dinner for two at one of our fine local restaurants. Click here to enter.


Win Dinner for two

Win Dinner for two in Vancouver

This month, you can win a dining experience at Caffe de Medici. Click here to enter.




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