WHEREmail

// April 2007

Dear Subscriber

This month our editors choose the nation's best shoe shopping and give you a run-down of April's hottest events. Also, find out why transatlantic flights are getting cheaper, where the world's largest roller coaster is, and how women can travel safely. Plus contests and travel specials.

WHAT'S HOT IN APRIL:

Toronto

Yogis and yoginis congregate in Toronto from April 26 to 29 for the Yoga Conference and Show, featuring more than 120 workshops, seminars and demonstrations. One of Canada's largest food-related events, the 15th annual Good Food Festival and Market gets cooking April 27 to 29 with chef demonstrations and lots of food and drink samples. Also, check out the Museum of Inuit Art, a new 5,000-square-foot museum of Inuit stone carvings and other works.

Edmonton

Drink in the Bram Stoker tale about a charismatic immortal on the prowl for nourishment and love in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's gothic production of Dracula. It comes to Edmonton's Jubilee Auditorium, April 12 and 13. Before the show, head out to New Asian Village, a mainstay that has been serving traditional Indian cuisine in Edmonton for over 20 years. Its new third location on the city's south side features one of the largest Indian buffets in Edmonton.

Canadian Rockies

Lake Louise Mountain Resort heats up April 28 and 29 with their Spring Episode. The snowcapped mountain turns into a place to party with live music and beer gardens. You can also catch the Shop Showdown competition, where local ski and board shops team up employees with sponsored riders to prove who is the best.

Vancouver

The Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival at Whistler ensures the ski season finishes with a bang: 10 days of concerts, movies, winter sports and more, April 13 to 22. Soccer season kicks off this month with the Vancouver Whitecaps playing home games April 21 and 28. If you'd like to burn off some winter pounds join 50,000 other sprinters, joggers and walkers in the Vancouver Sun Run, Canada's largest 10K run, on April 15.

Calgary

The best seats for Flames playoff games, and indeed just about any other sports you can imagine watching on TV is at Flames Central, a new sports entertainment and dining complex on Stephen Avenue downtown. The venue features 150 LCD flat screen TVs on three floors, plus theatre-style seating, Flames memorabilia, upscale casual dining and private suites.

Victoria

On April 14, 95 years to the day the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, Victoria's Royal BC Museum launches Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. This travelling exhibition features more than 275 recovered artifacts and offers an interactive experience for visitors: they can climb the gangplank and walk through authentically recreated first- and third-class corridors and cabins. The exhibit continues through October 14.

Halifax

Canada's top comics gather from April 23 to 28 for the annual Halifax Comedy Festival. Now in its 12th year, the festival features a variety of events, from free noon-hour shows to the Gala Finale with host Mark Critch (This Hour Has 22 Minutes). Other performers include Trevor Boris (Video on Trial), Gavin Crawford, and Jennifer Grant.

The WHERE List:

WHERE the Shoes Are

One of the first questions that will pop into a fashion-conscious traveller's mind when visiting a new city is "where can I go to get some really great shoes?" WHERE's regional editors tackle this question with some well-heeled recommendations for shoe shopping in their respective cities.

Vancouver

Looking for kooky, off-the-wall shoes? Look no further than John Fluevog, a local designer who has gained an international reputation, and has become the undisputed king of quirk. His funky shoes and boots for men and women will make true believers of your feet.

Halifax

Home to Atlantic Canada's only official Rockport Shop, Winsbys on Spring Garden Road is the destination of choice for the discerning shoe shopper. Winsbys also boasts a selection of styles from around the globe, ranging from Clark's of England for men to Italian dress shoes from Amalfi for women.

Toronto

Holt Renfrew's (50 Bloor St W) revamped footwear department is the perfect place to satisfy a shoe fix. Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw as you peruse such exclusive designers as Balenciaga, Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs and Chloe. Men aren't left barefoot though, with the best from Dior, Prada, Paul Smith and England's revered Barker Black.

Edmonton

Known for their eat-your-heart-out style and beautiful quality leathers, Enprivado Shoes is the perfect place to find a great pair of Spanish designed shoes that range from mainstream to "olé" couture. Private viewings can be held upon request after business hours.

Canadian Rockies

Designer shoes in the Canadian Rockies eschew heels and lean more towards heavy treads. Drop by Monod Sports and see if one of the knowledgeable Monod brothers can hook you up with the perfect pair of hiking boots.

Calgary

Find casual and ultra-trendy shoes at Gravity Pope, an eclectic shoe shop on 17th Ave, carrying designer names like Blundstone, Audley, Birkenstock, Stella McCartney and more. Arnold Churgin is another "must-see"—it specializes in private-label high fashion shoes and boots from around the world.

TRAVEL 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 Whistler Village Suites End of Season Blowout Sale

Delta's late winter season deal comes with an affordable price tag. Stay two nights and your third night is just $1. So if you haven't already, wax up your skis and snowboards and visit Whistler while the great snow conditions are still here. Offer valid from April 9-May 31, 2007. Minimum 3 night stay.

Snow Train Express (Edmonton-Jasper)

Follow a new set of tracks through the snow to Jasper, at a new low fare of only $93 (one-way). VIA's Snow Train Express leaves Edmonton for Jasper on Friday evening at 4 pm and arrives back in Edmonton on Sunday at 11:30 pm. Offering convenient connections with the Canadian, the Snow Train Express features VIA's exclusive Panorama viewing cars and includes meal service. Offer valid until April 22.

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