WHEREmail

// February 2008

Dear Subscriber

This month from coast to coast, we give you the best reasons to bundle up and get outdoors. Plus, we reveal the country's hottest events from concerts to theatre acts to wine festivals, and tell you how to research small air carriers.

WHAT'S HOT IN FEBRUARY:

Vancouver

Celebrating the beginning of the two-year countdown to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Cultural Olympiad 2008 from Feb 1 to Mar 21, highlights talent from B.C. and around the world, featuring performances of contemporary, classical and Aboriginal music; theatre; dance; film; and new media.

Edmonton

Frankenstein fans will enjoy a "same-only-different" take on the Mary Shelley classic tale that has lured the likes of DeNiro and Branagh. It's on Feb 2 to 24 at the Catalyst Theatre.

Canadian Rockies

February's premier festival, Canmore Winterfest Feb 15 to 23, offers a full roster of fun events for the whole family including art displays, ice carving, Kid n' Mutt races, log-sawing, Trappers Ball and more.

Calgary

Riverdance, on its farewell tour, brings its thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance to the Jubilee Auditorium Feb 12 to 17. Since it began, the show has played over 10,000 performances throughout 32 countries, to an audience of more than 21 million people.

Halifax

Running throughout the month, the Savour Food & Wine Festival celebrates the very best that Nova Scotia's dining scene has to offer. Visit the Farmer's Market, take a cooking class with local chefs, or discover the province's award-winning wineries. It all culminates in the Savour Food & Wine Show at the Westin Nova Scotian (1181 Hollis St.) Feb 28.

Toronto

Rev your engines at the much-anticipated Canadian International Auto Show Feb 15 to 24; or discover the latest in taste and style for the home at the Interior Design Show Feb 21 to 24. If a play's the ticket, enjoy a theatrical retelling of Charles Dickens' The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby Feb 23 to Apr 20.

Ottawa

Hawksley Workman, the magnetic multi-instrumentalist, puts on a great live show at the Bronson Centre on Feb 28. Sample colourful Asian Fusion dishes to warm up your taste buds at Santé—plus find local art exhibits and Holtz Spa located on-site.

Victoria

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Pacific Opera Victoria presents one of opera's most enduring tales, Puccini's Madama Butterfly, at the Royal Theatre Feb 14 to 23.

The WHERE List:

BEST REASONS TO GET OUTDOORS

It may be cold outside, but our editors from across the country have rounded up activities from coast to coast that'll make you want to brave the elements and get outside.

Halifax

Just outside Halifax on Hammonds Plains Road, Hatfield Farm Cowboy Adventures is the perfect place to get outdoors and shake off the winter blahs. Every Sunday at 2 pm, you can join the sleigh ride on the Farm's 12 kilometres of woodland trails.

Toronto

Stay cool this season listening to DJ'd music as you glide around the Natrel Skating Rink at Harbourfront Centre, Canada's largest artificially cooled outdoor ice rink, which stays icy in climes up to 8°C and overlooks Lake Ontario's lovely waterfront.

Vancouver

February in Vancouver means one thing: skiing. And with Whistler Blackcomb, Grouse, Seymour, and Cypress to choose from, there are options to suit every ability.

Edmonton

You won't want to miss "The Birkie," a.k.a. Canada's premier Viking-theme crosscountry ski race, on Feb 8 and 9—the event also includes a Nordic Fair and Viking Feast.

Canadian Rockies

Most everyone travelling the Canadian Rockies in winter goes to ski or snowboard. Banff and Jasper are national parks where large-scale development is prohibited, making the ski areas less crowded and more 'naturally' majestic.

Ottawa

It's hard to find a reason not to get outside in Ottawa this month. The world-famous Winterlude runs from Feb 1 to 17, and offers everything from skating on the Rideau Canal to concerts to snow and ice sculptures.

Victoria

As the City of Gardens, one of the best reasons to head outdoors is Victoria's winter gardens. Good choices include Glendale Gardens and Woodland for a quiet, contemplative stroll, or the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Sunday afternoons in February are also ideal at Abkhazi Gardens, when the heritage garden hosts a hellebore and snowdrop walkabout.

Calgary

Experience family-focused events at Winterfest Feb 8 to 18 with activities like skating parties, pond hockey tournaments and dances—all aiming to get you outside. Highlights include a kick-off carnival, a multicultural celebration and a Family Fun Zone.

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.

Muskoka Summer Special

Enjoy canoeing, kayaking and hiking in Muskoka without having to find a cottage. Delta Rocky Crest Resort is now offering a 7 Night Cottage Special, including a two-bedroom suite, breakfast, restaurant credits and a boat cruise on Lake Joseph, all for a family of four. Valid between June 27 and August 31. To book call: 1-866-323-3305.

Vancouver-Auckland non-stop for $1,318

Until April 30, book a non-stop flight between Vancouver and Auckland for $1,318. Or, for another $86, continue on to Christchurch or Wellington. Valid for travel between May 1 and June 8.

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