WHEREmail

// October 2005

Dear Subscriber

This issue, we talk about the best spots to catch the fall colours and recommend fun festivals on subjects like mountain films and award-winning wines. Also, plan your next trip using the improved www.WHERE.ca, with a Visit Planner, comprehensive shopping, dining and entertainment listings and mapping functions to get you where you want to be.

What's Hot in October:

Vancouver

Best-selling authors read from their new books at the Vancouver International Writers and Readers Festival. Topping this year's list of Canadian and international writers are Margaret Atwood, Vikram Seth, Alice Munro, and Neil Gaiman, Oct 18 to 23.

New York

You haven't seen New York until you've seen Brooklyn, these days home to bohemian enclaves, cutting-edge restaurants, and multimillion-dollar brownstones. Here are 7 reasons to check out the city's most famous outer borough.

Calgary

Taste some award-winning wines while sampling appetizers created by international chefs competing for a $20,000 grand prize—what more could you ask for? It's all at the Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival Oct 13 to 15.

Toronto

If fall fashion is your thing, check out our guide to the chic-iest boutiques, from Bloor Street to King Street East and Queen Street West.

Halifax

Discover why the Maritime Fall Fair is a beloved rite of autumn for so many families. The 10-day (Oct 7 to 16) agricultural fair features livestock, fruit and vegetable exhibits, horse and cattle competitions, a petting zoo, midway and more.

Canadian Rockies

Outdoor enthusiasts have their pilgrimage: the annual Banff Mountain Film Festival. Co-sponsored by National Geographic, it features 50 jury-selected films on climbing expeditions, remote cultures and wild places. Call 403-762-6675 for info. For more ideas while visiting the Rockies, click here.

Victoria

Opening Oct 7 at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is a much-anticipated show of works by Vancouver Island artist and Governor General Award-winner Takao Tanabe. The exhibit includes paintings that present an awe-inspiring vision of the Canadian landscape.

Ottawa

Fresh from New York and backed by a five-piece jazz ensemble, Tony-winning tap-dancer/choreographer Savion Glover wows the crowd on Oct 22 with Improvography, his latest fleet-footed creation.

Winnipeg

Celebrating the power of womanhood, the third annual FemFest festival of female playwrights features readings and stage productions written and performed by women.

Edmonton

Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet is often referred to as the greatest ballet score ever composed. The work will be brought to life by the choreography of Jean Grand-Maitre, accompanied by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Oct 21 and 22.

Podcast Travel Guide

Whether it's your first trip or your 50th, this audio journey of select Vancouver neighbourhoods is a great way to get to know the city—its history, culture, and attractions, as well as great tips on the best things to do and see while visiting.

The WHERE List:

Autumn can be an amazing time of glorious natural beauty, if you know where to look. Our editors across the country give you the inside track on how to discover the best views of their city's fall colours this October.

Ottawa

In October, the leaves of the Gatineau Hills are at their most colourful.  During "Fall Rhapsody," visitors can take part in activities which celebrate the brilliance of autumn. Among the offerings are events designed to heighten awareness of the Gatineau Park's diverse ecology, from its lakes to its flora and fauna.

Winnipeg

Visit Fort Whyte and Oak Hammock Marsh and not only can you see brilliant landscapes of golden and russet leaves, you will also witness thousands of ducks and geese who rest here during their annual migration south. It's one of nature's most incredible sights, one not to be missed while in town this fall.

Edmonton

Routinely cited as one of its most picturesque assets, Edmonton's River Valley Parks comes colourfully alive in the fall. A scenic stroll through its many and intricately connected trails as well as offleash sites, playgrounds and picnic sites all afford one an upclose and personal view of the surrounding foliage as it turns to luscious shades of gold, orange and rust.

Halifax

A short drive west of Halifax on Route 333, Peggy's Cove is a Nova Scotian highlight year-round. Enjoy an autumn drive along the seacoast, see the iconic lighthouse, watch the ocean and enjoy a meal of fresh seafood.

Canadian Rockies

For splendid fall scenery, drive the Icefields Parkway. Along the 230-km route that connects Banff and Jasper national parks are towering snow-capped mountains,  hanging glaciers and pristine sub alpine lakes. Check out the famous Ice Explorer trip atop the Columbia Icefield before it closes for the season October 15, or visit the historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge by Bow Lake which is open year 'round.

Victoria

From winery tours to family-friendly festivities at the local farms, fall is a favourite time of year in Victoria. For an amazing look at autumn colour, a visit to The Butchart Gardens can't be beat.

Calgary

For an exquisite fall experience, take a stroll through the city's lovely downtown Prince's Island Park, an oasis of calm right in the middle of the bustling downtown core. In addition to the colourfully changing trees, ducks and geese collect in the nearby lagoon. Enjoy it all from the cozy confines of the River Café restaurant located in the heart of the island.

Vancouver

Fall colours are a rarity on the rainy, evergreen West Coast, but the VanDusen Botanical Garden's Japanese maples fit the bill for visitors needing an autumn foliage fix.

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: Fall Seniors Giveaway

Those 55 and over can now save 25% off their room rate at Delta Sherwood Inn in Muskoka, Ontario. From Sep 19 to Oct 30, 2005, stroll more than ten kilometres of wooded trails, make a special find at nearby antique stores, or tee off on Thomas McBroom's Lake Joseph Club. With fall colours coming and the weather on the turn, Muskoka makes a perfect getaway.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner Package

Keith O'Leary and Margo Morrison, the world famous producers and creators of Murder Mystery Weekend Inc., bring their talents to The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a spine-tingling weekend of fun and investigation Oct 28 to Oct 30, 2005. Rates start from $424 CAD per person (based on double occupancy) and include two nights accommodation, a Friday welcome reception, Saturday Breakfast and Lunch, Interactive Murder Mystery Reception and Dinner on Saturday evening and Sunday Brunch

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

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