WHEREmail

// October 2008

Dear Subscriber

From writer festivals to female rockers and NHL action, this issue of Wheremail reveals the country's hottest entertainment tickets. We also give you the scoop on how Canadian cities are getting into the spirit of Halloween and the latest developments on underage air travellers.

WHAT'S HOT IN OCTOBER:

Toronto

The International Festival of Authors Oct 22 to Nov 1, features on-stage interviews, book signings and noteworthy guests like fest vet Michael Ondaatje (The English Patient), award-winning Rohinton Mistry (A Fine Balance), and newcomer Joe Dunthorne (Submarine). Also, the city is alive with the Sound of Music all fall when the Rodgers & Hammerstein hit-musical takes the stage starring Elicia MacKenzie, winner of CBC's reality show, How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?

Edmonton

Women were the focus in The Vagina Monologues, now it's the men's turn with Cocktales, an evening of penis-centred hilarity and hairy-chested monologues from the same folks who brought you The Full Monty. Don't expect full, frontal nudity here—just lots of cheek! It runs Oct 23 to 26 at the Myer Horowitz Theatre, University of Alberta.

Ottawa

Cirque du Soleil's popular act Corteo has extended its Ottawa engagement until Oct 26—with 16 additional shows filled with daring acrobatics and stunning sights under the Grand Chapiteau. The capital's NHLers, The Ottawa Senators, kick off their 2008/2009 season with six home games this month: Oct 4, 11, 17, 18, 22, and 24.

Winnipeg

Manitoba Theatre Centre's Pride and Prejudice opens Oct 16, a show based on one of literature's best-loved romantic novels by Jane Austen. Manitoba Theatre Centre, 174 Market Ave, call 204-942-6537 for tickets. From Oct 22 to 26 the Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs Carmina Burana, one of their most popular shows with an impressive cast of dancers, musicians and singers. German composer Carl Orff's 20th century masterpiece is based on a set of medieval poems found in a Bavarian monastery. Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main St, call 204-780 3333 for tickets.

Canadian Rockies

Canmore celebrates the migration of the golden eagle with the Festival of Eagles Oct 17 to 18. The keynote speakers include Laurie Skreslet, the first Canadian to reach the peak of Mount Everest, and biologist Peter Sherrington who will share his golden eagle research as well as guided hikes to see the birds overhead.

Calgary

Folksy artist and Juno Award-winning singer, Feist stops in her hometown to play the Saddledome Oct 18. From Oct 14 to 19, Wordfest brings renowned writers and authors like Rawi Hage, Austin Clarke, and 75 other local, national and international writers and poets to the city for an event of spoken word performances, readings and film screenings.

Victoria

Sporting events are among the highlights of October, beginning with the Royal Victoria Marathon through the streets of the Garden City Oct 12. Also featured will be a half-marathon, 8 km road race and a kids' 1.2 km fun run. Then, Oct 24 to 26 offers up the home ice opener for the Victoria Salmon Kings, division winners last year and promising plenty of action in this season's campaign for the ECHL's grand prize, the Kelly Cup.

Vancouver

The Material Girl turned 50 recently, but age isn't stopping Madonna from donning sexy costumes and touring the world. When she performs at BC Place Stadium on Oct 30, it will be "Her Madgesty's" first concert ever in Vancouver. We've obviously been anxious to see her: the 60,000-seat stadium sold out in minutes.

The WHERE List:

THE HALLOWEEN SPIRIT

Whether you like to dress up in a funny costume or visit haunted locations, Where editors tell you how you can get into the spirit of Halloween in their cities—both for kids, and for kids at heart.

Ottawa

Haunted Walks of Ottawa is a professional tour company offering walking tours of Ottawa, exposing the city's spooky side. Knowledgeable guides take groups to some of the city's creepiest locales, from City Hall to the Rideau Canal locks and more.

Toronto

Brave bumping into ghouls and goblins while strolling the grounds of Casa Loma on Oct 25 and 26. Toronto's "castle-on-a-hill" is transformed into a haunted mansion, complete with a spooky attic, a dragon in the basement, scavenger hunts and more.

Edmonton

The Scarecrow Festival is Edmonton's premiere Halloween event. Kids and families can get chills in spooky activities and ghastly games—and even build life-sized scarecrows! Festivities include ghost stories, a haunted house, and arts and crafts like making pumpkin centrepieces, Halloween masks or decorating scary wizard hats. There's also a 12-foot pumpkin to check out—from the inside! Oct 17 to 19 at Northlands AgriCom.

Vancouver

If you're a nervous Nelly or a scaredy-cat, you should stay far, far away from Fright Nights at Playland Oct 16 to Nov 1. With attractions such as The Bates Motel, Nature's Nightmare, and House of the Dead, goosebumps are guaranteed.

Winnipeg

From Oct 16 to 30 get spooked with Frights, Frogs and Fairytales at Assiniboine Park Zoo's Boo at the Zoo. Light shows, kiddy rides and scary characters delight parents and children alike.

Canadian Rockies

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a luxurious place to stay, eat or shop while in Banff, but is also known as one of the most haunted places in Canada. Eerie tales that include a secret room, a tragic bride, a sealed room, and the ghostly bellman Sam, provide inspiration for Halloween.

Victoria

Recognized as B.C.'s most haunted city, Victoria embraces this distinction each October with the annual Ghost of Victoria Festival, Oct 16 to 31. Stroll through a Victorian graveyard, enjoy a downtown walking tour past some of the city's most "spirited" sites, take a haunted horse-drawn trolley tour and much more!

Calgary

Running until the end of the month, the costumed interpreters of Calgary Ghost Tours lead participants on walking tours of some of the city's most haunted buildings, parks and landmarks. Four different tours are available in the areas of Kensington, 17 Ave, Downtown and Inglewood.

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.

Travel for Half Price with Via Rail

Receive 50 per cent off when you buy a long-distance travel ticket aboard Via Rail trains the Canadian (Toronto-Vancouver), the Ocean (Montréal-Halifax), or the Chaleur (Montréal-Gaspé). Sleeper class included! Certain conditions apply.

Travel Cuts' Turkish Delight 9-day Tour

Starting from $985, experience this new Turkish adventure that includes visits to the city of Istanbul, memorials of Gallipoli, bazaars and the natural wonders of the thermal hot springs in Pamukkale.

Delta Vancouver Suites' A Night of Romance Package

For two adults this package includes:

• one-night's accommodation in a Delta-category suite
• continental breakfast for two
• Aromatherapy gift basket
• a bottle of sparkling wine
• chocolate covered strawberries
• turndown service
• valet parking

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