WHEREmail

// July 2008

Dear Subscriber

This month we tell you where to find Canada's best summer attractions— from family fun activities to daring rides for thrill seekers, you'll know where to stop by on your next vacation. Plus, we give you the scoop on the hot concerts, festivals, and art exhibits you'll want to check out, and reveal the world's largest outdoor swimming pool.

WHAT'S HOT IN JULY:

Edmonton

Guitar virtuoso and former Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler takes to the stage July 7 at the Jubilee Auditorium, while the jaw-dropping marvels of anatomy in Gunther von Hagens' BODY WORLDS1: The Original Exhibition of Real Human Bodies are on display through to October 18 at the Telus World of Science - Edmonton.

Winnipeg

The Winnipeg Folk Festival July 10 to 13 is a summer highlight for music fans. Headliners this year are former Kinks frontman Ray Davies; Jakob Dylan, son of legend Bob Dylan; and reggae/dub pioneer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry. Birds Hill Provincial Park, call 1-888-655-5354 for tickets. Try your luck at this year's Vegas-themed Winnipeg Fringe Festival, with more than 110 shows staged throughout the Exchange District, on from July 16 to 27. Headquarters at Manitoba Theatre Centre, call 204-956-1340 for info.

Halifax

The jazz world's top talents descend on Halifax from July 11 to 19 for the Atlantic Jazz Festival. Several venues host concerts, from intimate club shows to the festival tent downtown. The year's highlights include the homecoming of Halifax native Holly Cole on July 13, the return of festival favourite Hilario Duran on July 14 and the first Nova Scotia performance by rising star Pyeng Threadgill on July 18.

Toronto

From July 19 to 27, tennis' top stars shine at the Rogers Cup where the game's marquee names, including Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, compete in hopes of securing the $2.45 million U.S. purse. Meanwhile, the Just For Laughs Toronto Festival July 23 to 27, features comedians like Saturday Night Live's Jimmy Fallon, Seinfeld's Jason Alexander and Canada's own Martin Short.

Ottawa

Some of the biggest names in the music business get together in Ottawa for the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest: from July 3 to 13, expect the likes of Feist, The Tragically Hip, James Taylor, Snoop Dogg, and more. On July 12, thousands of players get together to volley for charity during the Hope Volleyball SummerFest. This beach volleyball tournament and concert is the biggest of its kind in the world.

Canadian Rockies

The Banff Centre has been inspiring creativity in the performing arts for 75 years. This legacy is renewed each year with world-class dance, music, film and opera during the Banff Summer Arts Festival. July highlights include the 75th Anniversary Gala (July 3-6), Concerts in the Courtyard (July 8, 15, 22, 29), Banff Chamber Orchestra (July 27), and A Midsummer Night's Dream opera pieces (July 30).

Vancouver

Theatre gets closer to nature at Bard on the Beach, Vancouver's annual Shakespeare festival in Vanier Park running until September 27. Ocean and mountain views frame four of the Bard's classics: Twelfth Night and King Lear alternate on the Mainstage, while The Tempest and Titus Andronicus alternate on the smaller Studio Stage.

Calgary

Calgary's largest and most famous outdoor party, the Calgary Stampede running from July 4 to 13, includes a rodeo, midway rides, chuckwagon races and entertainment for all ages. This year, the free Coca-Cola Stage features performances by artists like Finger Eleven, Natasha Bedingfield, and Jully Black.

The WHERE List:

CANADA'S TOP 10 SUMMER ATTRACTIONS

Where Editors from coast to coast have chosen their picks for the country's best new or improved attractions. Whether you're looking to experience Canada's historical culture, explore natural beauty, or to push your limits with thrill rides, these are attractions you won't want to miss.

Adrena Line Zipline Adventure Tours — Victoria, British Columbia

Test your fear of heights with two suspension bridges and eight ziplines ranging from 150 feet to an amazing 1,000 feet long hung 60 to 150 feet above the ground.

“Behemoth” at Canada's Wonderland — Vaughan, Ontario

Push yourself to the limit with the latest addition to Canada's Wonderland. With a 230-foot climb followed by a heart-stopping 75-degree plummet, this is the country's tallest, fastest and steepest rollercoaster.

Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park Interpretive Centre — Siksika, Alberta

Experience Blackfoot culture from the past to present in this new visitors' centre with guided tours of displays featuring ancient artifacts, tipi designs, dance costumes, an outdoor Earth Lodge Village and more.

Brewster's Lake Minnewanka Boat Tours — Canadian Rockies, Alberta

Boat tours of the sparkling, mountain-ringed waters of Banff National Park's Lake Minnewanka have been conducted for more than 100 years, but this season features a new 50-foot cruiser, along with refurbishments to its existing fleet.

Canadian Petroleum Discovery Centre — Devon, Alberta

This historic site salutes the grit, determination and success of the Alberta oil patch, as well as the men and women who work it. New this summer is the much-anticipated elevator simulated-ride, where guests learn how oil is extracted from the hole up, literally.

The Costume Museum of Canada — Winnipeg, Manitoba

This museum has reinvented history by moving its collection of 35,000 artifacts from a quaint, rural setting to a sexy refurbished warehouse in the Exchange District.

“Facing Mars” at the Ontario Science Centre — Toronto, Ontario

If you could visit Mars and its wonders, would you? Answer that question, asked in Facing Mars, a new interactive exhibit at the Ontario Science Centre about the red planet.

Pier 21, Canada's Immigration Museum — Halifax, Nova Scotia

Selected as one of the Seven Wonders of Canada on a recent CBC TV special, this was the spot where millions of new arrivals first stepped on Canadian soil. In the midst of an ambitious expansion, it's home to interactive permanent and touring exhibits.

Royal Canadian Mint — Ottawa, Ontario

Fabricating circulation coins, unique collectables, medals and medallions, tokens, and bullion coins for the Canadian market, the Mint also produces limited edition coins, commemorating national milestones and treasures—including one for its own milestone this year, its 100th anniversary.

Stanley Park — Vancouver, British Columbia

This celebrated park turns 120 this year—but it hasn't been an easy life. After losing more than 10,000 trees to severe storms in the winter of 2006/2007, the 400-hectare (1,000-acre) green space has since undergone repairs and is up-and-running again, thanks to public support and fundraising.

Click here for the full press release for Canada's Top 10 New or Improved Attractions on where.ca.

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.

Golf in the Canadian Rockies

Delta's Banff Royal Canadian Lodge is offering a summer package with accommodation and a round of golf at the Stanley Thompson golf course, located at the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs. Call for rates.

Theatre Packages at Ontario's Shaw Festival

Get an in-depth, behind-the-scenes experience at Niagara-On-the-Lake's annual theatre festival for $109. Package includes a welcome reception, backstage tour, buffet lunch, matinee performance of Wonderful Town and chat with cast members. Package available July 23 and Aug 28, call the Shaw Festival Box Office at 1-800-511-7429.

Business Class Deals with Lufthansa

Lufthansa is offering business class flights from Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver starting at $1,500. Prices vary according to destination, but all include the full business class experience, complete with lie-flat beds. Offer available until Aug 16 for flights in July and August, maximum stay of one month.

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