Koko Restaurant + Bar Opens at the Opus Hotel in Montreal on May 10

Montreal has a hot and hip new resto opening this month. It's Koko Restaurant + Bar at the Opus Hotel.

I wrote a piece on it for Vagablond --- click on and read all about it. Plus watch the video!

Delta Hotels & Resorts : 41 across Canada

I didn't realize Delta has 41 hotels and resorts across Canada.

And this spring, many of the properties are offering spring break and golf offers. Here are just a few:

Delta Fredericton, New Brunswick ~ Birdie Package:

One-night's accommodation
Full hot breakfast for two
One round of golf at Kingswood
One round of golf at Mactaquac Golf Course
Complimentary parking and high speed Internet

Delta Centre-Ville, Montreal ~ Summer Sweet Deal:

Accommodation (minimum two nights, third night 50% off)
Full American breakfast for two in Chez Antoine
Special gift courtesy of Tourisme Montréal
Discount card + gift with purchase of $75 or more
Calendar of events à la Montréal
Exclusive Sweet Deals booklet for six attractions

Delta Bow Valley, Calgary ~ You "Otter" Be At The Zoo:

One-night's accommodation
Family pass to the Calgary Zoo (2 adults & 2 children)
$20 in "zoo bucks"
Parking for one vehicle

For reservations, book online or call 888-890-3222.

Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa
Photo by Sue Frause

Springtime in the Rockies

Sad to say, but I've never experienced Springtime in the Rockies, except for the song.

Maybe it's time to go east, middle aged woman, go east!

Through May 31, Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts is offering two special packages. They include:

Savour the Rockies Package - Guests receive a copy of CRMR’s cookbook, Simple Treasures; the company’s signature homemade mustard melons; one night's accommodation and breakfast for two.

Western Canada Special - For the more budget-minded traveler hailing from Alberta and the rest of Western Canada. One night's accommodation at a reduced rate.

Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts includes Emerald Lake Lodge in Field, British Columbia; Deer Lodge in Lake Louise, Alberta; and Buffalo Mountain Lodge in Banff, Alberta.

CRMR also owns these Calgary foodie establishments: Cilantro, Velvet, The Ranche Wine & CheeseBistro, Bin 905 and Canadian Rocky Mountain Ranch. It also owns Panino bakery in Canmore.

Scheduled to open in June 2008 is Painted Boat Resort Spa & Marina, located at Pender Harbour on BC's Sunshine Coast.

Emerald Lake Lodge in Field, BC
Photo: Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts

Window on Canada: Chinese Garden

Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden, Vancouver
Photograph by Sue Frause

"The Custodian of Paradise"

One of my all-time favorite books is by author E. Annie Proulx.

Shipping News, which was so yummy that I devoured it twice, is in my top ten books of all time list.

Since the novel was set in Newfoundland, I assumed Proulx was Canadian. The author was in fact born in Connecticut, but studied history at both the University of Vermont and Montreal's Concordia University. She has homes in Wyoming and Newfoundland.

I've also read Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid's Tale), Ann-Marie McDonald (Fall on Your Knees), Carol Shields (The Stone Diaries), Alice Munro (numerous) and still have yet to tackle Stanley Park by Timothy Taylor (I bought it 5+ years ago and maybe I'm waiting to read it in Stanley Park).

An author I'm not familiar with is Wayne Johnston, born in the St. John's area of Newfoundland 50 years ago. His sequel to The Colony of Unrequited Dreams is The Custodian of Paradise, and it's now out in paperback.

It continues the story of Newfoundland newspaper columnist Sheilagh Fielding. I best pick up Unrequited Dreams and read that first.

Victoria-Abbotsford on fault line

I recently wrote about the South Whidbey Island Fault in my Seattle P-I blog. It's larger than they originally thought and it runs right through my island.

It turns out that two more faults have been recently uncovered by scientists, and one affects folks in British Columbia.

The Globe and Mail has an article by Cathryn Atkinson:

Fault lines may threaten Victoria, Abbotsford - U.S. seismologist says two newly discovered earthquake fault lines south of the B.C.-Washington State border need further study

Click on The Globe link above to read the entire story.

Arriving from Seattle via Kenmore Air in Victoria's Inner Harbour
Photo by Sue Frause

Scud Stud sues Wilson's War

CBCNEWS.CA reports that Arthur Kent, the Canadian journalist called the Scud Stud for his coolness under fire during the 1991 Gulf War, has sued the makers of the feature film Charlie Wilson's War.

Kent claims his intellectual property rights have been violated because footage used in the 2007 film about covert U.S. dealings in Afghanistan was drawn without his consent from his 1986 reporting on the war-torn country.

The story has been picked up internationally, including this piece on FOXNEWS.COM.

New Brunswick & Nova Scotia celebrate anniversaries, too!

Quebec and British Columbia aren't the only places in Canada celebrating major anniversaries this year. Quebec City's 400th and BC's 150th have resulted in year-long celebrations.

Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are also throwing a year-long celebration -- for the 225th anniversary of the United Empire Loyalists landing.

Following the Revolutionary War, 3,000 Loyalists fled to Shelburne, Nova Scotia while others continued on to New Brunswick. The population quickly swelled to 10,000, making Shelburne the fourth largest city in North America. Nearby Birchtown became Canada’s first free black settlement.

This summer, Shelburne is hosting three weekends of boat races, tall ship tours, treasure hunts, concerts and fireworks. A re-enactment on July 17 features 500 costumed characters. Visitors who aren't into playing soldier can get in the spirit at the annual provincial Town Crier Competition or attend the Loyalist Garden Party, complete with a pageant of 18th century dress.

From June through August, Nova Scotia will commemorate the 250th anniversary of Louisbourg’s second siege. The Fortress of Louisbourg will host a series of encampments (with North America’s first nighttime siege re-enactment) and military displays (July 25-27). The three-day celebration includes fireworks, parades, chowder cook-offs, street dances, concerts and quilt displays.

Lobsterpalooza 2008 is Cape Breton's newest festival -- and it's 185 miles long. Running from May 25-June 30, it's 35 days of feasts and fun including lobster suppers, whale watching tours and Gaelic music.

If you're not a lobster fan, there are also mussels, clams, oysters and crab.

Starwood offers 3/2 at select hotels

Although I'm happy to be back home after my trip to Mexico, I'm already looking forward to my next adventure -- an overnighter in Vancouver.

I'll take Amtrak from Everett, Washington which means no lines at the border. And no driving!

Now through May 31, Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Canada is making a long Canadian weekend a reality for travelers.

Reserve two nights and receive the third free at Starwood properties in Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Tremblant.

Starwood's list of hotels includes Sheraton, Four Points, W Hotel, Le Meridien and Westin.

Of course there are rules and restrictions. Here they are:

*Arrival day of Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Valid for a three night minimum/maximum length of stay only.
*Consecutive reservations for this offer will not be honored.
*These offers are based on Starwood's best available unrestricted retail rates. Valid for new reservations only.
*Advance purchase required. Credit card will be charged at time of booking.
*Cancellations are non-refundable; if cancellation takes place, guests forfeit total room charge plus tax.
*Rates are per room, per night, based on single/double occupancy and availability at time of reservation and do not include additional per room, per night charges that may be imposed, resort fees, or state/local taxes.
*A limited number of rooms may be available at these rates and additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply.
*Offer not applicable to groups.
*Not to be combined with other offers or promotions and subject to change.
*Not responsible for omissions or typographical errors.
*Void where prohibited by law.
*Starwood reserves the right to discontinue this offer at any time.

View of Coal Harbour from the Vancouver's Westin Bayshore
Photograph by Sue Frause

Vancouverites open boutique hotel in Mexico

San Francisco ~ I'm en route back to Whidbey Island after spending nine days in Mexico. Two in Mexico City and the rest of the time visiting my 92-year-old Aunt Corinne in San Miguel de Allende -- she's been wintering there for 30+ years.

I'd never been to San Miguel, and fortunately I discovered a wonderful inn high up in the hills. Called Casa Don Pascual, it's only been open for a little over a year, and yes there is a Canadian connection. The owners, Herbert and Pascal, are Vancouverites. Here's info from their website about their truly spectacular inn:

Winter 2004 was upon us in Vancouver, British Columbia. We needed some sunshine and were surfing the internet about a Mexican destination we did not know yet. There it was, San Miguel de Allende, colonial, colors, high up in the Sierra Madre at almost 2000 meters, lots of art, music, traditions, folklore and much more. “Thats the place we want to visit”. We booked a B & B, spent a wonderful week in San Miguel de Allende, returned many times more in the next 6 months and ended up building our own dream house and B & B, Casa Don Pascual. We are located close to the historic center, only a short walk to the main square of San Miguel de Allende, called by the locals el jardin - the garden.

Designed, built and managed by the owners, no details were spared and Luxury was our guide. Our Bed & Breakfast hotel offers up to 5 suites, all beautifully decorated and painted in bright, Mexican vibrant colors. All rooms have a fireplace. Large bathrooms with double sinks, heat and fullsize bathtubs complement the comfort of Casa Don Pascual.

Enjoy our large saltwater outdoor pool with jacuzzi or simply grab a book in our spacious living room and read by the fireplace. From our generous outdoor patios enjoy the breathtaking views of San Miguel de Allende and its many churches. You will savor our sumptuous breakfasts offering Mexican and international cuisine.

I stumbled upon their website by accident and soon I was booked in for a night. I can't wait to return. 

Unfortunately, Herbert and Pascal were in Vancouver during my too-short stay, but I'm planning to have lunch with them up north next month. Running the show during their absence is Bryan, a most wonderful host from Ontario. 

It took two years to build Casa Don Pascual, a luxury B&B high in the hills of San Miguel

Photograph by Sue Frause

San Miguel de Allende : Toller Cranston

According to an article in Travel + Leisure (March 2007), there are 12,000 expatriates living in San Miguel del Allende, Mexico (population 80,000). Of those, roughtly 70 percent of them are from the United States.

But the rest hail from Canada, Europe and Argentina.

One of the more famous Canadians living here is Toller Cranston, ice skater turned artist and illustrator. Born in Hamilton, Ontario he is often described as one of the most influential figure skaters of the 20th century.

His work is available here (Sollano 84, ring the bell), but he's also represented in Canada, including the Jenkins Showler Gallery in White Rock, BC.

La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel
Photograph by Sue Frause

Window on Canada : Ottawa

A view of Parliament Hill from the Ottawa River
Photo by Sue Frause

Toronto : World's highest glass elevator?

Several years ago I went up the CN Tower in Toronto and was pretty impressed by portions of the floor that were in glass.

It was a bit eerie seeing all the way down to the ground.

Now the CN Tower has a glass floor elevator and they're trying to set a new world record as the world's highest glass floor elevator.

It lost its 32-year-old world record to the Burj Dubai in the United Arab Emirates for being the tallest freestanding structure on the planet

If you to see where you've been, take a ride. If not, just read this story about it on CBCNEWS.CA.

Photo of the CN Tower in Toronto by Sue Frause

Canadian spotted over Mexico

Window on Canada : BC's seat of power

British Columbia's Parliament Buildings in Victoria. The Vancouver Island landmark was designed by Frances Rattenbury, also the architect of The Fairmont Empress. Photo by Sue Frause.

Herbie Hancock: A Case of Joni Mitchell

If you don't have Herbie Hancock in your music collection, you may want to reconsider.

The renowned jazz pianist recently won the 2008 Grammy for Album of the Year.

River: The Joni Letters, is a tribute to the music of JUNO award winning Joni Mitchell -- my all time favorite Canadian musician.

The CD's dozen cuts include Court and Spark, featuring Norah Jones; River, with Corinne Bailey Rae; Amelia, featuring Luciana Souza, The Jungle Line with Leonard Cohen and Tea Leaf Prophecy with Joni Mitchell. Other artists include Tina Turner and Sonya Kitchell.

There's also a lovely instrumental version of A Case of You.

Musicians performing with Hancock include Wayner Shorter, soprano and tenor sax; Dave Holland, bass; Vinnie Colaiuta, drums; Lionel Loueke, guitar; Larry Klein, bass; Paulinho Da Costa, percussion; and Dean Parks, guitar.

Beautifully produced and arranged by Larry Klein and Herbie Hancock.

Photograph by Sue Frause

Passports needed for US by 2009

By June 1, 2009 you'll need a passport to cross the border.

Both Canadian and American citizens will either have to have a passport or other federally approved ID to enter the US through land or sea borders.

Read Kristin Jackson's article in The Seattle Times for more information.

The Peace Arch Border Crossing between Blaine, WA and Surrey, BC. Photo by Sue Frause.

Churchill, Manitoba: It's on my long list of ...

I've been to Winnipeg, Manitoba and I liked it a lot.

Not every South of the 49th Paralleler can lay claim to that.

But I've yet to journey north to Churchill, home of the polar bears and more.

It's on my long list of places to see while I'm still alive.

I found a somewhat dry video on YouTube about Churchill. But before I come off sounding like a snobby Simon Cowell, I should add that it's a documentary by Ken White. He's winner of the Gloucester Cine and Video Club's Documentary Competition 2008.

Gloucester -- as in Gloucester, England.

Don't expect MTV. But it does present interesting facts about Churchill and best of all, there are some good shots of polar bears at the end of the video.

Just bundle up and click on the arrow.

Calgary : Canada's next arts mecca?

Calgary hosted the annual JUNO Awards on Sunday night.

Does that make it a great arts city?

According to a recent article in the Globe and Mail, this former Alberta cow town now awash in oil $$ is poised to be the next cultural arts hub of Canada.

You can read the article here.

Calgary Tower in Winter
Photo by Sue Frause

Enjoy exotic tastes at COAST and Sanafir, April 9-20 in Vancouver

This year's Dine Out Vancouver is but a fleeting memory, but the restaurant scene in this city is always ramped up. Two of my favorite restos, COAST and Sanafir, are offering the exotic tastes of Japan and India April 9-20.

COAST, located in Yaletown, has Executive Chef Josh Wolfe at the helm. He's created dishes that mix both traditional fare such as sashimi, with more contemporary offerings such as a chocolate sushi dessert.

The menu includes starters, mains and desserts; guests have the option of two choices for each course. For even more fun, reserve the Chef's Community Table, which seats up to 14 people. There's also a heated outdoor patio for fans of al fresco dining.

Not far away on Granville Street is the exotic Sanafir Restaurant & Lounge. Its Discover the Silk Route promotion also runs April 9-20, and is so much easier than that long flight to New Delhi.

Executive Chef Mark McEwan is trying to be as authentic as possible, with a menu that celebrates the sweet and spicy nature of Indian cuisine.

First course is Papaya and Potato Salad with Chopped Cilantro; main course selections are Pam Bhaji, Chicken Briyani and Lamb Korma; and dessert is Pistachio Kulfi.

Too bad I won't be in Vancouver 'til May.

Tulips in bloom at English Bay
Photo by Sue Frause

It was Feist Night on CTV

I was disappointed not to be able to watch the annual JUNO Awards last night. Alas, they were on CTV, and my cable company doesn't have CTV on their menu. It's CBC or nothing for me.

But Feist did good! The Calgary singer pulled off a hat-trick in her hometown of Calgary, winning three awards on CTV's broadcast: Single of the Year, Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.

She also won two JUNO Awards for Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year at the JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards. That made for a clean sweep in all five categories in which she was nominated.

The five JUNOs cap off a great year for the artist, who earned four Grammy Award nominations, released a chart-topping album and delivered one of the most downloaded songs and vides of the year with 1234.

Highlights from the broadcast are now available on demand on The CTV Broadband Network at junos.CTV.ca. MuchMoreMusic presents an encore broadcast of The 2008 JUNO Awards on Thursday, April 10 at 8 PM EDT.

For a complete list of the winners, go to www.junoawards.ca.

Canada goes to Beverly Hills

The Canada Tourism Commission is hosting its annual Canada Media Marketplace in Beverly Hills, California this week. More than 100 tourism partners, from Air Canada to Yukon Wilderness Tourism, will participate in the three-day event.

Travel journalists are flown in and hosted for the marketplace, which gives them an opportunity to meet one on one with representatives from the Canadian tourism industry.

I've been to the past two marketplaces held in Southern California (it alternates with NYC every year), and found them to be both beneficial and fun. Unfortunately, I won't be attending this year.

Key sponsors for Canada Media Marketplace 2008 are Air Canada, Travel Alberta, Tourism New Brunswick, VIP Rail Canada, Tourism Kelowna, Ontario Tourism, BC Sustainable Tourism Collective, Ottawa Tourism, Quebec City, Prince Edward Island, Tourism British Columbia and Tourism Saskatchewan.

The event is held at The Beverly Hilton.

Springtime in Beverly Hills
Photo by Sue Frause

Fire destroys Quebec armoury

Quebec City's 124-year-old armoury
was destroyed by fire last night.

Read more about it on canada.com.

Window on Canada : Toronto

The old and new. Sue Frause photo.

The Hour's George Stroumboulopoulos

I'm a big fan of George and The Hour. George as in George Stroumboulopoulos (try to say that three times), who hosts the weeknight show on CBC Television at 11 PM.

The show is described on its website as a national current affairs show. "It's not a newscast. It's not a magazine show. Always unconventional. Often controversial. Never predictable."

Whatever you call it, I like it. Host George S. is honest and edgy, and he started his journalism career at a rock station in Kelowna, BC. From there he moved on to sports radio in Toronto and then worked as a producer at MuchMusic and hosted The Punk Show, The NewMusic, LOUD and MuchNews.

He's a graduate of Humber College's Radio Broadcasting program in Toronto.

If you wanna watch The Hour live, it's taped in studio at the CBC Broadcasting Centre in downtown Toronto. Tapings are Monday-Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 PM and Thursday from 4:30-6:00 PM. For more information on getting tickets, go to their website.

Ian McAllister's "The Last Wild Wolves"

I was pleased to hear that one of Canada's leading environmental advocates will be speaking on my island next week.

Vancouver born Ian McAllister spent years exploring the rugged West Coast of his province. It instilled in him a passion for conservation and today he is one of Canada's leading advocates for rain forest protection.

With a keen interest in wildlife behavior and ecology, particularly coastal wolves and grizzly bears, the accomplished open ocean sailor has spent much of his last 20 years observing the large carnivorous land animals that inhabit the rugged north coast of British Columbia.

McAllister’s first book, The Great Bear Rainforest (1997), was co-authored with his wife Karen McAllister and Cameron Young. It won the 1998 Bill Duthie Booksellers’ Choice Award for BC Book of the Year.

His current book, The Last Wild Wolves: Ghosts of the Rain Forest, describes his experiences following two packs of wolves -- one in the extreme outer coastal islands and another farther inland in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest.

This haunting book of photography of the wild wolves has been nominated for both the Roderick Haig-Brown Regional Prize and the BC Booksellers' Choice Award. The winners for both prizes will be announced at the BC Book Prize Gala Dinner on April 26, 2008 at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel.

Ian McAllister lives on Denny Island in the heart of BC's Great Bear Rainforest with his wife and their two children, Callum and Lucy.

Slide show and lecture with Ian McCallum
Wednesday, April 9, 7:30 PM
Whidbey Institute's Thomas Berry Hall
Clinton, Whidbey Island, Washington
$5 suggested donation

Ian McAllister photo from The Last Wild Wolves

The Stay List : 150 hotels you will love (including one in Nova Scotia)

According to National Geographic Traveler Editor Keith Bellows, there is no greater letdown than a hotel that isn't original and fails to exhibit any understanding of its cultural context.

Hence the creation of National Geographic Traveler's Stay List that celebrates 150 hotels in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean region.

They were selected as among the best at blending location-inspired architecture, ambiance, amenities, eco-stewardship and an ethic of giving back to the community.

One Canadian inn that made the list is Nova Scotia's Trout Point Lodge. Nestled next to the Tusket River in southern Nova Scotia, the wilderness lodge features "haute rustic" comfort. This year, it opens May 16.

The list is organized by country, state and city and showcases overnights that range from rustic to luxurious, dirt cheap to splurge. Yet all the featured hotels cherish a sense of place and offer a sweet night's sleep.

It's in the April 2008 issue of National Geographic Traveler.