New BC Visitor Centre opens @ Peace Arch

While driving up to the BC Ferries at Tsawwassen yesterday, it was fun to see that the new British Columbia Visitor Centre @ Peace Arch had finally opened. Well, it was too early, so the doors weren't yet open for the day. But the $4.6 million visitor centre officially opened in April of 2009, with Premier Gordon Campbell ceremoniously cutting the ribbon.

Approximately three million vehicles pass through the Peace Arch border between BC and Washington state each year. With more than 250,000 visitors expected for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, BC is putting out the welcome mat. The centre was funded by Tourism BC.


According to website of the BC Liberals, the design was inspired by a Semiahmoo First Nations winter dwelling, with a Great Hall supported by local Douglas Fir columns. The layout of the building mimics the twisting Fraser River and from the air, the footprint of the building looks like one of BC's Gulf Islands.

The former visitor centre was a trailer.

Across the way from the centre are new restrooms, landscaping and the nearby duty free shop -- but there is still construction going on at the border crossing between Canada and the U.S. One of the quirky things about the new centre is the use of "@" instead of "at" in the signage. Casual and unusual to say the least.


Photo by Sue Frause

Whistler to be featured on Hell's Kitchen

It seems everywhere you look, there's Whistler! I posted a piece on my Examiner travel site about Whistler's most recent PR coup: Chef Gordon Ramsay of Hell's Kitchen was in Whistler earlier this year, taping a promo for the upcoming season of the reality show. Even better, the winning chef will be rewarded with a top position at Whistler's Araxi Restaurant.

Read my Examiner post about Whistler's lastest TV exposure (July 21!) right here.

Plus there are plenty of suggestions for outdoor adventures in BC's favorite playground. After all, it's summertime in the mountains.

Hiking at Whistler-Blackcomb
Photo by Paul Morrison

Get away to Canada sale (2/1 on United!)

Travel is down this summer and the flights aren't full. That must be why United Airlines is holding a Get Away to Canada sale that is a really good deal: two tickets for the price of one! Here are the rules and regulations:

Purchase by July 5, 2009
14-day advance purchase required
Travel valid daily, must be complete by Sept. 30, 2009
Two-night minimum stay required, maximum stay of 30 days permitted
Additional checked baggage fees may apply
Subject to availability and may not be valid on all flights/dates

Southern Saskatchewan
Photo by Sue Frause

Ridin' the rails with The Bachelorette

Tonight's the night that Jillian Harris and her suitors switch from the urban and ski resort venues of Vancouver and Whistler to a two-province train trip through British Columbia and on to Banff, Alberta. 

Read about the Rocky Mountaineer journey that I took several years ago from Vancouver to Calgary. Although I wasn't accompanied by all those available bachelors, the scenery was exactly the same. Stunning! 

The Bachelorette's Jillian Harris rides the rails on the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Alberta

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Rocky Mountaineer station in Vancouver, BC

Photo by Sue Frause

Quebec's Cirque du Soleil turns 25

Has Cirque du Soleil really been around for a quarter century? I saw one of their shows in Seattle a few years back, and most recently Cavalia in Montreal (described as Cirque du Soleil with horses). The latter is currently touring in North America (it opens in Chicago on July 14) and was founded by Normand Latourelle -- who is also a co-founder of Cirque du Soleil.

But I'm still itchin' to see O in Vegas. Recently, I ran across an article by fellow travel journalist Cinda Chavich of Calgary, courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission. It bears repeating!

I've witnessed lots of spectacles in many particular spots, but nothing sticks with me like my first encounter with Canada's creative circus, Cirque du Soleil of Quebec. It's Cirque's signature show in Las Vegas -- "O" -- that returns often to my mind's eye: a troupe of androgynous swimmers emerge like space creatures from the watery depths to pad softly across a puddled stage; when another dives headlong from a high wire toward the same spot, the stage miraculously dissolves from solid to liquid. In that split second I'm moved from shock to delight.

That surreal encounter was more than a decade ago, but it's still with me. It's been 25 years since the motley collection of 20 Quebec street performers joined together to form the now iconic Cirque du Soleil, and I've yet to see anything that matches the depth of their artistry and imagination.

Nearly 90 million spectators have witnessed Cirque's magical shows and, like me, they're lured back every time this unique circus comes to town. There's probably a show opening somewhereyou, with 20 running simultaneously around the world this year, including my favourite, "O," and five other permanent shows in Las Vegas.

Guy Laliberte -- himself an accordion player, stilt walker and fire-eater -- founded this company of stylish circus performers in 1984, building the phenomenon, literally, from nothing. Now Cirque du Soleil is a huge global company, with some 4,000 employees from around 40 countries (including Olympic athletes and Broadway performers) -- which I'm guessing makes it the world's biggest international theatre troupe.

And I'm sure it's the circus with the biggest social impact. When they're not breathing fire and turning themselves into human pretzels, the Cirque machine is a truly socially responsible citizen of the world, with programs such as ONE DROP foundation, to help ensure everyone across the world has access to water resources; and Cirque du Monde, circus workshops that train and inspire street kids.

Perhaps because of its crazy fusion of Euro-style circus traditions, Chinese contortionists, marvellous mimes, amazing athletics and operatic themes, Cirque du Soleil crosses cultural boundaries as relevant in Toronto, Ontario as Tokyo, Japan. With its visually and physically powerful show, it's a circus that captures the essence of wonder and delight, and a kind of beauty that is familiar yet truly unmatched as an art show.

There have been 25 Cirque du Soleil shows created over the past quarter century, including the new Cirque 2009, which opened in the Old Port of Montreal in April. It all started with the first show, Cirque du Soleil, and an early touring show, We Reinvent the Circus, and they certainly did -- life under the big top has never been the same.

By Cinda Chavich, June 2009

Photograph from O by Veronique Vial

Border towns affected by US switch to digital

American TV switches to digital, Canadian border towns affected


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TV remote photo by Sue Frause

Digging for dinosaur bones: Discover your own T.rex named Sue at Dinosaur Provincial Park

Digging for dinosaur bones: Discover your own T.rex named Sue at Dinosaur Provincial Park


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Photo courtesy The Field Museum, Chicago

Window on Canada: Gulf Islands, BC

Kayak trip with Blue Planet Kayaking
Gulf Islands, British Columbia
Photo b Sue Frause

Whistler's aTwitter about The Bachelorette

The Bachelorette continues her British Columbia adventure that started in Vancouver on the June 8 broadcast. On next week's installment of the popular reality show on June 15, Alberta native Jillian Harris heads to Whistler. Her male entourage has been reduced to ten.

Read more about it here in my Seattle Travel Examiner blog.

If you happen to be in Whistler on Monday, June 15, head over to The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, where the boys and Jillian stayed back in April (I'm assuming in separate wings). Whistler Village is still all aTwitter about their visit and the upcoming show.

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is putting together a special viewing party in the hotel's Mallard Lounge, with several large screens set up; there will also be one outdoors on The Mallard Terrace, weather permitting. For serious fans, there's a quiet zone in The Mallard's private Spirit Room.

They've even come up with a special cocktail named Wild Rose, which is the floral emblem of Jillian’s native Alberta. Pints of Whistler Lager will also be served, and for every Wild Rose or Whistler Lager purchased, viewers will receive a raffle ticket to enter into a drawing. Prizes include a round of golf, passes for PEAK 2 PEAK and the grand prize of a True Attraction* package.

For an extra $49, loyal Bachelorette fans can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the hotel and and see the areas taped for the show; enjoy a glass of celebratory champagne in the Penthouse where the Bachelors bunked; and indulge in a three-course dinner in The Wine Room where the rose ceremony was held. Afterward, join the others in The Mallard Lounge for the episode airing at 8 PM. Reservations are available at 604.938.2033.

*The True Attraction package includes accommodation in a Fairmont room; chocolate dipped strawberries on arrival; breakfast; and a $100 credit toward a Whistler attraction of your choice (Jillian chose Ziptrekking). Rates begin at $279 CAD, based on double occupancy, and the package is available June 15-September 30, 2009.

The rose ceremony will be held in The Wine Room
Photo courtesy The Fairmont Chateau Whistler

The Great Saskatchewan Photo Contest

If your travel plans take you to Saskatchewan, you could win $500! Tourism Saskatchewan is hosting The Great Saskatchewan Photo Contest. Enter your photos in these six categories:

Saskatchewan People: Photos that reflect the character and spirit of Saskatchewan people (no studio photography).

Saskatchewan Nature: Photos of flora and fauna (plants and animals) in their natural habitat.

Prairie Scenic: Photos from the prairie regions of Saskatchewan, including traditional scenes as well as from the Qu'Appelle Valley, hills and badlands and features not typically categorized as prairie.

Woods and Water: Photos reflecting parkland, boreal forest and/or lake settings.

My Saskatchewan Vacation: Photos of people enjoying their Saskatchewan vacation. Images may capture adventure, recreation, relaxation or celebration at a favorite attraction, event or destination in Saskatchewan.

Urban Life: Images that portray the excitement, sophistication and spirit of Saskatchewan's cities and towns. They may also feature events and attractions while visiting the province's urban playgrounds.

A $500 gift certificate will be awarded to the winner in each of the six categories from Don's Photo. The Grand Prize winner, selected from the six category winners, receives an additional $500 gift certificate from Don's Photo. Five merit prizes will also be given in each category. The contest is open to all US and Canadian residents (except Quebec). Contest deadline is Oct. 2, 2009. Contest and entry details may be found here.

Saskatchewan Prairie
Photo by Sue Frause

Whale gives birth at Vancouver Aquarium

Aurora, a 20 year old beluga whale at the Vancouver Aquarium, gave birth on June 7. The event occurred at 3:39pm (PDT) following a three-hour labor. The aquarium’s veterinary team is 90 percent certain that the calf is female (it can take up to six months before actual gender is determined). Immediately following the birth, the calf swam to the surface of the water for her first breaths, the beginning of many critical milestones in the development of a newborn calf. Aurora’s natural maternal instincts were also evident as she instinctively picked up her calf, guided her to the surface for breaths and swam continuously with her by her side.

The calf and mother are doing well and will remain under 24-hour observation by the aquarium’s veterinary and marine mammal care teams. Veterinary staff estimate the calf’s length to be 1.5 meters (~5 feet) and her weight to be 60-70kg (132-154lbs). The new baby is a slate, smoky grey color which will gradually lighten as the whale matures; calves are normally quite wrinkled for the first several weeks.

Vancouver Aquarium members and visitors will be able to view Aurora and her yet-to-be-named calf from 5-6 meters away on the upper deck of the Beluga habitat. Marine mammal care staff and researchers will observe behaviors and interactions, while interpretive staff will present the information to visitors.

Aurora’s delivery of a calf marks the first occasion for two beluga calves to share a habitat at the Vancouver Aquarium. This is new territory for the aquarium, and when to introduce mother Qila and one-year-old Tiqawill will be determined in the next few days.

Aurora’s calf was sired by Imaq, the sole male beluga whale at the Vancouver Aquarium. Aurora’s daughter Qila (pronounced: KEE-lah) age 13/14 and granddaughter Tiqa (pronounced: TEE-kah) age 1, are temporarily located in an adjacent habitat. The aquarium’s other two beluga whales, Imaq 21 and Kavna 39, are being cared for in a behind-the-scenes habitat.

Photo of Aurora and her calf courtesy Vancouver Aquarium

Travel Via Rail Canada's Garden Route

What a lovely way to see both beautiful gardens and colorful Canada -- via the Via Rail Garden Route. The route runs from Victoria all the way to Halifax, and includes a series of 15 gardens and 30 Communities in Bloom, which are all winners of the prestigious 5-Bloom Award. In 2009, many of the featured gardens have added attractions so visitors can maximize their garden experience.

VIA Rail Canada's website has a map on its Garden Route page (linked above), from Victoria's Butchart Gardens to the Halifax Public Gardens. There is also a list of the 5-Bloom Communities located in seven provinces and the Via Rail trains that run along the Garden Route. They include:

* The Ocean (Montréal-Moncton-Halifax)
* The Chaleur (Montréal-Québec City-Mont-Joli-Percé-Gaspé)
* Québec City-Windsor corridor trains (southern Ontario, southern Québec)
* Toronto-Niagara Falls (with stops in Aldershot)
* Toronto-London-Windsor (with stops in Aldershot)
* The Canadian (Toronto-Vancouver)

Entrance to The Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Vancouver Island
Photo by Sue Frause

BC Slideshow: Trains, Planes & Ferry Boats

A fun car-free getaway took me by train from Seattle to Vancouver, BC (Amtrak); by float plane from Vancouver to the Sunshine Coast (Tofino Air); by bus and ferry from Vancouver to Victoria on Vancouver Island (Pacific Coach Lines via BC Ferries); by train to Victoria-Courtenay-Victoria (Via Rail Canada); and back to Seattle by float plane (Kenmore Air). Here are links to where I stayed along the way:

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Rockwater Secret Cove Resort & Spa

Old House Village Hotel & Spa

Oswego Hotel

Tourism Vancouver

Tourism Victoria

Tourism Vancouver Island

Sunshine Coast Tourism

Bon voyage!

All photos by Sue Frause

Montreal's Mondial de la biere festival

Not only does the Mondial de la biere kick off Montreal's summer festivals, it's one of the major international beer festivals in North America. On center stage this year are the beers of Japan, along with imports from Sweden, Denmark, Czech Republic, Italy, United Kingdom, German, Belgium, Trinidad, Tobago and of course Quebec, Canada and the United States.

Of the 450 products, 197 are new beers, and all available for public tasting. There is also a public beer contest, where visitors may vote for their top three beers. The winners will receive gold, silver or bronze medals. For the past seven years, Mondial de la bière invites local brewers to brew up special-edition beers, available for quaffing exclusively on-site at the festival. This year's selection include sBrasseurs de
Montréal (red tea beer), Hopfenstark (Berliner Weiss) and Brasserie Dieu
du ciel! (surprise brew).

Mondial de la bière
June 3-7, 2009
Windsor Station and Courtyard
1160 de la Gauchetière St. West, Montreal
Admission: Free
Tasting coupons: $1 (1-5 coupons for each tasting)

Beer tasting in Bratislava, Slovakia
Photo by Sue Frause

Magnetic North Theatre Festival, June 3-13

Here's yet another Canadian event on my bucket list of festivals to attend: the Magnetic North Theatre Festival, a national festival of contemporary Canadian theatre in English, which this year runs June 3-13, 2009 in Ottawa. The festival features nine main stage productions along with live music, play readings, student performances, artist symposiums, walking tours and an emerging artists symposium.

Opening the festival is Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe, the latest work from Edmonton’s award-winning Catalyst Theatre. It was commissioned by Magnetic North for the festival to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the birth of Edgar Allan Poe. June 3-6 at the National Arts Centre Studio.

Skydive, by Realwheels of Vancouver, features aerial choreography with two performers soaring above the stage floor during the entire play. Through the use of ES Dance Instruments, a professionally trained quadriplegic actor can fly on par with his able-bodied counterpart, defying both gravity and expectations. June 4-7 at the National Arts Centre Theatre.

Returning to the Ottawa festival for the fourth time is The Old Trout Puppet Workshop of Calgary, bringing The Erotic Anguish of Don Juan created in Mexico. The existential puppet show (for adults only) is performed with hand-made puppets and performed by a quartet of musicians and a choir. June 4-7 at the Irving Greenberg Theatre.

The University of Ottawa's Theatre Department performs Don’t Blame the Bedouins, directed by Kevin Orr. The production combines the conventions of the adult graphic novel with the electrical impulses of live performance. June 5-6 at the University of Ottawa's Academic Hall.

For the first time, Magnetic North features a co-lingual play co-commissioned by Magnetic North Theatre Festival, Théâtre la Catapulte and Festival Zones Théâtrales. The Rideau Project / Projet Rideau showcases Ottawa artists in a site-specific, outdoor walking tour that leads lead audiences to explore the hidden Ottawa … à la pied! June 5-8 and June 11-13; meet at the National Gallery of Canada’s Maman.

In celebration of Canada’s veterans, Jake’s Gift opens on the 65th anniversary of D-Day. Written and performed by Julia Mackey, this one-woman performance has Julia playing both an 80-year-old veteran and an 11-year-old girl. June 6-10 at the Canadian War Museum'a Barney Danson Theatre.

A double bill from Theatre Jones Roy of Toronto, offers two versions of India: one from the outside and the other from underneath. Letters to My Grandma and Pyaasa are written and performed by Anusree Roy. June 7-12 at the Arts Court Theatre.

A romance of the mind and soul, Trudeau Stories is a recollection of Brooke Johnson’s 15-year friendship with Pierre Elliot Trudeau and their conversations on art, writing, theatre and politics. June 8-13 at the National Arts Centre Studio.

Eternal Hydra, from Crow’s Theatre in Toronto, is a literary mystery where each scene unfolds like a puzzle box with surprises and plot twists. It was originally commissioned as a one-act play by The Stratford Festival. June 9-13 at the University of Ottawa's Academic Hall.

Closing the festival is another show recently included in the 2010 Cultural Olympiad, Fear of Flight of Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland. Featuring nine playwrights, fourteen actors and one a cappella score, Fear of Flight is a smorgasbord of Canadian greats with Robert Chafe, Denise Clarke, Marie Clements, Bryden MacDonald, Daniel MacIvor, Berni Stapleton, Judith Thompson, Guillermo Verdecchia, David Yee, Jonathon Monro and Jillian Keiley. June 10-13 at the Irving Greenberg Theatre.

The Magnetic North Theatre Festival is an annual Canadian cultural theatre event established in 2002, showcasing works by Canadian theatre artists from across the country. It alternates between Ottawa and a different Canadian city each year. To date, the festival has traveled to Edmonton, St. John’s and Vancouver and will travel to Kitchener-Waterloo in 2010.

Tickets for Magnetic North’s main stage productions are on sale now and available online, through the NAC box office, Ticketmaster or by phoning 613-755-1111. The Magnetic North Theatre Festival is produced by the Canadian Theatre Festival Society and co-presented by the National Arts Centre English Theatre.

Pictured above: Skydive, by Realwheels of Vancouver