WHEREmail
// August 2006
Dear Subscriber
Ever wonder how much to tip when the bellhop brings up your bags, or whether tipping is necessary for room service? Check out this month's Travel Unravelled for the answers. Plus, we pick the coolest and tastiest dessert cafes across the country in this issue's WHEREList, and give you the hottest things to see and do wherever you are in Canada this August.
WHAT'S HOT IN August:
Canadian Rockies
Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Stephen Ames, John Daly and Sergio Garcia play for charity at the Telus Skins Game Aug 7 and 8 at the Banff Springs Golf Course. The music of the Calgary Philharmonic thrills against the stunning backdrop of the Rockies as Canmore hosts Mozart on the Mountain, Aug 27.
Halifax
August 11 to 13 sees the launch of a new musical event as Dartmouth's Alderney Landing hosts the inaugural Dutch Mason Blues Festival. The event showcases top international blues talent like Bo Diddley and The Fabulous Thunderbirds, along with local stars like Dutch Mason, "the Prime Minister of the Blues."
Ottawa
Those in search of a cold one need not despair, for the nation's capital has many a watering hole to quench one's summer thirst. Check out our best bets for beer lovers.
Vancouver
Rave reviews make A Midsummer Night's Dream the favourite ticket at this year's Bard on the Beach, staged in open-ended tents on the bewitching shores of English Bay. Also on the bill: Measure for Measure, updated to fascist WW2 Europe; The Winter's Tale, given elegant modern-dress treatment; and Troilus and Cressida, set in the American Civil War.
Edmonton
Considered one of the premier events of its kind in North America, the annual Edmonton Folk Music Festival, August 10 to 13, is a four-day celebration of blues, Celtic, bluegrass, gospel and world music. Headliners include Feist, Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder.
Winnipeg
If you're looking to do a bit of sightseeing while visiting this summer, check out our list of the Top 10 Winnipeg icons.
Calgary
Discover multiculturalism and fireworks with Globalfest, August 17 to 26. The festival features cultural pavilions with traditional cuisine, live entertainment and informative exhibits. The highlight is the International Fireworks Competition, with Canada facing off against the world for global pyrotechnic supremacy.
Victoria
If you find yourself in the middle of an August heat wave, check out one of Victoria's many cool and refreshing summer swimming holes for a bit of fresh water fun.
Toronto
Bring on Bollywood! Catch Bombay Dreams, an engaging theatrical treatment of India's famed film industry, featuring lavish sets, spectacular choreography, and an impressive score. Toasted by London's West End and Broadway, the production's eight-show run at the Hummingbird Centre is the only Canadian stop.
Tourism Vancouver's 100 Days of Summer is your guide to enjoying the best of everything this summer! Visit the Touristinfo Centre to purchase all your activity and entertainment tickets and pick up your 100 Days of Summer guide. Enjoy exclusive value-added and savings opportunities for many attractions and events. Take advantage of special deals like 2 for 1 Tickets, 15% Off and Family Packages.
Travel Unravelled:
Tipping 101
Q. I'm looking for some guidelines when it comes to tipping while travelling. For example, how much do I tip the bellman for bringing up my bags? Should I tip for room service? M.J. Terrell, Calgary, AB.
A. Tipping depends on a number of factors—most notably your satisfaction with the level of service. But here are a few guidelines on when and how much to tip... Continue.
Guess WHERE:
A selection of one-of-a-kind travel trivia from around the globe.
Q. WHERE in the world is the largest ancient castle?
What's News:
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The WHERE List:
Best Dessert Cafes
Our editors have had the oh-so-demanding job of sampling ice creams, gelatos and chocolate treats to come up with the definitive list of where to go for a cool and refreshing dessert experience in Canada this summer:
Vancouver
East Vancouver has become a one-stop spot for some of the city's best gelato shops. Three places that really hit the sweet spot: La Casa Gelato, Gelato Time and Dolce Amore.
Canadian Rockies
When the weather's fine, folks are often lined-up out the door for a taste of Cows' super premium hand dipped ice cream, plus milkshakes made the old-fashioned way. This treat hails all the way from Prince Edward Island on Canada's east coast. Visitors also shop for fun cow-themed clothing (and much moo original stuff).
Edmonton
With ice cream made fresh daily, the Marble Slab Creamery Experience located on Whyte Avenue offers an extensive choice of delectable flavours and 'mixins' so you can concoct an innovative and fantabulous ice cream treat every time out!
Calgary
With an emphasis on the freshest possible ingredients and a dizzying array of flavours ranging from mango to hedge hog to lychee, Amato Gelato offers genuine Italian ice cream and a taste experience you won't soon forget.
Toronto
Beat the heat the old fashioned way—with a delish ice cream cone. We like The Big Chill, especially its Caribou Tracks (chocolate fudge with vanilla and chocolate peanut butter bits).
Halifax
Saege Bistro is the perfect place to relax on a summer's day. Chef Geir Simensen's dessert menu offers an array of heat-beating treats, including Torched Baked Alaska, Tangy Lemon Flan, Jamaican Banana Split and all manner of refreshing gelatos and sorbets. Grab a seat on the sidewalk patio, watch the bustle of Spring Garden Road and chill out.
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.
Delta Lodge Girl Power Package
Okay girls, when was the last time you treated yourself to a well-deserved break? Call your friends and coordinate a get-away to the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis - Alberta's mountain resort and spa. Starting at $225 per person per night, this special includes:
•one-night's accommodation
•a welcome gift
•$20 dining credit
•chocolate fondue delivered to your guestroom
•valet parking
•$75 spa treatment credit
Plus, stay a second night to enjoy more activites such as a pyjama party complete with in-room movies and snacks. Special Promotion Code: GP0
Blue Jays Baseball Package with CanJet
From either Moncton or Halifax to Toronto, for from $499 per person (plus tax), the package includes roundtrip air, two nights hotel, and game tickets. Based on double occupancy for travel in August.
Taste Culinary Series
If you're planning a trip to Winnipeg in the next few months, try out a few events from the Taste Culinary Series. These one-day events put on by the top restaurants in the city offer a unique tasting of the cuisines in Winnipeg, and a behind-the-scenes look at where the food comes from and how it is prepared. There are two remaining Taste Culinary Series: July/August, and Sep/Oct.
(All prices in Canadian dollars. WHERE accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or availability of these packages. Please contact package supplier directly.)
Contests
Win Movie and Dinner for Two in Calgary
This month, discover true Italian pizza at Pulcinella. Also, win passes to the movie that received standing ovations at Sundance: Little Miss Sunshine. Click here to enter.
Win Great Prizes by Voting on Your Most Memorable Meals
Tell us where you had your most memorable meals in Vancouver and you could win a Canon SD30 Digital Camera, and in Calgary and you could win a spectacular rail journey through the heart of the Rocky Mountains, courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer Vacations.
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