WHEREmail

// June 2006

Dear Subscriber

It's summer—time to check out all the great festivals, shows and events across the country, from the Cirque du Soleil in Vancouver to Canmore's Arts Festival and Halifax's annual Multifest. We also offer Editors' picks for shops with rare finds, tips on updating your passport and some great contests and travel specials.

WHAT'S HOT IN JUNE:

Winnipeg

Red River Ex is Manitoba's largest midway fair, with amazing rides and games, as well as the IAMS Super Dogs, Lights, Cameras, Animals (an exhibit on baboons and other animals who have worked in film), and the comedic stylings of Brent Butt of Corner Gas.

Canadian Rockies

The town of Canmore becomes an art lover's oasis during the annual ArtsPeak Arts Festival, June 9 to 11, with art-focused talks, readings, film screenings, workshops, and concerts. That weekend, also stop by the Canmore Quilt Festival & Tea and the Canmore International Jazz Festival.

Vancouver

Cirque du Soleil catapults back into a huge blue-and-yellow tent next to BC Place Stadium for a month-long run of Varekai, a lavishly costumed and brilliantly acrobatic feast for the senses. "Varekai" is Romany for "wherever" and the show pays tribute to the wandering soul in us all.

Calgary

For the kid in each of us, check out Heritage Park's Railway Days, June 24 to 25. Ride an authentic steam train, view a massive model railway demonstration and watch the torrid spike driving competition.

Toronto

The National Ballet of Canada gives its inaugural performance at the city's new ballet-opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, on June 22. The program features excerpts from Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet and others. For tickets, call 1-866-345-9595. Also, from June 19 to 25: Pride Toronto, Toronto's colourful celebration of sexual diversity, with parades, live music and more.

Edmonton

Don't miss an international gathering of First Nations filmmakers, performers and artists at the Dreamspeakers International Film Festival, June 7 to 10. Also, tickets will be hard to come by, but you can watch the Oilers challenge for the Stanley Cup at one of the city's many bars and pubs.

Halifax

Multifest '06 is Nova Scotia's annual multicultural festival, celebrating Canada's ethnic diversity with traditional foods and music, cultural displays and much more. Check it out at Alderney Landing, on the Dartmouth side of Halifax Harbour, from June 16 to 18.

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The WHERE List:

Shopping for Rarities

Looking for that one-of-a-kind gift, rare collectible or unique piece for your home or wardrobe? Follow these links to our Editors' picks for great local stores that specialize in the unique or hard to find.

Halifax

You'll find the perfect piece for your home at Handsmiths in Historic Properties, with an array of one-of-a-kind creations from Canadian artisans. Recent pieces include ceramics by Alison Cude and functional glassware by Andrew Kuntz.

Toronto

Stock up on where-did-you-get-that goodies from some of Toronto's most promising design talents at the Queen Street boutique, Pho Pa. Find boldly patterned clothing in distinctive cuts and exclusively Canadian-designed accessories.

Vancouver

At Funk Shui Atelier, a new working studio on Granville Island, watch designer Jessica de Haas practise the ancient art of felting before you try on one of her richly hued, embroidered wraps.

Edmonton

If you're searching for a one-of-a-kind item, head to the Tu Gallery, home to unique pieces like handcrafted furniture, exquisite photographs and objects d'art that catch the eye and make a statement.

Canadian Rockies

Ammolite is a rare gem (picture a more brilliant opal with rainbow colours) that is found only in southern Alberta where ammonite inland sea creatures lived 70 million years ago. Many jewellery shops in the Rockies carry this fascinating gemstone.

Calgary

At the Buhran Gallery owner Zubin Gillespie spends half the year traveling the world searching for unique pieces. The gallery specializes in antique furniture, pillars, and doors from China, India and Tibet, and also carries central Asian carpets, kilims and textiles.

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.

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 three Taste Culinary Series; Part 1: May/June, Part 2: July/August, and Part 3: Sep/Oct.

You Could Win Your Stay at Delta Hotels

Find out how you can qualify to win your stay at a Delta Hotel between July 15 and September 2, 2006.

Seniors and Via Rail: Friends Ride Free

If you are thinking of taking a trip with an old friend, a relative, or someone else special, Via Rail offers free companion fares if you are 60 years of age or older. There are no restrictions on the age of your companion.

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