SPRING/SUMMER 2019 DREAMSCAPES TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE

SPRING/SUMMER 2019

CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS

DISCOVER BERGMAN’S

STOCKHOLM

CANADIAN WONDERS, FROM COAST TO COAST TO COAST

WINTRIP

A DREAM FOR 2

COMPLIMENTS OF

$3.95

dreamscapes.ca

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DS TABLE OF CONTENTS >>

VOLUME 24, ISSUE NO. 3

© SCOTT SPORLEDER

10

MEET ONE OF ADVENTURE CANADA’S FINEST Adventure Canada prides itself in selecting topnotch Expedition Leaders to head up its award-winning excursions.

BY JOSEPH FREY

14

WHEN ADVENTURE CALLS Discover a different side of our nation’s capital.

BY LAURA BYRNE PAQUET

20

IN AND AROUND VICTORIA Cycling and walking tours expose visitors to more intimate encounters in this West Coast city.

BY BRUCE SACH

24

MORE FUN, LAUGHTER AND LEARNING SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay invite you to join in the celebrations.

BY KEVIN FRITZ

28

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Our travel choices can make a huge impact.

BY CYNTHIA DAVID

OTTAWA TOURISM

COVER: L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Newfoundland. Photo: Michelle Valberg

4 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2019

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NOEL HENDRIKSON

BEE + HIVE

30

AN ACTIVITY-FILLED GETAWAY IN CHARLEVOIX This Québec gem offers a host of activities and amazing scenery.

BY JOHANNA READ

33

CELEBRITY TRAVEL CORNER Get acquainted with the Germain allure.

VISIT STOCKHOLM

BY CHRIS RYALL

34

TRAVEL SLEUTH Where to catch a glimpse of your favourite celebrities.

BY JANE STOKES

37

ON THE ROAD AGAIN Plan your perfect summer USA road trip.

BY JOSEPHINE MATYAS

38

WIN A CRUISE FOR TWO

FROM ICELAND TO GREENLAND COMPLIMENTS OF

TRACING BERGMAN’S FOOTSTEPS IN STOCKHOLM Film buffs may want to check out the Swedish director’s favourite haunts.

BY WAILANA KALAMA

42

TRAVEL GALLERY News you can use.

BY CYNTHIA DAVID

SCOTT SPORLEDER

SPRING/SUMMER 2019 DREAMSCAPES 5

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ESSENTIAL GUIDES

FOR YOUR VACATION GETAWAY Travel Guide to California CaliforniaTravelGuide.travel

Travel Guide to Florida FloridaTravelGuide.travel

Travel Guide to Canada CanadaTravelGuides.ca

DREAMSCAPES TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE is published by Globelite Travel Marketing Inc. Visit dreamscapes.ca to view this issue of our magazine in its entirety and to link easily to editorials, advertisers, contest information, as well as previous issues.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We’d like to hear from you. Readers are always encouraged to submit emails to editor@dreamscapes.ca.

PUBLISHING Joseph P. Turkel

PUBLISHER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS EDITOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR COPY EDITOR

EDITOR-AT-LARGE CONTRIBUTING EDITORS ART DIRECTOR PRODUCTION MANAGER DIRECTOR OF IT

ENJOY INSIGHTFUL WRITING, BRILLIANT PHOTOGRAPHY, AND DETAILED INFORMATION ON TRAVEL TO THESE PREMIER DESTINATIONS.

CONTROLLER PRESIDENT & GROUP PUBLISHER

Sandra Kitchen Valerie Saunders Donna S. Vieira Judi Scharf Anne Champagne Jane Stokes Cynthia David Ilona Kauremszky Mark Tzerelshtein Julia Wall Mike State Gloria Mungo Joseph P. Turkel

CONTRIBUTORS

Cynthia David | Joseph Frey | Kevin Fritz Wailana Kalama | Josephine Matyas Laura Byrne Paquet | Johanna Read Chris Ryall | Bruce Sach | Jane Stokes ADVERTISING SALES CORPORATE OFFICE

You may purchase these guides at most retail chains across the U.S.A. and Canada.

U.S.A retailers include Barnes & Noble, Hudson U.S. airport and commuter locations, Books-A-Million, CVS, Publix, Safeway, Kroger, Target and Walmart.

Canadian retailers include airport stores, Chapters/Indigo, Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro Stores, Walmart, Safeway, Value Drug Mart, Rexall/Pharma Plus, IDA and Overwaitea.

2019 EDITIONS ON SALE IN STORES 6 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2019

Globelite Travel Marketing Inc. 3 Bluffwood Dr., Toronto, Ontario M2H 3L4 Tel: 416-497-5353 or 1-888-700-4464 Fax: 416-497-0871 | dreamscapes.ca Email: dreamscapesmagazine@rogers.com ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES

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Copyright © 2019 The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without the written permission of Globelite Travel Marketing Inc. The opinions in this magazine are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Globelite Travel Marketing Inc. Publications Mail Agreement 40047932.

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DS FROM MY TRAVEL BAG >> BY DONNA S. VIEIRA editor@dreamscapes.ca Celebration by Kool & the Gang should be

August 16–17; CariSask 2019 (carisaskregina.com)

adopted as our Canadian summer theme

in Regina, July 19–20; and Carifiesta Montréal

song. Or perhaps Dancing in the Streets by

2019 (carifiesta.com), July 6. In Winnipeg,

Martha and the Vandellas is more apropos.

Caribbean flair is captured at the Soca Reggae

After enduring a long winter and fickle

Festival (socareggaefestival.com) from July 12–

spring weather patterns, our souls scream to

14 and, from August 30 to September 1,

be unleashed as we spill out onto the streets

Halifax celebrates the region’s vast array of

from Canada, France, Italy and Germany.

to embrace summer in all its glory. Rain or

colourful cultures at the Mosaic Festival

The Summer Concert Series, featuring pop-

shine, Canadians from coast to coast are

(mosaicfestival.ca).

ular artists Raine Maida, Chantal Kreviazuk,

notorious for celebrations and festivals. So

From late June into July, jazz and blues

Serena Ryder, Sarah McLachlan and more, is

grab your favourite party hat and join the

lovers gather at festivals held nationwide,

staged in the open-air amphitheatre from

throngs to dance, sing, feast and rejoice with

from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Victoria,

June through September at Jackson-Triggs

total abandon.

B.C. Featuring such renowned artists as

Winery (greatestestatesniagara.com) in Nia-

I would venture to guess that nothing gets

Diana Ross, Bryan Adams, Peter Frampton

gara-on-the-Lake. If your taste in music is

Canadian feet moving and hips gyrating

and Norah Jones, some of the most popular

eclectic, from July 14 to August 10, you can

more than Caribbean music. Also known as

include the TD International Jazz Festival

experience a little bit of everything at the TD-

the Festival of Joy, the Toronto Caribbean Car-

series in Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton,

sponsored Music Niagara (musicniagara.org),

nival (torontocarnival.ca) is a four-week

Winnipeg, Niagara, Toronto, Markham,

also in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where venues

spectacle featuring Caribbean music, cuisine

Ottawa, Montréal and Halifax. A full listing

range from outdoor vineyards and parks to

and revelry. It is among the largest outdoor

is found at jazzfestivalscanada.ca.

historical churches. In B.C., head over to the

events in North America, so you know you’re

However, one should never discount the

Kaslo Jazz Fest (kaslojazzfest.com) from

in for a good time. Scheduled to take place

festivals held in smaller communities

August 2 to 4, when world-class musicians

from July 7 to August 11, 2019, this year marks

across Canada. For a healthy dose of local

will perform on a floating stage against a

the 52nd anniversary of the carnival in

culture, few come close to the Celtic Colours

breathtaking backdrop of mountains and sky.

Toronto. The three highlight events are the

International Festival (celtic-colours.com) in

Even if music is not among your top

Gala on July 26, the King and Queen Show-

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Between July 5

interests, there is never any shortage of

case on August 1 and the Grand Parade on

and August 4, classical music enthusiasts

Canadian festivals planned for summer

August 3. Of course, Caribbean culture is cel-

will be gathering at the Festival de

2019 and findfestival.com is a good place to

ebrated elsewhere as well: Caribbean Days

Lanaudière (lanaudiere.org), a region on the

begin your search for what is happening in

Festival 2019 (caribbeandays.ca) in Vancouver,

north bank of the St. Lawrence River just

communities across Canada. May your

July 27–28; Calgary’s Carifest (carifest.ca),

east of Montréal, to listen to great artists

summer rock!

8 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2019

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MEET ONE OF

ADVENTURE CANADA’S FINEST I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF BEING ON AN ADVENTURE CANADA EXPEDITION CRUISE THROUGH THE FABLED NORTHWEST PASSAGE WITH EXPEDITION LEADER JASON EDMUNDS.

By Joseph Frey

A

dventure Canada’s award-winning

intersection of all that happens aboard the

expedition cruises have garnered

ship. The position demands impeccable

a great deal of attention over the

organization, flawless attention to detail,

years. Some are Canadian Signature Experi-

quick thinking, and, more often than not, a

ences. Others have been featured on the

sense of humour.

Discovery Channel. All set sail with a hand-

Cultural sensitivity is of vital importance

picked team of experts who educate, engage

to the discerning traveller and Adventure

and enlighten their guests through a truly

Canada emphasizes a mandate that “locals

immersive travel experience. The trips fea-

know best.” In Jason’s case, this is all the

ture incredible wildlife—polar bears, whales

more true. An Inuk from Nunatsiavut in

and seabirds are standard—as well as jaw-

Labrador, Jason was born in Nain and

dropping landscapes. But it is the cultural

delights in returning there each year aboard

component of the company’s programs that

Adventure Canada’s Greenland & Wild

truly sets the company apart: journeys into

Labrador expedition. Travelling into an Inuit

Inuit homelands rely on local knowledge

homeland with an Inuit leader allows pas-

and cultural interpretation straight from the

sengers

an

moments into ones of calm and under-

source. Truly, they are trips of a lifetime,

on-the-ground experience of visiting com-

standing. I was intrigued and wanted to

travel experiences like none other.

munities and being welcomed along with

know more about him.

the

opportunity

to

get

ABOVE: Adventure Canada’s excursions take you through jaw-dropping landscapes. © Scott Sporleder RIGHT: Passengers embark on a Zodiac excursion with Jason. Michelle Valberg

At the heart of each expedition is an

one of their own. Jason works to bridge the

Expedition Leader. This top-tier position is

gap between visitors and the places they

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?

reserved for seasoned veterans who walk a

visit, facilitating a two-way cultural

I am Inuit from the Nunatsiavut region of

tightrope of balancing the complex logistics

exchange that broadens horizons and

Labrador. I grew up in the town of Nain,

of seafaring in polar regions with the

expands world views.

which is the most northerly permanent set-

demands of a floating hotel, a mobile uni-

What stood out for me was Jason’s calm

tlement in Labrador. As a teenager, I

versity and an upscale entertainment

demeanour and soft-spoken explanations,

attended high school in Makkovik where

venue. The Expedition Leader manages the

which turned the most challenging

my father ran a five-room hotel. He oper-

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ated boat charters and guided tours, which I would join, into the Torngat Mountains for a couple of weeks at a time. I guided tours for four summers and then attended Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where I studied political science.

HOW DID THAT PLAY A PART IN CONNECTING YOU WITH ADVENTURE CANADA? The Nunatsiavut Youth division keeps an eye out for opportunities that suit young people in Nunatsiavut. Because of my background in tourism with my father, I was offered the opportunity to participate in a

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ABOVE: Expedition Leader Jason Edmunds, doing what he enjoys most. ©Scott Forsyth TOP RIGHT: Guests take in the magnitude of a glacier in Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord, Greenland.

Adventure Canada BELOW: A polar bear in the Arctic tundra feasts its eyes on a Zodiac full of tourists. ©Dennis Minty

guide-training program. I had not heard of

able to grow my knowledge and skills and

Adventure Canada and was hesitant to travel

become Adventure Canada’s first Inuk Expe-

at first, as I did not have much information;

dition Leader, which is not common in this

however, the experience was hard to pass up.

industry. It is important that visitors are

When I Googled Adventure Canada, I noticed

able to share the Arctic through local eyes.

they had programming in Labrador, and to

Whether it’s me as the leader of the expedi-

places I knew were spectacular. They looked

tion or the artists, activists, elders,

like a reputable company, so I said yes.

instructors or community leaders, we all bring an important perspective.

WHY ADVENTURE CANADA? Prior to Adventure Canada I didn’t know

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE STORY OR MEMORY?

that expedition cruising and cultural

It happened during my earlier years with

tourism existed. Adventure Canada’s invest-

Adventure Canada while sailing the North-

ment into the youth of Nunatsiavut through

west Passage. We had to divert our itinerary

the Nunatsiavut government provides new,

because of ice, and we decided to head

meaningful opportunities—not just token

north and see how far we could make it. We

positions. Adventure Canada had fostered

ended up sailing past 80°N. It was around

an environment where I, as an Inuk, was

1:30 a.m. when we turned around, and

Adventure Canada opened a door for me.

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of the (super welcoming) Nunavik Inuit, in northern Québec. Later, we move into Nunatsiavut with the Inuit of Labrador, and the Innu regions of Natuashish. The Torngat Mountains National Park is a highlight for all. The southern Labrador shores are home to the NunatuKavumiut. Then, we end with the beautiful Newfoundland culture. When you look at where you began, it’s hard to believe everything you covered and learned in one trip!

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE ON EACH ADVENTURE? I always hope to help our passengers find a deeper connection to the places they visit and to the people they meet. We can provide all the tools, the educational programs and the connection with the places and people who live and work there, but it is up to each individual passenger to make his or her own connections. I want people to come away with a deeper understanding of the places and people they encountered along the way and let go of any preconceptions. everyone was awake to experience being at

ence, where strangers got to know each

the highest point north of the expedition.

other on a level deeper than dinner conver-

On the way there, we made an unplanned

sation. It’s moments like this that make my

stop into Skraeling Island, a beautiful spot

job the best anyone can have.

rich in archaeological sites off the east coast

WHAT NEW ADVENTURE TOUR(S) WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ADDED TO THE EVER-GROWING LIST OF ADVENTURE CANADA’S EXCURSIONS?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ADVENTURE?

I would love to see east Greenland and some

and there had been an evening snowfall the night before. All passengers and staff turned

My favourite adventure is always the Green-

ciate the strength of culture and traditions in

into children again, playing in the snow. A

land & Wild Labrador trip where we stop in

the region. I enjoy travelling to the different

snowball fight ensued, and people would

my hometown of Nain. It’s a place I am really

regions across the circumpolar world. While

take a break and speak to our Inuit cultural-

proud of. Being my home, I am able to share

there are many similarities, our distance and

ists, historians and archaeologist before

it with our guests. It’s where I can return to

differing social-political environments have

getting back into the fun. Everyone wished

my childhood, a place where I am rooted.

made each region unique.

to linger but appreciated what a privilege it

When I talk of my connection to the land, it

was to visit this unplanned treasure as our

is in this place. I also love the diversity in

fleet of Zodiacs set back to our ship. It left a

the landscape and culture along the way.

lasting impression on everyone on board,

We start the trip by meeting the Kalaallit in

and we took a part of that feeling into every

the rugged mountains of Greenland. We

landing thereafter. It was a bonding experi-

move south, entering into the wooded areas

of Ellesmere Island. The sun was shining

of the communities there. I learned to appre-

DS

TRAVEL PLANNER For information on the various tours and expeditions offered by Adventure Canada, visit adventurecanada.com.

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WHEN

ADVENTURE CALLS

By Laura Byrne Paquet

“ADVENTURE” MIGHT NOT BE THE FIRST WORD THAT SPRINGS TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF OTTAWA.

W

ith a little more research, you

Starting from the Canada Aviation and

soon realize you can paddle

Space Museum, these trips in an open-

frothing whitewater rapids,

cockpit biplane conjure up visions of

take a haunted walk or fly in a vintage

Snoopy fighting the Red Baron as they take

biplane in the nation’s capital.

visitors over Parliament Hill and other popular sites. Depending on the tour, time

LIFT OFF

14 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2019

in the air varies from six to 35 minutes.

Ottawa Biplane Adventures’ flights are

If non-motorized open-air flight is more

some of the city’s most unusual tours.

your speed, several companies—including

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Sundance Balloons and Ottawa Hot Air

assassinating Father of Confederation

Balloon Rides—provide hot-air balloon

Thomas D’Arcy McGee.

rides. To fly in the company of dozens of

History buffs will also delight in the

other colourful craft, visit during the

tours of a very different sort of facility in

OPPOSITE TOP: Get a lofty view of Ottawa from a hot-air balloon.

ABOVE: Nighttime in Ottawa is the perfect time for a ghost walk tour of our Canadian capital. Ottawa Tourism

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival (August 29 to September 2), when you can book a flight at dawn or in the late afternoon.

ON SOLID GROUND Back down on the ground, cycling is another way to work some adventure into your Ottawa visit. Escape Tours and Rentals offers scheduled tours of the city lasting between two and five hours, taking in destinations such as Rideau Falls and the Central Experimental Farm. Visitors can also customize an itinerary to their own interests. Just beyond Ottawa, Heritage Bikes in Perth provides bike rentals and tours of the pretty town and surrounding Lanark County.

If you’d rather travel on foot, you can learn about Ottawa’s ghostly past on a tour with the Haunted Walk of Ottawa. Caped guides carrying lanterns lead you through the city’s dark streets and past historic buildings, while spinning spectral tales. At the former Carleton County Jail, you’ll see the country’s last working gallows and hear about the trial of the man convicted of

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the city’s far west end. Built deep below a farmer’s field in rural Carp and finished in 1961, the Diefenbunker was meant to shelter Canada’s government during a nuclear war. Thankfully, it was never used for that purpose, and the decommissioned

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OPPOSITE LEFT: Ottawa and the surrounding area are riddled with cycling trails. Ottawa Tourism OPPOSITE CENTRE: Book a whitewater rafting excursion on the Ottawa River. Ottawa Tourism/Explore-David-Jackson LEFT: Explore our capital’s haunted past on a ghost walk tour. Ottawa Tourism

many sites in the region. At Fort Wellington in nearby Prescott, for instance, you can take a walking tour, then dress up in a reproduction military uniform and fire a very loud 19th-century cannon.

WATERY EXCURSIONS In Ottawa itself, people who have never 9,300-square-metre facility is now a

Along with basic tours, the museum holds

even held a paddle before can clamber into

museum. Visitors can see the vault

all sorts of special events, such as escape

a large voyageur-style canoe for a guided

designed to hold the Bank of Canada’s

room nights and a zombie-themed Hal-

tour of the Rideau Canal, where they’ll learn

gold bars, the cafeteria with its cheerful

loween adventure.

about ecology and sing voyageur songs.

murals of Canadian landscapes, and a vin-

History enthusiasts can also delve into

An hour south of the city, at Chaffey’s

tage X-ray machine in the infirmary.

Canada’s past on tours of Parks Canada’s

Lock, Rideau Tours organizes guided

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ABOVE: View Ottawa from an open-cockpit biplane. Ottawa Tourism

kayak and canoe trips along the Rideau

Wilderness Tours, RiverRun Rafting and

Canal lasting anywhere from an after-

OWL Rafting offer a range of adrenalin-

noon to two days. Most of these trips

pumping rafting trips, from three-hour

feature a gourmet picnic of local meats,

outings to multi-day adventures.

cheeses and baked goodies.

Speaking of multi-day excursions, you

For paddlers looking for a more chal-

might want to consider a six-day, five-night

lenging adventure, Ottawa also delivers.

cruise on board the Canadian Empress, a

Even most Ottawans are surprised to learn

river steamboat operated by St. Lawrence

that whitewater rafters can paddle the

Cruise Lines. The company’s Capital South

roiling Ottawa River within sight of the

itinerary explores the Ottawa and St.

Peace Tower with Ottawa City Rafting. The

Lawrence Rivers between Ottawa and

three-hour trips start at Britannia Beach in

Kingston, Ontario.

the west end, and the current helps bring rafters into the downtown core.

With its scenic parks, recreational trails, World Heritage Site canal and

While lively, the river inside the city

unspoiled rural surroundings, Ottawa

limits is relatively tame. For wilder rapids

offers countless tours for those eager to

(up to Class V), you’ll need to head 90

venture beyond Parliament Hill and the

minutes west of the city to the Foresters

ByWard Market. Just bring your sense of

Falls area. There, companies such as

adventure!

DS

TRAVEL PLANNER For more information on visiting Ottawa, go to ottawatourism.ca. St. Lawrence Cruise Lines itineraries can be found at stlawrencerivercruise.com.

18 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2019

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WIN A DREAM TRIP FOR TWO

Travel IN THE WAKE OF THE VIKINGS:

C O M P L I M E N T S

O F

A journey from Iceland to Greenland FROM JULY 14–25, 2019 LEFT: Kangaamiut, Greenland. Photo: Scott Sporleder TOP RIGHT: The Ocean Endeavour. Photo: Jerry Kobalenko BOTTOM RIGHT: A reconstructed longhouse at Brattahlid, Erik the Red’s former estate. Photo: Dennis Minty

On this exciting 12-day excursion with Adventure Canada on board the Ocean Endeavour between Reykjavík, Iceland, and Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, you will round the very southern tip of Greenland past breathtaking fjords; sail through Prince Christian Sound, one of the wildest and most picturesque waterways; board a small expedition ship equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs to tour one of the world’s youngest UNESCO World Heritage Sites; bask in thermal springs; visit a quaint fishing village and Greenland’s bustling capital, Nuuk; and much more.

Your spectacular trip includes passage for two adults, valued at CAD$39,700 based on double occupancy in a category 8 cabin featuring two berths on board the Ocean Endeavour; one-way charter flight for two adults between Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, and Toronto’s Pearson International Airport; all shipboard meals; expedition jackets; guided expeditions and interactive workshops; and more.

DREAMSCAPES TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE INVITES YOU TO ENTER OUR CONTEST FOR A CHANCE TO WIN AN EXCURSION FOR TWO ADULTS ON BOARD ADVENTURE CANADA’S OCEAN ENDEAVOUR FROM ICELAND TO GREENLAND. Simply read through this issue of DREAMSCAPES TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE to find the correct answers to the two questions below. Contest entries will be accepted through our website up to midnight, Wednesday, May 29, 2019.

1

Which Canadian travel company is organizing this expedition from Iceland to Greenland?

2

Where online can more information regarding this expedition be found?

ENTER ONLINE AT DREAMSCAPES.CA Please note that this excursion is intended for persons in good health.

Visit dreamscapes.ca to access the contest page for full contest details including the terms and conditions for this prize package, prize inclusions and exclusions, eligibility and to submit your entry.

DS-SpringSummer-2019.qxp_v1 2019-05-03 12:11 PM Page 20

IN AND AROUND

VICTORIA BIKING IS A GREAT WAY TO SEE A CITY THE SIZE OF VICTORIA, B.C.

20 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2019

By Bruce Sach

T

his thought occurred to me as I con-

CYCLING ABOUT TOWN

templated intersecting crosswalks,

It’s obvious this town has a serious love

which had been embellished with

affair with bicycles. New additional dedi-

white stencils that seemed to mimic New

cated bike lanes have opened during my

York City’s Chrysler Building. The crosswalk

stay and most restaurants have parking

art at Fort and Blanshard streets is the work of

space reserved for bikes. Many have special

a local tattoo artist, Gerry Kramer. However,

interior spaces for employees to store their

according to Gerry, the design represents

bikes. In the downtown area, there are bike

sunflowers, not art deco skyscrapers!

shelters and even a bike station where free

Regardless, it got my creative juices

tools on chains attached to public work

churning, as I took a break from my two-

stands are available to cyclists who need to

wheeled tour of the downtown area.

repair their bikes.

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Next stop, I’m standing on my bike at the

coast by peacocks (a fixture since 1891) and

Filipino-inspired Dobosala drive-in restau-

speed past the immensely popular Beacon

rant for cyclists. Yes, you heard that right: a

Drive-in, an institution since 1958. The Ross

drive-in restaurant for cyclists! It strikes me

Bay Cemetery should be part of any bike trip

that this isn’t the coolest thing I’ve seen in

and I find the grounds of the Lieutenant

Victoria—it’s merely one among the many

Governor’s residence truly lovely.

cool, unique experiences I’m enjoying here in the space of a few days.

Back in town wafts of fresh air from my extended bike trip open up my mind to help

At Silk Road, I enjoy a lovely morning tea

me concentrate more on the details. I note

break, tasting anything but the traditional

the magnolia trees, a tiny garden next to the

teas you might associate with tea time. I’m

Empress Hotel and tiny sculptures by B.C.

talking thirst-quenching iced tea and Berry

artist Crystal Przybille, The Hands of Time,

Victoria and Buddha Dragonwell, for

celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary. They

example. Silk Road offers classes on the

create a kind of adult treasure hunt; I man-

health benefits of their teas.

aged to find three out of 12.

I get some real exercise as I crank up my ambitions and head off to areas removed

TOURING THE OUTSKIRTS

from the regular beaten bike tracks.

Leaving my bike in Victoria, I visit a farm

I catch glimpses of the Pacific Ocean as I

near Sidney where the owners bought a

make my way up to Beacon Hill Park to view

Christmas tree farm only to convert it into

the monstrous Lekwammen totem pole. I

an unlikely, but successful, enterprise in a

OPPOSITE TOP: The Victoria Harbour is one of the most beautiful in the world. LEFT: Q at the Empress features Pacific Northwest cuisine and top vintages from around the world. TOP RIGHT: Sample a variety of blends at the Silk Road Tea Store. ABOVE: The Butchart Gardens in Victoria cover 22 hectares and feature 900 bedding plant varieties and 26 greenhouses. Tourism Victoria

SPRING/SUMMER 2019 DREAMSCAPES 21

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RIGHT: Victoria is a bike-friendly city.

Tourism Victoria

totally different domain. Laura Waters of the Snowden House has opened a business based on Douglas fir tips-infused vinegar!

Only in B.C., you say?

To the west of Victoria near Sooke we meet two other sets of ingenious entrepreneurs. Jess and Jeff started Saltwest Naturals, knowing nothing about the complexities of sea salt extraction. They were inspired to start their sustainable gourmet Canadian sea salt business and now offer mineral-rich bath salts as well.

Speaking of sea and salt, Amanda Swinimer has created a fabulous niche product with her seaweed harvesting enterprise, Dakini Tidal Wilds. Traipsing along the beaches near Muir Creek Beach, we soon easily identify the winged kelp and bull

22 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2019

kelp Amanda collects from the beach or in

TIME IN THE GARDENS

the shallow waters near the shore. It’s a

Finally, friends who recently retired in Vic-

surreal scene, investigating pieces of sea-

toria drive me to Butchart Gardens,

weed resembling inedible junk. We’re so

Victoria’s No. 1 must-see outdoor spot.

close to the State of Washington that our

Although many visitors are awed by the gar-

Canadian cellphones think we are on

dens’ size, it is the details that impress me.

American soil. Amanda teaches us the ben-

The rose garden is in bloom and I marvel at

efits seaweeds have been providing Asian

many of the hybrid roses there. My

cultures for centuries. Naturally, she can

favourites include Cherry Parfait, Lady Like

identify every seaweed draped on the

and Love and Peace, respectively from

beach at low tide.

France, Germany and the USA.

Our entire day of visiting unique places

The Japanese garden blows me away with

was organized by Chef Shirley Lang of Spirit

its subtle surprises. The ultimate surprise is

Culinary Excursions. Her tour also includes

a forest of Himalayan Blue poppies, truly a

a trip on a fishing boat, on which we search

rare find. In Canada, the only other garden

for fresh salmon and crabs. It turns out to be

where you’ll see them on display is the

too harsh a day for salmon fishing, but the

Jardin de Métis in Québec on the St.

crabs we find in the traps previously set turn

Lawrence River’s south shore.

up some really fine specimens. And Shirley

As we enjoy High Tea at the Gardens, I

has a trick up her sleeve. Fresh salmon from

comment on how staff at even the humblest

another day’s catch is available and we are

restaurants appear generally friendly.

treated to an outdoor BBQ in front of the

“Unlike in the big cities, staff working at a

pier where our fishing boat is kept when not

diner here don’t take transit for hours to get

in service.

to a minimum-wage job. In Victoria, they

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can bike to work and get off at three, ready

where I first saw the crosswalk motifs. Earlier

to enjoy the day.”

during my stay, I had visited their rotisserie

I contemplate that thought as I mount my

and tasted some delicious options, next to

rental Simcoe bike back in town, intent on

where the Yonni Doughnuts are made. I

discovering more hidden and subtle beau-

opted for a gluten-free doughnut. Yes, the

ties. I decide to rediscover coffee at the

crowds were fierce, the wait was quite long.

Discovery Café on Blanshard Street, near

Yet, the service was friendly and fine.

DS

TRAVEL PLANNER For more information on all there is to see and do in Victoria, B.C., visit tourismvictoria.com.

Other venues and excursions mentioned include: Butchart Gardens: butchartgardens.com Dakini Tidal Wilds: dakinitidalwilds.com Discovery Coffee: discoverycoffee.com Hotel Fairmont Empress: fairmont.com/empress-victoria Saltwest Naturals: saltwest.com Silk Road: silkroadteastore.com Spirit Culinary Excursions: spiritculinaryexcursions.com The Pedaler: thepedaler.ca

SPRING/SUMMER 2019 DREAMSCAPES 23

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MORE FUN,

LAUGHTER AND LEARNING

By Kevin Fritz

S

eaWorld and Busch Gardens have delighted guests for years with newly created events, one-of-a-kind

thrill rides and innovative attractions that connect visitors to real-world efforts that protect species worldwide. And 2019 is no different.

On the west coast, SeaWorld San Diego debuts Tidal Twister. Touted as the first of its kind in the world, it’s a duelling rollercoaster with a unique horizontal design twisting and banking along a tight figure-eight track that includes a dynamic zero-G roll and exhilarating air-time hill. In addition to some of the best thrills in Southern California, Tidal Twister highlights conservation work focused on sustainable aquaculture and coral reef protection through SeaWorld’s Rising Tide Conservation, started by the company in 2009.

For those travelling to Florida, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is celebrating 60 years in 2019 with 52 weeks of surprises and an exciting new ride to test your courage.

Tigris is Florida’s tallest launch coaster designed to mimic the agility of the world’s

iconic Sesame Street neighbourhood

Aquatica Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and

largest and most powerful cat—the tiger.

including Abby Cadabby’s garden, Big Bird’s

the company’s Discovery Cove are all certi-

True to the park’s mission, the Tigris realm

nest, Mr. Hooper’s store and the famous 123

fied autism centres, the first family of parks

also educates guests about the plight of

stoop—not to mention all of your favourite

in Orlando to achieve this designation.

tigers in the wild and what the SeaWorld

characters. Experience play areas, interac-

and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is

tive immersions, a daily parade and

doing to help save them.

exciting rides like Elmo’s Choo Choo Train,

Discover even more excitement as

Big Bird’s Twirl ‘N’ Whirl and Super Grover’s

SeaWorld Orlando invites guests to cele-

Box Car Derby, and the perfect steel roller-

brate Sesame Street’s 50th anniversary with

coaster for kids and adults to share.

the park’s largest Sesame Street expansion

At nearby Aquatica Orlando, cool off by

to date. This new land brings to life the

challenging the new KareKare Curl.

24 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2019

DS

PHOTOS: At SeaWorld Orlando, celebrate Sesame Street’s 50th anniversary with all your favourite characters and experience new exciting rides. © 2019 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

TRAVEL PLANNER For more information on these and other attractions, events and Canadian resident offers at SeaWorld Parks, visit seaworld.ca.

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SUSTAINABLE

TOURISM AS BABY BOOMERS RETIRE IN DROVES, MANY CAN’T WAIT TO HOP ON A PLANE OR BOARD A CRUISE SHIP TO SEE THE WORLD. YET THE RESULTING CRUSH OF MORE THAN A BILLION TOURISTS FROM ROME TO AFRICA’S BIG GAME PARKS IS PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT AND ITS RESIDENTS.

By Cynthia David

T

o counter the impact of mass

indigenous artists across Canada to teach

tourism, companies such as The

the art of hand-stitching mukluks and moc-

Travel Corporation (ttc.com), owner

casins, with all profits going to the

of brands like Contiki, Trafalgar and Insight

craftsperson, TreadRight is committed to

Vacations, are “making travel matter” by

small, community-based tourism initia-

promoting a positive impact on the people

tives. Tollman says guests on TTC trips also

and communities they visit, protecting

learn the cultural practices that show

wildlife and putting green programs in

respect for local people in the countries

place to help save the planet.

they visit.

“Travel is an incredible gift, with the ability to open our eyes, our hearts and our minds,” says The Travel Corporation’s CEO Brett Tollman. “But with this gift comes a responsibility to protect the world as we know it.” To realize his vision, Tollman co-founded the TreadRight Foundation (treadright.org) in 2008. Since then, the not-for-profit has supported more than 50 sustainable tourism projects in South America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and the CEO says he’s just getting started.

PEOPLE Whether it’s encouraging Jordanian women to form a co-operative and sell their pottery and handmade paper to tourists or hiring

28 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2019

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LEFT: Bee + Hive offers unique accommodation choices. Bee + Hive OPPOSITE BOTTOM: TreadRight helps protect elephants in South Africa. TreadRight Foundation/The Travel Corporation

Africa, India and Asia to rehabilitate dwindling populations of elephants, rhinos and big cats by protecting them from poaching, cruelty and preserving their habitat is close to his heart. At Thailand’s Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, guests on Contiki tours can spend hours learning how to feed, bathe and care for elephants rescued from the entertainment, logging and tourism industries. Though it may seem harmless, elephants trained to carry humans on their back are often treated cruelly, he says, which led to the RefuseToRide campaign. TreadRight is also working to save Australia’s Tasmanian Devil from a disease that threatens to wipe it out.

LODGING Another Canadian-based company, Bee + Hive (beeplushive.com), promotes small, unique hotels, restaurants and parks around the world that promise travellers a To immerse yourself completely in the local

new silicone water bottle given to all guests

memorable guest experience and “jaw-

culture in Kenya, India, Ecuador and more,

on TTC trips. “The removable charcoal filter

dropping” activities with a focus on

join a ME to WE trip (metowe.com). Founded by

is good for 100 uses and gives you 99.9 per

sustainability. Founder Bruno Correa, who

brothers Craig and Marc Kielburger, the WE

cent pure water,” he said, “and it rolls up

grew up in a hotel family in Brazil, says his

charity works with locals to bring clean, safe

when you’re not using it.” TTC estimates it

non-profit company continues to expand

water, food and sanitation to communities

will help eliminate the use of some 570 mil-

with members in Brazil, the Philippines,

and ensure their kids go to school.

lion plastic water bottles alone.

U.S., Australia, Zimbabwe and Sweden.

When it comes to bus trips, TTC’s fleet of

“Sustainable tourism is not about interna-

THE PLANET

coaches are some of the most efficient in

tional companies bulldozing large tracts of

While climate change warnings are dire and

Europe: “We operate coaches that emit less

land and setting up huge cookie-cutter resorts

real, Tollman says small changes can make

carbon and other harmful greenhouse gases

with their own catering and large staff,” says

a difference. By 2022, The Travel Corporation

per passenger than other forms of trans-

Correa. “It’s about integrating naturally and

has committed to eliminating all avoidable

port,” he said.

respectfully with the local environment,

single-use plastic items, from straws to

giving local communities an opportunity to

plastic bags, bottles and cutlery, on the road,

WILDLIFE

share the economic benefits of tourism and

on cruise ships and from its 30-plus interna-

South African-born Tollman says TreadRight’s

preserving local traditions in food, music and

tional offices. He’s especially proud of the

work with leading wildlife organizations in

art while letting them thrive.”

DS

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AN ACTIVITY-FILLED GETAWAY IN

CHARLEVOIX YOU’VE LIKELY SEEN CHARLEVOIX BUT HAD NO IDEA WHAT YOU WERE LOOKING AT.

By Johanna Read

A

s you’re driving along the Trans-

place for a long weekend getaway, experi-

Canada Highway between Québec

encing the region’s culinary, cultural and

and the Maritimes, Charlevoix is

natural highlights. Le Train de Charlevoix

on the other side of the St. Lawrence, about

connects the two towns.

an hour east of Québec City. You’ve probably

30 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2019

looked at the river’s northern banks and

NATURE IS EVERYWHERE

thought, “That’s pretty. I should go there

Charlevoix’s extraordinary scenery—its

someday.” Here’s what you’ve been missing.

diversified flora and fauna received UNESCO

The heart of Charlevoix lies within a

Biosphere Reserve status in 1988—is a prime

massive crater. The region’s rolling forests

reason to visit in any season. Thanks to the

and mountains—including Le Massif—are

crash landing of a massive meteorite 350

dotted with cute little towns perfect for

million years ago, Charlevoix has a unique

exploring. Charlevoix’s two main centres

landscape. Mountains rim the 54-kilometre-

are La Malbaie, population 9,000, and Baie-

wide crater, discernible from a helicopter

Saint-Paul, with just 7,000. It’s the perfect

ride or the peak of a mountain hike.

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Explore the region’s forests, lakes and

On our September afternoon trip, we

mountains in hiking boots, snowshoes or

quickly lose count of the number of hump-

on skis. Enjoy a picnic next to the huge

backs we see. It’s easier to count the

tides of picturesque Baie des Rochers. Get

number of perfect whale tail photos we

aerial and climb a rock face, try the via fer-

capture instead. After we spot at least a

rata or a zip line. Fly like a bird aboard a

dozen minke whales, our captain only

paraglider or with Héli-Charlevoix. There

bothers to stop the boat if they’re really

are plenty of water options, too, whether

close to us.

you prefer sailing, kitesurfing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.

I’m surprised to see a fin whale—the second largest animal in the world after the

One of the prettiest ways to appreciate

blue whale. Its immense size dwarfs the

the scenery is by train. Le Train de

60-passenger Zodiac in the distance. At the

Charlevoix hugs the northern bank of the

other end of the size spectrum are belugas.

St. Lawrence along the more than 125-kilo-

Boats aren’t allowed to stop when they see

metre route between Baie-Saint-Paul and

the endangered white whales as a measure

La Malbaie. You’ll see forests, small vil-

to protect them. All the same, it’s pretty

lages, the sea-like St. Lawrence and, at two

thrilling to see their white backs glint in

particular spots, perhaps even some bel-

the sun as they arch through the brilliant

ugas in season.

blue river.

TOO MANY WHALES TO COUNT

CULTURE TRIP

Whale watching is a Charlevoix highlight.

Save time in your Charlevoix long weekend

The whale-watching hot spot is at the

to explore the region’s arts and culture.

mouth of the Saguenay, north of La Malbaie

Baie-Saint-Paul, the birthplace of Cirque du

at Tadoussac, where St. Lawrence estuary

Soleil, has become a magnet for young

whales are most active from May through

entrepreneurs and artists moving from the

September.

too-expensive rents and busy-ness of Montréal and Québec City. This results in a cultural scene far beyond what you’d expect for a town of 7,000.

The town is full of art galleries and shops selling creations from the region. The Musée d’Art Contemporain de Baie-SaintPaul, housed in an old cinema, showcases both a permanent collection and rotating exhibitions to tempt visitors. Every year they host a contemporary art symposium featuring 12 Canadian and international artists who explain their creative processes.

OPPOSITE TOP: Hiking in Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie. © Region tourisme du Québec/Steve Deschênes LEFT: Cycling in the Charlevoix area of Québec. © Region tourisme du Québec/Outpost

SPRING/SUMMER 2019 DREAMSCAPES 31

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BELOW: Sample the Famille Migneron de Charlevoix’s award-winning cow and sheep milk cheeses. © Region tourisme du Québec/Gaëlle Leroyer RIGHT: Le Massif de Charlevoix in Québec. © Region tourisme du Québec/Pierre Lambert/ Claude Parent BOTTOM CENTRE: A humpback in the St. Lawrence River. Johanna Read BOTTOM RIGHT: Horseback riding in Les Haflinger du Fjord, Charlevoix, Québec. © Region tourisme du Québec/Guillaume Poitra

An electric bike is an ideal way to explore Baie-Saint-Paul’s countryside and not be

restaurants highlighting the delicacies of

pretty Azulée farm, admire rows of the fra-

Charlevoix.

grant plants, the 1844 farmhouse and

concerned about the occasional hill. Keep

A unique Flavour Trail stop is Omerto.

picturesque shop. Be sure to take home

your eye out for permanent and temporary

Owner Pascal Miche makes certified organic

some of owner Louise Vidricaire’s recipes

sculptures that are commissioned annually.

wines from heirloom tomatoes, the first and

along with her lavender.

Want to explore Québec culture in a more

(for now at least) only producer in the

relaxing way? Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel

world. He also makes syrups and provides

WHERE TO STAY

& Spa’s Nordic spa is the spot for you. Sit

recipes to turn them into unique cocktails.

In Baie-Saint-Paul, we already recom-

back and relax in their outdoor pools as you

Pair your tomato wine with some local

mended Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel &

gaze upon the surrounding gardens and

cheese. Surrounded by fields with grazing

Spa, which is right next door to the station

fields, complete with grazing alpaca, sheep

sheep, taste the Famille Migneron de

for Le Train de Charlevoix. Just wheel your

and highland cattle.

Charlevoix’s award-winning cow and sheep

bag over to the platform from the lobby.

milk cheeses. The farm even produces a milk

In Baie-Saint-Paul, nothing beats the

FLAVOUR TRAILS

vodka. It was begun as a bit of an experiment

Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, which

You’ll dine well throughout Charlevoix.

on how to deal with the whey byproduct of

hosted the 2018 G7 meeting. Canine ambas-

Restaurants go out of their way to feature

cheesemaking (Québec’s laws prohibit it

sador Roux often greets guests when they

Québec products and, of course, wines.

from being poured into the ground or water

arrive at the resort, which sits on a hill

Combine your culture, culinary and nature

system). Once distilled, the whey is turned

above the St. Lawrence. The views from the

interests by following the Charlevoix

into a lactose- and gluten-free vodka.

27-hole golf course are sure to distract you

Flavour Trail gastronomy route. You’ll sample some of the region’s unique products and can purchase edible souvenirs to take home. The trail, updated annually, features over two dozen local producers and

32 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2019

Or, visit an organic lavender farm. At the

from your game.

DS

TRAVEL PLANNER For more information, visit CharlevoixTourism.com and TrainDeCharlevoix.com.

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DS CELEBRITY TRAVEL CORNER >> BY CHRIS RYALL

THE GERMAIN QUÉBEC BUSINESS LEADER Mme Christiane Germain is best known as co-founder and co-president of Group Germain Hotels whose highly motivated business plans include 20 hotels under the Germain, Alt and Alt+ banners by 2020 across Canada.

Mme Germain, whose parents ran successful restaurants in Québec City, discovered her passion for hotels on a visit to New York City in the mid-1980s. Long

Q&A

before it became popular, Group Germain promoted the use of local products in the hotels and supported local artists and artisans. Mme Germain also supports numerous charities and is chair of the board of directors at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (National Art Gallery of Québec).

In 2012, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Ryerson University and, in

© GROUP GERMAIN HOTELS

ALLURE

2009, she was named Chevalière de l’ordre national du Québec.

Since joining Dans l’oeil du dragon (Québec’s version of Dragon’s Den), she has become one of Québec’s most recognized entrepreneurs.

WAS THERE A EUREKA MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED TO START

is becoming better known. It’s close to Québec City and a real

THE GERMAIN CHAIN?

jewel next to the St. Lawrence River and full of beautiful scenery.

In 1986 my brother and I visited The Morgans, the first boutique hotel in New York City, set up by Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager of

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE HOTEL WHEN YOU TRAVEL?

Studio 54 fame. We decided it was exactly the kind of hotel we

I always try and stay at the newest spot wherever I go, and I

wanted to create. We opened the Hôtel le Germain-des-Prés in

seldom go back to the same hotel.

Québec City soon after.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS? WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO VISIT IN CANADA?

Have passion for what you are doing. If money is your only moti-

I’ve travelled to all the major cities in Canada and there’s some-

vation, you should not go for it. Hard work and persistence will

thing unique about each one that makes me want to return. Each

take you a long way. My parents, both entrepreneurs, were very

place has its own personality, due to its location and the people

terre à terre, that is to say, grounded. They were successful, but

you meet. There’s truly nowhere I wouldn’t go in Canada.

very humble. That’s how we were brought up to be.

WHAT MIGHT PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?

DO YOU HAVE ANY TRAVEL BEEFS?

I love trying new things, getting out of my comfort zone. If people

If I’m travelling for business, and in a hurry, I can have beefs, such

think I can do it, I want to try it. An example was when I was first

as schedules not being respected. However, when I travel for

approached to appear on Dans l’oeil du dragon.

leisure I really don’t mind as much. I take time to sit and observe, just remember, I’m on a vacation. I like watching people. Others

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ON DANS L’OEIL DU DRAGON?

say they can tell if I’m on a business or a leisure trip by the way I

Women of all ages need entrepreneurial role models.

walk. If I appear relaxed, they know it’s a leisure trip.

WHAT PART OF QUÉBEC DO YOU THINK ENGLISH CANADIANS

ANY TRAVEL ADVICE?

SHOULD GET TO KNOW?

Personally, I avoid layovers or changing planes too many times.

I would say the Charlevoix area. However, since the G7 summit, it

When I can, I fly direct wherever I go.

DS

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DS TRAVEL SLEUTH >> BY JANE STOKES

STAR-SPOTTING

AROUND THE WORLD CELEBRITIES FREQUENT SUCH GREAT PLACES, DON’T THEY? THINK OF THE THRILL on any getaway if you should see or catch the eye of one of your favourite persons, while dining, shopping or simply moseying around your chic hotel.

You might not say a word to each other but from that time onward, you and this personof-renown will share a moment in common.

Certain places, of course, increase the odds of spotting the stars, especially in the working hubs of Manhattan, Los Angeles, periodically in Hollywood North, or anywhere, in fact, during a film, sports or music festival. This very thing has happened to Travel Sleuth over the years. Personal experiences have ranged from simple sightings of Tom Brady, Uma Thurman and Mary Tyler Moore on the Upper East Side of New York City to actually chatting with the Beatles’ record producer George Martin while on assignment in Montserrat, with Rod Stewart at The Roxbury nightclub in West Hollywood, with Chris de Burgh at the Park Hyatt in Toronto, and with John Travolta at a very modest Chinese restaurant in South Los Angeles.

WHERE CELEBRITIES HANG OUT In the Caribbean, upscale St. Barts is known to cradle the stars in style, and, at the Montpelier Plantation & Beach Hotel in

34 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2019

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OPPOSITE: The chic Round Hill Hotel & Villas in Montego Bay, Jamaica, has welcomed many a celebrity over the years. Round Hill Hotel & Villas RIGHT: The beauty surrounding Banff and Lake Louise draws celebrities who seek peace and quiet. Noel Hendrikson BELOW: The rooftop deck at the Andaz West Hollywood offers a spectacular view of Hollywood. West Hollywood Marketing Corp.

it’s worth digging around online as well for insider information. Booking.com, for example, delivers a helpful dual-service.

The site posts tantalizingly different vacation ideas and then, if you like, will take you to the booking options. Celebrity-quality hotels on this website include the Taj Holiday Village in Goa, India, a property of beachfront cottages so sublime it’s charmed Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, and the GrandHotel du Cap-Ferrat on the don’t-miss French Riviera, a favourite hideaway for Miami Heat champion, Dwayne Wade and actress wife Gabrielle Union. Of equal appeal, the Ikena Lani retreat in Kaua’i, Hawaii, is apparently still aglow from hosting a bachelorette weekend for actress and music artist, Lea Michele, plus six of her closest girlfriends.

Nevis, guests can ask to stay in the secluded

So, keep your eyes peeled, especially in

suite, which Princess Diana and her

the most pleasing of places, which, in

CANADIAN FAVOURITES

charming little princes William and Harry

London, might include the neighbour-

Stay alert on your trips throughout Canada

occupied in 1993. Consider asking as well at

hoods of Chelsea and Kensington, and in

as well. Seeing a film crew hints that a star

Round Hill Hotel & Villas in Montego Bay,

Paris, Avenue Montaigne and Saint-Ger-

or two could be nearby. As you explore

Jamaica. This is where a late-December

main-des-Prés. Hotels across the world in

Toronto, shop and dine in the storied

sleuthing assignment delightfully coincided

the “elite” category include Dorchester,

Yorkville area. In Montréal, enjoy the

with the Paul McCartney family vacationing

Relais & Châteaux, Mandarin Oriental, St.

atmospheric Old Port, and, in Vancouver,

there with the Ralph Lauren family. Even

Regis, Four Seasons, Shangri-La and the

be sure to spend time in trendy West End

today, returning guests still recall a New

Grand Hyatt, although it’s often the lesser-

or Gastown.

Year’s Eve “of a lifetime” when McCartney

known hideaways recognizable faces prefer

spontaneously got up from his dinner table

to frequent.

to jam all evening with a local band.

Luck has to be on our side of course, but

But surprises can be just that. Across Canada, reports of chance sightings include unexpected places like Muskoka, Ontario,

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ABOVE: The Ikena Lani retreat in Kaua’i, Hawaii, recently hosted a bachelorette weekend for actress/musician Lea Michele and six girlfriends.

Booking.com RIGHT TOP: Horseback riding at Lake Louise, Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. Paul Zizka RIGHT CENTRE: Book the Terrasse Suite at Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat in the south of France.

Booking.com RIGHT BOTTOM: You never know who might be sitting at the table next to yours in Manhattan. NYC & Company/Will Steacy

that the lavish Fairmont hotels—especially

say, by Bill Clinton and Johnny Depp.

those in Banff, Whistler and Québec City—

• Sassafraz, Toronto, where Colin Firth,

are a good bet for celebrity sightings.

Michael Douglas, Robert DeNiro, and Susan Sarandon have all been elegantly served

TABLEMATES

from a menu of French-inspired cuisine.

Or, for somewhat less money, why not

• Momofuku, Toronto, with a specialty

simply dine out in style? In Los Angeles, for

cuisine known for its eco-responsible

instance, the Polo Lounge at the Beverly

farm ingredients attracting Al Pacino,

Hills Hotel has long been the place “to see

Felicity Jones and Robert Downey Jr.

especially around lakes Joseph and Rosseau,

and be seen.” So is the Rainbow Room in

• Island Gardens, Miami, located among

where locals say they’ve seen Martin Short,

New York City, and since the Big Apple is

the superyachts of a private marina and

Justin Bieber, Cindy Crawford, Kaia Gerber,

indeed a showcase for the world’s most

where the rich and famous have included

Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Tom Hanks and

exquisite cuisines, dining out there could

Patrick Schwarzenegger, Dennis Rodman

Steven Spielberg; Bancroft, Ontario, where

very easily lead to recognizable tablemates.

Jim Carrey has a waterfront home on Bap-

So let’s dine out. Celebrity chefs tend to

• The Polo Bar, Manhattan, where a table at

tiste Lake; the Laurentides region of Québec,

attract celebrity guests who could easily be

this Ralph Lauren-owned exclusive must

where Halle Berry has been seen more than

seated near you. Consider:

be booked weeks in advance unless you

once in Saint-Hippolyte; the quiet cottage

• Park, Montréal, an eatery of sushi and

have sway like Tom Hanks, Bradley

country of Georgeville, Québec, where

other fish-centric fare, perfected by

actors Donald Sutherland and son Kiefer

celebrity chef Antonio Park and known

• The Spotted Pig, Manhattan, a West Vil-

own a hideaway; and the Okanagan region

to have attracted Katy Perry, Neil Patrick

lage hot spot serving unforgettable pub

Harris and others.

food to unforgettable patrons such as

of British Columbia where no one can miss

and Scottie Pippen.

Cooper and Martha Stewart.

the vibe caused by repeat-visitors Nicole

• Da Emma, Montréal, where Roman cui-

Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, Kanye

Kidman and Keith Urban as they stroll on

sine is artistically delivered by chef

West, and, perhaps sometime soon, you

by. As well, online insiders seem to agree

Emma Risa and has been sampled, they

and me.

36 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2019

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ON THE ROAD AGAIN EDITORIAL & PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPHINE MATYAS

A

s the thermometer rises and days

Trace. Today, it is a pastoral recreational trip

lengthen, thoughts turn to

through three states, with no transport

exploring—and nothing says

trucks and plenty of spots to picnic, hike

exploration like a scenic road trip. With its

and camp. nps.gov/natr

wide variety of landscapes and cultures,

The Blue Ridge Parkway, often called

America’s wealth of choices tempts every

“America’s Favorite Drive,” spans the

style of traveller. So, buckle up, find your

southern and central Appalachians, con-

favourite mapping device—classic paper or

necting Great Smoky Mountains National

state-of-the-art digital—and come along for

Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah

the ride.

National Park in Virginia. Along the pictur-

The 210-kilometre Outer Banks is a road

esque 755-kilometre route are dozens of

trip dream route, with windswept dunes

scenic overlooks, as well as ways to explore

and beaches, dotted with protected park-

the rich traditions and culture of Cherokee

lands, striped lighthouses and fishing

life and Southern Appalachian crafts and

villages. You can island hop along the upper

music. blueridgeparkway.org

North Carolina coastline and stop to

Nicknamed the “Mother Road,” travellers

indulge in the rich history of pirates and the

have been driving Historic Route 66—from

age of powered flight, dive into platters of

of—a stretch of blacktop that winds past

Chicago to LA—since the Great Depression,

fresh seafood, birdwatch, windsurf or kite-

wild beaches and surf, precipitous cliffs, pic-

in search of a better life in the west. Passing

board and walk the long stretches of beach.

turesque towns like tony Carmel-by-the-Sea

through eight states, there are hundreds of

outerbanks.org

and magnificent stands of giant coastal red-

roadside attractions dotting the landscape,

Named one of the best U.S. Road Trips by

woods, some of the oldest trees on the

ranging from retro diners and motels to

National Geographic, the 182-kilometre

planet. The section through Big Sur is a

classic roadhouses like The Museum Club

Overseas Highway (U.S. Highway 1) is the

National Scenic Byway with dramatic views

in Flagstaff and the surreal Cadillac Ranch

nation’s longest dead-end road. Skipping

around every bend. Protected lands like

in Amarillo, Texas. nps.gov/nr/travel/route66

along the scenic ocean islands of the Florida

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and

Plan carefully and bring supplies for a road

Keys, it crosses 42 bridges and miles of

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park showcase the mag-

trip through Death Valley National Park, the

water. Along the way you’ll find beaches,

nificence of nature along the route.

nation’s lowest, hottest and driest place, filled

parks, dive sites, towns and attractions that

bigsurcalifornia.org

with temperature extremes. Death Valley Trace

straddles the state line between California

lifestyle. At the southern tip—Mile Marker

Parkway is part of the National Park System

and Nevada and a one-day road trip crosses

0—sits quirky Key West, a town that fuelled

and a quiet, scenic drive linking Natchez,

mountain-size sand dunes, below-sea-level

artistic inspiration for author Ernest Hem-

Mississippi, and Nashville, Tennessee. In

salt flats and colourful sandstone canyons.

ingway and musician Jimmy Buffett.

days gone by, boatmen from the Ohio Valley

Don’t miss Badwater Basin, the continent’s

fla-keys.com

floated goods downstream on the Missis-

lowest spot, at 86 metres below sea level. visitcalifornia.com and travelnevada.com

define the area’s trademark laid-back

The

715-kilometre

Natchez

The 145-kilometre drive along the Big Sur

sippi River, unloaded their cargo at the

coastline of California’s coastal Highway

southern ports and then returned north on

No. 1 is the stuff road trip dreams are made

foot or on horseback along the Old Natchez

DS

PHOTO: Outer Banks Lighthouse.

Discover more information on travel to the USA at visittheusa.ca.

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TRACING BERGMAN’S FOOTSTEPS IN

STOCKHOLM I WAS LIVING IN STOCKHOLM FOR TWO YEARS BEFORE I SAW MY FIRST INGMAR BERGMAN FILM, PERSONA (1966). I WONDERED HOW SUCH A MOODY AND METAPHYSICAL FILM COULD BE BORN FROM A NATIVE OF THIS CITY THAT WAS ALL TIDY AND, IN MANY WAYS, UNCOMPLICATED.

By Wailana Kalama

I

t’s not easy to find remnants of Bergman in Stockholm. Unlike Kafka, whose face is plastered all over coffee

mugs in his hometown Prague, Bergman is no mascot. There are no statues, no bottle openers, no signature berets splashed with his silhouette. I didn’t even have the faintest idea of what he looked like.

That’s not to say that Swedes aren’t proud of him. Bergman is as much an indelible symbol of Sweden as IKEA or ABBA. He crowns the 200-kronor banknote. He produced around 60 films and 172 plays over his lifetime and is one of the most influential directors in the world. I spent a day chasing Bergman’s faint memory around Stockholm.

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BELOW: An aerial view of Stockholm from the Nybroviken Harbor. Visit Stockholm RIGHT: The Radisson Collection Hotel Strand features modern design. Radisson Hotel Group

INFLUENCED IN ÖSTERMALM

sun-yellow linoleum on the floor and light-

Though born in Uppsala, Bergman spent

coloured blinds with castles and meadow

most of his childhood in Stockholm’s fash-

flowers on them.”

ionable Östermalm district. I went on the

At the time, Östermalm was the artistic

hunt for his first apartments, past high-end

hub in Stockholm. Bergman would grow up

townhouses. I paid a visit to Skeppargatan

with the Royal Opera and Zita Folkets Bio

27, a banal condo that looked less than

cinema in his figurative backyard. He saw

inviting. Bergman painted an austere pic-

his first film at the Sture-Teatern, once

ture of the loft in his autobiography The

located at Birger Jarlsgatan 23-30. He sat in

Magic Lantern: “The dining room faced on

the front row to Black Beauty (1921), age six,

to a dark back courtyard with a high brick

captivated by the moving images of horses.

wall, the outdoor privy, dustbins, fat rats,

“I was overcome with a fever that has never

and a carpet-beating stand. I am sitting on

left me. The silent shadows turned their

someone’s knee being fed with gruel… Sud-

pale faces towards me and spoke in

denly; I vomit over everything. That is

inaudible voices to my most secret feel-

probably my very first memory.” His family

ings.” Closed since 2001, the block is now

later moved nearby to the shy Romantic Vil-

dedicated to an Italian eatery and the Hotel

lagatan 22. In contrast, this apartment “had

Kung Carl.

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As a teenager, he was often found at

many, he always returned to the capital.

Swedish Film Industry recorded around 440

Sandberg’s Bookshop, a popular waterhole

When he lived abroad, he would import

films here, at least 32 of which were by

for intellectuals at the time. His friend

Swedish filmjölk, a sour milk poured over

Bergman.

Erland Josephson’s father ran the shop on

cornflakes. He even declined offers by stu-

cinephile clubs and festivals.

the corner of Sturegatan and Humlegårds-

dios abroad, reportedly because he doubted

Emerging from the subway at Näckrosen,

gatan. I wandered Östermalm, but instead

his ability to make a film in any language

I crossed under the ornamental archway to

of finding a statue or bust, I came away with

other than Swedish. Instead, he could usu-

Filmstaden’s waffle café. From the window,

a vague sense of cinemas and playhouses,

ally be found at what was known as the

who greeted me but Bergman, or at least a

playgrounds for a fledgling artist.

“Swedish Hollywood.”

large photo of his wry face in a director’s

These neighbourhoods echoed into

Today,

the

premises

host

chair. Beside him, a sign proudly welcomed

Bergman’s adulthood and films. While his

SWEDISH HOLLYWOOD

me to Bergman’s Filmstaden. Stamped on a

father worked at the Sophiahemmet Royal

Other than Östermalm, Bergman spent most

fence behind the café was a line of posters

Hospital as a chaplain, the family took up

of his life at the Filmstaden Råsunda in

of his films, with Persona at the very end.

residence on-site. Bergman would return

Solna. Though some of his movies were

On the café steps, I met up with Sven-Åke

later in life as a patient in the hospital,

filmed on location around the city and

Peterson of the Filmstaden Culture Founda-

where he scribbled down the screenplay

archipelago, the majority were shot on the

tion, a long-legged gentleman who had

to Persona.

lots of the famed “Film City.”

promised me as many Bergman anecdotes

Stockholm was both Bergman’s home

Built on a former ostrich farm, Film-

as I could handle. Together we wandered

and his studio. Though he moved around,

staden once contained two large film

past the soft peach buildings smothered in

with time spent in west Sweden and Ger-

studios. From its opening in 1919, the

ivy. It was probably due to its charm, Sven

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OPPOSITE LEFT: Interior of the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm. Visit Stockholm LEFT: Bergman’s favourite table at Teatergrillen.

Niklas Alexandersson

THE ROYAL THEATRE I returned to Östermalm in search of more palpable homages, making my way to Nybroplan, where Ingmar Bergman’s Street flows into Ingmar Bergman’s Square. Both are smallish, but with elegant brickwork and Jugendstil turrets. I peeked into Teatergrillen, a beloved go-to for Bergman and other cast and crew of the Royal Dramatic Theatre since 1945. The restaurant, lavishly laid in red booths, promised fresh oysters. I could easily imagine Bergman here munching on toast topped with baby shrimps. Diners can even book his regular table, the first left of the entrance.

On the corner of the square stands the Royal Dramatic Theatre, a magnificent stage suggested, that Råsunda was still standing

Bergman’s Way. Around the corner, a newly

that hosted the likes of Greta Garbo and Max

when so many old movies studios around

minted sculpture paid homage to The Sev-

von Sydow. Though largely known for his

the world had folded. He showed me the

enth Seal (1957) with chiselled Knight and

films, on and off for 40 years Bergman

square where Bergman had filmed a scene

Death. “I’m so old that I remember that in

served as a theatrical director of this grand

from Summer with Monika (1953), flipping

my hometown,” Sven recalled, “in the sum-

stage that overlooks Nybroviken Harbor.

through stills of the film.

mers, there was an old tradition called

Admiring the theatre’s façade of Ekeberg

Bergman showed up at Filmstaden in the

Commedia dell’Arte where clowns, dancers,

marble, my eyes fell on the three crowns of

early 1940s. Already in demand as a the-

singers travelled into little villages.” I

Sweden. “I am so 100 percent Swedish,”

atrical director, he was signed on as a

peered into the face of the Knight, but

Bergman once told the New York Times.

scriptwriter. His first screenplay, Torment

instead of Max von Sydow, I saw Bergman’s

“Someone has said a Swede is like a bottle

(1944), was a success. Bergman hit the

own lean face pitched toward something

of ketchup—nothing and nothing and then

director’s chair with Crisis (1946). On the set,

only he could see.

all at once—splat.”

he quickly acquired a reputation as a perfectionist. When selecting costumes for his cast, he handpicked each colour—even though his films were black and white. No detail, however minuscule, was safe.

Sven pointed out a small door to Bergman’s own private auditorium, where

DS

TRAVEL PLANNER Every summer, the Filmstaden Råsunda at Greta Garbos väg 3 (en.filmstadenskultur.se) offers guided tours. Reserve a seat at Teatergrillen (teatergrillen.se/eng) in advance to beat the summer tourists. The Radisson Collection Hotel Strand located at Nybrokajen 9 (radissoncollection.com/strandhotel-stockholm) was once a favourite haunt of celebrities like Greta Garbo and Ingmar Bergman. More information on Stockholm, Sweden, can be found at visitstockholm.com.

he held a cinema club, on Ingmar

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DS TRAVEL GALLERY >> BY CYNTHIA DAVID

P

lanning a trip to Newfoundland and Labrador this summer? Add a little cruising to your adventure and book a ferry trip with Marine Atlantic. As the only yearround daily ferry service connecting the mainland (Nova Scotia) to the island of Newfoundland, Marine Atlantic is the gateway to a world of wonder. This year’s schedule will continue to include the popular overnight and morning crossings.

Choose from a variety of delicious dining options on board, watch the sun set on the port deck or recharge in one of their private cabins. It’s a wonderful way to relax and let someone else do the driving. MarineAtlantic.ca

DENNIS MINTY

E

mbark on a 12-day journey on board the Ocean Endeavour from Iceland to Greenland with Adventure Canada from July 14–25. Priced from US$4,995 per person, based on double occupancy, the expedition, In the Wake of the Vikings: A Voyage from Iceland to Greenland, departs from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, passing through Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands) en route to Greenland, just as Norse explorers did a millennium ago in open longboats.

Along the way, you’ll view the breathtaking fjords of Greenland, a photographer’s paradise, abundant with whales and seabirds; bask in geothermal springs; explore the ruins of a settlement founded by Erik the Red; visit a quaint fishing village and Greenland’s capital, Nuuk; and sail the mighty Sondre Stromfjord to Kangerlussuaq, the gateway to the ice cap, where you will transfer to the airport to board your charter flight to Toronto. AdventureCanada.com

MARINE ATLANTIC

J

ust 90 minutes north of Toronto, Blue Mountain Resort welcomes summer with two new family-friendly outdoor attractions. The first, the Wooden Ball Track, is located along the Easy Rider ski run. Visitors follow a wooden ball as it makes its way down three 30-metre sections of track, passing through various twists, turns and obstacles along the way. The second new attraction is a netted forest adventure, comprised of bounce nets, treehouses, slides and a watchtower suspended under the trees near the bottom of the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, close to the Timber Challenge High Ropes. It should be open by mid-July. To better serve guests, the resort is improving its public washrooms and shade structures and opening a shop dedicated to Blue Mountain logo products. BlueMountain.ca

LEAGUE OF CHICAGO THEATRES

T

he mayor of Chicago has designated 2019 as the Year of Chicago Theatre. The year-long celebration will honour all forms of performance arts, including improv, dance, opera, puppetry and more, through special events at cultural venues, theatres, parks and neighbourhoods. Chicago is the birthplace of storefront theatre and improv, and home to some 250 theatres. It boasts five Tony Award-winning theatres, the largest touring Broadway organization in the United States and more world premieres than any other city. One of the most innovative new spaces is The Yard, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s third venue in its Navy Pier campus.

ChicagoPlays.com BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT

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F ST. LAWRENCE CRUISE LINES

S

rom in-depth neighbourhood art and culinary tours of Toronto to guided hikes through the maple hills and remote terrain of Algonquin Park, a new luxury tour company called Guided Toronto has international visitors, VIP guests, business travellers and newcomers in mind. Trips include tailor-made private tours and black-car customized getaways. The one-day Best of Toronto tour takes visitors from the Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market to neighbourhoods like the eclectic Junction. The exclusive Old Town and Island Picnic starts with a bike ride to Harbourfront and ends with an island picnic overlooking Toronto’s skyline. The new 30,000 Islands walking tour explores Georgian Bay, with optional kayak lessons, boat tour or an Indigenous cultural experience. GuidedToronto.com

t. Lawrence Cruise Lines is undertaking an ambitious renewal program to enhance the comfort and services provided on the M/V Canadian Empress. The upcoming season will feature renovations to the main dining room, upgraded staterooms and new observation windows throughout the vessel. Additionally, cruise packages will now feature complimentary beer/wine with all meals. Rates start as low as CAD$1,673 per person based on double occupancy.

The 2019 cruise season starts on May 12 with departures from Kingston, Ottawa and Québec City. Be sure to inquire about special offers on their spring cruises between now and June 18. StLawrenceCruiseLines.com GUIDED TORONTO

B BRITISH AIRWAYS

ook an in-depth cultural tour this summer in southwest Colorado’s Mesa Verde Country. Experience the high desert, meet local farmers and learn about the area’s agricultural history on the Farm & Ranch Tour. Mesa Verde National Park, one of the world’s cultural wonders, also offers self- and ranger-guided tours, from the 700 Years Tour of ancestral Puebloan times to summer and fall solstice tours.

The 90-minute sunrise tour at Balcony House is also popular, taking you up a cliff face and through tunnels. Identify constellations in the dark sky as part of the free astronomy program at Hovenweep National Monument. Be sure to book in advance as tours fill up quickly. MesaVerdeCountry.com; recreation.gov; nps.gov/hove/planyourvisit

B

ritish Airways has unveiled its new business class Club Suite, which is expected to roll out on all long-haul flights on October 1. The sophisticated new Suite offers direct-aisle access, a door for privacy and luxurious flatbed seats. Expect more storage, a vanity unit and mirror and larger entertainment screens with gate-to-gate HD programming. As well, a new 56-seat World Traveller Plus cabin offers plush new pillows and quilts, new amenity kits and a truly fine dining experience. High-speed Wi-Fi allows travellers to browse the internet on their personal devices. New routes being launched this year include Osaka, Pittsburgh and Charleston. BritishAirways.com MESA VERDE COUNTRY

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DS TRAVEL GALLERY >> BY CYNTHIA DAVID

T RIDEAU HALL/MCPL VINCENT CARBONNEAU

H

istory happens at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. The official residence and workplace of the Governor General of Canada is situated in an idyllic, 32-hectare oasis just minutes from Gatineau and our capital’s downtown core. It is the only official residence in the national capital that is open to the public and visitors are welcome to tour the historical site and its expansive grounds year-round. In fact, why not plan to spend the whole day? A wide array of free activities for all ages is offered on-site every summer and it’s the perfect place for a picnic. The site is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from May 18 to September 2. https://www.gg.ca/en/visit-us/rideau-hall

hose seeking sustainable travel options are looking to brands and resorts that maintain the ecological integrity and natural beauty of the landscape, while also respecting the local culture and environment. By 2021, Club Med seeks to have 100 per cent of its eligible resorts Green Globe Certified. The Green Globe certification is a merit earned when day-to-day operations meet the highest standards of sustainability. Criteria categories to achieve this standard include sustainable management, community development, incorporation of culture and resource conservation. As part of this commitment, Club Med resorts in the Americas, including the highly anticipated Club Med Québec Charlevoix, are working to be single-use-plastic free by 2020, and the brand is also seeking to remove plastic straws from all of its resorts globally through its Bye Bye Single-Use-Plastics initiative. ClubMed.ca

CLUB MED QUÉBEC CHARLEVOIX

O TOURISM NEW ZEALAND

H

ead off the beaten track to discover New Zealand’s hidden gems. In the Wairarapa region of the lower North Island, the Putangirua Pinnacles loom. Don’t miss the Castlepoint Lighthouse, a 90-minute drive from the Wairarapa town of Martinborough and a great place to spot fur seals, dolphins and small whales. For dramatic views, trek the 16-kilometre (one way) Cape Brett Track through native bush and book a cosy hut for an overnight stay. Walk through ancient rainforest to the massive limestone Oparara Arch in Kahurangi National Park. Visit the Motueka Saltwater Baths, built in 1930, best experienced at high tide in the early morning or at sunset. Or view wild kiwi on the celebrated Rakiura Track on remote, beautiful, and often overlooked by tourists, Stewart Island. NewZealand.com/ca

ntario-based tripcentral.ca is the first Canadian travel company to offer a new payment option. The partnership with California-based Uplift allows travellers to pay for their dream vacation in monthly instalments. It’s simple to use. Book your trip, fill out a loan application online and check the rate. Once the loan is confirmed and you’ve booked your trip, you’re free to travel any time, even before you’ve paid off the balance. There’s no penalty for paying off the loan early.

Uplift is already available on U.S. websites such as kayak.com and Norwegian Cruise Line. tripcentral.ca; uplift.com

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

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T

he Canadian Photography Institute of the National Gallery of Canada recently launched its new website, Photostories Canada, a searchable resource of more than 800 photostories created between 1955 and 1971 by the National Film Board of Canada’s Still Photography Division.

Meant to inspire a variety of audiences, ranging from teachers to the general public and academics to photojournalists, these photostories depict charming scenes of small-town life across Canada and offer Canadians the opportunity to learn more about each other as well as engage in, share and appreciate our nation’s history from coast to coast to coast. photostories.ca

GRUPO VIDANTA

L

atin America’s leading resort developer and tourism operator is taking to the sea with the debut of Vidanta Cruises, scheduled to be launched in fall 2019. The group’s first ship, Vidanta Elegant, offers 149 spacious, luxurious staterooms and suites with a personal concierge assigned to each cabin. The ship is outfitted with six public decks and dining areas, 11 bars and lounges, a full-service spa, a fitness centre and a top deck pool. Award-winning French chefs guarantee gourmet dining experiences. With just one check-in, travellers can seamlessly split their trip between the cruise ship and Mexico’s Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta for a combined cruise-and-resort vacation. vidanta.com

NATIONAL GALLERY OF CANADA, OTTAWA

O

rlando, Florida, is always reinventing itself and this year the Theme Park Capital of the World is welcoming new immersive experiences for all ages. A new Sesame Street-themed land at SeaWorld Orlando as well as the Lego Movie World at LEGOLAND Florida Resort opened in spring 2019. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios opens late fall 2019. New thrill rides and family-friendly attractions include an all-new rollercoaster at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and a Mickey-themed ride-through attraction called Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway as well as Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Beyond the theme parks, check out Dezerland Action Park, Wild Florida and, for ages 13 and over, Epic Axe Throwing.

VisitOrlando.com

TOURISME MONTRÉAL

W

estJet celebrates summer 2019 with a new route between London, Ontario, and Montréal. Daily service will be offered from June 24 through October 15 on WestJet Encore. The airline also operates flights from London to Calgary and Toronto. From Montréal, take advantage of 23 daily summer flights including two to Vancouver, three to Calgary, one to Edmonton and Winnipeg, 13 to Toronto and two to Halifax. By peak summer, WestJet will be operating more than 750 daily flights to 92 destinations. westjet.com/flight-schedules-new VISIT ORLANDO

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DS TRAVEL GALLERY >> BY CYNTHIA DAVID

DS WEB LISTING >> Best Western Hotels & Resorts ........................................26, 48 www.bestwestern.com Brockville & 1000 Islands, ON ..................................................23 www.brockvilletourism.com Busch Gardens, Tampa, FL ........................................................25 www.buschgardens.ca Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau ................................16 www.historymuseum.ca

MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF TRAVEL & TOURISM

W

hether you’re into whale watching, enjoying an outdoor concert in the mountains or catching a baseball game in Boston, Massachusetts has much to offer visitors. With the historic Freedom Trail alongside modern museums and a thriving food and drink scene, Boston is well worth exploring. North of Boston, explore the gorgeous shoreline filled with stunning beaches and cultural stops. Visit Cape Cod and the iconic islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

South of Boston beckons with nearly 400 years of history, charming fishing villages and more beaches. North Central Massachusetts invites you to explore Johnny Appleseed Country on exciting outdoor adventure activities. Take in the fresh mountain air of Western Massachusetts at Tanglewood in the Berkshires. massvacation.com

Canadian War Museum, Ottawa ..............................................17 www.warmuseum.ca Cartier Place Suite Hotel, Ottawa ..............................................8 www.suitedreams.com Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East..........................................15 www.courtyardottawaeast.com Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum, Ottawa ..........18 www.diefenbunker.ca Dukoral ........................................................................................47 www.dukoralcanada.com Erie, PA ............................................................................................3 www.visiterie.com Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, QC..........................................2 www.fairmont.com/frontenac Fernleigh Lodge, ON ..................................................................22 www.fernleighlodge.com GoRVing.ca ....................................................................................7 www.gorving.ca Mercer County, PA ........................................................................3 www.mercercountypa.com

THE VOX AGENCY

T

he only zip line on the Las Vegas Strip, FLY LINQ now gives riders four ride styles that can launch simultaneously on 10 side-by-side lines. Riders have the option to fly seated or prone backward whereas before they were only able to fly frontward. The thrill begins when guests take an elevator designed to provide Strip views from The Vortex at The LINQ Hotel & Casino to the top of the 34.7-metre launch tower above The LINQ Promenade. On the launch deck, they are fitted for gear before travelling 341 metres through the promenade to the landing tower and disembarkation near the base of High Roller. FLY LINQ is open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight and internet admission prices start from US$25. caesars.com/linq/fly-linq

46 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2019

National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa ........................................18 www.operaatelier.com SeaWorld, Orlando, FL................................................................25 www.seaworld.ca Shaw Festival, Niagara-on-the-Lake..........................................9 www.shawfest.com Travel Guide to California............................................................6 www.californiatravelguide.travel Travel Guide to Canada................................................................6 www.canadatravelguides.ca Travel Guide to Florida ................................................................6 www.floridatravelguide.travel

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