Dreamscapes Magazine | Spring Summer 2015 by MarkintoshDesign

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A CRUISE FOR 2 THROUGH THE HEART OF CENTRAL AMERICA

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ICELANDIC WONDERS

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DS TABLE OF CONTENTS >> WIN A DREAM CRUISE FOR TWO THROUGH THE HEART OF CENTRAL AMERICA COMPLIMENTS OF

VOLUME 20, ISSUE NO. 3

14 CALL OF THE WILD

42 BREATHE IN THE SEA

Summer is a great time to celebrate our country’s unique wildlife and habitats.

This year-round California resort town is studded with hotels, restaurants and compelling sights.

BY KATHARINE FLETCHER

BY IRVINA LEW

18 A RURAL ONTARIO GEM Known as “horse country,” Headwaters showcases Ontario’s great outdoors. BY LINDSAY KYTE

46 TRAVEL SLEUTH NEW BRUNSWICK DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND PARKS

21 AT THE HEART OF THE KAWARTHAS

This isle of ice and fire boasts one of the planet’s most incredible landscapes. BY VALERIE MARSHALL

BY DONNA S. VIEIRA

50 ROCKIN’ IN PANAMA

22 MEMORIES OF DYLAN THOMAS

Embrace your inner rocker at the Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megapolis.

Salute a great poet from a marvellous country.

BY DONNA S. VIEIRA

BY HANS TAMMEMAGI

JUDY EBERSPAECHER

Every year, Ottawa rolls out the red carpet for blockbuster shows and events.

Trace the footsteps of those who think outside the box.

57 TRAVEL GALLERY News you can use.

30 A VICE-REGAL WELCOME

BY CYNTHIA DAVID

Engage in a world of splendour at Canada’s governor general residences.

COVER: Covehead Harbour Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island National Park. (Tourism PEI)

BY E. LISA MOSES

Take to the road and experience the freedom of an RV lifestyle.

54 A MAGNET FOR TRAILBLAZERS BY JOSEPHINE MATYAS

BY LAURA BYRNE PAQUET

34 REDISCOVER FREEDOM IN AN RV

BY JANE STOKES

48 AN ISLAND TO REMEMBER

Plenty of activities and fine dining experiences await you at this award-winning Ontario resort.

26 CAPITAL ATTRACTIONS AND CELEBRATIONS

Don your explorer’s cap and uncover the history behind the destination.

SAHANI PHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK

BY JOSEPHINE MATYAS

36 BEHIND THE YELLOW KOA SIGN There’s much more to camping than tents at the Kampgrounds of America camps. BY E. LISA MOSES

38 FAST CARS, FAST HORSES AND BOURBON This is what bluegrass country, USA, is all about. BY ALEX EBERSPAECHER

41 CELEBRITY TRAVEL CORNER We’re catching up with Drew and Jonathan as they travel the world. BY JOHN AND SANDRA NOWLAN

8 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

VALERIE MARSHALL

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DS FROM MY TRAVEL BAG >> BY DONNA S. VIEIRA AMONG INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS, Canada is considered one of the most exotic destinations in the world. Our mountains, lakes, oceans, forests and wide-open spaces lure travellers from around the world to our shores. Sadly, it appears Canadians are not as enthralled with all our country has to offer. Research shows that time spent in nature makes us happier, healthier and less stressed. Just 30 minutes a day is all it takes to reap the benefits. Yet a recent report commissioned by Coleman Canada (colemancanada.ca) revealed 63 per cent of Canadians spend two hours or less per week enjoying outdoor recreational activities. As many as 49 per cent claim lack of time is a barrier to spending time outdoors. From backyard BBQs and picnics in the park to camping excursions and cottage weekends, there are so many ways to enjoy summer outside. In this issue, we’ve presented several ideas, many of which involve the great outdoors and a return to nature and simpler pleasures. While unplugging and leaving your technical gadgets at home may be the ideal way to enjoy any vacation, some may find this prospect impossible, if not downright intimidating. If you remain in Canada, chances are your Canadian cell phone service provider will keep you in touch with friends and family. However, doing so on trips to U.S. or international destinations may present challenges and unwanted expenses. Roam Mobility (roammobility.com) is always coming up with innovative ideas to make life easier for frequent travellers. A few years ago, this Vancouver-based company introduced the unlocked Breeze phone and a SIM card as well as unlimited talk, text and data plans for as little as $1 a day to avoid nasty roaming charges while in the USA. However they haven’t stopped there. Perhaps you own two mobile phones—one for Canada and another for out-of-country travel or one for personal needs and another for business. Owning two phones can be cumbersome. Remembering to keep both charged and having access to information and photos when you need them most are just a couple of

10 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

editor@dreamscapes.ca

challenges dual phone owners face. Roam Mobility has come up with a brilliant solution to eliminate the dual-phone dilemma—unlocked dual-SIM phones. The new Breeze model has two SIM card slots so you can use your Roam SIM while in the U.S. and switch to your SIM from a compatible carrier once you’re back in Canada. Priced at CDN$49.95, the compact Breeze phone features Bluetooth, FM radio, a QWERTY keyboard and includes a U.S. Roam Mobility SIM card. For those who prefer the sleek look and convenience of touchscreens, Roam Mobility also offers the new unlocked Que dual-SIM Android smartphones, available in three sizes. Each model comes with all the bells and whistles, including a sharp multi-touch screen, a camera, USB cables, earbuds, a charger, a case, a long-lasting battery and a U.S. SIM card. Prices for Que smartphones range from CDN$149.95 to $219.95, depending on the model you purchase. The company also offers the option to simply purchase a travel SIM card, priced at CDN$9.95, for use in your unlocked smartphone, tablet or hotspot to talk, text and enjoy the Web without limits across the USA or Mexico. Regardless of which mobile phone you choose, you can call or text message to any U.S. or Canadian number without incurring any long-distance charges while in the U.S. or Mexico. And, if you travel overseas, all Roam Mobility phones will work in any country. Use your regular SIM card from your regular service provider while in Canada and switch to the Roam Mobility SIM card when travelling to the U.S. or Mexico. And, as an added bonus on your Que smartphone, you can still monitor who may be trying to reach you on your Canadian number. Everything is exactly where you want and need it all the time so you don’t have to swap phones or SIM cards. It’s just that simple. Enjoy a safe and memorable summer. DS

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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 ASSOCIATE Sandra Kitchen PUBLISHERS Valerie Saunders EDITOR Donna S. Vieira EXECUTIVE EDITOR Judi Scharf COPY EDITOR Anne Champagne EDITOR-AT-LARGE Jane Stokes CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Cynthia David ART DIRECTOR Mark Tzerelshtein PRODUCTION MANAGER Julia Wall CONTROLLER Gloria Mungo PUBLISHER

PRESIDENT & GROUP PUBLISHER

Joseph P. Turkel

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CALL OF

THE WILD CANADA’S DIVERSE HABITATS OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPECTACULAR WILDLIFE VIEWING.

BY KATHARINE FLETCHER

’m on the deck of Vancouver Whale

raphy and some extreme wilderness terri-

Watch’s boat, Explorathor II, south of

tory. Here you can discover mountains,

Vancouver Island, whale-watching in

forests, grasslands, lakes, rivers and ocean

Juan de Fuca Strait. Suddenly, Captain

waters, all home to various wildlife. Even in

John Bulmer shouts, “Off to starboard: there’s

many urban landscapes, coyotes, mink,

an orca superpod!” Looking left, we watch 88

owls, herons and more thrive.

killer whales swimming about and playing for about an hour before they disappear.

TOP: Hike among awe-inspiring natural wonders in Fundy National Park in New Brunswick. New Brunswick Department of Tourism and Parks CENTRE: Churchill, located on Hudson Bay, is home to belugas and polar bears. Travel Manitoba

14 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

However, just because we are in an animal’s habitat, sightings are never guaranteed.

After they’re gone, our group of 40 passen-

If you’re keen on animals, consider

gers erupts into excited chatter: talk about

joining a guided excursion over several hours

being at the right place at the right time!

or days, and visit interpretation centres to

Wildlife watching is like that: Mother

learn about species’ habitats and needs. This

Nature rules. Superpods occur when family

way, if you do see wildlife, you’ll appreciate it

groups congregate to socialize, hunt and

much more. And another thing. All operators

check out mating partners. Such large

I mention follow best practices, meaning the

groups are rarely seen.

welfare of the animals is paramount.

Wildlife abounds in Canada due to the country’s vast expanses of varied topog-

Where to go? What to see? Here are some ideas.

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MARINE LIFE

and others. Frontiers North operates

On the Atlantic coast, New Brunswick’s

Tundra Buggies out of Churchill, so you

shores offer many whale-watching outfit-

travel in safety and comfort while seeking

ters, including two on Grand Manan Island:

polar bears.

Whales-n-Sails Adventures and Sea Watch

Incidentally, RMNP is now promoted as

Tours. Also renowned for birding, this

one of the best and most diverse watchable

island is where famous American ornitho-

wildlife areas in North America. It’s almost

logical artist John James Audubon visited

guaranteed wildlife can be viewed very

in 1831 to sketch birds such as ospreys and

accessibly in this 3,000-square-kilometre

Atlantic puffins.

park that’s home to black bear, moose, elk,

Nova Scotia’s eastern shore is protected

bison, wolves and more. The park has a

by a rocky archipelago, perfect for kayaking

bison enclosure where visitors can join

for a day or more with Coastal Adventures

park staff who interpret bison signs (rub-

outfitters. Paddle and look for curious seals

bing areas, tracks) and explain the

and search for bald eagles’ and ospreys’

importance of these creatures to First

nests, while guides explain marine biology.

Nations peoples.

TOP: Spot moose in Muskwa-Kechika, the largest remaining wilderness in the Rocky Mountains. Wayne Sawchuk BOTTOM: Torngat Mountains National Park features 9,700 square kilometres of spectacular wilderness. Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

The confluence of Québec’s Saguenay Fjord and St. Lawrence River at Tadoussac

BACKCOUNTRY EXPEDITIONS

is part of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence

Want to immerse yourself in wilderness?

Marine Park. Brackish waters provide a rich

Wayne Sawchuk of Muskwa-Kechika

feeding ground for beluga, humpback,

Adventures in British Columbia leads

sperm, fin, blue and minke whales. Many

multi-day horseback expeditions, on which

whale-watching outfitters schedule trips here, but first, learn about marine life at Tadoussac’s Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre. And, visit Parks Canada’s Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre to talk to naturalists and watch for whales from the observation deck.

MANITOBA’S BIG FIVE SAFARI Manitoba’s Frontiers North hosts numerous exciting experiences based in Churchill, located on Hudson Bay, home to polar bears and belugas. However, their Big Five Safari package offers an unusual, exciting pairing. First, you visit the rare fescue grassland and forest habitat of Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) west of Winnipeg, then fly north to Churchill. While the park is home to black bear, bison and moose, the Arctic tundra and Hudson Bay are beluga and polar bear territory. Bonuses abound in both habitats. In RMNP find deer, red foxes and elk; in Churchill, there are Arctic fox, ptarmigan

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 DREAMSCAPES 15

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because wildlife is moving into summer feeding grounds. Northern

Saskatchewan

presents

another sort of wilderness in Prince Albert National Park, where rolling hills and poplar forests, lakes and grasslands provide a completely different habitat. Here, Gord Vaadeland of Sturgeon River Ranch leads gentle overnight horseback outings in search of the only free-ranging herd of plains bison still within their historic range in Canada. Watch for deer, red fox, coyotes, wolves and many birds. Québec’s Gatineau Park is 20 minutes north of Ottawa. Its 361 square kilometres of forests and lakes provide habitat for black bear, wolves, coyotes, red fox, marten, mink and more. Friends of Gatineau Park offer guided programs, pack horses carry gear. The Muskwa-

such as “Snowshoe Under the Stars,”

Kechika

during which guides explain animal

the

largest

remaining

wilderness in the Rocky Mountains and

behaviour in winter.

one of the most varied wildlife ecosystems in North America. Since these

HOWLING WITH WOLVES

rugged trips can last up to 12 days, you

Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park is

must be in excellent physical shape. Why?

internationally renowned for its serene

You’ll be doing it all, from helping to catch

lakes, paddling and camping opportuni-

and saddle your horse to pitching your

ties—and August wolf howls. What are

tent and assisting with campfire meals.

these? Visitors assemble in an outdoor

Ride with Sawchuk, seeking grizzly and

amphitheatre to hear an illustrated talk on

black bears, wolves, mountain goats,

the ecology of wolves in the park and then

Stone sheep, elk, wolverine, caribou and

accompany a guide to a scouted location

moose. Guaranteed, you’ll see tracks, rub-

where they may hear wolves respond to

bings and other wildlife signs.

howls uttered by the guide-interpreter. It’s

What about more accessible wilder-

a magical, spine-chilling thrill to hear a

ness? Famous for its icefields, Kluane

pack respond at night under a canopy of

National Park covers more than 22,000

stars twinkling overhead.

square kilometres in the Yukon Territory.

Better yet, why not time your visit to

Near Kluane, Dalton Trail Lodge offers

combine a paddling trip in Algonquin

TOP TO BOTTOM: Experience a Voyageur Quest adventure in Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park. Canadian Tourism Commission

superb eco activities, fishing, gourmet

searching for moose with Voyageur Quest?

wildlife watching I’ve ever encountered.

BIRDING FESTIVALS

Located about 200 kilometres southeast of St. John’s, Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s major seabird colonies. Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

Two nights in a row, just by driving at

Due to Canada’s diverse ecosystems and

dusk, I spotted grizzly and black bears, a

climates, birding is immensely varied.

mother moose with two calves, deer, red

And with the migration of species, there’s

Take in the vastness and beauty of Saskatchewan on horseback. Tourism Saskatchewan/Greg Huszar Photography

fox, and most surprisingly, a lynx. Best

always reason to celebrate.

16 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

meals, plus some of the best “drive-by”

wildlife viewing is in May and June

In the Yukon Territory, there’s April’s

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Celebration of Swans. Don’t miss the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre’s exhibit. In Canmore, Alberta, October’s Festival of

TRAVEL PLANNER Before booking a trip, contact outfitters to learn about special gear you may need. Don’t forget cameras and binoculars, and during Canadian summers, insect repellent

Eagles encourages us to learn about bald

for mosquitoes is a must. For more information, visit:

eagles and other wildlife through lectures

Algonquin Provincial Park: ontarioparks.com/park/algonquin

and guided walks.

Always an Adventure: alwaysanadventure.ca

In Canada’s National Capital Region, which includes the twin cities of Ottawa and

Coastal Adventures: coastaladventures.com Dalton Trail Lodge: daltontrail.com

Gatineau, plus parts of Québec and Ontario,

Environment Yukon: env.gov.yk.ca

birders Tony Beck and Nina Stavlund of

Friends of Gatineau Park: friendsofgatineaupark.com

Always an Adventure lead year-round tours, which often include photography tips. Prince Edward Island isn’t just home to

Frontiers North: frontiersnorth.com Muskwa-Kechika Adventures: go2mk.ca/expedition Parks Canada: pc.gc.ca

legendary Anne of Green Gables. More than

Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park: parcmarin.qc.ca/home.html

300 species of birds live here, such as great

Sea Watch Tours: seawatchtours.com

blue herons, endangered piping plovers and

Sturgeon River Ranch: sturgeonriverranch.com

more. Learn more about the endangered

The Town of Canmore: canmore.ca/Community-Celebrations

plovers by visiting PEI National Park. Bird “the Rock” in rugged Newfoundland. Hike and seek rock ptarmigan, northern gannets, pine grosbeaks and more at Gros Morne National Park.

Tourism PEI: tourismpei.com/pei-birding Vancouver Whale Watch: vancouverwhalewatch.com Voyageur Quest: voyageurquest.com Whales-n-sails Adventures: whales-n-sails.com

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A RURAL ONTARIO GEM JUST BEYOND TORONTO’S BACK DOOR LIE THE ROLLING HILLS, PEACEFUL RIVERS, CHARMING HAMLETS AND ELEVATED RURAL SOPHISTICATION OF HEADWATERS.

BY LINDSAY KYTE

ncompassing Caledon, Dufferin

the earth. Mono Cliffs Provincial Park offers

County, Erin, Shelburne and

several trails along the Niagara Escarpment,

Mono, Headwaters is a mere

including a six-kilometre section of the

45-minute drive from the “Big

Bruce Trail, a canyon on the Spillway Trail

Smoke” and offers a glimpse into Ontario’s

and cliffs on the Cliff Top Trail.

rural reality. While discoveries of nature

In Orangeville, the Island Lake Conser-

and community await visitors who eagerly

vation Area features breathtaking views

anticipate what’s over the next hill or valley,

from its lakeside trail, plus fishing and

Headwaters also features international cui-

picnic areas. The Terra Cotta Conservation

sine, upcoming events the world will be

Area in the southwest corner of Erin offers

watching and a cosmopolitan flair to rival

mature forests, rocky outcrops, lakes, pavil-

Toronto’s best and brightest.

ions and an amphitheatre. The Belfountain Conservation Area boasts a waterfall, a

TOP: Rawhide Adventures in Mulmur offers a variety of packages and trail rides. Rawhide Adventures

18 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

A VARYING LANDSCAPE

fountain, a cave and a suspension bridge. In

Showcasing Ontario’s great outdoors, Head-

Caledon, the varying landscape of Ken

waters is home to thousands of acres of

Whillans is for birdwatchers and fishers

provincial parks, conservation areas, four

alike. For otherworldly terrain, the Chel-

major river systems and a landscape shaped

tenham Badlands is a small field of rolling

from nature’s dreams. Visitors flock to this

hills covered in Queenston shale—perfect

region to hike, cycle, fish and just be one with

for pictures but not suitable for walking.

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WORLD-CLASS EVENTS AND MORE

Golf & Country Club, owned by Sam Young

Known as “horse country,” Headwaters is

who is recognized as one of Canada’s top

one of the most concentrated equestrian

junior golf coaches year over year.

areas in Ontario. Throughout the region

Should culture be your craving, the

are some of the country’s premier horse

Alton Mill Arts Centre in the village of Alton

breeding farms, coaching and training

is home to galleries, artist studios, a café,

facilities, riding schools, boarding stables,

heritage museum and shops such as

equestrian ranches and a wide range of

Gallery Gemma Jewellery, which sells one-

equestrian events. In fact, Headwaters will

of-a-kind pieces in sterling silver, gold

host the equestrian events of the 2015 Pan

and platinum. Orangeville is Headwaters’

Am Games, welcoming 150 athletes and

urban centre, which, in June, hosts the

155 horses at the Caledon Equestrian Park.

Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival,

On Thanksgiving weekend, focus turns

featuring free outdoor main stage events

to the Erin Fall Fair where animals, cotton

and live blues and jazz at local venues.

candy, quilts and tractors add to the

Staging excellent performances, Theatre

cacophony of laughter and community.

Orangeville, in its 16th season, has pre-

For family fun that teaches hard work,

miered such Canadian works as The Last

Little Creek Ranch schedules day camps

Resort, War Brides and Little Women. Step

for kids, which can also involve entire

back in time at Dufferin County Museum to

families planting gardens, picking apples

view its extensive collection of Canadiana,

or tending bees.

typifying what you’d find in rural Ontario

Duffers should check out the Caledon

between the 1840s and the 1980s. Visitors

Country Club, a public 18-hole golf facility

who remember a world without cellphones

featuring a restaurant, patio dining and

may see bits of their own youthful

exquisite banquet facilities overlooking

wardrobe when they view the bell-bottom

the Credit River, as well as the Shelburne

pants, which fascinate local school kids.

ABOVE TOP: The Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival is the single largest annual event in the Headwaters region and a major attraction in Southern Ontario. Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival ABOVE CENTRE: A nature trail in the Belfountain Conservation Area spans the river gorge using a suspension bridge and continues along the Escarpment. Credit Valley Conservation ABOVE BOTTOM: The Terra Cotta Conservation Area encompasses 200 hectares of unique natural environment. Credit Valley Conservation LEFT BOTTOM: Communal dinners are hosted in a stone Blackhouse at the Landman Gardens and Bakery located just north of Grand Valley. Pete Paterson SPRING/SUMMER 2015 DREAMSCAPES 19

DS_SpringSummer2015_Layout 1 2015-05-08 12:07 PM Page 20

RIGHT: Built on the banks of Shaw’s Creek, the Alton Mill Arts Centre is home to 25 studio artists, galleries, a heritage museum, a café and unique shops. Alton Mill Arts Centre

A TASTE OF COUNTRY LIVING Headwaters offers diverse dining opportunities from affordable entertainment for kids to gourmet fare in pleasant cafés, cosy pubs and quaint tearooms. At the Mono Cliffs Inn, a mecca for food and wine lovers in the area, chef Van de Hock

When spirits run high, it’s time for cider at

and food that includes Ontario-grown fruits

is dedicated to the local food movement, cre-

Spirit Tree Cidery in Caledon, which also

and vegetables, U-pick and ready-pick

ating his menus based on season and

houses a bakery, kitchen and farm store. Spirit

strawberries and raspberries, and maple

availability of local products. In Orangeville,

Tree offers taste flights of cider, its unique dry-

syrup as well as farm festivals, special

Forage, founded by a husband-and-wife

hopped cider, which tastes more like a shandy

events and its very own winery. The Head-

team of French-trained chefs, specializes in

than a traditional cider, and to-die-for choco-

waters region also hosts two annual

seafood, vegetarian and gluten-free options

late goat cheese, locally produced by the

culinary events—Taste of Maple (mid-

and offers global menu selections. Family is

award-winning Woolwich Dairy.

March to the second week of April) and

also the focus at Landman Gardens and

For local farm products, Caledon’s

Bakery at the north end of Grand Valley,

Heatherlea Farm Market specializes in

where a generational family farm includes a

meats, delicious frozen prepared meals,

market, a bakery and a stone Blackhouse for

baked goods and everyday staples while

PUT YOUR FEET UP

hosting communal dinners.

Downey’s Farm Market promises family fun

Following a host of outdoor adventures,

Taste of the Harvest (post-Thanksgiving to Remembrance Day).

relax at an award-winning inn, a charming bed and breakfast or get closer to nature at a campground. Nestled in a quaint hamlet, the Millcroft Inn & Spa is the definitive country inn retreat where tranquility, comfort and heritage charm blend in rural serenity and sophisticated hospitality. Or consider the rustic experience at Peace Valley Ranch’s B&B, a family-owned and operated cattle and horse ranch featuring private horseback riding adventures and an opportunity for guests to be involved in real ranch work such as sorting, pasture management, fence checking and cattle drives. Whether you seek sophistication or youthful soft adventure, the Headwaters Region appeals to a wide range of visitors and connects you with the splendour of rural Ontario.

TRAVEL PLANNER To plan your country escape, visit headwaters.ca.

20 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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AT THE HEART OF THE KAWARTHAS SOMETIMES PARADISE IS IN OUR OWN BACKYARD. BY DONNA S. VIEIRA

hat’s what we discovered when we happened upon the award-winning Beachwood Resort, just 20 minutes north of Peterborough, Ontario, in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes. It didn’t take long to ease into this friendly resort, which offers something for everyone. Options range from getaways designed for two or more with extraordinary dining experiences at Frederick’s, their on-site lakeside restaurant, featuring fourcourse dinners paired with wine or beer, to fishing and golf packages for Dad and cooking classes for groups of four or more. Accommodation choices are equally impressive. Thirty units vary in size from quaint rooms for a romantic twosome in the Main Lodge to large lakeside cottages

that sleep 12. In fact, the resort, which is situated on the shores of Lower Buckhorn Lake, can accommodate and feed up to 120 guests, making it a perfect venue for weddings, special anniversaries, sports teams and business meetings. Between meals, playtime and restful nights, guests are encouraged to walk in the forest, relax by the lake, roast marshmallows, and take a dip in the heated pool. It’s all here at the Beachwood Resort, with plenty of room to roam and explore. DS

TRAVEL PLANNER Plan your true Canadian cottage getaway at beachwoodresort.com or call 1-888-313-1118.

TOP: Enjoy delightful meals at Frederick’s, the on-site restaurant in the Main Lodge at the Beachwood Resort. CENTRE: Commune with nature along walking trails through the forest. Beachwood Resort

Beachwood Resort A Hidden Gem in the Heart of the Kawartha Lakes Tucked away on a lakes’ edge in Central Ontario you will find Beachwood Resort. With 1400’ of Lower Buckhorn Lake shoreline and 330 acres of woods and wildlife, our location offers the best of both worlds! Experience a “Kawartha Cottage Getaway” with the amenities of home. Choose your lakeside lodgings with flexible meal plans and enjoy all of the resorts’ activities. Perfect for large family gatherings, multi-generational vacations and intimate getaways. Frederick’s at Beachwood’s offers fine country cuisine while taking in the panoramic view of Lower Buckhorn Lake. Whether you are staying at Beachwood or live nearby, the charming atmosphere is sure to please. Just 2 hrs from Pearson Airport. Catering to weddings, meetings, and vacations of all kinds.

tel: 705.657.3481 • toll-free: 1.888.313.1118 info@beachwoodresort.com • beachwoodresort.com

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MEMORIES

OF DYLAN THOMAS

QUAFFING AN ALE IN A CORNER OF THE NO SIGN BAR, THE OLDEST PUB IN SWANSEA, I MADE A SILENT TOAST TO DYLAN THOMAS, WHO OFTEN CAROUSED HERE WITH HIS LITERARY FRIENDS.

BY HANS TAMMEMAGI

ow could I not admire a man

lent and roistering life are found in many

whose ambition was to be a

corners of Swansea, this “city of laughter,”

“roistering,

and

where Thomas was born and grew up. Not

drunken

doomed poet,” especially since

surprising, for when Dylan died at the too-

he was so successful? I was travelling

young age of 39, he was considered the

around south Wales, exploring the man and

greatest Welsh poet of the 20th century. I vis-

the countryside that inspired him. Secretly

ited the Dylan Thomas Centre and viewed

hoping some of his talent might rub off, I

his original notebooks, learned about his

ordered another pint.

life, and, spellbound, listened to recordings of Dylan reading his poetry. I was happy to

22 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

IN THE CITY OF LAUGHTER

be part of the year-long binge of readings,

As I discovered, memories of Dylan’s turbu-

festivals, talks and performances.

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OPPOSITE TOP: Stroll along the coastal path overlooking Whitesands Bay near St. David’s. VisitBritain OPPOSITE BOTTOM: Fertile meadow land surrounds Weobley Castle located on the low-lying northern coast of the Gower Peninsula. VisitBritain BELOW TOP: In Swansea, a statue shows Thomas twisted round in a chair gazing over the docks. Hans Tammemagi BELOW BOTTOM: Bob Stevens, the mayor of Laugharne, led me along the Dylan Thomas Birthday Trail. Hans Tammemagi

At the family home at 5 Cwmdonkin

about two thirds of his published work was

Drive, I sat at Dylan’s desk, where a cigarette

written here. Thomas was stimulated by the

pack and beer bottle were crammed

surrounding area, Haden explained, playing

between poetry books. Geoff Haden, who

in the adjacent Cwmdonkin Park and fre-

restored the house with his wife, Anne,

quently visiting “the rather nice village” of

described that from an early age Thomas

Mumbles and the Gower Peninsula, “one of

was driven to become a poet and he worked

the loveliest sea-coast stretches in the

hard to achieve his goal. Although an indif-

whole of Britain.” Dylanites take note: you

ferent student who left school at 16, he

can rent the house and sleep where the

developed an ability to conjure the most

ghost of the great poet creaks in every

amazing images from words. He wrote

corner.

many poems while still a teenager and

Later, I walked the Dylan Thomas Trail

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TOP TO BOTTOM: Take in beautiful pastoral views in Brecon Beacons National Park. VisitBritain Enjoy a beautiful sandy beach at Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula. VisitBritain Dylan Thomas (1914–1953) is buried in a cemetery in Laugharne under a simple wooden white cross. Hans Tammemagi

along the Swansea waterfront. At the Captain Cat statue I recalled lines from Under Milk Wood, probably Thomas’s best-known work. “The houses are...blind as Captain Cat.” Nearby, a statue shows Thomas twisted round in a chair gazing over the docks, bleary eyed but alive and cantankerous.

THE DYLAN THOMAS TRAIL Driving westward toward New Quay was slow because I stopped at every castle, and there was one around every corner. Churches also attracted me and I spent hours wandering in the shadow of glorious old stone walls inspecting weathered tombstones. Winding narrow roads took me to St. David’s where Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, and whose name has been bestowed on innumerable Welshmen, is buried. This charming sea-coast hamlet has a mere 1,800 inhabitants, but, graced by a cathedral, has bragging rights as a city. Dylan Thomas and his wife, Caitlin, stayed only briefly in New Quay but it was a productive, albeit turbulent, time, which included shots being fired at the Thomas home. Dylan described his favourite hotel, The Black Lion, as “waiting for Saturday night as an over-jolly girl waits for sailors.” I sipped an ale gazing at the photos on the pub walls and wondered which of the locals formed the basis for characters in Under Milk Wood. New Quay, along with Laugharne, lays claim to be the fictional village Llareggub. I strolled along the Dylan Thomas Trail, visiting the cottage where Thomas lived and seeing many places that echoed those in the play. Driving on, I often detoured to the recently completed Coastal Path, the world’s

24 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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first hiking trail along an entire national coast, to watch waves pounding in from the far reaches of the Atlantic. My next stop was Laugharne, “a legendary, lazy little black magical bedlam by the sea” where I downed a pint or two at Brown’s Hotel in the same corner where Thomas used to sit. I imagined the laughter in the dusky premises, for Dylan was always the life of the party and had a sonorous voice with a subtle Welsh lilt. His public readings, particularly in America, became almost as famous as his written works. At dusk I strolled to the Boathouse where Dylan lived stormily with wife Caitlin and children for the last four years of his life. I passed the weather-vaned tower of the small town hall, the looming walls of the castle and then came onto the vast sweep of the Taf estuary with a rising moon reflected in the still waters. I could imagine Dylan writing in his boat shed, a beer bottle on the table and discarded, crunched up sheets of paper littering the floor. Next morning, Bob Stevens, the mayor of Laugharne, led me along the Dylan Thomas Birthday Trail. “Dylan had a close connection to this land,” he said, as we strolled from sign to sign, reading the October Poem, which Dylan wrote on his “30th year toward heaven” while on this same walk. Late in the afternoon, I visited the cemetery where Dylan and Caitlin are buried under a simple wooden white cross, which contrasts with the solid, stone monuments all around. Sadly, Dylan died in poverty, in spite of the monumental legacy of work he created and the many he inspired, including Bob Dylan and John Lennon. I returned to Brown’s Hotel, Dylan’s words resonating in my mind. “Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” He was a great poet, inspired by a marvellous country.

TRAVEL PLANNER For more information, visit: Welsh Government: visitwales.com Brown’s Hotel, Laugharne: browns-hotel.co.uk Dylan Thomas Centenary Site: dylanthomas100.org Morgans Hotel, Swansea: morganshotel.co.uk The Coach House, Brecon: coachhousebrecon.com Warpool Court Hotel, St. Davids: warpoolcourthotel.com

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CAPITAL

ATTRACTIONS AND CELEBRATIONS IF YOU THINK OTTAWA BEGINS AND ENDS ON PARLIAMENT HILL, YOU’RE IN FOR A SURPRISE.

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BY LAURA BYRNE PAQUET

his summer and fall, everyone and everything—from Kanye West to the Magna Carta—is coming to the capital. Here are

just a few of the highlights.

BLOCKBUSTER SHOWS The Greeks—Agamemnon to Alexander the Great brings more than 500 rare items, spanning 5,000 years of history, to the Canadian Museum of History (June 5– October 12). The same museum is also presenting Magna Carta—Law, Liberty and

Animal Inside Out (May 1–September 20),

BE A SPORT

Legacy (June 12–July 26), celebrating one of

which provides an unusual look at the

Ottawa’s sports scene is expanding yet again

the primary documents of modern democ-

biology and anatomy of roughly 50 animals

this year, with the launch of the Ottawa

racy. Visitors can view a copy of the Magna

through “plastinated” specimens.

Champions Can-Am League baseball team.

Carta created in 1300. At the National Gallery of Canada, iconic Canadian artist Alex Colville is the subject of a comprehensive retrospective (April 23– September 7). You can also see Mary Pratt: This Little Painting, focusing on one of the Canadian artist’s seminal works (April 4, 2015, to January 4, 2016), and an exhibition of 42 lithographs, Chagall’s Daphnis & Chloé, portraying the Russian-French artist’s interpretation of a timeless Greek myth (May 28–September 13). The classical theme continues over at the Canadian War Museum, where the focus of Gladiators and the Colosseum—Death and Glory (June 13–September 6) is squarely on Rome. At the Canadian Museum of Nature, a big attraction this summer will be Body Worlds:

OPPOSITE: The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place from September 3–7, 2015. ABOVE TOP: Ottawa is home to more than 180 kilometres of recreational pathways. Ottawa Tourism

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 DREAMSCAPES 27

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It joins the CFL’s Ottawa REDBLACKS, the

Ottawa is also a popular destination for

NASL’s Ottawa Fury FC and the NHL’s Ottawa

water sports. For instance, Ottawa City Rafting

Senators to help entertain pro sports fans.

offers three-hour whitewater trips through

The capital is also one of six Canadian cities hosting soccer matches as part of the

Class II and Class III rapids between Britannia Park and the Canadian War Museum.

FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015. Ottawa’s games are scheduled between June

FEELING FESTIVE

7 and 26.

The moment the snow melts, Ottawa’s fes-

If you prefer to get some exercise yourself

tival calendar kicks into high gear. From

rather than cheer others on, Ottawa abounds

chamber music to rap and from dragon

with options. Weather permitting on

boating to beer, there’s a celebration for just

Wednesdays at noon from May until Sep-

about every taste on the city’s 2015 calendar.

tember, bring your own mat and water to a

In June, celebrate Italian culture during

free yoga session on the lawn in front of Par-

Italian Week Ottawa (June 11–21) and fran-

liament. Several parkways throughout the

cophone culture at the Festival Franco-

region are closed to motorized vehicles but

Ontarien Banque Nationale (June 11–13).

open to cyclists, inline skaters and pedes-

Join the fun at Westfest, the neighbourhood

trians during Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays

street party that grew (June 13–14). Sample

(May 17–September 6). The new Epic Indoor

barbecue galore during Ottawa Ribfest

Bike Park is a 4,924-square-metre, year-round

(June 17–21) and theatre fare of all sorts at

destination for skateboarders and cyclists. In

the Ottawa Fringe Festival (June 17–28).

addition, the city is home to more than 180

Among many other acts, catch Pink Mar-

kilometres of recreational pathways.

tini or the Blind Boys of Alabama at the TD

TOP TO BOTTOM: Kayak along the Ottawa River. Street entertainers amuse crowds during the annual Ottawa International Buskerfest. The Changing of the Guard ceremony on Parliament Hill is a stirring spectacle that rarely fails to move spectators. OPPOSITE RIGHT: A cruise along the Ottawa River is a lovely way to spend time in our beautiful capital. Ottawa Tourism

28 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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Guard ceremony on Parliament Hill (late June through late August) show cute children eagerly imitating the red-coated members of the Ceremonial Guard. And who can blame the kids? It’s a stirring spectacle that rarely fails to move spectators. Also on “the Hill,” the Sound and Light Show (July 10–September 12) is a funfor-all-ages multimedia show telling tales of Canada’s history through music, sound effects and images projected on Centre Block. Combine spectacular red uniforms, lively music and horses, and you get the RCMP Musical Ride Sunset Ceremonies (June 24–28). Come early to enjoy the face painting, petting zoo and obstacle course, Ottawa Jazz Festival (June 18–July 1), or

their artistic fix during Nuit Blanche

Hey Rosetta! or Yukon Blonde at the Tim

Ottawa+Gatineau (September 19). And why

Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

not raise a toast or two to the city during

(June 25–28).

Oktoberfest Ottawa (October 1–3)?

Not surprisingly, the capital pulls out all the stops each year on Canada Day (July 1).

FAMILY PLEASURES

That’s just the beginning of a month of fun

Many family videos of the Changing of the

and bring blankets or lawn chairs.

TRAVEL PLANNER Plan your summer capital-bound getaway at ottawatourism.ca.

that includes the massive RBC Royal Bank Ottawa Bluesfest (July 8–19), where the bill encompasses everyone from Deep Purple to Kanye West. At the other end of the musical spectrum,

the

Ottawa

International

Chamber Music Festival (July 23–August 6) is one of the world’s biggest such events. Street entertainers amuse crowds downtown

during

Ottawa

International

Buskerfest (July 30–August 3). Later that month, fireworks artists from around the world set off pyrotechnics to musical scores during the Sound of Light competition (August 8–22). The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival (September 3–7) traditionally marks the end of “summer” in the capital, but the fun isn’t over. CityFolk (formerly the Ottawa Folk Festival) moves to Lansdowne Park this year (September 16–20), and nighthawks can get

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 DREAMSCAPES 29

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A VICE-REGAL

WELCOME THE STORIED HOMES OF CANADA’S GOVERNOR GENERAL TRANSPORT VISITORS INTO A WORLD OF BALLROOMS AND STATEROOMS, SPLENDOUR AND SPECTACLE. BY E. LISA MOSES

s the Queen’s representative and

high atop Cape Diamant overlooking the St.

the country’s commander-in-

Lawrence River. Since it is an active military

chief, Canada’s governor general

base as well as a residence, all tours are

lives and works at these historic

guided. Guests can view the official state

residences. Both Rideau Hall in Ottawa and

rooms where the governor general greets

Québec City’s Citadelle of Québec are stately

visiting dignitaries, then add a visit to La

residences that reflect the personality of the

Citadelle itself and learn about Canada’s

country and its people through unique

military history.

architecture, original art and extensive gar-

TOP TO BOTTOM: Originally built as an indoor tennis court in 1876, the Tent Room at Rideau Hall in Ottawa is used to host formal events. Chris Weicker © OSGG The small dining room at the Citadelle of Québec features Georgian decor. Sgt Serge Gouin © OSGG

dens. Home to 28 governors general since

SPECIAL EVENTS

Confederation, they are also places where

A popular event at both historic sites is the

Canada’s highest honours for outstanding

daily pageantry of the Ceremonial Guard,

civilian and military service are presented

where sentries in colourful garb march to

and where dignitaries are welcomed.

their posts. At Rideau Hall, special events

While the private quarters are home to

this summer include children’s storytime

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable

on weekends from June 27–August 22. From

David Johnston, Governor General of

January to March, visitors can skate on the

Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston as well as

rink built in 1872 by Lord Dufferin, Canada’s

visiting heads of state, the public areas serve

third governor general.

as venues for everything from formal state

At La Citadelle, children can become

events to guided tours of the residence and

knights and princesses for a day in July and

educational children’s programs. Rideau

August through the Heralds and Heroes

Hall’s 32-hectare estate boasts more than

program, and discover the fascinating

10,000 trees, some planted by heads of state

world of heraldry—the science of coats of

from around the world, including John F.

arms. During select months, school groups

Kennedy, Mikhail Gorbachev and Her

can explore the state rooms “On His Excel-

Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Originally mod-

lency’s Secret Service.”

elled in English country style, the grounds have evolved over 177 years into an important statement of Canadiana, boasting symbols such as an Inukshuk, a totem pole and a heritage rose garden.

The Governor General presides over an Order of Military Merit investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Sgt Serge Gouin © OSGG

30 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

The 15-hectare complex of La Citadelle is a National Historic Site of Canada that sits

TRAVEL PLANNER Rideau Hall is open to visitors yearround; La Citadelle from April to October. Tours and other activities are free. For more information or to book a tour, visit gg.ca/visitus.

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REDISCOVER FREEDOM

IN AN RV

OUR BEAUTIFUL CANADIAN WILDERNESS IS A DRAW FOR MANY, BUT SNUGGLING INTO A SLEEPING BAG IN A TENT IS NOT EVERYONE’S VISION OF THE IDEAL WAY TO CONNECT WITH NATURE.

BY JOSEPHINE MATYAS

TOP: A small tent trailer or travel trailer can be easily towed behind a family vehicle or truck.

any campers want to surround

themselves with the outdoors,

LEFT: Motorhomes provide a flexibility that makes it simple to “pick up and go.” Go RVing Canada

but also crave the creature comforts of home such as a

just get out and play again. It is a type of

kitchen to cook meals, a bathroom for

freedom that comes with camping and the

showers and space to spread out. For families, a dry place to wait out a storm can be

Most are getting into the RV lifestyle with a

RV lifestyle, with the benefit of creating

an on-the-road lifesaver. For seniors, it may

small tent trailer or travel trailer—something

family memories along the way.

be a simple matter of safety and comfort.

they can easily manoeuvre and tow behind

An RV vacation—staying at campsites

This is what’s behind the upsurge of interest

the family minivan. There’s been an explo-

and cooking meals rather than eating in

in travelling by recreational vehicle. RV

sion in RV innovation and many units now

restaurants—can be much less expensive

travel, which includes everything from the

include green technology such as solar

than the average vacation. With new, small

easy-to-pull travel trailers to bus-sized

panels, water systems and state-of-the-art

RVs starting at $6,000, there’s a unit on the

motorhomes, provides a flexibility that

drive technology.

market for every lifestyle and price point. It’s an affordable way to travel, camp and

makes it simple to “pick up and go,” moving easily from one campground to the next or

SIMPLE PLEASURES

embarking on a longer road trip.

The Go RVing Canada campaign, known as

According to Go RVing Canada, a non-

Wildhood, connects young families with

profit association dedicated to promoting

RVing as a budget-friendly lifestyle as well

the RV lifestyle, 14 per cent of Canadian

as a comforting reminder to parents of the

households have tapped into the RV mode of

way things “used to be.” They can set aside

experiencing the great Canadian outdoors,

the stresses of helicopter parenting—the

spanning the whole range from tent trailers

feeling they need to over-schedule and con-

and fifth wheels to recreational vehicles.

stantly hover over their children—and just

RVing has always been a popular mode of

let kids be kids, exploring simple pleasures

camping for seniors, however in recent years

such as cooking s’mores over a campfire,

there has been a definite shift that includes

counting the stars and launching into a lake

younger campers. These days, two-thirds of

on a rope swing. In campgrounds, children

RVs are owned by people under the age of 55.

can engage in activities with an abandon to

34 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

even set up a seasonal cottage-like stay.

TRAVEL PLANNER The Go RVing Canada website (gorving.ca) is a one-stop resource about RVing, featuring information on buying and renting RVs, listings of RV dealers and RV parks and campgrounds across Canada, and the RV lifestyle. Consumer tools include how-to videos, a tripplanning guide, RV camping and buying courses, a vacation cost calculator, along with a choose-your-RV feature helping you decide what sort of RV and type of trip best fits your travel style.

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BEHIND THE YELLOW KOA SIGN THE KOA CAMPING SCENE IS A WORLD AWAY FROM THE 2006 COMEDY RV, STARRING THE LATE ROBIN WILLIAMS. THINK DELUXE CABINS WITH COMFORTABLE BEDS, AIR CONDITIONING AND SATELLITE TV.

TOP: Ivy Lea KOA in Ontario’s 1000 Islands nestles in a forested area near major attractions such as 1000 Islands cruises. 1000 Islands/Ivy Lea KOA OPPOSITE TOP: Road warriors can stop for a day or awhile at any KOA across the continent. Kampgrounds of America Inc. OPPOSITE BOTTOM LEFT: Deluxe cabins come with all the comforts of home in a rustic setting. Kampgrounds of America Inc OPPOSITE BOTTOM RIGHT: Fresh-air activities keep the kids busy and healthy. 1000 Islands/Ivy Lea KOA

36 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

BY E. LISA MOSES

ince 1962, Kampgrounds of America

a particular trip, KOA has rebranded into three

(KOA) has provided safe, healthy

styles for vacationers: Resort, Holiday and

environments where road trippers

Journey. “Each brand has standards for services

can pitch a tent or hook up an RV,

and amenities designed to meet the expecta-

and enjoy services such as free hot showers,

tions of various types of travellers,” adds Gast.

restrooms and convenience stores. While camping has changed dramatically over the

RUSTIC RESORT LIFESTYLE

past 10 years, it remains an enjoyable way for

At the top of the collection are KOA Resort

parents to reconnect with their kids, just as

campgrounds, which are ideal for multi-

a generation ago they did with their parents.

generational family vacations. Among the

According to Michael Gast, vice-presi-

extras at this level are patio RV sites, deluxe

dent of communications for Kampgrounds

cabins with linen service, planned activities

of America Inc., today’s campers are looking

led by recreation staff, on-site food service

for a more complete experience with var-

and group meeting space. KOAs across

ious levels of entertainment and food

North America offer nearly 3,000 deluxe and

services. In response, KOA’s 485 “full-ser-

more than 4,500 basic cabins.

vice” parks across North America offer

Dave Barton, owner of Ontario, Canada’s

everything from pancake breakfasts and

Ivy Lea KOA, points out that deluxe cabins

evening barbecues to professional recre-

are a big attraction for those without RVs or

ation staff and zones of activities and

tents. “They are ideal for people who want to

interests for adults, children and pets.

enjoy the camping lifestyle but are not inter-

Going a step farther toward helping

ested in roughing it.” Fuelling part of the

campers zero in on parks that fit their needs for

huge growth in this sector are boomers,

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including grandparents who want to camp

Seaway, you really haven’t seen the area the

with their families but do it in style and

way you should.” Two Canadian sites have

comfort. Among the special features offered

also won the KOA of the Year award:

by his park are a jumping pillow, laser tag in

Toronto North/Cookstown KOA and Barrie,

the woods and an outdoor movie theatre

Ontario KOA.

with a gas fireplace. Future plans include a

“While every park is different and each is

mining-themed outdoor minigolf area built

independently owned and operated, our

into a hillside.

company-wide training systems ensure

KOA Journey campgrounds cater to short

consistent and superior service for all visi-

stopovers with long pull-through sites that

tors,” says Gast. “We work every day to

help make setup fast and easy, have well-lit

enhance their experience—from what the

after-hours check-in service, and offer a

kids will be doing to what’s available in the

good selection of RV supplies. KOA Holiday

local areas.” And that is what’s behind the

parks serve as a base camp for exploring an

Another major source of pride across the

big yellow sign, keeping Kampgrounds of

area, or a fun place to stay with activities

system is KOA Care Camps for children with

America in a leadership position for more

for everyone.

cancer (koacarecamps.org). “Every KOA in our

than half a century.

To build on the standard benefits that

system holds fundraisers for this cause, often

come with each stay, campers can opt to

big events attracting huge crowds,” he says. In

earn discounts and deals through the KOA

2014 for the first time, the annual campaign

Value Kard Rewards program. Through this

raised more than $1 million, with the 34 Cana-

loyalty program, members can earn points

dian KOAs contributing almost $100,000 for

that can be redeemed for savings at various

distribution to their 11 Care Camps. This suc-

KOA locations, or with program partners

cess allowed the company to bump the total

such as the Route 66 RV Network, Rayovac

number of Care Camps to 94 from 52.

and Pet Travel Centre.

KOAs also capture some of the most scenic

and

exciting

locations

for

THE CANADIAN CONNECTION

camping—and Canada boasts some of the

Gast is pleased to report that Canadian KOAs

best. “At the Hinton/Jasper KOA we have a

“often lead the way in innovation, and have

great site at the top of Jasper National Park.

certainly helped accelerate our efforts to

In the Maritimes, we have several including

implement ‘green camping’ practices at all

the Gros Morne/Norris Point KOA in New-

of our facilities.” These include recycling

foundland,” notes Gast. “And if you haven’t

and using non-chemical cleaners in bath-

tried at least one of the three KOAs in the

rooms that do not damage septic fields.

Canadian 1000 Islands of the St. Lawrence

TRAVEL PLANNER KOA’s interactive website, koa.com, is packed with goodies for the camping community, including information on the locations, amenities and activities of KOAs in Canada and the U.S. Also posted online are videos of camper stories, recipes and camping tips. In addition to the website, the new KOA mobile app (available at the Apple App Store and Google Play) offers trip planning and booking. Just find a campground you’re interested in, search the available inventory for the dates of your visit, view photos featuring accommodation—including floor plans of cabins—and then book your reservation. The annual printed KOA Directory is also available free at every campground.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 DREAMSCAPES 37

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FAST CARS, FAST HORSES AND BOURBON

“A HORSE! A HORSE! MY KINGDOM FOR A HORSE!” – WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, RICHARD III

BY ALEX EBERSPAECHER

o Canadian can stand at the

legendary coonskin cap, horses were a

sidelines at Churchill Downs

necessity; they were also much cheaper.

or Keeneland racetrack in Kentucky without remembering

Northern Dancer, Canada’s top horse of

Instead of a feeling of privilege, I was over-

all time and one of the most influential

come by the expanse of Lane’s End Farm

sires in the world. After 50 years, it is esti-

near Lexington. Just the driveway is as

mated that almost 75 per cent of the

long as most farms and instead of old

world’s thoroughbreds have Northern

rusty metal fences, this one is bordered by

Dancer in their pedigree.

black four-board wooden fences that line

There is a curious rumour that owning a horse in Kentucky elevates one into

ABOVE TOP: Race horses competing at Churchill Downs can be worth millions of dollars. ABOVE BOTTOM: Riders and horses go through their morning workouts at Keeneland. Judy Eberspaecher

38 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

HORSE COUNTRY

immense fields of the most scrumptious bluegrass as far as I could see.

some sort of privileged class, but appar-

Chance Timm, the director of Stallion

ently there is more to it; your horse needs

Seasons at Lane’s End Farm, is not your

to win first to give you that status. Many

typical farmer either. Apparently there are

years ago when Daniel Boone, the famous

no farmers on Kentucky’s horse farms,

American explorer and frontiersman,

only directors, breeders and horse owners

roamed the wilds of Kentucky wearing his

who visit here occasionally. Chance grew

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up out west where his father was a rodeo

experience of tranquility and beauty. Com-

rider when he was younger. “Different

bined with a visit to Churchill Downs or

horses and a lot cheaper,” he tells us as we

Keeneland, it will become truly memorable.

walk along the black fence on the 930hectare spread.

THE BOURBON TRAIL

There are a handful of thoroughbred race

Lexington and its surrounding counties,

horses on the farm with about three stal-

indeed all of Kentucky, show little effect of

lions and the rest are mares. When I finally

the recent recession, which impacted so

spot one far off in the back corner and ask

many other areas of the USA. A renewing

my wife to take a picture, Chance tells us

of urban areas with convention centres,

that it is not possible unless we have per-

breweries, restaurants and playgrounds is

mission from the owner, although he would

unequalled in most towns and cities and

be glad to mail us one. “After all,” he

one would be hard-pressed to find a major

explains, “that horse could be worth

town that does not have at least one bridge,

between 10 and 15 million dollars.”

museum or major entertainment complex

Touring one of the thoroughbred horse

under construction.

farms will soon be possible through the

Although the breeding of the finest

local tourism office. For now, a visit to the

race horses may be an attraction that is

general area is still highly recommended

unequalled anywhere, it is the bourbon

and, while Kentucky’s scenery is diverse,

that fills the coffers. With a population of

ranging from farmlands to dense forests,

4.4 million inhabitants, Kentucky has

visiting the horse country with miles of

presently 5.4 million barrels of bourbon

white fences and the rolling green hills is an

aging in the warehouses of the many

BELOW CENTRE: A cemetery at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky, honours some of the legendary race horses. BELOW BOTTOM: Enjoy a flight of bourbon at the Kentucky Bourbon House in Bardstown. Judy Eberspaecher

DS_SpringSummer2015_Layout 1 2015-05-08 12:07 PM Page 40

This Vette, on display at the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, was used in the TV series, Route 66. Judy Eberspaecher

distilleries. All of the bourbon houses are

blasting bluegrass music, the owner shows

including the only remaining 1983 model.

open to the public and offer not only

up with a sheepish grin on his face and

Cars driven by the famous—and infamous—

guided tours through the distillery but

explains he had just taken delivery of his

and the ones used in movies and the TV

also challenge the best of palates with a

new Vette but forgot the champagne

series Route 66 can be admired. Even the

tutored tasting.

glasses. He pulls away and a yellow Lotus

remains of those that fell 12 metres into the

slides into his spot.

sinkhole that opened up in late 2014 inside

To explore the rich tradition, a drive along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail takes vis-

Even if you are not a Corvette fan, the

the museum are on display. When we walk

itors to nine major distilleries nestled

museum is incredible. From the first ever

out to our car, Judy smiles and hints,

among the most beautiful scenery the Blue-

built in 1953, every Corvette is represented

“I could be a Vette fan!”

grass Parkway has to offer. From Northern Kentucky to Louisville (Looavull to the locals) on the west, along the heart of the state, right through to Lexington, the drive takes you along the winding roads past magnificent horse farms, picturesque historic villages and countless creeks and rivers.

CLASSIC COLLECTIONS Just outside the city of Bowling Green at the Corvette Museum, we park our twoyear-old Ford Escape between a silver Porsche and a red Corvette. With the roof down, the car running and the radio

40 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

TRAVEL PLANNER Air Canada (aircanada.com) and WestJet (westjet.com) fly to airports in Lexington and Cincinnati (actually shared with Ohio, located in Covington, Northern Kentucky) while United Airlines (united.ca) offers service from Toronto to Lexington. Driving time is approximately 10 hours from Toronto. For more information, visit: Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau: visitbgky.com Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism: KentuckyTourism.com Churchill Downs: churchilldowns.com Keeneland: keeneland.com Kentucky Bourbon Trail: kybourbontrail.com Lane’s End: lanesend.com The National Corvette Museum: corvettemuseum.org

DS_SpringSummer2015_Layout 1 2015-05-08 12:08 PM Page 41

DS CELEBRITY TRAVEL CORNER >> BY JOHN AND SANDRA NOWLAN

ON THE ROAD WITH THE

PROPERTY BROTHERS VANCOUVER NATIVES DREW AND JONATHAN SCOTT have attained international fame with their home renovation TV series, Property Brothers, shown in Canada on the W Network and in the U.S. on HGTV. The popular series, which helps families find an ideal dream home within a budget, is also telecast in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Spain. The 37-year-old twins are also involved in several spin-off series and travel extensively. They just returned from Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines and are currently working out of New York until August. “Every three to five days we’re on a plane to somewhere,” they told us. However, downtime is also very important and they often vacation together with their parents and older brother. DS

WHERE’S YOUR NEXT TRIP? Drew: Later this year, we’re heading to Amsterdam, Prague and Budapest. Jonathan: We’re also planning trips to Mexico, Columbia and Brazil. In Brazil, Property Brothers is one of the highest-rated shows. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE CITIES OR COUNTRIES? Drew: Any city in Scotland is to my liking. And its backcountry, filled with castles and cathedrals, is very exciting. Jonathan: I love Paris and Florence. The combination of history and architecture is wonderful. WHAT KIND OF HOTELS DO YOU FAVOUR? Drew: I don’t like to rough it too much. I’m fine with an old building but it must have modern functionality. I like to see character in decor and architecture. Jonathan: A history connection is very important to me. In Singapore we stayed at the magnificent old post office building, now known as the Fullerton Hotel. My love of historic buildings probably started when I worked at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, just after high school.

Drew and Jonathan Scott

WHEN YOU TRAVEL, DO YOU PACK A LOT OR A LITTLE? Drew: I tend to be organized so packing is never a problem for me. I can be gone a month with just a carry-on, but I always include my electronic kit with every possible cable and portable battery charger. If you need an extra memory card, I have it all. Jonathan: All I need is a pair of boots, two pairs of jeans and an extra shirt. I’m also a magician so I always bring some magic with me. You never know if there’s a kid sitting next to me who might want to see a trick. WHAT’S YOUR DREAM TRIP? Drew: I’d like to explore the history and culture of Egypt. I really want to see the pyramids. However, I’ll stick to warm destinations. The Antarctic doesn’t interest me. Jonathan: I would love to go on an African safari. My goal in life is to see every country at least once. I may have to amalgamate some of the countries on larger continents. I think travel is an important way to get perspective on your own life and where you come from. On November 16, Drew and Jonathan are hosting “The Ultimate Design Cruise” out of Miami (sailingwiththescotts.com).

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 DREAMSCAPES 41

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BREATHE IN THE SEA “WHALE HO!” SHOUTED RON, ONE OF THE VOLUNTEER MARINE EXPERTS FROM CABRILLO MARINE AQUARIUM, DURING OUR WHALE-WATCHING EXCURSION ON THE VOYAGER. HE WAS AMONG A CADRE OF NATURALISTS WHO ARE ALSO MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY-LOS ANGELES CHAPTER, AN ORGANIZATION DEVOTED TO PROTECTING WHALES.

42 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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BY IRVINA LEW

y daughter and I were among

ducks, geese and koi at the Hopkins Wilder-

the

passengers

ness Park. For me, cruising the ocean,

searching for the whales that

walking the beach, shopping along the pier

50-odd

cluster around the Redondo

(and at the Riviera Village Farmers’ Market)

Submarine Canyon, a rare oceanographic

and dining in seafood-centric restaurants

phenomenon that is one of only five sub-

are reasons enough to visit Redondo Beach.

marine canyons in the area. Along with

Redondo Beach is the largest and farthest

Captain Andy, his crew and the naturalists,

south of the South Bay communities in

we had already watched Archie—the resi-

greater Los Angeles County. The scenic and

dent humpback grey whale—repeatedly

uncrowded community boasts charming

arch his back and slide under the water and

street-side cottages, the area’s deepest har-

out of view. During the three hours we spent

bour, a romantic seafront esplanade with

on board, on this typically sunny and 21-C

sunset views and three kilometres of sandy

February day in Los Angeles, we observed

beaches with easily accessible beach

whales, sea lions, dolphins and one bikini-

parking. In the early 1900s, it was the major

clad surfboarder.

shipping point between San Francisco and San Diego and the place where Hawaiian

A BEACHY PLAYGROUND

lifeguard George Freeth introduced surfing

Whale-watching is but one of the many

to the mainland. It also enjoyed a distin-

marine activities in this seaside play-

guished history as a setting for Hollywood

ground, which includes the glass-bottomed

movies and TV shows and as the place

SSV Looking Glass, a 19-passenger USCG-

where Meistrell twins, Bill and Bob, devel-

inspected semi-submersible underwater

oped the first wetsuit, which eventually

vessel; sport fishing; sailing; kayaking;

became the iconic Body Glove brand. Today,

pedal boating; diving; surfing; paddle-

it’s a year-round resort town with a walkable

boarding; boogie boarding; and swimming.

waterfront studded with hotels, restaurants

Fitness buffs play beach volleyball while

and compelling sights including a memorial

youngsters frolic in the sand at the Seaside

to the twins located just a few blocks from

Lagoon, swim in the saltwater pool or ogle

the Dive N Surf shop they founded.

OPPOSITE: Redondo Beach pier at sunset. Sahani Photography/Shutterstock ABOVE: Your California adventure in Redondo Beach features a family-friendly seaside playground packed with hidden treasures. Irvina Lew

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 DREAMSCAPES 43

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LEFT TOP: Whale-watching excursions on board the Voyager depart daily from Redondo Beach Marina from December 27 through April. LEFT CENTRE: Observe sea lions frolicking, feeding and basking in their natural habitat. Irvina Lew

aimed at creating a healthy environment for residents and visitors by providing safe bike and pedestrian access, adding better lighting to the Redondo Pier and more urban greenery, plus emphasizing the benefits of exercise and no smoking. Encouraging better eating is intrinsic to the mission and Wyland’s second-largest marine mural.

many local restaurants have instituted low-

And, if you travel with a pet, there’s even a

calorie and low-fat menu items.

dedicated dog park.

Eating well on fresh seafood and wonderful California produce is a pleasure at

A MARITIME HAVEN

the local, water-view eateries. At R10 Social

I drove to the beach town from Los Angeles

House (named for the buoy), I relished beer-

International Airport (LAX) by driving south

steamed clams and jidori brick chicken. At

on Sepulveda—which becomes Pacific Coast

BALEENkitchen, at the Portofino, I savoured

Highway—and bearing right at the arched

another pot of steamed Little Neck clams

sign: Redondo Beach – King Harbor. This

and listened to a terrific band. And, at Cap-

short stretch is bordered by a brand new

tain Kidd’s, my take-back-to-the-room order

cycling lane; it passes King Harbor’s yacht-

included enormous steamed shrimp.

filled marina, the site of the new Shade

Taxis are readily available to and from

Redondo Beach (sister to the Shade Hotel in

LAX and local restaurants, so a car isn’t

Manhattan Beach) and harbourside restau-

really necessary unless you plan to visit

rants, including the Cheesecake Factory and

other famous LA destinations, such as the

the Bluewater Grill. At Beryl Street, I turned

Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert

A major attraction is the Redondo Beach

right at the corner (between the Crowne

Hall, Richard Meier’s J. Paul Getty Museum,

Pier, a horseshoe-shaped walkway, with

Plaza Redondo Beach and Marina Hotel and

the Getty Villa, the chic boutiques on Rodeo

souvenir and sportswear shops. Another is

the newly opened Redondo Beach Hotel),

Drive or the Hollywood attractions and

the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center,

and followed the road around the Portofino

studio tours. If you choose to stay in

a state-of-the-art 1,457-seat musical and

Marina to the Portofino Hotel & Marina.

Redondo Beach, you’ll find the laid-back,

theatrical venue. Along with the Redondo

This was my third stay at the Portofino,

beachy Los Angeles so often depicted in

Beach Historical Museum, there’s SEA Lab,

which is affiliated with the Noble House

mid-century movies; only now, it’s been

operated by the LA Conservation Corps, an

Hotels. The navy-and-white nautical decor

updated to 21st-century standards.

ecological institute featuring touch tanks

pleases me, so does the hotel’s boutique

and interactive exhibits for children. The

ambiance. Front rooms face the yacht-filled

city’s event calendar includes a free

harbour while those in the back overlook

summer Concert Series; a lobster, a chalk

the channel and feature expansive ocean

and a kite festival; the Riviera Village

views. From my balcony, I watched sail-

Summer Festival; plus, the annual 10K run,

boats dropping their sails, couples paddling

walk, baby buggy race. One venue is visible

in adjoining kayaks and sea lions romping.

even from the ocean: The Whaling Wall,

Redondo Beach participates in the Blue

with its depiction of grey whales, is

Zones Project, a public health initiative

44 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

TRAVEL PLANNER Plan your trip to Redondo Beach at visitredondo.com. For more information, visit: Portofino Hotel & Marina: hotelportofino.com Voyager Excursions: voyagerexcursions.com

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DS TRAVEL SLEUTH >> BY JANE STOKES NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK You’ve been to Broadway, shopped Madison Avenue, taken in the view from the top of the Empire State Building, marvelled at architecture, strolled Central Park, and dined at legendary Big Apple eateries. Now it’s time to discover the real Manhattan. Before your next visit, delve into Edward Rutherfurd’s historical fiction, New York, a four-century romance about those who shaped this iconic city, starting with the lives of the 17th-century Dutch families intertwined with indigenous peoples, British, Jewish refugees, Africans, Irish, Germans, Italians, Latin Americans, and more. Then return to the Big Apple and uncover this history yourself. While modern-day Manhattan has grown over many remnants

GO FOR THE

HISTORY

OUR CRAVING TO SEE AND KNOW MORE OF THE WORLD is often linked to our longing to learn more about its history. Our getaways, after all, are golden opportunities to see and touch the past, to walk on sacred ground, to study museum treasures, and to ask questions in destinations brimming with age-old stories to tell. There is no shortage of humanhistory sagas in Canada and the United States.

of the past, the founding neighbourhoods are still stirring if you know what to look for: the old Dutch fort foundations at the southernmost tip where a bikeway now runs up the Hudson River; the cold beer in Fraunces Tavern, the city’s oldest building (1719) where George Washington directed the revolution; the Five Points neighbourhood, once a notorious slum and now at the heart of Chinatown and Little Italy; the greenery of Greenwich Village; the upscale Gramercy Park; the long walk along the Upper East Side of Central Park through the hip-hop haven, El Barrio, and north into Harlem at 125th; the stroll back south along the Upper West Side with a stop at 72nd and Strawberry Fields, the pretty parkette tribute to music legend, John Lennon. True discovery of New

TOP: Take in the magnificent view of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline from the Mandarin Hotel. NYC & Co./Marley White RIGHT: Stop in and chat with shop owners in El Barrio, the Spanish Harlem neighbourhood of Manhattan. NYC & Co./Julienne Schaer OPPOSITE TOP LEFT: Boaters can navigate the 202-kilometre Rideau Canal from Ottawa to Kingston. OTMPC OPPOSITE BOTTOM CENTRE: Cruise the mighty Mississippi aboard the elegant American Queen, a luxurious antebellum-style paddlewheeler. American Queen Steamboat Company OPPOSITE TOP RIGHT: The village of Tsiionhiakwatha is identified by historians as “the largest paleohistorical site discovered to date in Québec.” Tourisme Montérégie

46 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

York City takes a lifetime of visits. nycgo.com

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THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER Picture the 17th-century missionary Jacques Marquette with navigator Louis Jolliet as they paddled westward on the St. Lawrence River in search of a fabled waterway. It was reputed to run southbound along the entire spine of the continent and into the Gulf of Mexico. In combination with the Great Lakes and portaging, these navigators did indeed find the rolling river with the help of a friendly Sioux band, but couldn’t complete the entire journey due to an ambush by rival tribes. Today, French place names still dot the entire shoreline of the Mississippi River, as do numerous ports named for Spain, which controlled it all by 1762. Who knew the Mississippi River is the main watershed for 31 Amerprovinces? Experience the tranquility

DROULERSTSIIONHIAKWATHA, QUÉBEC

yourself, perhaps aboard a luxurious

Due to the authenticity of so many

antebellum-style paddlewheeler (the

lifestyle items unearthed in this 15th-cen-

THE RIDEAU CANAL,ONTARIO

American Queen Steamboat Company)

tury Iroquois village, you are actually

Pleasure boating is an apt way to

or on other specialized vessels such as

encouraged to sleep over. Located in what

describe the adventure of being able to

American Cruise Lines and Avalon

is now the municipality of Saint-Anicet

navigate the 202-kilometre waterway

Waterways Cruises, which are adapted to

(about 70 kilometres west of Montréal),

from Ottawa to Kingston. Even if you’re

the river’s currents and serpentine

the village of Tsiionhiakwatha is identi-

not such an ambitious boater, it is fasci-

shape. Steamboating in the 19th century

fied by historians as “the largest

nating to spend time on the Rideau

was a formidable driver of the frontier

paleohistorical site discovered to date in

Canal where 45 locks were engineered

economy, much of which was chroni-

Québec.” After a local farmer, François

almost 200 years ago to lift or lower ves-

cled by Captain Samuel Longhorne

Droulers,

sels on the steep inclines. The system

Clemens, who adapted a river measure-

mounds a few decades ago, archaeolo-

links the natural waterways of the region

ment term for his penname, Mark

gists found more than 150,000 artifacts

with 19 kilometres of a man-made canal

Twain. experiencemississippiriver.com

belonging to an estimated 500 members

ican

states

plus

two

Canadian

reported

strange-looking

in which a thousand workers died on the

of the Saint Lawrence Iroquois band.

job from illnesses such as malaria. The

Today, their fascinating culture is shared

incentive was for military purposes in

with us through the insights of amiable

1826 (which included possible war with

guides. They teach flint knapping, camp-

the United States) but that subsided and

fire building and pottery making.

instead the canal played a key role in

Activities include watching lacrosse or

building the economy of a future

bow-and-arrow matches. And if you sign

Canada. Today, many locks are still

up for it, you can sleep over (on cots)

hand-operated and boat tours are avail-

inside the central longhouse. A cosy

able in the ports of Ottawa, Kingston and

sleeping bag and your own pillow are rec-

Merrickville. ontariotravel.net

ommended. sitedroulers.ca

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 DREAMSCAPES 47

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AN ISLAND

TO REMEMBER

IT ALL BEGAN WITH A SEARCH FOR FLIGHTS TO ENGLAND.

BY VALERIE MARSHALL

ne option included a well-priced

chill experienced on some outdoor activi-

alternative

Icelandair,

ties, the daily temperatures were quite

which offered three- to four-day

with

pleasant due to warm gulfstream ocean

“Stopover Tours” at no addi-

currents around Iceland. Although days

tional cost. What an opportunity to explore

were short, we enjoyed mostly sunny skies

a destination about which we knew so little!

and occasional brief showers.

Being November, we anticipated fewer daylight hours and our early arrival in

WONDERFUL BEGINNINGS

Keflavik’s cheery airport was predictably in

Shortly after our arrival, we were treated to

the dark. The airport bustled at 8:00 a.m.

an extravagant lunch at the famous Kopar

and we welcomed the efficiency of our

Restaurant by the harbour where Ylfa

ABOVE TOP: A visit to Gullfoss, Iceland’s famous “Golden Falls,” was a highlight of the Golden Circle Tour. Valerie Marshall

pre-booked Flybus service for the 45-

Helgadóttir, chef de cuisine and owner,

minute drive to the Hotel Reykjavik

produced a delicious sampling of Icelandic

Natura, where we were welcomed with a

fare. Looking out over snow-capped moun-

ABOVE CENTRE: The Icelandic horse is a breed so carefully preserved that, by law, a horse leaving the island can never return. Valerie Marshall

smörgåsbord breakfast of herring, smoked

tains, it was hard to imagine we had left

salmon, cold meats and delicious nut-

Canada just a few hours ago.

OPPOSITE TOP: At Strokkur, Iceland’s most energetic spouting spring erupts every five to seven minutes. Valerie Marshall OPPOSITE BOTTOM: At the Saga Museum in Reykjavík, visitors gain some understanding of the early Viking history and culture of the Icelandic people. Adam Saunders

48 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

breads. Our comfortable hotel room

We ended our first day with an evening

overlooked Oskjuhlid Hill and the Perlan

at the Fákasel Horse Theatre. Following a

(The Pearl), a major landmark renowned

meal of traditional lamb soup and a mag-

for its revolving restaurant.

nificent performance featuring unique

Anticipating extreme cold we had pur-

Icelandic horses, we mingled with riders

chased thermal wear and windbreaker

and horses in the stables, where about 70

shell outerwear but, apart from the wind

of these magnificent animals are housed.

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EXPLORING REYKJAVIK

LOBSTER AND NORTHERN LIGHTS

Iceland’s capital city has many enjoyable

A fitting adventure with Iceland Rovers

sights and historical buildings. Many build-

was planned for our second evening. We

ings featured Scandinavian architectural

clambered into a large four-wheel-drive

details with light wood and simple furniture

“Monster Truck” and were thankful for its

lines and, since Iceland is reputed to be the

huge 97-centimetre tires as we hurtled over

world’s largest green-energy producer (almost

dunes and along the beach by Thorlakshofn

all buildings are geothermally heated), indoor

with only the moon to guide us. Two Jeeps

temperatures were very comfortable.

ventured out into the remote area that night

With a population of about 325,000,

and our well-qualified guides, Stefán and

today’s society is modern, progressive and

Lúlli, were in constant communication by

proud of its heritage. Everyone we encoun-

radio. We pulled into the Fjöruborðið

tered spoke excellent English and even taxi

restaurant in the quaint fishing village of

geothermal fields throughout southern Ice-

drivers volunteered facts of interest about

Stokkseyri, where we tucked into a succu-

land and many local spas take advantage of

their lovely country.

lent feast of steaming lobster, which were

these natural gifts.

We toured the Maritime Museum and the peaceful harbour taking in the magnif-

more like langoustine. Cooked in garlic, they were tasty indeed.

The highlight of the tour was definitely Gullfoss, Iceland’s famous waterfall. The

Esja, which

A dark, starlit night provided optimum

tumbling water, full of glacial sediment,

dominates the skyline. Yoko Ono so loved

opportunity to view the northern lights.

appears golden in the sunlight; hence the

Iceland that she chose Reykjavík for

While this beautiful phenomenon is

name, meaning “Golden Falls.”

the Imagine Peace Tower (Friðarsúlan), a

weather-dependent, there is an excellent

At the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal

memorial to John Lennon. Its tall beam of

chance of good sightings over a two- to

Baths, we followed the manager on his daily

light projects from a white stone monu-

three-day period. We ended the evening with

routine to the edge of Laugarvatn Lake

ment above the city at night.

a glass of Icelandic Brennivín schnapps.

where he retrieved a pot of rye bread that

icent

view

Mount

had baked overnight in the hot black sand.

Emanating from underground hot springs, water is cooled to 36 C and transported via

NATURALLY PHENOMENAL

Replacing the pot he had just dug up, he

underground pipes to the city for use. This

On our third day, we toured the famous

buried fresh dough to bake over the next 24

abundance of heat creates many options for

Golden Circle to experience the countryside

hours before taking us inside to taste a

hot springs and spas. After a day of explo-

by daylight. Constant volcanic activity in

sample. It was delicious. A relaxing hour in

ration, we appreciated the warm indoor pools

Iceland has, over centuries, left a deep bed

Fontana’s geothermal pools proved highly

and sauna at the Soley Natura Spa.

of lava over which moss grows creating a

therapeutic.

base for shrubs and foliage.

After a full day we headed back to

Much of the vegetable farming is confined

Reykjavík for a relaxing dinner at Satt Restau-

to vast greenhouses. At Friðheimar Farm,

rant and an early wake-up call for our

Knútur Rafn Ármann and his wife Helena

two-and-a-half-hour flight to England. Our

Hermundardóttir operate an enormous

exhilarating stopover in Iceland has encour-

greenhouse tomato operation. Their special

aged us to return for a much longer stay.

homemade tomato soup was worth the trip. Farther north, we observed an outstanding natural phenomenon at Strokkur where the geyser, Iceland’s most energetic spouting spring, erupts every five to seven minutes. Water from deep below the surface exceeds boiling temperature yet ice forms not 30 centimetres from the edge. Extreme caution is necessary on this slip-

TRAVEL PLANNER We flew Icelandair (icelandair.ca) from Toronto. For more information, check out: Visit Iceland: visiticeland.com Iceland Rovers: icelandrovers.is Reykjavik Excursions: re.is Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths: fontana.is Kopar Restaurant: koparrestaurant.is

pery surface. Hot springs are evident in the

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 DREAMSCAPES 49

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ROCKIN’ IN PANAMA NOTHING HAD PREPARED US FOR THE INTENSE HEAT, HOWEVER BASKING IN THE POOL AT THE HARD ROCK HOTEL OVERLOOKING PANAMA CITY MAKES IT ALMOST BEARABLE.

BY DONNA S. VIEIRA

ehind us, comfortable cabanas

nook and a kitchenette. With room service

provide shady respite from the

available around the clock, I can imagine

unrelenting sun. Young servers

why rock stars seeking absolute privacy may

flit among guests with orders

never leave this little enclave. But we yearn

from the Float Bar and café. Meanwhile,

We’re on the full Rock Star all-inclusive

No one seems to mind. After all, it’s this

plan, which means we can choose to dine at

party atmosphere that brought them here to

any of four dining venues during our stay at

the Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megapolis

no additional cost. The 12th-floor Bazaar

where all are encouraged to embrace their

restaurant serves buffet breakfasts, lunches

inner rock star.

and dinners. The remaining three à la carte

TOP: The Base Bar in the lobby is perfect for watching people. OPPOSITE TOP: Our Hard Rock suite on the 41st floor features panoramic views of Panama City’s skyline. OPPOSITE CENTRE: At the Float Pool & Bar, enjoy VIP treatment while lounging in a stylish cabana or cooling off in the infinity pool. OPPOSITE BOTTOM: The Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megapolis displays memorabilia from rock legends throughout the property. V&V Hospitality & Media Services

50 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

to get out and explore.

music blares from morning into the night.

restaurants include Soy, which features an

FIT FOR ROCK LEGENDS

Asian menu; Tauro, a steakhouse, which

From our elegant corner suite on the 41st

satisfies our primal cravings; and Ciao,

floor, we take in majestic views of the sky-

which serves pizza and tapas. Although the

line of Panama City and glistening Panama

poolside café is not included in our package,

Bay. Two large bedrooms, each with a luxu-

that doesn’t stop us from ordering a couple

rious ensuite featuring large walk-in shower

of midday snacks. Quick bites are also avail-

facilities, have me wishing I had invited my

able at the Juice Bar or Express-O.

sister to join us. Separating the bedrooms

During our four-day stay, we experience

are a comfortable lounge area, an office

all the restaurants and decide the buffet at

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the Bazaar is our preference for dinner. From

and off the package. Open until 3 a.m.,

soups, salads and charcuterie to pasta, fresh

Monday to Saturday, ultra-chic Bling features

fish and meat dishes, the variety of selections

DJ talent, VIP exclusive areas and bottle

is mind-boggling. While my husband goes for

service. The decadent Bits Roof Lounge on

the gusto, I feast on melt-in-your-mouth

the 62nd floor, complete with mood music, is

sushi and sashimi offerings accompanied by

a serene place to sunbathe beside exotic

a seafood and seaweed salad.

waterfalls by day and enjoy sparkling

As one might expect, nightlife options are

panoramic city views by night. And, if we

endless. No less than five bars are listed in

gambled, the Majestic Casino is immediately

our plan, each with an impressive selection

across from the hotel entrance and easily

of non-alcoholic beverages, standard liquors

accessed from the hotel’s mezzanine floor.

and cocktails included in our package. The Base Bar in the lobby and the poolside Float

TOURING PANAMA CITY

Bar are perfect for watching people. On the

Following a couple of days of lounging and

mezzanine level, Mamie Lee’s is a popular

spa treatments, we venture outside our hotel

spot to enjoy a refreshing beverage after a day

and purchase tickets for the hop-on, hop-off

of sightseeing, while the Who ‘R U Lounge on

open-air double-decker trolley, which conve-

the 11 level is an airy space for a pre-dinner

niently departs from the Multicentro

apéritif or a break from the dance floor at the

shopping mall directly across from our hotel.

adjacent Stage Bar, which rocks with live

Two daytime tours are offered—the Canal

music into the early morning hours seven

Route and the City or the Panama Viejo Route.

nights a week. After that, we’re on our own

Our US$29 tickets entitle us to hop on board

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TOP TO BOTTOM: Without doubt, Panama City has the most prominent skyline in Central America. The 16th- and 17th-century Spanish and French colonial architecture in Casco Antiguo is one of many reasons to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The colourful Biomuseo was designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry. V&V Hospitality & Media Services

trict of Panama City. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1997, it preserves the first institutions and buildings of Panama. Here, we explore a number of churches, the governmental office and residence of the President of Panama, the Panama Canal Museum, Palacio Bolívar, the National Theatre of Panama, several plazas and plenty of shops and restaurants. My husband is on the prowl for an authentic Panama hat and finds one to his liking for US$25 from a street vendor. It’s hot so we duck into a shop only to find a maze of merchants selling everything from jewellery and art to the trolley at any of the scheduled stops on

leather goods and more Panama hats. We leave

either route for 24 hours. So, a ticket purchased

with three painted canvasses in hand.

at 2 p.m. on one day expires at 2 p.m. the next

It’s mid-afternoon when we locate our perfect

day. Earphones are provided along with a map.

waterfront table at the charming El Bistro de

On board, audios recorded in six languages

Paula Nani where we thoroughly enjoy fresh

explain what we are seeing en route.

seafood choices and linger over refreshments. It’s

We opt for the Canal Route, which

been a long, exhausting but memorable day. We

includes eight stops: Parque Urraca, just a

look forward to our cocoon back at the Hard Rock

couple of blocks from Calle Uruguay, a key

Hotel for some well-deserved relaxation.

destination for visitors; Mi Pueblito, a village depicting

three

Panamanian

cultures;

TRAVEL PLANNER

Albrook Mall; Ciudad del Saber, a cluster of academic organizations; the Panama Canal; the colourful Biomuseo designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry where we learn about the origin of the Panamanian isthmus and its impact on the Earth’s biodiversity; Isla Flamenco, a tourist haven at the end of the Amador Causeway, which unites the mainland to four small islands that once guarded the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal; and Casco Antiguo. Also known as Casco Viejo (Old Town) or San Felipe, Casco Antiguo is the historic dis-

52 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Copa Airlines (copaair.com) offers scheduled non-stop flights from Toronto and Montréal to Panama City. All-inclusive VIP packages at the Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megapolis include drinks in participating hotel bars (limited menu applies); meals in participating hotel restaurants (limited menu applies); free Wi-Fi Internet; a US$25 matchplay casino coupon (per room, per stay) for Majestic Casino; and a discount passbook for Multicentro Mall. For more information and applicable rates, visit hrhpanamamegapolis.com.

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A MAGNET

FOR TRAILBLAZERS

IN VIRGINIA, LIKE PRETTY MUCH EVERYWHERE ELSE, IT’S HIP TO BE A START-UP, A TRAILBLAZER, A MAVERICK, AN ORIGINAL.

BY JOSEPHINE MATYAS

he idea is to create a real head-

significance. The cavernous aviation

line grabber, one that will vault

hangars at the Smithsonian’s National Air

you to fame (preferably, paired

& Space Museum near Dulles International

with fortune). But centuries

Airport are filled with hundreds of items

before modern-day America became mar-

that make the grade, including some sym-

inated in the fast-paced world of gigabytes

bolic pieces of 20th-century history. The

and crowdfunding, the quiet little towns

main hangar is 10 storeys high with a foot-

and hillsides of northern Virginia were

print larger than three football fields.

already a breeding ground for those who

Aircraft demand a lot of elbow room.

TOP: Manassas National Battlefield Park

thrived on thinking outside the box.

Filling one hangar is Discovery, the

was the scene of the first major land battle

Virginia, it seems, has always been a

longest serving and most accomplished of

magnet for originals.

the Space Shuttle orbiters. Most of the

of the Civil War. OPPOSITE LEFT CENTRE & BOTTOM: The grounds at Mount Vernon are frozen in time circa 1799.

In that spirit, here are a few spots where

heat-resistant tiles on Discovery’s fuselage

you’ll see the real thing or sit down to chat

are original equipment from its first

with a true Virginia groundbreaker.

takeoff. Over 27 years, the spacecraft completed 39 Earth-orbital missions travelling

OPPOSITE RIGHT TOP, CENTRE & BOTTOM: Opened in 2003, two huge hangars at the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space

AVIATION COLLECTIONS

a total of 240 million kilometres. Imagine

To make it into the world-famous Smith-

the air travel reward points!

sonian collections, an item has to tick

Parked one hangar over is another

display thousands of aviation and space

most of the boxes: one-of-a-kind, a record-

original: the Enola Gay Boeing B-29 Super-

artifacts. Josephine Matyas

breaker, some sort of historical or cultural

fortress bomber. The name on the plane’s

Museum near Dulles International Airport

54 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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nose is the original paint, harkening back to

and one of the agents of the French

the sobering moment in August 1945 over

Revolution.

Hiroshima when it became the first aircraft

ON HALLOWED GROUND

to drop an atomic bomb.

In the era of the American Civil War, two

WASHINGTON’S MANSION

main rail lines converged at Manassas

More than 300 years of history are on dis-

Junction and the side that controlled those

play at Mount Vernon, once the home of

rail lines would dominate the crucial

America’s first President and now the most

movement of troops and supplies. Just four

popular historic home in America.

months after President Lincoln took office

The grounds at the lush, green estate are

and declared secession by the states illegal,

frozen in time circa 1799, the year of George

the first major land battle of the Civil War

Washington’s death. The family mansion—

took place on the green hills at Manassas

the crown jewel of the estate—is furnished

National Battlefield Park. It was here that

with many originals including the office

the two armies of a divided nation clashed

chair Washington used during his presi-

as never before.

dency and the custom-made, extra-long bed where he took his final breath.

For those tracing the markings of the Civil War, two conflicts at Manassas

Costumed interpreters lead visitors

earned it a stop on the official Journey

through his book-stuffed study where

Through Hallowed Ground route and des-

Washington hosted several of the nation’s

ignation as a national park site. This

Founding

James

history-rich National Scenic Byway—“the

Madison and Thomas Jefferson. A frame

most eventful corner of the United

on the wall holds an original key to the

States”—stretches 300 kilometres from

Bastille, a gift from the Marquis de

Gettysburg in Pennsylvania to Monticello

Lafayette in 1790 to mark the special

in Virginia. The park commemorates the

relationship between the young America

two Battles of Manassas.

Fathers,

including

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 DREAMSCAPES 55

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RIGHT: At the Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, visitors can tour the old car dealership turned distillery. BELOW TOP: In the tasting room at the Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, visitors can sample unique blends of rye, gin and brandy. BELOW CENTRE & BOTTOM: A trip to “D.C.’s Wine Country” includes a string of restaurants where menus focus squarely on the farm-to-table experience. Josephine Matyas

Visitors walk through the peaceful

tion-era style whisky, created from 100 per

rolling hills that were once a raging battle-

cent organic rye. Visitors can tour the old car

field, stopping at the statue of Confederate

dealership turned distillery, then slide onto

general “Stonewall” Jackson and the recon-

a stool in the tasting room to sip the unique

structed farmhouse belonging to Judith

rye, gin and peach, pear or apple brandy.

Henry, an elderly woman who was the

Nearby, Niagara-schooled Canadian winemaker Jordan Harris celebrates his love

battle’s first civilian casualty.

of the state’s Viognier grape at Tarara

CLINKING GLASSES

Winery, one of the county’s leading vine-

Contemporary entrepreneurs are clinking

yards. Twenty hectares at Tarara are planted

their glasses in the northwest corner of

with Viognier, Chardonnay, Merlot and

Virginia. In small-town Purcellville, in the

Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Loudon County

foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, chem-

(40 kilometres from Washington, D.C.) leads

ical engineer Becky Harris took a career

the state in the number of wineries (there

detour and together with husband Scott

are 43) and grape production. For travellers,

established the Catoctin Creek Distilling

a day spent touring through “D.C.’s Wine

Company. Building a distillery from the

Country” includes wineries’ tasting rooms,

ground up takes a dose of moxie and the go-

exploring historic small towns, scenic vistas

getter vision of how art and science intersect.

of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the cap-

For starters, a female distiller is unusual

ital’s Washington Monument, and a string

in this line of work. The micro-distillery also

of restaurants where menus focus squarely

makes an unconventional style of Prohibi-

on the farm-to-table experience.

TRAVEL PLANNER Porter Airlines (flyporter.com) flies three times daily from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Washington Dulles International Airport. For more information on Virginia’s cultural region, visit Virginia.org/VirginiasCulturalRegion. For accommodation, consider the Lansdowne Resort (LansdowneResort.com) in Leesburg. For dining, try: Magnolias at the Mill: purcellvillerestaurant.com Malones of Manassas: malonesofmanassas.com härth in the Hilton McLean: harthrestaurant.com

56 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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DS TRAVEL GALLERY >> BY CYNTHIA DAVID

S M. EDLOW FOR VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

cheduled to open in 2015 in Nassau, the Bahamas, the luxurious Baha Mar Casino and Hotel presides over three kilometres of pristine white-sand beaches and spectacular, azure waters. Although you may be reluctant to leave your elegant guest accommodations in the iconic 1,000-room hotel, a Vegas-style casino and more than 20 restaurants and bars await you. Swim with stingrays or sea turtles in the Sanctuary pools and snorkel among tropical fish on the artificial reef. Enjoy a round of golf on the Jack Nicklaus-designed TPC course at Baha Mar, which features dramatic ocean views and winds through native forest. Or visit the 2,785-square-metre ESPA spa and relax on an oceanview terrace after sampling the many treatments available. The New Riviera awaits. BahaMar.com

hiladelphia is promising a blockbuster season this summer. Some highlights include the arrival of the Tall Ships® Philadelphia Camden festival; the first full season for Indego, Philly’s bike-sharing program; the return of the acclaimed Spruce Street Harbor Park; and the seasonlong showing of Discovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel and the New Painting at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Add in plenty of pop-up beer gardens, public art displays and a wide array of festivals and events and you have the makings of an unforgettable summer that’s sure to please all ages. Is it any wonder The New York Times ranked Philadelphia as No. 3 among “52 Places to Go in 2015”? visitphilly.com; uwishunu.com

SCOTT FRANCES

outhern Ontario’s beloved year-round farmers’ market in St. Jacobs is literally rising from the ashes in a brand new building. Fire destroyed one of the original buildings in 2013. Vendors haven’t missed a market day since, using other buildings and the huge outdoor square. The market, held Thursday, Saturday and summer Tuesdays, is just three kilometres from the village of St. Jacobs, where unique boutiques and gift shops, antiques, crafts, restaurants serving hearty Mennonite food, and cool exhibits, including North America’s largest O-scale model railway, await. Spend the night at a charming bed and breakfast and take in a play at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse. stjacobs.com

SEABOURN

orld-renowned American chef and restaurateur Thomas Keller is set to bring his award-winning French and American cuisine and culinary creations to the Seabourn cruise line in fall 2015. In addition, Seabourn will partner with Keller to introduce a new signature restaurant, to be revealed in spring 2016 on Seabourn Quest before being expanded to the entire fleet. A culinary leader in the cruise industry and honoured as the “Best Culinary Cruise Line” in the SAVEUR Culinary Travel Awards for 2013 and 2014, Seabourn’s new partnership with Keller will undoubtedly result in an unrivalled dining experience like no other at sea. seabourn.com

COURTESY OF ST. JACOBS COUNTRY

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DS TRAVEL GALLERY >>

V MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL

isitors travelling between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies this summer can include a stay for one to three nights at Sun Peaks Alpine Village in the interior of B.C. as part of Brewster Travel Canada’s new Mountain Quest Tour. The tour offers two possible routes. The first leads to Jasper National Park, one of Canada’s oldest national parks and a Dark Sky Preserve. The second connects Banff National Park and the towns of Banff and Lake Louise. Along with outstanding value, Sun Peaks offers summer festivals, soft-adventure activities and concerts featuring Lou Gramm on July 4 and Colin James on August 29. brewster.ca

he Meliá Costa Hollywood Beach Resort is set to open this year in the Hollywood–Fort Lauderdale area of South Florida, within easy proximity of two international airports and two seaports. The six-storey condominium hotel will have 304 furnished hotel and residential “smart units” overlooking Hollywood Beach, with expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. Boasting a spa, fitness centre, rooftop infinity pool and bar, five fine-dining restaurants and a gourmet coffee shop, Spanish-owned Meliá Hotels International will open and operate the Costa Hollywood, its second U.S. property under the Meliá brand. costahollywood.com

ROYCE SIHLIS

he 36th edition of the TD Montreal Jazz Festival, June 26 to July 5, promises to be even more dazzling than ever. New concerts have just been announced by Huey Lewis and the News; the Steve Miller Band; Rodrigo y Gabriela, a Mexican acoustic guitar duo; and Chris Botti, an Italian-American trumpeter and composer. That’s on top of featured artists Colin James, Jesse Cook and a world premiere Battle of the Bands face-off between the Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras. montrealjazzfest.com

DISCOVER THE PALM BEACHES

rom May to October, get up close and personal with loggerhead, leatherback and sea turtles in Florida’s West Palm Beach. The gentle giants return to the Palm Beaches year after year to nest. Juno Beach, Turtle Central, is home to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, which cares for wounded creatures and organizes nesting tours. The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton also offers sea turtlethemed activities and events for the whole family, including turtle walks, hatchling release observations and free outdoor marine feedings. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park organizes sea turtle walks and talks, with tickets starting at $10 a person. Reservations are required. macarthurbeach.org; gumbolimbo.org; marinelife.org FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE JAZZ DE MONTRÉAL

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F PLAZA PREMIUM LOUNGE

ollowing its roster of summer 2015 sailings through famous North American inland waterways and favourite coastal seas, the Haimark Line turns its gaze toward Central and South America where, between December 2015 and April 2016, the MS Saint Laurent will set sail on several fascinating 10-day journeys between Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica. En route, passengers tour the Old Panama City, enjoy a daytime transit of the Panama Canal, visit Darién National Park and board Mach Five Zodiacs with expert guides to explore the San Blas Islands, Manuel Antonio National Park, the Osa Peninsula and more. On board, guests relax in private suites and are treated to world-class dining and spas. Pre- and post-cruise extensions are also available. haimarkline.com

laza Premium Lounge has announced the grand opening of its upgraded lounge at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). One of four Plaza Premium Lounge spaces at YVR, the 594-square-metre space has seating for 135 and highlights Plaza Premium’s commitment to offer travellers a first-class experience regardless of airline or class of travel. Facilities include a comfortable lounge, dining and bar areas, a business centre, as well as private spaces where travellers can freshen up with a shower or unwind in one of three semi-private resting areas. The company also plans to open a lounge in Winnipeg International Airport later in 2015. Admission rates start from $40 per person for two hours. plaza-network.com HAIMARK LINE

hile most Canadians think of Jamaica as a sun and sand vacation destination, plenty of festivals and special events, ranging from world-class food to sporting events, happen year-round throughout the island. Highlights include the Jamaica International Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, June 7 to 14; International Reggae Day, July 1; the Portland Jerk Festival, July 5; Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay July 12 to 18; and the Little Ochie Seafood Carnival July 12 in Manchester located on the south side of the island. visitjamaica.com

DAVID & EMILY COOPER

ancouver-bound this summer? Book a ticket to the 26th Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival in Vanier Park, with its exciting line-up of plays, concerts and special events. The festival runs from June 4 to September 26, and features Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, King Lear and Love’s Labour’s Lost. This year also marks the world stage premiere of Shakespeare’s Rebel, adapted from the best-selling novel of the same name. There’s even a Bard-B-Q & Fireworks, which includes dinner and a play, entertainment and fireworks. Festival tickets begin at $26 and are now on sale. bardonthebeach.org JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD

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DS TRAVEL GALLERY >>

dventure seekers, prepare to be dazzled this summer on North America’s newest and longest zip line. Experiencing two kilometres of pure exhilaration, guests will fly from a launch high up on Blackcomb Mountain and land mid-way up Whistler Mountain. “The views are simply spectacular,” says Ziptrek Ecotours CEO Charles Steele, “but it will be quite the thrill ride!” Scheduled to open in mid-July, the line will be offered to single tourists and as part of a tour. ziptrek.com

STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS

tarwood has just opened its eco-wise Element brand in Doral, Florida, minutes from Miami’s world-famous beaches, shopping and nightlife. The Element has 139 bright, stylish rooms featuring fully-equipped kitchens, spa bathrooms, fast and free Wi-Fi and the signature Heavenly Bed. Suites have flat-screen TV, large desks and customdesigned closets, perfect for travellers spending a few days or a few weeks. Pets are welcome. Guests are invited to fuel their day with the healthy RISE breakfast and wind down with the RELAX evening wine reception, both of which are complimentary. You can even borrow bikes, work out in the 24-hour fitness centre and enjoy the outdoor pool at the Aloft hotel next door. Elementhotels.com

COURTESY ZIPTREK ECOTOURS

o nose-to-nose with sharks, stingrays and a giant Pacific octopus at the new Sea Life Michigan Aquarium in Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. The 2,320-squaremetre attraction takes visitors on an amazing and educational journey through an underwater world of more than 5,000 creatures including jellyfish, eels, seahorses, tropical and native fish via interactive exhibits, a 180-degree ocean tunnel and a hands-on touch pool. Advance booking is recommended, or save 20 per cent on tickets with the D Discount Pass. visitsealife.com; visitdetroit.com

COURTESY AIR CANADA

ntil September 7, you can fly non-stop with Air Canada Express between Toronto and Atlantic City, New Jersey. The new route lets passengers enjoy Atlantic City’s famed boardwalk, beaches and casinos. Flights are conveniently timed to link with Air Canada’s extensive network of connections to and from the rest of Canada. Travel on board a 74-seat Bombardier Q-400 aircraft, operated by Jazz, on Monday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday. aircanada.com

60 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015

DETROIT METRO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

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WIN A CRUISE FOR TWO

THROUGH THE HEART OF CENTRAL AMERICA via THE PANAMA CANAL CO MPL I ME N TS O F

Your unique and exciting journey includes 10 nights’ accommodation for two adults based on double occupancy, all meals, free-flowing beverages aboard the all-new MS Saint Laurent, and return air transportation from Canada. Exploring the beautiful coasts, cosmopolitan cities and abundant wildlife throughout Central and South America, you’ll also experience a guaranteed daytime transit of the historic Panama Canal plus an included shore excursion package as outlined in the 2015/16 Haimark Line Cruise catalogue. Simply read through this issue of DREAMSCAPES TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE to find the correct answers to the two questions below. Log onto dreamscapes.ca to access the contest page for full contest details including the terms and conditions for this prize package and to submit your entry. Contest entries will be accepted through our website up to midnight, September 18, 2015. 1. Name one of the countries included on this cruise itinerary. 2. Where online can you find more information about this 10-day cruise?

ENTER ONLINE AT DREAMSCAPES.CA Visit dreamscapes.ca for a full list of Terms and Conditions, prize inclusions and exclusions, eligibility and contest entry details.

Total Value: $10,000 CDN.

DS_SpringSummer2015_Layout 1 2015-05-08 12:10 PM Page 62

DS WEB LISTING >> ALOFT HOTELS 63 www.alofthotels.com/wxyzbar

GO RVING CANADA 35 www.gorving.ca

AQUA HOTELS AND RESORTS 25 www.aquahotelspecials.com

GRANT OF IMMUNITY BY GARRET HOLMS 62 www.garretholms.com

BAHA MAR CASINO & HOTEL, BAHAMAS 5 www.bahamar.com

HAIMARK LINE 17 www.haimarkline.com

BEACHWOOD RESORT 21 www.beachwoodresort.com

HAROLD GREEN JEWISH THEATRE COMPANY 53 www.hgjewishtheatre.com

BEST WESTERN HOTELS 2, 32, 64 www.bestwestern.com

KILLARNEY LODGE, ON 6 www.killarneylodge.com

CANADIAN MUSEUM OF HISTORY, OTTAWA 29 www.historymuseum.ca/thegreeks

KOA 13 www.koa.com

CARTIER PLACE SUITE HOTEL, OTTAWA 10 www.suitedreams.com

MAINE TOURISM 7 www.visitmaine.com

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT OTTAWA EAST 27 www.courtyardottawaeast.com

NEILL-WYCIK BACKPACKERS HOTEL 20 www.torontobackpackershotel.com

DISCOVER AMERICA 11 www.discoveramerica.com

PHILADELPHIA, PA 11 www.visitphilly.com

ESTÉREL RESORT 4 www.esterel.com

RESIDENCES OF THE GOVERNOR GENERAL OF CANADA 31 www.gg.ca/visitus

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON 9 www.fourpoints.com

SHERATON CENTRE TORONTO HOTEL 45 www.sheraton.com/tospecials

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