Canada/China friendship

Cyrus Janssen is one of North America’s leading experts on china and chinese marketing

China has been a mystery to the outside world ever since it built that wall, and to this day it gets plenty of bad press. Cyrus Janssen wants to change that. He’s an international business consultant, entrepreneur, and speaker whose been living abroad since 2007 in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and now Richmond BC.

Janssen was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. An interest in international travel and foreign languages was sparked by a German-born mother who took the young man on several trips to her homeland. After graduating from Florida State University in December 2006, Janssen moved to Shanghai to pursue a career as a golf professional. Two years later, he was given the opportunity to serve as the Head Golf Professional for Sheshan International Golf Club, China’s first premier private club.

As an American expat, Cyrus Janssen is working hard to work around the sabre rattling that seems to be growing louder between the U.S. and China. He’s pivoted from the fairway to work as a business consultant and marketing executive who believes that building bridges between countries is the only way forward.

“My wife is Chinese-Canadian, my three children are mixed race, and I feel that I stand in the middle where I have both perspectives and can facilitate better relationships,” Janssen says. “We’re never going to change each other, but we can work to understand each other.”

Janssen has drawn upon his degree in business and hospitality and his work experience in the hospitality industry in China for over a decade to become one of North America’s leading experts on Chinese marketing. He created APP Marketing Solutions, a Richmond BC company that helps Canadian and international retailers to connect through mobile payment solutions and content marketing. APP’s slogan is “Empowering Canadian and International Retailers to connect with Chinese Consumers.”

Accepting Chinese digital payments gives Canadian businesses a huge advantage. “Chinese tourists and international students to Canada continue to increase every year,” Janssen says. “By connecting your local Canadian business to China’s digital payment platforms, Chinese customers can pay in their local currency from their bank in China, while Canadian retailers receive CAD at a transaction price that is cheaper than conventional credit cards. It’s a win-win for both Canadian retailers and Chinese consumers.”

APP relies on WeChat to do the heavy lifting. Unlike other apps that perform specific tasks, WeChat is a Chinese super app that handles personal messaging, phone calls, banking, social media, travel reservations, ride hauling, and food delivery. With 1.2 billion monthly users, it’s a marketer’s dream, and APP has helped many Canadian brands establish a presence on the platform. “We create content marketing for a variety of businesses including fashion brands, grocery stores, primary schools, and sports academies, all of whom attract a large number of Chinese clients,” says Janssen. “We create the content in Mandarin and give Canadian companies exposure on China’s largest social network. It’s a very powerful tool.”

Virtual platforms serve a purpose, but Janssen believes that personal contact and getting up in front of an audience is still the most powerful way to deliver his message. He’s an in-demand speaker at conferences, corporate events, colleges and other events like TEDxYouth Talk 2021. He communicates deep personal knowledge and experience on topics including China, international business and entrepreneurship g

APP Marketing Solutions . . . helps Canadian and international retailers to connect through mobile payment solutions and content marketing.

To learn more about Cyrus Janssen, go to ww.cyrusjanssen.com where you’ll find plenty of informative videos and a very impressive list of international companies, which he refers to as cooperation partners. To learn more about how APP Marketing can help your business connect with the burgeoning Chinese consumer and tourist markets, without a doubt the most valuable in the world, check out appmarketing.ca. APP has already helped over 60 firms attract and retain more customers, and can do the same for your business.

When talking about China, a topic that people often mention is “Xiaokang society” (moderately prosperous society). So what exactly is a “moderately prosperous society”? This concept has existed since ancient China. A poem from The Book of Songs which dates back to more than 2,500 years ago says that the hard-working people should live in a moderately prosperous society.

“Moderately prosperous society”, the aspiration of Chinese people to live a better life over thousands of years, had never been realized due to historical reasons. After the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 1921, especially since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the CPC has endowed “moderately prosperous society” with new connotations. Based on China’s national conditions, the CPC has integrated the concept “moderately prosperous society” into the phased development goal to achieve modernization.

In 1979, according to the actual condition of China’s economic development, Deng Xiaoping put forward the concept of “moderately prosperous society” for the first time. A living standard of “moderately prosperous life” means that on the basis of meeting people’s basic needs, the quality of life should be further improved with sufficient food and clothing. The 18th CPC National Congress in 2012 clearly stated that “China has entered a decisive stage of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.” General Secretary Xi Jinping said that “to realize a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020 and realize the first centenary goal is a solemn promise that our Party has made to the Chinese people and to history.”

At a ceremony marking the centenary of the CPC held on July 1, 2021, General Secretary Xi Jinping made a solemn declaration: “It is my honour to declare on behalf of the Party and the people that through the continued efforts of the whole Party and the entire nation, we have realized the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

This means that we have brought about a historic resolution to the problem of absolute poverty in China, and we are now marching in confident strides toward the second centenary goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects.”

Building a moderately prosperous society in all respects is a key step to realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. Following the 18th CPC National Congress, socialism with Chinese characteristics entered a new era. We have upheld and strengthened the Party’s overall leadership, ensured coordinated implementation of the five-sphere integrated plan and the four-pronged comprehensive strategy, upheld and improved the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and modernized China’s system and capacity for governance. We have overcome a long list of major risks and challenges, fulfilled the first centenary goal, and set out strategic steps for achieving the second centenary goal. The Party and the country have made historic achievements and changes.

Since reform and opening up in 1978, more than 770 million of China’s rural population living below the current poverty line have been lifted out of poverty. The GDP in China has exceeded 100 trillion yuan, making it the world’s second largest economy, the largest industrial country, the largest trader in goods and the largest holder of the foreign exchange reserves, accounting for more than 17 per cent of the global economy.

THE GREAT SIGNIFICANCE OF BUILDING a moderately prosperous society in all respects to China and the world

China will work to build a new type of international relations, aiming at building an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity.

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world marvel at its achievements in space exploration. With the successful launching of Shenzhou-12 Manned Spaceship, the Chinese entered their own space station for the first time, and the Chinese astronauts carried out their extravehicular activity. After moving out of the node cabin, astronaut Liu Boming said the view outside the Tiangong space station was “stunningly beautiful”.

Building a moderately prosperous society in all respects is a new great contribution made by China to the world. It brings new development opportunities to the world economy. With the outstanding advantages of the most complete industrial chain and supply chain, China has acted as a “world factory” that did not close during the epidemic, providing strong support for the global economy to get rid of the impact of COVID-19.

Despite the sudden outbreak of COVID-19, the Belt and Road Initiative cooperation did not come to a halt. It continued to move forward, showing remarkable resilience and vitality. In 2020, trade in goods between China and BRI partners registered a record of 1.35 trillion U.S. dollars. Together, we have put up an international firewall of cooperation against COVID-19. Up to now, more than 290 billion masks and 3.5 billion protective suits have been provided for various countries, and more than 480 million doses of finished and bulk vaccines have been exported to nearly 100 countries.

Building a moderately prosperous society in all respects also provides a powerful driving force for building a community with a shared future for mankind. We will hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit with greater resolve.

China will unwaveringly follow an independent foreign policy of peace, and unwaveringly take the path of peaceful development. China will work to build a new type of international relations, aiming at building an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity.

China has received positive comments from the international community for realizing the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

Some Canadian media outlets also believe that China’s transformation from a backward agricultural society to a prosperous modern economy is indeed worthy of pride. We will ground our work in the new stage of development, fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy, foster a new pattern of development, and promote high-quality development. We believe that the further development of China will surely bring new development opportunities to all countries in the world including Canada g

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Cong Peiwu is the Chinese Ambassador to Canada.

Fall for Nova Scotia’s Autumn Magic

Infinite inspiration? Or just plain fun? There’s no wrong answer when you’re standing on a Nova Scotia mountaintop, by a monument to one of the province’s last great Gaelic bards, breathing in fresh, crisp air and gazing out over lush countryside alive in colour, a joyous symphony of red, green and golden leaves as far as the eye can see. That’s the scene, standing high in a forest clearing on Keppoch Mountain near Antigonish, a one-time alpine ski hill transformed into one of Nova Scotia’s top year-round outdoor destinations for biking, bouldering, hiking, crosscountry skiing, and roaming free on over 40 kilometres of multi-use trails through mature climax forest, young hardwood, hemlock groves and by a few brooks.

Ah, fall in Nova Scotia.

Experiencing autumn in ‘Canada’s Ocean Playground’ is a sensory delight—a place to breathe, to dream— with sweet coastal breeze scenting the air as maples and ash, birches and oak paint catch-your-breath-vistas over hills, valleys and headlands. Along with ample hiking adventures (from the urban oasis of Truro’s Victoria Park to climbing the peaks at Cape Chignecto Coastal Loop), the Maritime province is packed with pumpkin patches, farmers markets groaning under the bounty of harvest season, intricate corn mazes, apple picking, and city and country getaways.

Days can be spent discovering the whimsy of Kentville’s adored Pumpkin People Festival, marveling at the personality-packed ‘gourds’ spotted around town each October, paddling pristine waterways, or planning your own personal chowder crawl. Just think—a quest to sample the best from swish restaurants and roadside stops. No one can stop at just one bowl! Drinking up Nova Scotia’s burgeoning winery scene is a definite. Winemaking here dates to the 1600s, and in early fall, when grapes are ripening on the vine and wine makers and wineries are already seeing what next year's vintage will be like, it’s a perfect time to dip into this history, venturing into vineyards across the province, taking in tours and tastings, and visiting boutique and estate wineries (some in rustic barns and a former church).

Be sure to raise a glass of Tidal Bay, Nova Scotia’s first appellation wine, a delicious white, born of a terroir that pairs so, so well with local seafood.

New this year, guests can even overnight at Nova Scotia’s oldest farm winery Domaine de Grand Pré, in the fertile agricultural heartland of the Annapolis Valley. The Stutz family have opened The Inn at the Winery in their former farmhouse, putting out the welcome

Fall is always a little extra special in Nova Scotia—including road trips. With 13,000 kilometres of coastline, the province is primed for discovery. The Sunrise Trail itself serves 300-plus kilometres of serenity from Cape Breton Island to the New Brunswick border.

Stop to feel sand between your toes at glorious warm water beaches like Melmerby, Caribou-Munroes, Rushton’s, and Blue Sea, and admire pastoral landscapes and the Cobequid Mountains, basking under a golden

glow. Consider the route passport to foodie paradise, home to Jost Vineyards, Nova Scotia’s first winery, craft beer makers, restaurants, chocolatiers, and a must-have maple brunch at Sugar Moon Farm on a working maple farm in Earltown. Revel in fall’s glory at onsite trails or the nearby Butter Trail in Tatamagouche.

No visit is complete without a stay in Halifax, Nova Scotia’s sophisticated, seafaring capital.

Why you’ll love it? Halifax has all the amenities you’d want, yet rocks a smalltown, friendly vibe. It’s blessed with a walkable downtown, a gorgeous 4.4 km harbourwalk (with sea views, swaying hammocks, shops, services and sun-dabbled patios), museums, marine heritage, green spaces, robust shopping and dining, and a $2.75 ferry ride to Dartmouth—making for a terrific harbour cruise. For atmospheric fun, book the Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour, leaning into folklore from the centuries as you walk the fort’s tunnels and ramparts. Later, see the city in a new way, brushing up on history at Georges Island National Historic Site in Halifax’s harbour.

Take the Lighthouse Route to Lunenburg, a UNESCO world heritage site and home to the iconic sailing schooner, the Bluenose II, and you’ll be congratulating yourself on a brilliant outing.

Also fun? Riding the waves. If you’ve never heard of surfing in Nova Scotia,

know it’s world-class. Take a lesson at popular Lawrencetown, and plan to discover the swells along the Eastern Shore. Adventure lovers can giddy up too with Spirit Reins Ranch’s Horseback Tidal Floor & Fossils Tour, crossing the renowned Bay of Fundy’s ocean-floor (home to the earth’s highest tides) to see ancient fossils, then later continue the learning and fun at the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Geopark.

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site is a beautiful fall destination, with the colours of the red maple flood plain spectacular in reds, oranges, and yellows. Plus, there’s paddling, biking, picnicking, dark sky viewing and hiking. See over 300-yearold hemlocks on the popular Hemlocks and Hardwoods trail, and explore by foot or bike the newest trail, Ukme’k, a 6.3 km shared-use path connecting the campground with popular day-use areas and gateway to Mi’kmaw cultural

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Willowbank U-pick Farm, Port Williams. View across the bay at the city of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Dark Sky Preserve is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Cliffs of Fundy Global Geopark. Bay of Fundy. Georges Island National Historic Site in Halifax

Harbour. (ALL PHOTOS: TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA/ACORN ART PHOTOGRAPHY)

landscape, twisting along Mersey River.

Looking to the heavens comes naturally in Nova Scotia and with darkness falling earlier in autumn, there’s no need to stay up past bedtime. Prime locales abound, like dark-sky preserve, Kejimkujik National Park, secluded shorelines with stars and moon shimmering over water, university observatories, and accommodations with stargazing packages. In the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores region (known for its stargazing), guided tours and overnight stays are offered at Deep Sky Eye Observatory and Trout Point Lodge, the world’s first certified Starlight Hotel, and Canada’s only member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Visit www.novascotia.com to begin planning your fall getaway today! g

PHOTO: TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA/ADAM HILL FALL COLOURS of Cape Breton Island

Everywhere you look on a drive around Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail, autumn colours are splashed across the landscape. In October, the forested tabletop mountains and their slopes down to the sea glow in reds, oranges and yellows as if each leaf is lit from within. From the many lookoffs or just through the car window, the colours come in waves along the trail as it weaves through wilderness and follows the road high above the sea, then down again to the coast.

The Cabot Trail loop is only 298 kilometres long, but because it’s chockablock full of enticing stops along the way, plan an itinerary of several days to make the most of your trip. Baddeck on the shores of the great inland sea called the Bras d’Or Lake is a great starting point. Spend a night or two enjoying the laid back pace in the little town, taking time to visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, a fun family activity.

From charming B&B’s to historic inns, from the Inverary Resort complex and it’s brand new lodge to the new trio at Vicar’s View of two-level lighthouse themed suites, Baddeck boasts one of

PHOTO: TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA/ADAM HILL

the richest and most diverse collections of accommodations in Canada.

This year, there’s great excitement about a major new attraction on the Cabot Trail. Heading north, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, peaking on the top of Cape Smokey. That’s where Atlantic Canada’s first and only gondola will open. While the gondola will make winter skiing more fun, it will be accessible year round and so there will be picturesque opportunities to view fall colours from high above that will attract many. Plans for Cape Smokey in 2022 also include a sky-high

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Franey Trail. Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site (PHOTO: TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA/CHRIS MACFARLANE). Mountain side cottages at Glenora Inn & Distillery. Cape Smokey Coastline.

viewing platform called a tree walk.

Cape Smokey is within sight of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which stretches across the mountains to the western shores of the island. The 26 scenic hiking trails in the park are the best places to experience the island’s fall colours up close. The Fishing Cove Trail meanders down through a forest of brilliantly lit hardwoods like oak, birch and maple to a secluded inlet where eagles soar overhead. The famous Skyline Trail ends at a cliff-edge platform from which the views of the coastline are especially rewarding.

Further along, towns and villages like Cheticamp make for great stops to explore French, Scottish and Indigenous culture. When the Cabot Trail turns inland, following the idyllic Margaree River back toward Baddeck, many choose to continue south. After all, the trail represents only about one third of the island. Some stop at Inverness where world class golf continues through the autumn at Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links. There’s more colourful scenery inland on a side trip to North America’s first single malt whiskey maker at Glenora Inn and Distillery. It’s built on either side of the clear running waters of MacLellan’s Brook against a backdrop of forested mountains in full fall regalia. On many nights, Cape Breton fiddle music wafts from the pub. With live music, great food and whisky on par with Scotland’s own, the inn, chalets and distillery make for a great stopover with a European feel, especially when combined with a tasting tour. The latest star in the Glenora lineup is their Glen Breton Alexander Keith's 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky distilled from batches of Nova Scotia’s famous Alexander Keith’s beer.

The traditional musicians who perform here are often featured in the Celtic Colours International Festival that fills every nook and cranny of the island with music, singing, dancing, storytelling and cultural traditions from all corners of the Celtic diaspora. The 2021 version takes place virtually October 8 -16, with the Thanksgiving weekend at its heart. Online concerts, ceilidhs and celebrations bring to life the Celtic culture of this island in virtually every community. On the eastern coast of Cape Breton Island, fall road trips are just as rewarding. From the Canso Causeway, this route leads to the 300-year-old French Acadian community of Isle Madame, a great place to dine on fresh seafood of every description or to pick up something for the road. Heading north, the landscape becomes increasingly varied until hilltops offer views over the eastern shores of the Bras d’Or Lake framed by forests in full colour.

Reaching Sydney, many travelers choose to stay and explore this little city with a big heart. Celtic Colours headliners often perform here, the home of the giant fiddle—look for it on the waterfront. Whether it’s a day trip from Sydney or an overnight stay in the modern town of Louisbourg, there is one major must-see attraction on Cape Breton that stands out—the Fortress of Louisbourg.

This national historic site is the continent’s largest historical reconstruction and the only major colonial town without a modern city built on top of it. For these reasons, this fortress town on a lonely point of land seems as close to time travel as it’s possible to get. Until mid-October, this living history museum is animated with costumed interpreters playing actual 18th century historical figures—a French sailor, a blacksmith, a tavern keeper. In the off season, the fortress and reconstructed town remain open to visitors, so it’s always worth exploring.

Visitors to Cape Breton often come away feeling that there’s more to autumn leaves than natural beauty. The tinted waves of colour are a reflection of the riches the island has to offer—cultural heritage, friendly people, centuries of history and a variety of activities and unique stays. There’s no better place in Canada to take a deep dive into autumn than on Cape Breton Island. Visit www. novascotia.com to begin planning your next getaway today! g

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TOP 10 REASONS TO VISIT Burnet County, Texas

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Home to nine towns and the most lakes in Texas, Burnet County—pronounced ‘Burn-it’, just like ‘learn it’— is a laid-back, friendly place where generations of Texans have been visiting annually to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty.

An hour northwest of Austin, the county is home to granite. From signage table tops in every restaruant, granite is ubiquitous to Burnet. In fact, granite from Marble Falls was used to build the Texas State government buildings in Austin.

The county is also famous for its annual Bluebonnet Festival. The mauvy-blue flowers carpet the roadsides and are a big draw to the area.

Tourists from far and wide also come for the wine tasting, bird watching, camping, hiking, caving, mountain biking, the annual airshow, boat races – including the quarter mile drag strip, and of course, the Texas hospitality.

Here are the top ten things we experienced in Burnet County.

1. The 5 lakes

The Colorado river supports many communities and ecosystems as it winds its way southeast, through the center of Austin and down to the Gulf of Mexico. On the way it forms Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls and Lake Travis: the five lakes in the Highland Lakes region. Unlike the river of the same name in the state of Colorado, this 1287-plus-kilometre-long Colorado river both starts and ends in Texas. The Highland Lake region of Texas is a water playground for Austiners, with many owning second homes in the area. Others head to the region to beat the summer heat and to enjoy all the recreational activities the county has to offer.

2. Bluebonnet Café

Home to daily Pie Happy Hour, the Bluebonnet Café is a favourite with locals and a destination for tourists. My breakfast companion, a Texan herself, exclaimed that the biscuit were the best she has ever eaten. Not surprising since restaurants’ biscuit maker has been baking them up every day for the last 30 years.

The day we visited second-generation owner, John Kemper, was there cleaning catfish getting ready to the annual EMS Catfish Fry. For two nights the restaurant hosts the fish fry with all proceeds going to the local Emergency Medical Services.

When you go, make sure to have some bills on you as The Bluebonnet Café is a cash-only business. If you go during bluebonnet season, the dining room seats 185 but there will likely be a line . . . you’ll be glad you waited.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Marta Stafford Fine Art Gallery in Marble Falls has an incredible collection of works including artist Ken Law’s Texas long-horn cattle made from sculpted used cutlery. Inks Lake State Park is home to some of the best views of pre-Cambrian rocks in Texas. The official flower of Texas, during the spring, Bluebonnets can be seen lining the highways.

America’s first philanthropic brewery is located the Texas Hill Country. Owned and operated by Dave and Quynh Rathkamp, the couple turned Dave’s passion of beer into a thriving business after a church sermon that advocated for a purpose-driven life. In their own words, God told them to open a brewery. So, off to brew school they went. Well, he went, she in turn became a cicerone — in layman’s terms a beer sommelier.

Together, the former medical doctors are producing fabulous beer and giving 100 per cent of the net profits to charity. Yes, all of the profits! The couple give to both local and international charities, choosing organizations that keep their overhead low and focus on giving to those in need.

The first commercial beer hit the shelves in May 2014. Dave’s favourite beers were Belgian style so don’t be surprised if you find them as good as anything you’d sip in Brussels. Drop by the Tasting Room or for the 4 p.m. tour on both Friday and Saturdays.

4. Three winemakers

Texas is the fifth largest wine producing state in America. The county alone is home to three wine makers who produce 100 per cent Texan wines. That means the grapes are grown and the wine is produced in Texas.

Fall Creek Vineyard is the second oldest winery in Texas. In the early 1970s, owners Ed and Susan Auler, six generation ranchers, were managing the family ranch when the bottom fell out of the cattle market. The couple travelled to France to research French cattle operations. Upon their return, instead of cross breading their heard they planted vines. Ed applied to the U.S. Government to have the Texas Hill Country designated as a recognized appellation. The couple are truly the first family of Hill Country wines.

The Fall Creek Vineyard sits on 400 acres at the northeast tip of Lake Buchanan and is named for the creek on the property that spills into Lake Buchanan creating a beautiful 90 foot fall of water. The vineyard produces excellent wines from the unique Texas Torr Na lochs began producing wine in 2015. Blake and Karen DeBerry purchased the property with visions of building a retirement home. It was during a vineyard visit while on vacation in Australia that the couple recognized the resemblance of their property to that of the vineyard in the Margaret River region. It took two years of clearing rocks and readying the soil before the first vines where planted. Today, the operation includes three vineyards that produce four thousand cases a year. Their tasting room has beautiful views of Lake Buchan and Inks Lake.

When in Burnet, stop and visit the beautiful Wedding Oak Winery tasting room and hospitality centre in a historic building that dates back to the 1883, when Burnet was a frontier boomtown. The building was meticulously restored by the winery who wanted to share its passion for the burgeoning Texas wine industry with small-town Texas. We met head winemaker, Seth Urbanic (an upstate New Yorker who speaks French!) and tasted some of the 22 different wines produced, all made from 100 per cent Texan grown grapes. Try the Texedo Red 2017 or the Tempranillo 2016, both are reds that are very popular locally.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Save The World Brewery makes excellent Belgian-style beer while giving 100

per cent of its profits to charity. Fall Creek Vineyard is the original winemaker in the Texas Hill Country. Visit eiher the vineyard or their Austin tasting room. Cedar

Skies at Log Country Cove on lake LBG is a great venu for weddings and corporate events. 5. Log Country Cove

A totally relaxed camp vibe awaits you at Log Country Cove on lake LBJ. The Martin family have built 36 log cabins that range from 1 to 7 bedrooms on their beautiful 170 acre, lake front property.

A perfect family get-away, the resortlike venue is a great destination for a wedding or a large family reunion. The on-site Cedar Skies event centre is a beautiful barn-like structure that can host up to 275 people.

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Guests have access to the Log Country Cove common area and can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, Seado’s, even pontoon boats. The property also includes three miles of hiking trails.

When we visited Mia Martin took us for a tour of the jaw dropping Big Timber Lodge. The 5 bedroom, 6 bathroom home is over-the-top luxurious. Who knew that a log home could be so beautiful!

6. Marta Stafford Fine

Art Gallery

From fine art canvas to jewellery, ceramics and sculptures, 90 per cent of the pieces at Marta Stafford’s gallery