DESTINATIONS THAT WILL HAVE YOU DREAMING OF THE WEEKEND!
S P I T G N I DRIV
e road!
y for th t you read e g to e ic v Expert ad
hes c a Be
•
• • • •
Niaga ra-o n-th e-L ake
•
ns
Ottawa •
t io Attrac
•••
Presents
••
ROAD With everything from food festivals to amusement parks, we have what you need for the best road trip ever!
PLUS
• mp
• • g in
H o l ly w o
od • •
Safety tips for travelling with kids and pets An epic LA to Montreal road trip The food and music of Nashville
•
a
$6.95
•••
ROADESCAPES.CA
Philadelphia
Display Until 10/31/16
SUMMER ROAD ESCAPES
ILP_2016_SIP_SummerEscapes02_Cover.indd 1
2016-06-07 1:57 PM
MEET YOU AT THE
TOP!
At Toronto’s must-visit attraction for 4 decades, you can feed your thrills with amazing views, award-winning food and North America’s highest outdoor urban adventure.
CNTOWER.CA
CNT162483_IgniteAd_FP_FNL.indd 1 Untitled-1 1
SOLD HERE
2016-06-03 PM 2016-06-06 12:10 4:38 PM
Assured Automotive is pleased to offer over 60 convenient locations to serve you better. Assured Ajax 905-428-3000
Assured @ Mazda of Toronto 416-642-7777
Assured Allards Collision Inc. 613-836-6120
Assured @ Meadowvale Toyota 866-867-0696
Assured @ Attrell Toyota 647-248-0616
Assured @ Midtown Honda 416-789-6812
Assured @ Barrie VW 705-896-3027
Assured Milton 905-878-8883
Assured Barton Collision Inc. 905-560-0223
Assured Mississauga City Centre 905-272-1144
Assured Bel-Air Collision 613-745-6833
Assured Mississauga East 905-625-8696
Assured Brampton 905-453-6323
Assured Mississauga North 905-812-0455
Assured Brampton North Collision 289-632-3061
Assured Mississauga South 905-278-2944
Assured Brantford 519-753-3141
Assured @ Myers Volkswagen 613-883-9153
Assured @ Brantford Volkswagen 226-920-8965
Assured Newmarket Collision 905-773-3651
Assured Burlington 905-632-9662
Assured North YorkThornhill 905-886-3614
Assured @ Burlington Hyundai 905-633-8811
Assured @ Oakland Ford & Lincoln 905-844-5701
Assured @ City Buick 416-288-5535
Assured Oakville 905-842-9696
Assured Concordia Ottawa East 613-746-9143
Assured Richmond Hill 905-508-8696
Assured Concordia Ottawa West 613-721-9153
Assured @ Richmond Hill Toyota 905-889-1865
Assured @ Cooksville Dodge, Jeep and Cooksville Hyundai 905-279-3031
Assured @ Roy Foss Chev 416-637-4617
Assured @ Dixie Toyota 905-238-6000
Assured Scarborough Centre 416-615-1500
Assured @ Eastway Toyota 519-979-1900 Assured Frank & Guy – Orleans 613-424-5701 Assured Frank & Guy – Bank 613-733-0152 Assured Frank and Guy - Cyrville 613-746-1231 Assured @ Grand Touring Automobiles 647-778-3822 Assured @ Grimsby Ford 905-541-1802 Assured @ Halton Honda 905-632-5371 Assured Hamilton Mountain 905-385-0954 Assured @ Hogan Chevrolet 416-291-5054 Assured @ Ideal Honda 905-238-3480 Assured Kitchener/Waterloo 519-342-3584 Assured Markham 905-475-2800 Assured @ Markham Mazda 905-294-1210
rest assured COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS
Making You Feel Brand New! The Assured Team From the top down, Assured Automotive’s team is dedicated to providing our customers and partners with a Customer 1st approach.
Your Claim Let our experienced and professional team help guide you through the claims process and aid you in managing the repair of your vehicle.
Our Repair Process Our highly skilled and experienced technicians will utilize the latest in production techniques to ensure your vehicle is repaired back to factory specifications.
Towing Service Our 24/7 towing service is available throughout the Greater Toronto and surrounding areas and utilizes our Customer 1st approach to assist you at an accident scene.
Assured Scarborough West 416-751-1102 Assured @ Sherway Nissan 647-963-0014 Assured South Barrie Collision 705-733-3447 Assured @ Sterling Ford 613-842-6225 Assured Toronto Downtown 416-861-9088 Assured Toronto (King West) 416-504-3595 Assured Toronto Leaside 416-637-2163 Assured Toronto West 416-762-7287 Assured Toryork 416-742-3233 Assured Vaughan 905-265-0131 Assured Windsor Collision 519-997-2410 Assured Yorkdale Collision 416-781-0893 Assured @ Yorkdale Toyota 416-780-2345 Assured @ Yorkdale Volkswagen 416-741-7480
www.assuredauto.ca ILP_2016_SummerEscapes_AssuredAuto.indd 1
2016-05-30 12:26 PM
CONTENTS Presents
+ TOP 5 MOVIE VEHICLES AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
DESTINATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
16 17 21
• Top Canadian Amusement Parks
• Top Automotive Events
AUTOMOTIVE
EVENTS
• Arts and Culture Festivals
• Top Camping Destinations
• Can’t Miss Beaches
• Top Family Attractions
• Summer Food Festivals
TOP 5 CHRYSLER PACIFICA FAMILY FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGIES
TOP 5 FAMILY MUST-SEE/DO ACTIVITIES IN HOLLYWOOD
TOP 5 PHILADELPHIA CRAFT BEER DESTINATIONS
TOP 5 FAMILY ATTRACTIONS IN PHILADELPHIA
TRIP PLANNING
24 • 25 •• 26 • 27 • 28 • 30 32
Summer Travel Up-front Checklist Pre-Road Trip Maintenance Checklist Driving Tips for the USA In Case of Emergency Towing Tips Traveling with Kids – Survival Strategies
• Motoring with Fido and Whiskers • Travel Product Guide
TOP 5 PHILADELPHIA “OFF-THEBEATEN-TRACK” ATTRACTIONS
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_TOC_v2.indd 1
2016-06-07 3:33 PM
CONTENTS Presents
FEATURES • Ottawa - Where two former solitudes meet
36
• Magical family fun, minus the mouse ears: Exploring Hollywood
• Philadelphia – a city full of surprises • Returning home, one mile at a time: the return home to Montreal from California
• The two faces of Nashville, Tennessee • Unearthing hidden gems in Niagara-on-the-Lake
42 48 52 58 62
+ TOP 5 BEST NASHVILLE DINING EXPERIENCE
TOP 5 MUST-SEE IN TENNESSEE
TOP 5 BEST NASHVILLE COUNTRY BARS
TOP 5 RESTAURANTS IN NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
TOP 5 ROMANTIC HOTELS IN NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
TOP 5 BED AND BREAKFAST IN NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_TOC_v2.indd 2
2016-06-07 3:41 PM
R E V E A L YO U R
British Racing Green, Papaya Orange or Ferrari Red? Colour is a personal thing. Experience the richness of your car’s true colour with our best in class products. The pride derived from a flawless surface as you admire your car is one of life’s simple pleasures. Whether you are just starting your journey or are an experienced traveller, join us on the road to reveal your True Colours. There will never be a dull moment.
Exclusively available at Canadian Tire and PartSource
14373 AUT Autoglym Brand Advert CANADA (4) MS.indd 1 Untitled-4 1
02/02/2016 16:40 2016-02-02 1:11 PM
PROLOGUE
WITH
Michael Bettencourt GROUP PUBLISHER & CEO: Tim Rutledge
SUMMER FUN AWAITS... GO FIND IT
A
s Canadians, we’ve waited a long time for summer, and it always seems to come and go before you know it. To help you and yours make the best use of this ever-so-fleeting season, we’ve created a whole new resource to help Canadians find and make memories this summer, based on the success of our Canadian Summer Road Trips issue in 2015. Road trips are still a key part of any memorable summer, but they don’t have to be epic, week-long journeys to far-away destinations, although they certainly can be. For many folks, their summer plans are highlighted by trips to the cottage, to see friends or relatives, often just an hour or two away. These can be day trips, overnight getaways, or weekend sojourns that can add immeasurably to one’s enjoyment of beautiful summer weather. Or even not-so-beautiful summer weather. Yet many folks wouldn’t consider these ‘road trips’ in the classic Thelma and Louise sense. Either way, there’s no arguing that such summer escapes are what help make those
warm months in the middle of the year so enjoyable – no matter how much vacation time you have or use up this year. And so we present to you our Summer Road Escapes issue. We’ve adjusted its name for 2016 to reflect the fact that we highlight ideas and possibilities for all types of warmweather travel, no matter how long it takes to get there, or even whether you fly to a destination before you drive there. As such, we’ve gone out and gathered ideas for all kinds of summer escapes. We’ve added more Top 10 lists to help generate getaway planning no matter where you are or plan to be in Canada, including driveworthy music and theatre festivals, sports events, camping spots, family attractions, plus the ever-popular beaches and amusement parks. All these events are potential summermarking destinations, no matter how near or far they may be to drive. Plus we’ve added some inspiration in the form of road trips that started or ended in Canada, including one that explores our nation’s capital on the eve of the country’s 150th
birthday, one that takes the family out to historic Philadelphia, and an ambitious cross-continent drive in a temperamental 1950 Chevy from California back home to Montreal. Some may recognize this eclectic father-daughter tandem from our Road Trips issue last year: it’s somewhat of a part two to the epic road trip that took them there. New this year, we’ve sprinkled in a few amazing U.S.-based road trips which involved flights out to Los Angeles and Nashville, which may inspire their own vacation or perhaps down time plans for business travelers that may head that way. The former includes drive time in the all-new Ontario-built Chrysler Pacifica, as well as a preview of the all-new Harry Potter World at Disneyland, while the latter details the differing personalities of the mecca of country music. No matter where you head this summer, we hope you enjoy the memories.
MICHAEL BETTENCOURT Editorial director, Ignition Luxury & Performance, ignitionmag.ca
PUBLISHERS: Perry & Blake Breslin
EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Bettencourt SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR: Anna Rutledge ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Micky Slinger EDITOR-AT-LARGE: George Webster ART & PRODUCTION CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Queue Gonzalez PRODUCTION / SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Patrick Dinglasan SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Edward Shintani SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Patrick Beltijar GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Mike Chan SALES & MARKETING SR. VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Frank Spezzano DIRECTOR OF SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Jean Boutzis NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR: Frank Maguire AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Randi Bentia SENIOR SALES ASSOCIATE: Ken Rule ADMINISTRATION DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION: Craig Sweetman DIRECTOR, CLIENT SERVICES: Richard Robles CLIENT SERVICES: Anna Brown ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Nicole Winters SUBSCRIPTION DEPARTMENT: 1-888-564-SUBS subs@ignitionmag.ca PHOTO CREDITS: Alberta Parks, Black Creek Pioneer Village, Calgary Fringe Festival, Calypso Theme Waterpark, Canada's Wonderland, Centreville Theme Park, Claude Lanfond, Cole Optere, Courtesy Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Courtesy Honda Indy Toronto, EEDC, James Park, Jeff Voth, Justin Pritchard, Kenny Braun, Kristine Lee, Maritime Fun Group, Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism/ Barrett and MacKay, Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism/ Wally Hayes, Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (May 19, 2016), Parks Ontario, Paul Dickie, Playland, Petr Maur, Radu Repanovici/Racing in Focus, Royal Ontario Museum, Safari Niagara, Sand Bar State Park, Tourism Nova Scotia, Tourism PEI/ Carrie Gregory, Tourism PEI/ Stephen Harris, Tourism PEI/Heather Ogg, Tourism PEI/John Sylvester, Tourism Vancouver/Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver, Travel Alberta/ Sabrina Hill, Travel Alberta/Sean Thonson, Upper Clements Park, Vermont; photo Al Abrams, West Edmonton Mall CONTRIBUTORS: Anna Rutledge, Justin Pritchard (ISSN # 0834 - 809X) 8 issues per year by 1009678 Ontario Inc., 100A-219 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M6K 3J1 CANADIAN POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to: Ignition Luxury & Performance 100A-219 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M6K 3J1 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 1 Year (8 issues) - $29.99 2 Years (16 issues) - $39.99 3 Years (24 issues) - $47.99 IGNITION LUXURY & PERFORMANCE 100A-219 Dufferin Steet, Toronto, ON, M6K 3J1 PRINTED IN CANADA Publications Mail Registration #8580 Canadian Publications Mail Products Sales Agreement #40069655 FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES EMAIL sales@ignitionmag.ca Toll Free: 1-800-667-7223 Phone: (416) 922-7526 Email: editor@ignitionmag.ca Fax: (416) 964-1836 Website: www.ignitionmag.ca
08
JOIN US ON
FOLLOW US ON
facebook.com/ignitionmag
twitter.com/ignitionlpmag
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
Prologue_SummerRoadEscapes.indd 1
2016-06-07 2:50 PM
Race proven performance.
Help maximize the horsepower, acceleration and performance of your vehicle. Exclusively at Petro-Canada.™
facebook.com/ultra94 The official fuel of the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Yokohama Petro-Canada is a Suncor business
Untitled-4 1
Trademark of Suncor Energy Inc. Used under licence.
TM
2016-04-21 1:39 PM
FocalPoint_AB_IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2.indd 1
2016-06-06 2:59 PM
DINOSAUR PROVINCIAL PARK ALBERTA
The open beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site is spectacular, with badlands and authentic dinosaur digs. Dinosaur Provincial Park is truly an awe-inspiring but keep in mind it is quite remote, so get your GPS ready.
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
FocalPoint_AB_IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2.indd 2
11
2016-06-07 2:53 PM
GROS MORNE NATIONAL PARK
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR The Tablelands in Gros Morne offer a rare view of mantle rock exposed to the surface, creating an alien landscape.
12
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
FocalPoint_M_IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2.indd 1
2016-06-07 3:17 PM
FocalPoint_M_IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2.indd 2
2016-06-07 3:17 PM
VANCOUVER AT DUSK Vancouver offers something for every taste, with natural beauty to spare. Be sure to check out the Sea to Sky highway for some spectacular views.
14
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
FocalPoint_BC_IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2.indd 1
2016-06-07 3:14 PM
FocalPoint_BC_IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2.indd 2
2016-06-06 3:01 PM
TOP CANADIAN AMUSEMENT PARKS
WITH EVERYTHING FROM TOP AMUSEMENT PARKS TO FOOD FESTIVALS, WE HAVE A DESTINATION TO MAKE EVERY WEEKEND AN ADVENTURE!
Many Canadians chose to head south when they go in search of theme park thrills. However, scream-seekers take note: Canada has parks for every kind of park visitor. From small children taking their first roller coaster ride, to families looking for some fun while cooling off at waterparks, to adults seeking out the latest and greatest coasters in North America there is something for everyone!
CENTREVILLE THEME PARK TORONTO, ONTARIO
Set on the beautiful Toronto Islands, Centreville is aimed at the smallest thrill seekers. With gentle car rides and a tame haunted house, guests eight and under will enjoy this the most.
CANADA’S WONDERLAND VAUGHAN, ONTARIO
Canada’s Wonderland has a coaster for everyone, along with a water park. Be aware though, it is effectively in Toronto and therefore gets very busy with locals, especially on summer weekends.
AUTOMOTIVE
EVENTS
SUMMER BRINGS OUT HORDES OF CANADIAN AUTO AND RACING ENTHUSIASTS to many events all across the country. Here are some of the most notable, with a couple of bucket list events that every enthusiast in the country should experience at least once – and ones worthy of making the road trip year after year.
COBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE \\ COBBLE BEACH, ONTARIO \\ SEPTEMBER 17-18, 2016
Step into a more graceful time at the Cobble Beach concours. The lovingly restored cars and the beautiful scenery will remind you what drew you to cars in the first place. C O B B L E B E A C H C O N C O U R S . C O M 16
Arts and Culture FESTIVALS
There are so many festivals in the summer that it often seems like you could attend a different one each weekend! Here are some of our favourites
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Destinations.indd 1
2016-06-07 3:02 PM
CENTRE ISLAND BEACH \ \ O N T A R I O
While not the longest or widest beach around, Centre Island does have the advantage of being an easy ferry ride from downtown Toronto. The beach offers nice swimming and when you are done with your swim you can rent a surrey bike and tour the Island.
PANCAKE BAY PROVINCIAL PARK \\ ONTARIO
Looking at the crystal blue water will have you thinking about the Caribbean rather then Lake Superior. The gorgeous sand and quiet atmosphere make the long drive worthwhile.
TOP CAMPING DESTINATIONS
The summer is the perfect time to explore the wild spaces around us. However, you don’t need to use a tent to camp anymore – or ‘rough it’ at all. The parks listed below have comfort camping or cabin options so you can relax and enjoy the sunset.
DINOSAUR PROVINCIAL PARK \\ ALBERTA
The comfort camping sites at Dinosaur Provincial Park are more comfortable then some hotel rooms, with a queen bed and a miniature kitchen that even includes a mini fridge (take that cooler!)
PARC NATIONAL POINTE TAILLON \\ QUEBEC
In addition to regular campsites and cabins, this park offers ‘Huttopia’ sites that feature beds, a small kitchen and even heating for those cool nights. S E PAQ . C O M / P Q / PTA / I N F O R M AT I O N . D OT
ALBERTAPARKS.CA/DINOSAUR
Top Family Attractions
Canada has more family attractions then you could ever hope to visit. From world-class museums to thrilling aquariums there is something for everyone in every age group.
The Royal Ontario Museum \\ TORONTO
The ROM is an Ontario Institution, with exhibits to capture the imagination of every family member. From the thrilling bat cave to the costumes and crafts, the ROM takes at least a day to explore. Be sure to leave extra time for the dinosaur exhibit! ROM.ON.CA
BEACHES! Beaches are what Canadians dream about all winter. We imagine the warm sun and the cool water and think about what sorts of picnics we will pack, the fun we’ll have, or the frolicking our kids will enjoy on the beach. Luckily, Canada is full of beaches that make the wait worthwhile. Here are some of our top picks from across the country.
INVERHURON PROVINCIAL PARK \\ ONTARIO
Just north of Pinery Provincial Park, Inverhuron is traditionally less busy with a very similar sandy beach. The park is also renowned for its sunsets.
Insectarium \\ MONTREAL
With more insect explorations opportunities than you might imagine, the Insectarium will capture your kids' hearts. They also have a wonderful bug-themed playground open during the summer months. ESPACEPOURLAVIE.CA/EN/INSECTARIUM
ACROSS THE BORDER
PRESQUE ISLE PARK
TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
CALGARY INTERNATIONAL FRINGE FESTIVAL
FESTIVAL
TORONTO, ONTARIO SEPTEMBER 8-18, 2016 T I F F. N E T
C A L G A R Y, A L B E R TA J U LY 2 9 - A U G U S T 6 , 2 0 1 6 CALGARYFRINGE.CA
VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA J U LY 2 6 – O C T O B E R 2 0 , 2 0 1 6 V S M F. O R G
\ \ P E N N S Y LVA N I A
This park is a nice drive from Southern Ontario and the beach is lovely! There are plenty of lifeguards, play structures and parking as well.
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Destinations.indd 2
17
2016-06-07 3:02 PM
TOP SPORTING EVENTS
Following your favourite team around the country is a classic road trip: all you need is your jersey, the team schedule and some face paints. If you are looking for some events to enjoy this summer here are some to consider.
Top Family Attractions
The High Level Bridge \\ EDMONTON
Travel the high-level bridge on a vintage streetcar! The bridge, which is open seasonally offers fantastic views of the river valley, and gives kids a unique rail experience. The streetcar departs near the Farmer’s Market, which is another fun destination in and of itself.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
E D M O N T O N - R A D I A L- R A I LWAY. A B . C A
\\ TORONTO, ONTARIO NOW UNTIL OCTOBER (WE HOPE!)
The CN Tower
Canada’s only MLB team had a thrilling fall last year and fans across the country are hoping for even more this year!
\\ TORONTO
Thrill your kids with a ride up the high-speed elevator or a walk across the glass floor! There's also a good kids menu in Horizons, the informal restaurant, which boasts lovely views.
TORONTO.BLUEJAYS.MLB.COM
ANTIGONISH HIGHLAND GAMES
CNTOWER.CA
\\ ANTIGONISH, NOVA SCOTIA \ \ J U LY 3 - 1 0 , 2 0 1 6
The 153rd Games will feature athletes, pipers, drummers and dancers, along with the Games’ famous hospitality.
ANTIGONISHHIGHLANDGAMES.CA
ROGERS CUP TENNIS \\ TORONTO, ONTARIO AND MONTREAL, QUEBEC \ \ J U LY 2 2 - 3 1 , 2 0 1 6
This year the men’s event is in Toronto and the Women’s in Montreal. R O G E R S C U P. C O M
Arts and Culture FESTIVALS
18
FESTIVAL OF THE SOUND PARRY SOUND, ONTARIO J U LY 1 5 - A U G U S T 7, 2 0 1 6 FESTIVALOFTHESOUND.CA
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Destinations.indd 3
2016-06-07 3:02 PM
TOP CANADIAN AMUSEMENT PARKS
GALAXYLAND WEST EDMONTON MALL \\ EDMONTON, ALBERTA
The world’s largest indoor amusement park is loud and a bit of a labyrinth, but there’s something special about surprising your kids with a ride on the dragon coaster between chores.
TOP CAMPING DESTINATIONS ACROSS THE BORDER
LETCHWORTH STATE PARK \\ NEW YORK
Voted the best park in the USA in 2015 by USA Today, Letchworth is a destination worth driving to. Often called the “Grand Canyon of the East” Letchworth has three major waterfalls and over 100 km of hiking trails. The park also has cabins if you decide to spend the night.
FALLSVIEW WATER PARK \\ NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO
Fallsview has a giant water playground and tons of slides to keep your crew entertained for hours. There’s even a play structure for toddlers and hot tubs for adults.
NYSPARKS.COM/PARKS/79/ DETAILS.ASPX
LUCAS OIL CANADIAN NATIONAL OPEN
BEACHES!
\\ MISSION, BRITISH COLUMBIA \ \ J U LY 2 2 - 24 , 2 0 1 6 \ \ M I S S I O N R A C E WAY. C O M
Pinery Provincial Park
AUTOMOTIVE
EVENTS
\\ ONTARIO
LONG POINT WILDERNESS SUITES \\ ONTARIO
Pinery boasts long, wide sandy beaches with shallow crystal clear water. Day visitors can also access restrooms and the camp store, which has a small restaurant. The park even offers canoe rentals.
MIQUELON PROVINCIAL PARK \ \ A L B E R T A
The beach itself is lovely, with shady trees off to the side for when the heat becomes too much. The park has a play area and washrooms as well.
The Wilderness Suites are perhaps the height of glamping. They offer flushing toilets, private showers, and even an activities concierge. All that luxury comes at a cost, but the views from the private deck might make it worth it. LPFUN.CA
CANADA’S MAGNETIC NORTH THEATRE FESTIVAL WHITEHORSE, YUKON JUNE 9-18, 2016
BLY TH FESTIVAL B LY T H , O N TA R I O JUNE 15-SEPTEMBER 3, 2016 B LY T H F E S T I VA L . C O M
STR ATFORD FESTIVAL STRATFORD, ONTARIO NOW UNTIL THE END OF OCTOBER, 2016 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Destinations.indd 4
19
2016-06-07 3:02 PM
TOP SPORTING EVENTS ROYAL HENLEY REGATTA \ \ S T. C AT H E R I N E S , O N TA R I O \ \ J U LY 3 1 – A U G U S T 7, 2 0 1 6 \ \ HENLEYREGATTA.CA
BASIN HEAD PROVINCIAL PARK
BEACHES!
\\ PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Basin Head is a day-use park with beautiful white sand and lifeguards. The park also features a play area, washrooms and a restaurant.
WASAGA BEACH PROVINCIAL PARK \\ ONTARIO
Wasaga is far from a secret; the traffic on the way there makes that clear. However, it is the longest freshwater beach in the world and has recently introduced accessibility mats, making the beach more manageable for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers.
AMERICAS MASTERS GAMES \\ VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
The Masters Games are expecting to include more then 10,000 athletes ranging in age from 30 to 100 plus. AMERICASMASTERSGAMES2016.COM
HONDA INDY TORONTO AUTOMOTIVE
EVENTS
\\ TORONTO, ONTARIO \ \ J U LY 1 5 - 1 7, 2 0 1 6
Toronto’s streets are turned into a track and the surrounding areas are turned into a giant party, with beer gardens and a food festival. Always an exhilarating weekend!
ROCK’N AUGUST SHOW AND SHINE \ \ S T. A L B E R T, A L B E R TA \\ AUGUST 2-6, 2016
One of Western Canada’s largest show and shines, this event normally brings in close to 800 cars, along with vendors. R O C K N A U G U S T. C O M
HONDAINDYTORONTO.COM
GRAND PRIX MONTREAL
GRANDPRIXMONTREAL.COM
SANDSPIT \\ GREEN GABLES, PEI
Sandspit will be opening its largest new addition in 10 years this summer, with a new family coaster.
CALYPSO WATER PARK \\ LIMOGES, ONTARIO
A half hour east of Ottawa, Calypso is Canada’s largest water park and features slides of all sorts along with a lazy river and wave pool. You can even rent a cabana.
UPPER CLEMENTS PARK
\\ MONTREAL, QUEBEC \\ JUNE 10-12, 2016
It's not just about the race. It's about a whole city coming alive with excitement! People arriving to Montreal from every part of the globe with one common objective - to get the most out of their 72 hours!
TOP CANADIAN AMUSEMENT PARKS
\\ ANNAPOLIS ROYAL, NOVA SCOTIA
CLAM HARBOUR BEACH PROVINCIAL PARK \\ NOVA SCOTIA
Upper Clements is family park with rides for even the smallest thrill seekers. There’s also a giant zipline and the largest single-tower free fall in Canada
This large sand beach is home to a sand castle building competition each August. The beach is supervised on weekends and has showers and change rooms as well.
TINY TOWNSHIP \\ ONTARIO
Tiny has a wide sand beach and shallow water that seems to go out for miles. There is a public washroom and lots of small shops that line the beach. Plan to park a little ways away and walk down to the beach.
Arts and Culture FESTIVALS
20
EDMONTON FOLK FESTIVAL
FESTIVAL
EDMONTON, ALBERTA A U G U S T 4 -7, 2 0 1 6 E D M O N T O N F O L K F E S T. O R G
TORONTO, ONTARIO AUGUST 4-14, 2016 SUMMERWORKS.CA
INTERNATIONAL STRING QUARTET COMPETITION BANFF CENTRE FOR THE ARTS, A L B E R TA AUGUST 26 – SEPTEMBER 4, 2016 BANFFCENTRE.CA/BISQC
INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL OTTAWA, ONTARIO SEPTEMBER 21-25, 2016 ANIMATIONFESTIVAL.CA
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Destinations.indd 5
2016-06-07 3:02 PM
SHEDIAC LOBSTER FESTIVAL
CALGARY STAMPEDE
From coast to coast, Canadians have a score of opportunities to take in some world-class food and beverages this summer. Celebrating the many cultures, lifestyles and tastes of Canadian eaters, food and beverage festival season is upon us-- and below, we highlight a cross-section of events to visit for either a quick bite or beverage, or a whole weekend of deliciousness.
TASTE OF EDMONTON
C A L G A R Y, A L B E R TA
Carnivores, start your salivating! In addition to a rodeo, midway, parade and concerts, the Calgary Stampede is home to a culinary smorgasbord of pork, beef and treats, prepared in creative and wonderful ways. If you’ve ever wanted to eat a donut popsicle, a peppercorn steak poutine, or a $100 footlong bratwurst infused with Louis XIII cognac, July 8 to 17, 2016 is a fantastic time to be alive.
EDMONTON, ALBERTA
Culinary demonstrations, pop-up restaurants, comfortable patios, food galore and a bevy of bevvies from local chefs and bartenders come together in Churchill Square for the annual Taste Of Edmonton festival. Did we mention the free admission and evening concerts? What’s not to like!
CALGARYSTAMPEDE.COM
JULY 8 TO 17
TASTEOFEDM.CA
JULY 21 TO 30
E
RIB FEST
S U D B U R Y, O N TA R I O
Do you like barbeque sauce and pork? Sudbury is a beautiful 4 hour drive north from Toronto-and home to the annual Downtown Sudbury Rib Fest. This outdoor festival occupies several blocks, offers a bounty of smoky barbecued goodness from various vendors, and is set against a backdrop of live music and fun. There’s even a car-show. Admission is free, and several local hotels are within walking distance.
THE GRAPE & THE S U R R E Y, B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A
Whatever your beverage or food of choice, you’re sure to find it at Surrey’s unique The Grape & The Grain Festival. Beer? Check. Wine? Check. Spirits? You got it. This festival focuses on food, food trucks, and drinks from BC and beyond, and there is live entertainment to enjoy while you sip, swirl, slurp and snack. THEGRAPEANDTHEGRAIN.CA
MAY 28-29
D O W N T O W N S U D B U R Y. C O M / EVENTS
E
TOP CAMPING DESTINATIONS
CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORT \\ BRITISH COLUMBIA
& ROARS
ELLISTON, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Among Canada’s most unique food festivals, Roots, Rants & Roars celebrates the local food and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador. Wind summer down with a one-of-akind event set against coastlines, beaches and local root cellars visited on the popular food hike. Competitions by local chefs, an evening roast, and the very best in local talent and ingredients are spotlighted.
SHEDIAC, NEW BRUNSWICK
Seafood fanatics can hardly wait for New Brunswick’s popular festival of all things lobster. Geared towards families, there’s a costume parade, face painting, a midway, and plenty of entertainment, including magicians and international entertainers. Ample opportunity to stuff oneself full of stalkeyed crustacean at the 1000-person lobster, set at a 1000 foot long table, the lobster eating contest, and the Longest Lobster Roll event. Last year’s roll was over 85 feet long! SHEDIACLOBSTERFESTIVAL.CA
JULY 6-10
ROOTSRANSTANDROARS.CA
SEPTEMBER 16-27
E
THOUSAND ISLAND NATIONAL PARK \\ ONTARIO
The accommodations at this Wilderness Resorts are tents in name only. The remote set of tents include opulent antique furnishings and king beds. Also included in your stay are a host of activities, including fishing and massages.
Thousand Island has 10 ‘oTENTik’ locations across the park. The oTENTik sites offer sleeping accommodation for up to six people, a front porch, a BBQ and even a way to charge your phone.
W I L D R E T R E AT. C O M
PC.GC.CA/ENG/PN-NP/ON/LAWREN/INDEX.ASPX
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Destinations.indd 6
21
2016-06-07 3:02 PM
TOP CANADIAN AMUSEMENT PARKS
LA RONDE
E
\\ MONTREAL, QUEBEC
Full of coasters of every kind, Montreal’s premier amusement park also launched an adult haunted house (“Maison Rouge”) last year that promises to terrify!
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA
If you think food trucks are just the greatest, and you’ve always wanted to be a food judge, Food Truck Wars is the latesummer festival for you! Forget miles of walking to find the ultimate food truck experience: at Food Truck Wars, an arsenal of local Food Trucks are at your disposal in a single place, offering up variety in abundance as each hopes to be crowned the local favorite. Everyone’s a judge!
PLAYLAND AT THE PNE \\ VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
M A N Y F E S T. C A
SEPTEMBER 9 TO 11
TASTE OF THE MONTREAL, QUEBEC
Diverse cultures and delicious foodstuffs descend on the Old Port of Montreal. Admission is free, and there’s a street carnival, special guest appearances and live cooking demos, all set against the colours and energy of the Caribbean. Delicious Caribbean food takes centre stage, and a range of sample dishes are available from under $5. Don’t miss the authentic Jerk BBQ cooking. Evening concerts and a Rum Bar invite festival-goers to spend the whole day.
Playland is a summer tradition in BC. It has all sorts of rides including the terrifying “Atmosfear” that takes guests up to the top of a 218 ft tower while spinning them at 70 km/h.
SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN
It’s one of Saskatchewan’s biggest food festivals, and biggest music festivals, all in one! Food, music, and entertainment from around the world come together for the annual event in the heart of summer. Local talent and ingredients are on offer— including no shortage of plates with one of Saskatchewan’s most popular exports: mustard. Don’t miss the Chef’s Series, with cooking demonstrations and intense competitions. TASTEOFSASKATCHEWAN.CA
JULY 12 TO 17
E PETROLIA, ONTARIO
Pizzafest is an outdoor family outing and meal all in one. Located in Petrolia, near Sarnia, live all-day music, ice cream, free admission and two-bucks-a-slice pizza from over a half-dozen local Pizza joints are offered up. The kids can burn off the delicious calories in the various inflatable bouncy castles, too.
TOTC.CA
JUNE 16-19
E
BEACHES!
TOWN.PETROLIA.ON.CA
22
ACROSS THE BORDER
ACROSS THE BORDER
SAND BAR STATE PARK
GREEN LAKE STATE PARK
\\ VERMONT
\\ NEW YORK
Located just over an hour and half from Montreal, this day use park features a 2,000 foot sand beach, with food concessions and a play area.
A short drive from Kingston, featuring two glacial lakes with wonderful blue water, the park has a large horseshoe-shaped beach with shallow water. It also caters to day guests with food concessions and rowboat rentals.
SAFARI NIAGARA \\ STEVENSVILLE, ONTARIO
Safari Niagara will keep your kids entertained all day! With a great splash pad, lots of animals, jumping pillows, and a ropes course it makes a fun outing for kids up to 12.
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Destinations.indd 7
2016-06-07 3:02 PM
Top Family Attractions
AUTOMOTIVE
EVENTS
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
\\ NORTH VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
With eye-cathcing suspension bridges, a cliff walk, and an amazing tree-top adventure, the park will capture your family’s imagination. There are also story-telling and guided nature walks. CAPBRIDGE.COM
Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium
Black Creek Pioneer Village
\ \ S T. A N D R E W S , N E W B R U S W I C K
\\ TORONTO, ONTARIO
Explore how Canada’s early settlers lived. Your kids will love the doctor’s house where they can take part in interactive presentations on old-fashioned surgical tools (gross and informative!) BLACKCREEK.CA
Allow your kids to explore the marine life in the Bay of Fundy. With touch tanks and saltwater hide and seek your kids will have a blast exploring one of Canada’s natural wonders. H U N T S M A N M A R I N E . C A / F U N D YD I S C O V E R Y- A Q U A R I U M
TOP SPORTING EVENTS C F L B AT T L E O F A L B E R TA B E T W E E N THE ESKIMOS AND S TA M P E D E R S \ \ C A L G A R Y, A L B E R TA \\ SEPTEMBER 5, 2016
Come experience the classic CFL rivalry!
CFL.CA
NASCAR TRUCKS SILVERADO 250, CANADIAN TIRE MOTORSPORT PARK \\ BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO \\ SEPTEMBER 2-4, 2016
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park hosts the only Canadian stop for the NASCAR Trucks series. With family camping and races through the weekend, it’s a fun way to spend the last long-weekend of summer CANADIANTIREMOTORSPORTPARK.COM/ CHEVROLET-SILVERADO-250-2
2016 J/22 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP \\ KINGSTON, ONTARIO \\ AUGUST 22-25, 2016
Cork is one of the largest sailing Regattas in Canada and this year has the added excitement of the J/22 World Championship. The races are beautiful to watch and can be combined with a scenic drive through other Lake Ontario towns. CORK.ORG/2016-J22-WORLDCHAMPIONSHIP
BRITS ON THE LAKE, CLASSIC MOTORING FESTIVAL \ \ P O R T P E R R Y, O N TA R I O \ \ A U G U S T 6 -7, 2 0 1 6
Port Perry’s historic downtown is transformed into an open-air postwar time capsule, complete with visitors in period fashions strolling past vintage cars and motorbikes. BRITSONTHELAKE.COM
TARGA NEWFOUNDLAND \ \ S T. J O H N ' S , N E W F O U N D L A N D \\ SEPT 12-16, 2016 \ \ TA R G A N F L D . C O M
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Destinations.indd 8
23
2016-06-07 4:53 PM
SUMMER TRAVEL UP FRONT CHECKLIST
Consider keeping these five items handy while travelling this summer ike thousands of Canadian motorists, you want to be prepared for safe, confident and comfortable travels with family and friends this summer. To help keep you and yours motoring with maximum peace of mind, consider the following checklist of five important items to keep handy in your ride.
L
24
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Trip_Tips_v3.indd 1
2016-06-07 2:38 PM
Pre Road-Trip Maintenance Checks Our quick checks can help ensure your ride is ready for summer travels with minimal time
N ee
Few things provide confidence during family voyages like knowing your ride is ready to handle the job with maximum safety and efficiency. Before your long-distance travels, consider our maintenance checklist to quickly confirm that your ride is tip-top, and ready to tackle the season ahead.
USA DRIVING TIPS
d a ZIP code?
We’ve all been at that isolated gas station in Pennsylvania late at night, trying to pay at the pump, when it asks for the Zip code for the card. Here’s a work-around you might not know:
1
Take the numbers from your postal code
2
—#—#—#
Type them all together and add two zeros ###00
Problem solved!
When you are heading towards the border, you may want to have your driving companion check the following websites for real time information on wait times.
bwt.cbp.gov The US Border website has regular updates that will give you a clear idea of what to expect.
niagarafallsbridges.com/index. php/services/traffic-conditions
FLUIDS
Break out your owner’s manual, and find out how to check your fluids. Engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid can typically be checked for proper level and condition in just a few minutes. If your ride is rear-wheel drive, or an AWD or 4x4, it has additional fluids that can be assessed by a mechanic. Remember that virtually all fluids in your ride require periodic attention and replacement for maximum durability and efficiency.
This website lets you see the traffic cameras on the various bridges.
CABIN AIR FILTER
PORTABLE POWER
A Cyntur Jumper Pack Mini or Noco Genuis Boost can store power for months, and fits easily in your glove-box. Able to boost multiple dead car, boat or ATV batteries, and to recharge Smartphones and portable electronics, a portable power pack offers big peace of mind in a small package. And don’t forget to toss a few extra USB charging cords into your ride, just in case.
QUALITY DRIVING GLASSES
A set of quality driving glasses can work wonders for safety and comfort on the move. A set from a reputable brand with quality polarized lenses will reduce eye strain, increase comfort, and improve vision quality in all conditions.
CLIF BARS
Skip the double-decker greaseburger if you’re at the wheel for the long haul. When you’re sitting for extended periods, slow-digesting carbs and nutritionally-rich food are the name of the game for maintaining blood-sugar levels, energy levels, and alertness. A Clif bar, or a similar slow-digesting snack that’s high in protein and fiber, is ideal. Greasy, fatty foods are not.
Like all filters, your ride’s cabin air filter needs periodic replacement as it gets clogged with trapped contaminants. Your owner’s manual outlines the replacement procedure, which is typically quick, painless, and requires no tools. Remember that a clogged air filter can wreak havoc with proper defroster operation, and can drastically degrade air conditioner performance, too.
SUMMERIZE IT
The procrastinators among us may still have winter tires and wipers installed, even though the cold weather is long gone. Winter tires wear out fast when used in summer, and may provide reduced handling and braking performance. Winter wiper blades may lift away from your windshield at higher summer cruising speeds, affecting visibility. Translation? If you haven’t already, get the winter tires and wipers off of your ride.
BATTERY TERMINALS
A common cause of vehicle electrical problems is a simple buildup of dirt and salt around the battery terminals. Cleaning these terminals takes mere moments with a wire-brush, and can help prevent frustrating electronics system problems.
THE CIRCLE CHECK
With a simple circle check, you can confirm proper lighting system operation, tire condition, fluid levels, visibility, and more. Pop the hood, and check all fluid levels, including washer fluid. Then walk around your ride, confirming each tire is properly inflated, and free of excessive tread wear or any bubbling or tearing in the sidewall, which will require attention. Confirm all lights work as required, that all glass is clean, and that your license plates are visible and illuminated.
EMERGENCY KIT
Bought pre-made, or created by stuffing a small plastic container with foil blankets, candles, snacks, batteries, a flashlight and some basic medical supplies, an emergency kit can be a real life-saver if an issue presents itself on the road.
PET MEDS
Travelling with the family pet is a reality for many Canadian drivers. Be sure to remember their needs: water, food, and especially, medication, if applicable. After all: pets make better travel companions when they’re healthy and comfortable.
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Trip_Tips_v3.indd 2
25
2016-06-07 2:39 PM
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
A few tips to bear in mind in case of a mishap on the road this summer
any folks have heard an expression similar to ‘stuff happens’, and know that typically, that ‘stuff’ happens at the worst possible time. As it relates to family travels, ‘stuff’ is more likely to happen when you’re out-oftown with the fam-jam in a minivan stuffed with people and gear. Sometimes, all of the attentive driving and pre-emptive maintenance in the world can’t prevent an accident or mishap during your summer travels, so here’s a look at a few tips to bear in mind in case of a problem or emergency on the move.
M
26
OVERHEATING
There’s a warning light, your engine’s heat gauge is pegged in the red, and you’re overheating. Find the fastest and safest way off of the road and to safety, and crank your vehicle’s heat to ‘MAX’, which can help prevent your engine from getting any hotter. Oh, and unless you like second degree burns, don’t open that radiator cap until things have cooled down.
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE SELECTION
For a monthly or yearly fee, roadside assistance is available through Costco, Esso, Canadian Tire, CAA, and many others. Some programs even allow you to use gas station bonus points or Air Miles to pay for your membership.
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Trip_Tips_v3.indd 3
2016-06-07 2:40 PM
Saskatchewan has the highest casualty rate based on populations
11.6 per 100,000
Nunavut has the highest casualty rate based on licensed drivers
54.6 per 100,000
HANDLING A FLAT
73%
of personal injuries occurred on urban roads with posted speed limits of 60km/h or less.
Drivers account for almost
At the onset of a tire blowout, stay gentle at the controls, avoiding aggressive or sudden braking or steering. Stay calm, use your eyes to find a safe and fast way off of the road, engage your hazard and brake lights, and get as far onto the shoulder as possible. Tire blowouts are dangerous and inconvenient, which makes pre-roadtrip inspections of your tires and their pressures vitally important.
51%
BE AWARE OF YOUR COVERAGE
of fatalities on the road, whereas motorcyclists account for only
10%
DEAD BATTERY
Keep jumper cables or (preferably) a portable booster-pack in your ride at all times, and be familiar with the boosting procedure for your specific vehicle. Remember to let your engine run a good while after receiving a boost, perhaps 30 minutes or more, before turning it off.
Towing Tips Checklist Whether your towing-rig is a brand new crossover or a trusty old highmileage hauler, a few tips and checks can help ensure it’s ready for safe and reliable summertime towing. Consider the following towing tips for this year’s travel season.
Source: 2014 Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics, Transport Canada
The Yukon has the lowest rate of seatbelt use by jurisdiction for 2009-2010
78.1% Source: Transport Canada
UPON IMPACT
Activate your brake and hazard lights immediately, because your vehicle is now a hazard to other motorists, and you need to be seen. If you can see and steer, get your vehicle to the shoulder as soon as possible. Exit the vehicle if and when safe, and never, ever try to move the vehicle or push it off of the road. Remember that most insurance companies require notification of an accident within 24 hours, and if possible, take photos of the accident scene for insurance purposes.
NORTH OR SOUTH OF THE BORDER
Most roadside assistance programs offer coverage in both countries as a standard feature, though you’ll want to confirm that’s the case with your particular plan if you’re traveling south.
WATCH THE WEIGHT
Whether you’re a virgin or veteran when it comes to towing, being familiar with your ride’s requirements and capacities is vital. Keep Tongue Weight, Gross Tow Weight, and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating in mind – each figure is available in the manual for your vehicle or hitch. Remember that about 60 percent of the weight should be in the front of the trailer, and don’t exceed any weight limits. Be sure to secure your load tightly, readjusting as necessary, to prevent shifting.
TUNE IT UP
The added strain of towing is hard on your ride’s systems. Fresh fluids, a properlymaintained braking system, properly-inflated tires, and a healthy cooling system will allow your ride to handle even heavy loads with confidence and efficiency to spare. Consider a quick and affordable tune-up and check-up from your favorite mechanic before this year’s towing duties commence.
Confirm that your roadside assistance is active, whether from an auto club or from your vehicle’s manufacturer. One colleague recalled renewing a lapsed CAA membership over the phone for a moderate fee when he required assistance, though no provider would confirm on record that a lapsed membership can be reactivated in this manner.
AFTERMARKET ASSISTANCE
GET FAMILIAR
Treat you and your ride to some aftermarket upgrades! A backup camera can be installed to any vehicle on the cheap, and special towing mirrors further enhance safety around your ride. A plethora of upgraded cooling system components, suspension parts and lighting implements are available too—and they are all intended to make towing safer and easier.
Trailer brakes and controllers, transmission Tow/Haul modes, Hill Start Assist, and Trailer Sway Control are just some examples of systems that that intend to make life easier on the driver and their tow-vehicle. Getting familiar with the operation and characteristics of these systems is important—and your ride’s owner’s manual has the full scoop.
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Trip_Tips_v3.indd 4
27
2016-06-07 2:40 PM
TRAVELLING WITH KIDS
Better planning helps you manage any road-side meltodwns ravelling with kids in a car is something many families dread. I can’t count the number of times people have reacted with horror when I say I’m driving my kids anywhere further than four hours away. But truth be told, driving with kids can be easier than flying, which we also do a lot. Driving provides flexibility and freedom allowing for last minute changes and ice cream right when you need it.
T
CLEAN THE CAR BEFORE YOU LEAVE
It seems like a simple thing, but starting a road trip with a clean car allows you to pack the car up more efficiently. It also has the bonus of helping you confirm you aren’t bringing anything into a different jurisdiction unintentionally.
QUICK TIP> It’s always a good idea to check where the closest hospital with an emergency room is to your destination.
28
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Trip_Tips_v3.indd 5
2016-06-07 2:40 PM
CHECK IT OUT i95exitguide.com This website will give you details for the facilities at each exit on I-95, including reports on the various State rest areas. The site also shows what food and fuel options are in the immediately surrounding area, which comes in handy when your four-year old insists on pasta for dinner and you are somewhere in North Carolina.
blog.playacrossamerica. com/i-95-playgrounds/
Here are our top five tips for taking your kids on the road.
MAKE SURE CAR SEATS ARE SECURE
This is one that seems obvious, but before you embark on a long drive, making sure your car seats are still properly installed is crucial. There will be jostling, from the child and potentially siblings. You should also check that you are still using the right car seat for your child and that it hasn't expired.
STOCK THE CAR
DVDs, books, CDs, iPods with playlists in case you don’t have satellite radio; whatever it takes to occupy them at mile 90 of farmland and counting.
TOP 5 AUDIO BOOKS FOR FAMILIES
01
02
03
04
05
MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS Full of mishaps and gags that will have your back seat crew in stitches
MY FATHER’S DRAGON
STUART LITTLE
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
A classic tale of adventure with vivid descriptions of imagined places
A great book that shows that all of us have something to offer, no matter our size
This classic will have your children listening with their eyes closed as they imagine cats and unbirthday parties.
TALES OF A FOURTH GRADE NOTHING
Another amazing resource is this list of playgrounds. When your kids are past their limit a fifteen-minute break at a park might be the best choice you make all day. The awesome zip lines and spray ground at Harold Turnpin Park come highly recommended.
TERMINOLOGY YOU MIGHT NEED You might be surprised at some of the regional differences in terminology when you are driving south on your road trip. Here are a couple kidrelated terms you might need:
Splash pad
Spray ground
Washroom
Restroom
2% milk
Low-fat milk
LET THEM CHOSE THE SNACKS
Plan to let your kids go wild in a bulk candy store where they can choose their treats. Knowing they can have some otherwise off-limit treats is a great motivator for good behaviour.
BE READY TO STOP
Pack your patience and remember that the trip is supposed to be fun! The kids see a great ice cream store? Stop and take a break. The sign says longest single-span bridge in America? Get out of the car and enjoy the view. The stops will slow you down, but you’ll have fewer screaming kids and a happier trip overall.
The Fudge series of books will make any kid with a sibling laugh out loud.
TOP 5 FAMILY MOVIES
01
02
03
04
05
FINDING NEMO
MARY POPPINS
THE LEGO MOVIE
THE INCREDIBLES
DESPICABLE ME
AGES: 5-10
AGES: 4-10
AGES: 6-12
AGES: 5-12
AGES: 6-12
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Trip_Tips_v3.indd 6
29
2016-06-07 2:41 PM
MOTORING WITH FIDO AND WHISKERS
Family pets are best treated like humans when it’s time for a car ride
uccessful travels with the family dog or cat involves a little bit of knowing your pet and a lot of common sense. Whether your four-legged companion is young or old, a feline or a canine, or whether you’ll be transporting them across town or across the province, there are things all owners can do to make travelling with your pet safer, easier and trouble-free. Veterinarian Dr. Amber Reed from Barrydowne Animal Hospital in Sudbury emphasizes that travelling in an open pickup box is the most dangerous way to transport any animal, but particularly dogs. Sudden braking can break bones, eject the dog into traffic, cause another accident, or cost your dog his life. One veterinarian even reported a case in which the dog went through the truck’s rear window under sudden braking, injuring itself and the owner. But traveling unrestrained in a pickup bed is not the only dangerous way to transport a dog – and Reed suggests that I should probably never let my dog Ghost do one of the most popular things dogs do while driving: stick his head out the window. “One reason for this is it can cause issues with their eyes – any debris in the air moving quickly can cause injury to your pet’s eyes. Humans can use protective eye gear if needed. Dogs can’t. Also, your dog may escalate from this behavior to jumping out the moving vehicle which can cause serious harm.
S
QUICK TIP > Be sure to confirm with your hotel that they will allow your furry companion prior to check in.
30
KEEP THEM SECURE
Pets, and especially cats, should be kept comfortably confined on the move. Various restraints are available to buckle the family dog into a seat, while cats are typically best left in a cage or crate. A dog can be transported in a kennel as well. Be absolutely sure to provide adequate air-flow, never blocking the vents in your pet’s carrier with luggage or gear.
OUR TOP DOG & CAT CARRIER BRANDS SLEEPYPOD
PETMATE
ASPEN
SHERPA
sleepypod.com
petmate.com
petmate.com
sherpapet.com
BERGAN BY COASTAL berganpet.com
OUR TOP DOG SEATBELT/HARNESS BRANDS SLEEPYPOD
RUFFWEAR
PETMATE
sleepypod.com
ruffwear.com
petmate.com
K&H PET PRODUCTS khpet.com
KURGO kurgo.com
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Trip_Tips_v3.indd 7
2016-06-07 4:46 PM
“I’ve seen dogs lean or accidently open the automatic window while stepping on the door controls to reach their head outside and fall completely outside the vehicle, or end up closing the window on themselves and choking. Your dog, like you, should be secured safely in your vehicle with all body parts inside.” So, my little Ghost will never enjoy the olfactory sensory overload of sticking his nose out of the car at 80 km/h – but it’s for his own good. But if dogs need to be fully inside the vehicle’s cabin at all times, do they also need seatbelts, like us? “Your dog should be wearing a doggy seatbelt or harness that secures him/her to the seat of your car,” veterinary technician Karen Roy comments. “Also like children, your dog should not be in the passenger seat under a certain weight and especially if there is an airbag that can engage and hurt him/her. This is also a good reason to not have your dog on your lap while driving. During an accident, your airbag may engage, hurting your dog and possibly hurting you as well, when your dog is crushed between you and the airbag.” An easier option to keep your animal in one place? Roy suggests securing the pet in a crate, and then securing that crate to the seat with seatbelts or another securing device. Whether you use a harness, a secured crate or some other method, keeping the pup confined to one place is ideal for his safety – and yours. The reason? You don’t want your pooch becoming a dangerous flying projectile in the case of a collision. YOUR STRESS IS YOUR Keep in mind also that your PET’S STRESS stress stresses your pet out. If you suspect your smaller pet Note that more often, smaller might be suffering from nauseapets, including cats, are unrelated stress, your local vet can comfortable travelers because hook you up with natural pherothey don’t feel as secure in the mone collars or sprays, herbal vehicle and are more easily remedies, or so-called nutraceutitossed around. This can cause cal products to help. anxiety and nausea, in addition to elevated stress levels. START THEM YOUNG And should any projectile Introducing your family pet to car happen to escape your dog in rides from a young age is ideal the car, possibly from having for a lifetime of comforta few too many treats last able travels. Use rewards night, don’t panic. Whether and treats as positive it’s barf, poop, pee or all three reinforcement, especially all over the carpeting or when your puppy or kitten seats, there are prodis apprehensive. Get your ucts available that can pet accustomed to his take care of the mess restraint, or travel-kenquickly and properly. nel, from the get-go.
SAFE AND HAPPY PET TRAVEL Don’t forget, if you are crossing the border with pets you need to have a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination. Your vet should be able to provide both when you take your pet to a pretravel physical.
If you have an emergency while you are travelling, here are some resources to help:
canadianveterinarians.net has a clinic finder for centres across Canada.
aaha.org has a hospital locator for all accredited pet hospitals in America.
Your dog should be wearing a doggy seatbelt or harness that secures him/ her to the seat of your car Look for an enzymatic cleaner that works by ‘digesting’ the mess. Pick up as much of it as you can with some paper towel and / or a plastic bag, absorb some of the moisture by blotting (ie, placing something absorbent over the mess and applying some weight to draw the moisture out), and then applying the appropriate cleaner. Don’t wipe or scrub-- or the mess will likely just get worse and spread. I keep a few of those super-absorbent indoor puppy pee pads in the car at all times, just in case — they’ll absorb a full bladders worth of urine with ease. “There are a variety of enzymatic cleaners and other products available – ask your local veterinarian which ones they recommend,” says Dr. Reed. “However, the best option is still prevention, as messes in the car such as diarrhea or vomiting can be due to stress, too.”
TRUCK BEDS ARE FOR CARGO, NOT DOGS
GOT A MESS? THINK ENZYMES
Sadly, transporting a dog in the bed of a pickup is still a common practice in some locales, and one that keeps veterinarians busy with severe injuries. Dogs belong inside of the vehicle – end of story.
Cats and dogs have the uncanny ability to vomit, urinate or poop with little notice. If you wind up with a pet-mess in the family Camry, use an enzymebased cleaner that will ‘digest’ the stain, with minimal work. Products like OxyClean and Bissell Stain and Odor Enzyme Spray are among the most common. Remember to blot and dab, but never rub the stain, which will drive it deeper into the upholstery.
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Trip_Tips_v3.indd 8
31
2016-06-07 2:42 PM
TRAVEL
PRODUCT GUIDE
CLARION NX706 $1,099 | CLARION.COM The Clarion NX706 brings true audiophile features to your vehicle like high resolution audio support (24-bit/96kHz), a high-end 15-band parametric EQ and a TOSLINK digital output. On top of that, you also get other great features like a 7-inch WVGA touch screen, Bluetooth with Siri Eyes Free, built-in navigation with 3D mapping, HDMI smartphone mirroring and much more.
JENSEN VX7021 MultiMeDia DVD RECeiver w/ Built-iN NavigatiON $349.99 | JENSENMOBILE.COM The VX7021 multimedia receiver offers built-in navigation powered by iGo Primo Next Gen navigation engine featuring over 10 million POIs, US, Puerto Rico
JBL
and USVI map data and text-to-speech.
legeND CP-100 $399.95 | JBL.COM
SiriusXM Ready, iPhone/iPod via USB,
Other features include built-in Bluetooth, Pandora, AV Input, rear camera input,
The JBL Legend CP100 in-dash smart phone receiver upgrades
RGB front panel illumination, 6VRMS
your 2-DIN system to a 6.75-inch touch screen connected car
preamp outputs, 10 band EQ and SWC
experience. It’s Bluetooth enabled, has a rear camera input,
Ready (Requires PAC Adapter).
is steering wheel interface ready and provides turn-by-turn navigation through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
JBL
RYDEEN
Trip $99.95 | JBL.COM JBL Trip provides Bluetooth connectivity for your
MD4BT Digital MirrOr MONitOr $ 3 9 1 . 0 6 | RY D E E N M O B I L E . C O M
smartphone, allowing you to communicate and
The MD4BT Digital Mirror
receive navigation prompts clearly and safely. It
Monitor is a 3-in-1 solution that
is compatible with Siri and Google Voice, and also
incorporates a 4.3-inch LCD
makes for a terrific portable music system once
display mirror monitor for rear
you leave your vehicle. Harman’s exclusive Voice
camera viewing, a Bluetooth
Logic noise cancellation ensures crystal clear
hands-free system, and Mi-Link,
communication, even with the window down.
Rydeen’s digital link to any smartphone device using a built in HDMI connector.
CANADIAN TIRE exECutivE SafEty Kit $84.99 | CANADIANTIRE.CA The Executive Safety Kit is compact while providing you with all of the best essentials needed to help keep you safe on the road. Ideal for those whose car is their mobile office or frequent road tripper. There’s even 1 year of free Roadside Assistance included. Other key components include premium booster cables, 7,500-lb tow strap, air compressor, glove box kit, headlamp and first aid kit.
ootage and
make the
32
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_BGuide.indd 1
2016-06-07 2:57 PM
IMPECCA
IMPECCA
POweritUp 2 iN 1 USB Car ADapter & 3,000 MAh POwer BaNk $39.95 | IMPECCA.COM
10-Watt Dual USB Car ADapter w/ leD flashlight $19.95 | IMPECCA.COM
Charge your devices during the
Dual USB Car Adapter with built-in
drive, and bring some extra power
LED flashlight turns your car’s
on the go when you leave the
cigarette outlet into a double
car. The PowerItUp 2 in 1 USB
USB charger. The 102L also has a
Car Adapter & 3,000 mAh Power
rechargeable battery to run the LED
Digital TirE iNflatiON Kit $ 8 1 . 6 4 | V I A I R C O R P. C O M
Bank can store charged power
flashlight. Its no-fuss compatibility
Read pressures up to 200 PSI and 14 BAR with VIAIR’s Digital Tire Inflation
for up to 24 months once fully
with mobile electronics of all kinds
Kit. The kit features a normally closed air gun that can be opened by simply
charged, allowing you to bring
makes the Impecca USB 102L a
squeezing the inflation trigger. Because this tool is a normally closed type,
some portable power with you on
resourceful and adaptable tool for
the tire inflation gun works with all onboard air systems with an air tank. To
camping trips far from civilization.
the mobile user.
be used on portable automatic compressors only.
Attractive and effectual, the 10W
MIRROR BRIGHT BY MEGUIAR’S
VIAIR
THULE stir 20L HikiNg PaCk $119.95 | THULE.COM
Wheel CleaNer $8.99 | MEGUIARS.COM
A versatile pack with quick-access pockets and organization that make it perfect for the trail or around-town use.
A sure bet for cleaning all
Available in red, blue and black designs.
automobile wheel types. Strong yet gentle cleaning comes from the use of pH-balanced soaps and a special ingredient that dissolves brake dust and rust remnants. Mirror Bright Wheel Cleaner is safe on all wheel and brake finishes including chrome, polished aluminum and painted.
THULE
VOLT REACTOR
SONiC XXL 636S $999.95 | THULE.COM
JP06 POrtaBlE POwer BaNk $199 | COREIND.CA
Thule’s Sonic box offers the perfect blend of style and
This 12,000 mAh portable power bank is able to jump start any vehicle up to
technology. Its patented AeroNose design reduces drag and
a 5.3L engine up to 15 times with its 1,000+ charge/discharge cycle battery
noise, making it the most aerodynamic box available. With
life. It also allows you to charge all your electronic devices through the three
623 L volume and dual-side opening for easier unloading,
available USB ports - 1 or 2.1 amp. Perfect for camping, boating, or to leave
this roof box is a must for road trip packing.
in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
RAIN X HeaDlight RestOrer $ 1 6 . 9 8 | WWW. R A I N X . C O M Rain-X Headlight Restorer can help improve driving
YAKIMA
visibility by restoring hazy, yellow headlights back to clear. Get rid of those mildly hazed and yellowed headlights quickly with an easy-touse restoration. Restoring weathered headlights before a road trip is always a good plan.
YAKIMA
RiDgeBaCk 4 BikE RaCk $ 4 6 5 | YA K I M A . C O M Here's a bike rack that goes long on features.
CargOpaCk $ 24 9 | YA K I M A . C O M
Starring the UpperHand control lever that tilts the
A bag for all types of vehicles and a variety of travelers.
includes zero-hassle ZipStrips to secure your bike,
Durable and water-resistant construction protects gear from
folds flat for easy storage and to top it off is fully-
the elements. Adds an additional 16 cubic ft. of storage to
assembled out of the box. Available in 2, 4 or 5 bike
your vehicle without the need for a roof rack.
capacity models.
rack to make access to your vehicle a cinch. It also
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_BGuide.indd 2
33
2016-06-07 2:57 PM
TRAVEL
GLOVEBOX TruNk OrgaNizer $44.99 | CANADIANTIRE.CA
PRODUCT GUIDE
Ideal for storing washer fluid, groceries, sports equipment, or anything else that may clutter your trunk. The organizer has double bin capacity with option for reducing to single bin for versatility. Removable mesh dividers are included for concealing contents and customized storage options. Easily collapses for storage when not in use.
GLOVEBOX BaCk Seat OrgaNizer Kit $49.99 | CANADIANTIRE.CA Made from high quality materials,
MOBICOOL
this functional back seat organizer
purse/coat hook, side panel
S32 SOft-SiDeD POwer COOler $122.60 | MOBICOOL.COM
pocket, umbrella/snowbrush
Mobicool’s portable power cooler
holder, and toy catch-all. A secret
cools its contents to 20 degrees
side pocket is hidden to store
below ambient temperature.
valuables. Easy to clean material.
Weighing in at only 2.6 kilograms,
Adjustable zippers on headrest to
with a large 32-litre capacity, extra
accommodate multiple vehicles.
pockets and handy carrying strap,
is sold with customizable pieces that are all removable. Includes
this cooler is ideal for picnics. The cooling unit is powered by a dualventilated, 12-volt DC supply. A 120volt AC adaptor is sold separately.
MOBICOOL W48 AC/DC TherMOelECtriC COOler $440 | MOBICOOL.COM If you’re looking to keep a healthy supply of food and drinks cool during those long road trips, the W48, which plugs directly into in-car or external AC and DC sockets, is able to swallow one full crate of 0.5-litre bottles, and can hold 2-litre bottles standing up with ease. Net storage capacity is approximately 48L.
WEATHERTECH laMpgarD HeaDlight PrOtECtiON F R O M $ 9 9 . 9 5 | W E AT H E RT E C H . C A Protect your lights with the WeatherTech LampGard designed to specifically fit vehicle headlamps, fog lamps and turn indicators. LampGard is an incredibly tough 40 mm. thick, double-polished urethane material that is optically clear and applies directly to the surface. This product has built-in ultraviolet inhibitors that help prevent the material from drying, hardening or discoloring.
WEATHERTECH POLER STUFF ThE ROaMers PaCk $ 7 0 . 9 5 | P O L E R ST U F F. C O M
POLER STUFF
The Roamers Pack is great for people
Mega CaMera COOler $ 1 0 9 . 9 5 | P O L E R S T U F F. C O M
than three external pockets grace the
Large enough to carry a family picnic, 18 beers, or a DSLR with several lenses and
compartment in the lid. The smaller size
accessories using the included padded camera insert, this bag delivers big on the
of this bag makes it a friendly travel
fun in functionality. The padded camera insert is modular and adjustable so you can
mate for smaller folks, or those who
customize the interior to fit your needs, and a small zipper compartment inside the lid
believe in traveling light. Available in
holds on to your smaller accessories.
multiple designs.
34
that want organization in a bag. No less body of this pack, with a fourth zippered
Seat PrOtECtOr F R O M $ 1 9 9 . 9 5 | W E AT H E R T E C H . C A WeatherTech Seat Protectors are the perfect accessory for those vehicle owners needing an extra step of protection for their rear vehicle seating. A much needed accessory for the family "road trip warriors" or pet car ride companions to prevent scratches, damage or spills from ruining the seat surface. Available in black, tan or grey.
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_BGuide.indd 3
2016-06-07 2:58 PM
SATURDAY JULY 16
SUNDAY JULY 17
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS START AT $40! YOUR ONTARIO HONDA DEALERS PRESENT
ILP_2016_SummerEscapes_HondaIndyToronto.indd 1
UNDER 12
FREE WITH PAYING ADULT
GATES ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FRIDAY JULY 15 IN EXCHANGE FOR A DONATION TO MAKE-A-WISH CANADA 2016-06-07 10:26 AM
OTTAWA
WHERE TWO FORMER SOLITUDES MEET
Ottawa’s cultural charm extends past its nation-building history and impressive museums BY GEORGE WEBSTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE WEBSTER AND OTTAWA TOURISM
36
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
Ottawa_IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_v3.indd 1
2016-06-07 4:51 PM
A
mong the many bucket-list destinations for Canadians, Ottawa has to be high on the list. The nation’s capital embodies the heart of Canada’s heritage as it continues to be the living soul of the country. And just as Washington, D.C. is a worthy travel destination for Canadians, Ottawa is for Americans and for tourists from around the world. Recently, my wife and I made a road trip to Ottawa to revisit this important region.
Of course, the central focal point of any visit to Ottawa has to be the Parliament Buildings complex including the Peace Tower with its carillon that towers high above and the library which sits behind the Centre Block. Visitors can reserve free tickets for tours of Parliament Hill at an info kiosk just across Wellington Street, a tour that will take you through the Peace Tower, the House of Commons, the Senate and the Library. Of course, the chambers are closed to tours when they are in session, but Canadian residents can contact their Member of Parliament to obtain a pass to sit in the gallery and observe debate. The Centre Block, but not the Library, burned down in 1916 and was rebuilt in its current form. This year, the 100th anniversary of that fire and rebuilding initiative will be marked. During the summer months, a special Canadian
Forces contingent called the Ceremonial Guard, dressed in impressive uniforms performs a “Changing of the Guard” ceremony in front of the parliament buildings. Plus of course, Parliament Hill is the site of the biggest Canada Day celebrations in the country, a day of live entertainment which finishes with an evening concert and fireworks display. Ottawa’s origins lie in the historic tension between Canada and the United States. The Rideau Canal was built here soon after the War of 1812 to give Canada a safe water route inland from the border with the U.S. Later, for similar reasons – and as a somewhat neutral location between the French and English populations – Queen Victoria made the tiny outpost of Bytown the capital of the new country of Canada, ignoring more obvious choices like
VISITORS CAN RESERVE FREE TICKETS FOR TOURS OF PARLIAMENT HILL AT AN INFO KIOSK JUST ACROSS WELLINGTON STREET, A TOUR THAT WILL TAKE YOU THROUGH THE PEACE TOWER, THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, THE SENATE AND THE LIBRARY.
REFERENCE Ottawa TOurisM ottawatourism.ca
VisitOr iNFOrMatiON FOr Ottawa canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1446841663343
ParliaMeNt OF CaNaDa lop.parl.gc.ca/Visitors/visit-e.html
RiDeau CaNal iNFOrMatiON CeNtrE easternontario.cioc.ca/record/KGN3158
CaNaDiaN MuseuM OF HistOry historymuseum.ca
NatiONal Gallery OF CaNaDa gallery.ca/en/
CaNaDiaN War MuseuM warmuseum.ca
CaNaDiaN AviatiON aND SpaCE MuseuM casmuseum.techno-science.ca/en/index.php
CaNaDiaN MuseuM OF NaturE nature.ca/en/home
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
Ottawa_IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_v2.indd 2
37
2016-06-07 2:49 PM
OTTAWA
Montreal or Kingston that were closer to the American border. In recent years, in addition to its role as Canada’s capital city, it has become something of a Silicon Valley North. Now it is a thriving city with over a million residents in the greater Ottawa area, making it the second largest city in Ontario. As you would expect, Ottawa offers many national museums and those 00 0
museums are another major part of the attraction of this city. Admission to the museums can add up, but if you are planning to visit a number of the participating museums with a family, the Canada’s Capital Museums Passport available at the museums or the Wellington Street kiosk , could save you some money. Perhaps the most popular museum
PRNMAG.COM : S U M M E R E S C A P E S
Ottawa_IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_v2.indd 3
2016-06-07 2:49 PM
is the Canadian Museum of History, formerly the Canadian Museum of Civilization before a decision was made to focus on Canadian history. It is located just across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, across from the Parliament Buildings. It has been designed to have a special appeal to children with a Canadian Children’s Museum within it and non-stop IMAX films. For something a little less hectic, try the National Gallery of Canada on Sussex Street near the fortress-like American Embassy. The building, a striking design by architect Moshe Safdie, sits on a promontory of the Ottawa River with another good view of the Parliament Buildings. There are usually about 800 examples of the 10,000 works of Canadian art in the collection on display. I enjoyed seeing some Group of Seven and Tom Thompson pieces, but I was especially struck by a huge Greg Curnoe painting, The Camouflaged Piano or French Roundels, from 1966 which exemplifies his striking modern style. His promising career was cut short in 1992 when he was killed by a motorist while biking on the roads around London, Ontario. While the Canadian collection is the main attraction here, there is a decent collection of other artists’ works – for example, a number of impressionist paintings. A drive along the scenic riverside Sir George Étiene-Cartier Parkway takes you out to the old Rockcliffe airport and the newly-refurbished Canadian Aviation and Space Museum which
opened in its present form in 2008 – with a few additions since. While such a museum of aviation will naturally have a significant emphasis on the military aircraft of WWII and later, this does not overbalance the presentation of aviation history from early days – including Alexander Graham Bell’s pioneering contributions – to now. The museum does give appropriate treatment of the WWII British Commonwealth Air Training Plan which included over 107 training schools across Canada, which trained over 167,000 servicemen, including 50,000 pilots, by war’s end. After the war some of these airfields served as the basis for car and motorcycle race tracks including Edenvale, Harewood and Green Acres in Ontario. This museum also has a popular children’s program, making it a destination for the whole family. The Royal Canadian Mint is where Canada’s coinage is made. Nowadays,
the Mint’s facility in Winnipeg produces the standard circulation coinage, while Ottawa makes collector coins only. You can take the tour or perhaps visit the boutique to see how the special coins on sale might do. Outside the city, towards Carp, is the infamous ‘Diefenbunker,’ a huge underground bunker which is a relic of the Cold War – now open for tours. The Byward Market, on the site of the original town, is another popular destination with a produce market and touristy shops as well as many places to eat – from stand-up food to fancy restaurants, plus an assortment of bars and nightlife. Up at the eastern end of Sussex are two famous residences. Rideau Hall is the official residence of the Governor-General. You can take a tour of the residence or wander the 70 acres of the grounds. The Prime Minister’s residence, which is nearby at 24 SusS U M M E R E S C A P E S : PRNMAG.COM
Ottawa_IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_v2.indd 4
000
2016-06-07 2:49 PM
OTTAWA
REFERENCE ROyal CaNaDiaN MiNt nature.ca/en/home
DiefeNBuNker MuseuM diefenbunker.ca
BywarD MarkEt byward-market.com
RiDeau Hall gg.ca/document.aspx?id=94
VaNier MusEOpark (sugar Bush) museoparc.ca/en/sugar-shack/
GatiNeau Park ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/gatineau-park
NatiONal War MeMOrial veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canada/ national
FairMONt Chateau laurier fairmont.com/laurier-ottawa/
MarriOtt COurtyarD Ottawa east marriott.com/hotels/travel/yowoe-courtyard-ottawaeast/
ANthONy’s Pizzeria anthonysonwellington.com
Chez luCieN facebook.com/Chez-Lucien-114643958571690
40
sex Street, is currently undergoing a massive renovation which will take some time to complete. In the interim, the Prime Minister is living at Rideau Cottage, a 22-room residence on the Rideau Hall grounds in an area not open to the public. Throughout the year, there are various seasonal attractions in Ottawa. In winter, when the Rideau Canal freezes over, it becomes famously the “world’s largest skating rink.” We visited in March when the maple sap was running and discovered a sugar bush and an operating sugar shack right in the heart of the city, at the Vanier Museopark. It offers genuine pancakes and maple syrup breakfasts but can only seat about 30 at a time, so reservations are recommended. Come May it’s the famous Tulip Festival which sees Ottawa bursting out in tulips everywhere. This festival commemorates the time when Ottawa gave refuge to part of the Dutch royal family during WWII. Ottawa is the place to be to celebrate Canada Day; it is the biggest annual birthday celebration in the country. Parliament Hill is the focal point for this day-long event, from the early morning flag-raising ceremony and a noon hour show through to the evening show with a bevy of Canadian performers topped off by a massive fireworks show. Gatineau Park, across the river in Quebec, is always a scenic place to visit but seeing the colours of the foliage in the fall is
a special treat. Remembrance Day in November is marked with ceremonies at the National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown soldier. Ottawa has a big selection of hotels in all price ranges. The most famous – and pricey – is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, a big block of a building designed in the French Gothic Châteauesque style to harmonize with the nearby parliaments buildings. There are many top choices in the area near Parliament Hill. Prices are lower farther from the centre or across the river in Gatineau. We stayed at the reasonably priced – with free parking – Marriott Courtyard East on Coventry Road. It was still only a short drive from the centre of the action. Similarly, the city has a wide selection of places to eat, in all price ranges. We sampled the new Anthony’s Pizzeria on Bank Street in the Glebe. At this new small location, the menu consisted of only four pizza choices and two meal-sized salad choices – we shared a pizza and a salad and were happy with our choices. The original location, on Wellington Street, has a similar but more extensive menu. The next day we had lunch at Chez Lucien on Murray at Dalhousie at the edge of the Byward Market area. This eastern side of Ottawa is more francophone and sometimes I had to restrain myself from lapsing into my survival-skill French when, of course, English did the job.
As for the road trip part of it, we drove from Toronto to Ottawa, taking Highway 401 to Kingston. We turned off at the eastern side of Kingston and took Highway 15 to Smiths Falls. While this route follows the trail of the Rideau Canal, it runs a few kilometres to the east and you have to follow the turnoff signs to detour over to the canal to see the locks. Smiths Fall is a decent-sized town which grew up around the canal. It has the Rideau Canal Visitor Centre, the flagship interpretation centre on the Rideau Canal, and five lockstations surrounding and within the town. The best route to see the canal is the run from Smiths Falls to Ottawa via Merrickville, Kemptville, and Manotick, driving along either Highway 19 or 43 or a bit of both. These roads run along each side of the canal, close enough for you to be able to see lots of the canal and the locks in this stretch. Many serious amateur photographers love to take photos of old decrepit barns, stone houses, and rail fences. Some like to take photos of interesting rock outcrops and river views. This Kingston to Ottawa route is a happy hunting ground for these photo enthusiasts. There is a lot to see and do in Ottawa and on the road to it. We did it as a flying two-day trip so we confined ourselves to the highlights. It would be easy to spend several rewarding days in Ottawa and its surroundings.
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
Ottawa_IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_v2.indd 5
2016-06-07 2:49 PM
Venture beyond the road less travelled. ARCTIC
SAFARIS
|
FA M I LY
ADVENTURES
|
CUSTOM
TRIPS
arctickingdom.com/safaris
ILP_2016_SummerEscapes_ArcticKingdom.indd 1
2016-05-31 1:14 PM
42
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
California_IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_v1.indd 1
2016-06-07 3:53 PM
MAGICAL FAMILY FUN, MINUS THE MOUSE EARS
E X P L O R I N G H O L LY W O O D A N D H O G WA R T S W I T H C H R Y S L E R ’ S R A D I C A L LY AW E S O M E , O N TA R I O - B U I LT P A C I F I C A FA M I LY H A U L E R
BY MICHAEL BETTENCOURT
A
TOP 5 CHRYSLER PACIFICA FAMILY FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGIES ONE PaCifiCa HyBriD Plug-iN Arriving this fall, the first hybrid minivan can be plugged into a regular outlet to offer up to 48 kilometres worth of gasoline-free travel, plus in Ontario, a roughly $14,000 clean vehicle government rebate, with
|
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BETTENCOURT, FCA
fter a week of vacation and work-related family fun, perhaps I hoped for too much of a response from my eight-year-old. “Awesome...” he responded quickly, when asked on the plane ride home how he enjoyed our week-long Hollywood and Hogwarts-heavy California adventure. I looked him in his big brown eyes, visually encouraging him to elaborate on which of the new experiences he enjoyed most.
Would it be the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park? The windy but wavy Huntington Beach? The Universal Hollywood Studios tour? The taping of an episode of the not-so-realistic reality show America’s Got Talent? The sneak peek into the new Harry Potter’s World that hadn’t even officially opened yet? The open-roof bus tour of celebrity Hollywood homes? The huge oval pool at the Renaissance-inspired Pelican Hill Resort overlooking the ocean? But my imploring gaze was soon nixed by the formidable eye-suction power of his tablet. “Do you have headphones?” he simply asked. Clearly, this was not the ideal time for a California vacation debrief. The original plan was to drive down to Universal Florida over March Break, though our youngest’s record for car sickness on long drives was not encouraging. But just then, an invite came in from Chrysler to be among the first outside the company to test drive their all-new, Ontariobuilt Pacifica minivan – in southern California, with families welcome to attend too, no less. We decided to stretch out the preview event’s two days to a full week, meaning we’d book our
own accommodations for the majority of the week – resulting in the first time we had Airbnb’d an actual lived-in house – and our California adventure was on. So we flew to LA, and stayed in the city of Orange, which may be located in Orange County, but is far removed from the affluent areas of the ‘Real Housewives’ series that started that particular TV show trend. The city is actually very close to Anaheim, so geographically we could have spent much less time stuck in serious LA traffic had we done Disneyland again, or the quaint Knot’s Berry Farm, with its classic wooden roller coasters. The adventure started with a stop at another famous California institution: In-N-Out Burger, with its simple but rare-in-Canada outdoor seating area, an especially nice treat in late March for winter-weary Canadians. Arriving at our AirBnB home, it was the first time we had used the service where we weren’t renting a condo that you could tell was used only for temporary rentals, which was a bit unsettling at first, but soon one barely noticed the photos on the walls, clothes in the drawers, and a huge crucifix on the wall.
significant government rebates in Quebec and British Columbia also.
TWO ACtivE NOisE CaNCellatiON Standard on all models, because silence is golden.
THREE TwiN iNtegrateD 10-iNCh rear tOuChsCreeNs These allow kids to play together or on their own with various apps pre-installed (tic tac toe, license game), or DVDs (the same one, or each their own). There’s even an ‘Are we there yet?’ app that ties into the GPS, so whenever you hear that question, just tell them: check the app.
FOUR FOOt-OperateD pOwer siDE DOOrs A swipe of the foot on certain models will open the sides or the rear hatch.
FIVE iN-vehiClE Wifi its timing is still a question mark in Canada, but with rival GM offering it, seems likely Chrysler will find a way to offer it too.
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
California_IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_v1.indd 2
43
2016-06-07 3:53 PM
HOLLYWOOD
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE WITH A VARIETY OF EXOTIC AFRICAN ANIMALS, INCLUDING AN ANACONDA AND A LEOPARD, WHERE WE WERE WARNED TO KEEP KIDS IN THE FRONT ROW FROM MAKING ANY SUDDEN MOVEMENTS: SO A COLLECTIVE GASP ENSUED WHEN ONE CHILD SLIPPED OFF THE FRONT-ROW BENCH.
TOP 5 MOVIE VEHICLES AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ONE Fast & furiOus The 1970 Dodge Charger from the climactic action scene that kick started the popular franchise.
TWO
TraNsFOrMers You’ll recognize the M2 Bradley IFV tank and Willysstyle Beijing Jeep from the first one in the toy-based action franchise.
THREE KNight RiDer Strangely, it’s not the famous Trans-Am from the long-running TV series, but from the 2008 made-for-TV move, so it’s the Ford Mustang-based GT500KR. This one is in its ‘Attack Mode.’
FOUR MagNuM Pi The Ferrari 308 driven by the glitzy private investigator from early-80’s fame.
FIVE BaCk tO thE futurE, aND ii The classic Ford convertible, a futuristically modified Ford Probe and Ford Edsel convertible, and a coneshaped Litestar Pulse 3-wheeler
Our first full day was spent exploring the beaches in and around Huntington Beach. We landed on one that was specific to dog owners, which provided much more sand and space than the busier food and vendor-lined spots. But though the temperatures were beautiful in the mid-to-high 20s, the water was still bone-chillingly cold. If you’re planning to go surfing, you’ll want a wetsuit. The next day involved our first trip down to Hollywood, where we took in the star-studded Hollywood Walk of Fame, a touristy two-kilometre strip of the famed Hollywood Boulevard. Probably one of the few places in California where pedestrians are more likely to be staring at the ground instead of their phones, it also led to our tour of celebrity Hollywood homes. This is big business in the area, with multiple open-topped vehicles departing every hour – we saw the current or former Hollywood homes of a bevy of music and film stars, such
44
as Prince, Cher, Bruce Willis, and Michael Jackson, including the famous balcony where the late Jackson held his newborn baby over the railing’s edge in 2002. It was also on Hollywood Boulevard where someone happened to offer us free tickets to a live recording of America’s Got Talent the next day. We had seen a few episodes of the show, but hadn’t planned to attend the taping featuring competitors vying for the votes of Mel B (of Spice Girls fame), Canadian comedian Howie Mandel, former supermodel Heidi Klum and reality show star Simon Cowell, who replaced Howard Stern on the judging panel for this summer’s 11th season. With filming now located in the LA suburb of Pasadena, after it moved from New York City after Stern’s departure, we lined up for a good view of the judges arriving via the red carpet, where show staff handed out hero shots and Sharpies for autograph seekers. A few
eye-opening points with this, and likely other, talent-based ‘reality’ shows: one, the fan questions outside are planted by show staffers; and once inside, much of the cheering and booing crowd shots are filmed with the help of a ‘warm up host,’ which asks the crowd for raise-the-roof cheers to hearty boos, and everything in between, with no acts on stage. Part two of our trip came with a move from our rented house to the tony town of Newport Beach, at the beautiful Pelican Hill Resort, with its huge oval pool, large terraces, almost-kid-sized robes, and separate family pool. Our first drive in the 2017 Pacifica was to the famed San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park. Special presentations are available with a variety of exotic African animals, including an anaconda, and a leopard where we were warned to keep kids in the front row from making any sudden movements. And a collective gasp when one child slipped off the front-row
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
California_IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_v1.indd 3
2016-06-07 3:53 PM
TOP 5 MUST SEE/ DO ACTIVITIES IN HOLLYWOOD ONE UNiversal stuDiOs HOllywOOD U N I V E R S A LST U D I O S H O L LYWO O D . C O M
TWO HOllywOOD CeleBrity HOME TOurs A DAY I N LAT O U R S . C O M
THREE HOllywOOD Walk OF FaME H O L LYWO O D C H A M B E R . N E T
FOUR CiNeSPiA OUTDOOR ClASSiC MOVieS CINESPIA.ORG
FIVE West HOllywOOD Gateway OutDOOr Mall W E ST H O L LYWO O D G AT E WAY. C O M
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
California_IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_v1.indd 4
45
2016-06-07 3:53 PM
HOLLYWOOD
46
bench, causing the leashed leopard to jerk its head toward the child, but without any other movement. Trucks also are available to take tours through the exhibits, which also brings visitors close to the animals in detailed approximations of their habitat, including native African grasses, trees and shrubs. Thanks to infamous LA-area traffic, we had plenty of time to appreciate the space, comfort and thoughtful touches inside the all-new 2017 Pacifica. Besides its more appealing SUV-like look, it’s very apparent that Chrysler has put a full-stretch home run swing into this vehicle, similar to what it did for its Ram pickup truck. The level of refinement is incredible, on par with many luxury vehicles, which it should be for its $43,995 starting price. That’s not far from the current base MSRP from a much squeakier and less advanced ’15 Chrysler Town & Country, which the Pacifica effectively replaces. But it doesn’t include the usual $10k in discounts offered on that minivan – and that’s not including 0% financing, which as I write this is offered for 84 months on that minivan. So the Dodge Grand Caravans will continue as an entry minivan model, while the Windsor, Ontario-built Pacifica goes after high-end Odyssey and Sienna buyers, as well as three-row SUV consumers. Our last day was all about Univer-
sal Hollywood Studios, including a tour through active Hollywood sets, in which we were warned we may be asked to ‘shush’ during live recordings. We passed by a garage full of famed cars from the movies: the Flinstone movie’s floor-less special, a couple spacy Back to the Future rides, and even the broken glass ball from the most recent Jurassic Park Lost World. Plus a number of famous ones from the Fast & Furious series. Speaking of F&F, the studio tour actually ends with the rolling coach “locking” into place in a specially constructed garage, with screens all around and a shaking floor that actually put you into a virtual reality chase scene, as part of a whole “Fast & Furious – Supercharged” experience. Similar to an immersive battle between King Kong and some dinosaurs near the beginning of the ride, this is a high-tech counterpart to the now-dated but retro-cool mechanical Jaws that still comes out of the water towards tour riders. So you don’t want to leave the park without doing this tour. But while the F&F experience was new last year, the big news there this year was the new-for-2016 “Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” We just stumbled onto the area, as it wasn’t on any of the official maps, and only officially opened in April, weeks after we left. But we managed to be there for part of its “soft” opening, while
it tests everything with the public beforehand to work out any snags, and any last-minute adjustments are made. Thanks to our (highly recommended in high season) Express Passes, the longest lineup we had in the whole park was to choose a wand in Harry Potter’s world. Perhaps the low Canadian dollar clouded our judgement, but though the wand could unleash ‘magic’ around the park with proper aim, US$50 seemed unreasonable for a wand that would become a plastic momento once we left the park. Adventure done, reality restored back home, I eventually got my answer for the highlights for both of my boys: for our 12-year-old, it was Universal Studios Hollywood, and in particular Harry Potter’s world. And for my eight-year-old video game and iPad fan, even with all the high-tech immersive technologies he experienced, his high point: the big pool.
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
California_IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_v1.indd 5
2016-06-07 3:53 PM
Untitled-2 1
2016-05-30 2:34 PM
PHILADELPHIA
A CITY FULL OF SURPRISES
An easy drive from Southern Ontario, Philadelphia charms with its historic landmarks and vibrant culture scene BY ANNA RUTLEDGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY D. CRUZ, J. FUSCO, C. SMYTH, B. KRIST, R. KENNEDY, M. FISCHETTI, M. KENNEDY, T O'KEEFE, AND M. EDLOW FOR VISIT PHILADELPHIA AND THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE SCIENCE MUSEUM
48
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Philadelphia_DPS.indd 1
2016-06-07 3:06 PM
P
hiladelphia is one of the U.S. east coast’s most overlooked road trip destinations, with many Canadians choosing to drive slightly further to Boston or New York. However, this shortchanges a city that has a lot to offer, including exciting museums, lovingly-maintained historical landmarks, and a beautiful river parkway. Philadelphia has enough to keep most couples and families occupied for a long weekend; include an exploration of nearby historical sites like Valley Forge and you could easily spend an enjoyable week.
The drive to Philadelphia from southern Ontario is about 8 hours, making it relatively easy to fit into one day. On our drive down with three young children, we chose to make some energy-burning (and sanity-preserving) stops to break up the trek. The one that stands out most was the Steamtown National Historic Site railroad museum. Located near Scranton, PA, Steamtown features a working roundtable, fully restored engines and passenger cars, a full-sized theatre and many exhibits on the glory days of the steam train. We were a little leery of stopping at Steamtown, as we assumed it was aimed entirely at very knowledgeable train buffs. In fact, the exhibits were engaging and entertaining for train novices, and our children were thrilled to climb in and out of all the trains. One thing to be aware of on the drive to Philadelphia is the high number of toll roads. The segment of road from the New York State Line to Philadelphia cost a whopping $14. With that in mind, it may well be worth it to set your mapping program to avoid tolls. The alternate route was only a couple minutes longer and as a bonus took us right by The Crossings
Premium Outlets in Tannersville, PA, a massive outlet mall in the Poconos Mountains region with about 100 designer brands, which made for a fun break (for some of us). Once you’ve made it to Philadelphia, hopefully with your wallet intact, you may be surprised to see how large the city really is, and how many attractions the area boasts. We stayed outside of the downtown core, knowing that no matter where we stayed we would end up driving to the various attractions, which are spread across the city. Since we were travelling with children, we chose to explore the
PHILADELPHIA’S RICH HISTORY COMES ALIVE IN INDEPENDENCE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, WITH COSTUMED INTERPRETERS AND MUSEUMS.
TOP 5 CRAFT BEER DESTINATIONS
ONE YarDs BrewiNg COMpaNy YA R D S B R E W I N G . C O M
TWO earth BreaD aND Brewery E A R T H B R E A D B R E W E R Y. C O M
THREE MaNayuNk BrewiNg COMpaNy M A N AY U N K B R E W I N G . C O M
FOUR CriME aND PuNishMeNt BrewiNg CO CRIMEANDPUNISHMENTBREWINGCO.COM
FIVE DOCk streEt D O C KST R E E T B E R . C O M
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Philadelphia_DPS.indd 2
49
2016-06-07 3:06 PM
PHILADELPHIA
TOP 5 FAMILY ATTRACTIONS ONE fraNkliN iNstitutE FI.EDU Complete with an Imax theatre and currently hosting a Pixar exhibit.
TWO ACaDeMy OF Natural SCieNCE A N S P. O R G Boast a large collection of dinosaurs and a dig site for kids to get their hands dirty
THREE PhilaDelphia MuseuM OF Art PHILAMUSEUM.ORG Home of the famous “Rocky Steps”
FOUR ThE liBerty Bell N P S . G O V/ I N D E / L E A R N / H I ST O RY C U LT U R E / ST O R I E S - L I B E RT Y B E L L . H T M Makes a great teaching moment and photo op
FIVE CONstitutiON CeNtrE CONSTITUTIONCENTER.ORG Has lots of free, interactive programming
two top science museums: the Franklin Institute and the Academy of Natural Sciences. The Franklin Institute has many exhibits that may be familiar to visitors of the Ontario Science centre. Two areas that are noticeably unique are "The Amazing Machine," which offers a hands-on application of physics, and the "Your Brain" display that, in addition to delving into the mechanics of the brain, has a large playground
50
that is made to look like neural pathways. The Franklin also features an iconic giant heart, where families walk through a massive model of a heart it’s more popular than you may think. Close to the Franklin, you’ll find many other renowned arts institutions, including the Barnes which recently underwent a massive renovation and hosts a breathtaking collection of post-impressionist art. About a 10-minute drive away from
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Philadelphia_DPS.indd 3
2016-06-07 3:06 PM
Create your own Rocky scene at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
TOP 5 “OFF-THEBEATEN-TRACK” ATTRACTIONS
ONE steaMtOwN, NatiONal HistOriC SitE N P S . G O V/ ST E A
TWO Valley FOrgE N P S . G O V/ VA F O
THREE KiDs CastlE D OY L E ST OW N R E C . C O M / I N F O
FOUR ReD BaNk BattlefielD Park G LO U C E ST E R C O U N T Y N J . G O V/ D E PT S / P/ PA R KS / PA R K G O L F/ R E D B A N K
FIVE the culture district is Independence National Historical Park. Along with the foundations of the first Presidential house, lived in by George Washington, you’ll find the Liberty Bell resplendent in a mini-museum of its own. With a large green space in the centre, this district also hosts the National Constitution Centre and Independence Hall. The area is picturesque, with brick paved streets and plenty of costumed interpreters and horse drawn car-
riages for photos. In the summer, the district comes alive with history benches, where interpreters invite guests to explore Philadelphia’s history through stories and re-enactments. In addition to the many cultural and historic attractions, Philadelphia also has some remarkable neighbourhoods. On our trip we visited Germantown, a quaint neighbourhood with brick lined streets, old cable car tracks and bustling shops. To get there from
downtown, we took a very scenic drive along Lincoln Drive, which follows the river and goes through Cresheim Valley, which is beautifully lined with large trees and stately homes. The combination of vibrant neighbourhoods, cultural institutions and historical landmarks makes Philadelphia well worth the drive. When you add in attractions like Steamtown as stopovers, you’ll be asking yourself why you haven’t made the drive before.
Da ViNCi SCieNCE CeNter DAV I N C I S C I E N C E C E N T E R . O R G
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Philadelphia_DPS.indd 4
51
2016-06-07 3:06 PM
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_LA_to_MTL.indd 1
2016-06-07 3:11 PM
R E T U R N I N G H O M E , O N E M I L E AT A T I M E After crisscrossing the continent in a classic 1950 Chevy on an epic father-daughter road trip, the return home to Montreal from California proves another adventure BY JIM LEGGETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM & LIZ LEGGETT
THE TWO OBSTACLES FOR OUR AUTOMOTIVE SENIOR CITIZEN WERE HEAT AND HEIGHT, BUT THERE WAS NO WAY TO AVOID BOTH THE DESERT AND THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE.
oad trips are made up of three distinct phases – going there, being there and leaving there – and the time had come for us to turn around and head home. My daughter Liz and I were as far west as we could legally drive, in a sand swept municipal parking lot in Venice Beach, California. The perfect sunshine had turned to azure blue sky after another golden sunset. The cops had chased the hippie dancers and drummers off the beach in a lightshow of red and blue strobes. The skateboards made their last dives into the concrete bowls, the homeless and the drifters settled in for the night. It was time to go.
R
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_LA_to_MTL.indd 2
53
2016-06-07 3:11 PM
R E T U R N I N G H O M E , O N E M I L E AT A T I M E
54
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_LA_to_MTL.indd 3
2016-06-07 3:11 PM
As we pulled out, the headlights of our 1950 Chevy arced across the empty beach and then pointed inland towards Montreal, about 3,000 miles (over 4,600 km) away. Jim Morrison and the Doors played on KROQ… LA Woman. The hairs just stood up on my arms. I glanced at Liz, she didn’t have to say a word, she just smiled. This was the second time we had driven cross the continent in Alice, our bone-stock 1950 Chevrolet Styleline 2-door. Alice has non-power drum brakes, nonpower steering, bias-ply tires and no A/C. The speedo didn’t work nor the gas gauge, we kept a list of mileage on a scrap of paper to know when to fill up… until the odometer stopped working too.
tens of thousands of wind turbines spinning in these hot, windy valleys. We had avoided the strain of crossing the tallest mountains, but the heat of Phoenix, Arizona was a challenge in a car with no air conditioning. It was over 100˚F the morning we left and headed north on Highway 17, looking for relief from the sun. The scenery approaching the Sedona area became more spectacular by the mile. The scent of pine trees filled the air. Flagstaff was literally a breath of fresh air for us. We had made it through the toughest desert drive, but it was only a brief respite from the heat, a time to eat a good meal, fuel and add oil to Alice before turning eastward on Interstate 40 and back into the high plains desert of the legendary Mother Road – Route 66. Our first stop was in Winslow Arizona, the town made famous in the Eagles’ song and yes, you can stand next to a life-size bronze statue of Glenn Frey holding his
WE COULD HAVE NEARLY RESTORED THE CAR WITH THE EQUIPMENT ON HAND. THEN HE SAID ‘GOOD LUCK, SEE YA LATER.’ Our main destination on both trips was the Bonneville Salt Flats of Utah for the Speed Week landspeed racing event. Even though the racing was flooded out on this trip, we could never resist venturing down to Los Angeles, a mere day’s drive in our old car. With the original 216 cu. in. motor, single barrel carburetor and 3-speed manual transmission, our cruising speed on level ground was limited to 55 mph. The two obstacles for our automotive senior citizen were heat and height but there was no way to avoid both the desert and the continental divide. A careful look at the map, the paper type, showed us that we could minimize the mountain passes we had driven over Colorado by going southeast on Interstate 10. There are plenty of bizarre sights in the high desert, from the apocalyptic Salton Sea to the equally out of place verdant golf courses of Palm Springs. There are “the world’s biggest dinosaurs” in Cabazon, CA for some roadside kitsch, and
guitar. The local tourism board even has a nice vintage flatbed Ford parked next to a large mural featuring references to the song. It will be miles before you get that tune out of your head. Just 16 miles down the road is the next iconic stop on part of old Route 66: the Jack Rabbit Trading Post, dating back to 1949. More famous for its billboards along Interstate 40 than for the actual convenience and curio
store, the Jack Rabbit’s oversized fibreglass jackrabbit is a touristy photo op, but I have become enamoured with the old, weather-beaten wooden billboard alongside the railroad tracks. Located another 16 miles east is the famous Wigwam Motel in Holbrook. These concrete teepees were featured in the animated Disney movie ‘Cars’ as the Cozy Cone Motel, and they are worth a visit. Plan your travel accordingly and you can stay overnight in one of the individual 15 units. Built between the 1930s and 50s, there were originally six “villages” across the country; three have been preserved. Another must-see classic motel is in Tucumcari, New Mexico. The Blue Swallow Motel has been lovingly restored to its neon splashed splendour by Kevin and Nancy Mueller. Hundreds of other motels and cabins along Route 66 did not survive when Interstates bypassed these small towns between Chicago and Santa Monica. It was at the Blue Swallow where we met a true kindred spirit, a fellow traveler and photographer. After recognizing a large photo print of the Swallow’s neon in the window, Liz noticed a couple of Polaroid cameras in the motel office. The Muellers remarked that the cameras’ owner and photographer behind the print was here, staying in his usual Room No.1. And so we were introduced to Tim Anderson, an electrical engineer and bon-vivant explorer of the Southwest based in Dallas. In a flurry of introductions, the day slipped into evening and the neon lights came on. Cameras and lenses were quickly
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_LA_to_MTL.indd 4
55
2016-06-07 3:11 PM
R E T U R N I N G H O M E , O N E M I L E AT A T I M E
pulled out and swapped as we all scurried around to try and capture that fleeting golden hour. Tim gave us a black and white Polaroid print which we placed on Alice’s dashboard; it’s our favourite photo of us on the trip. Ending just as quickly as this whirlwind of creativity started, Liz and I were back on the highway, getting a few more miles behind us before stopping for the night. We always seem to take more time than we should, talking to people we meet and looking at the endless things we find along our way. Soon we crossed into Texas and the desert evolved into range land, cattle country and some farms. On the western side of Amarillo is the well-known sight of cars buried nose down in a cow pasture. It’s Cadillac Ranch, the art installation that sets the wacky tone of Route 66. Stop if you can and bring a can of spray paint to leave your mark on history, at least until someone paints their name over top yours. We stopped in Sham-
56
rock for lunch and went to see the beautiful Conoco gas station. This art deco masterpiece, built in 1936, was known as Tower Station along with the UDrop Inn and Tower Café. It certainly makes today’s gas station look pale in comparison with its glazed tiles and distinct architecture. Texas is big but we would only cross a small part of it before entering Oklahoma City. Trees were no longer a rarity and the fields were speckled green. There is a sense of relief and accomplishment from having survived the vast and empty deserts and prairies. Now our route angled northeast towards St-Louis and Indianapolis. Before leaving Oklahoma, we had to visit something Liz had missed on her previous five crosscountry drives, the Blue Whale of Catoosa, OK. Built in 1972 by Hugh S. Davis as a wedding gift to his wife, this concrete and steel structure juts out into a fresh water pond and quickly became a favourite swimming and
ON THE WESTERN SIDE OF AMARILLO IS THE WELLKNOWN SIGHT OF CARS BURIED NOSE DOWN IN A COW PASTURE IT’S CADILLAC RANCH, THE ART INSTALLATION THAT SETS THE WACKY TONE OF ROUTE 66. fishing hole for locals and tourists alike. You can't swim there anymore, but where else can you run through the open mouth of a whale, through his belly and poke your head out of his nostrils. We crossed into Missouri and little did we know our best and worst experiences would take place in this beautiful state. This series of adventures began innocently enough, when we had to leave our intended route to find a motel. We ended up in a Super 8 that is rated the No. 1 in the world, really, and it was nice. The next morning we headed cross-country on some two-lane roads
rolling up and down until we stopped for fuel in Stockton, MO. Hopping back into Alice at the gas pumps with a fresh supply of snacks, I turn the key, press the starter button, click, click from the starter and then nothing – dead to the world. Liz and I pop the hood open and are checking wires and tapping the starter solenoid when a voice comes from the other side of the pump island, “Do ya need some help?” With our small trailer unhitched we tried to push start the car but couldn’t so this stranger with a Ford F-250 pulls us around the lot with my tow rope (be prepared!) and she started but there was clearly no way to push or tow start the car every time we stopped the motor. There was still 1,300 miles (2,080km) to go. Good Samaritan Wayne invited us to follow him a few miles to his RV repair business where we could work on Alice inside the huge 4-bay industrialsized garage. He pointed out the bathroom and mechanic’s tool chest, welder, and air compressor. We could have nearly restored the car with the equipment on hand. Then he said ‘Good luck, see ya later.’ Huh? It was the Friday of Labour Day long weekend and he was “going to the lake with his pontoon
boat buddies.” We were taken aback and asked what if we couldn’t find the problem with Alice before he left? “No problem,” replied Wayne. “I ask only three things of you: Don’t steal my tools, lock the door when you leave and pass on your help to the next person who needs it.” Eventually we found the wiring fault, after finding a local guy who could rebuild the starter. We survived our first encounter with tornado warning sirens, at night no less, and we were back on the road after the third day of living in a garage in Stockton, MO. We thanked Wayne for his trust and generosity to a couple of Canuck strangers. We had left home 39 days previous and were just three days from our return. Our regular lives were calling us, our bank accounts were low and the credit card balance was high – but we felt the need to savour our time left on the road. St. Louis Missouri and its Gateway Arch “to the West” was now our portal to the East. Crossing the Mississippi was yet another major symbol of our impending return. We left Route 66 as it headed north to Chicago and we carried on eastward. The cornfields of Illinois and Indiana spread outwards to the horizon like golden waves. We had left home in mid-summer and it was clearly becoming autumn. Out in the desert it had felt like time stood still; now the closer we get to home, the clock was speeding up. The endless road ahead had become finite. Indianapolis has more than its share of distractions for gearheads like us, not the least being the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway Museum, located inside the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A fantastic collection of race cars from all years of the “Brickyard” awaits inside. Ohio is simply quintessential Mid-America with lots of American flags, Cracker Barrel restaurants and tidy Amish farms. Besides the decimated industries in the Rust Belt, the towns look prosperous and hopeful, like Norman Rockwell paintings. Alice hummed along and we were approaching the last marker of the trip, literally… the border was just one more state away. Northern New York’s green forests were a green blur out the side windows, while thoughts about what we had seen and done over the past five weeks were a blur of memories. Some things were razor-sharp like a photograph, others were slightly fuzzy, like a dream. Had we really been there and done that? It was our final day and the border guards asked us those same questions with a mixture of doubt and amusement. “You went where? In this old car?” One mile at a time, just rolling along one mile at a time.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HUNDREDS OF THINGS TO SEE AND DO ALONG HISTORIC ROUTE 66 VISIT: ROUTE66NEWS.COM/ ROUTE-66-ATTRACTIONS
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_LA_to_MTL.indd 5
2016-06-07 3:11 PM
Untitled-3 1
2016-06-07 10:00 AM
THE TWO FACES OF
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE Part quaint countryside, part music mecca, Nashville offers contrasting personalities BY ADAM STEINBERG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADAM STEINBERG, GENERAL MOTORS AND THE HUTTON HOTEL
T
here are two distinct regions of Nashville, Tennessee. One end is the quaint, rustic countryside, surrounded by hillside roads, farmland, and Ma and Pa shops – not to mention some of the best scenery nature has to offer. The other, essentially contained on Broadway between 2nd and 5th Avenue, is the downtown strip known as Music Row, the quintessential heart of the city, filled to the brim with live entertainment, bustling bars and mouth-watering Tennessee eateries.
Thanks to GM and the new 2016 Chevy Cruise, I was able to see the best of both worlds. I begin the journey from Nashville International Airport to the Hutton Hotel. Upon arrival, the Southern hospitality radiating from the bellhops and front desk became immediately apparent. The hotel itself is regarded as one of the most luxurious in the downtown core, with granite-style bathrooms, farm-to-table cuisine, and even a pet concierge for your four-legged friend. It’s also just a little over half a mile from the downtown core! Before we explore the nightlife, let’s take a drive through the country. During this leg of the trip, GM was nice enough to partner me with a rep by the name of Brent Deep, who’s responsible for
58
vehicle performance of small cars to mid-size trucks. Of the four trim levels available, I selected the Premier package, considered the highest with an MSRP of $23,895 (CAD). Our first stop was at Country View Market, which carries with it the aroma of local agriculture from the moment you step through the doors. There I tasted a sample (or four) of homemade Chocolate Chip Cheeseball, met an older couple enjoying soft serve ice cream in the shade on rocking chairs, jumped in the Cruze and made my way to Country Boy Family Restaurant. By this point, I’d gained a feel for the car and decided it was time to put the pedal to the floor. With a weight reduction of up to 250 lbs., the Cruze comes standard with a 1.4L Ecotec
LISTENING TO MUMFORD & SONS ON THE BOSE 9-WAY SPEAKERS WAS THE BITTERSWEET WAY I DECIDED TO CONCLUDE THIS PORTION OF MY TOUR
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Nashville_V2.indd 1
2016-06-07 2:37 PM
TOP 5
TOP 5
BEST DINING EXPERIENCE
MUST-SEE IN TENNESSEE
ONE ThE littlE OCtOpus P O P N A S H V I L L E . C O M / L I T T L E O CT O P U S /
TWO MikE’s iCE CreaM & COffeE Bar MIKESICECREAM.COM
THREE SaiNt AÑeJO M S T R E E T N A S H V I L L E . C O M / S A I N T-A N E J O
FOUR KayNE PriME steakhOusE M S T R E E T N A S H V I L L E . C O M / KAY N E - P R I M E
FIVE ThE staNDarD At ThE SMith HOusE SMITHHOUSENASHVILLE.COM
turbocharged engine, producing 153 hp/177 lb-ft, hitting 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.9L/100 km hwy (Premier), 7.8L/100 km city, and 6.9L/100 km combined (Premier). It was the use of technology, however, which really impressed me, especially the safety features. Driving down I-24, Deep instructed me to activate the lane change alert system by veering off my lane and into the soft shoulder. Against all instinct, I followed his instructions, and the moment the wheels touched the shoulder, the car automatically returned back to the appropriate lane. This is because the feature recognized there was no signal indicator. However, when making a lane change without signalling, the driver can override the program with a firm turn. Any continuous action in this manner will alert the driver by
setting off an audio and visual signal. The Cruze also comes standard with blind zone alerts on the side mirrors. Traveling towards Country Boy Family Restaurant, Deep and I decide to take the more scenic route through Natchez Trace Parkway. It’s a National park with a road leading you back into Leiper’s Fork Historic District, just a few block from a country roadside, with brick and mortar shops lining the streets. It was there, at the restaurant, I made another discovery: I have serious addiction to authentic Southern fried chicken. Our final stop of the country tour was a visit with Otis James. Mr. James is an artist, specializing in men’s accessories, including hats, bowties and pins. Each item is hand crafted, with an extraordinary commitment to detail. We also met his dog Maple. Laid back and friendly, he obviously takes after his owner.
ONE GraCelaND GRACELAND.COM
TWO ryMaN AuDitOriuM RYMAN.COM
THREE Great SMOky MOuNtaiNs NatiONal Park N P S . G O V/ G R S M
FOUR MeMphis ROCk N' SOul MuseuM MEMPHISROCKNSOUL.ORG
FIVE BriDgestONE AreNa B R I D G E ST O N E A R E N A . C O M
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Nashville_V2.indd 2
59
2016-06-07 2:37 PM
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
TOP 5 BEST COUNTRY BARS ONE HONky TONk CeNtral H O N KY T O N K C E N T R A L . C O M
TWO BB KiNg's Blues CluB BBKINGS.COM/MEMPHIS
THREE TEquila COwBOy Bar & Grill T E Q U I L A C O W B O Y. C O M / N A S H V I L L E
FOUR TiN ROOF T H E O R I G I N A LT I N R O O F. C O M
FIVE NashvillE CrOssrOaDs NASHVILLECROSSROADSBAR.COM
60
Heading back to the hotel was a breeze thanks to the car’s redefined navigation system, which includes 3-D map views, creating a simple yet interactive experience. Listening to Mumford & Sons on the Bose 9-way speakers was the bittersweet way I decided to conclude this portion of my tour. Thanks to a mishap with my flight (something I recognize now as a blessing in disguise), I was afforded an extra night with a fellow writer, Jonathan Cavaliere, who happened to be taking the same flight home. After resettling in our respective suites, we asked the front desk what we should do with our extra night. They recommended taking a stroll down to the aforementioned Music Row. On the crowded street, amongst faces young
and old, we saw a neon light reading, “Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville.” While Cavaliere ordered the surf and turf, admittedly the more popular choice, I needed one last fill of Southern chicken, which I had in the form of a lime Caesar salad. The two of us also quenched our thirst with the cowboys’ choice, a Lone Star Beer. Both satisfied, we made our way through the crowd and continued exploring. On recommendation, and after walking the entire strip, we ended the night at what is known to be the hottest 3-story spot in the core, Honky Tonk Central. My two-day trip was short but sweet, and while I made memories to last a lifetime, there’s a bit more of the city, not to mention Tennessee as a whole, I’d like to visit the next time. Most
tempting is a road trip through the Americana Music Triangle. Routed within Gold Record Road, you’ll be connected to New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville, as well as all of the small towns, markets and dance halls in between. If you’re planning to take a trip without any children, I’d recommend renting a Sprocket Rocket Party Bike, essentially a bike controlled by a maximum of twelve peddlers, one operator and keg of beer resting in the middle. Other sights to be seen include the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, The Bluebird Cafe and a Predators game at the Bridgestone Arena, if the season is right. A trip to Nashville, paired with a 2016 Chevy Cruze, has proven to be the complete recipe for an all-American experience.
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Nashville_V2.indd 3
2016-06-07 2:39 PM
Domaine Joly de Lotbinière Sainte-Croix, QC
presents/présente
ESCAPE TO THE GARDEN Follow Canada’s Garden Route
Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay Vancouver Island, BC Organized by
Canadian Garden Council
Toronto Botanical Garden Toronto, ON
Kingsbrae Garden St. Andrews, NB
In Partnership With
Conseil canadien du jardin
canadasgardenroute.ca Untitled-2 1
2016-06-06 4:52 PM
UNEARTHING HIDDEN GEMS IN
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
Planning is key for enjoying this winery and craft brewery-rich heritage town BY JEFF VOTH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF VOTH AND KRISTINE LEE
istorians will tell you the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake took root in the 1781. It was first named Butlersburg in honour of the celebrated Colonel John Butler, the commander of Butler’s Rangers. Today, the population base is listed at approximately 15,400, but that doesn’t tell the whole story of what it’s like during the summer. As the weather turns to sunny days, tourists flood Queen Street, visiting the shops, taking in a play at the annual Shaw Festival or watching gun smoke light up the fields outside Fort George, all while staying at some of Canada’s finest hotels and Inns.
H
You might think there is nothing new to discover in one of our province’s oldest towns, but in fact just the opposite is true. As someone who has lived in the area all my life, I am still finding new places to explore in Niagara-on-the-Lake and until last year, had no idea that the town’s best hotel is probably one of its biggest secrets. Leaving the Queen Elizabeth Highway, I point the 2016 Jaguar XF-S in the direction of Airport Road before intersecting with Highway 55, which leads directly into Niagara-on-theLake (N.O.T.L.). Speed limits along
62
this stretch of two-lane highway are tenaciously enforced and while I am tempted to push it, I resist, which turns out to be a wise decision, as I pass not one but two speed traps. Approaching the small town of Virgil, it’s worth making a quick stop at The Pie Plate bakery for a few homemade snacks to take along. Across the street, Silversmith Brewery and Beer Hall resides in what was once the town’s central church. Pews have been replaced with tables for four, and benches along the peaked windows now host pint-raising customers rather than parishioners.
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_NiagaraOTL.indd 1
2016-06-07 2:45 PM
TOP 5 RESTAURANTS IN N.O.T.L
ONE TreaDwell FarM tO TaBlE CuisiNE T R E A DW E L LC U I S I N E . C O M
TWO KitCheN 76 at TwO Sisters ViNeyarDs T W O S I ST E R S V I N E YA R D S . C O M
THREE
SILVERSMITH BREWERY AND BEER HALL RESIDES IN WHAT WAS ONCE THE TOWN’S CENTRAL CHURCH – PEWS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH TABLES FOR FOUR, AND BENCHES ALONG THE PEAKED WINDOWS NOW HOST PINT-RAISING CUSTOMERS RATHER THAN PARISHIONERS.
CaNNery RestauraNt V I N TA G E - H OT E LS . C O M / P I L LA R A N D P O ST/ C A N N E R Y
FOUR Tiara RestauraNt V I N TA G E - H OT E LS . C O M / Q U E E N S LA N D I N G / T I A R A R E STA U R A N T
FIVE ThE irish Harp PuB THEIRISHHARPPUB.COM
Not to be forgotten on the trail of craft breweries, Niagara Oast House Brewers stands out from the farming countryside with its bright red and white livery. A former craft store, large tanks filled with craft beer stand where antiques used to be. With a new event space on the loft floor overlooking one of many vineyards in Niagara, Oast House will soon feature one of the area’s most sizable and uniquely designed outdoor patios, with beer on tap and plenty of sunshine. The town of Niagara-on-the-Lake sneaks up on you as you continue down Highway 55 and come to a sudden T-
stop at the corner of what is now Mississauga Road and Queen Street. Ahead is the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club, which bills itself as North America’s oldest course. It has been flying the flags on its perfectly manicured 9-hole layout since 1875 (though Google and Wikipedia both suggest that this ‘first in North America’ distinction belongs to another Canadian course, the Royal Montreal Golf Club, established in 1873). On site is old Fort Mississauga, a shell of its former self, but a historically significant landmark that overlooks the Niagara River and once rivalled Old Fort Niagara on the U.S. side.
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_NiagaraOTL.indd 2
63
2016-06-07 2:45 PM
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
TOP 5 ROMANTIC HOTELS ONE ThE Pillar aND POst iNN, Spa aND CONfereNCE CeNter V I N TA G E - H O T E L S . C O M / P I L L A R A N D P O ST
TWO WhitE OaKs CONfereNCE ResOrt & Spa W H I T E O A K S R E S O RT. C O M
THREE HarBOur HOusE HOtel N I A G A R A S F I N E S T. C O M / H A R B O U R
FOUR PriNCE OF Wales V I N TA G E - H O T E L S . C O M / P R I N C E O F WA L E S
FIVE 124 ON QueeN HOtel & Spa 1 24 Q U E E N . C O M
PASSING THE PRINCE OF WALES HOTEL, HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGES MIX WITH EXOTIC CARS AS THE TRUE ECLECTIC NATURE OF THIS QUAINT CENTURIES OLD TOWN IS REVEALED
64
A right turn on Queen Street is a step back to a simpler time. There are still a few palatial homes dotting the street, but for the most part shops and restaurants, including the town’s oneand-only Starbucks, have replaced the personal residences of the previous era. Passing the historic Charles Inn on the river side, it is easy to miss the gated entrance for what is by all accounts the finest hotel in Niagara. Located off the main street behind the aforementioned Starbucks and local artist shops, 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa is a true hidden gem. A series of classic buildings designed to blend in perfectly with the centuries old landscape,
the amenities and room options are completely modern and first-class. Décor is warm and inviting, with several of the suites offering exceptional views of bustling Queen Street. Strict sound-deadening keeps everything quiet as you relax in the living room with a fireplace. For a special treat, opt for the chef’s in-room dining experience hosted on your full-size island in the kitchen. Walk down to the spa for relaxation, or go for a stroll in town; the icon of romance in Niagara, the famed Gazebo at Queen’s Royal Park overlooking the Niagara River, is about a ten-minute walk. Staying at the hotel, it is easy to get out and experience several of the
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_NiagaraOTL.indd 3
2016-06-07 2:47 PM
TOP 5 BED AND BREAKFAST
ONE GraYstONE BeD aND BreakFast G R AY ST O N E B B . C O M
TWO BraNClifF iNN BRANCLIFFINN.COM
THREE HistOriC Davy HOusE DAVY H O U S E . C O M
FOUR CECilE’s HOusE CECILEHOUSE.COM
FIVE Britaly BeD aND BreakFast B R I TA LY B E DA N D B R E A K FA ST. C O M
best wineries in Niagara. A shuttle is available and takes guest on a short drive to the famous Jackson-Triggs Winery located back on Highway 55 just outside of Virgil, ON. But my penchant on this day is a visit to several of the lesser-known, but no less celebrated, vineyards the area has to offer. A little further down the road, Trius Winery at Hillebrand has quickly become a favourite of the locals and Ontario wine lovers in general. Under the watchful eye and nose of winemaker Craig McDonald, they craft small-batch showcase wines including Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Single Barrel Chardonnays that delight and inspire a new generation of wine aficionados. Plus electric vehicle drivers can recharge their vehicles at one of several charging stations on the property. Continuing down Highway 55, we visit the modern confines of Southbrook Vineyards. From the highway, it looks as if the building is more than a kilometre long, when in fact the glass and steel confines are intimate and inviting. From the tasting bar there are excellent views of the vines and blue skies for which the Niagara fruit belt is justly renowned. Be sure
to sample their Poetica, a limited edition wine selection, and Connect, which may be some of the easiest drinking white wine you will experience while in Niagara. Before heading back to the hotel, we make one more stop to sample several of the award-winning reds at Two Sisters Vineyards, in particular their 2010 Merlot. Proprietors Angela Marotta and Melissa Marotta-Paolichelli have designed a winery right out of a Napa Valley brochure, with new releases and perfectly manicured vineyards on John Street West in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Avid art lovers may recognize the residence next door as the celebrated home of Trisha Romance. A right turn out of the tree-lined drive-
way at Two Sisters Vineyards leads to the famed River Road and quick passage back to the center of Niagara-on-theLake. Passing the Prince of Wales hotel, horse-drawn carriages mix with exotic cars as the true eclectic nature of this quaint centuries-old town is revealed. A pub crawl to the Olde Angel Inn and then a quick walk around the block to Treadwell Farm to Table Cuisine restaurant offers the perfect end to this busy day. This is what makes Niagaraon-the-Lake so compelling. Walking or driving, local or tourist, you never run out of things to do and you can always count on great food and drink for the perfect finish to an extraordinary day.
S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S : ROADESCAPES.CA
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_NiagaraOTL.indd 4
65
2016-06-07 2:48 PM
T N E I R W
s e p a c s E d IGNITION
P
RE
W
VIE
W
Roa
ith warm weather finally upon us, it can be hard to think of winter. But here
at Ignition, we are already planning our Winter Road Escapes issue, so that once the gray cold weather returns, we’ll have you covered with ideas and destinations for trips that bring sunshine back. Our Winter Road Escapes issue will include destinations such as Hilton Head, SC and Orlando, FL, as well as tips and tricks to make those longer drives more attractive. We’ll also include information on ski destinations and local events that will bring you out of your winter cocoon. And, of course, you can look forward to information on winter vehicle maintenance from our experts. I know their thorough lists will have you reaching for a pen. In the meantime, enjoy the warm weather and the amazing summer destinations across North America! Drive safely!
66
ROADESCAPES.CA : S U M M E R R O A D E S C A P E S
IGN_2016_SummerEscapes2_Winter_Escapes_Preview_v2.indd 1
2016-06-07 1:24 PM