WHEREmail

// May 2006

Dear Subscriber

May is patio dining season; discover some of Canada's best as our Editors across the nation select their favourites. We also give you the month's hottest events and tips on getting more legroom on your next flight. Plus, check out our dining contests for your chance to win an incredible two-day train trip through the Rocky Mountains, or a snazzy new Canon SD30 digital camera.

What's Hot in May:

Halifax

Now in its 27th year, the Scotia Festival of Music is a feast for chamber music fans. The two-week extravaganza includes concerts, masterclasses and lectures with international talents like the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, violinist Scott St. John, and soprano Heather Pawsey; on from May 29 to June 11.

Edmonton

Magic and amusement combine in Citadel Theatre's production of Peter Pan, making this show one charming trip to Neverland. It plays until June 4th. Or, if you have a shopping itch and are looking for a chic pair of shoes, check out "The Look of Love," Nine West's new spring line of fashionable footwear.

Vancouver

The Vancouver International Children's Festival takes over Vanier Park, May 15 to 22. Now in its 29th year, the event features a myriad of entertainers, from giant hippo puppets George and Martha, to string entertainer Anne Glover and renowned kids' author Robert Munsch.

Winnipeg

Wine lovers can rejoice over the new Tuscan-inspired Banville & Jones Wine Co. location, making it Canada's largest private wine boutique. The store provides wine-education related activities as well as a new specialty food section that offers a selection of gourmet cheeses.

Calgary

Spruce Meadows, Calgary's world-class show jumping venue, plays host to some of the best equestrian horses and international riders at five show jumping competitions this summer. The first tournament of the year, The May Classic, takes place May 11 to 14 (weather permitting).

Toronto

Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's Song & Dance makes its Canadian debut on May 9, combining numbers from the popular one-woman show Tell Me On A Sunday with a dance-based presentation of Webber's variations on Paganini's A Minor Caprice. The National Ballet of Canada's former principal dancer Rex Harringon and prima ballerina Evelyn Hart star in the show, which plays till the 28th.

Ottawa

Canada's most-visited tourist attraction, The Canadian Museum of Civilization, celebrates its 150th anniversary this month. Events not to miss include the May 11 opening of a new exhibit that traces the story of the museum's founding, and a behind-the-scenes look at the conservation and maintenance of some of its major holdings during their open house on May 14.

Enjoy special savings on Accommodations, Transportation, Dining, Shopping, Sightseeing and Spa Services when you travel across Canada and pay with your VISA^® card.

> DOWNLOAD COUPONS

®/™ Trademark of Visa International Service Association, Visa Canada Association is a licensed user.

The WHERE List:

Canada's Best Dining Patios

One of the best ways to experience any city is on a great restaurant patio: one that combines excellent food, spectacular views and lovely surroundings. Our regional editors give you their picks of the best patios in their respective cities.

Toronto

Two outdoor patios at Panorama Lounge and Restaurant on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre provide stunning views of the city. The north patio is a shady retreat; while at night, the south patio offers a picturesque view of the twinkling city skyline. A perfect place to take a picture to show off to friends back home.

Vancouver

No matter which part of Vancouver you visit, great patios are even more plentiful than sunny spring days. From the deck of The Boathouse on Beach Avenue, take in sweeping views of English Bay. On Granville Island, watch kayakers and dragon boaters zipping by from the huge patio of Bridges, and while downtown, take a seafood break in the rooftop garden of Joe Fortes.

Halifax

For commanding ocean views, you can't beat the patio at Murphy's on the Water. Perched on the end of cable wharf and surrounded by ocean on three sides, it's the perfect spot to while away a summer's day with a cold ale as you watch the ships go past.

Calgary

Located on an idyllic island park just north of the downtown core, the River Café's outdoor patio offers unparalleled views of both natural surroundings and the city's scenic skyline. Check our Top 10 Patios feature for even more options.

Edmonton

Boasting one of the best panoramic views of Edmonton's scenic river valley, the Riverside Bistro nestled within the Courtyard by Marriott hotel also offers an impressive collection of fine wines and elegant bistro fare.

Winnipeg

Inside the lovingly restored Assiniboine Park Pavilion, Tavern in the Park's summer patio is a special treat. Tables are placed around a stone terrace and fountain where you can enjoy excellent contemporary European food along with the sun and the gorgeous greenery of the park.

TRAVEL SPECIALS

As a service to readers and our tourism partners, here's a selection of special travel deals. For more information or to book, please contact the providers directly.

Taste Culinary Series

If you're planning a trip to Winnipeg in the next few months, try out a few events from the Taste Culinary Series. These one-day events put on by the top restaurants in the city offer a unique tasting of the cuisines in Winnipeg, and a behind-the-scenes look at where the food comes from and how it is prepared. There are three Taste Culinary Series; Part 1: May/June, Part 2: July/August, and Part 3: Sep/Oct.

Polar Bear Expeditions, 50% Discount

Gap Adventures offers a number of arctic expeditions through June that take you to close encounters with glaciers, icebergs, and yes, polar bears in their natural habitat. Journeys start out from Oslo, Norway, followed by a voyage into the far North. Offer valid till June 29.

Travel light and save

Air Canada Tango fare customers can save an additional $10 each way or $20 on round-trip tickets. The recent launch of the GO Discount program will allow customers to save if they travel light (no checked baggage) and do not make changes to their travel plans.

Delta Halifax Romance Package

Starting at $156 CAD a night, enjoy a night's accommodation, turndown service, sparkling wine, chocolate-dipped fruit and in-room breakfast for two.

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

UNSUBSCRIBE | SEND TO A FRIEND | CONTACT US | PRIVACY