WHEREmail

// May 2007

Dear Subscriber

If Russian trick riding, waifish yet Feist-y songwriters and boating around the Georgia Strait interest you, then you'll enjoy the great festival, musical and sports events that make up our May lineup of What's Hot across the nation. Also, we demystify dialing overseas and give our editor's picks of spa treatments that'll get you smiling and refreshed for spring. Plus, great contests for Toronto, Whistler, Vancouver and Calgary.

WHAT'S HOT IN MAY:

Calgary

The city's two most famous songstress superstars are trotting out new looks and new sounds. A slimmed-down Jann Arden plays a gig of angst-y ballads both old and new, May 17 and 18, while the Parisian-styled Feist returns home on May 19, promoting her unique bohemian-pop sound and latest CD, The Reminder.

Halifax

The Scotia Festival of Music kicks off its annual two-week celebration of chamber music on May 27 in Halifax. The Dalhousie Arts Centre and The Music Room on Lady Hammond Road host the concerts and recitals, which feature musicians from around the world, including luminaries like composer-in-residence, Christos Hatzis.

Victoria

One of Victoria's favourite spring events, the 64th annual Swiftsure International Yacht Race will keep the seas and shoreline busy May 26 to 28. In addition to the action on the water, organizers also have a host of entertaining events planned on shore for the whole family.

Toronto

Cirque Niagara presents its dazzling new spectacle, Avaia, through to May 27, featuring 55 acrobats and 19 horses performing traditional Russian trick riding and gravity-defying stunts. Meanwhile, the glitzy Santé: The Bloor-Yorkville Wine Festival runs May 5 to 12, with more than 70 international wineries showcasing their vintages; plus tastings, seminars, gourmet food demonstrations and more.

Canadian Rockies

Soak your troubles away as the Miette Hot Springs reopens its doors following a major 2006 renovation. These soothing mineral springs near Jasper are a perennial favourite, and now you can enjoy an expanded exhibition and admissions area, two new cool pools and a larger deck from which to take in the spectacular mountain views.

Vancouver

Turning 30 doesn't have to cause a crisis. After three decades, the Vancouver International Children's Festival is still young at heart. Join the fest May 14 to 21 for a birthday celebration filled with jugglers, authors, storytellers and musicians, all under the tents in Vanier Park.

Ottawa

The city is stretching its hamstrings and lacing up for one of the country's most challenging—and picturesque—athletic events: Ottawa Race Weekend. The May 25 to 27 event attracts runners both amateur and professional for a full weekend of pavement and grass-pounding activities, with plenty of socializing on the side.

Edmonton

Kicking off Edmonton's busy 2007 summer festival season are: Visualeyez Festival of Performance Art, Opera Nuova's Vocal Arts Festival and the acclaimed International Children's Festival. Moonlight Sonata and other classical classics come alive at the hands of American pianist extraordinaire William Wolfram on May 17. For those searching for a more contemporary sound, The Killers arrive May 23.

The WHERE List:

FAVOURITE SPA TREATMENTS

WHERE's regional editors have tracked down some of the best spa treatments in the country (it's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it). From where to relax by the seaside to decadent chocolate pedicures, we think you'll be pleased with the results.

Halifax

Perched over the bustle of downtown's Barrington Street, Spirit Spa has a well deserved reputation as one of Canada's best day spas. The Vichy Shower will wash your stress away, while the Antioxidant Rosehip Body Wrap stimulates and moisturizes—you'll feel like a new person.

Toronto

The Ayurvedic massage ($155) from Shizen Spa is a necessary and unforgettable indulgence: the body is lightly massaged from head to toe with warm sesame oil. Your skin will be supple for days. Shizen Spa also offers everything from a classic facial to manicures and pedicures to reflexology and waxing.

Vancouver

Le Petit Spa's newest treatment, the Guinot Hydradermie Facial, is touted for "teaching" facial muscles to lift and firm. And the anti-aging agent given all the credit? The Guinot Hydradermie machine; technicians use its rollers to massage your face.

Edmonton

Personally endorsed by WHERE Edmonton's editor, Susan Phelan, for the zenith in pampering, try these spa treatments: Pink Lime's Royal Pedicure, a terrific scrub and massage, with ultra-professional nail polish and a paraffin wax treatment; EvelineCharles' Feel Beautiful package, a combo that includes a relaxing yet revitalizing facial, followed by a pedicure and manicure, while nestled in luxurious, comfy robes; and Spasation's Absolute Hydration Facial to smooth, relax and moisturize your skin.

Victoria

Let the wonders of the West Coast rejuvenate you at Victoria's inn by the sea, Sooke Harbour House. Using seaweeds harvested from its shores, and fresh flowers and herbs grown in its renowned organic gardens, the inn's spa creates unique "sea-renity" treatments. The spa also has retail products, so you can re-create your West Coast spa experience at home.

Calgary

The Chocolate Delight Pedicure at Scentorini Spa is pure decadence, and good for your skin too (chocolate is high in anti-oxidants). It starts off with a chocolate exfoliation, followed by a lower leg massage using chocolate syrup massage oil, and ending with a lotion application and chocolate paraffin to leave your feet warm and hydrated. For more spa choices in Calgary, check out our spa feature.

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.

Romantic Getaway Package at Delta Montreal

$259 per night, for two adults, package includes:
• one-night's accommodation in a Delta-category room
• full American breakfast
• turndown service
• one bottle of champagne
• two cocktails at Chez Antoine
• one fruit basket

Take off with Cathay's New All Asia Pass: from $1,599

Cathay Pacific Airways has launched its new All Asia Pass that offers travellers the opportunity to visit up to 23 cities in 21 days from $1,599 CAD plus applicable taxes & service fees. Cathay Pacific's All Asia Pass provides you with round trip economy class travel between Toronto and Hong Kong and up to 21 consecutive days of travel to 22 Asian destinations beyond Hong Kong.
Basic departure dates are Feb. 26 through May 17, 2007 and Aug. 20 through Dec. 1, 2007. Summer travel and extension options up to 90 days are available for an additional fee. Travellers can extend their All Asia Pass itinerary to Dhaka, Delhi, Mumbai, Hanoi, Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney or Auckland for a separate additional fee.

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