WHEREmail

// September 2007

Dear Subscriber

This month, discover hot film festivals, music acts, and our editors' picks for the best Sunday brunches across the country. There's also information on how to speed up the passport process, as well as the latest update on paperless boarding passes. Plus, great travel specials and contests.

WHAT'S HOT IN SEPTEMBER:

Halifax

The Atlantic Film Festival puts the eyes of the entertainment world on Halifax from Sep 13 to 22. Fans mingle with industry insiders at screenings, gala parties, workshops and more. Shake Hands With The Devil, based on Romeo Dallaire's award-winning book on the Rwandan genocide, is the first of more than 200 different movies showcased.

Edmonton

On Sep 13, world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Mah joins in the celebration of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra's 10 years at the Winspear Centre. The month wraps up with the über-edgy musical performance trio Blue Man Group on Sep 23, who is sure to thrill with a wacky act that combines theatre, art, music and science.

Canadian Rockies

Celebrate Jasper National Park's 100th birthday at the Weekend of the Century on Sep 14 to 16, with fun family events including live music, nature displays, storytelling, guided walks, First Nations programs, picnics, art shows, and pancake breakfast.

Vancouver

A boon for bibliophiles and bookworms, The Word on the Street Book & Magazine Fair takes place every year on the last Sunday in September. Families and book- and magazine-lovers of all ages gather at the downtown public library for free events galore.

Toronto

The Toronto International Film Festival is a hit with visitors and locals alike every year—but how do you know what to see? Find your top picks with our guide to The Best of The Fest. The festival runs this year from Sep 6 to 15.

Ottawa

Festival X is Ottawa's newest festival, with photography exhibitions in 11 galleries around town. Opening night takes place on Sep 20 at Saw Gallery. Also worth checking out is Benitz Bistro—recently opened by one of the city's favourite chefs, Derek Benitz, it offers simple, elegant fare.

Victoria

Don't miss the 11th annual Canadian Glass Show, at downtown Victoria's West End Gallery through Sep 30, with glass artists from across Canada, ranging from feature Ontario artist June Pham, to local talents. Step into Victoria's heritage Royal Theatre Sep 21 and 22 for the National Ballet of Canada's Giselle, a haunting tale of a young girl overcome by grief, madness, and deception.

Calgary

South African a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo—now considered world music royalty—have performed for the likes of Carnegie Hall, the Pope and the Queen of England; they play at Calgary's Jack Singer Concert Hall Sep 14. Meanwhile rock-edged country star Keith Urban doles out his latest hits at the Saddledome Sep 18.

The WHERE List:

BEST BRUNCH SPOTS

Whether you prefer home-style eggs and bacon, a sprawling buffet or gourmet twists to breakfast faves, we've rounded up some of the country's best spots for Sunday brunch.

Canadian Rockies

While in Banff, head to the castle in the Rockies (a.k.a. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel) where the building's architecture and character match their world famous Sunday brunch. The Fairmont's Bow Valley Grill houses their sumptuous Sunday brunch buffet that features 'open kitchen' omelette and stir fry stations, smoked salmon, salads, eggs Benedict, breakfast meats, fresh pastries, sliced fruit, carved prime rib, pizza and more to satisfy everyone's cravings.

Vancouver

For out-of-this-world eggs Benedict or Belgian waffles, head to Sophie's Cosmic Cafe. This retro-style diner in picturesque Kitsilano usually has a lineup on Sunday mornings.

Halifax

Right next to the Halifax Common on Robie Street, Jane's on the Common has become a hit on the Halifax dining scene, thanks to head chef Paolo Colbertaldo's artful use of local ingredients, as he brings new inspiration on old favourites. And the wildly popular weekend brunch is no exception. For a Maritime twist, try the cornbread-crusted haddock and eggs, served with sourdough toast and fresh fruit chutney.

Edmonton

If you're after a fantastic brunch, frivolity and good ol' family feeling, a trip to Barb & Ernie's German chalet-style restaurant is just the ticket. Fans of eggs Benedict in particular will be in seventh Heaven with this delightful spot's assorted versions of this traditional breakfast treat, but be forewarned: while well worth the wait, the lineup to get in starts early! Reservations recommended.

Victoria

Victoria's Inner Harbour area is the spot for Sunday brunch. At Fire & Water Fish and Chop House, at the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour Hotel, a vast and sumptuous buffet awaits each Sunday from 6:30 am to noon. A little further around the Harbour, the Pacific Restaurant in the Hotel Grand Pacific hosts a delicious a la carte brunch, while steps away at the historic Gatsby Mansion , find a good selection of seafood dishes paired beautifully with traditional brunch staples.

Calgary

Both classic and funky, Diner Deluxe offers wholesome brunch selections that have gourmet detailing, set off perfectly by a retro-50s a-visit-to-your-grandma's-kitchen décor. Delicious stand-bys include the maple-fried oatmeal, the chocolate sourdough French toast with grilled bananas—and of course, the modestly titled "Best Eggs Benedict," served with Canadian bacon, smoked salmon or garden veggies. Line-ups can be long on weekends, but there's free coffee while you wait.

Ottawa

At the Metropolitain Brasserie you really are closer to the city of lights than you think. With their Parisian-style menu try brunch dishes like scrambled eggs and smoked salmon with chive crème fraîche.

Toronto

September's back-to-school bustle doesn't have to mean a return to stodgy cafeteria fare. The University of Toronto's upscale Gallery Grill at Hart House has reopened after a summer hiatus and is an especially popular Sunday-brunch spot, where you can nosh on frittata, wild mushroom gallette, and more.

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.

His and Her Getaway Package

Stay at the Delta Prince Edward Island and take advantage of a special couple's vacation package starting at $285 (CAD) per person per night:
For Him
After back-to-back titles as the Toronto Sun's "Best Golf Travel Destination" in North America, people all across Canada and the United States are asking, "What makes a golf vacation in PEI so much better?" Find out yourself with a package that includes:
• golf at Fox Meadow, Crowbush, Brudenell or any other golf course on PEI
• 1 hour golf lesson by a pro from the Canadian Golf Academy
• bucket of complimentary golf balls for the driving range
• pull cart

For Her
Treat your senses to an engaging spa evening with a "Look Good Feel Good" (4.5 hour service) package at the Radiant Reflection day spa. The package includes a facial, manicure, pedicure and massage.

Plus each guest will receive a $40 food and beverage voucher per night, accommodation and underground parking.

Kids Fly Free with Travel Cuts

Kids fly free from across Canada to various selected hotels at Christmas and New Year's.

Valid Toronto departure dates include:
Antigua - December 24, and 31; Montego Bay - December 23, 24, 30 and 31;
Nassau (3, 4 and 7 nights) - December 20, 23, 27, and 30; and
St Lucia - December 24, and 31. Book by Monday, September 10 for travel as listed, departures vary by destination and gateway.

Via Rail: Discounted fare in VIA 1 class*

Enjoy an experience like no other when you travel in VIA 1 class between select cities of Ontario and Québec, including:
Montréal - Québec City > $99
Montréal - Ottawa > $79
Montréal - Toronto > $149

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