WHEREmail

// August 2007

Dear Subscriber

This month, discover the hot festivals, fairs and fireworks displays going on across the country. Take our editors' advice on the best urban-oasis picnic spots to visit in cities from Halifax to Victoria. About.com columnist and Harvard internist Dr. Kate Grossman tells us how to avoid illness when travelling overseas. Plus, the world's most expensive city, and lots of contests.

WHAT'S HOT IN AUGUST:

Vancouver

Vancouver may be a hip, urban city, but from Aug 18 to Sep 3 its country roots show, thanks to the Pacific National Exhibition. Each year the 97-year-old PNE fair draws almost a million people to see motocross competitions, big-name musical acts, monster trucks and a nightly fireworks show. And who can resist Those Little Donuts?

Halifax

Running from Aug 30 to Sep 9, the Atlantic Fringe Festival is Atlantic Canada's largest annual theatre festival, offering exciting and innovative theatre showcasing up-and-coming talents. Seven stages around the city host 250 performances, featuring works from across Canada.

Toronto

Don't miss Caribana, the annual celebration of Caribbean culture in its 40th year that runs 'til Aug 12. Plus, the circus is here! Opening Aug 9, Cirque du Soleil's high-flying, highly anticipated show Kooza will be under the big top.

Canadian Rockies

Celebrate Jasper National Park's Centennial on Aug 29 by Soaking in Some History at Miette Hot Springs. Wear an old-fashioned bathing suit (free rental with admission), help 'squirt' out the birthday candles on the floating cake or join a historic walk. Bring a photo or story of a past visit for free entry.

Edmonton

Justin Timberlake may have lent his voice to the character of Arthur in the latest film about a loveable ogre, but those jamming Rexall Place on Aug 28 will be there to catch the pop heartthrob sing and dance. Plus, returning with a great roster of international, Canadian, and local theatre productions is the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, Aug 16 to 26.

Ottawa

If you're in the nation's capital this summer, check out some of the city's many great parks and attractions. We'll get you started with a list of 16 Things We Love About Ottawa.

Victoria

Dragon boaters far and wide converge on Victoria, Aug 17 to 19 for the annual Victoria Dragonboat Festival. Enjoy cultural displays, food, entertainment and, of course, lots of action on the water. Later in the month, Victoria welcomes performers from around the world for the 21st annual Victoria Fringe Festival, always a summer season highlight, Aug 23 to Sep 2.

Calgary

If you like fireworks, you'll love a fireworks competition. Watch the world's best pyrotechnic nations attempt to outdo each other's fiery displays at the International Fireworks Competition, part of a city-wide cultural festival called GlobalFest that runs from Aug 13 to 25.

Book a Sweet Summer Escapes package or make a Hot Dates Hot Rates reservation and you'll be entered to win a Delta Hotels' Great Canadian Getaway!

Book with Delta to Win!

Click Here for Sweet Summer Escapes Offers!

The WHERE List:

BEST PLACES TO PICNIC

When you want a break from the concrete jungle, here are some wonderful spots in parks across the country where you can lunch away surrounded by natural beauty.

Toronto

With spectacular views of the Toronto skyline and plenty of peaceful parks, the Toronto islands are a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city (while still being in it!) for a leisurely lunch. Try Ward's Island, Centre Island or Hanlan's Point, or click here to find a scenic spot to set up the perfect picnic.

Edmonton

Part of Edmonton's group of river valley parks, which form the largest area of urban parkland in North America today, William Hawrelak Park offers numerous events and festivals throughout the year. For a picnic, choose from countless scenic spots to settle down at before taking a paddleboat out on the man-made lake. 9330 Groat Road, 496-4000.

Canadian Rockies

Cascade Ponds is a superb picnic spot surrounded by natural beauty. The spot has all the amenities to dine al fresco—picnic tables with firepits, covered shelter with a wood stove, public washrooms, hiking trails and on occasion, the shallow stream-fed ponds are warm enough for a dip. Find it across the Trans-Canada Hwy from the town of Banff; off Lake Minnewanka Loop.

Victoria

Beacon Hill Park, in the heart of downtown, offers a virtually endless array of picnic possibilities. Whether you prefer a picnic table by the children's playground or a blanket overlooking a flower-bordered lake, this is the ideal spot. While you're here, visit the children's petting zoo, try your hand at the 18-hole putting green, or catch a cricket match.

Halifax

The Halifax Public Gardens on Spring Garden Road are a lush oasis in the heart of the city with intricate floral displays, native and exotic trees, and more. Founded in 1867, this spot is recognized as having some of North America's finest Victorian gardens. Watch the ducks and swans splash in the ponds as you relax with a picnic lunch. On Sunday afternoons throughout the summer, the bandstand hosts free concerts.

Calgary

Whether you want a cozy "picnic de deux" along the riverbank, or a family barbeque on a fire pit, Bowness Park is the place to visit. Located in the northwest, the park occupies 30 hectares in the river valley. Hike through the majestic firs at the west end, or go paddleboating on the lagoon. If you forget the food, there's a café on-site.

Vancouver

For a summer picnic, you can't beat Stanley Park. With 400 hectares (1,000 acres) of green space, there's bound to be a corner for you and your honey to call your own.

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.

WestJet Fall Seat Sale

Book by August 9 for over 35 per cent off regular fares for travel from September 5 to October 31, 2007 in cities across Canada

Canada's Wonderland

Enjoy a summer getaway at Canada's Wonderland with a Delta Toronto Airport West package starting from $179 CDN per night. Canada's top amusement park offers a thrilling experience with more than 200 attractions, including children's rides, 14 roller coasters, and the Splashworks water park. The package includes:
• one-night's accommodation
• two adult tickets to Canada's Wonderland
• breakfast for two in Chardonnay

The Best of Turnberry Isle

Experience the best of Florida's Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort with packages starting at $319 USD (including room tax and resort fee, until Sep 21) that include:
• Luxury accommodations with balcony or terrace overlooking the resort's scenic grounds
• Daily gourmet breakfast buffet daily at the new Cascata Grille restaurant
• Overnight valet parking and free shuttle service to beach club and Aventura Mall
• $50 USD resort credit per room, per night, to be used at resort restaurants, lounges, golf courses, pro shops, and spa services
• Unlimited admission to the Willow Stream spa including fitness center and classes

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

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