WHEREmail

// October 2006

Dear Subscriber

This month, find out why Toronto is Wicked, Calgary gets Delirious, and New York goes agog over celebrity sightings. We also visit pubs from coast to coast to tell you who makes the best pint in the land, and unravel the complexities of working abroad.

WHAT'S HOT IN OCTOBER:

Vancouver

Best-selling authors read from their new books at the 60-event Vancouver International Writers and Readers Festival, Oct 16 to 22 on Granville Island. Visiting literati range from Bharati Mukherjee to Alberto Manguel. And the Vancouver International Film Festival continues to pack 'em in, with 500 showings of 300 movies from everywhere except mainstream Hollywood: it runs to Oct 13.

Edmonton

Alberta Ballet celebrates their 40th Anniversary with a glittering gala and dance show called Ruby Nights: featuring a film retrospective, as well performances of George Balanchine's Rubies, Grand-Maitre's Winter Room and the world premiere of Emily Molnar's provocative and sensual Carmina Burana. The show runs at the Jubilee Auditorium Oct 20 and 21.

Halifax

One of the jazz world's all-time great musical trailblazers arrives on Oct 27, when the Cunard Event Centre on Marginal Road hosts Juan de Marcos' Afro Cuban All Stars. The jazz legends took the music world by storm with the legendary Buena Vista Social Club recordings. Now experience the sensation with the newest generation of All Stars.

Toronto

Long before Dorothy, the Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow set foot on the yellow brick road, there was the story of the two witches of Oz. Wicked is the Tony-award winning musical about the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch; it starts an encore run Oct 6. Also check out the divine mayhem of L'Oreal Fashion Week from Oct 16 to 21, featuring more than 100 of the Canada's best designers.

Victoria

Enjoy a "spirited" visit to Victoria Oct 19 to 31 with the annual Ghosts of Victoria Festival, featuring ghost tours, cemetery walks and even a Halloween-inspired play staged in a 19th-century castle.

New York

If you're a celebrity nut, New York has plenty of stars you can spot having a bite or checking out the nightlife. Find out where Matt Damon likes to grab a cup of joe or Hilary Swank brings her A-list appetite with our feature story, Stars in Our Eyes.

Winnipeg

The International Wine Festival of Manitoba, Oct 13 to 15, features over 100 wineries from around the world. Wine experts are on hand to help you fully experience the taste of wine, plus there are gourmet cheeses and pâtés to accompany the tasting.

Canadian Rockies

Now in its 31st year, the Banff Mountain Festivals includes screenings of 50 jury-picked films, free and provocative noon hour seminars and literary lunch and evening presentations. There's also outdoor gear and travel trade shows, plus photography, writing and filmmaking workshops.

Calgary

Cirque de Soleil is world famous for their immaculate blending of astounding acrobatics with music, theatre and all-out artistic flair. They bring out their latest show Delirium to the Pengrowth Saddledome Oct 10 to 12.

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The WHERE List:

WHERE TO GET THE BEST PINT

This month from coast to coast our editors have searched places high and low to find the best pint in the city.

Calgary

Get into the spirit of Octoberfest at The James Joyce. Dominated by a long, antique bar this high-ceilinged pub claims the freshest pint of Guinness in the city, plus authentic Irish cuisine including carvery lunches and Irish boxtys.

Edmonton

Committed to making quality handcrafted beer onsite, the Brewsters Brewing Company and Restaurant features a wide-ranging assortment of premium ales, lagers and seasonal brews from around the world. While you're there, try out some of the spot's tasty pub fare.

Halifax

The granddaddy of Halifax's bustling pub scene is the Lower Deck in the Historic Properties, just off Lower Water Street. A bastion of Maritime hospitality since 1974, it offers East Coast music, hearty pub food and local ales aplenty.

Toronto

Toronto's newest watering hole is Amadeus Viennese Restaurant. In the Bavarian Beer Stube, pull up a seat at the oversized bar or one of the communal tables and order from 30 different Austrian and German brews, many on tap.

Vancouver

At The Irish Heather everything is Irish, from the owner to the decor. Enjoy a pint of Guinness and authentic Emerald Isle fare such as black pudding and soda bread. Plus out back, visit Shebeen, a 19th-century-style coach house offering a wide selection of whiskies.

Victoria

Not only can you enjoy a pint of handcrafted, locally brewed beer at Victoria's Spinnakers Brewpub, but also one of the city's finest views. Overlooking Victoria's Inner Harbour, Spinnakers offers a full-service restaurant, taproom, roomy patio and bakery.

Canadian Rockies

If you believe that the best pubs and beers in the world are Irish, drop by St. James's Gate Olde Irish Pub in Banff. Though the clientele may be Canadian and international, the Dublin-made fixtures and taps, food and music are pure Emerald Island.

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.

Harmony Airways Fall Escape Seat Sale

Book by Oct 10, and you could enjoy discounts to destinations like San Francisco, New York and Honolulu. For example, you could travel from Vancouver to Honolulu for $219 (one way, before taxes and surcharges).

Travel Cuts

If you're a student, or know someone who is, Travel Cuts offers great specials for travel around the world. They currently are offering 10% off tours to Africa and the Middle East; plus check out their list of 20 places to stay in Europe for under $20.

Delta Hotels—Stay for Miles Promotion

This fall, earn up to 2,000 Aeroplan Miles on select dates. Plan your fall vacation or business trip around earning more miles at Delta Hotels—and you could be up to 2,000 Aeroplan® Miles ahead. Check their Stay for Miles calendar to see which days you can earn the most Aeroplan Miles. Stay between October 1 and November 30, 2006, and earn 750 - 2,000 Aeroplan Miles. The longer you stay the more miles you earn!

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