WHEREmail

// June 2008

Dear Subscriber

This month we tell you where to find the hottest dance spots in the country, the oldest hotel still in operation in the world and how to win an Apple 8GB iPod Touch. You'll also find a round up of not-to-miss events from coast to coast, as well as what you need to know about travel vaccinations.

WHAT'S HOT IN JUNE:

Canadian Rockies

Rubber meets the road in Banff on June 21 to 22 with the first ever Bike Fest. With three thrilling events—scenic individual time trial, high-speed criterium (also includes family biking events) and an elite invitational road race through wilderness—this festival promises that pedal power rules the Park.

Ottawa

From June 7 to 15, spectators can catch over 35 stellar dance performances throughout the city at the Canada Dance Festival. Compagnie Marie Chouinard, Kidd Pivot, and more will perform. Also, Sephora, the make-up giant, has finally opened its doors in the Rideau Centre in Canada's capital.

Edmonton

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the River City Shakespeare Festival, from June 27 to July 23, will be entertaining crowds with two Shakespeare favourites performed “al fresco” at Hawrelak Park. Plus, popular Canadian rocker Matthew Good and his band take to the Jubilee on June 21.

Vancouver

There aren't any elephants or monkeys in Cirque du Soleil's production of Corteo, but the aerial acrobatics, juggling and tight wire walking leave you marvelling at the agility of the human body, as performers balance on their hands, circle the stage in huge wheels and swing from the chandeliers. It plays June 12 to July 20.

Winnipeg

The Groove-FM Jazz Winnipeg Festival draws in cool cats and cool acts. This year, enjoy blues, R&B, jazz, reggae and zydeco performed by musicians like the Neville Brothers and Wynton Marsalis. One of our favourite events is the outdoor concert at Old Market Square in the Exchange District. Visit www.jazzwinnipeg.com or call 989-4656.

Calgary

Fort Calgary hosts some of the most talented musicians in North America as part of the Calgary leg of the Virgin Festival, June 21 and 22. Headliners include The Tragically Hip and the re-united Stone Temple Pilots, as well as Three Days Grace, Corb Lund and Matthew Good. Organizers anticipate a turnout of 20,000 concert-goers per day.

Victoria

Tall ships from around the world come to Victoria for Tall Ships Festival 2008, in the city's Inner Harbour June 26 to 29. Climb aboard these historic treasures, learn the ropes at Pirate School and Tall Ships U, or check out the creations of local chefs and artisans. Also, ten hot nights of cool jazz come to Victoria June 20 to 29 when the Victoria Jazz Society hosts JazzFest. Highlights include concerts by Jesse Cook, the Dave Brubeck Quartet and Wynton Marsalis.

Halifax

Greece is the word! Drawing bigger crowds each year, Halifax's Greek Fest is a boisterous celebration of the city's vibrant Mediterranean community. Visit Saint George's Greek Orthodox Church on Purcell's Cove Road from June 13 to 15 for music, dancing, cuisine, cultural displays and more.

Toronto

Stars shine at the city's signature festival of all things creative—think dance, dramas, concerts and more—being performed all over the city from June 6 to 15 at Luminato. The place to be on June 29 at 2 pm is the Pride Parade, one of the largest Pride festivals on earth, where a million people relish lively music, garish garb and water-gun fights.

Bellstar Hotels & Resort offers five of Canmore's most exceptional properties. Featuring full kitchens, luxurious living rooms, fireplaces, BBQ's, pools, hot tubs, balconies, fitness centre's and more – each of Bellstar's Canmore Resorts are like a home away from home vacation experience. Blackstone Mountain Lodge, Fire Mountain Lodge, Mystic Springs Chalets & Hot Pools, Canmore Crossing and The Lodges at Canmore. Book now!

The WHERE List:

BEST PLACES TO HIT THE DANCE FLOOR

Editors from coast to coast have come up with the country's hottest places to go dancing in this month's Wherelist. Whether you want to go two-stepping, clubbing or salsa dancing, there's something for everyone.

Vancouver

The Commodore Ballroom becomes an octogenarian next year, but ago hasn't slowed down the old gal. In June the fabulous dance hall hosts bands such as Theory of a Deadman on June 16, She Wants Revenge June 17, O.A.R. June 18 and The Reverend Horton Heat June 26. No one can resist bouncing on the sprung dance floor.

Winnipeg

Alive, a new bar that opened in spring 2006, is a major draw for the 25-and-over crowd, where they can relax and party in a sophisticated atmosphere. Live bands belt out fun, nostalgic songs for the girls while guys watch live sports on the huge plasma screens.

Toronto

On Friday and Saturday nights, consider a visit to the mammoth 55,000-square-foot, four storey Circa (126 John St., 416-979-0044), which is part nightclub, part amusement park and part art gallery, with five themed bar areas and lounges. For a cozier club that looks more like a private prep school than one of the city's most elite nightclubs, visit This Is London.

Halifax

Want to go clubbing in Halifax? Just follow the crowds to The Dome on Argyle Street. The sprawling nightclub unites several different venues under one roof with visiting bands and DJs, multiple dance floors, six different bars and huge crowds every weekend. Open until 3:30am, this is one of Halifax's most popular nightclubs.

Calgary

Though Don Quijote and La Pachanga are restaurants by day, after 10 pm, both turn into sizzling Latino dance clubs, complete with salsa and tango dancing to live Latin bands and DJs.

Edmonton

When the sun goes down, the best place to let loose and shake your groove thang is at the old train station on Whyte Avenue, The Iron Horse. If your style is more of the two-stepping kind, then grab your hat; polish up your boots and head to the Ranch Roadhouse, Edmonton's newest honky-tonk dance club.

Canadian Rockies

When in Banff, get your groove on at Wild Bill's Legendary Saloon. There's live music most nights to get your toes tapping and top bands rock this dance hall such as Gilby Clarke from Guns N' Roses fame, who plays on June 16. If country is more your style try Wednesday Wild West nights with free line dance lessons and fun-filled 'calf' roping.

Ottawa

Dance the night away at Ottawa's hottest Latin nightclub, Caliente. Salsa, merengue and more are on the bill throughout the week. 110 York St., 613-562-0698.

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.

One free night at the Wyndham Nassau Resort

Stay for three nights and get the fourth free at the Wyndham Nassau Resort in the Bahamas; also includes dinner for two and $100 at the Crystal Palace Casino. Available until Dec 31, rates based on double occupancy.

Last minute deals with Air Transat

Transatlantic airliner Air Transat is offering last minute deals to Europe from nine Canadian cities, including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Halifax. Fly from Calgary to Paris for $472, from Toronto to Cancun for $454 or Montreal to Rome for $528 (taxes included). Prices subject to change and are date sensitive.

A night of romance at the Delta Vancouver

Indulge in a deluxe package for two at the Delta Vancouver, including one night's accommodation in a Delta suite, continental breakfast, an aromatherapy gift basket, bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries. Offer subject to availability, expires Dec 30, 2008.

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