CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION
The Canadian National Exhibition August 21 - September 7
This is a wonderful 18 days of fun for all the family. Where to start? There is an Agricultural section for all the wannabe farmers. Then at the other extreme is a haunted tour of the grounds and buildings at night. After all the Horticulture building was once a morgue and there were two forts on the site and a battle in 1812. So bound to be haunted.
My favourite part of the CNE was always the food. From cookery demonstrations to free samples. This year taste the official dessert, Duncan Hines Decadent Carrot Cake which will be prepared and sampled at each show. The Two Fat Guys will be there and back by popular demand is the Ribfest, in Bandshell Park. There are outdoor concessions to feed you on the go and a number of restaurants on the site if you would rather sit and relax.
Visit Kids World for great midway rides, a playground, onstage entertainment and loads of animals, puppets and crazy creatures. Endless fun for the kids young and old!!
Try not to miss Movie Magic: Aerial Acrobatics and Ice Skating Show at 2pm and 7pm. This is an enormously popular event.
Also for the kids is the daily CNE Mardi Gras Parade. This is hugely popular and once again the Mardi Gras necklaces will play a big part of the fun.
For the 23rd year the Rising Star Talent Competition will take place at Maple Lodge Farms Variety Stageon August 21st - September 3rd, with the finals at the Bandshell on September 6th.
For the Adults you might enjoy some quiet time at the Horticultural Exhibits. If so head along to the Garden Show at Heritage Court.
Each evening enjoy the E Evolution Emergence Energy Nighttime Light Show. The exterior of the South East Entrance of the Direct Energy Centre will be transformed into a large canvas onto which spectacular images will be projected.
Also not to be missed is the 60th Annual Canadian International Air Show which takes over the skies on Labour Day Weekend. This years show is set to be one of the most exciting ever. There will be performances by the Canadian Forces F 18 Hornet painted in its celebratory Centennial of Flight scheme, the CF Snowbirds formation Aerobatic team, The Horsemen a 3 ship P 51 Mustang demonstration team, the first appearance of Hawk One an F86 Sabre, The Centennaire Tutor and a special appearance by a formation jet team from the USA.
For all you shoppers you can truly shop till you drop at the CNE. On the 192 acre site there is plenty to see and buy. Arts, Crafts, Hobbies, Canadian Collectibles, Home Wares, Jewellery, Leather Goods, Furniture, Treasures of the World, Souvenirs, in fact just about everything you can think of in the indoor and outdoor markets.
There are simply too many events to mention. But from the selection here I am sure you can see that a day out at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto is an event not to be missed.
One last thing as it is the City of Toronto’s 175th Anniversary, on open day admission will be just $1.75!! An even better reason not to miss the fun!
MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL 2009
Between the 30th of June and 12th of July, the City of Montreal, Canada comes alive with the biggest names in Jazz . Since its inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2004, the Montreal International Jazz Festival remains the largest Jazz Festival in the world with its expected 2 million visitors. 2009 is the 30th Anniversary of this event.
Over the Festival period there are around 500 concerts with 75% free to the public. The range of music styles covers Blues, Latin, Jazz, Brazilian, Cuban, African, Reggae and Electronica.
As befits this great festival, Montreal is blessed with the PLACE des ARTS, a magnificent performing arts centre in an area known as the Quartier des Spectacles, in downtown Montreal. The complex has five theatres for the indoor performances:
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
Theatre Maisinneuve
Theatre Jean-Duceppe
Cinquieme Salle
Studio Theatre
The esplanade in front of the Place des Arts with fountains and water cascades is one of the important outdoor sites during the Festival.
The Montreal International Jazz Festival consistently attracts top international talent, both established and up and coming artists.
The 125 performers for 2009 include the following main attractions:
Stevie Wonder
Dave Brubeck
Tony Bennett
Jamie Cullum
Wynton Marsalis
John Pizzarelli
Madeleine Peyroux
Chucko Valdes
Susie Arioli
Jeff Beck
Jackson Browne
Zachary Richard
Above all, the Montreal Jazz Festival is a family-friendly affair. The Festivals Outdoor Site is a great area for the family. The Parc Musical Rio Tinto Alcan provides a range of kids activities all day long. For the 21st year, the Grande-Place Stage will feature Jacques L’Heureux with the unforgettable character called Remi, together with La Bande Magnetik and the Festival Mascot Ste-Cat. Every day The Little School of Jazz is an interactive and educational introduction to jazz for the younger ones. Meanwhile the parents can enjoy the nearby bistros and the Festival Souvenir Boutiques.
During the Festival, Montreal’s 2-5 Star Hotels are offering excellent discount packages. Remember to book in advance.
At the moment (5th June 2009) the temperature in Montreal is 16 Degrees C and cloudy. By Festival time it could rise to 30 Degrees. Wear appropriate clothing and slap on the sun cream! In saying that, Montreal weather can be unpredictable and you may require a jacket. During the evenings it is best to be prepared and take a sweater or jacket.
The place to be this summer is definitely the Montreal International Jazz Festival, so go ahead and enjoy your visit to the Worlds biggest, international jazz festival.
Here is a link to the official site for any further information you may require: http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/default-en.aspx
ELMIRA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL 2009
ELMIRA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL
Boiling Maple Syrup
The Travel Advice Pages article on the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival in Ontario, Canada, generated so much interest that we have decided to feature the event again in 2009.
As winter retreats and Spring arrives, temperatures rise and the good folk in Ontario head for their sugar bush to make maple syrup. Boiling of the sap is one of the oldest traditions and is part of Canada’s heritage, producing maple syrup which is famous worldwide.
In Elmira, the Festival and celebrations began in April 1965. After an initial attendance of 10,000 visitors in that year, it now attracts up to 100,000 from around the world and figures in the Guinness Book of Records for the largest amount of maple syrup consumed in one day. The festival promotes community spirit and the fantastic day of fun is supported by 2000+ volunteers.
Start your day with the famous Festival Pancakes made from a secret recipe, served in Wyatt Street. Help consume the 15000 pancakes and 725 litres of maple syrup served each year. After, or before this treat, compete in the Pancake Flipping Contest which was introduced in 1985. Try flipping your pancakes in a fun-filled relay race.
The Elmira Festival brings the farm into town for the kids in Old Mcdonalds Farm, just off Main Street, children can meet their furred, feathered and four-footed friends. With a hay maze and pony rides it is a child’s delight.
Collectors and Antique Dealers from across Ontario head for Elmira at Festival time. On the Friday evening, you can bring your own treasure from the attic for appraisal by experts. Test your knowledge with the “What-is-it” contest figuring out the use of old tools and implements.
Elmira is in the heart of quilt making territory. At the show, local quilters demonstrate this timeless art and a team will attempt to produce an entire quilt during the day of the Festival
Given the theme of the day a Sugarbush Tour is a must. Hop on a bus and see a working sugarbush operation. At the working farm site you will transfer to a haywagon for a close-up view and see how maple syrup is produced, from sap collection to evaporation and final processing. After the tour stay and sample the maple goodies.
After a strenuous day and if the Inner Man requires attention, visit Main Street. The street is closed to traffic and is lined with booths selling food, food products and arts and craft items. Maple candy, taffy, fudge, butter and pancakes will tempt you together with bacon sandwiches, sausages, turkey, souvlaki, piping hot apple fritters and jellies and jams.
Your final stop may well be the Toy Show and Sale. Adults and children will be fascinated by the collection of toys, old and new. As a souvenir of a memorable day you can take home one of the “Collectible Toy Banks” which is a limited edition on sale each year.
With its attractions and fun-filled activities for all ages, The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival ranks high in the list of popular Festivals in any year, so join in the fun on the 4th April 2009.
Collecting Sap
CANADIAN SHELLFISH FESTIVAL
THE PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND (PEI) SHELLFISH FESTIVAL, CANADA
Shellfish lovers should head for historic Charlotteville, PEI, on September 19-21 2008, for the “Biggest Kitchen Party in Atlantic Canada.”
PEI, one of four Atlantic Provinces, is known as the “Garden of the Gulf.” It is located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence west of Cape Breton, lies north of the Nova Scotia peninsula and is Canada’s smallest and greenest Province.
With great music, gourmet chefs to celebrity cooks; first time oyster tasters to world-class oyster shuckers; this festival entertains and educates people of all ages.
Sample the delights produced by the chefs of the Culinary Institute of Canada in interactive, daily demonstrations. One of these is the “Keep on Shucking” demo with John Bil - three times Canadian Shucking Champion. Purchase Seafood Chowder, freshly steamed PEI Mussels and Clams and the renowned Oysters and Quahogs (Hard Shell Clams.)
If you love seafood chowder there are two highly competitive Chowder Contests. In the “PEI Potato Seafood Chowder Champinship,” chefs from across PEI compete with the winner gaining automatic entry into the “Cream International Chowder Championship,” for a top prize of $2000.
If oysters are your thing do not miss the three oyster shucking contests. In the “Raspberry Point Shucking Championship,” 20 contestants are timed in opening and presenting oysters on a half shell.
In the “Two Continents Showdown,”(sponsored by Air Canada Cargo) Europe’s top five will take on North America’s top five in a relay format with five dozen oysters shucked in less than an unbelievable three minutes! Canada’s winning time in 2007 was 2.41 minutes.
Finally, the “JP World Invitational Championship,” which in 2007 saw 24 oysters presented in 1.51 minutes.
The top competition with a prize of $10,000 is the “International Shellfish Chef’s Challenge.” Local, Regional, and International Chefs will have a list of ingredients provided 2 weeks prior to the festival and released on the day. The contestants will have to produce 10 servings of an appetizer, an entree and a dessert.
If seafood is not the main attraction in your life there are children’s programmes, the Atlantic Veterinary Marine “Touch Tank,” Boat Cruises and musical entertainment.
Having had your fill of the seafood experience, relax with some retail therapy in Charlotteville. You can buy that perfect souvenir. Browse on the historic waterfront, Queen St and Victoria Row. Delights include Peake’s Wharf Merchants, Anne of Green Gables, the Confederation Mall and Just Us Girls Fashion Cafe.
There is nightlife to suit everyone. Many local restaurants turn into a nightspot after dark. Kent Street and Sydney Street are known for finding a good time.
If you still have energy left after the Festival there are some great ways of sightseeing. Amphibian vehicles used by Hippo Harbour Tours will take you on both land and sea. Explore the town in more leisurely fashion in an Emerald Isle - horsedrawn carriage. For the adventurous Tartan Air will show you the region from 500ft!
This is a great island for all the family with lots to see and do after a magnificent international festival.
WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS - NIAGARA FALLS
Niagara Falls has been Canada’s Honeymoon capital for over 200 years. Hundreds of Canadians are married or have their honeymoon at the beautiful and romantic Niagara Falls every year. For anyone outside of Canada it is a wonderful venue for your wedding and honeymoon too.
Niagara Falls has an abundance of natural beauty, the whole of the Niagara Peninsula is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Niagara Parkway is said by many to be the most scenic and beautiful in the world.
The Falls which are one of the wonders of the world would make a superb backdrop for your wedding photographs. If yours is a small wedding party, arrangements can be made to hold the service at one of the lookout points too. This would make a truly dramatic setting for any wedding.
Niagara Falls has many top class Hotels available for weddings and honeymoons. Our Travel Advice would be to chose a Hotel on the Canadian side of the Falls rather than the American side as the views are much better. It is possible to obtain a room with a balcony and double jacuzzi overlooking the American and Bridal Veil Falls with side views of the Horseshoe Falls. This is a fabulous sight during the day and at night with the Falls lit up, it makes for a very romantic backdrop.
For all those who would like to Honeymoon at the Falls there is plenty to see and do to make your stay in Canada an enjoyable one. Apart from viewing the Falls themselves there are plenty of other sights to see. A boat trip on the “Maid of the Mist” is a must so you can see the Falls up close and personal. Other sights include: Scenic Trolley rides, the Imax Theatre, the Casino, the Aquarium of Niagara, Observation Tower, Adventure Theatre, Discovery Center, Old Fort Niagara, Niagara Wax Museum, Canal Cruises, Golf courses, Wineries, many restaurants and bars, great shopping and if you venture further into Canada you can take a trip to Toronto and some of the interesting and picturesque small towns in the area.
For those overseas visitors wishing to marry in Niagara Falls, Canada here is some necessary information you will need to make your arrangements:
“You’ll first need to obtain a marriage license, available for $100CAN, which must be paid in cash. You each need to show two official pieces of identification such as a passport, birth certificate, or driver’s license. Also, if either of you have been previously married, you’ll need to show official proof of divorce or death of previous spouse. NOTE: If your divorce was granted outside of Canada, you’ll need to follow some additional procedures to get your divorce certified. Allow extra time for this; give the Clerk’s office a call for all the details. Also NOTE: same sex marriages are legal in Ontario.
You can get your license from the Clerks Department at City Hall, 4310 Queen Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, telephone 905-356-7521. Your marriage license is valid for three months. The office is open weekdays 8:30 am to 4 pm.”
Whether you decide to be married in a church, chapel, by the Falls, in a helicopter or one of the many Hotel venues, we are sure it will be a memorable and very special occasion to be married at Niagara Falls.
FACTS ABOUT NIAGARA FALLS
- Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States of America, established in 1885 as the Niagara Reservation, the first of several such Reservations that eventually became the cornerstones to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
- Frederick Law Olmsted, landscape architect of Niagara Falls State Park, also designed Central Park in New York City.
- In 1969, an earthen dam was built across the head of the American Rapids, dewatering the American Falls. For six months, geologists and engineers studied the rock face and the effects of erosion. It was determined that it would be too costly to remove rock at the base of the American Falls, and that nature should take its course.
- 3,160 tons of water flows over the falls every second. This accounts for 75,750 gallons of water per second over the American and Bridal Veil Falls and 681,750 gallons per second over the Horseshoe Falls.
- The water falls at 32 feet per second over the falls, hitting the base of the falls with 280 tons of force at the American and Bridal Veil Falls and 2,509 tons of force at the Horseshoe Falls.
- The Falls are capable of producing over 4 million kilowatts of electricity, which is shared by the United States and Canada.
- The Niagara River is actually a strait, connecting two large bodies of water, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
- Four of the five Great Lakes drain into the Niagara River, (Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie) before emptying into Lake Ontario. These five Great Lakes make up almost one-fifth of the world’s fresh water supply.
- Over 12,000 years ago, Niagara Falls extended seven miles down river at what is now Lewiston, New York and Queenston, Ontario. Over the years, the brink has eroded sometimes as much as six feet per year, to its present site.
- Close to 140 acres, of the over 400 acres Niagara Falls State Park, is under water.
- During the last Ice Age, starting about 1.7 million years ago, continental glaciers up to two miles in thickness covered the Niagara Frontier region.
- The Niagara River Corridor was designated an important Bird Area in 1996, the first internationally recognized area in the world. The river supports thousands of wintering gull and waterfowl species.
- The lower Niagara River supports one of New York State’s endangered fish, the Lake Sturgeon.
- The Niagara River ecosystems support many of New York State’s protected animal species, such as the Lake Sturgeon, Peregrine Falcon and American Bald Eagle.
- The Niagara River Gorge is home to 14 species of rare plants, some threatened and endangered.
- In 1901, 140 of the 170 trees native to western New York were found growing on Goat Island.
- The total number of flora species documented on Goat Island over the last two centuries is just over 600.
- The first person to see and describe the falls in length was Father Louis Hennepin, a French priest who accompanied LaSalle on his expedition to the Niagara region in 1678.
- Green Island, situated between Goat Island and the mainland, was named after Andrew Green, first president of the commission at the State Reservation at Niagara. He was very prominent in New York City with the construction of Central Park, and the planning of northern Manhattan and today’s Bronx. Green helped establish great cultural institutions such as the Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Bronx Zoo, and most importantly, led the Greater New York movement that joined the municipalities around Manhattan Island into today’s 5-borough city.
- Three Sisters Islands were named after the daughters of Parkhurst Whitney, a hotelman and prominent local citizen. The daughter’s names were Asenath, Angeline and Celinda Eliza.
- A statue of Chief Clinton Rickard, who was the founder of the Indian Defense League in 1926, can be found near the Great Lakes Gardens in Niagara Falls State Park.
- In November 1896, electrical power was transmitted from the Adams Power Plant in Niagara Falls, New York to Buffalo, New York. This was the first time in the world that alternating current was transmitted over a long distance.
- At one time, before Goat Island became part of Niagara Falls State Park, there were suggestions on what the island could be used for. Mr. Vanderbilt planned to use the island as a pleasure ground for people riding his trains to the falls. P.T. Barnum wanted to turn Goat Island into circus grounds!
- In 1885, a horse-drawn carriage ride around the falls cost $1.00 per hour.
- On January 27, 1938, the Upper Steel Arch Bridge, known locally as the Honeymoon Bridge, collapsed under pressure from the build up of ice in the gorge below the falls. The bridge had been closed days before in anticipation of the collapse.
SPRING FESTIVALS - OKANAGAN VALLEY WINE FESTIVAL
The second in the Travel Advice series of Spring Festivals is for the lovers of good food and wine and is set in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada. The valley, 400 Km East of Vancouver hosts one of the World’s finest Wine Festivals and is held in the first days of May 2008. First established in 1995, this extravaganza of food and wine celebrates the new wine season.
With over 70 wineries in the region and so much to see, the planning of a holiday is quite a task. Travel Advice offers some suggestions for a wonderful few days in this spectacular part of Canada.
Kick off the holiday in leisurely style with a cruise on the Okanagan Lake on board the Casabella Princess - the unique Paddle Steamer berthed at Penticton. Naturally, fine wines and food are served during the cruise. In order to see some of the exceptional wineries, the Great Estates of the Okanagan tour will provide you with tastings at the award-winning Sumac Ridge, Mip Cellars, Iniskillin, Jackson Triggs and the historical See Ya Later Ranch. Lunch is taken on a patio overlooking the Osoyoos Lake.
During the 2008 Festival, the Hillside Estate Winery is inviting visitors to help celebrate the Estate’s Silver Anniversary with a night of fine wines, Atlantic Lobster and great entertainment
Art and Wine – A Special Partnership, is a specialist tour which visits three private Artist’s Studios. This is certainly a unique event celebrating art, wine and food in the Okanagan Valley.
At the Rollingdale Winery you can test your sensory skills and confirm that natural talent you often boast about on the Blind Barrel Tour, comparing varieties and vineyard products.
Finally, before a possible departure, treat Mom to a special Mother’s Day Brunch on 11 May at Hillside before your final wine tasting session.
If you decide to stay on after the festival, there are dozens of parks around Okanagan Lake making the area a natural adventure playground, for hiking, biking and other outdoor pursuits. We hope you will enjoy this fabulous Festival and perhaps return for its sister event in the autumn.
SPRING FESTIVALS - THE ELMIRA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL 2008
As winter disappears into spring and temperatures rise the thoughts of families in Ontario, Canada turn to the making of maple syrup. This is one of the oldest traditions in North America and part of Canada’s heritage.
On the 4th and 5th of April, all roads lead to the town of Elmira for the world’s largest Maple Syrup Festival. Why not join the folks there for a couple of fun-filled days with something for all the family. Continuing a tradition of 41 years, the Festival is supported by 2000+ volunteers and aims to raise funds for local charities.
On the Saturday there are events for all the family from early morning until the evening. These include the following:
Pancake Passion. Kick off your day and help eat some of the 15000 pancakes cooked every year, hot off the griddle and smothered in Waterloo County maple syrup.
Mall Madness. The heart of the Festival is Main Street with almost a mile of temptations. The street is lined with booths selling local crafts and food. How about hot apple fritters on a cool Spring morning.
Farm Fun. The festival brings the farm into Elmira. Kids will love meeting all the four-footed, furry and feathered animals at Old MacDonalds Farm just off Main Street. The pony rides will provide great photos.
Toys for All. Kids and serious collectors will revel in the enormous collection of old and new toys in the Lion Hall. Since 1987, the Festival has produced a toy bank (money box) and these have become collector’ items.
Sugarbush Bus. Join the tour of a working sugarbush farm. Transfer to a hay wagon and see the entire operation and even sample the maple goodies
Mega Mutts. Do not miss the performance of Elmira’s Mega Mutts. These dogs perform feats of agility and amazing stunts and have appeared in shows throughout Ontario.
Flippers. Before or after eating your pancakes take part in the pancake flipping contest. An hilarious relay contest now in its twenty first year.
Finally, visit the antiques and quilt sales open throughout the day. There is no doubt that the entire family will enjoy this fun-filled day in Elmira at the World’s largest Maple Syrup Festival
RELOCATING - TO CANADA ON A QUEBEC SELECTED APPLICATION
The Québec government and the Government of Canada have an agreement that allows Québec to select immigrants who best meet its immigration needs. Under the Canada-Québec Accord on Immigration, Québec is able to establish its own immigration requirements and select immigrants who will adapt well to living in Québec.
To come to Canada as a Québec Skilled Worker, you must first apply to the Québec government for a Certificat de selection du Québec. Visit the Québec Immigration Web site for more information.
Note: After you have been selected by Québec, you have to make a separate application to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for permanent residence. A CIC officer will assess your application based on Canadian immigration regulations.
Québec Skilled Workers are not assessed on the six selection factors of the Federal Skilled Workers Program.
RELOCATING - TO CANADA ON A FAMILY CLASS APPLICATION
Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Canada, 18 years of age or older, may sponsor close relatives or family members who want to become permanent residents of Canada.
Who can be sponsored in the family class?
* spouses, common-law or conjugal partners 16 years of age or older;
* parents and grandparents;
* dependent children, including adopted children; (see below for definition)
* children under 18 years of age whom you intend to adopt;
* brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces or grandchildren who are orphans, under the age of 18 and not married or in a common-law relationship; and
any other relative if you have none of the above relatives or family members, either in Canada or abroad.
* a son or daughter is dependent when the child:
* is under the age of 22 and does not have a spouse or common-law partner;
* is a full time student and is substantially dependent on a parent for financial support since before the age of 22, or since becoming a spouse or common-law partner (if this happened before age 22); or
* is financially dependent on a parent since before the age of 22 because of a disability.
Canadian citizens living abroad who intend to return to Canada may sponsor their spouses, common-law or conjugal partners or dependent children who have no dependent children. For further information on the
sponsorship process and to obtain the sponsorship kit, go to : www.cic.gc.ca.
To sponsor any other eligible relatives (e.g. parents and grandparents) you must be resident in Canada.
If you are not a Canadian citizen, you cannot sponsor if you live outside Canada.
All sponsorships must be submitted to the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. If you are sponsoring your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner or dependent child you must submit both the sponsorship application and the application for permanent residence to the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga.
For other family members, the sponsorship application is submitted to the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga. When it is approved, the sponsor is sent an application form for permanent residence which must be forwarded to your relative who then submits it to the visa office.
For further information on the sponsorship process and to obtain the sponsorship kit and for up to date information, you may wish to consult the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website at:
