WOLF HOWL AT ALGONQUIN PARK
In August of this year we wrote an article about Algonquin Park. We have received a letter here at Travel Advice Pages from Verna S who spent a holiday in the Park this summer with her Grandson and his friend. It was so interesting we thought you would all like to read it.
Here is an extract from Verna’s letter:
“I took Jacob, our oldest grandchild, camping in Algonquin Park for 5 days. He also had a friend join him and 10 year old boys are busy. We hiked different trails each morning and then biked along an abandoned railway turned into a biking trail each afternoon - approx 15 km.”
“One amazing aspect of this camping trip was being part of a ‘Wolf Howl’. It is an event that only occurs on Thursdays in the month of August, and only if the naturalists are able to locate a wolf pack within road access. To participate, you check the bulletin board on the Thursday morning and then if there is a Wolf Howl, you are instructed to meet at an outdoor theatre, which is located along the main highway, halfway through the park. You are instructed to have a full tank of gas in your vehicle and to meet at 8 pm. The naturalists give an informative talk about the wolves in Algonquin Park and then everyone gets in their vehicles and are directed to the observation area to hopefully hear the wolves answer back to the naturalists who are calling to them. The Thursday we were part of this Howl, there were 1460 people present which meant there were approx 300 cars heading down the highway. That in itself was an amazing site to see all of these cars ahead and behind you. When we reached the area of the Howl, they directed people to park along both sides of the highway and stand beside their cars. At this point, the police have closed both directions of the main highway leading through the park and the line of parked cars on the side of the highway extended for at least one to one and a half miles. This process of leaving the outdoor theatre and reaching our destination took approximately 90 minutes. The organization and volunteer work was excellent and very efficient. The night was warm and very clear and as you stood beside your car with no lights except the stars and moon - that also was an amazing experience. Anyway when the naturalists starting howling to the wolves, there was complete silence - nobody coughed, sniffled, whispered, etc. It was just so silent and yes the wolves answered back. With all of the howling and yipping it sounded like the pack had a least 20 wolves. What an incredible experience for the two 10 year old boys and Nana.
“they only have the Wolf Howls in August - the baby wolves are now old enough to travel with the pack therefore the packs are on the move. The naturalists spend each Tuesday and Wednesday night trying to locate a wolf pack that will answer them. If they get a response from the same pack on both nights then they post the notice on the bulletin boards of each campground and at the many visitor’s centres throughout the park and I am certain it must be posted on the Algonquin Park website as well. If they are unable to locate wolf packs on the Tuesday and Wednesday nights, then no Wolf Howl takes place and campers spend a quiet evening by their campfires instead. The Wolf Howls have been occurring in Algonquin Park for the past forty years. Prior to this, wolves were hunted throughout the park. In the 1960’s, the Park asked a renowned naturalist to visit the park and study the wolf population and he replied yes but only if they stopped killing the wolves. Wise man! During this study period, it was decided to invite the campers to one of the Wolf Howls the naturalists were conducting. They thought perhaps 30 people may be interested but 600 attended the first Howl. It was deemed such a success that is has been part of the events offered at Algonquin Park ever since.”
What an amazing experience for all the family, really something not to be missed. A real Wow moment for the kids.
We hope you enjoyed Verna’s letter and her comments on her experiences at the Wolf Howl at Algonquin Park.
Remember you are welcome to send articles, opinions, photographs and videos of your holidays and travel experiences.
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.
ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK
Algonquin Provincial Park is located about 210 K north of Toronto, Ontario. It can be accessed from both Highway 11 and Highway 17. It has 7,630 square kilometres of forests, lakes and rivers. It provides a true wilderness experience.
If you decide to visit in the spring you will be there in time for some of the best trout fishing imaginable. If fishing is not your thing just take an early morning drive to see the most wonderful moose viewing in Ontario and to see the forest at it’s spring best. It may not be as famous as the Autumn colours but in spring you will see pastel green Trembling Aspen leaves, pink Red Maples, white Cherry blossom and silvery Largetooth Aspen.
Summer in Algonquin is the most popular time for visitors. You can enjoy camping and canoeing, fishing and hiking, photography and nature walks, raspberry picking and toasting marshmallows on your camp fire. This is a fabulous time of year for the whole family from tots to Gran. There is something for everyone to do and plenty of activities and facilities to keep everyone happy on their summer vacation.
Although summer may be the best time to visit Algonquin, Fall, comes a very close second. The fall colours alone make a trip worthwhile, especially if you catch the maples at their peak in the last week of September or, in the first few days of October. The spectacle of hundreds of square miles of red and golden orange forest, blue lakes, and evergreen shores is one that no one should miss. As it is cooler you can enjoy camping and hiking with no biting insects!
Canisbay Lake, Mew Lake, Lake of Two Rivers, and Rock Lake campgrounds remain open until Thanksgiving (second Monday in October), as do the three lodges in the Parkway Corridor. After Thanksgiving, Mew Lake Campground (at km 30.6 along the Highway 60 Corridor) continues to remain open year-round offering a limited number of campsites (some with electricity) and a fully-winterized comfort station (flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities).
For anyone wishing to take part there is a group education program offered through the Friends of Algonquin Park. The topics range from plants to wolves and from early logging history to modern Park management.
Algonquin is equally fascinating in Winter. Ski through winter woods, over ridges and down the long hills. You will find tracks of deer, moose, otter, fox, wolves and martens. You are also quite likely to see the animals themselves. There is still plenty of bird life too. For the most hardy among you there are also a limited number of campsites available. The Mew Lake Campground also has seven Yurts available in winter for an unusual winter adventure holiday. There are more than 100 kilometres of cross country ski trails and unlimited snow shoeing possibilities. There is also dogsledding available at two locations in the park.
Whatever time of year you visit Algonquin you are sure to have a wonderful time especially if you follow a few of their simple guidlines:
Wear appropriate clothes and foot wear for the time of year, be prepared for cold weather emergencies, during the winter - time your hikes for daylight hours, avoid ice travel, winter camping requires special care and equipment, make sure someone knows where you are and when you are due back, choose a trail suitable for your abilities. Generally just use your common sense and remember you are in a wilderness area and go prepared.
Algonquin Provincial Park is a marvelous wilderness area. It has provided millions of visitors with wonderful holidays and wonderful memories and we are sure it will be doing so for many years to come.
WEST EDMONTON MALL - FOR A HOLIDAY WITH A DIFFERENCE
Today I am going to suggest that you consider taking a weekend break or a holiday at a shopping mall. Not just any shopping mall but the West Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada.
It is the world’s largest entertainment and shopping centre. There are over 800 stores and services, over 100 eating establishments and 9 world class attractions.
Now you can please everyone in the family. There really is something to appeal to every taste in this complex. Young or old you are sure to find something to suit you here. For a start if shopping is your thing you can truly shop till you drop in this Mall which spans the equivalent of 48 city blocks!
If you are taking the kids or your teenagers there is going to be plenty to keep them amused. The Galaxyland Amusement Park is the world’s largest indoor amusement park . You will find everything from a triple loop roller coaster to a Kids Playpark. If they like music and dancing there is plenty here in the evenings, with some special entertainment nights too.
World Waterpark will be great fun for everyone, it is an amazing 5 acre indoor waterpark. There are more than 20 different water activities, miles of waterslides, the world’s largest indoor wave pool, bungee jumping, hot tubs and there is even a play area for toddlers.
Just these two activities would keep you busy but there is more: an indoor lake with bumper boats, daily sea lion shows, Sea Life caverns with over 200 species of fish, sharks, reptiles, penguins and sting rays, a sensational Ice Palace where you can skate or watch a skating event or ice hockey game, an 18 hole miniature golf course, 10 pin bowling,billiards and arcade games.
Of course the grown ups can enjoy all of these activities too but there is some grown up entertainment at the Las Vegas - style Palace Casino and at Caesar’s Bingo. For a great night out try Jubilation’s Live Dinner Theatre or the Edmonton Centre for a concert or special event.
Also in the complex are 21 movie theatres, a skateboard park, Planet golf, Space Racer, Laser Extreme, Haunted Castle, Fun Park, Wild West Shooting Centre and Rock Climbing.
Added to all of this are excellent Hotels and a camping ground.
Now you can see why I am suggesting you take a break or a holiday at a shopping mall. This is one very special Mall. The West Edmonton Mall, Alberta, Canada for a truly different vacation and shopping experience.
SNOW AND ICE FESTIVALS 2008
The weather outside may be cold and dreary but this time of the year sees the start of wonderful snow and ice festivals. These wonderful fiestas of colour, light and imaginative ice sculptures take place each year during the months of January and February.
Travel Advice brings you details of three of the largest world famous events in China, Canada and Japan.
Harbin Ice Festival 5 January 2008 – 5 February 2008. Each year the North Eastern city of Harbin, the capital of Heilonjiang Province hosts a spectacular Ice Festival. China’s original ice artwork festival attracts 800,000 visitors from all over the world. The focal point is Zhaolin Park with the ice from the Songhua River used to construct fantastic pieces of artwork, arranged in themes depicting folk tales, buildings, gardens, flowers, churches, lions, dragons and more. With lights embedded in the sculptures the park at night becomes a colorful and amazing ice world. Experts from around the world also gather to participate in ice sculpting competitions. An entire village is built from ice on the frozen Songhua River. In December, 15,000 workers cut blocks of ice from the river to provide the 120,000 cubic metres of ice required by this event
The Quebec Winter Carnival is the largest winter carnival in the world. It runs for 17days in February and attracts over one million visitors. The Festival Ambassador is a giant snowman sporting a red cap who is presented with a key to the city by the Mayor of Quebec at the opening ceremony. The ceremony takes place in a huge Ice Palace built by 15 men over the previous 2 months. Since 1973 teams from around the world have participated in an International Ice Sculpture Competition. Judged by both the public and jury. Traditionally, a canoe race takes place between Quebec and Levis across the St Lawrence River, the crews having to paddle in open water and drag canoes over frozen Sections of the 3.2 Km course. Other events include a 6Km dog sled race and a snow bath where participants bathe in snow in temperatures of -20C. At the weekends, nightly parades take place with illuminated floats.
Sapporo Snow Festival 6 February – 12 February is one of Japan’s largest winter events. Hundreds of snow and ice sculptures are created in three areas of Sapporo:Odori Koen is Sapporo’s Central Park and hosts artistic snow sculptures, the festival launch and live entertainment. Satorando is great for all the family with hot air balloons, snow mazes and an ice bar. Susukino is the area where ice sculptures are carved with chain saws and power tools and is best visited after dark. In 2007 there were 439 statues all illuminated at night. The best view being from the TV Tower in Odori Park
All these magnificent festivals bring colour, illuminations and fantastic ice artwork to the dreary winter months and are well worth visit
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:
RELOCATING - TO CANADA ON A BUSINESS IMMIGRATION APPLICATION
Canada has three classes of business immigrants; investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons. You must choose to apply under only one of these classes, even if you meet the requirements for more than one class. Features of each type are listed below to help you make that decision. Note that you cannot change the class you are applying under once you have submitted your application.
INVESTORS
Investors must have business experience. They must have either:
(a) managed a qualifying business and controlled a percentage of equity of a qualifying business for at least two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application, OR
(b) managed at least five full-time job equivalents per year in a business for at least two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application.
The investor class applicant must have a net worth of at least $800,000. They are required to make an investment of $400,000, paid to the Receiver General of Canada. The full amount of the investment (without interest) is repaid to the investor after five years. The exact date of repayment depends on when the $400,000 is received by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. At the latest, the amount would be returned five years and 3 months after the date of payment. The return of the investment is fully guaranteed by participating provinces and territories.
Features of the Investor Program
-Investors are not required to start a business in Canada;
-Investments are fully guaranteed by provinces and territories that participate in the program;
-The provinces and territories control the investment during the five year lock-in period; AND
-No immigration conditions are imposed upon admission to Canada.
ENTREPRENEURS
Entrepreneurs must have business experience. They must have managed a qualifying business and controlled a percentage of equity of a qualifying business for at least two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application. The entrepreneur class applicant must have a net worth of at least $300,000. Additionally, they must have the intention and the ability to:
-Control a percentage of equity of a qualifying Canadian business equal to or greater than 33 1/3 %
-Provide active and ongoing management of the qualifying Canadian business; AND
- Create at least one incremental full-time job equivalent for one or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents other than the entrepreneur applicant and their family members.
Entrepreneurs are required to sign a statement that they intend and will be able to meet the conditions or permanent residence. Features of the Entrepreneur Program:
A minimum net worth requirement of $300,000;
A requirement that within three years of becoming a permanent resident, the entrepreneur must have controlled and have actively managed a qualifying Canadian business for a period of at least one year, and that the business must have created employment opportunities for others; AND
All family members are admitted under the same conditions as the principal applicant; the conditions are removed once the entrepreneur satisfies the conditions.
SELF-EMPLOYED PERSONS
Self-employed immigrants must have relevant experience. Points are awarded for relevant experience within the five-year period immediately preceding the date of application. Features of the Self-employed persons program:
No immigration conditions are imposed on this class.
Self-employed immigrants must have the experience, intention and ability to:
-establish a business that will, at a minimum, create an employment opportunity for themselves and that will make a significant contribution to cultural activities or athletics in Canada; OR
purchase and manage a farm in Canada.
FACTORS
According to the legislation, Business Class applicants are people who may become permanent residents on the basis of their ability to become economically established in Canada. Business Class applicants must:
earn enough points in the five factors (business experience, education, language ability, age, adaptability) to meet the pass mark,
AND
meet the minimum financial requirements.
For up to date information, you may wish to consult the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website at:
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