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The holidays have come to an end, most of us have likely over-indulged in delicious holiday fare, and now it's time for those good old New Year's resolutions. I stopped making those many years ago, because I thought it was a bit ridiculous to come up with new resolutions only once a year. Instead, I give myself small goals throughout the year; that way I feel like I've accomplished so much more, rather than making a resolution at the beginning of the year and likely forgetting about it halfway through.

One of the things I do keep telling myself every year is that I really should go outside and play more in the snow. Seeing as winter is by far my least favorite season, I figure that if I go out and do fun winter activities, I won't find the season so long and dreary. We are very fortunate here in Montreal, as we have a lot of things going on in the city in the winter and many fun activities to do that are mere steps away from home. And if you're making those fitness resolutions, it can make keeping them somewhat easier.

One of Montreal's major attractions is Mount-Royal, or as the locals here call it "The Mountain". You can strap on your warmest La Canadienne boots, made in Canada of course, and take a nice, leisurely winter stroll to Beaver Lake, where you can do some ice skating, sledding or "crazy carpeting". The mountain is a great getaway, because as soon as you start walking up, you completely forget that you're in the middle of the city and it feels like you're hiking in a forest up North!

 

La CANADIENNE Annabella boots

If you're more of a city slicker like myself, there are many other fun things to do outdoors in the city in the winter that will entertain you and almost make you forget that it's cold outside. For the last few years, we've had a music festival here called Igloofest which usually runs for about 2 weeks (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays) starting in mid January, at the Old Port of Montreal. It is basically a big music event with outdoor shows, DJ's, and dancing o' plenty. You'll really want to dress warmly for this one, sp take out all your best winter gear, fleece undergarments, your warmest Canada Goose coat and just dance the night away!

 

Women's Montebello Parka - Canada Goose

Another excellent way to have fun outdoors in the city is the Montreal High Lights Festival, which runs from February 21^st to March 3^rd this year, and has a ton of different activities to please everyone from the kids to the grandparents. It is one of the largest winter festivals in the world, combining both indoor and outdoor activities. It illuminates the city and is a pleasure for the eyes as well as the heart. When the sun goes down, brace yourself for a spectacular event filled with lights, fireworks, acrobats, digital projections and much more. The festival closes with a bang, with its ‘'All-Nighter'' celebrations where you can enjoy hundreds of free activities, shows both onscreen and onstage, all in the great outdoors.

    

So, as you can see, there is no shortage of fun to be had outside in Montreal in the winter; you just have to be prepared for the weather, which can be very unpredictable, and just go out there and enjoy everything winter has to offer.

What are YOU going to do outdoors this winter?

 

By Annie Curran

It's Day 2 of our Cross Canada Countdown! Yay! We are "travelling" all across the country to find out more about what you are doing to get into the holiday spirit! We'll be posting a quick blurb every day until December 25, to help you with your made-in-Canada  Christmas. We hope that you will contribute by sharing your Canadian Christmas activities, tips and tricks, in the comment section.

 

We're still in B.C. after visiting ChillBed Industries Ltd . in Vancouver yesterday. (You have a week to enter to win a laptop cooling stand!). I found out about the B.C. entrepreneur that I want to introduce you to through a Canadian blog that I subscribe to called Funky Junk Interiors. It's a great blog about decorating, staging, massive impact on a thrifty scale and other things like blogging tips. Do have a look at Donna's blog  ... it's fascinating and inspiring and it really has heart!

Anywho, Donna is decorating (as usual) and nothing says Christmas to her like a poinsettia. Through her post, I found out about Tamara Jansen, of Darvonda Nurseries. What really struck me about the post was what Tamara had to say about the poinsettia industry, from the perspective of a family-owned business. I thought you good shoppers would be interested too!

 

"I had been noticing a decline in the use of the traditional poinsettia plant for decorating at Christmas both in prin and television. I have been concerned that our industry hasn't been actively encouraging designers/bloggers/magazine editors to include our FABULOUS products as part of their decorating palette. I would like to see the flowers that we market become a larger part of every home's entertainment budget, bringing colour and life into homes across North America." says Tamara .

 

"Huh", I thought when I read that. Now, I have never bought poinsettias before, because I always thought that they were poisonous and harmful to my lovey pets. It turns out that this is simply not true! (I double-checked !). Then I went to No Frills and bought a gorgeous poinsettia for $2.99, grown in Canada, maybe even at Tamara's place! Yay!

 

So, visit Tamara and Donna  for a fascinating tour of Darvonda Nurseries, then go out and get a poinsettia! You'll be supporting Canadian business and your house will look very festive indeed! Feel free to share your poinsettia displays on our Facebook page!

See you tomorrow and good shopping, Canada!

Are you a fan of poinsettias? 

 

 :: images courtesy of my iphone, Colin. 

We are really looking forward to Canada Day this year as our town always puts on some fantastic events. There're rides and bouncy houses for the kids, great food, made in Canada, from local vendors, music and more. Check out the Canadian Hertiage website for some of the events happening around the nation.

Along with the day time events, a fantastic way to celebrate Canada Day always includes fireworks at night! Many cities hold a public fireworks display on Canada Day including ours - and what luck - it's happening right across the street from us!! With two three year olds, we'll be enjoying the fireworks at home this year since it's so close. I wanted to pick up some Canada themed items for our party at home. I just had a look and surprise - the Canadian themed t-shirts for my boys, as well as the napkins, cups, plates, table decorations and blow up balls all say "Product of the U.S.A". Can you believe it? So with Canada Day here, this is also a great time to look at the Canadian made products in your home and even more so - what is not made in Canada.

Next time I plan a Canada Day celebration I'll be sure to pick up some Canadian made products such as these cocktail napkins by Red Canoe.

 

 

RCMP Cocktail Napkins - Red Canoe

A Roots Canada T-Shirt for my boys would be a much better idea than the ones that I actually bought.

Roots Canada T-Shirt

 

At least one thing I know will be Canadian for our party - the food! We'll be picking up locally made pizza and treats from our farmers market on Saturday.

Are you planning a Canada Day party this weekend? Have a peek at where your party products are made. You might be surprised!

 

by Stacey Kazmir

 

Images courtesy of Buy Canadian First members Roots Canada and Red Canoe.

 

Something like the ALTO trailer above would certainly fit the bill.  I know that the hardcore campers would laugh at me for suggesting it, but hey;  warm, happy kids make for happy, stress free camping trips!  For the hardcore among you though, feel free to bring the tent out for one last spin. 

Staying on the topic of warmth, I have a tendency to pack for every cool weather possibility during the fall.  Northern Ontario weather is nothing if not unpredictable. 

 

Sure, I'll start with light pants and shirts , but after that, I layer on the warm stuff.  I'll even throw the winter coats into the trunk of the car, just in case. 

 

After spending one camping trip with blue lips and frozen fingers, I decided that I'd rather look silly for bringing too many warm clothes, than not enough.  I haven't had to break out the winter wear yet...but I think we're getting close.

So, what are we going to do when we venture forth into the Canadian Fall wilderness?  Besides the obvious campfire, marshmallows and hotdogs I mean? 

 

Well, that's the beautyl of camping in the Fall; with the cooler weather comes the opportunity to do all kinds of activities that would be less than pleasant under the hot Summer sun, especially with the kiddos in tow!  The weather is perfect for a nice long hike, or a bike trip along a beautiful trail through the forest.  It's even a nice time to take the canoe out for a final tour around the lake, but make sure you bring extra shoes and socks, in case of a soaker!

 

All in all, Fall is truly our most beautiful season, throughout Canada.  The entire countryside seems to put it out there just a little bit more, in preparation for its long winter slumber.  Do you plan to sneak out for a quick Fall camping trip, before you have to hang up the backpack for another year?


:: images courtesy of Buy Canadian First members

 

We have another chance for you to win a great Heiko Prize Giveaway this week, just by commenting on our FaceBook page! 

Blog post written by: Kirsten Bartel

 

A taste of Bavaria in Canada! This year marks the 41st anniversary of the German-Canadian Bavarian Oktoberfest in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, an annual nine-day festival based on the original southern German Oktoberfest tradition and is the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside Munich, Germany. Be sure to take your jacket as it will be cool — and it is cool! so if you can make it down to southern Ontario, check out Oktoberfest 2009 which is still taking place until Saturday October 17, 2009.

Besides the usual beer-based celebrations and traditional festival attractions, there are some truly interesting cultural and entertaining events you should make a point to attend. No matter what kind of experience you are looking for, with over 40 events taking place across Kitchener-Waterloo through the week, there is something for everyone! You can find music, crafts, sports, traditional German culture in Canada or other family oriented festivities to make your Oktoberfest experience personal and filled with Gemütlichkeit!

 

Today, October 13, 2009, you can participate in the German Pioneers Day, a free event which explores the contributions of the local German immigrants to Ontario and Canada. Or perhaps you would like to take a Ride to Die For (Murder Mystery Train) which embarks the Waterloo Railway Station on October 15, 2009. You can take a sun set trip into North Waterloo County, where something terrible will happen just after dinner — a mystery which you will have to figure out. This trip includes a Bavarian style dinner, special prizes and much more. Adults only.

 

You can also experience Ernte (Harvest Festival) at the Joseph Schneider Haus, Kitchener's oldest Mennonite homestead, from October 10, 2009 to October 18, 2009. For nine days, you can see how the farming family prepared for winter in the 1850s. The house will be a flurry of activities as you observe them perform such duties as air drying meat, preserving, pickling, baking and so much more.

My favourite, of course, is the DOGtoberfest. Yes, that is right, you can enjoy the Oktoberfest festivities with your dog in the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society's (KWHS) Leash Free park. It is the 5th annual DOGtoberfest, and you are invited to visit the Hounds House Café on Saturday October 17, 2009, and see how to celebrate this Bavarian Festival canine style! Enjoy a pet friendly event with your favourite pup and help the animals at the same time, as all proceeds go toward the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society.

Here are some tips on how to have you own Oktoberfest at home:

Set up your Barbecue ... you don't have one? Check out these cool stainless steel outdoor grills by Napoleon® Grills (they are most likely on special at your local home improvement store) and be the envy of your street!

Grilling sausages are a must. I suggest you pick up some European style sausages from Pillars, makers of award winning European style sausages and delicatessen meats since 1957. Piller’s Sausages and Delicatessens Limited started in Waterloo as a small, humble butcher shop and has grown to one of North America’s largest producers of such award-winning products as Black Forest ham and air-dried salamis. And don't forget the barbecue sauce! Try these savoury barbecue sauces from Everything Maple and start your own unique Oktoberfest traditions — Canadian Style.

Both the Maple Barbecue Sauce and, for those wanting that extra punch, the Yikes! Maple Barbecue Sauce with a Kick! are medium heat barbecue sauces made from 40% pure maple syrup to give you that tangy sweet taste everyone loves.

Now what is Oktoberfest without beer? It is the festival of beer after all! You will need your own Steinkrug or more a Glaskrug such as these Crystal Beer Tankards (set of 6) from NovaScotian Crystal

 

these carefully crafted glasses will make your favourite Pilsner taste even better! Want to try a new beer for the festivities, why not check out one of the many micro breweries in your area. In Ontario, you can try the ever popular Creemore Springs Premium Lager, or better yet, try their new Creemore Springs Kellerbier, a limited edition beer available at select LCBO stores in Ontario. 

Creemore Springs is one of the beers available at the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, and their Kellerbier (Cellar Beer), is brewed in the same tradition as the fresh locally brewed German beers enjoyed by rural Germans, since the middle ages, straight from the Brewer's cellar. An aromatic beer said to have a wonderful hint of citrus.

We also wrote about local beers last August. You can read the post here: Bière!? Beer!? 

Now you have your grill, sausage, beer ... of course, you need sauerkraut.

Some tips:

• Rinse off the excess vinegar
• Add a good amount of white wine, such as the 2007 Noble Blanc, by Rancourt Winery, until covered
• Add some spices, herbs, fried onions, apples
• Mix it all in a clay Schlemmertopf, heat it up for at least an hour
• Serve with Sausage and Beer

Guten Appetit! & ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit! (To All Good Cheer)

 

Source: Flickr Creative Commons Mango Escobar,  Joe Stump, Erich Ferdinand, BuyCanadianFirst

So where are you going this summer? Do you have a destination or are you going to see where your spirit guides you? Regardless if you are going far or near a road trip is an original favourite for the summer vacation, it a thrill to just to head out on the highway! Let's assume that you have already taken your car in for a full check up; fluid top up, tire inspection, filters cleaned, hoses and belts checked as well as a spare tire and the knowledge to change it. This is usually done during your annual car tune up but if you have any questions call your mechanic. Once your transportation is purring like a kitten, it's time to pack the rest of the car.

Here are some road-trip essentials to bring along:

Sunscreen - The windows of your car will not protect you from the sun this includs your lips. Try the Livacious Lip Balms, by Glengarry Gardens the ingredient Sea Buckthorn has shown to be a natural sunscreen. Keep your lips safe and smoochy soft. 

Journal - A picture says 1,000 words but sometimes a few hilarious words are all that's needed. Along with snapping photographs keep a travel log to collect postcards, ticket stubs, pressed flowers and fun stories of your journey. Ecojot manufactures a varied selection of books and other paper products made entirely on 100% post consumer waste and vegetable based inks.

Food and Drinks - Eating truck stop and fast foods can not only get expensive but turn your belly too. To keep your moods, health and bellies happy stock up on water and snacks. Try Jakeman's Maple Almonds, bake some of Melissa's banana, cranberry, chocolate chip muffins or while on your journey, stop at local farmers markets (check-out our buy-local series of posts) to stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables and snacks.

Boredom busters - Long journeys can be a little dull while stuck in the car, so be sure to stock up on some mags by looking for the Genuine Canadian Magazine logo from member Magazine Canada.

Canadian books and music from Chapters Indigo. We love the audiobooks for driving at night on the highway. Here is my all canadian playlist for you, I want to know what you would add to it! 

                                  

1. The Poppy Family - Which Way you Going Billy
2. Rufus Wainwright- Across the Universe
3. 5440 - Ocean Pearl
4. Feist - Sealion
5. Simple Plan - When I'm Gone
6. Spirit of the West - If Venice is Sinking
7. Crystal Castles - Crimewave
8. Great Lake Swimmers - Your Rocky Spine
9. Tegan and Sara - Walking with a Ghost
10. Blue Rodeo - Lost Together
11. Big Sugar - Turn the Lights On
12. Lost Fingers -You Shook me all Night Long
13. Corb Lund - Time to Switch to Whiskey

Your road trip is all about fun but we cannot dismiss the value of safety and being prepared. Please ensure you have a first aid kit, GPS system or current maps and someone to check-in with whether they are at home or your destination. Be realistic about how long it will take you to reach your destination and allow for times to stretch and sleep and, of course, always buckle up.

Happy road tripping everyone! Be sure to leave us a comment about your road trip destinations and the songs on your playlists!

Camping and visiting in Canada's parks is truly a treasure for Canadians. When I was a girl my grandparents would take me camping to Nutimik Lake during the summer months. I associate Canada parks with childhood memories like running barefoot through clover, making sand castle kingdoms for my leopard frog friends and learning about the stars from my grandfather. So precious are these memories to me now as my grandparents have long since passed. Our National Parks are found in every province and territory they are for us to enjoy and protect.

Preparing for a camping trip is generally easy and as long as you remember everything you won't be found spending too much money at the lakeside's overpriced corner store. Another saving money tidbit is all parks have a fee freeze! From now until April 1 2011 the general public will be paying the 2008 fees and for Manitobans, all provincial parks will be free until April 30th 2011.

With this great news let's prepare for our trip. It's always good to know the climate you are camping in and what kind of potential natural hazards could affect your stay and be prepared for them (of course not all camping trips are littered with doom, nearly all are enjoyable family vacations! teehee). Find out what activities and events are going on in your province, book a reservation in selected parks or use the handy travel planner.

There is one key point we should be aware of when we enter our parks; our environmental footprint. It is very easy to change the delicate balance of nature, these changes can happens quickly or slowly, but there is no excuse for not being aware and taking measures to be responsible for our own actions.

Never transport firewood from your home to your campsite; it is prudent always get local firewood as it runs the risk of relocating a new insect or other organism into the existing ecosystem. This could have lasting and devastating effects.

It is always best to bring camping dishes rather than disposable dishes to reduce our trash but the right dish soap is important as well. Pick something that is free of dyes, petroleum based solvents and that is biodegradable in a short time, like this dishwashing liquid from Bio-Vert.

Be sure to read any news bulletins posted at the entrace of the park and keep to designated camping areas to not disturb plant and animal life. You can learn more about the Parks natural heritage here. 

The greatest camping list ever, well maybe not quite, but this check list is a great start to make sure you cover the basics (let me know what you would add to it in the comments below) and I also provide some great Made in Canada options in case you are refreshing some of your camping supplies and gear!

Shelter and bedding

( ) Tent
( ) Ground cloth/tarp  
( ) Shade tarp/poles/rope/stakes  
( ) Air pump  
( ) Air mattress/sleeping pad/cot/tarp  
( ) Sleeping bag/sheets/blankets
( ) Pillows (you HAVE to try Align-Right's camping pillow!)

Cooking

( ) Pots and frying pans with lids/dutch oven
( ) Potholders/oven mitts
( ) Utensils and cutlery-spatula/knife/spoon/tongs/forks/skewers
( ) Mixing bowl/measuring cups/cutting board (check out Eraware's incredible aray of products here)
( ) Reusable bottle/coffee pot
( ) Charcoal/firewood
( ) Fire starters/newspaper
( ) Plates/bowls/mugs/cups 
( ) Can opener/bottle opener/potato peeler
( ) Campfire grill/BBQ grill
( ) Stove with fuel/propane
( ) Big refillable water jug
( ) Coolers/ice/ice packs (check out the great selection from our member Cryopak)
( ) Heavy-duty aluminum foil
( ) Zipper sealed bags
( ) Paper towels (100% recycled paper towels from our member Cascades)
( ) Dish pan/dish soap/dish rags/towels/scrub pad
( ) Trash bags (try these biodegradable bags by Munger, available at your local supermarket)
( ) All your favourite camping foods, including cooking oil, condiments herbs and spices

Other essentials

( ) Sunscreen/lip balm 
( ) Flashlight/batteries
( ) Matches/lighter
( ) Pocket knife
( ) Axe/hammer
( ) Bug repellant (try members Gengarry Garden's Natural Bug Balm or All Things Jill's Big Joose)
( ) Rope
( ) Bungi cords/straps
( ) Hand wipes
( ) First aid kit
( ) Camera/battery/film/video
( ) Cards/games/toys/golf/books/magazines/notepad/pen/music instruments/bicycles/etc (Get one of these super cute note books for the kids from members Ecojot )
( ) Maps/directions/reservations info./confirmation/park map/ guidebooks/ trail maps
( ) Folding chairs
( ) Umbrella/Rain gear
( ) Sunglasses/hat
( ) Radio
( ) Fishing gear/license/bait

 

Handy Supply Box
Things you may need handy

( ) Extra stakes
( ) Repair kit for air mattress/tent
( ) Extra Batteries/bulbs/matches/lighters
( ) Duct tape/electrical tape
( ) Candles
( ) Misc. tools
( ) Small sewing kit
( ) Work gloves

 

Extras

( ) Mat for tent entrance
( ) Dust pan/brush
( ) Lantern with fuel/mantles
( ) Compass/GPS
( ) Binoculars
( ) Whistle (check out Fox40's array of Safety Whistles here)
( ) Water filters/purification/treatment
( ) Lantern pole or hanger
( ) Hammock (Kingcord Hammocks have some great ones)
( ) Travel alarm clock

Have a safe and wonderful camping season! Send us your favourite recipes, camping locations and eco camping tips! We love hearing from you.

Dreams of spring are looming in my mind, though I don't long for rainy days, slushy roads, thawed dog droppings and muddy boots. The view outside my window is still showing snow and Environment Canada is informing me that I can expect more winter temperatures for the next week. But at least it is not -30!

So as Canadians are getting things ready for their kids' spring breaks or are languishing in the winter's shadow, here are some suggestions to ignite your spirits, right here in good ol Canada.

The Ice Hotel located in Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier in Québec is a place made of dreams and fairytales. Well, actually it is made of 15,000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice, this 3,000 square meter structure will certainly stay in your memory. The hotel has 36 rooms including themed suites, one of which has a fire place and private hot tub, a chapel that boasts at least 30 marriage ceremonies during their January to March season as well as the Ice Bar and N'Ice club, just to name a few. You will want to be wearing mittens or gloves as you sip your drinks at the lounge because ‘the drinks are severed in the rocks'! Browse the fabulous collection of Canadian-made gloves for the whole family at the Sterling Glove Company.

Services are plenty as well, from tandem massages, outdoor hot tubs contained in an interior courtyard and outdoor adventures. Your visit to the hotel can be a day tour or a night's stay. Packages start from $324.00 but be sure to seek out the promotions page for a del-ice-ful deal!  

I was never aware of this but people surf in Canada! I feel like I might be the only one in the country who didn't figure this equation out before (Canada + Coastlines + Waves = Surfing) but regardless of my inability to figure out the obvious I am astounded that this is an activity that occurs in the winter months. In my quest to discover more about surfing in Canada I decided to talk to surfers.

First I called Tofino, British Columbia and talked to Monty at Storm Canada, he told me that this is a great time of year to surf. The west coast has more consistent waves throughout the year. The water is warmer as well, actually a balmy 6 C right now. When I asked Monty where is the place to surf in Canada, instantly he said Tofino. I decided to call the east coast to see what they had to say, and spoke to Neal Durling of Kannon Beach Wind and Surf  in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Neal agreed the consistency of the waves were better in the west but the waves in the east were just as good and sometimes better, though the water will always be colder. Hurricane season is typically the best time to surf (!!) but so is winter. Surfers hope for winter storms that remain out to sea producing the swells but none of the bad weather on the mainland. Neal explained how surfing in Canada is neither better nor worse than surfing abroad: it is a totally unique Canadian experience. Try it out yourself. Kannon Beach offers one hour lessons and then you can use the equipment for the rest of the day! 

 

If you are a snow rider you can find a mountain to carve in all our provinces as well as the Yukon. So for most Canadians, whether it's snowboarding or skiing down hill or cross country, it is readily accessible. Whistler Blackcomb, home to the Vancouver Olympics and Paralympic's ski, bobsled, skeleton and luge competitions, located 2 hours north of Vancouver on the picturesque sea-to-sky highway offers beginner ski and snowboarding lessons for adult, teens and children. For you experienced skiers and boarders, opt for some Heli-skiing. If are not your chosen activity, there is snowshoeing, snowmobiling, a zip line through the tall old pines, sleigh rides or even a sno-limo ride. You'll need this Canadian-made Roots Merino Wool Smoothie tuque to keep you cozy. There is certainly something for everyone here whether you want to shop, take in the sights or renew your self with a yoga class from Freeflow Yoga, Whister is a thrill for the whole family. 

Of course these activities are just the tip of the tuque! Consider these other fun activities: Scandinavian spas, ice fishing and backcountry winter camping. Canadians are never ones to be held back by meters of snow, short winter days or biting wind-chill. Often the mid-winter and tail-end of winter finds us complaining and wishing for the summer but then again, as the mosquitoes, wasps and scorching summer heats flares up, we find ourselves pining for cooler weather... This season will pass soon enough, so go have some fun!

For more Canadian travel ideas be sure to browse our coast to coast tourism section!

Image sources: xdachez.com,  Sterling Glove Co., Kannon Beach Wind and Surf, Roots

Environment Canada tells me that nearly every region of our country is freezing cold. For those of you who are like me will understand how easy it is to watch the days go by in the comfort of my home, keeping warm by the fire with my family and critters, eating, painting, laughing and hibernating. Alas I am not a bear, it is winter and I am Canadian girl of hardy canuck stock. Any day, winter or summer, is as good day to go outside!

The winter playground in Canada is a vast and endless and whether you wish to play in your backyard, go on the town or venture off and have a quaint, crazy or somewhere in between adventure, this vast country has it all!

On the town
Canada is filled with a plethora of local small events as well as grand winter festivals from coast to coast, offering you fun filled days and nights of activities, music and vittles.

Carnival de Québec is the planet's largest winter carnival and rated third in the world after Rio and New Orleans! This rowdy tradition was practiced by the French colonists of New France to get together before lent to eat, drink and have fun from late January to mid February. In 2009 this 17 day carnival begins on January 30 and offers a broad range of events and activities for everyone including; dog sled rides, a 500 ft zip line, evening dance parties, arctic spa, ice tower and so much more. This site is available in English & en français. Why not be first in line to get your official made in Québec carnival hat by shopping online.

 
The Bon Soo Winter festival of Sault Ste. Marie has been running since 1964. The cute mascot was created by local graphic designer and artist Ken McDougall. I spoke with Anna Lise, Events Manager of the Bon Soo festival, she said that the BonSoo Icon in Sault Ste. Marie "is bigger than santa!" The festival runs February 6-15 with a great collection of indoor and outdoor events, including the very popular polar bear swim, brr.

Winterlude or Bal de Neige is held from February 6-22 in Ottawa and Gatineau, who partner together and create a celebration of winter. Treat yourself to 3 weeks of activities ranging from ice fishing to elegant winemakers dinner. There are ice playgrounds, a valentine's ball, skating on the Rideau Canal, a B-Boy/B-Girl battle and so much more! Young, old, hip or square this festival is for you! The site is available in both English & en français and is easy to navigate, go and enjoy yourself in Canada's capital region.

Le Festival du Voyageur held in St. Boniface Manitoba from February 13-22, in Winnipeg's French quarter. It celebrates Canada's Fur trading history as well as the unique French heritage and culture with song, art, music, entertainment, crafts, events and displays. The site is available in English & en français and don't forget your ceinture fléchée.

 

Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad a celebration of the contemporary imagination. The first time an Olympic winter games hosted a cultural Olympiad 2 years before the games. From February 1 through to March 1 the Olympiad venues can be found from Coquitlam to Whistler, offering an extravaganza of entertainment and artistic disciplines. The site has an efficient event locater, is available en français and hosts an online shop where I found these beautiful Vancouver 2010 thunderbird recycled glass salad servers.

 

Snow King Winter Festival of Yellowknife NWT is held from March 1st-28th in Great Slave Lake. Meet the Snow king and play in his castle made of snow and ice, enjoy live entertainment, a café and other festivities. The planning has begun and you can check out the progress as well as enjoy yesteryear photos on site!

Part 2 of the outdoor winter series will be all about enjoying the outdoors in your back yard and neighborhood.

What are you doing to make the Winter go by faster? 

 Blog post writen by: Joseph Wilburn

 

I had been meaning to get out to Prince Edward County and do some of the wineries in that area. I was happy when I had the time to finally get out and explore the region. If you've never heard of it, Prince Edward County is an up and coming wine region east of Toronto, centred near the town of Picton.

I wanted to try it out because it was close to home and off the beaten path.

Now, I have to preface that I am by no means a wine snob. I like wine, local fare, and the natural rural environment where you tend to find all that.

It took about 2 hours for me to arrive in Picton, a really quaint and picturesque town. Time for lunch! I cannot have wine on an empty stomach after all. I stopped at The Painted Peppercorn, located at 172 Main St., Picton. I had a very fresh and delicious simple salad with a zesty lime and ginger dressing on the side. For my entree, I had a great hearty meatloaf sandwich.

Tummy full, I headed off to my first winery of the day: Waupoos Estates. The main reason being was this:

An absolutely stunning view of Lake Ontario from the winery grounds.

The winery itself was also very unique in architecture.

The vines for the vineyard were planed in 2000 and the winery itself opened in 2001. The winery is known for its Baco Noir, but because I generally favour white wines I purchased a Pinot Gris instead. Regretfully, I didn't have a tasting here because it was quite busy. Taking a stoll along beautiful grounds made up for it.

My next stop: Huff Estates

The Huff Estates winery is on a massive plot of land, complete with helipad and the Inn at Huff Estates. The winery opened in 2004 to the public and is the only winery in Prince Edward County that produces a Merlot.

For my tasting here, I had the Pinot Noir and South Bay Chardonnay -- the latter of which is the winemaker's choice. The poor sommlier was hurried because there must have been at least 20 of us at the table, but he got through it all with pizzazz and composure. I bought the South Bay Chardonnay, it has a lovely smooth and sultry texture to it that I really enjoyed.

My final winery tour took me all the way to hills of Northumberland County. Here, I visited the Oak Heights Estate Winery.The winery is located at the intersection of Covert Hill Rd. and County Rd 29 near Warkworth (note: the winery entrance is off Cty. Rd. 29, a private residence is adjacent to the winery). The location of the winery was so unexpected because it really is on top of the hills far above Lake Ontario.

I was met by a lovely woman named Stephanie who took me though my tasting. She explaned to me the differences between the wines, and they even had "tasting notes." I found that to be really interesting from a novice's standpoint. It really helped to explain the taste sensations that I was experiencing. I had the Covert Hill Red and the Chardonnay reserve, both of which were easy on the palate and sophisticated. I liked them so much I bought both!

The winery also has a small, well-appointed resturant complete with tapas menu and full entrees if you find that you are peckish after your wine tour.

Oak Heights Estates Winery is the creation of Ian Frasier and the winery opened its doors in 2006 with winemaker Mike Traynor at the helm.

As you can see, I love taking trips to local attractions. You find tons of interesting stuff right outside your doorstep. Be creative and take paths others have yet to take and you will be rewarded through the unique experiences you will have.

Photo credit: Joseph Wilburn (Waupoos/Oak Heights); Huff Estates