By KAT TANCOCK
Mountain Coaster at Blue Mountain, Ontario (Photo: Marc Landry)
Just like Canada itself, our ski hills are equated with winter. But there’s so much more to explore at the country’s ski resorts in the summer months. Here are 10 spots to visit while the weather’s warm. (more…)
By JOANNE LATIMER
Photo: Rachel Barenblat
1. Bowl and dine at Notre Dame des Quilles. Throw a strike at this hip new bowling bistro. It serves classy comfort food, like mac ‘n’ cheese with jalapeño chutney, alongside real ginger ale and cheap pints. It opens at 3 pm for afternoon fun. Cash only. 32 Beaubien St. E., at St. Laurent; 514-507-1313. Open daily from 3 pm.
2. Pamper yourself with a massage. Massages at Bota Bota spa ($90 for 60 minutes) are accompanied by a live harpist and you can also tack on a sauna or eucalyptus steam bath. Once a seaworthy vessel, this five-storey ship was retrofitted as a chic spa in 2010. 358 Commune St. W.; 516-284-0333. Open daily by appointment. (more…)
By LAURA PELLERINE
# 3 - Granby Zoo (Photo: Austin H. Kapfumvuti)
Montreal is a festival city, and explodes with activity year-round. There’s always something family friendly to do, whether it’s biking on the waterfront, learning circus skills, exploring a living-history or science museum or pigging out at the city’s decadant ice-cream parlours, chocolate shops and crêperies. (more…)
MAR 31. Live-action characters enchant kids. Burton Cummings Theatre.
By SHANNON KELLY
The Calgary Zoo's new Penguin Plunge exhibit (Photo: Sergei Belski/Calgary Zoo)
Spring may be the best time of year at zoos: it’s when many of the babies (baby animals, that is) are born or are newly on display, the weather is warming up and many zoos (and aquariums) are unveiling new attractions in anticipation of the busy summer season. (more…)
There's plenty to see and do at the Vanier Sugar Shack.
No need to trek out of town for an authentic Canadian experience. The Vanier Sugar Shack — the only urban sugar bush in North America — is located right in the city. Explore the grounds and see how they produce syrup from more than 1,000 tapped maple trees in the surrounding forest, then chow down on delicious pancakes and other seasonal offerings. If you’re in town March 25 to April 1, check out Maple Sugar Fest. Richelieu Park, 300 des Pères Blancs Ave., 613-580-2424 ext. 32001.
Heading out of the city? Check out three other nearby sugar shacks.
1. Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane farm
This beautiful estate is just 30 minutes south of Ottawa and provides sleigh rides through the forest where the maple trees are tapped, as well as an annual Easter egg hunt. Runs until April 8. 2452 Yorks Corners Rd., Edwards, 613-821-2751. www.stanleysfarm.com
2. Proulx Farm
Thirty minutes east of Ottawa, this sugar shack is the perfect place for the kids to run off some energy. Featuring a petting zoo, a giant slide, play structures, and the traditional pancake meal. Maple syrup season runs until April 16. 1865 O’Toole Rd., Cumberland, 613-833-2417. www.proulxberryfarm.com
3. Fulton’s Pancake House and Sugar Bush
Just over an hour west of the city, this farm offers all the traditional aspects of a sugar bush retreat, plus a boutique with maple products and a maple bakery. Spring season runs until April 22. #291, 6th Concession Rd., Pakenham, 613-256-3867. www.fultons.ca
By SHANNON KELLY
Free tip #5: hit the public skating rinks (Photo: Cristian Bortes)
March Break is coming up soon, and maybe you’re hopping on a plane to warmer climes. But for the rest of us, Canadian Family has twelve great tips for a family “staycation”—all of them entirely free. (more…)
"Much More Munsch" features many of Robert Munsch's popular characters. Photo credit: © Manitoba Children's Museum and the London Regional Children's Museum.
The whimsical voice of Robert Munsch comes to life at the Canadian Children’s Museum. This special exhibit, entitled “Much More Munsch,” is based on works by the popular Canadian children’s author, who wrote such books as The Paper Bag Princess, David’s Father, and Love You Forever. Children are invited into Munsch’s imaginary house to engage in interactive activities and create their own cast of characters and stories. On view until April 9.
Voyageur photo by Dan Harper
Feb 17-26 Embrace the spirit of winter at the 43rd annual Festival du Voyageur. Spot spectacular snow sculptures on site during the popular ten-day festival which celebrates Métis music, food and culture. Visit Fort Gibraltar or warm up inside cozy tents with authentic French-Canadian fare like pea soup and maple taffy. Watch musicians fiddle and jig, explore the snow maze, or dare the toboggan run. In the evenings, sip “caribou” wine at the snow bar or rock out to high-energy Francophone bands. Voyageur (Whittier) Park, 866 Joseph St, 204-237-7692.
Disney On Ice Treasure Trove gathers the gang from your favourite movies into one rockin' show.
Feb. 15 to 20. Take a journey with Snow White, Peter Pan, The Lion King, and more, as characters from your favourite movies come to life — on ice! Disney on Ice Treasure Trove combines the best of some Disney classics for nine shows at Scotiabank Place this February. The graceful movements of the skaters will add an extra element of awe to the medley, which will delight children and remind adults why they always loved these classic stories.
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Stay, Dine, Do
