These fun water bottles from S'Well come in a rainbow of colours
Forget plastic! Cool down on a hot day with a swig from a colourful stainless steel S’Well water bottle ($35; purchase online at www.swellbottle.com). Each one of these sleek canteens comes insulated to keep icy cold drinks chilled for 24 hours or piping hot bevvies sip-ready for 12.—Jennifer Patterson
Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team. Photo by Bob Frid courtesy Whitecaps FC
This much-anticipated season marks the first time the Vancouver Whitecaps get to play against the best of the best. The Caps now rank as a Major League Soccer (MLS) team, justifying their big move to the impressive new BC Place Stadium later this year. Cheer on captain Jay Demerit and his all-star line-up as they take on the likes of Montreal Impact (May 4), San Jose Earthquakes (May 11) and New York Red Bulls (May 28).—Dylan Martin
3. Ultra
1 Celebrating Prince William’s wedding on this side of the pond with a cup of the royal wedding blend tea from Majesteas.
2 The quiet confines of the Toronto Sculpture Garden.
3 Dramatic 15-foot-tall renderings of roosters in the dining room at Ultra.
4 Crispy thin-crust pizza from Mercatto.
5 A rejuvenating soak in the hot green tea pool at Body Blitz Spa.
8. Woodbine Racetrack
6 The retractable roof at the Rogers Centre—you can gaze at stars in the sky or at the Toronto Blue Jays on the field.
7 Heading lakeside to explore the Harbourfront.
8 The thundering sound of hooves on opening day at Woodbine Racetrack.
9 Admiring the “Canada” bowl, circa 1725, the first depiction of this country in ceramic, at the Gardiner Museum.
10 The adventurous rotating menu at Beast, which has included oven-roasted bone marrow.
11. Purdy's Sweet Georgia Browns
11 Sweet Georgia browns from Purdy’s—toasted and salted pecans with caramel and milk chocolate all in one morsel.
12 Warm and doughy bagels from St. Urbain at St. Lawrence Market.
13 Getting lost in the curated stacks at Type Books, a favourite of resident bibliophiles.
14 The fervor of the “scramble” at Yonge and Dundas, where you can cross the street in any direction.
15 Designer Kimberley Newport-Mimran’s favourite things—an international collection of goods from New Zealand to Sweden at Seventy-Seven.
13. Type Books
16 Reveling in the smooth sounds of jazz at The Trane Studio, named for saxophonist John Coltrane.
17 Inventive Japanese fare at Ginza Sushi, with offerings like sashimi boats.
18 Seeing the city on your own schedule with Gray Line’s Hop-On, Hop-Off City Tour.
19 Local retail therapy at Shopgirls, which stocks items by many Toronto fashion, accessory and decor artists.
20 Sampling a variety of vintages courtesy of Eight Wine Bar’s “buck an ounce” program on Friday nights from 4 to 9 p.m.
19. Shopgirls
21 The homey interior of Bobbette & Belle, where framed whisks and vintage plates adorn the walls as art.
22 Slurping back a freshly shucked oyster from Rodney’s Oyster House.
23 The upscale diner ambience of The Counter, which serves all-day breakfast and more.
24 Strolling along Canada’s Walk of Fame and counting how many names you recognize.
25 Inspecting the intricate and ornate silver art deco doors of the Design Exchange.
26. Real Sports Bar & Grill
26 Catching playoff hockey action at the ultimate man cave, Real Sports Bar & Grill.
27 Tracing the career of silent film star Mary Pickford in an exhibit at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.
28 Shopping for vintage finds for less at Haute Classics. You might find classic Chanel and Chloé pieces.
29 The melodious church bells of St. James Cathedral.
30 Soaking in the academic vibe on the University of Toronto’s bustling campus.
The Vancouver Canucks Quizbook
True Vancouver Canucks fans test their hockey knowledge with a rousing round of trivia or a challenging crossword in The Vancouver Canucks Quizbook (Nightwood Editions, $8.95). Learn about the record-setting Sedin twins or local boy Trevor Linden. Make it a group game night and wave the white towel as teammates guess the most common last name in Canuck history, or take a shot at figuring out in which round of the 1989 draft picks Pavel Bure was chosen. Available at local bookstores.—Jennifer Patterson
2. Thomas and Friends
1 Taking a bite of a delicious ice cream sandwich for dessert at Marben—even in winter.
2 Having fun with the kids—and a big blue tank engine—at Thomas and Friends, live on stage from March 18 to 20.
3 Indulging at the Toronto Wine and Cheese Show, which runs from March 18 to 20.
4 The tweedy atmosphere at Nicholas Hoare—perfect for bibliophiles.
5 Seeing Swan Lake performed with unerring grace by Russia’s famed Mariinsky Ballet.
7. Elmwood Spa
6 Applauding top Canadian musicians as they get deserved praise at the 40th annual Juno Awards on March 27.
7 Rejuvenating skin, muscles and mind at Elmwood Spa.
8 Singing and swooning along with songbird Sarah McLachlan on March 17 and 18.
9 Marrying French and Japanese culinary delights at Forte Bistro’s new sushi bar.
10 The selection of whimsical modern and classic toys from Kidding Awound.
12. The Chef's House
11 Learning all about the vital importance of water at the Royal Ontario Museum’s newest exhibition.
12 Helping George Brown College culinary students hone their skills by dining at teaching restaurant The Chef’s House.
13 Ordering daring fare like pig-face tacos at the Black Hoof.
14 Finding fashionable, organic and oh-so-soft clothes for little ones at Mini Mioche.
15 Being in the audience as Janet Jackson sings her hits at the Sony Centre on March 12.
16. The art of Tim Burton
16 Exploring a world-renowned director’s creative process at the TIFF Bell Lightbox’s massive Tim Burton exhibition.
17 Admiring the skills of Canadian violinist Karen Gomyo, who joins the Toronto Symphony Orchestra on March 23 and 24.
18 Answering the call of the wild from March 16 to 20 at the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show.
19 Picking up spring wardrobe staples at the two-storey H&M on Bloor Street West.
20 Embracing our love of French fare with dishes like milk-poached veal and sautéed sweetbreads at Auberge du Pommier.
23. Secrets From Your Sister
21 Examining the colourful works of ceramicist Betty Woodman at the Gardiner Museum.
22 The savoury-sweet taste of cashew chicken at Golden Thai, one of the city’s most venerable Southeast Asian eateries.
23 Finding the perfect cup size with a personalized fitting at lingerie boutique Secrets from Your Sister.
24 Oohing and aahing as Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan flies in for another dunk at the Air Canada Centre.
25 The adorable meerkats in the Toronto Zoo’s African Rainforest pavilion.
24. DeMar DeRozan and the Raptors
26 Marvelling at the stories of Robert Munsch, performed live by Solar Stage Children’s Theatre from March 5 to 20.
27 Exploring the varied indoor and outdoor attractions—from a skating rink to a shopping centre—in the Harbourfront area.
28 Sipping a cocktail at Avenue’s commanding onyx bar.
29 Getting a runway-side seat to see the latest couture trends—LG Fashion Week starts March 28.
30 Spotting all the intricate details in Scott Conarroe’s latest landscape photos at Stephen Bulger Gallery.
March is a slam dunk for basketball fans in Halifax
By Trevor J. Adams
If you’re a serious basketball fan, you picked a great month to visit Halifax. One of Canada’s top basketball events is returning to Halifax. The top men’s university teams in the country compete at the CIS Final 8 Men’s Basketball Championship from March 11 to 13. The Halifax Metro Centre on Duke Street hosts the action.
This will mark the return of the event to Halifax after a three-year hiatus. The city has a long and storied history with the high-profile national championship, hosting it from 1984 to 2007. “Atlantic University Sport is excited and proud to bring the Final 8 back to Halifax for 2011 and 2012,” says Phil Currie, executive director of Atlantic University Sport. “When we submitted our bid for the 2011 and 2012 events, we focused on the pride, the passion and the people who are the foundation of the event we have all grown to love.”
Attracting university alumni and fans from across the country, the event has a very sociable quality. “It really is like old-home week,” Currie says. “There are a lot of people who only see each other at the Final 8, so it makes things a lot of fun, really adds to the excitement and energy of the event.”
During the event, downtown restaurants and bars will be abuzz with activity. For sports fans, popular spots include the Split Crow on Granville Street, The Maxwell’s Plum on Sackville Street, the Halifax Alehouse on Brunswick Street, The Loose Cannon on Argyle Street and the Midtown Tavern on Grafton Street.
Organizers promise competitors and fans alike a big dose of Maritime hosptiality. “After three years away, the fans, volunteers and community are anxious to show the rest of the country that Halifax is still the university basketball capital of Canada,” says event chair John Patterson. TSN is televising the event nationally.
The weekend before the big tournament, the Metro Centre hosts the regional championship as well. Atlantic Canada’s top men’s basketball teams will for the AUS Men’s Basketball Championship, with the winner going on to the nationals.
And if all that isn’t enough, you’ll also find professional action at the Metro Centre throughout the spring. Nova Scotia’s only pro hoops team is the Halifax Rainmen. One of the Premier Basketball League’s most popular team, they’re currently in the thick of the playoff hunt.
The new Adidas store on Granville Street
Sports fanatics and athletic types get their fix at the new Adidas store. Only a couple doors down from its other downtown location—which focuses on urban street apparel—this spot stocks everything from high-tech running gear to soccer jerseys and jackets. Also in store: the sought-after Stella McCartney collection.—Jennifer Patterson
Halifax hosts the 2011 Canada Games—the biggest sports event in Nova Scotian history
By Christina Copp and Trevor J. Adams
In February, all eyes will be on Halifax as it hosts the Canada Games. Running from February 11 to 27, the Games will be the largest multi-sport competition in Canada in 2011.
Sports fans have lot to look forward to during the Games. “Essentially, [there are] 20 different sports, so it’s like putting on 20 national championships over 18 days,” says Melissa MacKinnon, director of communications for the Games. She suggests that outdoor sports fans head over to the long-track speed skating at the new Oval on the Halifax Common. Admission is free.
All of the events at both ski venues are also free for fans. A 45-minute drive northwest of Halifax, Martock in Windsor hosts cross-country, biathlon and snowboard competitions Freestyle and alpine skiing take place at Wentworth, an 80-minute drive north.Other highlights include gymnastics, badminton and synchronized swimming at the new Canada Games Centre in Clayton Park, hockey at the Dartmouth Sportsplex and Halifax Metro Centre and boxing at the Halifax Forum. A 40-minute drive west of the city, the St. Margaret’s Centre in St. Margaret’s Bay hosts short-track speed skating and figure skating. The Metro Centre also hosts the opening ceremonies.
The party will continue after the athletes’ days are done, too. “Celebration Square in Grand Parade will be the place to be each evening,” says MacKinnon. The concert venue in front of Halifax City Hall will feature acts like The Stanfields, Christina Martin and Matt Mays. Martin, a multiple Nova Scotia Music Award Winner, was one of more than 300 acts who submitted their names to perform during the Games cultural festivities.
“I applied to perform during the Canada Games because I want to be a part of this monumental event that is taking place on my home turf,” says Christina Martin. “After experiencing the excitement from performing at the Vancouver Winter Olympics, I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this fantastic event.”
Games CEO Chris Morrissey is excited about the potential to bring Haligonians, athletes and visiting sports fans together. “Everyone can come together to celebrate athletic achievements while enjoying live entertainment that showcases Nova Scotia talent and culture,” he says.
Running from February 11 to 27, the Games embrace a wide variety of disciplines. For schedule and venue details, click here or phone 902-490-2011.
Photo by Eric Berger courtesy Tourism Whistler
1 Skiing or snowboarding down the seemingly endless mountainsides.
2 Cold beer on a heated outdoor patio.
3 Shopping for souvenirs in the pedestrian-only village. (more…)
Photo by Jeff Vinnick courtesy Vancouver Canucks
Root for Luongo, Kesler and the rest of the our NHL team, the Vancouver Canucks, on their road to the Stanley Cup. In Jan. and Feb., they play 15 home games, captivating both diehard and fairweather fans in local sports bars. If you want to smell the ice, ask your concierge about tickets—these games sell out quickly.—Kristina Urquhart
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