SPRING 2019 DREAMSCAPES TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE by Globelite Travel Marketing Inc

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TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE

SPRING 2019

CRUISING

THE PACIFIC

CHILE’S

HIDDEN GEMS

CANADIAN

ATTRACTIONS

EXPLORE FLORIDA’S

HISTORIC COAST $3.95

dreamscapes.ca

WIN A DREAM TRIP FOR 2

COMPLIMENTS OF

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DS TABLE OF CONTENTS >>

VOLUME 24, ISSUE NO. 2

NEIL RASHBA

WINGING IT Birdwatchers flock to the north-south migration flyways between breeding and wintering grounds. BY JOSEPHINE MATYAS

FLORIDA’S HISTORIC COAST History comes to life in St. Augustine, America’s oldest continuously occupied European settlement. BY STEVE WINSTON

VACATION LIKE ROYALTY WITH WYNDHAM VACATION RENTALS Enjoy a peaceful oasis just minutes from Orlando’s attractions. BY STEVE WINSTON

A TRADITIONAL CHARLOTTETOWN MASTERPIECE Award-winning entertainment and history lessons await you at Confederation Centre of the Arts. BY TALIA WOOLDRIDGE

OTTAWA SPRINGS INTO ACTION Spring and summer are ideal times to explore Canada’s capital. BY LAURA BYRNE PAQUET

OTTAWA TOURISM

COVER: The Crystal Serenity in Sydney Harbour. Photo: John & Sandra Nowlan

6 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

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CRYSTAL CRUISES

MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL GROUP

TOURISMO CHILE

VICE-REGAL RESIDENCES: A GLIMPSE INTO HISTORY A tale of two historical properties in two amazing Canadian cities. BY LAURA BYRNE PAQUET

WHERE PASTORAL PLEASURES MATCH URBAN DELIGHTS Ontarioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Waterloo Region packs a two-for-one experience. BY KATE POCOCK

SYDNEY, THE SLOW WAY Cruise the world in style on board the Crystal Serenity. BY JOHN AND SANDRA NOWLAN

BEGUILING ANGUILLA Long a discreet haven for the rich and famous, a Caribbean jewel invites you to kick off your shoes. BY LAURA BYRNE PAQUET

TRAVEL SLEUTH With multi-generational trips on the rise, travelling with seniors may require a bit more planning. BY JANE STOKES

CHILE, A COUNTRY OF HIDDEN GEMS Explore the cultural roots and unique sites of this wonderful South American beauty.

WIN A CRUISE FOR TWO

FROM ICELAND TO GREENLAND COMPLIMENTS OF

BY DENISE J. DEVEAU

CELEBRITY TRAVEL CORNER A conversation with Colin James. BY CHRIS RYALL

TRAVEL GALLERY News you can use.

SCOTT SPORLEDER

BY CYNTHIA DAVID

SPRING 2019 DREAMSCAPES 7

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ESSENTIAL GUIDES

FOR YOUR VACATION GETAWAY Travel Guide to California CaliforniaTravelGuide.travel

Travel Guide to Florida FloridaTravelGuide.travel

Travel Guide to Canada CanadaTravelGuides.ca

DREAMSCAPES TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE is published by Globelite Travel Marketing Inc. Visit dreamscapes.ca to view this issue of our magazine in its entirety and to link easily to editorials, advertisers, contest information, as well as previous issues. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We’d like to hear from you. Readers are always encouraged to submit emails to editor@dreamscapes.ca. PUBLISHING Joseph P. Turkel

PUBLISHER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS EDITOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR COPY EDITOR

EDITOR-AT-LARGE CONTRIBUTING EDITORS ART DIRECTOR PRODUCTION MANAGER DIRECTOR OF IT

ENJOY INSIGHTFUL WRITING, BRILLIANT PHOTOGRAPHY, AND DETAILED INFORMATION ON TRAVEL TO THESE PREMIER DESTINATIONS. You may purchase these guides at most retail chains across the U.S.A. and Canada. U.S.A retailers include Barnes & Noble, Hudson U.S. airport and commuter locations, Books-A-Million, CVS, Publix, Safeway, Kroger, Target and Walmart. Canadian retailers include airport stores, Chapters/Indigo, Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro Stores, Walmart, Safeway, Value Drug Mart, Rexall/Pharma Plus, IDA and Overwaitea.

2019 EDITIONS ON SALE IN STORES: 2019 Travel Guide to Florida – On Sale Now

CONTROLLER PRESIDENT & GROUP PUBLISHER

Sandra Kitchen Valerie Saunders Donna S. Vieira Judi Scharf Anne Champagne Jane Stokes Cynthia David Ilona Kauremszky Mark Tzerelshtein Julia Wall Mike State Gloria Mungo Joseph P. Turkel

CONTRIBUTORS

Globelite Travel Marketing Inc. 3 Bluﬀwood Dr., Toronto, Ontario M2H 3L4 Tel: 416-497-5353 or 1-888-700-4464 Fax: 416-497-0871 | dreamscapes.ca Email: dreamscapesmagazine@rogers.com ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Jackie Boudreau | 647-668-1134 jackie@jabmarketingmanagement.com Deborah Davy | 647-890-0391 deborah@globelitemedia.com Collier Granberry | 408-857-3243 collier@globelitemedia.com Vivian Hunt | 813-205-5607 vhuntglobelite@att.net Sandra Kitchen | 1-866-600-5918 sandra@globelitemedia.com Gayle Massey | 925-457-7551 gayle@masseylifestylemedia.com Shirley McIntosh | 416-920-2418 shirley.mcintosh002@sympatico.ca Valerie Saunders | 905-859-1372 val@globelitemedia.com Lisa Turner | 305-671-3763 lisaturner@lmtmedia.com

2019 Travel Guide to California – On Sale Now 2019 Travel Guide to Canada – May 1, 2019

8 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

Copyright © 2019 The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without the written permission of Globelite Travel Marketing Inc. The opinions in this magazine are those of the writers and do not necessarily reﬂect the views of Globelite Travel Marketing Inc. Publications Mail Agreement 40047932.

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DS FROM MY TRAVEL BAG >> BY DONNA S. VIEIRA editor@dreamscapes.ca It can be hard to decide where to vacation next. Why not look to the stars for inspiration? Where would your zodiac sign have you go? Hard-core adventurers, Aries need vigorous activities to keep that fire burning. Camping on the mountainside of a volcano in Ethiopia, hiking up to Machu Picchu in the Andes Mountains of Peru or fiery destinations like Rotorua, New Zealand; Reykjavík, Iceland; and the Big Island of Hawaii are right up their alley. Grounded, responsible Taurus prefers relaxation and the finer things in life, in which case a villa on the coast of Greece is very appealing. Alternative earthy destinations include Cannes, France; Greenland; Cypress; Tuscany, Italy; and Napa or Sonoma, California. Quick-thinking, intellectual Gemini needs to be challenged. Tokyo, Japan, with its Shinto temples and robot restaurants comes to mind. Amsterdam offers enough choices to satisfy any curiosity as do Belgium and Austria. Cautious and rooted in family and home, Cancer wants to create new memories. A quaint beach town like Carmel, California, or a lakeside cabin somewhere in Canada are fitting choices for those homey, low-key vibes. Cancer could also find comfort in a B&B stay in Northern Norway, Québec City or in the Scottish Highlands. Warm-hearted Leo aches to be where the action is and has no problem taking centre

10 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

stage. What’s more fun, frivolous and fabulous than Mardi Gras in Rio—the world’s greatest party? Other favourites are Ibiza, Spain; Hawaii; Italy; and Cuba. Disciplined Virgo needs a break from schedules but also prefers to adhere to a strict itinerary. Virgoans seek fresh air and healthy, clean, organized and well-designed destinations that oﬀer a dose of culture to meet their mental needs. Comfort and relaxation in beautiful, natural places are found in Sweden; Osaka, Japan; the Bavarian Alps of Germany; and the Cotswolds in England. Romantic Libra’s favourite getaway must include a cherished companion to share it with. A couple’s retreat on the Hawaiian island of Kauai or trips to Paris, France; Tuscany, Italy; Vienna, Austria; or Cinque Terre, Italy, all work as long as a love interest is present. Private and passionate Scorpio wants somewhere safe to let down their hair and relax. Why not head to Barcelona, Spain, to take in the city’s art, architecture and dining scene? Soul-quenching options include Cambodia, a secret bay in the West Indies, Chena Hot Springs in Alaska, and Fogo Island oﬀ Newfoundland. Philosophical and open-minded Sagittarius loves travel, freedom and adventure. The ancient city of Bagan in Myanmar features plenty of holy sites and Buddhist monuments to be appreciated. These gypsiesat-heart might also consider the Galapagos or

an epic climb up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania for that big-picture view. Conservative, practical, business-like Capricorn plans holidays months ahead. A perfect vacation involves equal doses of rest and recreation, surrounded by the best of everything. A luxury resort in the Caribbean, a cruise through the Balearic Islands in Spain or a trip to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, may be just what the doctor ordered. Quirky Aquarius follows the heart and instincts. Someplace that excites the imagination and satisﬁes a deep connection to a humanitarian cause or to animals is essential. Beautiful Kerala, India, has plenty of volunteer opportunities and an environmentally sensitive trek to observe the gorilla silverback in Uganda is a dream come true. Someone who values solitude, Pisces seeks spiritual calm and time for inner reﬂection. Crossing an ocean or being near water is paramount. A retreat in Sri Lanka for inner and outer balance or an escape to Halaveli in the Maldives provides ample time free from distractions. DS

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WINGING IT A

EDITORIAL & PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPHINE MATYAS

vitourism—or birding—is enjoying

a growth spurt. Apparently, birding is growing so quickly it’s

become the dominant type of nature-based tourism. For birdwatchers, the north-south migration flyways between breeding and wintering grounds are filled with opportunities to spy everything from majestic sandhill cranes to frenetic hummingbirds. States that offer shelter, safety, warm weather and sources of water to our winged friends often top the list. Southeast Arizona, where mountains and desert intersect, attracts Canadian snowbirds as well as the winged variety. At the ArizonaSonora Desert Museum in Tucson, birding enthusiasts enjoy the untethered Raptor Free Flight, showcasing the behaviour of birds of

Swamp Sanctuary is a keystone site of the

Farther north in North Carolina, in

prey native to the desert. The multi-species

National Audubon Society and home to the

the middle of the “Atlantic Flyway,” Cape

Hummingbird Aviary is the spot to sit and

nation’s largest collection of gangly looking

Hatteras National Seashore is a bird-

watch the antics of dozens of the winged

wood storks, whose nesting ground is the

lover’s paradise. At Pea Island National

marvels. desertmuseum.org

largest tract of old-growth bald cypress forest

Wildlife Refuge more than 400 species of

The Nature Conservancy’s Ramsey Canyon

in the world. These wetlands also nurture more

birds land on the ponds, fields and salt-

Preserve near Sierra Vista, Arizona, is home

than 200 species, including barred owls, red-

water marshes along the Outer Banks.

to rare birds like the tufted ﬂycatcher and

shouldered hawks, white ibis, egrets, herons

fws.gov/refuge/pea_island

ﬂame-coloured tanager. The best months for

and woodpeckers. corkscrew.audubon.org

In Texas, nine Great Texas Wildlife

birding are April through September (two-

On nearby Sanibel Island, the J.N. Ding

Trails include birding information speciﬁc

hour guided walks are oﬀered March through

Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a large

to the landscape ranging from coastal

November). nature.org

tract of environmentally valuable land and

regions to prairies and Hill Country.

Also near Sierra Vista, the waters of the

part of The Great Florida Birding Trail. Shore-

tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wildlife/wildlife-trails

San Pedro National Riparian Conservation

birds and birds on a migration path ﬂock

Also in Texas, the San Antonio Botanical

Area provide resting places for more than

here by the thousands, watched closely by

Garden oﬀers Bird Walks (except during

350 species of migratory birds. Several bird-

visitors who walk, bike and drive the seven-

summer months) with a birding docent.

watching trails branch out from the visitor

kilometre Wildlife Drive to catch a glimpse

More than 250 bird species have been

centre at San Pedro House. sanpedroriver.org

of soft pink roseate spoonbills, reddish

sighted at the garden. sabot.org

Pockets of wilderness in Florida provide

egrets, ospreys, white ibis, little blue herons

protected homes to both migratory and territo-

and white pelicans. fws.gov/dingdarling and

rial bird species. East of Fort Myers, Corkscrew

ﬂoridabirdingtrail.com

PHOTO: Birdwatching at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Southwest Florida.

Discover more information on travel to the USA at visittheusa.ca.

SPRING 2019 DREAMSCAPES 11

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FLORIDA’S

HISTORIC COAST ST. AUGUSTINE IS THE OLDEST CONTINUOUSLY OCCUPIED EUROPEAN SETTLEMENT IN THE USA . . . IN FACT, SO OLD THAT IT WAS ALREADY 211 YEARS OLD WHEN THE REPUBLIC OF THE UNITED STATES WAS CREATED.

12 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

By Steve Winston

hen Spanish Admiral Pedro

tory on some streets that don’t look much

Menéndez de Avilés waded

diﬀerently than they did a few centuries

ashore here on September 8,

ago. The region is now known as Florida’s

1565, he claimed this New World for Spain

Historic Coast.

and founded the city of St. Augustine. How-

Whether Menéndez realized it or not, the

ever, he wasn’t the ﬁrst person to set eyes on

area is blessed with long stretches of the best

this land; Native Americans of the Timucua

beaches in the U.S. And today, the area also

tribe had lived here for centuries.

features some of the most famous champi-

Today, St. Augustine is 454 years old. The

onship golf courses and resorts in the country.

city treasures its historical sites, attractions,

There are more than 67 kilometres of

national monuments and beautiful old

beaches between Ponte Vedra in the north to

churches, and nourishes its colourful his-

Marineland in the south. In fact, this beau-

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tiful stretch of shoreline has been listed

Marineland Dolphin Adventure combines

among TripAdvisor’s “Top 10 Beaches.”

conservation, education and the chance to

Ponte Vedra Beach is home to the PGA TOUR, TPC Sawgrass and THE PLAYERS

interact with dolphins and other sea life, making it a must-do experience for all ages.

Championship. There are more than a

Florida’s Historic Coast is a treasure trove

dozen beautiful courses in the region, a few

for nature and outdoor enthusiasts as well.

of which skirt the Atlantic Ocean. Hotels

There’s great ﬁshing from shore or on water.

and resorts in the area range from family-

Native bird species abound along the Great

style and B&Bs to luxury resorts. St.

Florida Birding Trail. Coastal areas and state

Augustine is also where you’ll ﬁnd the

parks oﬀer perfect opportunities to work up

World Golf Hall of Fame.

a sweat while admiring the wildlife and Florida’s natural beauty as you hike, bike

SEE, PLAY, EXPERIENCE . . . OR JUST RELAX

and swim. You’ll also ﬁnd quiet getaway

St. Augustine takes its history seriously and

the view and a cool drink from the comfort

playfully. Historical family attractions include

of a beach towel.

spots, where you can just relax and enjoy

the Colonial Quarter, Castillo de San

In addition, both St. Augustine and Ponte

Marcos, St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure

Vedra Beach have numerous ecotour operators

Museum and the St. Augustine Lighthouse and

who will take you out into natural surround-

Maritime Museum. Each venue oﬀers

ings you’ve probably never seen before.

delightful interactive experiences for kids and brings history to life.

Then there are the beaches. Ahhh . . . the beaches.

Although Ponce de León’s search for the

Listen to the gentle rhythm of waves lap-

Fountain of Youth is a legend, visitors will

ping the shore on beaches such as Ponte

ﬁnd true history and beautiful grounds at the

Vedra Beach, where a life-size statue of Ponce

Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. And

de León and a viewing platform overlook the

you don’t want to miss Ripley’s Believe It or

land he sighted so long ago. Or how about the

Not! Museum. Just a short drive south along

white-sand beach at Anastasia State Park, one

the picturesque A1A from St. Augustine,

of Florida’s most beautiful, where ﬁve kilo-

OPPOSITE TOP: Waterfront dining is always an option in St. Augustine. Neil Rashba LEFT: Fishing in St. Augustine. FloridasHistoricCoast.com TOP RIGHT: Golfers at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. FloridasHistoricCoast.com ABOVE: Art at the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine. FloridasHistoricCoast.com

SPRING 2019 DREAMSCAPES 13

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RIGHT: Enjoy 67 kilometres of some of the ﬁnest beaches in the USA in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra. BELOW CENTRE: Concerts in the Plaza runs from Memorial Day through Labour Day, with free live performances every Thursday evening. BELOW RIGHT: Take a carriage ride through St. Augustine’s Historic District. FloridasHistoricCoast.com

metres are reserved solely for walkers and dunes hide any hint of civilization? Prefer a bit more action? St. Augustine Beach features a variety of accommodation, numerous seaside restaurants, a beachfront park, a ﬁshing pier and a splash park for the kids. SPECIAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS The spring/summer 2019 calendar here is ﬁlled with colourful festivals and special events. From April 12 to June 16, the Lightner Museum is presenting an exhibition called Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist and Works on Paper by the Artist & His Circle, showcasing drawings, prints, photographs, monotypes (old-time prints created by paint or ink on glass or metal), correspondence and sculpture from a private collection.

The Music by the Sea Concert Series takes

In 2018, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & the

Florida’s Birding & Photo Fest runs from

place every Wednesday evening at the St.

Beaches garnered a ton of media recogni-

April 24–28. The event is headquartered at

Johns County Pier Pavilion from mid-May

tion. The Huﬃngton Post listed St. Augustine

St. Anastasia Church, but actually takes

through September.

as No. 2 among American cities with a Euro-

place at multiple venues as this festival

Concerts in the Plaza runs from Memorial

pean vibe. TravelPulse called it “America’s

includes 110 events displaying stunning

Day through Labour Day, with free live per-

Most Charming Old City.” BuzzFeed included

birding and outdoor photography on exhibit

formances every Thursday evening in St.

it on its list of “Most Amazing Places to Take

and hosts notable nature and wildlife pho-

Augustine’s historic Plaza de la Constitución.

Kids in all 50 States.” Parents magazine listed

Florida’s Historic Coast never forgets the

St. Augustine as one of the “Top Five Family-

tographers from around the world. Next on the event calendar is St. Augus-

kids when it comes to summer entertain-

Friendly Destinations That Mimic Your

tine’s Romanza Festivale of the Arts from

ment. Both Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Dream Vacation.” And St. Augustine Beach

May 3–12. This is an arts/culture festival pre-

Museum and the Colonial Quarter show free

was recently selected for three consecutive

sented by St. Augustine and St. Johns

movies and oﬀer special activities for chil-

years as a Top 10 Beach in the U.S.

County cultural organizations and busi-

dren each week in June and July.

nesses, and features dance performances,

away, with a distinct ﬂavour all its own.

concerts, art shows and stage productions

A VERY SPECIAL PLACE

throughout the city.

The word is out about this very special corner of Florida, with its European vibe,

FREE SUMMERTIME FUN

colourful history, family-friendly attrac-

Every summer, St. Augustine stages

tions, outdoor recreational opportunities

numerous events, many of which are free.

and pristine beaches.

14 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

Florida’s Historic Coast is the perfect get-

TRAVEL PLANNER For more information and to plan your vacation along Florida’s Historic Coast, visit FloridasHistoricCoast.com.

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Vacation like royalty with

WYNDHAM VACATION RENTALS BY STEVE WINSTON

rlando… The name itself is mag-

activities you may be tempted to forgo the

ﬁtness centre, a Lazy River, a kids’ splash

ical and well it should be. After

theme parks altogether and never leave your

pad, a community pool and a lounge area.

all, it’s home to some of the

tranquil haven.

Imagine yourself relaxing in a private

world’s greatest theme parks, thousands of

Wyndham Vacation Rentals homes really

vacation home, surrounded by tropical land-

restaurants, a multitude of shops ranging

do oﬀer you all the comforts of home,

scaping, knowing colourful attractions,

from upscale malls to funky little one-of-a-

without the crowds, the noisy hallways or

thrilling rides, shops and restaurants are just

kind boutiques, and championship-calibre

the parking hassle. The private homes are

a few minutes away if and when you’re ready

golf courses.

magniﬁcently decorated and appointed,

to leave your peaceful oasis. Why not enjoy

Orlando also boasts a grand selection of

with the best of everything. For example,

the best of both worlds? Wyndham Vacation

furnished and fully equipped Wyndham

The House of Kyes in Davenport is a beau-

Rentals oﬀers the perfect solution.

Vacation Rentals, where, often for the same

tiful Mediterranean-style home with a

cost and sometimes even less, you can

screened-in lanai, private pool and hot tub,

spend your well-deserved holiday in a spa-

and can accommodate up to 10 people.

cious, luxurious, private home rather than

Tropical Oasis, also in Davenport, is a

in a cramped hotel room.

striking home with rounded bay windows,

Whether you choose to stay in a private

which accommodates eight guests comfort-

home or in a beautifully landscaped resort,

ably and comes with a well-equipped game

all Wyndham properties are within a few

room as well as a lanai, pool and hot

minutes of the theme parks and attractions.

tub. Windsor At Westside 1978, an attached

In fact, the family-friendly, elegant vacation

vacation home in Kissimmee, accommo-

homes oﬀer so many on-site amenities and

dates 10 with access to a round-the-clock

16 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

TRAVEL PLANNER

Plan your Florida family vacation with Wyndham Vacation Rentals at WyndhamVacationRentals.com. PHOTOS: The Tropical Oasis in Davenport features bay windows, a private lanai, pool and hot tub, and beautifully appointed decor. Wyndham Vacation Rentals

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A TRADITIONAL

CHARLOTTETOWN MASTERPIECE By Talia Wooldridge

onfederation Centre of the Arts, known as “Confed” or “The Centre” to locals, is an impressive

structure in the heart of Charlottetown’s downtown historical district. It houses over 17,000 works of art in its permanent collection as well as three bustling theatres, Mavor’s Restaurant—with its tucked-away courtyard patio and one of Charlottetown’s best-kept secrets for an intimate pre- or post-show drink—and a gift shop, which features local artisan wares and a hearty oﬀering of East Coast music. The Centre is the traditional go-to for a history lesson on Canada’s Confederation.

that debuted at the Festival in the 1970s, is

It’s easy to spend a whole day at “Confed.”

It is also home to the popular, long-

new and the ﬁrst festival show ever produced

Interesting and informative walking tours led

running Anne of Green Gables—The Musical,

to go on to Broadway. And the award-winning

by costumed Victorian tour guides and

a wonderful production reworked every

Mamma Mia! returns in August.

provocative, contemporary and historical

few years to keep it fresh. However, The

The Mack theatre features cabaret

Canadian visual art always delight guests out

Centre is most known in the summertime

shows; Atlantic Blue, a Maritime love letter

of doors and inside the Gallery. Visiting

for its 55-year-old Charlottetown Festival,

by Canadian songstress, Tara MacLean; and

exhibitions this season include Mapping

the largest theatre festival in Atlantic

a hilarious, thoughtful one-man show by

Worlds from Canadian artist Shuvinai Ashoona

Canada, which showcases up to seven

Stephen Guy-McGrath called Spinning

(Toronto) and recent works from Philippa

award-winning productions every June to

Yarns: Tales and Tunes from a Homesick

Jones. The original manuscript of Lucy Maud

September.

Newfoundlander. In addition, in The

Montgomery’s masterpiece Anne of Green

Centre’s

Gables will also be on display—a must-see.

This summer, the 1,100-seat Homburg

outdoor

amphitheatre,

the

Theatre is continuing a three-year re-

emerging triple-threat talent of the Young

imagining of Anne of Green Gables—The

Company stages the daily, free performance

Musical that is funny, heartfelt, acrobatic and

Aqsarnit, the Inuktitut word for the

scored to a full orchestra. The theatre’s new

northern lights. This high-energy musical

revolving stage promises to make the

re-examines Canada’s past through the

musical even more spectacular. A reworked

varied lenses of today’s youth and shares

Kronborg—The Hamlet Rock Musical, a rock-

some of the stories they hope will be told in

operatic rendition of Shakespeare’s Hamlet

the future.

18 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

ABOVE: Anne of Green Gables—The Musical is a funny, heartfelt, acrobatic production in Charlottetown, PEI.

Confederation Centre of the Arts/Louise Vessey

TRAVEL PLANNER For more information on tours and the Summer 2019 schedule, visit confederationcentre.com.

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OTTAWA SPRINGS INTO ACTION By Laura Byrne Paquet

very spring, as tulips burst into

temperatures are often on the sultry side.

bloom along the Rideau Canal,

Spring and summer are wonderful times

Ottawa roars into the season like a

to explore Canada’s capital, and this year,

teenager celebrating the last day of school.

the schedule is packed with reasons to visit.

Usually, there’s a week where the temperature swings wildly from below freezing to

UP ON THE HILL

about 10 C, and suddenly every restaurant

First of all, even if you’ve toured Parliament

patio is packed with people in T-shirts and

Hill before, things have changed immensely

shorts—shivering but delightedly deﬁant.

there this year. Major renovations have

By the time the Canadian Tulip Festival rolls

begun in the Centre Block, which is now

around—it runs from May 10 to 20 this

closed to the public. However, at the new Vis-

year—Ottawa and its sister city of Gatineau

itor Welcome Centre on the Hill, you can

are humming with activity. And by June,

arrange tours of parliamentarians’ temporary

20 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

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LEFT: The Ceremonial Guard marches down Elgin in Ottawa. Ottawa Tourism BELOW: Fans gather at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Ottawa Tourism BOTTOM: Millions of tulips set the stage for the annual Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa. thenmax/Shutterstock

homes: the House of Commons chamber

Bluesfest (July 4 to 14), which is celebrating

built into what was once an interior court-

its 25th anniversary in 2019. One of North

yard in the West Block, and the Senate

America’s biggest music festivals, it will fea-

chamber in a former train station.

ture more than 200 acts on multiple stages

Luckily, plenty of outdoor activities on

at LeBreton Flats.

Parliament Hill will still take place,

Other big draws for music lovers this year

including Canada Day celebrations (July 1),

include concerts at the Canadian Tire Centre

the Northern Lights sound and light show

arena by Twenty One Pilots (May 21), Carrie

(early July through early September), the

Underwood (June 10), Def Leppard (July 19)

Changing of the Guard ceremony (June 23

and Michael Bublé (July 30). Downtown,

through August 24) and yoga on the lawn

there’s also the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival (June

(Wednesdays at noon, mid-May until late

21 to July 1), the Music and Beyond festival

August, weather permitting).

of art and classical music (July 4 to 17),

You may be able to get to Parliament Hill

Ottawa Chamberfest, the world’s largest

by train this year, as Ottawa’s long-awaited

chamber music festival (July 25 to August 8),

light-rail transit system is expected to be up

and CityFolk (September 11–15).

and running sometime this spring. The inau-

In fact, from spring through fall, there’s

gural Confederation Line will stretch 12.5

a festival just about every week, from the

kilometres from east to west, with 13 stations.

Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival (June 20 to 23) to the Gatineau Hot Air Bal-

FESTIVALS, CONCERTS AND MORE

loon Festival (August 29 to September 2).

One of those stations, Pimisi, will likely be

And for fans of grand spectacle, Gatineau

packed with music fans during RBC Ottawa

will host both Cirque du Soleil: ALEGRIA

SPRING 2019 DREAMSCAPES 21

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LEFT: Cycle along the recreational path that borders the Rideau Canal. Ottawa Tourism

and cycle beside the Rideau Canal. Catch a REDBLACKS football or Ottawa Fury soccer game, go out for dinner, or explore one of Ottawa’s largest farmers’ markets at Lansdowne Park. Test your puzzle-solving skills in an escape room at the Diefenbunker, an underground Cold War bunker-turnedmuseum. Go kayaking at Dows Lake, hiking in Gatineau Park or shopping in the ByWard Market. You can even try whitewater rafting near Parliament Hill! (August 2 to September 1) and Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light, an international

oﬀering Neanderthals (May 17 to January 26).

Whatever you do, you’ll be in the com-

If theatre is your scene, you can see lots

pany of enthusiastic locals. Just remember

of quirky independent productions at the

to bring your shorts—no matter what the

Ottawa’s national museums have some

Ottawa Fringe Festival (June 13 to 23) or tap

forecast says—and you’ll ﬁt right in.

great shows in store for visitors this

your toes to the wildly popular musical

summer, too. The big exhibition at the

Come From Away at the National Arts Centre

National Gallery of Canada will be Gauguin:

(August 20 to September 8).

ﬁreworks festival (August 10 to 24).

Portraits (May 24 to September 8), while the

Aside from all these special events,

Canadian Museum of History will be

Ottawa is simply fun to explore. Rent a bike

22 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

TRAVEL PLANNER For more information, go to ottawatourism.ca.

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VICE-REGAL RESIDENCES:

A GLIMPSE INTO

HISTORY

IN OTTAWA AND QUÉBEC CITY, YOU CAN ENJOY A BIT OF ROYAL GLAMOUR—FOR FREE!

By Laura Byrne Paquet

ideau Hall in Ottawa and the Citadelle

second oﬃcial residence was built by the

in Québec City are the two oﬃcial

British Army in 1831 as an oﬃcers’ barracks.

residences of Canada’s Governor Gen-

Oﬃcially known simply as “Building 28,” it

eral, the Queen’s representative in Canada.

is part of the Citadelle of Québec’s fortress,

Throughout the year, guided tours are available.

a National Historic Site of Canada, located

Here’s what you can see and do at each site.

high atop Cape Diamond in Old Québec.

AT HOME IN OTTAWA

General’s residence in 1976, a new wing was

Rideau Hall was originally the villa of stone-

constructed with a contemporary decor fea-

After a ﬁre destroyed part of the Governor

mason Thomas McKay, who made his

guided tour brochure available at the visitor

turing walnut, granite and aluminum

fortune as one of the primary builders of the

entrances. The 32-hectare property’s attrac-

accents. That wing now houses a sunroom,

Rideau Canal locks. Over the years, the

tions include an outdoor skating rink, a

space for oﬃcial events and a grand foyer

house has been greatly expanded, and one

cricket pitch and thousands of trees. Among

with twin spiral staircases.

of the architectural highlights is the Ball-

them are roughly 150 trees planted by visiting

One added beneﬁt of touring the residences

room, inaugurated in 1873. With its pale

dignitaries, including John F. Kennedy, Koﬁ

is the chance to see valuable artifacts and art-

blue walls, gilded ceiling and one-ton

Annan and Diana, Princess of Wales.

works. Both buildings are furnished with ﬁne

Waterford crystal chandelier, it is the grand

antiques and with works by noted Canadian

setting for Order of Canada investiture cer-

MILITARY GRANDEUR IN QUÉBEC

artists, such as Emily Carr, Jean Paul Lemieux,

emonies and other national events.

So why does the Governor General have two

Jean-Paul Riopelle and Allen Sapp.

The Tent Room, with its red-and-white striped walls and ceiling, also makes a big

oﬃcial residences? The answer lies in Canada’s complex history.

impression on many visitors. Originally an

Colonial Governors had lived in Québec

indoor tennis court, it was sometimes redec-

City since New France was founded in the

orated with swags of fabric for opulent events.

early 1600s. In 1872, ﬁve years after Ottawa

The tent-like look proved so popular that it

became Canada’s capital, Governor General

became a permanent aspect of the decor.

Lord Duﬀerin revived the tradition by estab-

Visitors can also explore Rideau Hall’s

lishing quarters in Québec City. The

pretty grounds, on their own or using the self-

building that is now the Governor General’s

TRAVEL PLANNER Depending on the time of year and the size of your group, you may need to make advance reservations for your free tour. For more information, visit gg.ca. TOP: A memorable moment is captured at the Governor General’s Residence in Ottawa. ABOVE: Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Rideau Hall, Ottawa. Rideau Hall/MCpl Vincent Carbonneau

SPRING 2019 DREAMSCAPES 23

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WHERE PASTORAL PLEASURES

MATCH URBAN DELIGHTS By Kate Pocock

f you’re yearning for a peaceful country

ST. JACOBS MARKET DISTRICT

ride or hop onto a historical steam locomo-

atmosphere interspersed with city

Arrive early at the renowned St. Jacobs

tive to see the countryside.

sophistication, look no further than rural

Farmers’ Market & Flea Market. Canada’s

Stroll down memory lane at Market Road

St. Jacobs and adjacent Kitchener-Waterloo,

largest indoor/outdoor farmers’ market

Antiques located in the Market District where

Ontario, for a two-for-one experience. Not only

attracts thousands each week. Look for

aisles of vendors sell thousands of treasures.

will you travel through pristine farmland and

apple fritters, handmade pretzels, authentic

Don’t miss the nearby historical Village of St.

enjoy the bounty, but all ages will also savour

tamales, jerk chicken and more Waterloo

Jacobs where unique shops sell pottery, hand-

the sophistication of a “top-tech” urban hub.

Region treats. Take a horse-drawn trolley

made brooms, ladies’ fashions, gifts and

DS-Spring-2019.qxp_v1 2019-03-15 11:58 AM Page 25

decor. There are also many places to enjoy a

modern touring bike to cycle along scenic

stained-glass crafts. Examine a series of dio-

bite to eat. To learn about the ﬁrst Mennonite

back roads and pastoral byways.

ramas that tell the story of glass. Be sure to visit

settlers, visit The Mennonite Story.

On day two, paddle a canoe or kayak along

the gallery’s superb gift shop where more than

Thirsty folks can enjoy a brew at the

the famous Grand River where highlights

100 Canadian artists contribute ceramics,

Block Three Brewing Company. Or, book a

might include a visit to an Old Order Men-

stained-glass items and jewellery for sale.

unique coﬀee-tasting session at EcoCafe.

nonite farm or a sampling of the region’s

The area is known for its festivals. In

Explore this picturesque region on a

renowned craft beer. Enjoy a ﬁnal picnic by

mid-August the TD Kitchener Blues Festival

guided two-day Mennonite bike and paddle

the West Montrose Covered Bridge—

presents rollicking rhythm-and-blues per-

adventure. Begin your path-less-travelled

Canada’s oldest intact covered bridge.

formances on multiple stages. The most

excursion with a behind-the-scenes tour of the St. Jacobs Market. Then hop on a

popular celebration of all, however, is the KITCHENER–WATERLOO

annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest

Chefs at Marbles Restaurant serve locally

extravaganza in mid-October—the world’s

sourced ingredients in a historical livery

second-largest Oktoberfest celebration after

stable where you can savour soups, vegan

Germany. As they say, Willkommen. Or even

delights or Thursday seafood nights. For

better, Prosit!

cheerful family feasts, Taco Farm delivers Mexican-inspired cuisine. Their tasty tacos were recently featured on the kids’ edition of TV’s You Gotta Eat Here. Chef Dan McCowan at Red House bistro creates award-winning dishes such as lamb spaghetti. At the unique Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, delight in artistic ceramics and

OPPOSITE: St. Jacobs Market District. LEFT: The West Montrose Covered Bridge. Explore Waterloo Region

TRAVEL PLANNER For more information on all there is to see and do in the Waterloo Region, visit stjacobsmarket.com or explorewaterlooregion.com.

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SYDNEY, THE SLOW WAY IT ALL STARTED WITH A BANG. LITERALLY.

26 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

By John & Sandra Nowlan

he elegant atrium of the Crystal

THE PERFECT CHOICE

Serenity was covered with nets

Crystal Serenity is an ideal size for cruising—

holding hundreds of balloons ready

much

smaller

than

the

impersonal

to drop and be punctured or stomped on as

mega-ships yet large enough to provide a

we left Los Angeles. It was a joyful and noisy

wide variety of dining, entertainment and

send-oﬀ for the 900 guests on the ﬁrst leg

education options. And meals, wine, spirits

of a 112-day world cruise. We were only

and gratuities are included in the fare. The

staying for the initial segment, a 24-day

crew is particularly well-trained and we

journey to Australia with stops in Hawaii

experienced a level of service uncommon

and several South Paciﬁc islands. But many

on other cruise lines.

guests were world-cruise veterans with a

Our balcony room was 25 square metres,

half dozen or more under their belts. It’s

a bit small perhaps for a three-week voyage

easy to see the appeal.

but well-equipped with luxury touches such

DS-Spring-2019.qxp_v1 2019-03-15 11:58 AM Page 27

as great lighting, high-def TV with many

Outstanding guest speakers have always

channel choices, free Wi-Fi, special cleaning

been a key strength of Crystal Cruises (only

and ﬁlters to avoid allergies, a comfortable

Cunard, on its Queen Mary 2 trans-Atlantic

king bed with top-quality linens and a bath-

crossings, comes close). In 45-minute illus-

room equipped with twin sinks and both a

trated lectures we learned about the ports

shower and tub (rare on cruise ships).

on our itinerary, the fascinating history of

On some cruise ships, many days at sea

the South Paciﬁc including explorations by

can be boring. Not on board Crystal. We dis-

James

covered so many interesting things to do on

astronomy and Paciﬁc Marine Biology as

sea days that books we brought remained

well as topics like Broadway Musicals,

unread (there’s an excellent on-board

Olympic History, Social Networking and

library). For sports enthusiasts, there was

How to Avoid Pickpockets.

Cook,

Southern

Hemisphere

shuﬄeboard, paddle tennis, golf, swimming,

Every evening, the Galaxy Lounge (the

yoga, tai chi, Pilates, Zumba and a well-

main theatre) featured a performance by

equipped gym. Other activities included

individual artists (comedian, West End

bridge, art classes, choral singing, Yamaha

singer, concert pianist, violinist) or a spec-

keyboard classes, computer skills workshops

tacular production show by the resident

(Windows 10, iCloud, PowerPoint, iPhone

band and 10 very talented singers and

and iPad Moviemaking) plus current ﬁlms in

dancers (the Russian Dance Captain was

the Hollywood Theatre and daily team trivia.

mesmerizing). The lively shows were

There was also a non-smoking casino and an

always entertaining and colourful but, as

elegant daily tea (including Crystal’s signa-

on many cruise ships, the sound was often

ture Mozart Tea). A teak promenade deck

very loud (we noticed several guests used

encouraged brisk morning walks.

earplugs).

OPPOSITE TOP: Sister ships Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity meet up in Sydney Harbour. Crystal Cruises LEFT: Mozart tea service is a Crystal tradition. John & Sandra Nowlan ABOVE: Production shows on board Crystal Cruises are creative and entertaining. John & Sandra Nowlan

SPRING 2019 DREAMSCAPES 27

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BELOW: Crystal Serenity moored oﬀ Mystery Island for a few hours of sun and swimming in crystal-clear waters. John & Sandra Nowlan RIGHT: Experience elegant dining in the Waterside restaurant on board Crystal Serenity. Crystal Cruises BOTTOM CENTRE: Seared ahi tuna at Silk Road was delicious. John & Sandra Nowlan BOTTOM RIGHT: Guests learn a Samoan dance. John & Sandra Nowlan

Cuisine is always important on board a

Road and the Sushi Bar (Asian cuisine by

heard of, we stopped at uninhabited Mys-

cruise and, in our experience, no one does it

Nobu Matsuhisa where the black cod is

tery Island for a few hours of sun and

better than Crystal. On Serenity, 96 chefs (all

remarkably good) and Prego (Italian) made

swimming in crystal-clear waters.

of whom had at least two years’ experience

us forget we were in the middle of the

We missed a couple of stops because of

in a land-based ﬁne restaurant or hotel) pre-

Paciﬁc Ocean. Prego’s mushroom soup in a

stormy weather; however, we enjoyed our

pared every meal with imagination and ﬂair.

bread bowl was an iconic cruise ship mas-

last port of Noumea in New Caledonia. It’s a

The excellent wait staﬀ were also hospitality

terpiece. Tastes, on the Lido deck, oﬀered

French Overseas Territory that reminded us

veterans, many of whom came from Eastern

small tapas that were as tasty as they were

of St. Pierre et Miquelon oﬀ the Newfound-

Europe and South Africa. On a typical night

beautiful. In all restaurants a knowledge-

land coast. Called “The Paris of the Paciﬁc,”

in the main dining room, guests could

able sommelier poured an excellent

it had many ﬁne restaurants and an exten-

choose dishes from the Crystal Classics or

selection of complimentary ﬁne wines.

sive French wine selection in grocery stores. Unlike St. Pierre et Miquelon, however, the

Modern Cuisine side of the menu that included sturgeon caviar, beef tartar with

A REMARKABLE ITINERARY

quail egg, grouper, sea bass, rack of lamb,

Our route to Australia included some

Sailing into Sydney Harbour on a bril-

lobster thermidor and beef Wellington with

remarkable ports. Our two stops in Hawaii

liant morning was a treat we’ll always

vegetarian options. Seafood dishes were

(Maui and Honolulu) were followed by

remember. Champagne and mimosas were

especially tasty. One guest from Winnipeg

another ﬁve days at sea and a crossing of the

served to all guests on deck as we

told us he couldn’t believe the quality of the

equator (“sorry about the bump,” the captain

approached the twin symbols of Sydney—

lobster. “It makes us think we’re in Halifax,”

joked). We then landed in American Samoa,

the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. A

he said. Special meal requests are routine for

the only inhabited U.S. territory south of the

perfect ending to a remarkable Paciﬁc

the executive chef who commented that his

equator. Then it was on to the Republic of

crossing—and with no jet lag!

answer is always “yes” for a special dish. “If

Fiji where we visited a spice farm, saw a

we have it, we can do it.”

demonstration of ancient cooking practices

We also dined at the three optional

and were entertained by traditional songs

restaurants (no extra cost), which set

and dances and men walking on hot stones.

Michelin standards for ﬁne dining. Silk

In Vanuatu, a country we’d frankly never

28 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

local currency is the franc, not the euro.

TRAVEL PLANNER More information on Crystal Cruises can be found at crystalcruises.com.

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BEGUILING

ANGUILLA

YEARNING FOR LIFE IN THE LAID-BACK LANE? ON ANGUILLA, THE DAY’S MOST PRESSING QUESTION MAY BE WHICH BEACH TO TRY NEXT.

By Laura Byrne Paquet

ven if you’ve heard of Anguilla, you

can let down your guard, kick oﬀ your shoes

might not be sure how to pronounce

and forget about making an impression. And

its name. (For the record, it “rhymes

one great way to get into Anguilla’s state of

with vanilla,” as locals are quick to inform you.)

mind is to step aboard Tradition, a sleek

However, you could be forgiven for being

wooden sailboat built on Carriacou in 1978 to

unaware

this

oﬀ-the-beaten-track

transport cocoa and other goods around the

Caribbean island. For one thing, it’s tiny—you

islands. Laurie Gumbs and his partner, expat

could ﬁt 120 Anguillas into Jamaica, with

Albertan Deb Vos, now use it to run day trips

room to spare. For another, it’s very quiet.

and private charters.

There are no casinos. Huge cruise ships pass it by. You’d be hard-pressed to rent a Segway

SAIL AWAY

or ﬁnd a posh jewellery boutique.

They greeted my group with sparkling

So why go?

mimosas and made sure we weren’t thirsty for

One word: Escape.

the duration of our “sundowner sail,” however

Long a discreet haven for rich and famous

our outing was far from a raucous booze

travellers—Derek Jeter, Sandra Bullock, Jay-Z

cruise. If anything, you could call it a “nosh

and Beyoncé have all dropped by—the island

cruise,” as the couple’s idea of hors d’oeuvres

is famous for its privacy, opulent resorts, great

ranges far and wide. I loved the cheese board,

food and at least 33 beaches.

piled high with fromages purchased on the

Although it can be pricey, the 91-square-

French side of neighbouring Saint Martin/St.

kilometre British overseas territory has an

Maarten. Depending on what’s seasonally

endearing lack of pretention. For instance, the

available, you might also nibble on charcu-

capital of Anguilla is simply called The Valley—

terie, devilled eggs, hummus, tapenade or

not surprising on an island where you’ll also

gorgonzola-stuﬀed ﬁgs wrapped in bacon as

ﬁnd communities with straightforward names

you watch pelicans swoop and dive for their

like West End, East End, North Hill, South Hill,

own dinner.

Little Harbour and Island Harbour. The island is that sort of place where you

30 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

Taking care of the gleaming vintage ship is clearly a labour of love for Gumbs and Vos,

DS-Spring-2019.qxp_v1 2019-03-15 11:58 AM Page 31

LEFT: Some villas at Zemi offer private plunge pools with unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea. Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa BOTTOM LEFT: Watersport activities at The Reef by CuisinArt are always popular. The Reef by CuisinArt BOTTOM RIGHT: A sailing excursion aboard Tradition is a relaxing way to enjoy a sunset. Laura Byrne Paquet

who sail it back to Carriacou periodically for a bit of TLC. “As you’re repairing one part of the ship, another part is saying goodbye,” Gumbs said wryly, noting they replace roughly half the ship each year. Fortunately, he had enough warning of Hurricane Irma in September 2017 to sail Tradition out of harm’s

way.

survived

the

storm

unscathed, and the couple used it in the ensuing months to ferry supplies to the devastated island.

UPSCALE HAVENS For an island with a permanent population of just 15,000 people, Anguilla boasts a surprising number of upscale resorts. If cooking is your passion, the twoyear-old Reef by CuisinArt (yes, the kitchen appliance company) may be just your cup of gazpacho. Menus at the Reef’s two restaurants highlight ingredients from the hydroponic farm the Reef shares with its nearby sister property, CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa. My favourite menu items included a spectacular caprese salad at the beachfront Breezes restaurant and an unusual appetizer of peekytoe crab on a funnel cake at the more formal Yacht Club. After dinner, I happily wound down in a huge guest suite featuring a

SPRING 2019 DREAMSCAPES 31

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TOP LEFT: Zemi’s main pool is adjacent to the beach. Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa ABOVE: Sunrise yoga at The Reef by CuisinArt is a calming start to any day. The Reef by CuisinArt RIGHT: The spa at Zemi is housed in a centuries-old reconstructed Thai house. Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa

32 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

standalone oval tub, walk-in closet and

above the main resort buildings and

many CuisinArt appliances (in-room

oﬀering a sweeping ocean view, is well

espresso, anyone?).

named. Thoughtful touches, such as bas-

The Reef’s sleek esthetic glitters with marble and glass, however if your idea of

kets of sunscreen by the pool, make Zemi a soothing haven.

luxury leans more toward wood and natural

My favourite place on the property was

materials, check out a relatively new resort

the spa. Housed in a 300-year-old Thai

at the opposite end of the island. At Zemi

building that was shipped to the island and

Beach House Hotel & Spa, the food is also

reassembled years ago, the spa is home to

outstanding, from the curried pasta salad

one of the largest Turkish-style hammams

with crispy chickpeas I enjoyed by the

in the Caribbean, along with ﬁve treatment

beach to the chilli-orange salmon with

rooms. Yes, it sounds like a jarring combi-

coconut rice I’m still dreaming about. The

nation of international themes, but it

adults-only tranquillity pool, perched a bit

worked for me. The pools and hammocks

DS-Spring-2019.qxp_v1 2019-03-15 11:58 AM Page 33

were relaxing, my grapefruit-and-rosemary

ular. I spent an enjoyable hour kayaking in

Anguilla Tennis Academy or go horseback

massage eased the aches from my shoul-

the waters oﬀ the Reef, and the hotel also

riding with Seaside Stables.

ders, and the mud-bath ritual—coat

oﬀers its guests complimentary snorkelling

yourself in mud, bake in the sun, rinse oﬀ

and paddleboarding.

And for the ultimate escape, book a trip to Sandy Island, a tiny islet just oﬀshore,

Looking for land-based fun? The elegant

where you can swim or snorkel to work up

CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa next door to the

an appetite, then devour giant servings of

Reef is home to an 18-hole golf course

lobster, crayﬁsh or barbecued chicken. You

GET OUTDOORS

can’t get much farther from a Canadian

While Anguilla doesn’t have as many tourist

island, you can polish your backhand at the

winter than that.

in an outdoor shower—was surprisingly refreshing.

attractions as some other Caribbean islands, that doesn’t mean you’ll be bored—especially if you like to exercise under the tropical sun.

TRAVEL PLANNER Most Canadians reach Anguilla via St. Maarten, then take a ferry to Anguilla. For more details on Anguilla, go to ivisitanguilla.com.

Not surprisingly, watersports are pop-

SPRING 2019 DREAMSCAPES 33

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DS TRAVEL SLEUTH >> BY JANE STOKES

VACATIONING WITH SENIORS OLDER PARENTS HAVE CHANGING NEEDS, AND THROUGH A COMBINED EFFORT, SOLUTIONS ARE USUALLY FOUND SYSTEMATICALLY. MULTI-GENERATIONAL TRAVEL, HOWEVER, MAY PUT US IN COMPLETELY NEW TERRITORY SO BE SURE TO CHECK OFF THE ESSENTIALS FOR LOVED ONES WELL IN ADVANCE. PINPOINT ANY HEALTH ISSUES AND COMFORT CONCERNS Begin with the Travel Abroad guidelines posted by the federal government at travel.gc.ca in the sections headed Health & Safety/Older Travellers. The information covers vaccines, transportation risks (ﬂying and driving), jet lag, high altitudes, extreme air temperatures, traveller’s diarrhea, carrying medications, and more. Planning accurately is essential but since surprises do arise, here are two more tips: at least six weeks before departure, get personalized advice from your family doctor or from a travel health clinic, and, buy supplementary health insurance with an in-depth understanding of the terms. Even if your trip is in Canada, ﬁnd out the extent of healthcare coverage in other provinces.

THEREFORE, IF YOU’RE PLANNING an

dians due to the high frequency of south-

upcoming vacation to create brand-new

bound, non-stop ﬂights. If, however, the

PLAN FOR AIRPORT DEMANDS

memories or to give your parents a trip-of-

goal is to help your parents fulﬁll a “must-

The days of travel can be arduous at any age

a-lifetime feeling, a checklist is highly

do” experience, such as Manhattan, New

especially when you’re ﬂying. Airport pro-

recommended. Initial decisions for peace-

Orleans or Key West south of the border, or

cedures involve a lot of walking and several

of-mind might start with these:

Venice, Jerusalem or Honolulu farther

lineups for check-in, luggage tagging, secu-

aﬁeld, such choices might be more easily

rity screening, customs clearance and

AGREE ON THE TYPE OF VACATION

accommodated on a quality coach tour, sea

aircraft boarding. Will you be bringing

cruise or a luxury river cruise. The options

mobility devices, health supplies or pre-

If you want a sunny resort-style getaway,

are fun to discuss and will give you plenty

scription drugs? Would medical implants

countless choices are available to Cana-

of companion information.

prevent a loved one from passing through

34 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

DS-Spring-2019.qxp_v1 2019-03-15 11:58 AM Page 35

OPPOSITE: A river cruise oﬀers a relaxing way to visit historical European towns and cities. Avalon Waterways RIGHT: A beachfront villa in the Florida Keys may be your best option. Tranquility Bay Resort BELOW: Take advantage of queues reserved for seniors at airport security checkpoints. CATSA

the X-rays of a security scanner? Solutions are in place at Canadian airports, including (in some locations) a seniors’ lane at screening points. To help you plan ahead, catsa-acsta.gc.ca is a comprehensive website oﬀered by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). See the Special Needs planning page for tips on a full range of issues for adults and children. Outside

year-round along three glorious coastlines.

Canada, ask your airline for assistance at

If, however, your loved ones are talking

each airport on the itinerary.

about a dream trip to Fiji, the Seychelles or Bora Bora, careful planning can make it a

DECIDE WHERE TO GO AND HOW TO DO IT

reality. After a very long ﬂight, for instance,

When seniors’ needs travel with us, so must

recuperation. As well, think carefully about

patience and dedication. Some vacation

the destination if you cannot book a direct

choices make this far more relaxing, however:

ﬂight. Connections and travelling across

let the chosen resort work its magic on your

time zones are exhausting. So, when ﬂying Cruising: Instead of a do-it-yourself Euro-

long distances, be sure to keep everyone

pean rail or road trip, why not see the major

hydrated and stretch those legs regularly to

sites on a peaceful river cruise, where you

prevent blood clots.

check in once and ﬂoat from one historical place to another? Or, perhaps, you prefer a

features to consider include: on-board

Coach trips: These creative itineraries can

cruise on the high seas. Today, cruise ves-

atmosphere (do you prefer the pulsation of

transport you in comfort through magniﬁ-

sels can take you to Copenhagen, St.

a megaship or the calm and charm of a

cent countryside to most of the world’s

Petersburg, Hamburg, Florence, Monte

smaller vessel?); cabin choice (adjacent,

historical cities and often provide VIP treat-

Carlo, Saint-Tropez, Athens, Bangkok, Hong

adjoining or a suite?); and, scheduled ports

ment along the way. This option appeals to

Kong, Auckland, Cape Town, Rio, Buenos

of call (to fulﬁll the dream). Whether your

every age however it does involve frequent

Aires, Sydney, San Francisco or Honolulu,

trip is multi-generational or involves sen-

accommodation changes and willingness to

just for starters—all of it with medical

iors only, a specialist can recommend a

adhere to a tightly scheduled itinerary.

expertise on board. In North America, by

cruise ship to match everyone’s expecta-

sea or river, you can ﬂoat into Québec City,

tions. Vacation assistance is also found at

Vacation home rentals: If you’d like your

Halifax, St. John’s, Charlottetown, Boston,

canadiantravelagents.ca.

family to settle in under one roof at a desired

New York City, Miami, Key West, New

destination, consider a home exchange or

Orleans, Memphis, San Francisco, Victoria

Resorts, near and far: When hospital

vacation rental. In Canada, the USA and

and many more. With the VIP treatment so

access with reliable standards are a priority,

abroad, choices galore await on sites

unique to cruising, families are safe to

consider all of the gems in the United States

like homeaway.ca, homeexchange.com and

decide their own fun, worry-free.

and Canada. Quality resorts featuring ﬁne

hometogo.com. Just be sure to do your due

Ask a specialist to match your expecta-

dining, entertainment, golf, spas and pop-

diligence and ask for multiple references

tions with the right cruise. The many

ular recreational activities can be planned

before you book or make any deposit.

SPRING 2019 DREAMSCAPES 35

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CHILE, A COUNTRY OF HIDDEN GEMS THERE’S SO MUCH ONE CAN SAY ABOUT TRAVELLING TO CHILE. WHETHER YOU’RE AN URBAN JUNKIE, ART LOVER, OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST, FOODIE OR WINE AFICIONADO, YOU ARE BOUND TO FIND SOMETHING THAT STRIKES YOUR FANCY.

By Denise J. Deveau

hile is a wonderful geographical

tiago for example has become a mecca for

curiosity. A country whose width

up-and-coming millennials who have left

can be traversed in an hour or two

smaller towns to pursue their education

at just about any point, it extends 4,270 kilo-

and careers.

metres from stem to stern, creating a vast

There is also a growing number of well-

diversity of landscapes and climate. There’s

heeled baby boomers who have foregone

the desert region of the north, the vibrant

their urban lifestyle to establish their own

urban landscape of Santiago and Valparaiso,

eco-friendly businesses in more remote

the expansive vineyards and rustic villages

areas of the country. Then you have families

of the central region, and ﬁnally, the far

who have ﬁshed or farmed for generations

reaches of Patagonia to the south.

and cling to their traditions and folklore.

Chile has long since shaken oﬀ the dark days of the Pinochet regime. Now a politi-

CULTURALLY RICH ROOTS

cally stable and progressive country, people

This trip took us to the country’s cultural

take pride in their centuries of history and

roots in Chiloé (which means “seagull

their prospects for the future.

place”), about 1,200 kilometres south of

What is striking when you travel through

Santiago, where we experienced an eclectic

parts of Chile is the enthusiasm of the

mix of Spanish and indigenous culture that

people you meet, whether they are young

permeates everything from restaurants and

professionals carving out a new future or

resorts to rural villages and waterfront com-

friendly villagers steeped in tradition. San-

munities. Wherever you choose to go in the

36 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

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region, you will find remnants of ancient folklore or centuries-old cooking techniques dating back to settlers from the Pacific Island regions. Chiloé is an often overlooked but culturally rich region that is a true throwback to earlier times. The residents are descendants of a long line of navigators and seafaring adventurers. Although it is a mainly Catholic district, you often run into signs of relics that precede Christianity and represent mythical creatures and gods from ancient folklore in the form of crudely carved figurines on buildings or hidden in the long grass along the riverbanks. TOP: Santiago is the perfect starting point for your travels through Chile. Tourismo Chile LEFT: Valparaiso is famous for its beautiful graffiti art. Denise J. Deveau ABOVE: Chiloé’s ancient folklore can be seen in these primitive carvings. Denise J. Deveau

UNIQUE SITES AND EXPERIENCES This 40-island archipelago in central Chile is also home to a number of unique historical sites. There are the Churches of Chiloé,

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MORE DISCOVERIES AWAIT

SANTIAGO: • Don’t miss the Peumayén Ancestral Food restaurant, a truly unique dining establishment that specializes in authentic indigenous meals. • Visit Metropolitan Park to ride a funicular and cable car to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. You can even try out some challenging mountain-biking trails. • Treat yourself to a completo, a delicious variation of the hot dog served with plenty of extra trimmings.

VALPARAISO: • Enjoy a walking tour of the central city to view the work of world-renowned graﬃti artists. • Visit the Pablo Neruda Museum for a glimpse into the life of Chile’s greatest poet-diplomat and politician. • Stay at the Casa Higueras, a sumptuous boutique hotel in the heart of the city.

a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site,

in a hole in the ground. While the food is

which features 16 churches built in the

being prepared, local musicians play

Chilota architecture style during the 18th and

curanto songs, and guests can sip on an end-

centuries. These colourfully painted

less supply of Chile’s most popular cocktail,

churches are constructed from native

pisco sours. When all is ready, it’s time to sit

timber with wood shingles and have a par-

down at a communal table and dig into the

ticular interior domed design representing

platters of steaming hot delicacies.

an overturned boat, which pays homage to

CENTRAL REGION WINERIES: • The famous Viñas Santa Rita is also home to acres of botanical gardens that represent diﬀerent regions of the world. • Viña Haras de Pirque’s theme reﬂects Chile’s long-standing love of equestrian sports. • Viña Aquitania is a modern winery located at the foot of the Andes in the heart of the Maipo Valley.

38 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

their early history.

If you have time, it’s well worth your while to visit Conejos Island, where you will

Another architectural standout on Chiloé

see plenty of dolphins, sea lions and pen-

Island is the city of Castro, where the water-

guins. The highlight of our tour was an

front is crammed with a distinctive style of

on-board meal of freshly caught shellﬁsh

houses on stilts that have become a major

served up in a massive bowl for all to share.

stopping point for architecture enthusiasts.

There are also some hidden gems that for

At some point on the trip, every traveller

some may seem eccentric but speak to the tra-

should experience a curanto—a centuries-

ditions of the region. In Chonchi, for example,

old traditional feast of meat, potatoes,

you will ﬁnd the Museo del Acordeon in a

dumplings, vegetables and shellﬁsh cooked

quaint and unassuming building where the

DS-Spring-2019.qxp_v1 2019-03-15 11:58 AM Page 39

owner, Don Sergio Colivoro, lovingly repairs

and lodge where the main building resem-

and plays his vast collection of accordions. At

bles a leaning wooden boat cast up on a

any time, you may walk in to see people on

shore. According to the owners, every struc-

folding chairs playing traditional dancing

ture on this beautiful nature spot has been

tunes for the locals.

built with materials of the land. The property features a spectacular eco-friendly

SPECIAL LODGINGS

hiking trail with cabins and camping sites

A true gem of a retreat in the region is the

hidden within the untamed forest.

Tierra Chiloé located a few kilometres down

Of course, there is much more to this

a forest trail. This ultra-luxe, architecturally

country than local villages and unique

modern resort was designed to mimic the

architectural sites. There’s the bustling

island’s landscape and traditional stilted

energy of cities like Santiago and Valparaiso,

homes. Expansive windows overlook the

world-renowned vineyards, vibrant local

seafront where guests can do some early

markets, amazing roadside food stands,

morning birdwatching or simply soak up

challenging mountain-biking and hiking

the scenery. Despite its secluded location,

trails, fascinating museums and galleries,

there is plenty to do, including a boat tour

and the allure of scenic beaches.

to search for penguins and otters or a horse

While it would be impossible to cover all

ride through the extended beachfronts fol-

that Chile has to oﬀer, the best advice I can

lowed by a traditional asado de cordero al

provide is to plan ahead and put together an

palo—a roast lamb meal barbecued over an

itinerary to capture the experiences that

open ﬁre.

you will love. And if you can’t do it all in

Another regional one-of-a-kind must-see is the Espejo de Luna in Queilén, a restaurant

OPPOSITE LEFT: A curanto is a traditional feast cooked in a hole in the ground. Denise J. Deveau TOP LEFT: Castro is unique for its houses on stilts architecture. Turismo Chile TOP RIGHT: The Church of San Juan is one of the 16 Churches of Chiloé that have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourismo Chile ABOVE: Espejo de Luna is a unique restaurant in Queilén. Denise J. Deveau

one trip, a return visit wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

TRAVEL PLANNER Air Canada operates direct flights daily from Toronto to Santiago from which there are daily flights to Castro in Chiloé. For more information on all there is to see and do in Chile, visit chile.travel.

SPRING 2019 DREAMSCAPES 39

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DS CELEBRITY TRAVEL CORNER >> BY CHRIS RYALL

THE RIGHT CHORD ON AND OFF STAGE UPON SEEING 18-YEAR-OLD Colin James perform back in the 1980s, guitar and blues music legend Stevie Ray Vaughan knew then James had the chops to become a talented and award-winning musician. Having Stevie Ray Vaughan (killed tragically in 1990 in a helicopter accident) as a mentor meant a lot to James and he regrets Vaughan never had a chance to hear him later in his career as he honed his musical skills. James, 54, born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, had parents who instilled in him a love for music. James released his ﬁrst album in 1988 although he had played in bands since his early teens. In fall 2018, James released his 19th album, Miles to Go, a sequel to his critically acclaimed Blue Highways album and an homage to blues legends

Q&A

including Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson and Blind Willie Johnson. Never affixed to a particular music genre, James instead keeps fans guessing as he roams the musical landscape for elements of blues, swing, rock, big band and other influences he may happen upon. Nowadays success is measured differently than in his youth. “Success for me is making sure I’m putting out good, high-quality records— trying to get better at what I do. I think all of us still want to write that one ballad that makes people cry. The ultimate goal is to really connect.” James has had many highlights in his career from performing for Queen Elizabeth II in Saskatchewan, appearing on David Letterman and Conan O’Brien and

WHAT GIVES YOU SATISFACTION AS A MUSICIAN? I love it when a young kid comes up to me after a show and says, “I’ve heard you all my life! My mom and dad raised me on you, and I can’t believe I’m here right now. I play guitar because of you.” That’s the best. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE VENUE FOR PERFORMING? Toronto’s Massey Hall is always amazing. It’s such a trip to mention all the people who have played there. The crowd is intimidating because the people are so close to you. Also, the Commodore in Vancouver because I cut my teeth there. WHAT’S YOUR DREAM DESTINATION? I’ve always been curious about Tibet or Dharamsala (where the Dalai Lama lives in exile in northern India). A FAVOURITE PLACE TO VISIT? I always go to Italy. Venice is just amazing. I love Venice! WHAT’S A FAVOURITE FAMILY HOLIDAY? We stayed in a beautiful little Tuscany villa near Sienna. I cycle so

40 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

playing with music legends such as Carlos Santana, Keith Richards and many more. James has won six Juno Awards along with 17 nominations, and in 2013, he was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame. Performing live on stage has always struck the most responsive chord for James and his fans but his most important fans are his wife Heather and their kids, Deghan and Ryland. Their Victorian-style home in North Vancouver keeps him grounded and provides stability—a challenge for any musician. James hits the road again in spring 2019 on a Canadian tour for his latest album. His passions include travelling wherever he can be in tune with his music, fans and Canadian roots.

my family did their thing and toured around the towns while I biked 60 kilometres out into the wilderness of Tuscany and stopped for lunch at a beautiful place and enjoyed a cappuccino. On a bike you have to watch the wine or you end up in a ditch! WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU? I collect weird antiques. I don’t like expensive, really beautiful stuﬀ. I like one-eyed dolls. I have a whole wall of one-eyed dolls from around the world. ANY TRAVEL PET PEEVES? Body odour on a plane! FAVOURITE RESTAURANT WHERE YOU LIVE? My Vancouver favourite is Tavola for homegrown Italian cooking— just good home-cooked, wicked-awesome food. The brick chicken is insane and you can always count on the fresh burrata. A LOVE AFFAIR WITH CANADA? I love everything about Canada. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I love my home in Vancouver. DS

TRUE NORTH RECORDS

STRIKING

DS-Spring-2019.qxp_v1 2019-03-15 11:58 AM Page 41

WIN A DREAM TRIP FOR TWO

Travel IN THE WAKE OF THE VIKINGS:

C O M P L I M E N T S

O F

A journey from Iceland to Greenland FROM JULY 14–25, 2019 LEFT: Kangaamiut, Greenland. Photo: Scott Sporleder TOP RIGHT: The Ocean Endeavour. Photo: Jerry Kobalenko BOTTOM RIGHT: A reconstructed longhouse at Brattahlid, Erik the Red’s former estate. Photo: Dennis Minty

On this exciting 12-day excursion with Adventure Canada on board the Ocean Endeavour between Reykjavík, Iceland, and Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, you will round the very southern tip of Greenland past breathtaking fjords; sail through Prince Christian Sound, one of the wildest and most picturesque waterways; board a small expedition ship equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs to tour one of the world’s youngest UNESCO World Heritage Sites; bask in thermal springs; visit a quaint fishing village and Greenland’s bustling capital, Nuuk; and much more. Your spectacular trip includes passage for two adults, valued at CAD$39,700 based on double occupancy in a category 8 cabin featuring two berths on board the Ocean Endeavour; one-way charter ﬂight for two adults between Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, and Toronto’s Pearson International Airport; all shipboard meals; expedition jackets; guided expeditions and interactive workshops; and more.

DREAMSCAPES TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE INVITES YOU TO ENTER OUR CONTEST FOR A CHANCE TO WIN AN EXCURSION FOR TWO ADULTS ON BOARD ADVENTURE CANADA’S OCEAN ENDEAVOUR FROM ICELAND TO GREENLAND. Simply read through this issue of DREAMSCAPES TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE to ﬁnd the correct answers to the two questions below. Contest entries will be accepted through our website up to midnight, Wednesday, May 29, 2019.

Which Canadian travel company is organizing this expedition from Iceland to Greenland?

Where online can more information regarding this expedition be found?

ENTER ONLINE AT DREAMSCAPES.CA Please note that this excursion is intended for persons in good health. Visit dreamscapes.ca to access the contest page for full contest details including the terms and conditions for this prize package, prize inclusions and exclusions, eligibility and to submit your entry.

DS-Spring-2019.qxp_v1 2019-03-15 11:58 AM Page 42

DS TRAVEL GALLERY >> BY CYNTHIA DAVID

M JERRY KOBALENKO

mbark on a 12-day journey on board the Ocean Endeavour from Iceland to Greenland with Adventure Canada from July 14–25. Priced from US$4,995 per person, based on double occupancy, the expedition, In the Wake of the Vikings: A Voyage from Iceland to Greenland, departs from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, passing through Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands) en route to Greenland, just as Norse explorers did a millennium ago in open longboats. Along the way, you’ll view the breathtaking fjords of Greenland, a photographer’s paradise, abundant with whales and seabirds; bask in geothermal springs; explore the ruins of a settlement founded by Erik the Red; visit a quaint ﬁshing village and Greenland’s capital, Nuuk; and sail the mighty Sondre Stromfjord to Kangerlussuaq, the gateway to the ice cap, where you will transfer to the airport to board your charter ﬂight to Toronto. adventurecanada.com

COURTESY THE LONDON PASS

ontréal promises to be more fabulous than ever this year. Starting June 1, visit PY1, the larger-than-life multimedia project in the heart of the Old Port initiated by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté. The Montréal Museum of Fine Arts is gearing up for Couturissime, a retrospective of the work of Thierry Mugler, visionary couturier, director, photographer and perfumer. The exhibition brings together more than 130 ready-to-wear and haute-couture creations created between 1973 and 2001. Food lovers will be delighted to hear Montréal is the newest city to host a Time Out Market, a centrepiece of a $200-million redevelopment of the downtown Eaton Centre. The market will feature 16 dining spaces, two bars, a demo kitchen, stage and gourmet boutique. mtl.org

COURTESY TOURISME MONTRÉAL

ith its clear blue skies, warm 24 C days and presummer deals, Orlando, the world’s Theme Park Capital, makes an ideal spring escape. Check out the new Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers at Toy Story Land. Enter the world of underground racing alongside the movie stars at Universal’s Fast & Furious – Supercharged. Plunge down the world’s tallest drop river at Inﬁnity Falls at SeaWorld Orlando. Legoland’s The Great LEGO Race is the ﬁrst virtual reality roller coaster for kids, while the Orlando StarFlyer on International Drive is a giant swing that stands 137 metres tall and spins at speeds up to 72 kph. Disney Springs welcomes the NBA Experience, complete with interactive games. For low-key fun, bike along the West Orange Trail in Winter Garden. VisitOrlando.ca

he London Pass, featuring more than 80 popular attractions, special deals and fast-track entry, has the perfect three-day itinerary for the ﬁrst-time visitor to the worldclass city. Day One includes St. Paul’s Cathedral; a Beefeater tour of the Tower of London, home of the Crown Jewels; the glass walkway across the Thames; and a river cruise. Day Two starts at Westminster Abbey. Hop on board the Big Bus (red route) to the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Stroll through Mayfair then take the blue route to Kensington Palace, where exhibitions honour royal women, including Princess Diana. Escape the city on Day Three to Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth’s weekend home, and St. George’s chapel, where Harry and Meghan married last year. Londonpass.com

42 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

COURTESY VISIT ORLANDO

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algary-based Swoop Airlines has announced its summer service to five new Canadian cities, two new transborder markets and an extension of two international routes. The ultra-low-cost carrier, owned by WestJet, has also added a seventh aircraft to its fleet. New destinations include London, Ontario; Kelowna, B.C.; and Oakland, California. From London, fly to Halifax, Edmonton or Abbotsford, B.C. New transborder routes include Edmonton to Oakland and Edmonton to Orlando, Florida, while international markets include Hamilton to Montego Bay, Jamaica. FlySwoop.com

JAPAN COMMUNICATIONS INC

ith four centuries of history and 13.8 million people, Tokyo can appear overwhelming. In the new Talking Tokyo digital magazine, North American visitors uncover a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own shrines, festivals, shopping areas and cosy restaurants where you can eat well and meet locals without speaking Japanese. In the ﬁrst edition, Air Canada staﬀ describe their favourite restaurants, gardens and hot-spring experiences. A fashion entrepreneur takes readers to Harajuku, the youth fashion hub sandwiched between Shinjuku and Shibuya. As the writers discover, Tokyo both surprises and delights visitors in the way the city interweaves the old and the new. canada-tokyo.ca COURTESY SWOOP

C UNIWORLD

niworld continues to update its boutique river cruise collection with three new luxurious and eco-friendly vessels. Debuting January 3, 2020, the Mekong Jewel will whisk guests on a 13-day cruise along the Mekong River from Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia’s Siem Reap (home to Angkor Wat) and Phnom Penh. On January 6, the S.S. Sphinx, with 42 suites and al fresco dining on the upper deck, leaves Cairo for a 12-day, adventure-filled cruise of the Nile River’s top sites. In March, Uniworld’s S.S. Sao Gabriel begins its first journey through Portugal’s Douro River Valley. The entire deck offers lavishly appointed suites enhanced with butler service, and the menu promises delectable, locally sourced cuisine and spectacular wines. uniworld.com

anmore, Alberta, the gateway to Banff National Park, has a new luxury hotel, The Malcolm, a $43-million hotel and conference centre located in the Spring Creek neighbourhood just minutes from downtown. The 124-room hotel offers four-star service and hospitality, an outdoor heated pool and hot tubs, heated underground parking, fitness centre and incredible mountain views. Guests enjoy convenient access to world-class skiing, golf and fishing, hiking, biking and mountaineering. To relax, visit downtown Canmore’s restaurants, cafés, pubs, artisan galleries and boutique shops. The Malcolm is also a five-minute walk from Elevation Place, with its indoor pools, climbing walls, art studio and public library. hotelmalcolm.ca

COURTESY THE MALCOLM HOTEL

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DS TRAVEL GALLERY >> BY CYNTHIA DAVID

M COURTESY HKTB

ake the most of your holiday with the new stopover programs in Switzerland and Belgium offered by airlines in the Lufthansa group. For instance, SWISS passengers can choose one city as a base, say Zurich, Interlaken or Lucerne, and stay one to four nights in a three- or four-star hotel. Choose from eight customizable travel packages, which include free public transportation, or select a multi-destination package for two to four nights, which includes transportation. Passengers flying Brussels Airlines may opt to stop over in a variety of Belgian cities, all less than an hour apart, for one to five days, and enjoy free access to tourist activities and museums. stopover-switzerland.com; brusselsairlines.com/BelgiumStopOver

tretch your travel budget in one of the world’s most expensive cities with the new Hong Kong Pass. Available online, a two-day pass costs US$127, saving you more than 50 per cent on a selection of attractions, tours and transport in Hong Kong and Macau, together with discounts on dining and shopping. Choices include the Airport Express, Hong Kong Walking Tour, Star Ferry Harbour Tour, Peak Tram Sky Pass, hop on, hop oﬀ Hong Kong bus tour, Ocean Park, the sky100 Observation Deck in Kowloon and the Ngong Ping Cable Car tour, which would normally cost US$289. The twoto four-day pass also entitles users to discounts of 10 per cent or more on dining at 19 restaurants across Hong Kong. hongkongpass.com.hk

COURTESY LUFTHANSA

hicago’s First Lady Cruises and its sister company Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline, have released their 2019 season schedules. Among the cruise offerings is the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard the First Lady. Ranked the No. 1 tour in Chicago based on TripAdvisor user reviews, this 90-minute tour is brought to life by certified volunteer docents who share their passion and knowledge of more than 50 significant buildings along the route. Other summer cruises include the Capture Chicago Photography Cruise on Saturdays and Sundays; the Twilight Cruise, Sunday to Friday; the Yoga Cruise every Sunday; the daily Urban Adventure Cruise; the Chicago by Night! Cruise; and more. All cruises depart from the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive near the Chicago Architecture Center. CruiseChicago.com; MercuryCruises.com

COURTESY CBMF

lessed with red sand beaches, warm water and soaring cliﬀs, Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, is hosting the annual Cavendish Beach Music Festival from July 5 to 7, which attracts more than 70,000 country music fans. This year’s lineup includes country music superstar Eric Church, seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning, multi-platinum superstar Carrie Underwood, as well as Russell Dickerson and Cam. The area is a short drive from Charlottetown and perfect for camping and other outdoor adventures. CavendishBeachMusic.com CHICAGO’S FIRST LADY CRUISES

44 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

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K COURTESY AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

onsidered the Grand Lady of Dunedin, Florida, the Fenway Hotel has just reopened after a major renovation. A member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the historic hotel oﬀers 83 guest rooms and suites a few blocks from downtown. The Chophouse restaurant features chophouse cuts, a seasonal menu and an extensive whisky and Scotch collection. The Dunedin History Museum will host tours and provide a rotating collection of city artifacts in the lobby. Listen to live music in the lobby throughout the week or head outdoors to the famous lawn for croquet, badminton and Taoist tai chi classes. FenwayHotel.com

ind Traveler is the first socially conscious “Give + Get” hotel booking platform to connect travellers to hotels with charitable affiliations. Based on “kind factors,” hotel partners must also select a charitable affiliation that empowers communities or the environment or protects animals. For instance, Stonefield Villa Resort in Saint Lucia uses eco-friendly amenities, offers an organic farm-to-table experience, has a noplastic-straw policy, composts its organic waste and manages a bee program. For every booking, a US$10 nightly donation is made to the hotel’s charity of choice, Pawasol Pour Ti Mamai, an organization which provides the basic needs in education and health care for underprivileged children thereby empowering struggling Saint Lucian families. By booking Stonefield Villa Resort directly through Kind Traveler, the guest is making a conscientious decision to support a great cause—a triple win shared by the traveller, the hotel and the charity. kindtraveler.com

STONEFIELD VILLA RESORT

V MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL

eliá Hotels International, Spain’s largest hotel brand, recently unveiled INNSiDE Prague Old Town, its first property in the Czech capital. Conveniently located minutes from the metro, bus and train stations and a short distance from the city’s major tourist attractions, the hotel features 90 modern rooms designed to give guests more freedom to relax and explore, whether they are travelling for work or leisure. Sustainability is packed into all the little details and every room is equipped with complimentary organic cosmetics. In-room amenities include bathrobes, slippers and flip flops, a luxurious coffee machine, a complimentary minibar stocked with fresh juices and local beer, and a fridge packed with healthy treats, drinks and snacks. Superior+ rooms also have high-end sound systems, complimentary streaming services and complimentary bike rental to encourage guests to explore the local area. melia.com

isitors to Vienna can now gain access to more than 60 of the city’s most popular attractions, tours and museums—ranging from Schönbrunn Palace to the giant Ferris wheel—directly from their smart phone. The newly launched mobile Vienna PASS sightseeing card can be used immediately and uses the app’s barcode for entry to featured attractions. The app also acts as a digital guidebook, containing details on all Vienna PASS attractions as well as city maps and other essential tourist information. Once downloaded, all content, including the pass, is accessible without an internet connection. Available for one, two, three or six days, prices start at €59 per adult and €29.50 per child (6–18). viennapass.com

COURTESY VIENNA PASS

SPRING 2019 DREAMSCAPES 45

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DS TRAVEL GALLERY >> BY CYNTHIA DAVID

DS WEB LISTING >> Adventure Canada ........................................................................3 www.adventurecanada.com Best Western Hotels & Resorts ................................................48 www.bestwestern.com Cartier Place Suite Hotel, Ottawa ............................................10 www.suitedreams.com Confederation Centre of the Arts ............................................19 www.confederationcentre.com

ANDRES VILLALOBOS

dventure-seeking solo travellers have never had so much choice. If you are a tireless adventurer, a fan of water sports, a lover of nature, animals and other cultures who is always looking for new experiences, this may be just what you’re looking for. Consider a five-day dive adventure in Quintana Roo, Mexico, where you’ll explore the deep blue Caribbean waters and the world’s largest coral reefs. Perhaps learning how to surf off the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica is your idea of a dream trip. Maybe a combined 10-day surfing/yoga retreat on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, is more up your alley. Surely an epic kitesurfing experience in Cabarete in the Dominican Republic will appeal to fitness freaks. imyourtrip.com

Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East..........................................21 www.courtyardottawaeast.com Dukoral ........................................................................................47 www.dukoralcanada.com Hard Rock Hotel, Los Cabos, Mexico ........................................2 www.hrhloscabos.com Hotel X, Toronto............................................................................4 www.hotelxtoronto.com National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa........................................22 www.gallery.ca Northwest Florida........................................................................15 www.explorenwflorida.com One Ocean Expeditions ............................................................29 www.oneoceanexpeditions.com Opera Atelier ................................................................................9 www.operaatelier.com Rideau Hall, Ottawa......................................................................5 www.gg.ca St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, ON ..............................................24 www.stjacobsmarket.com St. Lawrence Cruise Lines..........................................................22 www.stlawrencecruiselines.com

PARRY LODGE/MICHAEL NYIRI

019 marks the world-famous Grand Canyon’s centennial year and, in honour of this grand milestone anniversary, the historical, 90-year-old Parry Lodge in Kanab, Utah, is offering an attractive package priced at US$400 for two, which includes two room nights, lunch for two at the Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim restaurant and dinner for two at the Iron Horse Steakhouse and Saloon in Kanab. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Parry Lodge is long known as the “home to the stars” as it has hosted movie stars and crews shooting films amid the area’s stunning scenery. Open from March 1 through November 30, the lodge offers convenient access to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim and is an easy drive from five of Utah’s most revered national parks and monuments. ParryLodge.com

46 DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2019

Travel Guide to California............................................................8 www.californiatravelguide.travel Travel Guide to Canada................................................................8 www.canadatravelguides.ca Travel Guide to Florida ................................................................8 www.floridatravelguide.travel Visit Florida ..................................................................................15 www.visitflorida.com Waterloo Region, ON..................................................................25 www.explorewaterlooregion.com Wyndham Vacation Rentals ......................................................17 www.dreamscapeswyndhamvacationrentals.com

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