TRUE NORTH

win

te

r 2

01

4

$9

.99

w i n t e r f u n • t r a v e l i n c a n a d a • t h e m o u n t a i n s

1 0 r e a s o n s t o s t a y i n c a n a d a t h i s w i n t e r

s m i l e m o r e t h e n e v e r b e f o r e i n w h i s t l e r

e m b r a c e t h e c o l d a t c a r n a v a l d e q u e b e c

G E T O U T T H E R E d

2 0 W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 T R U E N O R T H

B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A

MOST PEOPLE FINDEASIER WAYS TO FLY.

C A N A D A

T R U E N O R T H W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 3

10to stay in canada t h i s w i n t e r

reasonsc a n a d i a n s d o n ’ t s h y a w a y f r o m w i n t e r , w e

e m b r a c e i t ! c h e c k o u t 1 0 c o o l c a n a d i a n t r a v e l d e s t i n a t i o n s t h a t p u t t h e w i n b a c k i n w i n t e r .

W hile other, less hearty folk may retreat to warm comforts indoors, Canadians enthusiastically rush outdoors to experience all the wonderful joys of this spe-cial season. Want to follow in our footsteps and discover the best of Canada

this winter? Grab your cozy scarf, gloves and parka, and explore the 10 greatest winter destinations in the great white north.

B y J a c k i e M i d d l e t o n

4 W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 T R U E N O R T H

C A N A D A

Rideau CanalWinter CarnivalQuébec’s Winter Carnival has been Canada’s must-visit winter celebration. With evening parades, snow tubing, skating, snow rafting, outdoor BBQs, ice sliding, snow sculpturea and dance parties, there’s something for every taste and age.

Each season over one million skaters take the picturesque jour-ney down the famous 7.8 km long Skateway - the world’s larg-est! From January through to the end of February, you can slide, twirl and whisk along the ice.

o n t a r i oq u e b e c

Th e b e s t w a y to get through a Canadian winter is to simply embrace it. You have to get out and enjoy winter activities in Canada. Thankfully, Canada was blessed with mountain terrain combined with vast areas of wilderness so that

people can enjoy the extreme beauty of the land. Canadian winter activities keep you busy and physically fit through the winter season.

As the seasons change, so too do the activities we engage in. We put away the equip-ment from Canadian fall activities and unpack our winter equipment. The same will happen when winter comes to close and we begin to enjoy Spring activities in Canada. Summer activities and Canadian water activities will soon follow and the cycle will repeat. Of course, family activities in Canada are a year round schedule. From the unusual, like dog-sledding to the more traditional winter activities, such as skiing and skating, winter is a great time to explore Canada, especially for the adventurous. Also, Canada boasts some of the world’s best and biggest winter festivals and some of the world’s best mountains.

Try one of these 10 ways to enjoy the Canadian winter and you won’t believe how good a mug of hot chocolate or glass of mulled red wine tastes afterwards.

d

10 to stay in canada t h i s w i n t e r

reasons

winter is a great t ime to e x p l o r e c a n a d a , espec ially for the adventurous

C A N A D A


Icewine

Winter Activity Park

Dog SleddingNorthern Lights

Whistler

Maple Syrup

The spectacular mountain community was named North Amer-ica’s best resort by readers of Ski Magazine. Beloved by tourists and locals alike. Whistler offers the ideal winter playground for people of all ages.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is not only famous for its gorgeous scen-ery, but also for its award-winning icewines. Locals and tourists can honour the region’s celebrated libations at the annual Niag-ara Icewine Festival.

Prince Edward Island’s Brookvale Winter Activity Park is your one-stop shop for traditional Canadian fun. Unleash your inner sports enthusiast with activities like snowboarding, snowshoe-ing, cross-country and alpine skiing.

For a true frontier experience, enjoy a breathtaking journey through the Canadian wild by dog sled. Saskatchewan’s Sun-dogs Sled Excursions lets you ride along on a trip of a lifetime, deep into the beautiful and pristine environs of Canada.

With Churchill’s location directly below the Aurora oval, it offers a front-row seat for this natural spectacle. Frontiers North Adventures has organized a special tour, witness the magical dance of colourful lights across the dark, northern sky.

You can’t get more Canadian than maple syrup, and Sugar Moon Farm in Nova Scotia has tasty fun in store for you! Learn all about the art of maple syrup – and sample the yummy results. Sugar Moon offers warm hospitality.

No other country celebrates its love of hockey like us. In the tiny town of Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, that love is taken one-step further with the World Pond Hockey Championships. Rediscover the simple joys of Canada’s cherished sport.

Want to try a Canadian Signature Experience? Don your warm-est parka, and sturdy ice-cleats to begin your guided journey inside the ice-coated canyon. You can marvel at the enchanting ice formations around you.

o n t a r i o

p r i n c e e d w a r d i s l a n d

s a s k a t c h e w a nm a n i t o b a

b r i t i s h c o l u m b i a

n o v a s c o t i a

a l b e r t an e w b r u n s w i c k

Ice WalkingPond Hockey

f o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t w w w . t r u e n o r t h . c a / 1 0 r e a s o n s d

6 W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 T R U E N O R T H


Quebec WinterCarnival

b y c a t h e r i n e r o s c o e b a r r

i n t e r e s t e d i n v i s i t i n g t h e l a r g e s t w i n t e r f e s t i v a l i n t h e w o r l d ? h e r e a r e j u s t a f e w o f t h e m a n y s i g h t s a n d a c t i v i t i e s y o u a n d y o u r

f a m i l y c a n s e e a n d p a r t i c i p a t e i n t h i s w i n t e r .

F e b r u a r y m a r k s t h e r e t u r n of the annual Quebec City Win-ter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec), lasting for the first three weekends of the month, with activities during the corresponding weekdays. The carnival is an event

for all ages, and especially for those looking for a quick winter weekend getaway.

e m b r a c e t h e c o l d a n d t h e c u l t u r e a t t h e

d

Q U E B E C


d CONTINUED PG 10

d

S i n c e t h e b e g i n n i n g of our French colony, the habitants of New France created a rowdy tradition of getting together just before Lent to eat, drink and be merry. The custom of celebrating from the end of January until

mid-February has long been popular.

Quebec City is by far one of the most beautiful cities in the world, rich with history and vibrant with charm. It’s a great place to visit any season, and it is especially beau-tiful under a blanket of sparkling white snow, illuminated by sunny skies. While frosty, frigid weather might be intimidating to your average west coaster, the hardy Quebecois don’t balk at freezing temperatures, they embrace the cold and celebrate winter with gusto. Case in point, the Quebec Winter Carnival, the “world’s biggest winter carnival.” The event began in 1894 and was celebrated sporadically until 1955 and since then it’s run continuously, and continuously become bigger and better every year.

The 17-day carnival, celebrating its 61st edition in 2015, spans three weekends around late January to mid-February, and was created to overshadow winter hardships and raise the city’s spirits. It’s done that and more. It’s grown to an internationally acclaimed event attracting nearly a million visitors from across the globe who travel to the historic city to marvel at the astounding array of winter activities and unique celebrations.

From one winter to the next, the Carnival enriched its activity program. It has since added even more popular activities, such as winter sports, snow sculptures, and activ-ities based on the traditional Québec lifestyle, such as canoe races and dogsled races. The Québec Winter Carnival is the largest winter carnival in the world today, and is third on the List of Top Carnivals after the famous carnivals in Rio and New Orleans. So don’t stay inside this winter, get out and enjoy the Winter Carnival in Quebéc!

BONHOMME CARNAVALFAMOUS FESTIVAL MASCOTTLOVED BY ADULTS & KIDS

IF YOU’RE SHIVERING YOU MUST BE SCARED OF HEIGHTS


Q U E B E C

A D V E N T U R E Adventurous activities are aplenty at the Winter Carnival, with winter sports and man-made adventure courses. Within the carnival grounds you can enjoy snow tubing, ice slides and extreme sledding. The snow tubing is probably one of the most popular attractions at the carnival, and you will want to try it more than once. In Quebec City you can test yourself with cross-country skiing, ice climbing and snowshoeing. The Plains of Abraham provide the perfect snowy winter wonderland.

C U L T U R E Québécois culture is always abundant in the city, but it absolutely flour-ishes during Winter Carnival. From the friendly characters such as Bonhomme to the people and floats of the night parades, everything just screams Quebec. Not fluent in French? Give it your best try, as the Québécois are friendly with beginners and there’s no better way to learn than immersing yourself while having fun.

F O O D From beginning to end, your time at the Winter Carnival will be filled with snacks, appetizers, drinks and fancy French dinners. The people of Quebec City are proud of their culinary traditions and will encourage you to eat every last bite. Whether you grab a sweet from the sugar shack, a late-night snack at a poutinerie or a four-course dinner at a local restaurant, you will be completely satisfied with each meal.

N I G H T L I F E Winter Carnival doesn’t retire at night—it thrives! After a long day of winter activities, many people look forward to relaxing and letting loose for the night. Once the kids have gone to bed, Bonhomme’s Ice Palace turns into a roaring nightclub with an in-house DJ and open dance floor. Don’t forget to try the Cari-bou—a sweet Québécois alcoholic beverage made of hot red wine, hard liquor and maple syrup or sugar.

W I N T E R F U N The attraction is in the name, “Winter Carnival,” and there is cer-tainly more than enough winter fun during the festival. Check out the snow sculpture contest. Watch races including dog sled races and the St-Hubert horse Derby. Play giant table soccer or ride down the snow slides. Ride around the park in a cozy horse carriage while sipping hot chocolate, or go ice skating with Bonhomme. One of the most exciting events at Winter Carnival is the CMQ Ice Canoe Race- it’s a must-see at Quebec Winter Carnival.

Any of the three weekends are a great time to visit, depending on whether you want to view the opening night show, the ice canoe race or one of the night parades. d r e s s w a r m , h a v e f u n a n d e n j o y t h e c a r n a v a l d e q u e b e c !

Is it worth being Cold?we think so! but you be the judge.

d


T R U E N O R T H W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 2 1

WONDERLANDwhistler-blackcomb. a world-

class ski resort with the seasonal promise of powdered-perfection.

b y d a v e a n d d e b

H E L I S K I I N G I N W H I S T L E R , B CP H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F W H I S T L E R . C O M

with a high altitude

i can’t remember the last time we smiled so much

while visiting a destination. There is something about Whis-tler, that makes you happy. Everyone in the village is friendly and welcoming and their happiness is contageous. When you sit at a bar or a table in a restaurant, conversations start with your neighbours and you soon become fast friends. We had a fantastic week in Whistler, Canada and as we sat on chair lifts, walked through the village or sipped coffee at a café, we kept asking ourselves, why hadn’t we come here sooner? The second

question was, when will we come back!



W h i s t l e r i s a t r u e w i n t e r w o n d e r l a n d with many ways to enjoy winter both on and off the slopes. As the word ‘Whistler’ whis-pers in the wind, echoed by an unfamiliar and enquiring soul, the reply that

seamlessly rolls-off-the-tongue of Whistler’s well versed is inevitably the same: Whis-tler-Blackcomb. A word-class ski resort with competitive peaks and the seasonal prom-ise of powdered-perfection, it is little wonder that Whistler is renowned foremost for its winter activities.

Aside from skiing and snowboarding you can enjoy a huge variety of things to do from exploring the snow-covered Village with your family, special holiday events, backcoun-try adventures and legendary après sessions. We learned a lot on how to make a week in Whistler exciting and productive so we thought that we would give you a breif run down on all the events and activities.

d

Nothing but you, the falling snow and the evergreen trees lining your way.



i f y o u a r e f e e l i n g i n t i m i d a t e d , d o n ’ t b e . Everyone who works in Whistler are the friendliest most laid back people on the planet. You’ll be surprised to hear Aussie and English accents everywhere offering a good day or proper hello mate. Those who choose to work at the village, work here because they love it. They don’t judge your skills, they are so excited for you to be here experiencing their favourite moun-tain and they are so happy you can’t help but leave with a smile on your face. Because of it’s size, the amount of lifts, runs and bowls, even at the highest of peak season, you’ll find yourself standing alone on a run with nothing but you, the falling snow and the evergreen trees lining your way.

Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America with 200 runs, 38 chairs and 16 alpine bowls spread over 8100 acres of terrain, there is a lot of ground to cover. Don’t just ski

for one day. Make sure to get at least a three day pass to truly explore all there is to see. Take advantage of the free mountain host guided tours starting every day at 11:30 on Whistler and Blackcomb at the top of the gondolas. It will help you get your bearings and take you to trails that are not as busy as others giving you insider tips to make your time in Whistler the best.

f r e s h t r a c k s The $20 fee is worth it for the buffet breakfast alone. But the chance to be the first up the gondola and ski down the slopes before anyone else is priceless. Get in line early so that you can be at the front of the gondola allowing you to eat first without having to stand in line and be ready to ski the minute the horn goes off signalling that the slopes are open. Find out when the gondola opens for Fresh Tracks at the Whistler Blackcomb ticket office and arrive at least 45 minutes early with a coffee in hand to pass the time.

ON THE SLOPES

T H E M O U N T A I N SP H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F W H I S T L E R . C O M



b a c k c o u n t r y s k i i n g If you want to try backcoun-try skiing, take a backcountry course and learn how to read the conditions, use your emergency beacon, dig someone out of an avalanche and enjoy unforgettable powder skiing. See how well we fared backcountry skiing in Whistler. Don’t Backcountry Ski without Experience – There is a very real danger of avalanche and getting lost. If you have never backcountry skid before, Stay in Bounds and enjoy the over 800 acres of incredible terrain on Whistler Blackcomb.

h e l i s k i i n g If you’re a little more advanced and looking for a new experience test out the pinnacle of Whistler’s skiing experience. With exclusive rights to 432,000 acres of big moun-tain terrain that includes 173 glaciers and 475 runs, Whistler Heli-Skiing has what it takes to go the extra distance. A variety of packages are available for everyone from strong intermediates to seasoned experts. Make this the year!

g e t o f f t h e s l o p e s a n d e x p l o r e t h e a r e a

There is so much more to do in Whistler than just skiing and snowboarding. Don’t be afraid of the cold - In Canada we embrace the cold. Bring your warmest clothes possible, bundle up and get outside. If you pack for it, make sure you wear proper footwear and cozy jackets with hat and mittens, you’ll have an amazing time in Whistler in Winter.

Pamper yourself. Most hotels have hot tubs and spas. After a day on the slopes, make sure to take advantage of this. There is nothing more nordic than sitting in an outdoor spa as the snow falls. If you want to take it one step further, try out the Spa Scandinave located five minutes from the village. There are shuttles that will take you from your hotel to the spa and you can slip away for a few hours while basking in their saunas and steam rooms.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the fine cuisine The Village has to offer. Many people cook indoors as most hotels offer kitchens, but take a night to splurge and experience that Whistler hospitality. For award winning dining in a quiet atmosphere, we suggest Araxi, voted best restaurant in Whistler 10 years running. For an epic eve-ning that will turn your dining experience into an event we suggest Bearfoot Bistro and for the ultimate winter dining experience, we suggest the three course fondue at the Chalet of Fairmont.

Or try one of the many outdoor activities that don’t involve skiing and snowboarding such as the following:

s n o w m o b i l i n g Or explore the area and follow a guide through the back trails of Cougar Mountain. Snowmobiling is a great Canadian tradition and it’s something that you should most definitely try out.

b o b s l e d d i n g Home to the 2010 Winter Olympics, there is still a working bobsled track that allows visitors to go for a spin. Try your hand at bobsledding and reach 125 km per hour or if you are really brave, give the terrifying skeleton a try.

z i p t r e k e c o t o u r Experience the exhilaration of fly-ing as you glide across Ziptrek’s network of ziplines suspended high above the Fitzsimmons Creek that divides Whistler and

d CONTINUED PG 16

I N U K S H U K O N T H E P E A K O F W H I S T L E RP H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F W H I S T L E R . C O M

OFF THE SLOPES



100% CANADIAN

w i n t e r 2 0 1 4 $ 9 . 9 9

10 reasons to stay in canada this winter

smile more then ever before in whistler

embrace the cold at carnaval de quebec

GET OUT THERE d

win

te

r

20

14

$9

.99

winter fun • travel in canada • the mountains

TRUE NORTH

Documents

Transcript of TRUE NORTH