Starting with the 2006-2007 season, the Canadian Opera Company moved from its longtime home at what used to be the O’Keefe Centre near Union Station to a distinguished new building at the corner of Queen Street West and University Avenue. This opens up multiple possibilities for great food before or after the opera. A few recommendations: Nota Bene, 180 Queen St W. This new restaurant, a few doors west of University Avenue in the new federal courts building on the north side of Queen, is a new hot location for dining. Their usual dinner menu will set you back a […]

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I recently was on a business trip to Ottawa, my first chance to visit the nation’s capital.  I didn’t have high expectations but was pleasantly surprised by my visit.  I found every person that I had cause to interact with so nice, so helpful and friendly – so Canadian!  The weather was great, and you could see what an active city it is as everyone was out on their bikes, running or just walking. My favourite place was Byward Market.  It was a bustling place at 10 am or 10 pm, and it reminded me of being out on European […]

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Starting from zero, in the last 12 years twenty wineries have become established in “the county”.   Recently my wife and I spent a getaway weekend at the lovely Devonshire Inn and visited the Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards & Estate Winery. Located at 990 Closson Road, Hillier,  the winery is in a lovely rural setting featuring a stream, dammed pond and a large, airy barn which serves as the tasting room and wine store.   We were so impressed with their 2006 Pinot Noir that we had them deliver a case to our home in Toronto.   Among many other good […]

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Bancroft and District, also known as North Hastings, is a land of still unspoiled natural beauty.  The rolling, forest covered hills are home to deer, bear and newly re-introduced elk.  The valleys are dotted with lakes of all sizes and shapes.  In addition, the town of Bancroft has twice been voted Ontario’s “Most Talented Town” in recognition of the growing arts community there. Approximately 18 miles south of the town of Bancroft is a chain of 5 lakes, with the largest being Limerick Lake.  Limerick is a water access lake with no road around it.  Surrounded by mostly Crown and […]

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You may know that Yonge Street starts in Toronto Ontario, but did you know that it is the longest street in the world?  It ends in Ontario, but do you know where? Yonge Street ends at the farthest extent west in Ontario, at Rainy River, at the Minnesota USA Border.  Rainy River has a population of approx 1000 people.  Although not a large community, they have all the amenities you need plus there is a lot to do! The Rainy River District is known by Birders as it is a unique area where the Eastern & Western Regions meet, and […]

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Ottawa has been the Capital of Canada since 1857 when Queen Victoria chose a town half way between Montreal (the French centre) and Toronto (the English centre). Since then, the Capital has flourished as a blend of the two cultures offering a unique living experience. The houses of Parliament, dating back to the 1880s, have a stunning view overlooking the Ottawa River and the historic Rideau Canal, which winds its way 198 km to Kingston Ontario. In summer, thousands of boaters travel the Rideau Canal and, in winter, it is transformed into the world’s largest skating rink. Other historical sites […]

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Visit the quaint little town of Manitowaning where the people are friendly and always have a knack for remembering your name after your first introduction. Take a moment to wander down to the waterfront to see the old Ferry boat that once traveled between South Baymouth and Tobermory or stop in at the local museum to see the wonderful history that once was classed as everyday life. Although you would think it has nothing to offer, its gift selection located in the local drug store has just what you need for those special occasions or last minute necessities. The Nappa, […]

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Growing up on the West Coast, I had never experienced real winter and, when I did for the first time, I wasn’t so sure I liked it. I had moved to Ottawa for school and was gearing up for some cold temperatures and a lot of snow. I was also prepared to hunker down in the warm confines of the school library and wait out the never-ending storm I perceived as winter. The one winter activity I was willing to try was the winter celebration in Quebec City, Carnival, I had heard about as a child. Unfortunately, the hectic student […]

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In my Toronto travels, anther of my favourite places was the Kensington Market located between Dundas and Baldwin Streets. I’ve been to many markets, and Kensington has come out on top. Not to mention, I’d much rather spend a day wandering around the Market than the crowded, metropolis Eaton Centre. The market has everything to make the perfect day trip. If you’re going to Toronto anytime soon, make sure you set aside a day to explore the Kensington Market. The greatest thing about the Kensington Market is the bargain shopping. Never in my life have I seen such an impressive collection […]

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I find I often get tired to the same daily grind being a tourist: go to the big attractions, take photos, get lost, look like an idiot reading the map upside down, getting ripped off by cab-drivers; maybe that’s just me. Luckily, I had a friend who lives in Toronto who directed me to a few local haunts to escape the tourist vibe and really get a feel for the city. She took me to Queen’s Street West and told me to avoid any place with a big sign. Off I ventured, desperately trying to blend in. She was right […]

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