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FOOD & DINING IN CANADA (OTTAWA)

jamescruz — Thu Jun 04, 2009 1:48 am

Author: jamescruz

Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 1:48 am

Ottawa is a beautiful place and is loved by the vacationers. I love Italian restaurants there. Cultural heritage is also rich and it is an enriching experience to be there for a while.

SHOPPING IN CANADA (TORONTO)

jamescruz — Fri May 29, 2009 5:33 am

Author: jamescruz

Posted: Fri May 29, 2009 5:33 am

You have got really nice information on Toronto city. Of course it is a great place for shopping. In a few days time even I would be shifting to the city and I was just concerned about the accommodations available there on affordable prices.

SHOPPING IN CANADA (VANCOUVER)

Canada Info — Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:53 pm

Author: Canada Info

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:53 pm

SHOPPING IN CANADA (VANCOUVER)

Blessed with a climate that seems semitropical in comparison to the rest of Canada, Vancouverites never really developed a taste for indoor malls. Instead, most residents shop on the street. Below are a few thoughts on where to start exploring.

The Shopping Scene

Outside of malls, stores in Vancouver are generally open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm. A few exceptions: Stores on Robson Street stay open later (usually until 9pm), while stores in Kitsilano open later (around 10am). On Sunday most stores are open 11am to 6pm, but a few remain closed all day. Malls such as the Pacific Centre are open from 9am to 7pm Monday through Wednesday, 9am to 9pm Thursday through Saturday, and 10am to 6pm on Sunday. Come Christmas shopping season, stores extend their hours from 9am to 9pm 7 days a week.

Robson Street
It's been said that the corner of Robson and Burrard gets more foot traffic than any other corner in Canada. Urban myth? Who knows. Anyway, it's a busy, colourful parade of humanity, many individuals from Asia (hence the sushi bars and shops with Japanese signs), most with money. Over the past few years rents have risen so much that Robson Street now mostly offers upscale chain shops and international designer boutiques, though here and there a few local stores survive. Look for high-end fashions, with a focus on young designer fashions.

South Granville
The 10-block stretch of Granville Street -- from 6th Avenue up to 16th Avenue -- is where Vancouver's old-money enclave of Shaughnessy comes to shop. Classic and expensive men's and women's clothiers and housewares and furniture boutiques predominate. This area is also the heart of the city's gallery district.

Water Street
Though a little too heavy on the souvenir shops, Water Street and Gastown are by no means just a tacky tourist enclave. Look for antique and cutting-edge furniture, galleries of First Nations art, and funky basement retro shops.

Main Street
Antiques, and lots of them. From about 19th up to 27th, Main Street is chockablock with antiques shops. Rather than outbid each other, the stores have evolved so that each covers a particular niche, from Art Deco to country kitchen to fine Second Empire. It's a fun place to browse, and if your eyes start to glaze over at the thought of yet another divan, the area also has cafes, bookshops, and clothing stores.

Granville Island
A rehabilitated industrial site beneath the Granville Street Bridge, the Public Market is one of the best places to pick up salmon and other seafood. It's also a great place to browse for crafts and gifts. Particularly interesting is Kids Market, a kind of mini-mall for children, complete with a Lilliputian entranceway; toy, craft, and book stores; and play areas and services for the not-yet-10 demographic.

Asia West
If you've never been to Hong Kong, or are just itching to get back, this new commercial area on Richmond's No. 3 Road between Capstan and Alderbridge roads is the place to shop. Stores in four new malls -- the Yaohan Centre, President Plaza, Aberdeen Centre, and Parker Place -- cater to Vancouver's newly arrived Asian community by bringing in goods direct from Asia. If the prices seem a bit high, a simple inquiry is often enough to bring them plummeting down as much as 80%.

Punjabi Market
Just like an imported India, the 4 blocks of Main Street, on either side of 49th Avenue, contain the whole of the subcontinent, shrunk down to a manageable parcel. Look for fragrant spice stalls and sari shops and textile outlets selling luxurious fabrics -- at bargain-basement prices.

Shopping A-Z

Ceramics, China, Silver & Crystal--You can find a great array of sophisticated international china and crystal in the downtown stores. On Granville Island, you can observe potters, silversmiths, and glassblowers as they work their magic.

Cigars & Tobacco--Just remember: if they're Cuban, you'll have to light up on this side of the border.

Clothing--Vancouver has the Pacific Northwest's best collection of clothes from Paris, London, Milan, and Rome, in addition to a great assortment of locally made, cutting-edge fashions. It seems that almost every week a new designer boutique opens in Yaletown, Kitsilano, or Kerrisdale. International designer outlets include Chanel Boutique, 900 W. Hastings St. (tel. 604/682-0522); Salvatore Ferragamo, 918 Robson St. (tel. 604/669-4495); Gianni Versace Boutique, 757 W. Hastings St. (tel. 604/683-1131); Polo/Ralph Lauren, the Landing, 375 Water St. (tel. 604/682-7656); and Plaza Escada, Sinclair Centre, 757 W. Hastings St. (tel. 604/688-8558).

Discount Shopping--The strip of West 4th Avenue between Cypress and Yew streets has recently emerged as consignment-clothing central. New shops open regularly.

Facials to Go--If you're looking for someplace to go for a great facial, head over to Skoah, 1011 Hamilton St. (tel. 877/642-0200 or 604/642-0200; www.skoah.com). This cool co-ed spa in Yaletown, open 7 days a week, specialises in facials for men and women and sells its own line of organic, locally made skin-care products. The 75-minute "Facialicious" signature treatment (C$90/US$72) includes deep cleansing, exfoliating, delicate extractions, detoxifying, stimulating masks and a soothing foot and hand massage as well.

First Nations Arts & Crafts--You'll find First Nations art all over the city. You don't have to purchase a pricey antique to acquire original Coast Salish or Haida work. As the experts at the Museum of Anthropology explain, if an item is crafted by any of the indigenous Pacific Northwest artisans, it's a real First Nations piece of art. The culture is ancient yet still very much alive. Pick up a copy of Publication No. 10: A Guide to Buying Contemporary Northwest Coast Art by Karen Duffel (available at the Museum of Anthropology), which details how to identify and care for these beautifully carved, worked, and woven pieces. Bold, traditional, and innovative geometric designs; intricate carvings; strong primary colours; and rich wood tones are just a few of the elements you'll find in First Nations crafts.

Even if you're not in the market, go gallery-hopping to see works by Haida artists Bill Reid (the province's best-known Native artist) and Richard Davidson, and by Kwakwaka'wakw artist and photographer David Neel.

Food--You'll find salmon everywhere in Vancouver. Many shops package whole, fresh salmon with ice packs for visitors to take home. Shops also carry delectable smoked salmon in travel-safe, vacuum-packed containers. Some offer decorative cedar gift boxes; most offer overnight air transport. Try other salmon treats such as salmon jerky and Indian candy (chunks of marinated smoked salmon), which are available at public markets such as Granville Island Public Market and Lonsdale Quay Market.

And even though salmon is the most popular item to buy in Vancouver, coffee flows like water -- as does Belgian chocolate.

Galleries--On the first Thursday of every month, many galleries host free openings from 5 to 8pm. Check the Georgia Straight or Vancouver Magazine for listings or www.art-bc.com for more details on Vancouver's art scene.

Sporting Goods--A 2-block area near the Mountain Equipment Co-op has become Outdoor Central, with at least a half-dozen stores such as Altus Mountain Gear (137 W. Broadway; tel. 604/876-2525); Great Outdoors Equipment (222 W. Broadway; tel. 604/872-8872); and AJ Brooks (147 W. Broadway; tel. 604/874-1117). Just a block north on 8th Avenue, you'll find Taiga (380 W. 8th Ave.; tel. 604/875-8388) for inexpensive fleece and other quality outdoor gear.

In the past few years, the corner of 4th Avenue and Burrard Street has become the spot for high-quality snow/skate/surfboard gear as well as the spot to see top-level boarders and their groupies hanging out. Shops here include Pacific Boarder (1793 W. 4th Ave.; tel. 604/734-7245), Thriller (1710 W. 4th Ave.; tel. 604/736-5651), and the particularly noteworthy West Beach (1766 W. 4th Ave.; tel. 604/731-6449), which sometimes hosts pro-skate demos on the half-pipe at the back of the store.

Wine--British Columbia's wines are worth buying by the case, especially rich, honey-thick ice wines, such as Jackson-Triggs gold-medal-winning 1994 Johannesburg Riesling Ice wine, and bold reds, such as the Quail's Gate 1994 Limited Release Pinot Noir. Five years of restructuring, reblending, and careful tending by French and German master vintners have won the province's vineyards world recognition.

When buying B.C. wine, look for the VQA (Vintner Quality Alliance) seal on the label; it's a guarantee that all grapes used are grown in British Columbia and meet European standards for growing and processing.

Summerhill, Cedar Creek, Mission Hill, and Okanagan Vineyards are just a few of the more than 50 local estates producing hearty cabernet sauvignons, honey-rich ice wines, and oaky merlots. These wines can be found at any government-owned LCB liquor store, such as the one at 1716 Robson St. (tel. 604/660-4576) and at some privately owned wine stores.

SHOPPING IN CANADA (MONTREAL)

Canada Info — Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:45 pm

Author: Canada Info

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:45 pm

SHOPPING IN CANADA (MONTREAL)

Shop in Montréal until your feet swell and your eyes cross. Whether you view shopping as the focus of your travels or simply as a diversion, you won't be disappointed. Shopping ranks right up there with dining out as a prime activity among the natives. Most Montréalers are of French ancestry, after all, and seem to believe that impeccable taste bubbles through the Gallic gene pool. The city has produced a thriving fashion industry, from couture to ready-to-wear, with a history that reaches back to the earliest trade in furs and leather. There are more than 1,500 shops in the underground city alone, and many more than that at street level and above. It is unlikely that any reasonable consumer need -- or even outlandish fantasy -- cannot be met here.

The Shopping Scene

American visitors have the advantage of a markdown on all prices encountered in Montréal shops due to the favourable exchange rates between Canadian and U.S. dollars. When traveling with U.S. dollars, go to a bank to exchange cash or traveler's checks for Canadian currency -- or, better yet, withdraw Canadian dollars from a local ATM with a credit card, an ATM card, or a debit card. While stores often accept U.S. currency, the exchange is likely to be less favourable than that obtained in a bank. There are exceptions, however, as some stores, in an attempt to attract customers carrying U.S. funds, put out signs offering better exchange rates than might be found in a bank.

Note that you're when making purchases with a credit card, the charges are automatically converted at the going bank rate before appearing on the following monthly statement. In most cases, this is the best deal of all for visitors. Visa and MasterCard are the most popular credit cards in this part of Canada, while shops less frequently accept Discover, and American Express is only accepted reluctantly and sometimes not at all.

The Best Buys

Most items are priced at approximately the same costs as in their countries of origin, including such big international names as Burberry and Ralph Lauren.

Exceptions are British products, including tweeds, porcelain, and glassware, which tend to cost less. While not cheap, Inuit sculptures and 19th- to early-20th-century country furniture are handsome and authentic. Less expensive crafts than the intensely collected Inuit works are also available, including quilts, drawings, and carvings by Amerindian and other folk artists. While demand has diminished somewhat, superbly constructed furs and leather goods are high-ticket items, and you can retrieve the high sales tax on these items by filling out paperwork. In addition, Québec's daring clothing designers produce some appealing fashions at prices that are often reasonable.

The Best Shopping Areas

Rue Sherbrooke is a major shopping street, with international and domestic designers, luxury items such as furs and jewelry, art galleries, and the Holts department store. Rue Crescent has a number of upscale boutiques scattered along its length, plus numerous cafes for a break from shopping. Boulevard St-Laurent sells everything from budget practicalities to off-the-wall handmade fashions. Look along avenue Laurier between St-Laurent and de l'Epée for French boutiques, home furniture and accessories shops, and young Quebecois designers. Rue St-Paul in Vieux-Montréal has a growing number of art galleries, a few jewelry shops, some souvenir stands, and a shop that sells kites.

Antiques can be found along rue Sherbrooke near the Musée des Beaux-Arts and on the little side streets near the museum. More antiques and collectibles, in more than 50 tempting shops one after another, can be found along the lengthening "Antiques Alley" of rue Notre-Dame, especially concentrated between Guy and Atwater. In warmer months, artists display and sell their unremarkable but nevertheless competent works along compact rue St-Amable, just off place Jacques-Cartier. From there, meander into a walkway called Le Jardin Amable to find a courtyard filled with kiosks stocked with eye-catching costume jewelry and items crafted in silver and gold. Rue St-Denis north of Sherbrooke has strings of shops filled with fun, funky items.

Some of the best shops in Montréal are found in city museums. Tops among them are shops in Pointe-à-Callière (the Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History), which is in Vieux-Montréal; shops in the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée McCord, both on rue Sherbrooke in the center city; and the shop at the Musée d'Art Contemporain in the Place-des-Arts.

Rue Ste-Catherine is home to the city's four top department stores and myriad satellite shops, while rue Peel is known for its men's fashions. Avenue Greene in Anglophone Westmount has some decidedly English stores. Most of Montréal's big department stores were founded when Scottish, Irish, and English families dominated the city's mercantile class, and most of their names are identifiably English, albeit shorn of their apostrophes. The principal exception is La Baie, French for "The Bay," itself a shortened reference to an earlier name, the Hudson's Bay Company.

Montréal's long history as a centre for the fur trade buttresses the many wholesale and retail furriers, with outlets downtown and in Plateau Mont-Royal, but nowhere more concentrated than on the "fur row" of rue Mayor, between rue de Bleury and rue City Councillors.

Those who delight in the hunt for bargains -- and possess the tenacity to plunge into barely managed chaos to find them -- won't want to miss rue Chabanel. A long trek north from downtown (nearest Métro station: Crémazie), rue Chabanel is a street that runs west of boulevard St-Laurent and is lined with factory buildings and warehouses. On Saturday mornings from 8:30am to 1pm -- very roughly -- the clothing manufacturers and importers use ground- and mezzanine-level showrooms and suites to display and sell all manner of men's, women's, and children's clothing at a discount. For those few hours a week (usually not in Jan or July), coats, leather goods, sportswear, suits, and sweaters are all on offer at deeply discounted prices, and diligence and a willingness to bargain are rewarded. Prowl the 8 blocks with buildings numbered 99 to 555; the higher the number, the better the quality, or at least so goes the commonly held conviction.

Shopping Complexes

A unique shopping opportunity in Montréal is the underground city, a warren of passageways connecting more than 1,500 shops in 10 shopping complexes that have levels both above and below street level. Complexe Desjardins (tel. 514/281-1870) is bounded by rues Jeanne-Mance, Ste-Catherine, St-Urbain, and boulevard René-Lévesque. It has waterfalls and fountains, trees and hanging vines, music, lanes of shops going off in every direction, and elevators whisking people up to one of the four tall office towers. Les Cours Mont-Royal, 1455 rue Peel at boulevard de Maisonneuve (tel. 514/842-7777), is a recycling of the old Mount Royal Hotel. This complex recently added a huge Harry Rosen fashion emporium. The venerable Eaton department store failed, but it spawned Le Centre Eaton, 705 rue Ste-Catherine ouest (tel. 514/288-3708), with more than 175 shops, multiple cinemas, and eateries on five floors. The actual old Eaton department store is now occupied by Les Ailes de la Mode (The Wings of Fashion), 677 rue Ste-Catherine ouest, at University (tel. 514/282-4537), which has five floors of home accessory and fashion retailers, plus eateries, a spa, and more. Place Bonaventure, at rues de la Gauchetière and University (tel. 514/397-2325), has some 125 boutiques beneath the Bonaventure Hilton. Place Montréal Trust, at 1500 rue McGill College at rue Ste-Catherine (tel. 514/843-8000), is a five-story shopping complex, and Place Ville-Marie, opposite Le Reine Elizabeth hotel, between boulevard René-Lévêsque and Cathcart (tel. 514/861-9393), was Montréal's first major postwar shopping complex, known locally simply as "PVM." It has more than 80 boutiques and eateries. Les Promenades de la Cathédrale, at the corner of rues University and Ste-Catherine (tel. 514/849-9925), has more than 70 shops on the levels below the Cathédrale Christ Church. The new Ruelle des Fortifications, on rue St-Pierre between St-Antoine and St-Jacques (tel. 514/982-9888), is in the Centre Mondial du Commerce (World Trade Centre), at the edge of Vieux-Montréal. This complex has more than 80 upscale boutiques, centred around two fountains, one modern and one traditional. Westmount Square, at rues Wood and Ste-Catherine (tel. 514/932-0211), combines a shopping centre, an office complex, and a condominium complex designed by the famed Mies van der Rohe.

FOOD & DINING IN CANADA (VANCOUVER)

Canada Info — Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:38 pm

Author: Canada Info

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:38 pm

FOOD & DINING IN CANADA (VANCOUVER)

Whether diners crave glamorous, elegant, warm or unadorned, Vancouver offers thousands of choices for memorable cuisine. Many of the city's establishments are internationally renowned and combine superb cuisine with extraordinary atmosphere.

Food-loving urbanites flock to bistros, dining rooms and cafes that range from home-style grub in perpetually busy diners to gourmet masterpieces in refined restaurants. Visitors can savor exotic Malaysian fare at lunch and Russian by nightfall, or choose from dozens of other ethnic cuisines. There are so many good restaurants in this city that it is difficult to narrow any list down to a few, but here are some noteworthy highlights.

Downtown

Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House is a local favourite and a great place to go for beer and fresh smoked oysters. Other downtown highlights include Chartwell Restaurant, Diva at the Met, Le Gavroche, CinCin Ristorante and Piccolo Mondo.

West End

This beachside neighbourhood is known as one of the largest gay and lesbian communities in the country. The dining selection here is superb: busy Stepho's Souvlaki Greek Taverna has traditional Hellenic treats and the award-winning Raincity Grill, has elegant decor that is upstaged only by its West Coast flavours. Another award-winner, Sami's, has its second location here (the other is in Kitsilano), serving up Indian-inspired original creations. The popular Cafe de Paris celebrates Gallic cuisine here, too.

Yaletown

This is a good place to start your exploration of the city's culinary creativity. Many of the city's hottest eateries brighten this film and fashion centre. The Italian romance of Villa del Lupo and La Terrazza will soften even the most Scrooge-like of connoisseurs. If you prefer your meals more laid-back and inexpensive, Subeez and the Yaletown Brewing Co. are trendy hangouts with good food, eager-to-be-seen crowds, and in some cases, pouty and aloof wait-staff. The Southern-style barbecue creations at Dix BBQ & Brewery are also popular.

Gastown

This charming historic area has an eclectic selection of eateries. For hot and spicy dishes to warm up with on cool days, the Jewel of India Restaurant will satisfy. For a relaxed atmosphere and interesting experience, try the internationally-known Blunt Bros. Cafe. The Irish Heather is a relative newcomer to the area, and packs them in almost every night.

Chinatown

From Dim Sum to fine dining, Vancouver's Chinatown offers Asian delicacies and treats. Some of the most popular venues include the busy and noisy Pink Pearl Seafood Restaurant and the Floata Seafood Restaurant, for authentic Hong Kong-style creations hot and fresh from the wok. Hon's Wun-Tun House is a good choice as well.

Granville Island

This once-industrial island was transformed in the 1970s into what it is today: a city oasis with a famous public market, heavenly bakeries and cafes and fresh-food restaurants. Seafood lovers will revel in Bridges' three-level restaurant, wine bar and bistro. Other choices include the Creek Restaurant and the Arts Club Backstage Lounge.

Kitsilano

This casual and health-conscious neighbourhood has some of the top restaurants in town. Weekend line-ups shouldn't daunt you from trying out the kitschy, faux-greasy spoon humour of Sophie's Cosmic Cafe, whose breakfasts are rumoured to be the best in town. The Naam is a landmark, open 24 hours and offering a selection of organic and vegan health food. Top of the heap is Lumiere, with its fine French cuisine infused with a West Coast sensibility and the freshest of ingredients. Other critic's darlings: Sami's Indo-American Bistro's fresh and creative Indian-style; Pastis' French cuisine taken to new heights; and the raved-about Vij's Indian fusion creations. For young and casual hangouts, try the bar-like atmosphere of Nevermind.

Point Grey

This somewhat sleepy and upscale section of the city offers many dining choices.. Try the Celtic hospitality of Dentry's Irish Grill for a good time and meal. If you want something more intimate, the Brock House Restaurant provides an elegant setting for special dinners, and Cafe Madeleine has live music, readings and artwork. True Confections is the place to go afterwards for rich desserts.

East Vancouver

There is plenty to sample all over vibrant East Vancouver, from Main Street's Little India to Victoria Drive's Portuguese neighbourhood to Commercial Drive's Little Italy. Try the savory Indian fare at Nirvana and All India Sweets, both on Main Street. Farther east on Commercial Drive, there is so much to choose from that it may take a week of dining just to get an idea of its offerings. PLaces like Federico's Ristorante & Supper Club offer traditional Italian meals, while newer places like the Cuba-inspired Havana and the literary Bukowski's offer hip alternatives with live entertainment. Fet's has a 1950s diner feel, while Cafe Deux Soleils serves creative vegetarian meals. Further west on Main Street, young and artistic hangouts like the Locus and the Grind & Gallery Coffee Bar are changing the shape of city dining.

South Vancouver

Restaurants are fewer and farther between in this suburban uptown area, but there are gems worth the quick drive from downtown. The elegant Seasons Hill Top Bistro in Queen Elizabeth Park offers fine dining.

FOOD & DINING IN CANADA (MONTREAL)

Canada Info — Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:32 pm

Author: Canada Info

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:32 pm

FOOD & DINING IN CANADA (MONTREAL)

Montreal is the second biggest French city in the world, but you wouldn't necessarily know it based on its restaurants. Its incredible assortment of ethnic cuisines gives an accurate reflection of the myriad of cultures that contribute to the city's vibrancy, although unlike some other large North American centers, eateries here tend not to cluster according to cuisine type.

Naturally, the city does boast some outstanding French restaurants. Traditional, buttery fare and old-guard opulence can be found at the venerable Les Halles or the Ritz Carlton's Café de Paris. L'Express lays claim to the best steak-and-frites, among many other bistro favorites. Meanwhile, on the nouvelle cuisine frontier, chef Normand Laprise's fusion masterpiece Toqué! garners international attention while draining the coffers of the gastronomic elite.

Generally speaking, Montreal's culinary institutions are slightly more plebeian in nature. Many trace their origins to the Anglophone middle and upper classes, whose grip on the local economy was once far stronger than it is today. The city's large Jewish community has also contributed heavily to the local cuisine. The Montreal bagel, a skinnier and less polished version of the New York variety, is an economical staple that purists buy from the Fairmount or St-Viateur bakeries in Mile-End. And while comparing Montreal Smoked Meat to pastrami is sure to raise the hackles of any traditionalist, no visitor should neglect to visit the cramped, dingy quarters of Schwartz's Delicatessen.

Brunches or late breakfasts are extremely popular ways to start the day, though whether this is a wholesome tradition or the result of a weekend's heroic consumption of cocktails is up for debate. Mont-Royal Avenue is home to Beauty's, the oldest and best-known brunch spot, while Eggspectation is more modern operation that boasts massive portions and glitzier decor. Unfortunately, both establishments sport ponderous lines on Sunday starting at around 10a. On the bright side, these good-natured queues serve as great places to soak up local atmosphere and gossip.

The Plateau Mont-Royal is an area of older residential buildings and is home to thousands of students, artists and young professionals. St-Laurent Boulevard's trendy clubs and pubs mingle with dozens of restaurants that run the gamut from upscale, decor-first hotspots (Buona Notte) to innovative sandwich shops (Grano), and from the cheap Italian fare at Euro-Deli to the steaks and buckets of coleslaw at Moishe's. If you are unsure where to go, following the crowds on St-Laurent is a safe bet.

A 10-minute walk east from St-Laurent will bring you to charming and bustling St-Denis Street, which is not to be missed especially during the summer. This is perhaps Montreal's most Parisian thoroughfare, offering restaurants, bars and cafés, most with cozy patios shoe-horned in wherever they can possibly fit. You could easily spend hours watching the world go by over a café-au-lait, a beer or a meal. The aforementioned l'Express and Toqué! can be found in the restaurant-rich strip between Sherbrooke Street and Mont-Royal Avenue, along with scores of smaller establishments of every conceivable ethnicity.

The narrow, residential streets of the Plateau conceal some gems, most notably a tight-knit community of French bistros where patrons are invited to bring their own wine. Exemplified by Le P'tit Plateau, Bistro l'Entrepont and Au Petit Resto, these intimate, romantic spots serve some of the best food in the city at table d'hôte prices rarely exceeding CAD20. They are great places at which to appreciate local life and practice your French. Prince Arthur Street, located between St-Laurent Boulevard and Laval Avenue, also offers many BYOW (bring your own wine) options. However, with a few exceptions (notably the stick-to-your-ribs Polish fare at Mazurka), the food at these heavily tourist-oriented establishments is fairly middle-of-the-road.

Downtown, many bars and restaurants are found on Crescent and Bishop Streets. In the past, this was where the Anglophones came to eat, drink and be merry. This area overflows with tourists in summer, so it is best to know where you are going before you go; mediocre food is an unfortunate but avoidable fact of life here, as are high prices. Other downtown hotspots include the Old Dublin, which whips up great pub grub and fiddles each night away with live music.

Though hardly comparable to the Spanish or Italian, Montrealers do eat late, especially on weekends. Most restaurants will be open to diners by 6:30p, but it's best to make reservations for 8p or later if you want company. Downtown hotels tend to direct their guests toward downtown restaurants and nightlife, not out of any animosity or collusion but simply because many tourists are reluctant to venture farther afield. The key to enjoying the hundreds of restaurants and bars that the city has to offer is to be adventurous; you are unlikely to be disappointed.

NIGHTLIFE IN CANADA (MONTREAL)

Canada Info — Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:30 pm

Author: Canada Info

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:30 pm

NIGHTLIFE IN CANADA (MONTREAL)

Entertainment means just as many things in Montreal as it does elsewhere, but the city is perhaps most famous for its justifiably legendary nightlife. Bars stay open until 3a here, which is later than anywhere else in Canada, and even then, few customers leave willingly. As with dining and accommodations, however, the visitor will benefit greatly from exploring the less heavily touristed areas of the city.

The Scene

On Friday and Saturday nights, locals either make a beeline towards Crescent and Bishop streets or they avoid them like the plague. Traditionally known as the centre of Montreal's Anglophone nightlife, they are now known mostly for their numerous dance clubs/meat markets (Winnie's being one of the most famous). Those in search of a more sedate pint in the area can find one at the Irish pub Hurley's, the charming Brutopia brew-up, and at numerous other places that are popular among an older, English-speaking crowd.

St-Laurent Boulevard is the city's most famous street, as it is the traditional dividing line between the city's English and French-speaking areas. Nowadays, booze serves as a very effective lingua franca, especially on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, when things don't cool down until dawn. The strip between Prince Arthur Street and Mont-Royal Avenue features dozens of pubs, clubs, bars and assorted other dives that defy generalization.

In the latter category are the Bifteck, Copacabana and Roy Bar, three friendly, endearing, impossibly smoky taverns attracting a mixture of students and 20-somethings. Shoot some pool or catch a swing show at Le Swimming, cut a rug at Angel's or the Belmont sur le Boulevard, lounge among the hipsters at Tokyo, or just enjoy the quiet serenity of Else's, an arty but unpretentious pub full of Plateau-dwellers. It's all within a 20-minute walk around St-Laurent Boulevard.

You can complete a similar if somewhat less bohemian pub crawl on St-Denis Street, St-Laurent's more French, polished cousin, located one major street to the east. The action on St-Denis is clustered around Ontario Street in the Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin), where mind-boggling bars such as the St-Sulpice compete with the quieter allure of pubs such as l'Ile Noire, Cheval Blanc, Pub Quartier Latin and the Ste-Élisabeth. The funky, eclectic bars and cafés situated farther north between Rachel Street and Mont-Royal Avenue attract a suitably diverse crowd: check out Barouf, Quai des Brumes and Bily Kun. This street is home to dozens of patios (or terraces, in local parlance) that are perfect for watching the world go by.

For those unwilling or unable to go softly into the night, after-hours clubs such as Stereo Nightclub will let you stay until at least 10a on Saturday or Sunday morning, but not before extracting at least CAD20 from your wallet.

Casino

The Casino de Montréal (tel. 800/665-2274 or 514/392-2746; www.casino-de-montreal.com), Québec's first, is in the former French Pavilion, left over from the 1967 Expo World's Fair, on Ile Notre-Dame. The adjacent Québec Pavilion was incorporated into the complex in 1996. Several floors contain more than 120 game tables, including roulette, craps, blackjack, and baccarat, and more than 3,000 slot machines. Its four restaurants get good reviews, especially Nuances. There are also four bars and live shows. No alcoholic beverages are served in the gambling areas. Patrons must be 18 or over. The casino is open around the clock. Tickets to the cabaret can be purchased at the casino or on the Internet at www.admission.com. They are priced from C$39 (US$31) for the show alone, or from C$65 (US$52) for the show and dinner. The originally strict dress code has been relaxed somewhat, but the following items of clothing are still prohibited: "cut-off sweaters and shirts, tank tops, jogging outfits, cut-off shorts and bike shorts, beachwear, work or motorcycle boots, and clothing associated with violence or with an organisation known to be violent." To get to the casino, take the Métro to the Île Ste-Hélène stop, which is adjacent to Île Notre-Dame, and walk or take the shuttle bus from there. There's also an hourly shuttle bus (navette) from the Infotouriste Centre at 1001 rue du Square-Dorchester.

Culture

Of course, Montreal is more than a university town on a bender. Museums, galleries, theatre, cinema and unclassifiable fringe elements enjoy great public interest from a citizenry for whom the arts represent an integral component of having a good time. An impressive if not overwhelming collection of the European masters awaits visitors at the Musem of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts), whose magnificent premises also host first-class touring exhibitions. Place des Arts, meanwhile, is home to the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal), Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and l'Opéra de Montréal.

The Canadian Centre for Architecture (Centre Canadien d'Architecture) presents exhibitions and multimedia displays that range from the straightforward to the thoroughly bizarre, and as a result has gained a worldwide reputation. The Museum of Modern Art (Musée d'Art Contemporain), itself an amazing building, offers a fascinating glimpse into Quebec's thriving community of modern artists. There are also dozens of smaller galleries, museums and exhibition spaces that dot the cityscape and remain relatively undiscovered by tourists.

Montreal is at the centre of the province's vibrant cinema community, as evidenced by its fine repertory houses and state-of-the-art first-run theatres. The Paramount Multiplex offers stadium seating, state-of-the-art sound and IMAX screens. The Ex-Centris Theatre showcases digital technology along with an impressive program of Canadian and international films. It also hosts the Festival International Nouveau Cinéma every autumn.

That's just one of the festivals Montreal has to offer. Other film fests include the World Film Festival, International Festival of Films on Art and FANT-ASIA. The Just For Laughs Festival is a joyous yearly tradition, while locals flock downtown to Place des Arts for the outdoor shows associated with the Montreal International Jazz Festival and the Francofolies.

Theatre buffs will find both English and French productions. Well-known companies include the Centaur, whose program features in-house Canadian and international dramas; the predominantly French Infinithéâtre; and the National Theatre School (École nationale de Théâtre du Canada), which hosts occasional presentations. Many smaller companies exist in the city, and though some are ethnically oriented, most enjoy a pleasantly diverse audience.

Information on nearly every cultural event in the city, as well as local news and reviews, can be found in the two free arts weeklies, Hour and Mirror, which are available in coffee shops, convenience stores and various other locations.

NIGHTLIFE IN CANADA (VANCOUVER)

Canada Info — Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:24 pm

Author: Canada Info

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:24 pm

NIGHTLIFE IN CANADA (VANCOUVER)

Vancouver is a fly-by-the-seat-of-the-pants kind of town. There's so much to see and do -- and the outdoors always beckons -- that Vancouverites wait till the day or the hour before a show to plunk their cash down for a ticket. It drives promoters crazy. Entertainment options run the gamut, from cutting-edge theater companies to a well-respected opera and symphony to folk and jazz festivals that draw people from up and down the coast. And then there are the bars and pubs and clubs and cafes -- lots of them -- for every taste, budget, and fetish; you just have to get out there and see. By the way, dining out at a fine restaurant is considered an evening's entertainment in and of itself; at a restaurant like C, the presentation is theatre-on-a-plate.

For the best overview of Vancouver's nightlife, pick up a copy of the weekly tabloid, the Georgia Straight (www.georgiastraight.com). The Thursday edition of the Vancouver Sun contains the weekly entertainment section Queue. The monthly Vancouver Magazine is filled with listings and strong views about what's really hot in the city. Check out their website at www.vanmag.com. Or get a copy of Xtra! West, the free gay and lesbian biweekly tabloid, available in shops and restaurants throughout the West End.

The Vancouver Cultural Alliance Arts Hot Line, 100-938 Howe St. (tel. 604/684-2787 or 604/681-3535; www.allianceforarts.com), is a great information source for all performing arts, literary events, and art films. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Ticketmaster (Vancouver Ticket Centre), 1304 Hornby St. (tel. 604/280-3311; www.ticketmaster.ca), has 40 outlets in the Vancouver area.

Half-price tickets for same-day shows and events are available at the Tickets Tonight (www.ticketstonight.ca) kiosk (open Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 6pm) in the Vancouver Tourist Info Centre, 200 Burrard St. (tel. 604/683-2000). The Info Centre is open from May to Labour Day daily from 8am to 6pm; the rest of the year, it's open Monday through Saturday from 8:30am to 5pm.

Dance Clubs

Generally clubs are open until 2am every day but Sunday, when they close at midnight. In the summer months (mid-June through Labour Day), opening hours are extended to 4am. The city's clubs and discos are concentrated around two "entertainment zones," one downtown around Granville Street and the other along Water and Pender streets in Gastown.

Gay & Lesbian Clubs

B.C.'s enlightened attitude -- it's one of three Canadian provinces where same-sex couples can wed -- has had a curious effect on Vancouver's queer dance club scene -- it's so laid-back and attitude-free that it's often hard to tell straight from gay, male go-go dancers and naked men in showers notwithstanding. The "Gay Village" is in the West End, particularly on Davie and Denman streets. Many clubs feature theme nights and dance parties, drag shows are ever popular, and every year in early August, as Gay Pride nears, the scene goes into overdrive. The Gay Lesbian Transgendered Bisexual Community Centre, 2-1170 Bute St. (tel. 604/684-5307; www.lgtbcentrevancouver.com), has information on the current hot spots, but it's probably easier just to pick up a free copy of Xtra West!, available in most downtown cafes.

Cinema

Thanks to the number of resident moviemakers (both studio and independent), Vancouver is becoming quite a film town. First-run theatres show the same Hollywood junk seen everywhere in the world (on Tuesday at a discount rate), but for those with something more adventurous in mind, there are lots of options.

Attendance at the Vancouver International Film Festival (tel. 604/685-0260; www.viff.org) reaches over 100,000, not including the celebs who regularly drop in. At this highly respected October event, over 250 new films are shown, representing filmmakers from 40 countries. Asian films are particularly well represented.

Art House & Repertory Theatres
Since 1972, the Pacific Cinematheque, 1131 Howe St. (tel. 604/688-FILM; www.cinematheque.bc.ca), has featured classic and contemporary films from around the world. Screenings are organized into themes, such as "Jean Luc Godard's Early Efforts," film noir, or the "Hong Kong Action Flick: A Retrospective." Schedules are available in hipper cafes, record shops, and video stores around town. Admission is C$8.50 (US$7) for adults, C$7 (US$5.75) for seniors and students; double features cost C$2 (US$1.60) extra. Annual membership, required to purchase tickets, is C$3 (US$2.40).

Specialty Theatres
At the CN IMAX, Canada Place (tel. 604/682-IMAX), a gargantuan screen features large-format flicks about denizens of the animal kingdom (sharks, wolves, elephants, X-treme athletes). A similar large screen at the Alcan OMNIMAX, Science World (tel. 604/443-7443), features flicks about empty, wide-open spaces, colourful coral reefs, and the like.

Way off in the strip-mall lands of farthest Kingsway stands the Raja, 3215 Kingsway (tel. 604/436-1545), a modest single-screen movie house dedicated to bringing in the best flicks from Bombay, the world's moviemaking capital. For those unfamiliar with the Indian masala genre, expect raw violence mixed with big production numbers -- think Mary Poppins does Die Hard. Sometimes there are English subtitles, though strictly speaking they're not necessary. If Kingsway is too far off, there's another Raja on 639 Commercial Dr. (tel. 604/253-0402).

Casinos

Well, it's not Vegas -- there's no alcohol and no floor shows, betting limits are in force, so you can't lose too much, and half of the proceeds go to charity, so it's all for a good cause.

To try your luck, head over to the Great Canadian Casino Downtown, 1133 W. Hastings St. (tel. 604/682-8415), open daily from noon to 4am. For blackjack, roulette, pai gow poker, and mini-baccarat, you can also try the Royal Diamond Casino, 750 Pacific Blvd., in the Plaza of Nations (tel. 604/899-1061). Here you can play high roller from noon to 4am daily.

The Performing Arts

Three major theatres in Vancouver regularly host touring performances. The Orpheum Theatre, 801 Granville St. (tel. 604/665-3050; www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/theatres/orpheum/orpheum.html), is an elegant 1927 theater that originally hosted the Chicago-based Orpheum vaudeville circuit. The theatre also hosts pop, rock, and variety shows. The Queen Elizabeth Theatre and the Vancouver Playhouse comprise the Queen Elizabeth Complex, 600 Hamilton St., between Georgia and Dunsmuir streets (tel. 604/665-3050; www.city.vancouver.bc.ca). It hosts major national and touring musical and theatre productions. It's also home to the Vancouver Opera and Ballet British Columbia. The 670-seat Vancouver Playhouse presents chamber-music performances and recitals. Located in a converted turn-of-the-20th-century church, the Vancouver East Cultural Centre (the "Cultch" to locals), 1895 Venables St. (tel. 604/251-1363; www.vecc.bc.ca), coordinates an impressive program that includes avant-garde theatre productions, performances by international musical groups, festivals and cultural events, children's programs, and art exhibitions.

On the campus of UBC, the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd. (tel. 604/822-2697; www.chancentre.com), showcases the work of the UBC music and acting students and also hosts a winter concert series. Designed by local architectural luminary, Bing Thom, the Chan Centre's crystal-clear acoustics are the best in town.

Theatre
Theatre isn't just an indoor art here. There's an annual summertime Shakespeare series, Bard on the Beach, in Vanier Park (tel. 604/737-0625). You can also bring a picnic dinner to Stanley Park and watch Theatre Under the Stars , which features popular musicals and light comedies.

Art on the Edge-- For more original performance fare, don't miss The Fringe -- Vancouver's Theatre Festival (tel. 604/257-0350; www.vancouverfringe.com). Centred on Granville Island, the Fringe Festival features more than 500 innovative and original shows each September, all costing under C$15 (US$12).

Classical Music
Fans of symphonic masterpieces, chamber music, baroque fugues, and popular show tunes will find world-class concert performances in Vancouver.

Dance
The new Scotiabank Dance Centre (677 Davie St.) provides a new focal point for the Vancouver dance community. Renovated by Arthur Erickson, the former bank building now offers studio and rehearsal space to more than 30 dance companies and is open to the general public for events, workshops, and classes. For more information, call tel. 604/606-6400 or check www.vkool.com/dancentre.

For fans of modern and new dance, the time to be here is early July, when the Dancing on the Edge Festival (tel. 604/689-0691; www.dancingontheedge.org) presents 60 to 80 original pieces over a 10-day period. For more information about other festivals and dance companies around the city, call the Dance Centre at tel. 604/606-6400.

Comedy Clubs
For seriously funny stuff, try Yuk Yuk's. It has theatre-style seating, a full-dinner menu and stand-up comics from the city and around the world. The Arts Club Theatre on Granville Island is another venue for interactive fun. It's home to the Theatre Sports “improv" group.

Bars & Pubs

Vancouver has loosened up a great deal in the last few years. Until pretty recently, patrons in a restaurant could drink only if they were eating or had the intention of eating. Nowadays, Vancouver drinkers can stand tall and order that beer, with no fear of being forced to purchase a token cookie or French fry. Even better, bars can now regularly stay open till 2am, and as late as 4am in peak summer months.

That said, officialdom in the city still doesn't love the late-night crowd. They seem to look on drinkers and revelers as an unfortunate by-product of urbanism, and bars as a necessary evil. City policy has been to concentrate the city's pubs and clubs and discos into two ghettos -- er, entertainment zones -- one along Granville Street and the other along Water and Pender streets in Gastown. There are pubs and clubs in other places to be sure, but if you just want to wander out for a serendipitous pub crawl, the Granville or Water street strips make fine destinations. Speaking generally, Granville Street tends more to Top-40 discos and upscale lounges, while down in Gastown, it's dark cellars spinning hip-hop and house. Yaletown is the newest late-night entertainment/drinking area, a place where martinis reign and some of the restaurants turn into cocktail lounges at 11pm.

Bars Masquerading as Restaurants
One holdover from the bad old days of the liquor license drought is the relatively large number of restaurants that look suspiciously like pubs. You can order food in these places. Indeed, it used to be a condition of drinking (wink, wink). But most patrons stick to a liquid diet.

Live Music
Every June, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival (tel. 604/872-5200; www.jazzvancouver.com) takes over many venues and outdoor stages around town. The festival includes a number of free concerts.

The Vancouver Folk Festival (tel. 800/986-8363 or 604/602-9798; www.thefestival.bc.ca) is one of the big ones on the West Coast. Folks come from as far away as Portland and Prince George to take in the extended weekend of music. It takes place outdoors in July on the beach at Jericho Park.

Brewpubs
In this category don't forget The Dockside Brewing Company (1253 Johnson St.; tel. 604/685-7070), in the Granville Island Hotel.

Bars With Views
If you're in Vancouver, odds are you're aware that this is a city renowned for its "views." The entire population could go make more money living in a dull flat place like Toronto, but stay here because they're addicted to the scenery. As long as that's your raison d'être, you may as well drink in style at one of these places with views. Check out the view at Lift, the new restaurant; it's in the same Coal Harbour vicinity as Cardero's.

NIGHTLIFE IN CANADA (OTTAWA)

Canada Info — Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:06 pm

Author: Canada Info

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:06 pm

NIGHTLIFE IN CANADA (OTTAWA)

Ottawa's culture and nightlife offerings aren't up to those of Toronto or Montréal, extending largely to the National Arts Centre, several bars, the Byward Market area, and a few dance clubs, the raciest of which are concentrated across the river in Hull. Still, there's certainly enough to occupy the evenings of a long weekend.

The biggest news in this regard was the opening of the Casino du Lac-Leamy, 1 bd. du Casino (tel. 800/665-2274 or 819/772-2100), its name recently changed from the original "Casino de Hull." Under 5km (3 miles) from Parliament Hill and open daily 11am to 3am, it imposes a dress code forbidding tank tops, jogging outfits, motorcycle boots, cutoffs, shorts, and beachwear. Both the exterior and the interior are dramatically landscaped with tropical plants, pools, and waterfalls. There are over 1,800 slot machines and more than 60 gambling tables, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and stud poker (no craps, though, and alcoholic drinks aren't allowed in gambling areas). A variety of attractions in the Théâtre du Casino, with headliners such as Engelbert Humperdinck and Joe Cocker as well as dance-and music revues, provide respite from losing. The complex also has two lounges and three restaurants -- fine dining in Le Baccara, a buffet in Banco, and a snack bar. Doors open at 9am and close at 4pm. A new 23-floor Hilton hotel opened for business in late 2001. Shuttles operate from Ottawa hotels to the casino for C$9 (US$6.50) per round-trip.

For Ottawa entertainment information, pick up a copy of Where, a free guide usually provided by hotels; Ottawa magazine; the free X-Press weekly newspaper; or the Friday edition of the Ottawa Citizen.

Ottawa's lively nightlife is divided between two locations: Elgin Street, where the popular dance clubs Griffin's, Maxwell's Bistro and The Bulldog Pub. While the Bulldog caters to a mainly twentysomething crowd, the clientele at Griffin’s and Maxwell’s is more the over 30 set. For the slighty older crowd there is always Hartwells located in the Westin hotel.

Places to both see and be seen in the Byward Market include the Celtic Pub, the Heart and Crown, which features live music every night and the Empire Grill with its popular martini bar. Blues lovers venturing in the Byward Market can check out the Rainbow Bistro. For the younger generation there is always On Tap on York Street whre they can dance the night away. But by far the best way to experience the "Market" by night is to simply explore and let your ears be your guide.

Visitors will find bars, nightclubs and restaurants throughout the city geared to the gay and lesbian community as well. Among them are the Lookout Bar and Bistro and the Rock Bottom Grill in the Byward Market. The city's Capital Xtra magazine’s the place to start a search for the LGBT scene.

The Performing Arts

Canadian and international musical, dance, and theatre artists -- including the resident NAC Orchestra -- perform at the elaborate National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., at Confederation Square (tel. 613/947-7000). The building, created by architect Fred Lebensold, is made of three interlocking hexagons beside the Rideau Canal, its terraces tendering views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River. There are three auditoriums: the European-style Opera, seating 2,300; the 950-seat Theatre, with its innovative apron stage; and the 350-seat Studio, used for experimental works. The National Arts Centre Orchestra (tel. 613/996-5051) performs in seven or eight main concert series per year. The centre also offers classic and modern drama in English and French. For reservations, call Ticketmaster at tel. 613/755-1111 or visit the NAC box office Monday to Saturday noon to 9pm and Sunday and holidays when performances are scheduled noon to curtain time. Guided tours are available. A free monthly Calendar of NAC Events is available from the NAC Marketing and Communications Department, Box 1534, Station B, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1 (tel. 613/996-5051; www.nac-cna.ca).

Augmenting the main events at the National Arts Centre, the ensemble at the Great Canadian Theatre Company, 910 Gladstone Ave. (tel. 613/236-5196; www.gctc.ca), presents contemporary drama and comedy with Canadian themes September to May. Tickets start at C$22 (US$16).

Music Clubs

Nightlife used to close down at 1am (11pm on Sun) in Ottawa but thumped on until 3am across the river in Hull. In recent years, though, the strip where most of the popular bars and clubs were located developed a reputation for late-night fights, muggings, even near riots. The authorities on both sides of the river acted, agreeing to synchronize closing times at 2am. That's taken the heat off, and the area is both calmer and less exciting.

Bars, Clubs & Discos

Ottawa has an abundance of English and Irish pubs of varying degrees of authenticity. In addition to those mentioned above, check out the Brig, 23 York St. (tel. 613/562-6666), in the Byward Market area, and the Elephant and Castle, 50 Rideau St. (tel. 613/234-5544).

Gay & Lesbian Bars

Capital XTRA! is Ottawa's gay/lesbian news-and-events magazine, a source for up-to-date info on the local scene. For gay and lesbian activities and events, log on to www.xtra.ca.

Live Music

The live music possibilities in this cultural hotspot know no limits. The annual summer concert series on the lawn of the Governor General's residence at Rideau Hall features some of Canada's most talented musicians, while Barrymore's Music Hall, the largest of the city's many live music bars offers weekly live music acts of the rock and roll variety.

Fans of the blues normally head straight the Rainbow Bistro in the Byward Mmarket where live acts are featured every night.

Festivals and Events

Annual festivals draw crowds from around the city and the world. The most famous of the lot are the Canadian Tulip Festival, with its thousands of bulbs colouring the city in spring, and Winterlude, which transforms the Rideau Canal into the world's longest skating rink.

During the summer there is at least one major event every week, including the country's largest Canada Day celebration, the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival, an ever-expanding Bluesfest and the lesbian and gay Pride Week Festival. The celebratory season is rounded out with August's 112-year-old Central Canada Exhibition, which takes place smack dab in the middle of the city at Lansdowne Park.

Other festivals celebrating the region's ethnic and musical diversity include Italian Week. festivities along Preston Street in late July and the magnificent Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival in September.