Canadian Tire, informally known as “Crappy Tire” is a
department store with a heavier focus on automotive products. With over 500
stores, it is rumoured that 90% of Canadians live within a 15 minute drive from
the nearest one. Most of their locations also have a garage where you
can get repairs done to your vehicle although I do not know many people who
would get more than an oil change done there.
Canadian Tire originated in Hamilton Ontario in the early
1900’s after John Williams Billes and Alfred Jackson Billes bought the Hamilton
Tire and Garage Ltd Company. In the 1920’s they launched their first catalogue
in southern Ontario and began taking mail orders for automotive parts. They set
up shop in downtown Toronto in the 1930’s and since then have blossomed into
the national brand they are today. In the 1950’s Canadian Tire branched out and
began operating gas stations under their banner as well.
During the 1950’s Canadian Tire also introduced a loyalty
program that is still in existence today; Canadian Tire money (CTM). For every
purchase made in the store the customer would receive CTM back (value based on
how much was spent) and the CTM could then be used on future purchases. There
are bills in values of 5¢ 10¢ 25¢ 50¢ $1 and $2. In keeping with modern times
the loyalty program has begun shifting to the digital age; where you show your
loyalty card and get your CTM added electronically instead of paper notes. The
neat thing about Canadian Tire money is that some businesses across Canada have
been accepting it as currency on certain products. A burger chain called The
Works allows guests to pay in CTM for their “Crappy Tire” burger. Rogue
recording studio in Toronto accepts CTM at par to the Canadian Dollar (which
Toronto based recording artist Corin Raymond used to finance a live album in
2011) and a now closed Pete’s Peanut Pub in Calgary would accept CTM in lieu of
cash for drinks and food.
Canadian Tire has managed to stay near and dear to the
hearts of Canadians while big American
corporations keep pushing their way in. There is a sense of loyalty to the
brand for the way they advertise on how to survive “Canadian life” and of
course by offering up a secondary set of monopoly coloured money.
The Gentlemen’s Expo is back for 2014 and RealManTravels.com is giving you the chance to win two weekend passes, including drink tokens! Our readers also receive discounted admissions. The expo is November 14-16 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
The lads from Real Man Travels checked out the expo last year and were thoroughly impressed. It truly is a celebration of the finer things men love, like food, fashion, drinks, cigars, tech, sports, cars… etc.! Learn all about the event on the TGE website.
Highlights of this year’s expo include Canadian Tire’s Ultimate Garage; sport simulators, a vintage arcade and a casino; 102.1 The Edge Soundstage with bands like Hollerado and Born Ruffians; beer, wine and spirit sampling from 25 purveyors of potent potables; a KPMG business start-up spotlight; a rock climbing wall; cooking demonstrations and so much more. You can even grab a free straight shave from Dove Men+Care (manly factor x10!). All that plus loads of shopping, food and gadgets.
Enough talk! What this about free and discounted tickets? It’s true! We’re giving away two weekend passes to the expo that include five drink tokens per day – that’s 30 drink samples! The tickets are valued at $130 for the pair. Here’s how you can win:
That’s it, you’re entered to win! We’ll announce the winner on November 1.
The Gentlemen’s Expo has also kindly extended discounted tickets to Real Man Travels readers. Enter the code REALTGE when purchasing your tickets and receive a 10% discount.
We’ll be checking out the event again this year along with some of the contributors from RealGirlTravels.com (yes, we’re told there’s plenty to love at the expo for ladies as well) and hope to see you there.
Remember, enter before November 1 for your chance to win!
Last year while planning for our annual Man of The Year trip to the top secret "Isle of Man," I found myself in the market for a tent. The first year I shared with fellow RMT contributors Ed (@EdRealManTravel) and Scott (@SFRealManTravel), but due to a snoring incident they gently suggested we each get our own accommodations.
My criteria was simple:
Two person
Easy to set-up/tear-down
Lightweight
Reasonable price
A casual flip through the weekly flyers found the Broadstone two-person pop-up tent on sale for 30% off at Canadian Tire. I only found a few reviews on the item, but was sold on the idea of a pop-up tent. I pulled the trigger and, with a little practice, was a pro at setting up and tearing down in less than a minute. The only thing left was for it to prove its worth on the "Isle of Man." Here's what we found:
What You get:
The Broadstone pop-up tent came with a carrying bag that doubles as a backpack, and standard ground pegs that fit in an inside pocket of the bag.
Broadstone pop-up tent with carry bag and tent pegs.
Look and Feel:
The hoops that form the overall support structure of the tent, and provide the pop-up feature, feel strong and sturdy. Very important as without them your pop-up tent becomes a misshapen tarp. The tent material, EverDry polyester taffeta,feels like most other tents I've owned. The blue and yellow isn't a colour scheme you will find on the hottest fashion runway this year, but it's a tent, not a purse.
Ease of Use:
Setting this thing up is a breeze. Simply remove the safety strap and look out; the tent bursts into shape at a rate that will startle any unsuspecting onlooker. Then, just secure your tent with pegs and look for your cooler - because its Miller time. Tear down takes a little practice and the instructions provided become a little difficult to follow when it gets to the folding stage. I suggest watching the video below to fully understand what exactly you are expected to do. But breathe easy, it doesn't require an engineering degree.
Actual vs. Advertised:
This tent definitely pops-up, so that's an easy check mark. The tent's waterproof fabric, treated with a Rainguard™ system, got an early test as a downpour caught us as we made camp. The ability to set the tent up quickly made it the hero of the day as it saved the rest of our gear from getting soaked. That said, the heavy rain eventually got the better of the tent, which allowed a very small amount of water in. It is also on the smaller side for a two-person tent. More like a 1.5.
Value:
I picked this little beauty up for $69.99. The benefit of not having to fiddle around with poles or guy lines does help maximize vacation time. While some conventional dome tents come in at a lower price point, this pop-up tent is more cost-comparable to the new "easy up" segment. This tent is worth its sale price, but it is a little small. Practicality:
This tent is great for recreational camping, backyard camp-outs with the kids, as a sun shelter at the beach, or anywhere a quick set-up shelter would be appreciated. While its usefulness as a back country camping tent might be limited by its packed size if you plan to portage, you can secure the carry bag to your pack for easy short-haul treks. Overall Impressions and Final Score:
Over a year later I still smile when I set this tent up. The fact that it's easy to store with minimal pieces ices the cake. If there's one thing that leaves me wanting, it's the waterproof level. That said, I've never had a tent I trusted enough to not cover with a tarp for additional confidence. I purchased two small tarps, one as a ground sheet and one for additional cover, and have never looked back. I just pop, cast a line, and watch the other guys struggle to make camp.
VERDICT: Real Man Tested, Real Man Approved. 3.5/5
3.5 RMT beers out of five
Have a suggestion of a product you would like us to put through its paces? Let us know on Twitter @RealManTravels
