Canadian Winter Festivals

We Canadians have learned to embrace what others typically hide away from. The frigid cold of winter is one of those things we cannot escape (until we are 65+ and become snowbirds) so we make the best of it by having a big party! All across Canada, cities, towns and communities host winter festivals as a way to celebrate their heritage and of course, beat away the winter blues. While there are many festivals that exist, some notable ones are:

Carnaval de Quebec, Quebec City QC

Carnaval de Quebec is the largest winter festival in the world. The festivals features parade’s both day and night led by the King of the Winter Festival, Bonhomme. There are also ice sculptures, dog races, select streets are closed down and filled with family activities, restaurant and bar patios open are for service and much, much more. I had the pleasure of visiting last winter and had a blast! Although I never go to meet Bonhomme, I did manage to find a sculpture of him and that will do until next time.

Me and a sculpture of Bonhomme, The King of the Winter Festival.

Winterlude, Ottawa ON

At this festival you better show up with ice skates because the Rideau Canal is frozen and offers up 8km of ice to freely skate on. There is plenty of food to be eaten (prix-fixe plans across 55 restaurants) and an annual bed race in support of Kiwanis Club of Ottawa community initiatives. There is plenty of family fun at Snowflake Kingdom and an ice sculpture competition.

Winterlude Ice Sculpture.
Photo Credit: By Andrew Plumb from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - Winterlude/Bal de neige, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48520039

Toonik Tyme, Iqaluit NU

Celebrating the arrival of spring, this festival showcases the traditions and heritage of the Inuit people. The goal here is to celebrate and preserve the Inuit culture as well as showcase it to non-Inuit tourists. Here you can witness igloo building competitions, ski-doo races, learn about sled dog teams and their importance in the north, try your hand at Skijoring (I tried with my Siberian Husky here in Ontario and failed miserably), watch Inuit games and much more offered by the community.

World Ski and Snowboard Festival, Whistler BC

Thrill seekers and party goers this a festival for you. Skiing, snowboarding, music and art all in one jam packed festival in April. Here you can take in a wide variety of ski and snowboard competitions, enjoy the slopes of Whistler-Blackcomb yourself, enjoy a variety of free and paid concerts, take in a comedy show or check out many galleries and art shows.

What are 150 of our favourite Canadian things? Read about it here

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Parliament Hill

POST BY MIKE CIUFFINI

In the nation’s capital, the cornerstone on which this great country was built lies atop a grassy hill. The towering gothic-style buildings known as the Parliament Buildings overlook the raging Ottawa River and the rest of the city from their lofty perch. 

Within the walls are the country’s politicians and policy-makers that debate the country’s current issues and shape the future.

The original buildings were built in 1876, but a tragic fire in 1916 burned them to the ground. The Library was spared by quick action of an employee to close the large steel doors. 1927 the new buildings, as they are today, were complete. The now iconic bell and clock tower was named the Peace Tower.

Parliament Hill is the political and cultural heart of Ottawa and the nation. Every year hundreds of thousands of people visit the hill for the Canada Day celebrations. During the summer, there are changing of the guard ceremonies daily and nightly sound and light shows among many other events and festivities.  At Christmas time the Peace Tower is lit up with a magical light show as the rest of the city shines bright during the Christmas Lights Across Canada celebrations.

Be sure to toss a loonie into the Centennial Flame for good luck. This flame and water fountain commemorate the first 100 years of confederation of this great country.

A huge event and party is planned for Parliament Hill this Canada Day. Iconic and popular Canadian musicians and bands will be performing on the hill to get you dancing and a massive fireworks show will cap off the celebrations!

What is 150 of our favourite Canadian things? Read about it here

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The Rideau Canal

Post by: Helen M.

On today's docket we have the - kinda - world famous Rideau Canal (or Rideau Waterway)

not the Rideau canal, but kinda famous

The Rideau Canal was opened in 1832. It was originally created in case of war with the United States. After the war of 1812, the Rideau was constructed as a means to transport supplies and communication between Montreal and the British naval base in Kingston. This allowed Canada to by pass the part of the St Lawrence River that ran along the border of New York. 

In current times, the canal is just used for recreation. In winter, the canal is flooded and becomes the world's largest skating rink. The total surface area equals about 90 ice hockey rinks! It runs from Carleton University to the Parliament buildings. Once the rink opens for the season, it remains open 24 hours a day until the end of it's season. The season varies from year to year according to weather conditions. Every year the rink is the focus of the Ottawa Winterlude festival. 

In the summer, the waterway is used by many different boats and can accommodate boats as large as 90 ft in length! Feel free to tour along the waterway in your own boat, or jump aboard a boat tour! Boat tours are offered along the waterway in various communities.

The canal spans 202 kms and runs from Ottawa all the way to Kingston, Ontario. There are a total of 45 locks, and most of them are hand operated. While you can boat from one end right to the other, it would take you about 3-5 days by motorboat. 

Now, despite what you may think, it's not its' size that matters to me, it's the history. This is what I love about the Rideau! You can almost feel the history just by standing at the locks by Parliament. The feeling you get when you are standing on a spot that someone stood on over 150 years ago is just amazing. It's the history that our country, especially the Ottawa area, is so rich in, that truly make Canada great! 

When a "land mark" is part of over 12 communities in Ontario, it's definitely something to take notice of. More than just a big skating rink, more than just a river, this is history. This waterway is a statement to some of Canada's earliest engineering tenacity! Well done Canada, well done!

What is 150 of our favourite Canadian things? Read about it here

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St.Patrick's Basilica - Ottawa

Saint Patrick's Basilica was known as Ottawa's first English speaking Roman Catholic church, most of the English population were of Irish descent, thus when the church was completed in 1875 it was dedicated to St.Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The church was appointed to basilica status on Saint Patrick's Day, March 1995.

What is 150 of our favourite Canadian things? Read about it here

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The Peace Tower

If you look way up, above the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, you will see one of the most recognizable symbols of Canada, the Peace Tower. The most widely known symbol of Canada is of course the Canadian flag. Speaking of flags, the flag on top of the tower is changed daily Monday to Friday, and you can put your name on a waiting list to have one that has flown above the Peace Tower. However, you will have to be patient, the wait is about 42 years.

You can take free guided tours of the Peace Tower and the surrounding Parliament Buildings, year round, and in the Summer months, you can have a seat on the front lawn, in the morning and watch the Changing of the Guard, and at night you can meet back at the same spot and watch a stunning sound and light show!


What is 150 of our favourite Canadian things? Read about it here

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Adventure in Ontario's Highlands: Wilderness Tours - Protecting the Wild Ottawa River

A post by Scott F.

After a wild drive across the Trans-Canada Highway, we were primed for some adventure in Ontario’s Highlands. Our much anticipated Saturday stop on our three day trip to the region was Wilderness Tours, who have been offering whitewater rafting and a variety of other activities on the Ottawa River since 1975. While we were primed for adventure, that which Wilderness Tours provided in spades, we didn’t expect to learn that there’s a lot more to the company than thrills and a cool party atmosphere.

Our day was not quite this sunny, but was every bit as extreme. Photo courtesy of Wilderness Tours.

After checking in to our clean and comfortable deluxe cedar cabin, we received a knock at the door from a man who introduced himself as Joe. What we’d later learn, and wouldn’t have expected at first glance, was that Joe was one of the most extreme men we had ever met. He founded the resort 39 year ago and had actually been one of the first to run many of rapids we’d be hitting that day. In fact, he’d named most of the rapids too.

That's Joe, President of Wilderness Tours. Photo courtesy of Wilderness Tours.

Joe was instantly friendly, describing the Real Man Travels lads as the “last of a dying breed” of adventurous Canadians and promising to show us around.

After getting settled in we made our way to “Rafters,” the figurative heart of the Wilderness Tours resort situated right on the Ottawa River. With 30 minutes before our rafting instruction, we were eager to get our gear readied up; that was before we were intercepted by Joe who insisted that then was a perfect time for our tour. So we hopped in his GMC Envoy and sped into the resort.

Joe’s formality, if it ever existed, instantly broke down into a sincerity one rarely gets from the owner of a major company. He expanded on his “last of a dying breed” statement, explaining how the changing face of Canada and its inhabitants meant a declining interest in adventure and exploration outside city limits. We later heard from our guide that Joe had started an outdoor adventure club when he was in college and at the first meeting something like 200 people showed up; you can only imagine how many less students would show up today. He took us through the history of the river, including how it was the same route Samuel de Champlain navigated three centuries earlier, and how years of use for logging had left sediment at the bottom, tinging the water tea black.

Joe also discussed how the focus of his company was different than many might expect. The Ottawa River, he described, had been developed so rapidly that the land that Wilderness Tours had worked hard to acquire over the years represented the last wild section still in existence. You quickly learn what he means by “wild” as you make your way down the river. The cottages that one would expect to dot the banks of such picturesque surroundings are simply not there to break up the wilderness. Any buildings that exist are set far back from river’s edge, by Joe’s design.

Joe’s dedication to maintaining the “last wild section of the Ottawa River” can only be truly appreciated from the water. After he dropped us off we grabbed our wet suits (highly recommended to fully enjoy the rafting experience in comfort) and went to our briefing. A quick bus ride and additional safety instruction later, and we were ready to set out.

Being in a boat going through class four whitewater rapids simply can’t be described in words. The power of the water as it crashes into and over the raft is both thrilling and humbling at the same time. Our guide, Joel, a champion whitewater kayaker, did a killer job keeping us safe and motivating us to push the raft into the most extreme circumstances. Joking around and levying some hilarious criticism at our lazier paddlers kept things light throughout what ended up being a very rainy day on the water. Some surprises awaited as well, as a member of our group who we had been berating the entire row for being the only American amoung us, hopped out of the raft just before a rapid and proceeded to “steal” a whitewater kayak from the shore. Feigning understanding of how to work the kayak, he eventually got settled and dove into the rapids. The rouse was quickly revealed as “America,” who ended up being another champion kayaker, expertly navigated the rapids, throwing in a few barrel roles for good measure, and our amusement.

Photo courtesy of Wilderness Tours.

Mid-way through the day we pulled up in a small bay for lunch. A roaring fire, hot soup and coffee were provided the moment we were out of our boat to warm our soaked bodies. The snack was followed by burgers, sausages, salads, chips, apples, cookies and more. A perfect chance to recharge.

The remainder of the day saw us hit a variety of different rapids, swimming and jumping off the raft, and stopping in for a 25’ cliff dive into raging waters.

It was easy to appreciate Joe’s focus on retaining the wild. The unbroken wilderness at the riverbank was complimentary to the raging whitewater. Cottages, marinas and other buildings would have destroyed the marvel and the sense of true adventure the river provided. We were starting to understand why Joe had poured “every spare dollar” into protecting this shoreline. The log buildings that make up the resort were built by a local craftsmen to maintain a rustic, natural feel.

Back at the resort following a shower and change the rain lifted just in time for our most extreme challenge, bungee jumping! Wilderness Tours has a crane set up for a jump 150’ over the Ottawa River. Yep, this happened:

Sammy doing the big dive

Exhausted, we tucked in to an incredible dinner at Rafters and a pitcher or two of Whitewater Brewery Farmer’s Daughter Blond Ale (quickly became our trip staple). There is no shortage of activities to fill your evening at Wilderness Tours: live music, hot tubs, a pool, basketball and ball hockey courts, a full serve bar, board games, pool tables, horseshoe pits, arcade games, special events… the list goes on.

The next morning we checked out the resort’s beach area and took a few plunges into the river from a rope swing suspended on an elevated dock.

We again met Joe, who offered to take us over to Whitewater Brewing Co., conveniently located just outside the resort on a plot of land owned by Joe and leased to the brewers. The three brewers include “the twins,” as Joe calls them, two unrelated lads with the same name, one of whom is an international finance major, turned raft instructor, turned certified professional brewer. The beer was phenomenal with their Midnight Oatmeal Stout (surprisingly approachable with great malt flavour) and Whistling Paddler English Style Ale (under-bittered for the style making it very sessionable) joining their Farmer’s Daughter Blonde Ale on our list of favourites. The guys use locally sourced hops for their beer, one of many attributes that add to the brewery’s local feel. Joe mentioned plans to turn the brewery, an old farm, into a destination with retail opportunities, which we would love to see. It already features a restaurant and tasting room.

Everything is better on a stick, part deux.

With all the work Joe has done to conserve the wild of the Ottawa River, we were surprised to hear him call himself an "unreserved capitalist." He oozes business savvy and is easy to like. It’s good to know that Joe is “on our side” when it comes to retaining the beauty and awe-inspiring majesty of Ontario and Ontario’s Highlands. Against the pressures that must surely exist to use the land and river for other purposes, it takes a specific type of person to dig in their heels for what they believe, and actually be successful at it.

Cheers to Joe and all the good folks at Wilderness Tours. Special thanks to Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization for having us in to explore their region. Ontario’s Highlands is, truly, Ontario’s wild child!

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Meet Us There! The Calabogie Blues & Ribfest

The lads from Real Man Travels are taking on the “23,840 square kilometers of unspoiled awesomeness” that make up Ontario’s Highlands this coming weekend (seriously, that unspoiled awesomeness bit is a quote from their tourism board's website, effectively proving their awesomeness).

What are we going to be doing? Oh just white water rafting, bungee jumping, pigging out on quirky food truck fare, exploring caves, checking out the birthplace of the NHL (yep!), sipping on a beer lovingly called “Farmer’s Daughter,” sleeping (some) in a mountain-side condo… no big deal (seriously, I can feel your jealous rage right now)!

We’ll also be checking out the Class Axe Guitars Calabogie Blues & Ribfest, a three day celebration of the king of manly culinary delights: ribs. I could go on about ribs, but I better get to mentioning the killer music line-up headlined by Jimmie Vaughan and Canadian legend David Wilcox. Ten other acts including the very cool 24th Street Wailers will also perform.

The festival is at the Calabogie Peaks Resort (yep, this is where those mountain-side condos mentioned above are located) in Calabogie, Ontario, located about one hour west of Ottawa. We’ll be at the festival Friday night so if you’re in northeastern Ontario, come meet us for some meat and soul.

Many thanks to Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization for inviting us to experience their region. Check them out on Twitter and Facebook for lots of great content and contests (including the chance to win a GoPro camera). If you're in the area, use hashtag #OHLetsGo to interact.

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The Canadian Space and Aviation Museum

The Canadian Space and Aviation Museum

“When I was eight years old to be a spaceman was the most exciting thing I could imagine.” - Roberta Bondar

I have a dream! And it is a very important one. I want my daughters to be the best they can be in life. I am sure you have similar hopes and dreams for your child/children.

My plan this past summer was to try and inspire my children to be leaders by taking them to a city that is full of leaders,our nations capital Ottawa.

You maybe wondering why I chose The Canadian Space and Aviation Museum as a place of inspiration for my daughters. Well the museum is host to many exhibits, but my favorite part was dedicated to Great Canadian Astronauts like Roberta Bondar, The first Canadian Woman in space, and Col. Chris Hadfield who just this past year was the Commander of the International Space Station. You can pretend to be an astronaut by playing a giant version of Chris Hadfield's guitar or by sitting on a space toilet.

With amazing planes of all shapes and sizes, and craft workshops to keep the kids happy. Strolling through the museum is a fun way to to teach your kids about the history of aviation and space travel. 

Another bonus that I was not expecting, was the nice playground they had just beside the parking lot, its a great way to burn off any left over energy.

Check out Ottawa Tourism's Website for more info.

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What is Mosaika?

Mosaika is a light and Sound Show that tells you the story of Canada. It is truly a treat for your eyes and ears.

If you are wanting to see Mosaika live and in person time is running short the last show is on September 7, 2013. If you are going don't forget to grab some drinks, snacks and a chair and head for Parliament Hill. If you show up early you will get a great seat plus you will be treated to some great Canadian Music as you wait.

For those of you that are unable to make it to Ottawa this weekend here is a small taste of what it was like.

For more fun things to do around Ottawa check out Ottawa Tourism's Website

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Beer Brain Trust: Beaus Knows Beer

My name is Sam, and I'm a diva. Wow, that feels good to get off my chest. My whole life I've been a picky eater, refusing to try new things, and generally living in a small, comfortable box. Lucky for me, it's never too late to change, at least some things. I've begun to push the walls of my comfortable box a tad further; and one of the ways I've found particularly rewarding, is with beer.

We've all been there, staring at a wall of beer on a Friday evening. You've been telling yourself for a while that you were going to try something new. Maybe one of those craft beers everyone's talking about. Only now there's a line forming at the cashier and you're not sure you can pronounce the name of the beer you're eyeing, so what do you do? You go back to your trusty mainstream favourite and get home in time for dinner. I can't blame you - but the good news is - we are here to help. 

When I want to try a new beer and don't know where to turn, I reach out to my "Beer Brain Trust," made up of Real Man Travels contributors Ed and Scott. Ed is the general manager of a sports bar and sees new beers everyday, while Scott has a passion for beer that borders on obsession. It was from them I heard of Beau's Lug-Tread Lagered Ale.

Beau's Knows Beer

When Ed told me about this new beer the name intrigued me. "What does 'Lug-Tread' even mean" I thought as he continued his endorsement. "They use all natural organic ingredients and spring water. It's a flavourful lager with a crisp taste and refreshing finish. Sits light and goes well with plenty of food options, a great all around beer. It's like Mill Street Organic with more flavour." Sure enough about a month later I was facing the oh so familiar Friday night beer shopping dilemma when the unique packaging of a 4 pack caught my eye. With my comfortable box of familiarity threatened, I rationalized that should I not like the beer, I could share it with friends at a weekend BBQ. However, with the pop of a top those plans changed quickly. That 600 mL brown bottle of 5.2% ABV deliciousness didn't stand a chance. Boundaries, pushed. Taste buds, tantalized. Friends at BBQ, beerless.  

Lug Tread owns prime real estate in my fridge these days

 Now I'm not one for tasting notes but here is how Beau's describes Lug-Tread:

"Golden-hued, crisp and finely balanced, Lug-Tread is our tribute to the classic beer of Cologne, Germany. Lug-Tread is top fermented (like an ale) and then cold aged (like a lager) for a lengthy period. This gives our beer some light ale notes complemented by a lager-like crispness. Lug-Tread displays interwoven malt and hop flavours, subtle fruit flavours and a crisp, lingering finish."

Still with me? Good. Now for that in English here's Scott's armchair interpretation:

"Lug tread is a lagered ale, and living up to it's name it provides the best of both worlds; the refreshing, crisp drink-ability of a lager with the mild bitterness most would associate with paler ales. The balance is remarkable. Lager sweetness gives way to dry bitterness with an pleasant, earthy aftertaste. Fruit flavour expresses only slightly and the hops are ever-present but not overpowering. A perfect beer for those who commonly drink lagers but are starting to dabble in more flavourful, hop-forward ales."

A little clearer now? My turn then. It's a Damn. Good. Beer. And clearly I'm not the only one that thinks so. Just take a look at the results of the 2013 LCBO Brewmasters Cup. After working its way through its bracket it captured 58% of the votes in the final 4. Pure domination.

My obsessive personality wanted to learn all I could about this new find, so I went over to Beaus.ca to learn more. What I found was a fiercely independent brewery that runs its day-to-day operations like I imagine I would - with family and friends. It sounds like a place where any day could be an episode of "American Choppers" or "Duck Dynasty," but with beer. Makes me like the beer even more.

The lesson here: try new things (especially beer). If you escape your comfort zone every once in a while you might just be rewarded - as I was with Beau's Lug-Tread. I will be heading to Ottawa in September and will be sure to find time for a visit to their brewery in Vankleek, ON; I just hope they let me drive the tractor.

Cheers,

Sam
 

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