Cultural Canada - Canada's Top 7 Museums for Travelers

By Robin Rowley

While Canada's new history and lack of recognized presence on the international art scene makes it difficult for the up and coming country to feature on such lists as TripAdvisor's recent 'Top 10 Art Museums', Canada's a great place for culture hounds looking for interesting, unique, and contemporarily relevant art and exhibits. ...more

March 28, 2008

Food... Familiar and Far-Out in Montréal

Last week we took a look at the changing face of dining out in London. This week we take you on a foodie adventure around Montreal where locavores are uncovering the the natural flavors of Montreal in everything from wild mushrooms to organically grown vegetables. In Montréal, it seems that these days the number of locavores is multiplying exponentially. ...more

February 07, 2008

Montreal’s Historic Heart

You know that old cliché: people don’t explore their own cities nearly as much as the places they visit. Well, it’s trite but true—and even I, your faithful chronicler of Montréal lore, am sometimes guilty of the sin of omission. So, this month I’ll try and rectify one and visit the beautiful 18th-century home known as the Château Ramezay. ...more

December 11, 2007

Architectural Awareness in Montréal

In 1973, I was living just up the street from the Van Horne house. It wasn’t the best-looking house, but it had belonged to one of the most flamboyant tycoons, Sir William Cornelius Van Horne, builder of the great Canadian Pacific Railway. A developer managed to get hold of the property and one night, at 3 a.m., I awoke to the wild crashing of wrecking balls... in 1975, that was the approach to architectural heritage in Montréal! ...more

October 03, 2007

Montreal’s Newest Nuances…

I don’t mind telling you that when I heard that one of my favorite restaurants—already a pretty spectacular place—had been redesigned and redecorated, I felt a tiny frisson of concern. What have they done to Nuances? And why? Then, as we arrived for dinner recently, my feeling resurfaced. Will we be disappointed? ...more

August 07, 2007

Montreal Becomes Art Central this Summer

There’s a new player in the Montréal art market—one that’s put the city on the worldwide list of must-attend art fairs and festivals. Expo Art Montreal is a spectacular rendezvous of artists—established and emerging—galleries and dealers, collectors and connoisseurs from around the world. This year’s second edition of the festival takes place August 8 through 12 on the Jacques-Cartier Quay in the heart of Montréal’s beautiful Old Port. ...more

July 03, 2007

Vancouver Visions

Sitting at the foot of rows of jagged mountains, with the Georgia Strait stretching out to Vancouver Island, the glass towers of downtown Vancouver shimmer into sight like a green glass oasis. Its 'super-natural' - as Tourism B.C. puts it - setting, on the hem of the Pacific, might woo visitors from the air, but that’s just an appetizer for the delights to come once on the ground. ....more

April 26, 2007

Victoria, BC Banks on the Lure of the Titanic

Just when you thought you’d heard, 'I’m the king of the world!' for the last time, Victoria B.C. announces that a mega-sized celebration of the Titanic is set to hit land. With an exhibition of Titanic artifacts, special Titanic room rates and even Titanic brews, Titanic nostalgia resurfaces in Victoria this month with almost the same amount of fanfare that met the doomed ocean liner nearly a century ago. ...more

April 12, 2007

The Montreal Circuit

Quite unexpectedly, I found myself in Montreal during the annual Black & Blue Festival a few years back. Despite the fact that I didn’t really think of circuit events as my ‘thing’, I decided (after a healthy dose of encouragement from the locals) to abandon my preconceived notions and check out this massive annual gay party which attracts hordes of hot circuit boys & girls from around the globe. And, heavens to Betsy, am I glad I did. ...more
February 21, 2007

Canadian War Museum

When planning a fabulous queer holiday to Canada’s capital city of Ottawa, all but the most dedicated of history buffs probably would not look twice at the attraction listing for the Canadian War Museum. The majority of travelers would likely pass over any advertisement for such a museum with a vague flutter of uneasiness in the subconscious and not give it a second thought. And that would be a great shame. ...more
July 18, 2006

Canada Sends an Open 'Wedding Invitation' to Gay and Lesbian Couples

The Canadian Tourism Commission has launched a new gay and lesbian advertising campaign on with a destination wedding invitation for U.S. same-sex couples. Marriage is a significant indicator of the hospitality in store for gay and lesbian visitors whether they are drawn to the country by wedding bells, fine dining, some of the biggest parties and festivals in the world, or world-class skiing and outdoor experiences. ...more
June 10, 2006

Quebec City: Hold the Ice

Québec City in the Summer is not, perhaps, the first thing that comes to mind when vacation planning, as it is best known for winter sports and the annual ice festival. (Carnival de Québec in February) Summer brings all the amazing stuff buried under the ice to the fore, and real appreciation and utilization of everything this area has to offer can begin. ...more
February 23, 2006

Spotlight on Toronto

Made famous by Showtime’s Queer as Folk, Toronto has one of the strongest gay & lesbian communities in all of Canada.  The first, Church Street, between Gloucester and Carlton Streets, has some of the most famous gay bars and establishments including Woody’s & Sailor, Zelda’s and Priape.  Additional gay neighborhoods developing in Toronto include the College/Parliament area and College West. ...more
August 16, 2005

Montreal Welcomes Gay & Lesbian Travelers

In 2006, the international spotlight will be focused on Montreal as the city hosts the 1st World Outgames, a major athletic and cultural celebration bringing people together from all over the globe. The event, held from July 26 to August 5, is based on the principles of Participation and celebration, Respect and fairness, Innovation, Diversity and Empowerment (PRIDE). ...more
August 10, 2005

Dip Me In Honey and Throw Me to the Bears!

Over the past three years, a new entity has arisen in Canada’s largest city promoting events specifically for the Bear and Leather community - including the third annual "Beef Ball" taking place at The Opera House on the Saturday of pride weekend. ...more
June 24, 2005

Canada’s Okanagan Is Ripe For Gay Getaways

For sun and fun in Western Canada, look to British Columbia’s stunning lake district - the Okanagan. Gay friendly, affordable, and accessible - this resort destination has a great selection of leisure and adventure throughout the year. ...more

May 15, 2005