26 Jan 2017
Tags: #Canada, #ExploreCanada, Canada, Canada 150th, Anniversary, First Nation, new hotels
26th January 2017
Canada Calling - A Round up of Canada News
Vancouver Adds Indigenous Celebrations to 150th Celebrations
Events marking Canada's 150th birthday in Vancouver are getting a Plus sign, as in 150+, to indicate some special First Nation considerations for the birthday. That is, Vancouver is acknowledging and paying tribute to the fact that indigenous history pre-dates colonization, and thus has a place in Canada's birthday this year.
"Across the country people are celebrating 150 years of the confederation of Canada. Here in the city of Vancouver, a city of reconciliation, we're calling it Canada 150+", said Deputy Mayor Heather Deal. "That's because we know that people have lived here for millennia, long before confederation", she said. Information on plans for the year's events will be on line soon. Watch out for them via
Aboriginal Priorities Part of Canada 150th in Victoria
The British Columbia Provincial Capital city of Victoria has adopted "2017: A Year of Reconciliation" as a theme to guide celebrations and events through Canada's 150th sesquicentennial in 2017. "Reconciliation is more than words. It is about understanding the past and deepening connections between the City and the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations on whose territory we reside", said Victoria City Mayor Lisa Helps.
The history and culture of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations is evident in many ways across Victoria. For instand, spindle whorls are displayed throughout the city marking important places in Lekwungen territory, recognizing the economic trading history of the First Nations in this region. Victoria's Spirit Square, honouring local First Nations' history , occupies the western half of the City Hall's Centennial Square precinct. Land for the re-burial of First Nation remains has been set aside on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen People, in what is now Beacon Hill Park. And work is underway for the Esquimalt and Songhees People to soon construct a traditoinal longhouse atop Beacon Hill.
First Hyatt Place in Edmonton Located Downtown
Canada's first Hyatt Place has opened in downtown Edmonton and a second is on the way to West Edmonton. This is the first new hotel to open in the city's downtown since 1974. The Hyatt Place Edmonton Downtown is located in The Quarters, which is becoming a vibrant, flourishing community in downtown Edmonton. The hotels location provides easy access to shopping and cultural favourites like the Art Gallery of Alberta, Citadel Theatre, Francis Winspear Centre, Commonwealth Stadium and the New Rogers Place.
The hotel offers 255 guestrooms with separate space to sleep , work and play, plus a Cozy Corner sofa sleeper, free WiFi everywhere ; the Kitchen Skillet, a free hot breakfast for guests available daily in the Gallery Kitchen , which features signature breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit, cereal, pastries and more; and the 24/7 Gallery Mene & Market, serving freshly prepared meals anytime, day or night, plus packaged sandwhiches and salads. There is also a 24 hour gym featuring cardio equipment with LDC touchscreens and free ear buds; and an Odds and Ends programme for forgotten items that guests can buy, borror or enjoy for free.
www.edmontondowntown.place.hyatt.com
Premium Design Elements for Cabins at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge recently announced that its Signature Cabins will be renovated during the first quarter of 2017 and will mirror the rustic luxury of the Stanley Thompson cabin and the Whistler Cabins.
The recently redesigned four bedroom , 4.5 bathroom Stanley Thompson cabin is fully equipped with a stone fireplace , three decks, open concept kitching, dining and living areas. Like it, the Whistler Cabins offer spectacular views from oversized windows. These design concepts will be incorporated into the new Signature cabins.
Also in the works are enhanced guest programming for both summer and winter months to build on activities already available at the resort. Three new signature events coming in 2017 include a craft beer festival, vintage /exotic car rally and a luxury golf event.
New Toronto Hotel Openings
The Broadview Hotel will be located right on Queen and Broadview in the historic 125 year old building, which has been restored and will open as a 58 room boutique hotel in 2017. The Broadview hotel will also become a location to gather for the locals as well. From a restaurant and lobby cafe/bar to a rooftop terrace and a private function event facility, this space will bring together the cotemporary culture of the community and the old world grace of the building's past.
Bisha Hotel and Residences is the newest private label boutique brand to originate in Toronto since the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts were introduced in the 1960's. Rising to 44 storeys and designed by award winning Rudy Wallman of Wallman Architects, the Bisha Flagship property will be situated in the heart of the Entertainment District on Blue Jays Way. just south of King Stree West, close to the Financial District, Air Canada Centre and Rogers Centre, and steps to the city's chicest restaurants, live theatre , sporting events and music venues. The modernist landscape that melds architecture with urbanism is by award winning landscape firm gh3. Interiors and amenities are designed by internationally renowned Studio Munge. Bisha Hotels and Residences is set to open in July 2017.
Toronto Light Festival launches January 27 - March 12, 2017
This is a brand new event which will transform the Distillery District into a huge open air gallery, lighting up the long winter nights with works from Canadian and International light artists from January 27 - March 12, 2017. During the cold, dark days of winter, City residents will be drawn out of their traditional habitats to experience Toronto in a way they never have before. The Festival exhibits the creativity of local and international artists and is a winter experience designed to entertain and inspire.
Cite Memoire Brings Montreal History to Life with Projections
While Canada turns a relatively youthful 150 in 2017, Montreal marks a more stately 375th birthday this year. Amongst the events being staged to commemorate this anniversary is Cite Memoire, which invites visitors to experience Montreal's history through a series of multi media projections around Old Montreal - on buildings, cobblestone streets and even on trees.
Visitors can do the self-guided walking tour during the evening at their own pace , but there are also Cite Memoire staff along the route to help with interpretation and questions. A new free app is available in four languages, and it has a map of Old Montreal that shows each projection location listing the best times for viewing each piece. Visitors can download the "Montreal en Histoires - Cite Memoire" app in advance of their trip and use their headphones to get the audio explanations.
Favourite installations include "Suzanne", a love story projection on the Clock Tower Quay set to the iconic song by Leonard Cohen; and "The Face of Montreal", which consists of projections of various Montreal faces on trees along Jacques Cartier Quay. Cite Memoire operates every night throughout 2017 and beyond, with the exception of April 10 to May 10 this year
Quirky Accommodation
Woods on Pender offers a unique luxury camp experience on beautiful Pender Island, British Columbia. The property, sitaution on a tranquil wooded 7.3 acres, was previously the home of the Inn on Pender Island and Memories Restaurant. Renovated, expanded and revitalized , WOODS on Pender has become the ultimate modern camp experience; a beautiful juxtaposition of the rustic outdoors and the comfortable amenities of home. Just minutes from the Otter Bay Ferry Terminal and seaplanes, WOODS on Pender features the new urban style Coffee + Kitchen restaurant and 4 unique accommodation options - Airstreams, Retro Trailers, Rustic Cabins and a Lodge .
Escape the pressures of urban life and gaze up at the stars from your deck and unwind. Hammocks, firepits, BBQs, Adirondack Chairs - an unforgettable camp experience like you've never experienced before. Enjoy the tranquility, stunning textures of the natural forest and wild deer. All the experience of the Great Outdoors and you don't have to pack the tent!
For more information on Canada please go to www.explore-canada.co.uk
Not for publication :
For more media information on Canada please contact Ms. Nim Singh, PR & Media Manager, Destination Canada
0207 389 9983 singh.nim@destinationcanada.com www.destinationcanada.com
To access images of Canada please go to www.brandcanadalibrary.ca
