Ticket Giveaway- The Royal Ontario Museum’s #FNLROM: Dig it

It’s that time of year – who’s ready to go to the ROM? 🙂

I’m giving away a pair of FNLROM tickets every week until the end of November 2019.

What are the rules when entering the Thirty Four Flavours and Friday Night Live (#FNLROM) Ticket Giveaway?

Simple! Please sign up to Thirty Four Flavours Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thirtyfourflavours, Twitter https://twitter.com/34flavours, or email subscription to enter the draw. When you have signed up please send me a Facebook message, a tweet or email (thirtyfourflavours@gmail.com) telling me what you are excited to see at #FNLROM by Wednesday Oct 16, 2019.

Good luck!

Here’s what’s on tap this Friday at FNLROM!

Art. Culture. Nature. Remixed.

Put on your dancing shoes and dig into the hottest performances, fab food and drinks! Can you dig it?

BUY TICKETS

Book Member Tickets

#FNLROM @ROMtoronto

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ENTERTAINMENT

The Free Label
Following in the tradition set by R&B greats, The Free Label’s quality of music is equally as captivating as their stage presence. Their musical talent, vibrant personalities, and highly energetic live sets bring an unparalleled vibe to any space they perform in.

Beam Me Up Disco
Beam Me Up’s understanding of Disco is far-removed from the AM radio polyester-set, focusing instead on the soul, funk and jazz which is at the core of this genre-bending movement. Its expressive, eloquent message is the furthest thing from formulaic, with a four on the floor beat that is tailored for the dance floor and an egalitarian nature that is inclusive, loving and full of positivity. This is the evidence that embodies the Beam Me up belief; Disco is not dead. Beam Me Up is a weekly event in Toronto at the Baby G on Fridays, with special parties popping up all over the place.

Bangs & Blush
This collective of ladies has been shaking up Toronto’s dance party scene since 2009. They can be found every Saturday night at Clinton’s playing throwbacks, rap, and hip hop at Worst Behavior.

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EXPERIENCES

Living Roman History
Step back in time to catch a glimpse of ancient Roman military and civilian life featuring special living history guest edutainers from Ontario’s Roman re-enactment community. (7:30-10:30 PM)

Piecing Together the Past
Try your hand at reconstructing historic ceramics with the Archaeological Institute of America – Toronto Society. (7:00-10:00 PM)

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FOOD VENDORS

King Catering
Specializing in Caribbean cuisine with a North American twist. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, & halal options.
ChotiPLATE
Tangy fusion flavours inspired by Indian street food. Vegetarian & halal options.
My Crème Caramel
French desserts handmade from scratch. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Gushi
Delicious Japanese street food specialized in fried chicken.
Tita Flips
Elevated Filipino street food. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options.
Shucks
Fresh oysters in the half-shell with creative garnishes and deliciously innovative seafood plates. Gluten-free & dairy free options.

Date & Time

• Friday, October 18. Event runs from 7:00 – 11:30 PM

Location

Contact

416.586.8000
info@rom.on.ca

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ROM membership is your best value! Join now and save on selected programs and events.

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TICKETS | What you need to know

• Early bird tickets available now.
• $20 adults*, $15.50 students/seniors*, $5 members* *Taxes not included
• Entrance is guaranteed to early-bird ticket holders before 8 pm. After 8 pm, all entrance is based on capacity
• All guests enter via the Bloor Street Entrance
• Ticket Holders: Please join the “GOT EM” line
• Wanna be a star? Chances are you will be! By entering the ROM Friday Night Live premises you consent to having your image captured and displayed for promotional and/or documentary use
• Unlawful resale of ROM tickets is prohibited. The ROM does not guarantee the authenticity of tickets purchased from any non-authorized third-party re-seller, such as brokers or individuals; therefore, we recommend that you purchase tickets directly through the ROM Website at www.rom.on.ca

The fine print: ROM general admission tickets are not valid for FNL. FNL is a specially ticketed event for adults 19+ only and you will be asked for valid ID (government-issued, not yet expired, with photo and date of birth).

Ticket Giveaway- The Royal Ontario Museum’s #FNLROM: Thanks Canada

It’s that time of year – who’s ready to go to the ROM? 🙂

I’m giving away a pair of FNLROM tickets every week until the end of November 2019.

What are the rules when entering the Thirty Four Flavours and Friday Night Live (#FNLROM) Ticket Giveaway?

Simple! Please sign up to Thirty Four Flavours Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thirtyfourflavours, Twitter https://twitter.com/34flavours, or email subscription to enter the draw. When you have signed up please send me a Facebook message, a tweet or email (thirtyfourflavours@gmail.com) telling me what you are excited to see at #FNLROM by Wednesday Oct 9, 2019.

Good luck!

Here’s what’s on tap this Friday at FNLROM!

Art. Culture. Nature. Remixed.

Celebrate all things Canadian at Thanks Canada, where the drinks will be the only things served cold. Hot entertainment and tasty cuisine will have you dancing the night away. Eh?

Please note Level 3 and 4 will be closed. 

BUY TICKETS

Book Member Tickets

#FNLROM @ROMtoronto

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ENTERTAINMENT

ayaz v
From the moment he started to sing, the Grand Prize winner of Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program 2016 has been writing songs that tell his story. With influences spanning from ’90s Bollywood to disco, reggae, hip hop, and R&B, it’s clear why ayaz v doesn’t like to compare himself to others – his music reflects the diversity that raised him.
Program Partner: Canada’s Walk of Fame’s RBC Emerging Musician Program

Your Boy Brian
Known for getting crowds off their feet, local favourite and party lord Your Boy Brian seamlessly blends all genres into a feel-good party mix.

Tom Boy
Tom Boy demonstrates the continuing evolution of Nate Daniels and Dante Berardi and their predilection for invention. Formerly members of the Toronto-based band CAIRO, the pair is now doing what they want on their own terms, and they’re shaking up the world of pop one song at a time.

EXPERIENCES

You Guessed It!
How well do you know Canada? Test your Canadian history knowledge with Historica Canada’s Trivia Questions.

Heritage Minutes
Take in some new Canadian Heritage Minutes (and some classic ones too!) courtesy of Historica Canada.

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FOOD VENDORS

King Catering
Specializing in Caribbean cuisine with a North American twist. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, & halal options.
ChotiPLATE
Tangy fusion flavours inspired by Indian street food. Vegetarian & halal options.
My Crème Caramel
French desserts handmade from scratch. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Gushi
Delicious Japanese street food specialized in fried chicken.
Tita Flips
Elevated Filipino street food. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options.
Shucks
Fresh oysters in the half-shell with creative garnishes and deliciously innovative seafood plates. Gluten-free & dairy free options.

Date & Time

• Friday, October 11. Event runs from 7:00 – 11:30 PM

Location

Contact

416.586.8000
info@rom.on.ca

---

ROM membership is your best value! Join now and save on selected programs and events.

---

TICKETS | What you need to know

• Early bird tickets available now.
• $20 adults*, $15.50 students/seniors*, $5 members* *Taxes not included
• Entrance is guaranteed to early-bird ticket holders before 8 pm. After 8 pm, all entrance is based on capacity
• All guests enter via the Bloor Street Entrance
• Ticket Holders: Please join the “GOT EM” line
• Wanna be a star? Chances are you will be! By entering the ROM Friday Night Live premises you consent to having your image captured and displayed for promotional and/or documentary use
• Unlawful resale of ROM tickets is prohibited. The ROM does not guarantee the authenticity of tickets purchased from any non-authorized third-party re-seller, such as brokers or individuals; therefore, we recommend that you purchase tickets directly through the ROM Website at www.rom.on.ca

The fine print: ROM general admission tickets are not valid for FNL. FNL is a specially ticketed event for adults 19+ only and you will be asked for valid ID (government-issued, not yet expired, with photo and date of birth).

The Canadian Opera Company presents Puccini’s “Turandot” (September 28, October 4, 9, 15, 17, 19, 23, 25, 27, 2019)

Toronto – After a 15-year wait for music lovers, Puccini’s Turandot returns to the Canadian Opera Company in a striking new production from visionary director Robert Wilson at the Four Season Centre for the Performing Arts. Princess Turandot has a fierce reputation that precedes her royal name thanks to a high-stakes challenge she has issued: answer her three riddles correctly and win her hand in marriage. Answer incorrectly and pay dearly – with your life. As a steady stream of admirers land face-to-face with the executioner, Prince Calaf takes on the deadly game and has a mystery of his own for Turandot to solve. Turandot runs for nine performances on September 28, October 4, 9, 15, 17, 19, 23, 25, 27, 2019.
Wilson is a renowned multidisciplinary artist who has collaborated with a wide range of cultural icons including composer Philip Glass, dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov, and singer/songwriter Lady Gaga. For this highly anticipated COC debut, he teams up with co-director Nicola Panzer to lend his innovative visual artistry to one of opera’s biggest blockbusters. With clean lines and sleek minimalism, Wilson and co-designer Stephanie Engeln have created a modern, abstract set that creates space for audiences to experience and react to Turandot’s story in their own unique way. With co-lighting designer John Torres, he paints the stage in dramatic chiaroscuro and, against this backdrop, costumes by Jacques Reynaud create striking figures, cloaked in rich colour, shape, and texture. Makeup by Manu Halligan has been thoughtfully designed to accentuate the slightest of changes in expression, providing subtle insights into each character’s state of mind; and Tomek Jeziorski completes the creative team as the production’s video artist.
American soprano and Richard Tucker Award-winner Tamara Wilson shares the title role with soprano Marjorie Owens, in role debuts for both artists. In Wilson’s last COC appearance as Desdemona in Otello this past spring, NOW Magazine predicted her “powerful, full-bodied soprano… bodes well for her turn as Turandot.” Opera News has praised Owens for her “star quality” and “vocal stamina” – two attributes that will certainly serve her well in this role.
Russian tenor Sergey Skorokhodov brings his “clear, glowing focal point as a soloist” (Texas Classical Review) to his COC main stage debut as the daring Calaf; Skorokhodov shares the role with Bulgarian tenor Kamen Chanev, who returns to Toronto after singing Cavaradossi in the COC’s Tosca in 2017. American bass David Leigh returns to Toronto after making his COC debut in the world premiere of Hadrian (2018); he shares the role of Calaf’s father, the vanquished King Timur, with Turkish bass Önay Köse. Lebanese-Canadian soprano and Juno Award nominee Joyce El-Khoury was recently praised for the “extraordinary intensity” (The Telegraph) she brought to Roberto Devereux at Welsh National Opera; she and Colombian-American soprano Vanessa Vasquez, whose voice is full of “creamy, opulent tones” (Broadway World), share the role of devoted Liù.
For this production, the names of Turandot’s three ministers have been changed to align with the creative team’s vision for a more abstract Turandot that moves away from previous iterations while preserving Wilson’s Vaudeville influences for the trio’s characterization. Moldovan baritone Adrian Timpau, praised for his “smooth base and ringing timbre” (Bachtack), is Jim (originally Ping); Korean-American tenor Julius Ahn brings his “lithe, multi-faceted” (Opera News) performance skills to the role of Bob (originally Pang); and Taiwanese-American tenor Joseph Hu rounds out the ensemble with his “fine singing” (Pittsburgh Post- Gazette) as Bill (originally Pong). London-born tenor Adrian Thompson brings his “indefatigable” (Opera Magazine) power of performance to the role to Emperor Altoum.
Bass-baritone Joel Allison, of Ottawa, is in his second year of the COC Ensemble Studio, a career-changing training program for emerging opera talent; he will be singing the role of the Mandarin, while Toronto-based tenor, and first-year Ensemble Studio member, Matthew Cairns makes his COC main stage debut as the Prince of Persia.
Italian conductor Carlo Rizzi has been lauded by singers and audiences alike for his mastery of the operatic craft; he leads the COC Orchestra through a score that was designed to thrill and that features the widely-performed classical crossover masterpiece, “Nessun dorma.” The COC Chorus, led by Price Family Chorus Master Sandra Horst, performs some of opera’s most epic music together with the Canadian Children’s Opera Company.
Turandot is sung in Italian and presented by the COC with English SURTITLES™.
Turandot is a COC co-production with Teatro Real Madrid, Houston Grand Opera, and the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Vilnius.
TICKET INFORMATION Single tickets for Turandot range from $35 – $250 with Grand Ring seats available at $290 and $350. Tickets are on sale now, available online at coc.ca, by calling 416-363-8231, or in person at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts Box Office (145 Queen St. W.). $22 tickets are available for guests between the ages of 16 and 29 through the COC’s Opera Under 30 program and other specially priced tickets are available to young people under the age of 15. For more information on booking student groups, standing room, and rush tickets, please visit coc.ca.

Review:
When I think of Turandot, I think of Patricia Arquette sending Nicholas Cage on a wild goose chase to win her heart. If he could get her “J.D. Salinger’s autograph, a black orchid and a Bob’s Big Boy statue — a Caddy-size piece of fiberglass sculpture,” she would grant him her heart. In the case of Princess Turandot, death was the gift to her suitor if he was unsuccessful. Indeed dark but the drama is worth it on a Friday night at the Four Season Centre for the Performing Arts with the Canadian Opera Company.
The staging experienced at Turandot was stark and intimidating at best. Not the norm for the Canadian Opera Company. Turandot demanded it. The vibe in the room echoed that you weren’t invited to the party but it was fine that you were sitting in a dark seat away from the popular kids. The costumes and make up were maniacal and isolating. Think lurid reds, midnight black, dull silver, angry armour along with corpse white faces, black slashed eye makeup and draping garments that oozed historical Asian nods. Consider your dreams to be effected by the gothic colours in the days to follow.
American soprano, Tamara Wilson, plays Princess Turandot. Wilson is truly a force to be reckoned with. The audience will feel winded listening to the depth of her performance. At times gutt wrenching, venomic and heartache facing. How can you not relate?
Russian tenor, Sergey Skorokhodov, plays Prince Calaf and demonstrates to the audience  quietly eloquent strife. Lebanese-Canadian soprano, Joyce El-Khoury, plays Liù and brings her blood curdling contributions that only amplifies the hues of red on stage.
Italian conductor Carlo Rizzi work was a treat to take in whilst exhaling the “Nessun dorma.” Be sure to enjoy the COC Chorus, led by Price Family Chorus Master Sandra Horst, performs some of opera’s most epic music together with the Canadian Children’s Opera Company. The layering of craftsmanship from these three groups of artists added a dimension not often experienced in a traditional piece of operatic work.
Be sure to enjoy Turandot with the Canadian Opera Company before it wraps up before Halloween. It will be sure to exercise your opera knowledge and creative soul.
http://www.coc.ca

Ticket Giveaway- The Royal Ontario Museum’s “#FNLROM: Nuit Noire”

It’s that time of year – who’s ready to go to the ROM? 🙂

I’m giving away a pair of FNLROM tickets every week until the end of November 2019.

What are the rules when entering the Thirty Four Flavours and Friday Night Live (#FNLROM) Ticket Giveaway?

Simple! Please sign up to Thirty Four Flavours Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thirtyfourflavours, Twitter https://twitter.com/34flavours, or email subscription to enter the draw. When you have signed up please send me a Facebook message, a tweet or email (thirtyfourflavours@gmail.com) telling me what you are excited to see at #FNLROM by Wednesday Oct 2, 2019.

Good luck!

Here’s what’s on tap this Friday at FNLROM!

Let’s get ready to dance, drink, and embrace the night at Nuit Noire, where live music, delectable cuisine, and stunning galleries will keep you on your feet before the sun comes up.

BUY TICKETS

Book Member Tickets

#FNLROM @ROMtoronto

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FEATURED EXHIBITION

Enjoy complimentary access to It’s Alive! Classic Horror and Sci-Fi Art from the Kirk Hammett Collection. Space is limited. Last entry to exhibition at 10:00 PM.

Credit: Jesse Milns

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ENTERTAINMENT

Cale Granton (Official DJ of the Toronto Maple Leafs)
Music producer and DJ Cale Granton was introduced to the music world at an early age. He is known for his open-format style and ability to rock crowds. Cale’s tireless work ethic and keen ear has led to working alongside some of Canada’s top musical talents such as Classified, Kardinal Offishall, and Alexisonfire and he is the current resident DJ at Drake’s members-only Sher Club. He has provided music for the Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, and is entering his fourth season as the official DJ for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Maylee Todd
Maylee Todd is a multimedia artist and consultant. Her creativity derives from a wide range of artistic disciplines: song writing, production, performance art, dance, 3-D projection mapping, and curation. She is known for her Virtual Womb show which has toured internationally, and has released her third self-produced record Acts Of Love, which has glowing reviews from CBC, NPR, Vogue Japan, and Okay Player.

D.W. Waterson
Director, DJ, and drummer D.W. Waterson is mainly known for her multi award-winning digital series THAT’S MY DJ and her live shows that combine DJing dance anthems with live drum solos. Voted as one of the top DJs in Toronto three years in a row, D.W. most recently completed her first sold out North American tour with Mystery Skulls and has debuted her music video ‘Things I Do’ on PRIDE.com.

Cozmic Cat
Cozmic Cat is familiar face on the Toronto nightlife scene and has headlined at countless clubs, festivals, and high-profile events both at home and abroad, taking the crowd on dancefloor journeys from the mainstream to underground. After a steady stream of dance music tracks signed to international record labels in 2019, Cozmic releases her second full-length solo album FREEDOM  on Oct 23rd, and is thrilled to be able to premiere new material in her ROM set, which will also feature live performances by Jay Light and C. Paige.

Featuring Jay Light and C. Page:

Blood Opera
Blood Opera features the baddest rock ‘n’ rollers the world had ever known! Revel in their sound as these toxic abominations take you to a place where the undead rock the earth. Welcome, to the opera!!

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EXPERIENCES

Vintage Horror Film Visuals
Inspired by our exhibition It’s Alive, visuals curated by Eric Veillette, Programming Director at Revue Cinema.

It’s Alive Pop-Up
Experience a horror-inspired selection of touchable specimens from the ROM’s permanent collections. (7:00–10:00 PM)

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FOOD VENDORS

King Catering
Specializing in Caribbean cuisine with a North American twist. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, & halal options.
ChotiPLATE
Tangy fusion flavours inspired by Indian street food. Vegetarian & halal options.
My Crème Caramel
French desserts handmade from scratch. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Gushi
Delicious Japanese street food specialized in fried chicken.
Tita Flips
Elevated Filipino street food. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options.
Shucks
Fresh oysters in the half-shell with creative garnishes and deliciously innovative seafood plates. Gluten-free & dairy free options.

Date & Time

• Friday, October 4. Event runs from 7:00 – 11:30 PM

Contact

416.586.8000
info@rom.on.ca

---

ROM membership is your best value! Join now and save on selected programs and events.

---

TICKETS | What you need to know

• Early bird tickets available now.
• $20 adults*, $15.50 students/seniors*, $5 members* *Taxes not included
• Entrance is guaranteed to early-bird ticket holders before 8 pm. After 8 pm, all entrance is based on capacity
• All guests enter via the Bloor Street Entrance
• Ticket Holders: Please join the “GOT EM” line
• Wanna be a star? Chances are you will be! By entering the ROM Friday Night Live premises you consent to having your image captured and displayed for promotional and/or documentary use
• Unlawful resale of ROM tickets is prohibited. The ROM does not guarantee the authenticity of tickets purchased from any non-authorized third-party re-seller, such as brokers or individuals; therefore, we recommend that you purchase tickets directly through the ROM Website at www.rom.on.ca

The fine print: ROM general admission tickets are not valid for FNL. FNL is a specially ticketed event for adults 19+ only and you will be asked for valid ID (government-issued, not yet expired, with photo and date of birth).

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–>For more information on corporate partnership opportunities in association with the Friday Night Live program please contact Sara Zerehi at saraz@rom.on.ca or at 416.586.5546.

Have a performance or activity you would like us to consider? Submit a proposal or get in touch with us at festivals@rom.on.ca.

Parkbus, Your Ride to the Great Outdoors!: Let’s Check out Algonquin Provincial Park!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Getting out of the city to catch the Fall colours should be on your mind too. If you don’t have a car and want to leave the driving to someone else after a busy week – Parkbus can help!

With that goal in mind, I chose the Algonquin Provincial Park with Active Days and Parkbus (https://activedays.parkbus.ca/) trip. Active Days encourages folks to try something new, expand their comfort zone and/or engage in something they already love. I went for it and joined their group hike to Algonquin Provincial Park!

I met the Active Days crew at 34 Asquith in Toronto which is located about 100 meters from Bloor-Yonge subway entrance (Yonge Street Entrance). They will drop you off at the same location. The group of hikers were a nice mix of young and old. Experienced and not so experienced hikers. Some even visiting from other parts of the world.

We were on our way by 7:00 a.m. heading towards Algonquin Provincial Park. Algonquin Provincial Park is a provincial park located between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River in Ontario, Canada, mostly within the Unorganized South Part of Nipissing District. Established in 1893, it is the oldest provincial park in Canada. Additions since its creation have increased the park to its current size of about 7,653 square kilometres. For comparison purposes, this is larger than the state of Delaware or about one and a half times the size of Prince Edward Island or about a quarter of the size of Belgium. The park is contiguous with several smaller, administratively separate provincial parks that protect important rivers in the area, resulting in a larger total protected area.

After picking up some passengers at the Major Mackenzie and Hwy 400 Park and Ride we were on our way to our first pit stop, for snacks and a bathroom break. I made sure I packed a lot of snacks for my trip, a book, bananas, good hiking boots, a light day pack, a baseball hat, water and bug repellant.

When we arrived at the drop off to start hiking we were ready! The hike took place on the traditional territories of the Ojibway and specifically the Wasauksen First Nation. The hike was a moderate to intermediate hike. Tough but so worth it once you got to the look out point. Taking in the Fall colours was spectacular and very humbling. Think golds, rustic reds and delicious orange colours. J

We did the Track and Tower Trail is a 7.6 kilometer loop trail located near Nipissing, Ontario, Canada that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and nature trips. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail provides wonderful views for Instagram pictures and videos.

In terms of food options there isn’t a lot to buy on the grounds. My suggestion is to pack a few sandwiches for your trip.

We also checked out Ragged Falls Oxtongue River trail. The trail is only 1 km long but it offers a great view of the Ragged Falls. It is just off Hwy 60 near the Algonquin Park border. Its proximity to Algonquin Provincial Park makes this protected waterway almost an Algonquin appendage, but it’s a park in its own right, and for good reason. Oxtongue River – Ragged Falls contains many features of local significance. The small plunge basin at Gravel Falls demonstrates the powerful, erosive force of glacial melt-water. There are nine distinct forest communities in the park. A marked gravel road provides access to Ragged Falls. Also accessible are the parking lot, washrooms and marked hiking trails that lead to a lookout over the falls. Ragged Falls has been named one of the 10 best waterfalls in Ontario.

After a long day of hiking, climbing rocks, watching waves, feeling the sun on our skin and enjoying good company, we were on our way back to Toronto. We had a great time saying hello to the Fall with Active Days and Parkbus. They are a few hikes still available going into the Fall. Be sure to check them out.

A heartfelt thank you to Parkbus, they are gifting my readers with a 5% discount using the referral code, 1039euiwod. Tell them I sent you and have fun! @ParksCanada @Parkbus @mec @environmentca @OntarioParks @TourismeOntario #OurNature #goodtimesoutside #parkbusgotmehere @Algonquin_PP @ontarioparksNE

Have fun! Looking forward to my next trip with Parkbus!

https://www.parkbus.ca/index

https://activedays.parkbus.ca/

Parkbus, Your Ride to the Great Outdoors!: Let’s Check out Killbear Provincial Park!

It is the last days of summer and I decided to make the most of it before I head back to graduate school next week and full time work. Getting out of the city is always on my mind. If you don’t have a car and want to leave the driving to someone else after a busy week – Parkbus can help!

With that goal in mind, I chose the Killbear Provincial Park with Active Days and Parkbus (https://activedays.parkbus.ca/) trip. Active Days encourages folks to try something new, expand their comfort zone and/or engage in something they already love. I went for it and joined their group hike to Killbear Provincial Park!

I met the Active Days crew at 34 Asquith in Toronto which is located about 100 meters from Bloor-Yonge subway entrance (Yonge Street Entrance). They will drop you off at the same location. The group of hikers were a nice mix of young and old. Experienced and not so experienced hikers. There were even some wonderful newcomers to Canada who were willing to explore Killbear with the locals.

We were on our way by 7:30 a.m. heading towards Killbear Provincial Park. Killbear Provincial Park is located on Georgian Bay in the Parry Sound District of Ontario, near the town of Nobel. Killbear combines sandy beaches typical of the Great Lakes with the rock ridges and pines of the Canadian Shield.

The park is ecologically significant for its large and varied types of shoreline. As water levels in the Great Lakes fluctuate over a time span of decades, different wetland, meadow and shoreline vegetation types were created.

After picking up some passengers at the Major Mackenzie and Hwy 400 Park and Ride we were on our way to our first pit stop, the Honey Harbour General Store for snacks and a bathroom break. I made sure I packed a lot of snacks for my trip, a book, bananas, good hiking boots, a light day pack, a baseball hat, water and bug repellant.

When we arrived at Killbear Provincial Park, we dropped off some passengers at the Visitors Centre. I nipped out and visited the Nature Shoppe to grab a Ontario Parks Crest. As part of Ontario Parks OP125 celebrations last year, they designed a set of 84 park crests for their parks (http://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/park-crests/#more-26003). Each crest has its own design, reflecting the park’s identity. I grabbed the Killbear Provincial Park crest.

When we arrived at the drop off to start hiking we were ready! The hike took place on the traditional territories of the Ojibway and specifically the Wasauksen First Nation. The terrain was easy to hike and we were able to cover a lot of ground very quickly. The Lookout Point Trail was a nice trail to get warmed up with. Our guides Marlon and Caitlin made sure they chatted us up and took care of us on the hike.

The neat thing about Active Day hikes is you can be social if you want or not. I like to be a bit of both. I naturally gravitate to people who are in tough careers and need a break outside of the city. As we chat, we share similar narratives and hiking helps in soothing out our stress.

A hot tip, be sure to check out “Sunset Rocks”, “The Tree” and “Harold Point Rocks”. They provide wonderful views for Instagram pictures as well as some light up hill hiking. You can even get pretty close to the water for a swim or a dive.

There was a cautionary sign when we entered the park that there was an active bear on the grounds and to avoid eating and dropping food in the parks. We luckily didn’t run into the black bear. 🙂

In terms of food options there isn’t a lot to buy on the grounds. My suggestion is to pack a few sandwiches for your trip. You can fill up your water on the grounds from a few drinking water pumping stations.

After a long day of hiking, sitting on the beach, climbing rocks, watching waves, feeling the sun on our skin and enjoying good company, we were on our way back to Toronto. We had a great time saying goodbye to summer with Active Days and Parkbus. They are a few hikes still available going into the Fall. Be sure to check them out.

A heartfelt thank you to Parkbus, they are gifting my readers with a 5% discount using the referral code, 1039euiwod. Tell them I sent you and have fun! @ParksCanada @Parkbus @mec @environmentca @OntarioParks @TourismeOntario #OurNature #goodtimesoutside #parkbusgotmehere @ @KillbearPP @ontarioparksNE

Have fun! Looking forward to my next trip with Parkbus!

https://www.parkbus.ca/index

https://activedays.parkbus.ca/

New York Travel: The New York Botanical Garden – Brazilian Modern: The Living Art of Roberto Burle Marx (Saturday, June 8, 2019 – Sunday, September 29, 2019)

The New York Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located at Bronx Park in the Bronx, New York City. The 250-acre site’s verdant landscape supports over one million living plants in extensive collections. The garden has a diversity of tropical, temperate, and desert flora, as well as programming that ranges from exhibitions in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory to festivals on Daffodil Hill. As of 2016, over a million people visit the New York Botanical Garden annually.
If you are planning on being in New York in the next month, be sure to check out the Brazilian Modern: The Living Art of Roberto Burle Marx exhibit. Roberto Burle Marx (1909–94) was a force of nature in Brazil—through his bold landscapes, vibrant art, and passionate commitment to plant conservation. His powerful modernist vision produced thousands of gardens and landscapes, including the famous curving mosaic walkways at Copacabana Beach in Rio and the beautiful rooftop garden at Banco Safra in São Paulo. Feel his artistic energy and love of plants during our Garden-wide exhibition of lush gardens; paintings, drawings, and textiles; and the sights and sounds of Brazil that inspired his life and work.

Hot Tips:
You can get to the NYBG by using public transit quite easily. It is a good 20 minute walk from the train station to the gardens. There are quite a few signs leading you to the gardens, so you can feel quite confident getting there in one piece. The neighbourhood is also safe. You can also get to the gardens using Metro North Rail.
Before you make your way around the NYBG, grab the NYBG tram which runs around the perimeter of the gardens. You can get a feel for the sights and then make decisions on which areas you would like to explore. The gardens cover a huge space; if you have time check out all the gardens has to offer. Make a note, the earlier in the day you visit the gardens, the easier it will be to access to tram en route.
First stop, the Mitsubishi Wild Wetland Trail which offers a chance to get a closer look at natural wetland habitats from swamp to marsh to pond. Here you can learn about the important role of wetlands—natural water filters that remove debris from the water supply. Enjoy views of common reed cattails and keep an eye out for ducks, turtles, and other animals as you make your way along the boardwalk. Many birds, including red-winged blackbirds, can be spotted here.
I always love getting lost in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. It is a stunning example of Victorian-style glasshouse artistry, and a New York City Landmark. It is home to A World of Plants, which showcases the wonders of the Garden’s living collections in lush tropical rain forests, cactus-filled deserts, curated displays of palms from around the world, aquatic and carnivorous plants, and much more. From early summer through fall, the Courtyards come alive with vibrant hardy and tropical water lilies and graceful lotus.
Check out the Conservatory courtyard pools which houses water lilies and lotus in brilliant yellow, pink, purple, and even blue float serenely next to waving grasses and reeds. Dominating the tropical pool is the Victoria amazonica, the world’s largest water lily, whose leaves can span seven-feet across.
I always make sure that when I visit the NYBG that I bring a baseball hat, water, granola bars, good sneakers and bug spray. If you are going to be out in the sun, be sure to protect yourself from heat stroke.
Lastly, I also visited the old-growth Forest which will show you some Native American hunting trails, marks left by glaciers and trees dating back to the American Revolution. The Forest remains a magnificent reminder of the beauty and resilience of nature in the face of complex human-caused disturbances. To preserve the Forest for future generations the Garden manages invasive species, plants native plants, and performs research.
Make sure you make time for the NYBG the next time you are in NY and the Bronx!
https://www.nybg.org/