The Victoria Day weekend is behind us, which means it’s practically summer. Which makes it a great time to get out and explore great areas of Canada. Here are a few of my faves from my travels over the past few years. SOUTHWEST ONTARIO After spending most of my spare time in Ontario in regions north of Toronto, I started visiting this part of the province on a regular basis about 10 years ago. Amherstburg is a growingly sophisticated town with great shopping and food. Former Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment chief Richard Peddie owns a couple of lovely stores, Read more
black history
The Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island region in southwestern Ontario is blessed with many gifts, among them fine people, a relatively benign climate, cool waterfront towns, and tons of great outdoor activities to try. I’ve come to understand there’s also a wonderful, rich Black history to explore that’s both painful and inspiring. On my latest visit to the area I was lucky enough to get a guided tour of the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, and to visit the Sandwich First Baptist Church. Being relatively easy to reach from Detroit, the Windsor area was a very popular entry point to Canada on the Underground Railroad, the Read more
August 1 marks Emancipation Day in Canada and many other countries. Great Britain on Aug. 1, 1834 established the Slavery Abolition Act, which put an end to the centuries-old system of colonial enslavement of Africans throughout the British Empire, which included the land now known as Canada. I can’t say I’ve explored a ton of Black history places in Canada, but here are a few I can recommend in Ontario. These are all excerpts from stories/blog posts about places and people that celebrate this province’s rich Black history. All of these places are within a few hours of Toronto. BUXTON Read more
It seems many Canadians plan on staying close to home again next summer. With that in mind, here’s a look at seven top places to explore in Canada’s most populous province. MUSKOKA Muskoka has been Ontario’s top summer playground for decades now, with sparkling lakes and rocky shores dotted with deciduous trees and sweet-smelling pines. There’s even more reason to go in 2023, as the historic RMS (Royal Mail Ship) Segwun (built in 1866) should be ready to sail again after a three-year hiatus. The Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst is open year-round and is definitely worth checking out. The Read more
LOS ANGELES – A new museum dedicated to the magic of the movies. A classic art centre celebrating its 25th anniversary. An African American museum. Wonderful street art. And hotels with brilliant art displays of their own. Los Angeles has long been known for its celebrities and convertibles, but it’s collection of impressive cultural centres and museums continues to grow. Here’s a look at some great options. THE ACADEMY MUSEUM OF MOTION PICTURES The folks behind the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures could have easily focused on Leo and Kate, or Bogart and Bacall. But the Academy Museum doesn’t Read more
