by Nancy Baye
As our great country marks its 150th birthday, we pondered how to celebrate in uniquely Canadian ways. Forget parades and fireworks, we thought outside of the box. Here are a few ideas of how to honour the true north, strong and free. [Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver/Vancouver TheatreSports League]
Our vast country has lots of space, so why not go exploring? About 21,500 km of trail zig-zag through Canada on the Trans Canada Trail. Sure, it might take awhile to hike the whole thing – it is the planet’s longest trail network – but a portion of it can be enjoyed in mere hours. The trail welcomes hikers, cyclists, paddlers, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers too. The wide range of landscapes – urban, rural, waterways and roadways – is a respectful salute the variety of our great terrain, diverse peoples and cultures. Be an explorer in your own city: the Vancouver leg circles Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, English Bay and False Creek.
Canadians are known for bold, wacky humour, often at our own expense. Nothing says “Canada, eh?” like a couple of hosers. All things comedy is the perfect way to celebrate. Venture to Granville Island for topical laughs courtesy of Vancouver TheatreSports League. Starting June 29th, the comedians will be poking fun at our country in their “Oh, Canada – The True North Strong and Funny” show. It’s sure to be well-spirited fun.
Vancouver is full of great ethnic restaurants, but celebrating Canada means digging into our culinary roots. Savour freshly made bannock at Salmon n’ Bannock on West Broadway. Owners Remi and Inez, of the Nuxalk First Nation, celebrate First Nations culture with wild fish and free range game meat. This gathering place offers true Canadian delights in a casual setting.
For world-class poutine, head to Davie Street’s La Belle Patate. Their authentic Québécois cuisine celebrates the potato, with 38 varieties of poutine. Montreal smoked meat sandwiches make a solid companion. Round it out with a beer from la belle province and you’ve got a meal fit for a lumberjack.
Canadian fiction is diverse and widely celebrated. If you’ve missed the classics, now is the perfect time to catch up. Written in 1912, Stephen Leacock’s Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town is nothing short of delightful, and garnered a humour award in his name. If you haven’t read Margaret Atwood, try dystopian escape The Handmaid’s Tale, the novel that put her on the international map. Michael Ondaatje can’t be overlooked. In The Skin of a Lion – an immigrant tale with a twist – is his most famous, but, if you locate autobiographical Running in The Family, begin reading immediately. Tanglewood Books on West Broadway is everything a used book store should be, crammed with stacks of books and a friendly staff to help you navigate them.
Bold and innovative NoMiNoU makes eco-friendly “athleisure” clothing. Made in Vancouver, these original designs commemorate B.C.’s natural beauty, First Nations’ artwork and a dash of whimsy, for a product line truly unique and Canadian. Since you’re in your workout gear now, why not head over to the beach and join a class? Qigong, boot camp and yoga are all summer favourites. Semperviva Yoga has a weekly class at Kitsilano beach, a chance to offer a sun salutation of thanks for what makes our country so great.
