Tag: Canadas

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Napanee is hosting Canada’s largest geocaching event this weekend

Napanee is hosting Canada’s largest geocaching event this weekend


If you are in the Napanee area this weekend, do not be alarmed if you see a lot of people walking around searching for something you can’t see.


The region is hosting a huge geocaching event, which is kind of like a great big treasure hunt. 


Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt game played by adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. It uses GPS devices or smartphones to find hidden containers called geocaches. 


It can be done on land, or on water, and people can find geocaches in trees, on the ground, or along the shoreline. There are different levels and difficulties, so that everyone can do it.


Emmy Hendrickx picked it up during the pandemic and says she loves getting out on her canoe.


“I can see places that I’ve never been,” Hendrickx says of the games. “I can try things I have never done before.”


This weekend the county of Lennox and Addington is hosting the largest geocaching event in Canada. It’s called The Discover L&A County Mega Geocaching event. More than 1,000 people will visit the county, and search for more than 1,500 caches placed around the region. 


Here’s how geocaching works: You upload the Geocaching app, or use a GPS to find the locations of the caches. Then you follow the coordinates and start looking.


They can be out in the open, or well hidden. 


When you find them, you open the box, sign your name and date to prove you have been there, and leave it behind for the next person to find. 


Eastern Ontario is popular for Geocaching. Areas near Bancroft, Ont., are known as the geocaching capital of Canada.


But Joe Tisdale, who is the founder of the Lennox and Addington Geocachers, says it can be done anywhere, anytime.


“I bet, in your lifetime, you’ve probably walked by a thousand of them and probably not even know it,” he says. “They’re hidden in plain sight, in our towns, in our communities, on our trails.”


For Rose Anderson-Duvall, who has been an avid geocacher for more than a decade, she says it is just fun.


“I feel like you’re on a secret spy mission any time you go geocaching,” she explains.


In its 10th year, this is the first time since the pandemic began that this event is being held, and it has her excited to meet people.


“I’m so excited, I really like meeting other geocachers,” she says. “I think it’s a really fun thing to connect with other people on.”


The mega geocaching event is on until Sunday, with the big hunt set for Saturday.

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Canada’s Evan Dunfee takes 1st in 10,000m race walk event at Harry Jerome Classic | CBC Sports

Canada's Evan Dunfee takes 1st in 10,000m race walk event at Harry Jerome Classic | CBC Sports

Evan Dunfee’s biggest competitor Tuesday was someone he couldn’t even see.

A year after smashing his own national record in the 10,000-metre race walk at the Harry Jerome Classic in Burnaby, B.C., the Canadian was back and looking to repeat the feat.

Dunfee finished first with a time of 40 minutes 38.99 seconds on Tuesday, but couldn’t beat the 38:39.72 he posted in 2021.

“It was tough out there, thinking with like, 500 [metres] to go being like, ‘I just finished this race this time last year,”‘ he said. “You know, never fun to be lapped by your ghost but it’s just a different point.

“Last year, I was in the best shape I’ve ever been in leading into Tokyo and everything was going better than I could have possibly imagined.”

Dunfee followed his performance at last year’s Harry Jerome Classic with a bronze-medal performance at the Tokyo Olympics, finishing the 50-kilometre race walk in 3 hours 50 minutes and 59 seconds.

With a nagging upper-hamstring injury, the 31-year-old said he isn’t in quite the same form this season, but he’s working his way up to July’s World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Ore.

Where his race walking career goes after this season, however, remains unclear.

Dunfee said he’d love to compete in the 20-kilometre race walk at the Paris Olympics in 2024, but right now he’s looking ahead to another passion: municipal politics. He’s running for city council in Richmond, B.C., this fall.

The new challenge has been really enjoyable, Dunfee said.

“There’ve been days where I’ve been like ‘Ah, I know, I have to go do my like easy 10k. But I really want to read this 200-page planning document,”‘ he said. “I just dove headfirst into this municipal politics thing and I’m trying to find a new way to use my platform and my community involvement to find some fun ways to really contribute to my community in new ways.”

The two-time Olympian will have one advantage over the other candidates heading into the vote on Oct. 15.

“If nothing else, I’m going to be the most efficient door knocker,” Dunfee said with a smile.

This year’s Harry Jerome Classic features several Canadian Olympians, including Madeleine Kelly, who finished 31st in the women’s 800m in Tokyo and Damian Warner, who took gold in the decathlon.

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Library Link: June events highlight Canada’s multiculturalism

Library Link: June events highlight Canada's multiculturalism

June is a busy month for celebrating important and commemorative days in Canada.

A simple Internet search reveals just how many of these days there are, and while each one is observed in some fashion throughout Alberta, they also reflect the larger scope of Canadian multiculturalism.

Canadians come from a wide range of races, religions, and nations, all of which makes for a diverse population, and many opportunities to celebrate.

To begin, June is recognized as National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize the long and rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of Canada’s First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

In terms of Airdrie, the city is situated on the lands of Treaty 7 territory, the traditional lands of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina peoples, and on the homelands of the Métis Nation, Region 3.

June 21 is also National Indigenous Peoples Day, a date chosen to reflect the spiritual importance of the summer solstice to Indigenous people across Canada.

June 24 is Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, celebrated in Quebec and by French Canadians across the country, including here in Alberta. The day’s celebrations often include parades, fireworks, feasting, and music concerts.

June 27 is Canadian Multiculturism Day, a time to celebrate our country’s cultural diversity and to reaffirm our commitment to equity, inclusion, and mutual respect.

Speaking of multiculturalism, June is also a time when Italian, Filipino, and Portuguese communities showcase the invaluable contributions they have made to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of Canada.

Finally, June 1 marked the launch of Pride Month, which features a wide range of events that take place from June to September. Locally, Airdrie is hosting a Solidarity Walk on June 18, which will be followed by the Airdrie Pride Society’s Pride in the Park event at Nose Creek Regional Park.

Here at Airdrie Public Library (APL), we’ll be participating in one way or another in these celebrations through our collections, programs, and events. Watch for book displays celebrating these various important and commemorative days and look for us at Pride in the Park on June 18.

For more information on APL programs and events, visit www.airdriepubliclibrary.ca

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Canada’s biggest vegan event is coming to Vancouver with over 200 plant-based businesses

Canada's biggest vegan event is coming to Vancouver with over 200 plant-based businesses

Canada’s largest plant-based event is coming to Vancouver for a weekend.

The Planted Expo will gather over 200 vegan food and lifestyle businesses at the Vancouver Convention Centre on June 4 and 5, and will feature speakers from around the world. 

Speakers will take the stage throughout the event, discussing aspects of veganism from food systems to parenting to feminism, featuring Seaspiracy’s Ali Tabrizi who will share why he made the documentary. There will also be a panel on the first day of the event focusing on running featuring members of the local vegan running community, including Zach Berman (The Juice Truck), and vegan influencer Erin Ireland (To Live For).

Vendors range from foods and supplements to skincare and services to organizations and publications, including many local businesses. Plus, unrestricted food sampling means there will be plenty to taste and try!

Planted Expo Vancouver

When: Jun 4-5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Vancouver Convention Centre – 1055 Canada Place

Cost: Adult $20; Youth and Senior $15; Kids can attend for free. Purchase tickets online.

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Discover Some Of Canada’s Best Spots And Events For Birding

Discover Some Of Canada’s Best Spots And Events For Birding

Birding isn’t just for avid ornithologists – the hobby appeals equally to families with young children, photographers, sustainability advocates and people seeking an excuse for a stroll. It’s also accessible; there’s no need to purchase fancy equipment or travel to far-off locales to watch birds. So, with World Migratory Bird Day (May 14, 2022) fast approaching, there’s never been a better time to consider when and where to enjoy the best birding in Canada.

There are 426 recognized Canadian bird species, many of which are endangered. Approximately 327 bird species live in the boreal forest, an area that lies between the treeless tundra of the Arctic and the temperature zone in southern Canada. Birders flock to areas such as Wood Buffalo National Park in northeastern Alberta and the southern Northwest Territories, which is part of the boreal forest and provides an important habitat for birds, including migratory forest songbirds. Wood Buffalo National Park is a nesting area for the last migratory flock of whooping cranes in the world. Find birding hotspots near you, and learn what species to look out for, on eBird Canada.

Canada is home to millions of migrating birds that return to its lakes and forests each spring to nest and reproduce. Learn about migratory birds by checking out local events on World Migratory Bird Day. This year’s avian celebration calls attention to the impact of light pollution on migratory birds. Light pollution causes disorientation for birds flying at night, can lead to collisions with buildings and interferes with birds’ ability to undertake long-distance migrations. You can also learn about the Canadian flyway and download a migratory bird map at Nature Conservancy Canada.

Top birding spots include:

Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve in Newfoundland and Labrador is a protected seabird ecological reserve, and home to thousands of gulls, razorbills, great cormorants and other majestic feathered friends. The reserve is also the southernmost breeding area in the world for thick-billed murres. The focal point is Bird Rock, the third-largest nesting site and southernmost colony of northern gannets in North America. When to go: In early summer, the bird sanctuary comes alive with tens of thousands of migrating seabirds.

It’s a surprise to most people, but Toronto, Ontario, provides access to some of the best birding locations in the region. Tommy Thompson Park is a natural habitat for several species of colonial waterbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds, making it a favorite of birders. It’s also an important stopover during migration for many bird species that need to rest and refuel before continuing their journey. When to go: In May, you’ll have the best chance of spotting flycatchers, sparrows, thrushes and different types of warblers. Songbirds can also be heard, and occasionally seen, in the summer.

Fundy National Park in New Brunswick shelters more than 260 bird species among its marine coastal environment. In December, the park participates in a Christmas bird count, where ornithologists and visitors search the area and tally resident birds. When to go: In spring, visitors can observe up to 15 types of warblers, as well as the pileated woodpecker, junco, great blue heron, cormorant, ruffed grouse and others.

Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock, at the tip of Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula, are home to the largest migratory bird refuge in North America. The island’s colony of over 110,000 northern gannets is the most accessible gannet colony in the world. When to go: Spot northern gannets in the summer months, generally between June and September.

Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park in Alberta is a vital birding habitat. Nearly half of all North American birds rely on the boreal forest surrounding the lake, and over 300 species regularly breed here. Visitors can pop into the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation to learn about birds and the boreal forest; there are also interpretive trails and family-friendly programming. When to go: Spring and fall migrations are peak birding time in Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park, where flocks of up to 3,500 migrating tundra swans have been seen. In the winter, you can see the black capped chickadee, downy woodpecker and pine siskin. Tip: the Songbird Trail, just outside the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation, meanders through towering aspen forest, with benches for visitors to stop and listen for birds.

The George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Delta, BC contains nearly 300 hectares (850 acres) of managed wetlands, marshes and dykes in the heart of the Fraser River Estuary. The sanctuary has recorded nearly 300 species of birds, with the highest diversity and numbers seen between fall and spring. When to go: October to early December is the best time to see large flocks of waterfowl (including ducks, geese and swans) during migration. A flock of lesser snow geese draws crowds each year, as they arrive in BC from their nesting grounds on Wrangel Island, Russia. In March and April, thousands of shorebirds pass through the Fraser Delta, including western sandpipers, which stop to feed and roost en route to their breeding grounds in the Arctic.

Canada’s also got some great birding festivals, including:

The Huron Fringe Birding Festival, one of Ontario’s most popular birding events, takes place in late May at MacGregor Point Provincial Park. The park is bursting with bird habitats and late May captures the end of migration and the beginning of the nesting season to ensure the forests and fields are bursting with birds!

A Celebration of Swans in the Yukon commemorates the mass migration of tens of thousands of swans, ducks and geese with guided walks and education workshops (April and May).

Wings Over the Rockies in the Kootenays, BC boasts a collection of online birding workshops, presentations and events, as well as a photo contest (May 9-15).

Songbird Festival in Alberta features guided birding hikes, nature workshops, a songbird scavenger hunt, and tours of the migration monitoring station (May 28-29).

The Toronto Bird Celebration in Toronto, Ontario celebrates the spring return of some 50 million birds with online events, webinars and courses (May).

Birding Tours

In Search of Whoopers: Go in search of one of North America’s most captivating birds. The area around Saskatoon is one of the most reliable areas on the continent to see North America’s tallest bird: the endangered Whooping Crane

Lake Erie Spring Migration Tour: The songbird migration spectacle at the “Big 3” – Pelee, Rondeau and Long Point! Also includes an exclusive day boat trip to the Long Point Bird Observatory research station at the Tip of Long Point.

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Canada’s Wonderland opens Saturday with numerous events on tap this summer

Canada’s Wonderland will feature fireworks, summer festivals and world-class, live entertainment in 2022

NEWS RELEASE

CANADA’S WONDERLAND

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Canada’s Wonderland opens to the public this Saturday, April 30 in what will be the first day of a full and exciting season.

Along with 200 attractions, including 17 roller coasters and a 20-acre water park, Canada’s Wonderland this year will feature fireworks, summer festivals and world-class, live entertainment.

With more to be announced, the 2022 live show schedule currently includes:

• WoofJocks Canine All-Stars (May – June, dates TBA): These amazing dogs will wow with their tricks, flips and athletic skills in a fun, choreographed show.

• Tundra: A Cirque Experience (June 24 – Sept. 5): This magical show themed to a humorous tale of Canadian exploration returns to Canterbury Theatre, bringing mesmerizing displays of acrobatics, aerial artistry, and bike stunts.

• Victoria Falls High Divers (June 25 – Sept. 5): Brave divers gracefully leap from the top of Wonder Mountain over the falls to a pool more than 18 metres (60 feet) below.

• Fall Out – Stunt Dive Show (June 25 – Sept. 5): These divers take competition to a whole new level in a fast-paced, energetic stunt show that pits athlete against athlete on trampolines and high-dive towers.

• Shows with The PEANUTS Gang (various dates): Kids can join Snoopy and friends in a returning show “Charlie Brown’s Jungle Journey,” dance with favourite characters at the Peanuts Block Party or see Snoopy conduct a fountain orchestra at Snoopy’s Symphony of Water.

This year, Canada’s Wonderland also features an extensive lineup of events and festivals:

• Fireworks (May 22, July 1, July 31, Sept. 4) – Witness spectacular fireworks display of explosive light and colour high over the park skyline choreographed to a lively soundtrack.

• Splash Works Opening (May 28) – Get back to poolside fun at the 20-acre water park, with 17 slides, cliff jumping, water playgrounds, the Lazy River and more! • Brew & BBQ (June 24-26) – The annual BBQ festival returns with foot-stomping live music, dozens of craft beers and ciders, plus a mouth-watering summer menu featuring ribs, gourmet burgers and BBQ chicken.

• Celebration Canada (July 1-17) – It’s Canada’s biggest birthday celebration! Join us for lively music, street entertainment and see the impressive skills and antics of the West Coast Lumberjacks. Then indulge in Canadian foods like beef sliders, poutine, mac’n cheese and more.

• KidZfest (July 23-Aug. 7) – This party is perfect for families and kids with special guest appearances by Marvel superheroes, dance parties with the PEANUTS gang, interactive games, activities, live entertainment and more.

• NEW! Taste of Portugal (Aug. 13-14) – Step into a festival celebrating the time-worn charm of Portugal, with lively street entertainment and traditional foods including succulent roast chicken and the sweet, rich and perfectly crisp Portuguese custard tarts.

• NEW! Taste of Ireland (Aug. 20-21) – The flavours and spirited culture of the Emerald Isle arrive at Canada’s Wonderland with lively Celtic music and dancers and hearty Irish fare featuring Guinness BBQ Pork Ribs, Irish Shepherd’s Pie and sweet desserts like Chocolate Guinness Cake and Butterscotch Apple Cake.

• NEW! Taste of the Caribbean (Aug. 27-28) – Enjoy island flavours from jerk chicken to specialty seafood, rum cake and coconut sweets, plus fruity summer drinks while the sounds of steel drum music fill the air.

• Oktoberfest (Sept. 10-11, 17-18) – For two weekends, guests will be treated to German-themed food, drink specials and traditional festival bands in the castle courtyard of Medieval Faire. Enjoy classic sausage, schnitzel, Bavarian pretzels, and a tall stein of refreshing lager.

• Camp Spooky (weekends Sept. 24-Oct. 30) – This family-friendly Halloween event returns with trick-or-treating, costume parades, live shows with The PEANUTS gang, interactive games, rides and more!

• Halloween Haunt (select nights Sept. 23 to Oct. 30) Featuring hundreds of monsters, scare zones, mazes and terrifying live entertainment.

• WinterFest (select nights Nov. 18 to Dec. 31) Step into a world of holiday magic, featuring iceskating, live shows, millions of lights, festive food and so much more.

Guests get unlimited access to four seasons of fun, including all shows and events, with a 2022 Gold Pass. On sale now for seven payments of $16.42. For more information about shows, events, tickets and Season Passes please visit canadaswonderland.com

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One of Canada’s largest art fairs returns to Vancouver next month

One of Canada's largest art fairs returns to Vancouver next month

It’ll include live art competitions and a runway event.

Like many live, in-person events, Art Vancouver took a break in 2020 and 2021.

Now Western Canada’s largest international art show is returning with a three-day event in the city’s downtown. The event, which includes parties, live paintings, tours and classes, will run from May 5 to 8 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

There are also less typical events, including a runway show one night (where artists walk the catwalk like fashion models but carry their artwork to show to the crowd) and an eight-way competition that’s similar to a cooking game show, with a surprise box of supplies and an unknown theme.

“Art Vancouver is an international art fair presenting over 100 Canadian and international galleries and artists, providing an opportunity to view and purchase artwork from over 15 countries under one roof,” state organizers online.

A list of artists participating is online already; Vancouver is represented, along with artists from Ghana, Spain and Argentina.

Tickets for the event range from $20 for a one-day general pass to $112 for a three-day VIP pass. Children 12 and under are free with the purchase of another ticket. The show itself is open May 6 to 8, with VIP and preview events on the evening of May 5.

 

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Canada’s largest South Asian music event announces epic lineup for this summer in Metro Vancouver

Canada’s largest South Asian music event announces epic lineup for this summer in Metro Vancouver

The event promises over eight hours of live music, food, art installations, merchandise, and “the finest brown escapist experience you’ve encountered.”

Canada’s largest South Asian youth event is back this summer and it will be a week full of fun events, plus an epic lineup to vibe to all week long.

The 5X Fest Block Party will be taking place on June 11 at Holland Park in Surrey. The Vancouver-based organization’s Block Party kicks off a full week of yet-to-be-announced arts and culture programming. 

At the Block Party, you can expect over eight hours of live music, various food vendors, art installations, a merchandise area and “the finest brown escapist experience you’ve encountered,” according to a media release. 

The outdoor festival is welcome to all ages, which means no drugs or alcohol allowed. Those 11 years old and under can enter for free but must be with an adult.

“We are building a home full of community, magic, compassion and passion. A home that portals us back into the deep waters of ourselves, because home is more than a foundation and four walls. A home is where creation happens, curiosity happens, joy happens. We are building a world to be bold in. To heal ourselves through art and colour,” share the festival producers.

This year’s lineup includes Canadian artists Ikky, Surrey-based Khanvict, and Vancouver’s BAINS. 

2022 5X Block Party Lineup

Festival tickets are on sale now. Tickets are fully refundable only if the event is cancelled due to public health orders.

5X Block Party

When: June 11, 2022

Where: ​​Holland Park – 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey

Cost: $0-30


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Canada’s biggest mining conference pushed back to June for in-person event | CBC News

Canada's biggest mining conference pushed back to June for in-person event | CBC News

Canada’s biggest mining conference and trade show usually takes place in March, but has been moved to June this year so it can be held in person.

The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference in Toronto will be June 13 to 15 and have an additional online component from June 28 to 29.

“I can tell you that the demand is there, that the response to our shift in dates has been really positive,” said Lisa McDonald, the event’s executive director. 

“We know there is that pent-up demand from folks wanting to be there.”

The conference was last held in person in 2020, just at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.

But now that many COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in Ontario, McDonald said more than 800 exhibiting companies have already signed up for the event.

McDonald added the 2022 edition of PDAC will be pared down.

“Back in 2020, when we were last in person, we were in both the north and south building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre,” she said. “So this year we’re keeping everything contained to the south building.”

McDonald said critical minerals used in electric vehicle batteries, such as nickel, cobalt and lithium, should be a hot topic at this year’s conference.

“We know that Ontario and Canada as a whole, we have the minerals and metals needed for this and we have a real opportunity in front of us to become that trusted supplier of those critical minerals and metals.”

Last Thursday, Premier Doug Ford unveiled Ontario’s new five-year critical minerals strategy.

“Global businesses are searching for the materials, expertise and human power needed to build technologies of the future. And I’m here to say once again, look no further,” Ford told reporters at the announcement. 

“This strategy details how we will strengthen our supply chains, how we will attract new investments to our province, and how we will ensure that the economic benefits are fairly shared with our Indigenous partners.”

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Canada’s Mark Arendz wins gold in men’s standing biathlon event at Beijing Paralympics | CBC Sports

Canada's Mark Arendz wins gold in men's standing biathlon event at Beijing Paralympics | CBC Sports

Canada’s Mark Arendz struck gold in the men’s standing 10-kilometre biathlon race at the Beijing Paralympics on Tuesday in China.

The Hartsville, P.E.I., native crossed the finish line with a time of 31 minutes 45.2 seconds.

Grygorii Vovchynskyi of Ukraine grabbed silver, finishing in 32:18.0, while Kazakhstan’s Alexandr Gerlits claimed bronze in 33:06.5.

The podium finish gives the 32-year-old Arendz his 10th career Paralympic medal, having already won bronze earlier in these Games in the standing biathlon sprint event. It’s also his second career gold.

Arendz was coming off a fourth-place finish in the standing 20km classical technique cross-country event, ending a medal streak that saw him medal in the standing biathlon sprint just days ago, and in all six events he competed in at Pyeongchang 2018.

It was the first time he had missed the podium since the 10km cross-country event at Sochi 2014.