Even with the warmer weather on the way out, Niagara Falls is still a great place to take in some of nature's beauty in cooler temperatures--especially within heated "pods."
The Niagara SkyWheel, situated on the Canadian side of the falls within Clifton Hill, rises more than 175 feet into the air as it slowly rotates to give riders a view of the falls.]]>
Online mapping programs have made traveling foolproof--for the most part. But there's always a time or two when you wish you could just type in a particular neighborhood instead of a specific venue. If you're planning a trip to Toronto anytime soon, you're all set.
BlogTO has gone the extra mile and offers maps and tips that offer directions as well as the vibe of the city's many neighborhoods. Available at hotels and other local establishments, the maps can also be ordered online and be shipped direct to you as long as you chip in for a small shipping cost.]]>
Fans of big-screen musicals like "Hairspray," "Sweeney Todd" and the forthcoming "Mamma Mia!" may be both delighted with and frustrated by the Bollywood style of movie-making. The films native to India, which produces more movies each year than Hollywood, often top three hours and feature extended musical numbers and singers unknown outside of Asia. But India plans to show off its innovations with a Bollywood world tour led by two of its biggest actors.
Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan may not be household names Stateside but they are giant stars--say, Martin and Charlie Sheen without the divorce drama--in their native India. Son Abhishek is married to former Miss World Aishwarya Rai, whom Westerners may have seen in the Jane Austen-meets-Bollywood flick "Bride and Prejudice." (She'll also be appearing in next year's "Pink Panther" sequel with Steve Martin.)
The trio, along with several other Bollywood stars, will hit Trinidad, Atlantic City, London and more with "The Unforgettable Tour," which kicks off July 18 in Toronto.
Related Stories:
· The Unforgettable Tour [Official Site]
· Movie Travel coverage [Jaunted]]]>
In these days of rampant global warming, the edgiest thing may be to head north and shun rising temps: Canoeing in the Quetico, Canada's side of Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area, is often chilly even at the height of summer. Luckily, the wildlife doesn't seem to mind.
You'll paddle alongside loons and moose instead of motorboats, which are banned in most areas of the park. Many of the park's lakes and rivers are not accessible by road, and carry-ins are tightly controlled to keep the backwoods pristine.
Shop around for an outfitter who has experience in getting the right permits to make sure no one bothers you as you live your voyageur dreams.
Related Stories
· Quetico Provincial Park [Ontario Parks]
· Switzerland by Bike. Or Foot. Or Canoe. [Jaunted]
· Summer Vacations with an Edge coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: nothgierc]]]>
Looking to celebrate Pride Month out of town? Look into Pride Toronto, which is so much more than a march: Held June 20 to 29--that's right, over two weekends!--the citywide celebration includes such diverse events as a Mount Olympus-themed gala featuring comedian Sandra Bernhard, a party hosted by Limelight head honcho Peter Gatien and a ceremony to honor the Grand Marshal and co-chair of Jamaica's first LGBT organization.
As in many affairs of state, Canada has so far led the US as a whole in recognizing the rights of its gay and lesbian citizens, from a minister of justice's statement in 1969 that "the state has no place in the bedrooms of the nation" to legalizing same-sex marriage in 2005.
Toronto's first pride event was held in 1970, and the mayor himself will be in attendance this year.
Related Stories:
· Pride Toronto [Official Site]
· LGBT Travel coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo from Pride Toronto 2006: mangomargarita]]]>
You've seen the crazy bike messengers racing through your city ten times faster than cars, effortlessly dodging people, taxis and anything else that gets in their way. Now imagine them all getting together, meeting up with the daredevil messengers from every other city in the world and holding one giant, rules-free race. That's the concept behind the 16th Annual Cycle Messenger World Championships, taking off in Toronto June 13-16.
The three-hour, fast-paced road race replicates the route of an urban bike messenger, while additional events include bike polo (with wheels instead of horses), the bunnyhop (high-jumping with bikes), and skids (bikers race to high speeds, then lock their rear wheels to see how far they can skid). Hundreds of competitors are expected, and if watching isn't your thing, all events are open to anyone crazy enough to try.
The championships will be held on Toronto Island, the urban park near Toronto City Centre Airport, so if you get bored you can wander over to Hanlan's Point Beach to check out the local nudist colony. Oh and if you need to rent a bike, Toronto Island Bicycle Rental has you covered.
Related Stories:
· Cycle Messenger World Championships [Official Site]
· Mancations coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: Sailing Nomad]]]>
Yes, you've seen Niagara Falls before, but have you ever ventured over the edge in a barrel? No? Here's a tour that's the next best thing--and probably a lot safer.
Available on either the Canadian or American side of the border, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours offer a ride in the rapids just before you would otherwise plummet to your death below. The 1,500 hp boats go up to 65 mph during the tour, and stop just short of the falls at a rough patch of class six rapids. The less adventurous can choose an enclosed vessel for the 60-minute journey, but for the full experience take one of the "Wet Jets" and get soaked.
The ticket will set you back $56, but they're hiring for the summer season so maybe you can work for some free rides. After you've changed into some dry clothes, go grab a bite to eat at one of the, uh, "wonderful" restaurants on Clifton Hill.
Related Stories:
· Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours [Official Site]
· Summer Vacations with an Edge coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: wjklos]]]>