Chloë Ernst's Blog

Posted by Chloë Ernst

This past weekend on a Saturday afternoon drive, some friends took me to a wonderful display of white and purple crocuses on Vancouver's Angus Drive. In front of one of the large Shaughnessy homes, some diligent gardener has planted a carpet of spring flowers. The sunny day and warming weather meant the crocuses looked wonderful.

Spring is an amazing season in Canada, where we emerge from a gray and snowy winter to delight in the brightness and longer-days of spring.

Here in Vancouver we're avidly awaiting the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, and in Ottawa, the Canadian Tulip Festival delivers a showy display of blooms.

Anyone know of any other fabulous floral festivals in Canada?

If so, send me an email.

Posted by Chloë Ernst

Down at Pier 23 in the Halifax Seaport development, seafood lovers can enjoy the bounty of the ocean during the first-ever Catch! Nova Scotia Seafood Festival from June 27-28, 2009.

Events include a Sunday lobster brunch, celebrity chef demos, and cooking classes. Watch out, too, for pairings of seafood (perhaps from some of the best Halifax seafood restaurants?) with Nova Scotia wine.

Other great ways to enjoy the seafaring traditions of eastern Canada this summer include:

• Tall Ships Nova Scotia Festival 2009 from July 16-29, 2009: Whether under sail or moored at the Halifax docks, the tall ships deliver a slice of the high-rigger life. Be sure to catch the Parade of Sail on Monday July 20.
• Mahone Bay Classic Boat Festival from July 30-Aug. 2, 2009: This Nova Scotia Festival celebrates its 20th year and promises plenty of boat-related events. Mahone Bay is also close to historic Lunenburg.

So far, I've now got summer and winter in Canada covered!

Posted by Chloë Ernst

We recently ventured up to Big White near Kelowna, BC. The sun was shining, the wind held off, and we even experienced the treat of a few centimeters of fresh snow. It made me remember just how great it is to enjoy our frigid Canadian winters.

So in the spirit of enjoying the winter weather, here's a round-up of the Suite101 articles I've written on Canadian ski hills.

From the perfect peaks of the Coast and Rocky mountains in the west to the even slopes of the Laurentians and the doldrums of the Maritimes, it's easy to find a great Canadian ski hill.

Carving our way from west to east:

• With three ski hills within 30 minutes of downtown Vancouver, you'll want to know Where to Ski in Vancouver, BC.
• Besides the slopes of the legendary Whistler, here's a guide for Transportation to Whistler Village, BC.
• There are some secret ski options in Mount Royal Park, Montreal, QC for downhill and cross-country skiers.
• Hit the slopes in the Laurentians and the Eastern Townships to discover the ski hills near Montreal, QC.
• Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Quebec all offer options for a spring break ski trip to eastern Canada.
• The backcountry skiing beckons in Newfoundland, where untouched wilderness neighbors skiing close to the urban St. John's.

If hurtling down a mountain is not your idea of a relaxing vacation, consider a visit to the Ottawa Winterlude, a skate on the Rideau Canal, or visit Vancouver where spring is already budding with the Vancover Cherry Blossom Festival.