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 Take in the beauty of nature and the Magic of Lanterns display at the Montreal Botanical Garden. (Shutterstock) |
The story of the North West Company, which played a dramatic role in Canada's economic, social and political development, is being told in an exciting new year-long exhibition which opened this month at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Que.
PROFIT AND AMBITION
The Canadian Fur Trade, 1779-1821 profiles the extraordinary consortium of Montreal entrepreneurs, Scottish explorers, French-Canadian voyageurs, Metis bison hunters, Aboriginal trappers andcountry wives. Together, they created a commercial empire, opened new routes across the continent and laid the groundwork for the Canada we know today.
The exhibition traces the fierce rivalry between the Montrdal-based consortium and the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), headquartered in London, England. It also tells the story of some of the towering figures of Western Canadian exploration, such as Simon Fraser, David Thompson and Peter Pond.
About 250 artifacts and works of art are on display including an inscribed whale's tooth commemorating the deadly 1816 Battle of Seven Oaks, and a very rare first edition of explorer Alexander Mackenzie's published journal, which has been restored by the museum. Also of note are paintings by English woman Frances Anne Hopkins, who travelled by voyageur canoe in the mid-1800s, recording iconic scenes of the fur trade.
From Oct. 10-12, as part of public programming, you can watch as Anishnaabe craftsmen make a toboggan, snowshoes and a canoe with traditional tools, and hear yarns of the fur trade and listen to music of the voyageurs performed by folk musician Michel-Andre Vallieres.
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The exhibit runs to Sept. 12, 2010. See civilisations.ca.
Other travel highlights:
MONTREAL LANTERN DISPLAY
Chinese Astronomy is the theme of the 17th edition of the Magic of Lanterns display on now through Nov. 1 at the Montreal Botanical Garden. Seven hundred lanterns have been installed including many themed lanterns inspired by classic images from Chinese astronomy and instruments from the Beijing Ancient Observatory. This year's theme was chosen to coincide with the International Year of Astronomy.
This spring, the Magic of Lanterns won the Ulysses Trophy from Tourisme Montreal in the tourist attractions with 100,000 visitors category, and the Gold medal in the Grands Prix du tourisme Quebecois, for the quality of the visitor experience, the event's international reputation and the improvements made to the lanterns' energy efficiency. Check 2.ville.montreal.qc.ca.
FALL OFF THE BEATEN PATH
For most travellers, seeing fall colours usually means getting in the car and going for a drive. In New Hampshire, there are many other options, which include taking a train, gondola or boat cruise.
Enjoy autumn on Lake Winnipesaukee on a Fall Foliage dinner cruise aboard M/S Mount Washington. Cruises run from Sept. 27 to mid-October 4:30 to 7 p.m. each Sunday for $43 per adult, children $23 or a family pass for $109. Check cruisenh.com or call 888-843-6686.
Rail options include the Hobo Scenic Railroad in Lincoln; the Conway Scenic Railroad in Conway, and the Cog Railway that chugs up Mount Washington from its base in Bretton Woods.
For a bird's eye view, consider the Loon Mountain Gondola in Lincoln; the Wildcat Mountain Gondola in Jackson, and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway in Franconia. Visit whitemountains.com or call 603-745-8720.
ROCHESTER RIVER ROMANCE
Twenty kilometres of fun and more than 40 free activities await visitors during the Rochester River Romance Weekend, which celebrates the Genesee River Oct. 9-11. The river runs from Lake Ontario to the famous Frederick Law Olmsted-designed, Genesee Valley Park. Along with fall colours, it's a great time to explore the city's newest riverfront district, Brooks Landing, take a haunted gorge tour, fish for salmon below the Lower Falls, or climb the tower of an 1822 vintage lighthouse. Couples may want to renew their vows on the Pont de Rennes Bridge in High Falls Historic District or take a romantic cruise on the Mary Jemison or the paddle-wheeled Harbor town Belle.
Pick up a copy of the River Romance Passport for discounts at local restaurants and businesses. For a full schedule, visit cityofrochester.gov.
KOREA FOR CANADIANS
The Korea Tourism Organization has launched a new website geared to Canadian travellers. VisitKorea.ca offers a one-stop-shop for a range of travel information including deals, annual festivals, and the "must tries" of Korean Cuisine.
There's also a Top 10 list of things to do in Korea -- which includes a city tour of Seoul, a temple stay, Jeju Island, the Korean Folk Village, Gyeongju City, and palaces in downtown Seoul. Plus, check the contest links for a chance to win a trip to Korea. The organization can also be reached at 1-800-TOUR KOREA (868-7567) or 416-348-9056.
WRITER@INTERLOG.COM