The Biggest Tourist Attractions Across Canada

The annual Search for Miss Teen Canada World is the only teen beauty pageant in North America to focus any attention on developing the young minds and intellects of the teenage Delegates. The 2013 pageant was no exception.

This year, as they have done every year in the past,  the organization assigns each participant a region specific WordPress blog. The teens must maintain this portal for one year. Each Miss Teen represents her area of Canada, and has a URL that bears the name of the City or region in which she lives. Each girl writes about her life for a year, and leaves a record of herself here as she documents her time as Miss Teen regional titleholder. You can see many of the Miss Teens in this piece about the 2013 Hunt for Prizes in the Distillery District Blog, sponsored by Niagara Falls which outlines the fun they had on July 18th finding vouchers and gift certificates from local businesses.

Blogging is part of each girl’s quest for the crown. Each teen delegate uses her blog platform to record all manner of things relating to her public appearances, and her fundraising for Free the Children, and other travels and charity work.  There are bonus points assigned for personal flare; each girl is expected to bring a little bit of her self to the experience and hopefully make-over her portal with her own colourful personality. Sometimes that includes sports appearances, equestrian competitions, or figure skating. Other common topics include modeling tips, recipes and trips, friends and special occasions.  Each remarkable young author is graded on her ability to communicate in the WordPress blog portal – a valuable life skill that is highly coveted by corporations seeking youthful community managers.

The average blog score this year was 8.8 out of 10, which was higher than ever before simply because the Regional Delegates are getting better – they’re better bloggers this year.  The participants required less training and seemed to take more pride in their work and passion to be the best.  Blogging requires a certain dedication

The Pageant Director conducts provincial matches in a bid to source sixty or seventy Regional Delegates which, as part of their duties, maintain a WordPress blog in the Miss Teen Canada Blog Network. This is an active association of like minded charitable teens who strive to be their own kind of beautiful.

The network administrators set up the three blog assignments and the second one was sponsored by Niagara Falls, Skylon Tower

The first assignment asked the teens to write about the greenest buildings in their hometown.

The second assignment asked teens to year to list premier man-made tourist attractions in their cities, towns or regions; the quest was sponsored by Niagara Falls restaurants, Skylon Tower and the resulting compilation created a database of premier tourist destinations across Canada.

Have a look at all this amazing long list of premier travel ideas,

Miss Teen Southern British Columbia – World informs us that  Rattlesnake Canyon is Canada’s only desert and its found in the Rocky Mountain province of British Columbia.

Miss Teen Northern British Columbia – World writes about how Mount Robson Provincial Park in Northern BC Wonderland for her readers.

Miss Teen Surrey – World asks  Is Cresent Beach the Secret Gem in Surrey BC.

Miss Teen Okanagan – World outlines the finer points of Mission Hill Winery in Okanagan Valley BC.

Miss Teen Prince George – World describes how the small town of Barkerville as a Gold Rush Town in British Columbia. She writes “During the Cariboo Gold Rush thousands of men flocked to the Cariboo region in search of gold. Everyone the world over had caught gold fever! In 1858 rumours caused failed miners in California to pack up and head to the vast lands in Canada. In 1861, Billy Barker struck gold on William’s Creek. The town of Barkerville appeared almost overnight! At the peak of the Gold Rush, Barkerville had over 10,000 people who occupied the small mining town”

Miss Teen Vancouver Island – World details about the Blackberries and Pretty Birds in Butchart Gardens.

Miss Teen Burnaby – World describes the famous Burnaby BC Village Museum Carousel and outlines why its so special.

Miss Teen South Western British Columbia – World lists her favourite Southwestern BC Tourist Attractions .

Miss Teen Southern Alberta – World describes the best Southern Alberta tourist attractions.

Miss Teen LacLabiche – World shares 11lb out doors.

Miss Teen Airdrie – World tells her readers about the top five places in Airdrie Alberta.

Miss Teen Central Alberta – World asks her readers to Come one, come all to the West Edmonton Mall in her blog.

Miss Teen Edmonton – World makes a lovely post showing Memorable Places in Alberta.

Miss Teen Northern Alberta – World explains why Falherab is the Honey Capital of Canada.

Miss Teen West Calgary – World writes about the foremost tourist attraction in her city, the Calgary Stampede.

Miss Teen Frasier Valley – World creates content describing Cultus Lake, A Land Of Adventure For All in her river region of the Province.

Miss Teen Vancouver – World horses around in Southlands Equestrian Centre, a Vancouver Tourist Attraction for horse lovers.

 

Miss Teen Richmond – World describes how Stevenson is a Historic Fishing Village in British Columbia.

Miss Teen Port Coquitlam – World creates content on the many Port Coquitlam BC tourist attractions.

 

Miss Teen New Brunswick – World writes about her favourite Historic Getaway in an Acadian Village.

Miss Teen Nova Scotia – World writes about Great Melmerby Beach in Nova Scotia.

Miss Teen South Central Ontario – World describes how Bala Muskoka is a True Canadian Tourist Attraction.

Miss Teen South Western Ontario – World chose to tell her readers about The Annual Mt Forest Fireworks Festival.

Miss Teen Southern Ontario – World blogs about the many waterfalls in Hamilton Ontario

Miss Teen Ontario – World chronicles how Canada’s Wonderland is a Sight To Experience.

Miss Teen Bruce County – World briefs us on Sauble Beach in Bruce County Ontario.

Miss Teen Toronto – World tells us about The CN Tower in Toronto.

Miss Teen Hearst – World hunkers down a describes Tourism in Hearst Ontario on her blog.

Miss Teen Sudbury – World elucidates all Sudbury Tourist Attractions.

Miss Teen Wellington – World made a great piece about The McCrae House in Guelph Ontario.

Miss Teen York Region – World serenades us about Stargazing at the David Dunlop Observatory in York Region on her blog.

Miss Teen Simcoe County – World writes on how Wasaga Beach is the premier tourist attraction in Simcoe Ontario

Miss Teen Lanark County – World talks about friendly Tourism in Lanark County Ontario.

Miss Teen Timmins – World tells us about the annual Summer Concert Series in Timmins Ontario

Miss Teen Essex County – World pontificates about Point Pelee National Park in Leamington Ontario in her blog.

Miss Teen Thunder Bay – World illustrates Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay Ontario with wonderful original images in her blog.

Miss Teen Hamilton – World heralds how her hometown of Hamilton is the City of Waterfalls.

Miss Teen Espanola – World shows how Espanola is the Gateway Town to Manitoulin Island Ontario

Miss Teen Chatham Kent – World writes about the Greenview Aviaries Park Zoo in her region of Ontario.

Miss Teen Algoma District – World writes about her favourite Hometown Tourist Attractions.

Miss Teen Eastern Ontario – World writes about how the Wilderness Tours are a Big Splash in Ottawa Valley.

Miss Teen Ottawa – World lists the Most Colourful Tourist Attractions in Ottawa Ontario

Miss Teen Vaughan – World writes about Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan Ontario.

Miss Teen Grey County – World generates goodness in a great story about Taking A Walk Around A Prime Minister’s Old House.

Miss Teen Niagara Region – World actually narrated a piece on Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, Canada which was the project sponsor; very smart move Mackenzie and a great post!

Miss Teen Central Manitoba – World handcrafts a nice piece of journalism describing the Threshermans Reunion in Austin Museum in her hometown.

Miss Teen Winnipeg – World, the Delegate who wears the sash and crown of this Prairie city writes about the Fesitival Du Voyageur on her blog portal.

Miss Teen Brandon – World briefs readers on the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum Brandon Manitoba.

Miss Teen Eastern Manitoba – World graces readers with content about Grand Beach in Eastern Manitoba.

Miss Teen Manitoba – World tiptoes around The Forks on her blog.

Miss Teen Regina – World writes about the Mosiac Stadium in Regina Saskatchewan, a premier tourist attraction in the biggest city in this prairie province.

Miss Teen South Central Saskatchewan – World describes the Dream a Little Dream Spa in South Saskatchewan.

Miss Teen Saskatchewan – World wrote about Saskatchewan Hotspots and Saskatoon Festivals in her blog.

Miss Teen Regina – World Regina Tourist Attractions

Miss Teen Western Saskatchewan – World World Championship Bunnock Tournament in her content portal.

Miss Teen Weyburn – World Biggest Tour Attraction in Weyburn Saskatchewan

Miss Teen Eastern Saskatchewan – World details the Best Tourist Attractions in Eastern Saskatchewan and its great stuff.

Distillery District, Cafe Uno Art on Display

Cafe Uno and Restaurant in the Distillery District

I like to frequent Cafe Uno because they are one of the casual places with good prices and food in the Distillery.  I noticed one day they were hanging a local artists paintings.  A friend explained to friendly management that I was an artist/painter too.  I shied away about talking or bringing my art work in to show.   However, I was fortunate they checked out my website and told me they would hang my art work when the current Artist took his down.  I was excited.  I had a chance to exhibit in one of my favourite areas, the Distillery District.  It’s not a lot of hanging space because of the walls.  Well, not exactly the walls because they have rules about drilling holes into heritage buildings, so I had some beams and windows to hang my art work on.  I decided on displaying five of my pieces.   My painting style is all over the place but I have been adding computer parts into my paintings and decided to go with my recycled techno series.

Putting a Price on Your Paintings

When I step into my studio space in my spare time, I try to clear my mind of any thoughts of selling my art work.  Fortunately, I actually have a full time job to pay the bills.  I don`t create my art work with the purpose to sell.  However, if I can make money from one of my artistic creations I am on cloud nine.  Exhibiting my art work in public is a great opportunity to gain exposure and gain more confidence.  I know if I want to sell my art rather than accumulate only on the walls of my home, I need to expand my opportunities.

The difficulty can be found in placing a realistic and reasonable price on paintings.  A challenging task for many but necessary.   I factor in the cost of supplies, time and effort I put into my art work. I also consider how difficult it would be to replicate.  Some art might not have taken a long time to paint necessarily but the pieces that were included and found would be difficult to replace.

I have undervalued my art work in the past, and had my art work sell quickly.  However with the temporary excitement came also the regrets. Some of my art pieces might not look like there is a lot of time invested but taking apart the computers was very time consuming and physically demanding. Some of my objects that have been added to my painting collages are very unique. I have also over valued my art work and had interested buyers who were not willing to meet me at my selected high price.  I learned from this mistake as well.  Now, I take into consideration my emotional attachment to the piece as well.

Painting And Photography Mixing Together for More Exposure

While I was installing my paintings on the walls I was pleasantly surprised by the patrons of the cafe and their reactions.  As soon as I put the art work on display they were taking photos. It brought on a mixed set of emotions.  I was grateful for the opportunity to display my art work. However, many artists forget to consider what they might be giving to the viewers with their public displays and the aesthetic appeal to the establishments . We tend to only think of what we might or might not gain by such an action. As I noticed people taking photos of my paintings I was aware of the reciprocal gift giving. I realized that I want to add more of my personal business storytelling to my art displays.  If I want to sell paintings it’s helpful to develop my personal brand more and connect with my viewers.  I want to open up with background stories on each painting.  They may be personal but sharing can help connect with viewers turning them into potential buyers.
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History Tour in The Distillery District Toronto

Distillery District Anti Freeze Can Production

If you a are a history lover such as myself walk around the Distillery District with your camera and reading glasses.  In Building 58 in the Distillery District has a museum type of display in the entrance.   Many artifacts are displayed in the buildings throughout the distillery area. Read the information tablets with the displays and you might actually learn something new.   A new piece I learned was Gooderham and Worts were into the anti-freeze production, not only alcohol. It was brought on by the automobile age and prohibition era.

Gooderham and Worts

Not only was alcohol a big business in the Distillery District, but anti-freeze had become a big business at Gooderham and Worts by 1938 too.   G &W published advertisements about its’ alcohol industry to promote it’s industrial alcohol operation.   Anti-freeze probably constituted the single largest use of alcohol in Canada at this time.  The production consisted of Hot-Shot, Maple Leaf, Jack Frost, and Bulldog.  They were all produced and canned upstairs in the Cannery of Gooderham and Worts in Toronto.   What a transformation has taken place today.

1940’s Toronto Distillery Workers

In the 1940’s, the distillery workers didn’t have it all that  easy. Apparently  they were still manually attaching lids to antifreeze containers by pressing down on the long handles of  “hand caners” or “crimpers”.  The tedious manual work this must have been.  Carpal Tunnel syndrome was probably common.   Just viewing the photos of this time take me to an era I am not that familiar with except for movies, and make me think, what kind of process manufacturing and lean manufacturing are in place now?   There have been a lot changes since the then.

In the Distillery District in Toronto you can see artifacts such as the anti-freeze gear pump 1910 model of Sylvanus Freelove Bowser’s revolutionary self-measuring pump and storage system that was located on the ground floor of the Cannery with out a museum  cover charge.   The pump is now located in Building 58 on display. This was employed to pump and precisely measure industrial alcohol bound for canning.  Art History lovers should explore the distillery district to see what little treasures are displayed.

Behind the Scenes of Warehouse 13 in Toronto

Secret Warehouse 13 In South Dakota

Last Tuesday was a busy day in the streets of the Distillery District in Toronto.    There were film crews everywhere and it was like being transformed into a different time in history.   I couldn’t help but notice the clock in the square had a different face, and a time that was obviously not correct.    This was the set of a new television show called Warehouse 13.    The show was in the filming of season 3 already.   Warehouse 13 is an American fantasy television series that premiered July 7 2009 on the SyFy network.  It had the third largest debut to date, garnering 3.5 million viewers.  It’s about a coupld of US Secret Service Agents who are assigned to the government secret warehouse 13 in South Dakota which houses supernatural artifacts.  Warehouse 13 received it’s first ever Emmy nomination in 2010.   As I walked the streets of the Distillery and explored the t.v. set and some of it’s props  I realized that this SyFy show has transferred my state of being into another era of time.  I want to find out more about this mysterious relics and strange artifacts.

Acting in the Distillery District in Toronto

Fortunately I found the location manager working with the film crew and he kindly gave us a bit of a tour during his busy work schedule.   My friend and I went to the background holding area where they were doing period costumes and makeup for the actor’s and actresses.   Wow, I did feel like I was in a time warp now.   We began to chat with one of the extra actors.  It seemed rather strange to see him wearing his period attire and holding a cell phone.  This did seem like I was in a science fiction story now.

I found out he was from Russia and an artist.  This background extra work allowed him to continue with his art and make some money doing film.  I am sure the film experience offered him some inspiration and resourceful tools from time to time as well.  This isn’t that uncommon, many artists hold down several jobs to pay the bills.  Standing beside him you can see the amazing time differential.  The costume designers and makeup artists did an excellent job.  It was hard to believe that I was chatting with one of my contemporaries and not a historical figure that I met in a time machine exploration. 

SyFy Network Television Series

Well, after my brief period back in time I realized that I had to get back to the modern day world and get some work done.   Life is lived at a much faster pace these days.   I took my  last look at the horse and buggy and the people dressed in late 1800 period attire.   I think it`s great to be able to be taken back into time if only for a short period of time.   I went to Balzac`s and got my organic hot chocolate and was also grateful to be living in a world of technology.   This SyFy network television series executive produced by Jack Kenny and David Simkins intrigued me.  The transformational quality of  artifacts and relics that allow us to bridge the past to the present.    I would have to view this American fantasy show sometime and see if it could transfer my reality briefly again.
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The Young Centre for the Performing Arts

Toronto’s Distillery District Arts Community

Last week in the Distillery we had  the return of winter even though we had the arrival of  the spring like weather conditions.   Officially as of March 20, 2011 spring had arrived. However, the weather conditions were not in agreement.  Unfortunately, it was a little quiet for business owners in the Distillery last  Thursday so I walked down Mill Street and took a turn towards the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. The snow flurries were definitely blowing in my direction. I pushed on against the western directed wind flurries determined to find a story. My friend quickly ran up ahead to bolster himself from the unexpected cold wind on his ears.

I chuckled to myself while thinking he was not prepared for this venture.  He definitely should have worn a hat.  Fortunately, I could endure more of the flurries. I took my time walking the streets of the Distillery District appreciating our harsh Canadian winter weather and reveled in it’s unbelievable beauty.

Atrium Cafe/Bar at the Young Centre

Despite the cold weather  I experienced a warm friendly environment when I entered the Young Centre for the Performing Arts doors. It was  worth the efforts of bundling up and going outdoor to find. There were other adventurous people inside enjoying the warm fare of the new cafe situated in the building. I noticed the gorgeous and well lit Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Atrium has a full time cafe/bar that offers delicious food and beverages. I enjoy finding new spaces that hold lots of character and charm. I could feel the creative vibe as I entered the atrium. This is a location I will definitely store in my memory bank for future meeting places. I visualized meeting a friend or colleague here. The appeal of the space also invites a visit with a sketch book, camera, journal or laptop to enjoy a drink while sitting with character and charm.  A good place to get the creative juices flowing.

George Brown College and Soulpepper Theatre Make a Home

The Young Centre staff also gave me plenty of information on the programming and theatres.  I had only ventured into the atrium and did not have tickets to see any performances. I envisioned a lot more exciting artistic inspiration in this venue. The Young Centre for the Performing Arts is the home of George Brown College and Soulpepper Theatre Company. It is obvious that Toronto’s art community is alive in this historical heritage building.  Soulpepper has a year around classical repertory as well as George Brown College’s Theatre School and other leading artists and arts organizations across all performance disciplines. In the fall of 2008, the Young Centre launched an exciting programming involving four major streams of activity. Festivals, presentations, incubation and outreach are a part of this slate of programming. There are twelve Resident Artists who lead the programming in music, theatre, dance and spoken word with all the collaborative possibilities in between. The space offers flexible venues with it’s different stage configurations. They consist of the proscenium, thrust and arena staging. A performance artist dream.   I admire this major investment in the future of this Toronto community and hope others do as well.

paper SERIES presented by the Cahoots Theatre Company

I was impressed with the amount of performances taken place at the Young Centre. It seems like there is always an artistic  performance to  experience here. The theatre loving staff pointed out to me that The Cahoots Theatre Company in association with The Young Centre for the Performing Arts is currently presenting paper Series by David Yee March 18 until April 9, 2011. It is directed by Nina Lee Aquino. The paper Series is a collection of six short plays that explore how society uses paper to create, amuse, define, and communicate. It sounds very exciting and profound. It is comprised of stories involving: fortune cookies, an origami crane, counterfeiters, orphans with paper cut-out dolls, and a Dear John letter. All very intriguing subjects worth venturing out in the unexpected spring Canadian weather to witness and enjoy. I might have to find a way to buy tickets.