CNE Toronto: Air Show, Midway, Ontario Place on Labour Day

Here are some pictures taken on Labour Day, the final day of the annual CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) in Toronto. Labour Day weekend means the annual air show is on, too, so despite the chilly weather and threatening rain, the EX was packed!

Taking the GO Train to Exhibition Place station is likely the easiest way to get there and back. Bonus: You can buy CNE entrance tickets when you buy your train ticket. This lets you avoid the lines when you get to the Ex.

Balancing Act ~ Piling Stones at CNE

Pick up a map at one of the CNE information booths when you enter the grounds. Stop at the International Building, where, among the displays of prize dahlias, summer veggies and more, we came across a fellow doing a series of balanced stones sculptures.

Sand Castles at the Ex ~ Canadian National Exhibition ~ Toronto Ontario

Near the balanced stones were the results of a large sand castle competition. A touch-screen booth asked visitors to vote for their favorite sculptor: Canada, Australia, Italy, America and more. [NB- Restrooms in this building.]

Midway Rides at the CNE

 From sand and stone and a lot of vendor market booths in the International Building, it's back to the Midway with the summer smell of someone frying onions. Lots of games of chance, midway rides, and the usual roasted cobs of corn, cotton candy, ice cream treats, sodas, and more.

Swing High, Sweet Chariot ~ Midway, CNE Rides

 Though not personally a fan of high, fast, swirling rides, I like to stop and watch others tempting fate. What faith one must have to trust life and limb to these ropes, chains and metal bars!

Crossing Lakeshore Road, Toronto

The CNE map showed a nearby pedestrian bridge over Lakeshore Road that leads from the Exhibition grounds (paid entry) to Ontario Place. Stop in the middle and admire the view of the C N Tower.

Ontario Place Toronto ~ Natural Elements Meet Man-Made Theme Park

In honor of its 40th anniversary, Ontario Place was not charging its usual admission fee. Ontario Place is a blend of theme park, water park, natural areas, event venues, theater and walking trails. Well worth a visit!

Small Commuter Train ~ Ontario Place Toronto

 The white globe in the background is the Ontario Place theater -- IMAX. A series of trails, walks and stairs lead throughout the grounds. This small train is great for getting tired legs back to the parking lot or trains at the end of the day.

US Military Show Jets - CNE Air Show Toronto

 The air show runs from just after noon until about 4 p.m. Get a program to see all the planes taking part. Announcers act as emcees, but it can be hard to hear details. This squadron was from the US. The air show finale is reserved for Canada's Snow Birds.

Air Show Toronto Labour Day Weekend CNE - Ontario Place

This Lake Ontario beach that marks the southern edge of Ontario Place is one of the best, free places to take in the air show! This day, the stiff breeze was from the north; this area was totally sheltered by large trees.

Sit on the sand, sit on the large rocks, or bring a lawn chair. Warning: Gazing upward for 4 hours may lead to a stiff neck :-) and it's a little loud when military jets fly past.

Great 180 degree views cannot be beat.  Nearby, there is grandstand seating for a small fee.

Another Must Visit at the CNE is the Food Building, located near the GO Train station. Hundreds of long tables and chairs fill the middle of this huge building; Around the perimeter, vendors sell all manner of foods: Italian, Ukrainian, Polish, Middle Eastern, Mexican -- you name it, it's likely here. Not fine dining: This is domain of paper plates and plastic cutlery.

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Here's a short video of the fellow balancing the rocks:

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Ontario Canada Snow Storm Port Credit Lakeshore and Shawnmarr

I took this picture the day before yesterday, at the Lakeshore Road and Shawnmarr Road intersection in Port Credit (Mississauga Ontario, Canada). Note: No Snow. At all.

Lakeshore and Shawnmarr roads Port Credit

Early this morning, the wind picked up and the snow started blowing.

Lakeshore and Shawnmarr roads Blowing Snow

I took this photo from almost the same location as the first one. (I couldn't tell where the path was under the snow.) By noon, this parking lot was snow covered, and the traffic lights barely visible. Cars driving along Lakeshore eastbound (toward the Port Credit lighthouse) had trouble getting up the hill.

Port Credit Townhouse -- Blowing Snow Makes Snow Drifts

I took this picture outside my front door to show the blowing snow on the rooftops. The winds were gusting up to 60 km per hour (37 mph), and the temperature was about minus 7 C (19 F). When there are high winds and low temps, there's a wind chill: How cold the temperature really feels. The wind chill effectively made the temperature minus 15 C (5 F).

Swans on Lake Ontario Shoreline - Winter Snow Storm

Too cold and windy a snowstorm for these swans, who seemed to be waiting out the storm along the shoreline. I walked through the new snow in Rhododendron Gardens and headed towards the lake to see if the wind was setting up waves, and how large.

Swans Lake Ontario in Winter

The still photos don't do the waves justice, and really, neither does the video. I had my little Canon Powershot A530, and though it's a good little camera and I do treat it roughly, it cannot film as well as a proper camcorder would.

But here you go, for what it's worth -- a Lake Ontario winter snowstorm in Mississauga. By the way, an hour and some minutes after I returned home, my face still has patches of bright red. That's the thing with a good wind chill -- you can get frostbite before you know it.

See Video here if not showing on page.


December 20 2008 - Wonder how the intersection of Shawnmarr and Lakeshore looked today?

Day After the Snow Storm

See more pictures from December 20 2008 - The sun makes it all gorgeous! The snow plows make it easy to get around :-)

Ski Canada Whistler : Whistler Air Airport Transfer New Service from Vancouver (YVR) to Whistler (YWS)

If you're planning a ski trip to Canada's Whistler this winter, there's a new faster, more luxurious limo and charter flight combo service from Whistler Air to transfer you and your group from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) via Pemberton B.C. (airport code CYPS) to the condos and ski hills at Whistler.

Less time on the road means more time on the slopes, is the idea: By shaving about 5 hours (based on round trip travel time only) off the time of a road trip, you can get in a lot more ski time.
Whistler Air already operates seasonal (summer) scheduled service from downtown Vancouver's Coal Harbour (airport code CHX) to Green Lake in Whistler (YWS). The 2009 dates for this existing non-ski-season service are early April 2009 to mid-October 2009.

Laura at Whistler Air sends these details of the new year round executive class airport transfer service:

"The new product that we are launching this year is a private service directly from the Vancouver (YVR) airport, with Whistler as the final destination. It will be offered year round. This service will remove up to 2.5 hours off your transfer time to or from Whistler.

"In winter, flights will land in either Pemberton or Squamish (airport code YSE), depending on the weather. In summer, flights will depart YVR South Terminal and arrive at our Green Lake terminal. We have a new Cessna Caravan with leather interior that will be used specifically for this flight.

"Executive limo service is included in the price (flight, transfers and limo -- $2,100 one way for up to 8 passengers). This is a full service package, and different from a regular charter. A driver will meet the group at the arrivals gate at YVR and assist with luggage to the plane at the South Terminal.

"Upon arrival in Whistler (or Pemberton / Squamish), another driver will be ready to take guests direct to their Whistler accommodation."

"Often times, a couple of families or a group will travel on a ski holiday together. This is ideal for those small groups as the cost of a car rentals and parking at a hotel for a week or 10 days can actually cost a small fortune!"

The Pemberton - Whistler - Squamish area is one of my favourite parts of British Columbia, sited inland from another one of my favorite spots in Canada: B.C.'s Sunshine Coast. I love this mountain country with its fresh, pine-scented air, and the handsome coastline and numerous islands.

By flying to Whistler, on clear days you'll get a priceless bonus: Fabulous views of Howe Sound, the Sunshine Coast mountains and inlets, and the dramatic peaks of Mt. Garibaldi Park.

See Sunshine Coast pictures: (http://www.snapshotjourneys.com/sunshine-coast-bc.html)
and Sechelt BC pictures (http://www.snapshotjourneys.com/sechelt-bc.html)

See www.whistlerair.ca for the fine print on booking and baggage allowances, and for some amazing aerial photos of this part of Canada.

Canada Day Port Credit Memorial Park Pictures

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Update July 1 2010 Canada Day July 1 2010 Events See you there!

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July 1 2009 : Canada Day in Port Credit Sign

The sign is up on Lakeshore Road for this year's Canada Day celebration and fireworks in Port Credit. I'll pop by on the day and take pictures. To see last year's celebration pics, read on!
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July 1 2008
Picture perfect day, weather-wise here in Port Credit this Canada Day! (For info on Mississauga fireworks for tonight see earlier post) (and for info on Jack Darling park see later post) I had headed up to Lakeshore and Wenonah, to catch the cake cutting ceremony slated for noon. From my house, it's 3.3 km (2 miles) according to Google maps; I had really wanted cake to walk so far there and back!

Still setting up for the cake cutting : delayed

Just as I could see some balloons, etc that signalled the end of my quest, I met Ron, the intrepid publisher of the Mississauga News, who was leaving this venue, as, he said, the ceremony, etc had been moved back to 3 p.m. Since it had just gone noon, I couldn't see hanging about for 3 hours either, and missing all the fun back along the Credit River and Lakeshore.

Paint the Town Red - Even the White traffic lines!

I had noticed that the white traffic lines had been given red outlines, and every so often a tiny maple leaf was stenciled in the centre of the white line. From time to time, in the gaps between white lines, a small Canada flag appeared. Now I don't know about you, but I think that this shows great attention to detail. Well done, whoever!!

Memorial Park Port Credit Canada Day 2008

Back at the Credit River and Lakeshore, in Memorial Park, bands were playing, vendors vending and happy revellers reveling! A cool breeze blowing, flags waving, and sunny skies!

The Bouncing castle

Having a great time -- the skateboard park is just behind the castle.

Credit River Views From the Lighthouse in Port Credit

From the observation deck at the landmark Port credit lighthouse, I could see a boat ease its way up the Credit River past Memorial Park and the Canada Day celebrations.

Traffic on Lakeshore Mississauga - Park and Walk

I took this shot also from the lighthouse deck, above the bridge that crosses over the Credit River. Traffic had been heavy all day, and at the time of this photo, it was just past 2 p.m. By now, I had had a good walk around town, with a stop at Scoops for my fave cone, Polar Paws ice cream on a waffle cone.

Scoops, if you haven't guessed, is our local ice cream shop, just a block or so east from here, and the lines were out the door. A short while before, I had a nice chat with a couple who had come from North York and forest Hill - "just out for a drive" - and stopped to join in the fun. Most restaurants are open, or will open for their usual dinner hours, and, as Port Credit is a designated tourist zone, many shops are open as well.

I hope to head back around 9 p.m. to see the fireworks. Happy Canada Day, all!

Mississauga Ontario Rhododendron Park, Forsythia, Azaleas

Update BRG Rhododendron Garden Tour May 2010 Info
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This year (2008), the rhododendrons are still in bud at Mississauga's (Ontario) Rhododendron Gardens. Yesterday, I took these pictures of the forsythia, and what I believe are azaleas. I know azaleas thrive in similar conditions to, and flower around the same time as rhododendrons, as I grew both shrubs in my garden in New Brunswick.
And although the flowers can appear similar to one another (there are just so many varieties of both shrubs), I heard that the simple way to tell the difference is that azalea blossoms come out before their leaves open. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong. Please! Based on that criteria, the pink blooming shrub - trees in the picture should be azaleas.
Forsythia, too, is in full glory at the Rhododendron Gardens, and with the sun shining full upon it at noon, it was so bright, it almost hurt your eyes to look at it. The picture above is taken up the path from Lakeshore Road in Mississauga, at the park entrance at Shawnmarr Road.
The above picture shows some scale, as daughter Jen stops to let me take a photo. In this view, I am facing towards Lake Ontario, the opposite way as the first photo. Early spring wedding parties looking for photo locations should be aware that, although the spring blooms are lovely, the air is very chilly still here in Port Credit and a brisk wind has been blowing off the lake most days.
I did take a close up of one of the blossoms of this tree - shrub above, but a gust of wind shifted the focus, so it didn't turn out. The rhododendrons are in full bud, and one variety may have been in bloom. Most of them seem to be a few weeks from opening, so I'll check again every few days.

It would be most helpful if the City of Mississauga Parks and Rec put identifying labels on all the plants in the gardens. This park is a fine example of one of the last remnants of Carolinian forest in Ontario, and many of us have not seen Carolinian plants (see Carolinian forestbooks).

For my rhododendron pictures (and links to Mississauga parks) from last spring, see Rhododendron Park in Mississauga.
Learn more about rhododendrons from books about rhododendrons.

UPDATE: Rhododendron Garden Tour

Port Credit Crooked Cue and Harp Pub

The Port Credit area of Mississauga (Ontario, Canada) has dozens of restaurants and a more than a few pubs, prompting one resident to label it: 'Port Credit - The Drinking Village with a Sailing Problem!'

The Crooked Cue (picture below) illustrates both sides of Port Credit -- a popular restaurant sports bar combo on Lakeshore Road, just steps from the marina on the Credit River and the Lighthouse.
We went to The Crooked Cue for a birthday dinner pub crawl one Saturday night. I, for one, was pleasantly surprised by the good food and lively, 'normal' atmosphere -- meaning it wasn't an Athletic-Supporter-Only club. Though there are several pool tables and a number of well-placed large screen televisions tuned to sports channels, they don't dominate the restaurant, and there's a good mix of clientele. Oddly enough, I'd not before been tempted inside, being slightly put off by the name: I imagined I'd find a rough crowd of large men swilling beer and shooting pool. (Turns out they're not all large, and didn't look rough!) The Crooked Cue is a lot more upscale than my imagination led me to believe.

And for those of you looking for a Sunday Brunch, The Crooked Cue sign advertises brunch every day of the week, so go nuts!.

Almost next door to The Crooked Cue is The Harp Restaurant and Pub, another popular spot to meet friends or drop by and see who's around. The Harp, I confess, I've been to several (ahem) times, as I am addicted to the grilled chicken wings they serve. Oh, the beer is good, too!

Update May 16, 2008
Here's a newer picture of the Harp. Next door is River Coyote, an art gallery.

Port Credit really comes into its own in the summertime, so plan now to come out for the 2008 edition of the Waterfront Festival. This year, it kicks off on Friday the thirteenth and goes until Sunday afternoon / early evening. All the action is a short walk from the Port Credit GO station, so you don't even have to drive from Toronto.