The farthest north I have traveled is Churchill, Manitoba, which is considered the “Polar Bear Capital Of The World.” Churchill is in the southern part of the Arctic Circle. It was an amazing journey to a remote part of the world. Even more remote is the North Pole. Based on how challenging it was getting to Churchill, Manitoba, I could only imagine how much more difficult it is to safely reach the North Pole.

In the past few hundred years, many adventurers and explorers have tried to reach the North Pole and failed miserably. Ships were often beset in ice and shipmates freeze to death in the arctic climate.

Your chances of bumping into an artist are probably higher in West Bolton, Quebec than anywhere else in Canada.

The tiny community in Quebec’s scenic Eastern Townships is the only municipality in the country with over 10 per cent of its labour force engaged in arts occupations, according to a new study by Hill Strategies Research.

To be precise, 45 members of its 430-strong work force (or 10.47 per cent) work in the arts, putting West Bolton ahead of Cape Dorset, Nunavut, (9.47 per cent) in second place and British Columbia’s Denman and Hornby Islands (9.17 per cent per cent) in third.

Like many others, I enjoy many styles of music. I especially like classical music. In fact, it is one of my favourite types of music. To me, it is music that will always stand the test of time.

I have never been to Poland, but I imagine the celebrations to honour Frederic Chopin are top notch.

The stirring strains of Frederic Chopin’s music are reverberating across the world as music lovers celebrate the composer’s 200th birthday this year – from the chateau of his French lover to Egypt’s pyramids and even into space.

I have never taken part in a marathon, nor have I given the thought of running a marathon much thought at all. I have participated in five and ten kilometer run/walk events to raise money for good causes, such as MADD Canada (Mother’s Against Drunk Driving) and Autism awareness. I am always glad to participate, but I have learned I will be somewhat tired and sore the next day. That is fine though. I cannot begin to know the amount of training it takes to participate in a full marathon. Hopefully, the decision regarding the two marathons in Toronto, Ontario will benefit those who plan to run or walk in either, or perhaps both, of these events.

For those attending this annual event, please remember to bring your passports. Bon voyage!

The 49th annual Canadian-American Days, featuring a variety of events and special offers available to Canadian visitors, will take place March 13-21, 2010 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The festival, which takes place along the 100-kilometer beach strip known as the Grand Strand, draws as many as 100,000 Canadian visitors each year, say tourism officials. Events include concerts and a Canada vs. U.S.A. golf tournament, while discounts are offered to area attractions.

I have never been to Italy, but it comes across to me as a spectacular country to visit. This spring, millions of Christians from all over the world will travel to Italy for a once in a lifetime spiritual event. It is a true statement to the power of Christianity that millions of people will travel to Italy specifically for an event that will last only a few moments.

Officials say more than one million people have already reserved a place to see the Shroud of Turin when it goes on display in the northern Italian city for the first time in 10 years.

As a proud native of Canada, I have long appreciated, among other things, my country’s spectacular beauty and large variety of awesome cuisine. Like other countries, the many regions of Canada have their own traditional specialty foods. I am from northeastern Ontario where bannock is popular. My friends in Quebec love poutine and toutiere, while another friend in Manitoba insists jambusters and perogies are worth writing home about.

Visitors at the 2010 winter Olympics have the option to try many types of foods from Canada and the world as numerous pavilions feature the country’s regional cuisine, while ethnic restaurants offer international fare.

The last time I visited Vancouver, British Columbia was about six years ago. I am from northeastern Ontario, so it was exciting getting to travel out the western part of Canada. While I will not be in Vancouver during the Olympics, I have fond memories of visiting a lot of locations that cater to tourists. I also was fortunate enough to have time to visit smaller communities around Vancouver. Of course, I visited during a much quieter time than what the situation will be during the Olympic games. I have never been to an Olympic event, but I would imagine it is an overwhelming experience for many people, especially those who are not from the area.

Cape May County, at the southern tip of New Jersey, has put out the welcome mat for Quebecers for decades.

“Many in the Quebec market are very, very loyal to us,” says Diane Wieland, Cape May’s director of tourism. “They come for the warm ocean beaches.”

The county has carried out various marketing efforts in the province – it opened an office in Montreal 40 years ago – but lately “we’ve really stepped it up,” says Wieland.

She cites, for example, a “Passport to Savings” coupon booklet that has been translated into French, offering discounts at hotels, restaurants and retail locations.