Canada gets its very own dictionary

by Jeremy Kressmann on

Canadians have long been quick to declare the differences with their American neighbors to the south. Whether displayed through a particularly fervent love for hockey or by virtue of the country’s publicly-funded healthcare system, there’s numerous if sometimes subtle differences. We can now add one more reason to the list – Canada has its own version of English.

OK, yes…I can hear you saying that “eh” doesn’t quite count as a word. But it turns out Canadian English is much more than that – enough that Canada has its very own dictionary made by publisher Harper Collins. The most recent version of the Canadian Dictionary, released in April 2010, provides an interesting run down of some distinctly Canadian words and phrases.

A few examples can be found here (PDF download). Ever heard of a toque? For those not up on their Canadian lingo, it’s a close-fitting knitted hat often with a tassel or pompom. Or what about a wanigan? As any Canadian worth their salt will tell you, it’s a watertight box or chest used by canoeists or lumberjacks to hold provisions. In honor of the dictionary’s release, Harper Collins is holding a short-story contest. All entries must contain ten Canadian words found on the PDF list mentioned above.

If you’re heading to Canada any time soon, make sure you grab yourself a copy to start practicing your Canadian. As respectful travelers, of course, it’s important we all speak some of the local lingo.

[Via Metafilter]

Daily Pampering: Learn to paint in the Bugaboo Mountains

by Annie Scott on


Canadian Mountain Holidays is offering a special trip from August 31 to September 5, 2010 which combines hiking, helicopters and painting in the astonishing landscape of the Bugaboo Mountains. Just look at the photo. Don’t you want to paint that?

The five-night adventure will include three days helicoptering around the mountains to scenic locations with renowned artist Liz Wiltzen, who also happens to be an experienced mountaineer. Wiltzen will offer any artistic guidance you might need, though once your lungs fill with mountain air and you’re staring at the Bugaboo Spires, glacial lakes and colorful wildflowers, you may not need any help at all.

After your long days of intense landscape immersion, you’ll be comfortably hosted at the luxurious Bugaboo Lodge, where you’ll find gourmet alpine cuisine served family-style and breathtaking views — even from the hot tub.

The highly exclusive trip is limited to just 10 guests at $3,183 per person (based on double occupancy; non-painting spouses can join at a discounted rate). Click here for more information or to book.

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Image via Canadianmountainholidays.com.

Explorers prepare to sail around the North Pole

by Kraig Becker on

In a few weeks time, Norwegian explorers Borge Ousland and Thorleif Thorleifsson will set out on a daring expedition in an attempt to become the first people to sail around the North Pole, a feat that has only become possible in recent years thanks to global climate change. The two men will have to successfully navigate both the Northeast and Northwest Passages if they want to accomplish their goal.

Ousland is a well known polar explorer, who has visited both the North and South Pole by skis in his numerous cold weather adventures. Thorleifsson is more at home on the water, being a very experienced sailor, and will be the captain of the small sailing ship they will use on their voyage.

The plan is to set off on June 21st, and sail for the Northeast Passage, which fully opens up for navigation in August. That route runs through the ice filled waters of the Arctic Ocean north of Russia. Once they have completed that part of the journey, they’ll then take on the Northwest Passage, which runs across the northern region of Canada. At one time, both of these routes we considered unnavigable, but thanks to global warming, the ice now breaks up more fully, allowing ships to pass through.

There are a number of obstacles that Ousland and Thorleifsson will have to face on their journey. For instance, the ice flows will be very unpredictable, and they’ll need to rely on satellite imaging to help find their way. On top of that, they’re using a small ship that is quick and light, but won’t allow them to carry too many supplies with them, and although it has been retrofitted with Kevlar to help protect it against the ice, its hull is none too thick. The two men have also had to deal with Russian bureaucracy, which is never an enjoyable prospect, but a similar expedition was halted last year when the ship didn’t have the proper paperwork to pass through Russian waters.

The journey is expected to take four months to complete, and they’ll be covering roughly 10,000 miles in the process. Once they get underway, you’ll be able to follow along with their progress and adventures on Ousland’s blog, which can be found by clicking here.

[Photo Credit: http://www.ousland.no/]

Photo of the Day (5.30.10)

by Jeremy Kressmann on

Whoa. That was the first thing that came to mind when I looked at Flickr user Bryson Gilbert’s photo of City Hall in Toronto. It’s not just the vertigo-inducing angle – I also love the choice of black and white, which accentuates the curves, shadows and lines of the buildings. It almost looks like the facades of these two structures are the wings of some giant insect, preparing to take flight. Here’s to the photographers that help us to take a second look at familiar landmarks.

Have any great architecture photos you’ve taken during your travels? Why not share them with us by adding them to our Gadling group on Flickr? We might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day (5.23.10)

by Jeremy Kressmann on

Imagine coming across this fearsome Grizzly Bear in the woods. Pretty unnerving, right? Lucky for you, Flickr user mciccone640 got up-close-and-personal with this enormous animal so we don’t have to. The bear’s snarling jaws and immense bulk certainly quickened my pulse and got my blood pumping. What about you?

Have any great wildlife photos from your travels? Why not share them with us at the Gadling group on Flickr? We might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.