Pompeii: In the Shadow of the Volcano in final week at the ROM

ROM photo

TORONTO  - Pompeii: In the Shadow of the Volcano is in its final week at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). After six crowd-pleasing months, Pompeii closes Sunday, January 3, 2016.
 
Since its explosive opening in June 2015, more than 200,000 visitors (as of November 23) have experienced the exhibition’s dramatic story of an ancient city captured in time.

Pompeii features approximately 200 artifacts with several objects never before travelling outside Italy. These include several new copies of casts of those who perished in Pompeii, created using state-of-the-art 3-D technology.

It was a white polar bear Christmas at the Toronto Zoo

We may not have a white Christmas here in Toronto, but we have a white Christmas here at the Toronto Zoo.

 

Our polar bear cub is now six weeks old and weighs 2.1 kg. Her eyes are now fully open, her nose and foot pads are now black and she is teething. Her ears are also fully open and she is able to hear. She now eats seven times a day, and still enjoys exercise or "play" time after each feed.

CLICK HERE and you can hear her "trilling", the sound of a very content bear.

 

This is still an extremely critical time for this tiny cub and Zoo staff are providing 24/7 care. Please note, the polar bear cub is not visible to the public.

 

CLICK HERE for more information on the Toronto Zoo's involvement in polar bear conservation.  

Ringing in the New Year 2016 across Ontario; party on

   One-Tank Trip for Dec. 26/15

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Welcome 2016 at New Year’s Eve free outdoor parties as the countdown to midnight begins.

   Some of the fun gatherings are in Niagara Falls, Toronto, Kitchener and London.

   Canadian rock legend Tom Cochrane and Red Ryder will headline what is billed as “Canada’s largest New Year’s Eve bash” at Queen Victoria Park in Niagara Falls.

The Winter Festival of Lights continues through New Year’s Eve in Niagara. (Ontario Tourism)

   The party begins at 8 p.m. overlooking the falls that each year attracts about 50,000 people.

   It features two countdowns with fireworks – one for the youngsters at 8:45 p.m. and the other for the party hearty at the stroke of midnight.

   Event organizers say Niagara Falls is the “place to be” on New Year’s Eve as the entire tourism district comes alive.

   There’s great music in the park, family fun at Clifton Hill’s World Famous Street, gaming at Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara, along with a variety of restaurants and hotels.

It's Christmas showtime

   One-Tank Trip for Dec. 12/15

   (c) By Jim Fox

   The curtain is rising on holiday shows including Cinderella, Disney-On-Ice, White Christmas, Aladdin, the Nutcracker, Casa Loma magic and Peter Pan.

   Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, the award-winning Broadway musical, offers a contemporary take on the classic tale.

A contemporary take on Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic Cinderella is at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. (Photo by Carol Rosegg)

   This “lush production” at the Ed Mirvish Theatre (244 Victoria St.) in Toronto now through Jan. 10 features the pumpkin, glass slipper, masked ball and “some surprising new twists.”

   Publicists call it a “hilarious and romantic Broadway experience,” with an orchestra performing the show’s classic music.

   The Phantom of the Opera is at Mirvish’s Princess of Wales Theatre (300 King St. W.) now through Jan. 23.

   This is Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical success on a new North American tour.

   Called “bigger and better than ever before,” it has new special effects, scenic and lighting designs, staging and choreography. Details: mirvish.com; 1-800-461-3333

   Holiday on ice

   Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream, bringing Disney’s princess stories and fairy tales to the ice in Feld Entertainment’s production at Toronto’s Rogers Centre from Dec. 18 to 27.

   The ice spectacular featuring scenes from Tangled, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella and the Princess and the Frog, has 17 performances.

Art of the Christmas card and seasonal Victorian events

   One-Tank Trip for Dec. 5/15

   (c) By Jim Fox

   The “holiday season” is a time for reflection with numerous ways to step back in time to remember those cherished days of yesteryear.

   Remember when sending and receiving Christmas cards was a holiday tradition, with strings of the greetings adorning living room ceilings?

   Sending cards now is somewhat out of vogue with the advent of Facebook, texting and $1 postage stamps.

A.Y. Jackson designed this Christmas card and is among those on display. (McMichael Canadian Art Collection)

   The McMichael Canadian Art Collection notes that cards were “widely recognized as a form of gift giving and spreading holiday cheer, combining inspirational imagery with heartfelt messages.”

   They were works of art and the gallery in Kleinburg, north of Toronto, is showcasing ones designed by Canadian artists of the mid-20th century.

Canadian rockers Kim Mitchell and David Wilcox to co-headline at Casino Rama Resort

Comedy, Country and Classic Rock Highlight the March 2016 line-up

RAMA, ON – Casino Rama Resort is one of Ontario’s premier entertainment destinations hosting concerts & events by some of the biggest names on the charts.

 

Kim Mitchell

The tradition of presenting unmatched entertainment continues this spring with the announcement of the March 2016 schedule.

Highlights include a co-headlined show by Canadian rockers Kim Mitchell & David Wilcox, a magical night with Canadian illusionist Darcy Oake the winner of “Britain’s Got Talent”, as well as a night of laughs with the new host of “The Daily Show”, Trevor Noah.

Fans are invited to visit the Casino Rama Resort Facebook page to gain access to an exclusive pre-sale, along with a chance to beat the box office to win a pair of tickets to the show of their choice!

The just announced additions to the 2016 concert line-up at the award-wining Casino Rama Entertainment Centre include performances by:

LeAnn Rimes

Friday, March 4

SHOWTIME: 9 PM, DOORS OPEN: 8 PM

“Can’t Fight the Moonlight”, “How Do I live” & “Blue

Tickets are $30/$40/$55”.

Toronto Zoo giant panda cubs update Week 8

TORONTO, ON, Wednesday, December 9, 2015: The giant panda cubs' eyes are now partially open! This milestone can take place anywhere between six to eight weeks of age.

They are sensitive to both light and dark, but do not have any resolution yet. Not only are their eyes opening, but their vocalizations are becoming stronger each day, developing from what once was a quiet squeak to what can now be described as a stronger squawk.

Both cubs continue to grow, with their last weights both being over 2,000 grams and they average 48 centimetres in length from the tip of their head to tip of the tail!

Explore, create and experience the spirit of the holiday season at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection

(News Release)

Kleinburg, ON – Looking for some fun and festive activities this holiday season?

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection welcomes you to view a rare display of Christmas cards by some of Canada’s most loved artists in the exhibition This House Was Made for Christmas, on until January 31, 2016, and enjoy special seasonal programming for all ages.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the gallery’s founders, Robert and Signe McMichael, celebrated Christmas with a welcoming spirit, inviting neighbours into their home to enjoy their collection of Canadian art.

Now you can experience this warmth and the celebration of Christmas the McMichael way. The McMichael Founders’ Lounge is transformed for the holidays with Christmas trees, vintage ornaments and toys from the era of the McMichaels’ first Christmases in their home.

   This Christmas card was designed by A.J. Casson in 1927.  (McMichael Canadian Art Collection)

Programs include:

The Toronto Zoo is the place to be on Boxing Day

NEW Toronto Zoo Treats and Talks

 

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Zoo Hours: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

 Event Hours: 11:00 am to 2:30 pm

 Enjoy 50% off admission all day and check out our extensive Keeper Talk Program that offers a fun holiday theme and delightful seasonal treats for the Zoo's animals.

Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Daily Bread Food Bank and any old cellphones to help support the Great Ape Conservation program. Plus, if you are looking to warm-up from the cold why not drop by the Zoo's new Indoor Giraffe Exhibit, or one of the Zoo's five indoor and exotic pavilions. 

On behalf of the Toronto Zoo and our 5,000+ animals, Happy Holidays!

CLICK HERE for more information and to view the three suggested routes. 

*Please note this is an outdoor event and subject to change without notice. Proceeds from this day go to the Endangered Species Reserve Fund.

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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

3rd Annual Move Your Paws For The Polar Bear Cause1K/5K Walk/Run

Saturday, February 27, 2015 

Monster Jam coming to Toronto and across Canada

Toronto: Jan. 16, 17, 2016

DESCRIPTION: Monster Jam® is the most exciting form of family motorsports entertainment on the planet. The stars of the show are the biggest performers on four wheels: the Monster Jam trucks!

Approximately 12 feet tall and about 12 feet wide, Monster Jam trucks are custom-designed machines that sit atop 66-inch-tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds.

Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, Monster Jam trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Monster Jam trucks can fly up to 125 to 130 feet (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 35 feet in the air.

Fall under the spell of Old Québec in winter

Discover Old Québec in Winter as If You Were There Stroll through its areas

New

New record for cruise ship visits at Port of Québec in 2015 New pavilion at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec: 80% of the work is completed New Best Holiday Destination Top 10 by USA Today featuring Québec City in the nominees New arena for the Tournoi international de hockey Pee-Wee de Québec in 2016

Coming Soon SEE ALL EVENTS

• DECEMBER • Opening of the Holy Door The only Holy Door outside Europe will reopen for a year. Discover where it is   • JANUARY • Québec Winter Carnival The world's largest winter carnival will enliven Québec City for 2 weeks under the theme My Carnival. Learn more   • FEBRUARY • Québec City Snow Pentathlon Biggest winter multisport event in the world that includes biking, running, skiing, skating and snowshoeing. Get more info (in French)

Winter Wings Over Niagara and luncheon

(News Release)

Ten participants with guides, NF, Dec. 7, 2014 (Photo by Dave Robinson)

The phenomenon of thousands of birds flying in to overwinter along the raging Niagara River every year, is the reason local people site hundreds of people lining the Niagara River lookouts from mid-November through December.


This world famous bird migration attracts birders from all around the world.

On Saturday, December 5 Niagara Nature Tours has arranged for two distinguished guides to lead a tour along the Niagara River to discover why it’s been called a paradise for over wintering waterfowl and gulls. 

Avid birder John Black, retired Brock University physics professor, and Dan Salisbury, a second-generation birder from the Niagara Peninsula will be leading this bus tour.  With limited walking this outing is excellent for young and old, experts and novices.

Carla Carlson, the owner of Niagara Nature Tours said they have transportation and a special luncheon, for a day of camaraderie and fun. They will be using scopes and with expert guidance be able to see individual birds very clearly.

"Don we now our gay apparel" - and "ugly" sweaters:

   One-Tank Trip for Nov. 28/15

   (c) By Jim Fox

   A holiday season tradition now is making fun of “ugly” Christmas sweaters.

   Start knitting or searching for that classic pullover or cardigan for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Cocktail Cruise Dec. 18 on Toronto’s Waterfront.

   This adults-only event marks National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, so “get decked out in your ugliest,” says publicist Peter Ashworth.

Getting ready for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Cocktail Cruise on Toronto’s Waterfront.

    This will be a “festive evening” on Mariposa Cruises’ Northern Spirit that includes a Santa costume contest, with the two-hour sailings boarding at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

   “Everyone has at least one Christmas sweater that is truly hideous,” said Carol Jolly, executive director of the Waterfront BIA.

   Cruisers can pop into the “bad Santa” photo booth and dress up their ugly sweater with festive holiday props for a complimentary souvenir picture, she said.

   The cruise includes fun food stations, hors d’oeuvres and a DJ playing Top 40 tunes and “horrendous holiday classics” to set the mood.

VIA Rail offers "big deals" for Black Friday to plan holiday travels

Montréal, November 27, 2015 -- Now is the time to start planning your next getaway! VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) is announcing the biggest sale of the season across its network. Discounted fares are available on select routes until Monday, November 30, 2015.

Skip traffic on the highway or the hassle of air travel during the busiest season of the year. Just sit comfortably, enjoy great service, food, sceneries and let VIA Rail take you where you want to be. 

Be there for the holidays, with your family and friends, or plan a winter train getaway to explore Canada?s bustling metropolitan cities or scenic destinations such as the Canadian Rockies and Eastern coast.

Heat up the holidays with festive fun in Toronto

(News Release)

 

TORONTO – With spectacular shows, countless shopping opportunities, outdoor skating rinks and top-notch restaurants, Toronto transforms into an urban winter wonderland and a great getaway during the holiday season.

The city is abuzz with the holiday spirit offering cultural, culinary and magical adventures only a global city like Toronto could.  Visit www.seetorontonow.com and follow @SeeTorontoNow on Instagram and Twitter for an insider’s guide to staying in Toronto, which includes a calendar of exciting events, theatre performances, shopping destinations and hotel deals. 

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT                                                       

Winterlicious, running January 30-February 12, 2015, is one of Toronto's favourite culinary celebrations, and the perfect opportunity to explore the great variety of delicious cuisine that the city has to offer. The popular prix fixe program offers three course menus for exceptional value. The culinary event series offers a variety of programming including cooking classes and demonstrations, dinner theatre, tastings and pairings, intimate chef dinners and more! www.toronto.ca

Santa welcomes visitors at his workshop in Ingersoll and the Toronto Christmas Market

   One-Tank Trip for Nov. 21/15

    (c) By Jim Fox

   Children are being encouraged to “sneak a peek inside Santa’s workshop to find out what the elves have been working on all year.”

   It takes place at Santa’s Festival Village, inside the Ingersoll Cheese and Agricultural Museum, in the town southwest of Woodstock.

   Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves have taken up residence and are receiving visitors on Fridays and Saturdays from now through Dec. 12.

Santa holds court inside his workshop in Ingersoll.

    It began Friday night at the kickoff of the Festival of Winter Lights, with the village and museum the starting point for a “drive-through/walk-through” tour of more than 300 lights in five parks around town, said curator Scott Gillies.

   “Santa’s elves have been busy transforming the museum into his workshop,” he added.

   This free admission event includes a visit and photos with Santa, rides on the Red Nosed Wagon Express, enjoying festive entertainment and discovering seasonal crafts.

Jennifer Nettles, Paul Zerdin & Il Volo to perform at Casino Rama Resort

RAMA, ON -- Casino Rama continues its history as one of Ontario’s premier entertainment destinations by offering comedy & music fans a lot to get excited about in 2016.

Jennifer Nettles

Highlights from the just announced additions to the new concert season include performances by country-pop crossover Jennifer Nettles (who is out with a brand new tour), Italian teen pop opera trio - Il Volo and the winner of the 10^th season of “America’s Got Talent” comedian & ventriloquist, Paul Zerdin.

 

Fans are invited to visit the Casino Rama Resort Facebook page to gain access to an exclusive pre-sale, along with a chance to beat the box office to win a pair of tickets to the show of their choice!

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream in Toronto and Canadian cities

TICKETS FOR DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DARE TO DREAM

Ice Spectacular Plays Toronto's Rogers Centre December 18-27th

TORONTO, ON — This holiday season, Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream is bringing Disney’s princess stories and most beloved fairytales to the ice in a sensational live production coming to Toronto.

This ice spectacular featuring scenes from Tangled, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, and The Princess and the Frog, visits Toronto from December 18-27/15 for 17 performances at Rogers Centre.  Tickets are on now sale.

Rapunzel - Flynn & PubThugs

Laugh at Disney's hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled, as Rapunzel; her unlikely companion, Flynn; and Maximus, the Captain of the Guard's determined horse; embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths.

VIA Rail adds additional train times and seats in and out of Toronto

(News Release)

 Montreal, November 12, 2015 –VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) is pleased to announce service improvements into and out of Toronto. The following changes came into effect the last week of October: ·         Train 40, between Toronto – Kingston – Ottawa now operates daily. This train used to operate from Friday to Monday.
·         Train 45, between Ottawa – Kingston – Toronto, now operates daily. This train used to operate from Friday to Monday. 
·         Train 70, between Windsor – London – Toronto, now operates from Monday to Saturday. This train used to operate from Monday to Friday.
·         Train 75, between Toronto – London – Windsor, now operates daily from Sunday to Friday. This train used to operate from Sunday to Thursday.

Additionally, to meet demand in Southwestern Ontario, trains 82 and 83, between Toronto and London, will now each have an additional 68-seat Economy car and 44-seat Business class car.

Giant Panda Cubs Update – One Month -- at the Toronto Zoo

Toronto, ON, Friday, November 13, 2015: At one month old, our twin giant panda cubs are healthy and continue to grow. The larger of the two cubs now weighs over one kilogram, with the smaller cub not far behind at approximately 750 grams. The undercoat (or insulating hair) continues to grow in thicker and whiter, making the areas on their bodies where the skin is not pigmented black, look much whiter.They truly look like giant pandas now.

Photo credit: Toronto Zoo

Photo credit: Toronto Zoo

Photo credit: Toronto Zoo

 

Er Shun continues to be a great mother and the cubs are progressing very well. However, it is still a very critical time for these little cubs.

 

For new giant panda cub videos follow us on Twitter @TheTorontoZoo or CLICK HERE for our FTP link!

Please CLICK HERE for more information on Giant Panda Conservation at the Toronto Zoo.

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