Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/651528
TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA WHERE CELTIC STARS SHINE Nothing gets the toes tapping like Highland Storm, Prince Edward Island's must-see Celtic show complete with pipes and drums, stirring vocals, and the fast-paced feet of step dancers. The cast of 30 established and emerging island artists is under the direction of Ryan MacNeil, a world-renowned keyboarder, piper, bodhran player, tin whistler and member of the Nova Scotia musical group, the Barra MacNeils. It is presented by the College of Piping and Performing Arts in Summerside on select nights between July 3 and August 18 ( www.collegeofpiping.com). RIDE 'EM COWBOY What do broncing bulls, midway rides, fi reworks and music share in common? They're all part of the Calgary Stampede— the world's biggest gathering of cowboy culture, which happens for 10 days every July. Alongside the main attraction—the world's roughest and richest rodeo, featuring chuckwagon races, bull riding, barrel racing and more—there's also the grandstand show and fi reworks fi nale that lights up the sky each night. Add to that an Indian Village, plus fi ve stages and 300 performers, including a slate of interna- tional country music stars who entertain over one million visitors a year at what many call the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" ( www.calgarystampede.com). NORTHERN EXPOSURE Two unusual road races in Canada's north are enough to get the heart pumping. In the Great Klondike Outhouse Race, you could describe participants as "pooped out" by the end of the 5k run and "bummed out" if they don't win. The hilarious 5k race, held August 20 in Dawson City, Yukon involves teams of fi ve people rolling a decorated outhouse on wheels to the fi nish line, while being judged on creativity and team spirit. Watch from the sidelines or take part by renting an outhouse for the day from the Klondike Visitors Association ( www.travelyukon. com/great-klondike-international- outhouse-race ). In the Nunavut Northwest Passage Marathon on Somerset Island in early July, runaway outhouses aren't likely to pose a hazard to competitors. However, wildlife, including polar bears and muskox, often seen along the 50-km (31-mi.) route, may surprise a few runners. A true wilderness experience, with glimpses of icebergs and ancient encampments along the way, the marathon takes place under the midnight sun along a portion of the famed Northwest Passage on a rough trail marked with inukshuks! ( www.arcticwatch.ca ). The only physical exertion required to attend the Dark Sky Festival in the Northwest Territories is to tip your head back and let your jaw drop. The 5 th annual celebration of the return of dark skies promises a stellar (pun intended) lineup of events including seminars, workshops, and, of course, stargazing in one of the best places on earth. The event happens in Fort Smith, and in the world's largest Dark Sky Preserve, Wood Buffalo National Park, from August 18 to 21 ( www.tawbas.ca ). For more information on festivals, see the Special Events heading in each of the provincial sections. WooD BUffaLo nationaL ParK • ParKS CanaDa/Peter MCMaHon HiGHLanD StorM • toUriSM Pei/YVonne DUiVenVoorDen Great KLonDiKe oUtHoUSe raCe • DaWSonCitY.Ca FESTIVALS