1
20,000 SHADES
OF GREY: BRITISH
COLUMBIA
In some places, red-breasted robins
announce the arrival of spring. On the
western shore of Vancouver Island, it's the
return of the grey whales—some 20,000 of
which swim by as they make the 8,000-km
(4,970-mi.) trip from the balmy breeding
lagoons of Mexico to feeding grounds up
north. Whale-watching boats depart from
towns like Ucluelet and Tofi no. But since
the massive mammals follow the coast
closely, you can also observe them without
leaving land. The peak viewing time in
Pacifi c Rim National Park Reserve is from
March through May (
www.parkscanada.gc.
ca/pacifi crim).
2
BREAKFAST OF
CHAMPIONS:
ALBERTA
Hungry attendees will be happy to hear that
pancake fl ipping is as much a part of the
Calgary Stampede as bull riding and barrel
racing. In fact, an estimated 200,000
pancakes—topped with 454 kg (1,000 lb.) of
butter and 1,728 l (380 gal.) of syrup—are
served at free breakfasts hosted city-wide
each July during the 10-day event. Many
also come with a side order of entertain-
ment. The tradition started in 1923, when
chuckwagon driver Jack Morton began
inviting random folks to share his morning
meal; now it serves as edible evidence of
that legendary Western hospitality (
www.
stampedebreakfast.ca).
3
FISH TALES:
SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatchewan may call to mind waving
fi elds of prairie grain, yet this landlocked
spot has real waves as well. In fact, 100,000
or so lakes and rivers cover about a tenth
of the province, providing some of the
best freshwater fi shing anywhere. World
record-breaking burbot, northern pike
and brook trout have been caught here;
trophy-sized walleyes—Saskatchewan's
offi cial provincial fi sh and its most popular
game species—also lure in anglers. Whether
you're passionate about fl y fi shing or eager
to try ice fi shing, experienced local
outfi tters can set you up (
www.tourism
saskatchewan.com/things-to-do/fi shing).
TOBIN LAKE, SK • TOURISM SK/GREG HUSZAR PHOTOGRAPHY
CHURCHILL, MB • DESTINATION CANADA
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