There are not many people (in the developed world, at least) who have never heard of the Guinness Book of Records. It is the dream of thousands to be mentioned in this annually updated collection of world records and thereby prove to be exceptionally good at something. Athletes, for instance, are often trying their hardest to not only win but actually break records. It is no different for Canada and some of its citizens. Do you know what are we THE BEST at?

The Book of Records

As usual, I find it important to briefly discuss the origins of the publication, which is something like The Bible in the world of records. It was more than six decades ago, in 1951, when the then managing director of the Guinness Brewery (the name of the book of records is not a coincidence, as you can see) Sir Hugh Beaver realized answers to simple questions that were going through his mind were nowhere to be found. To be more specific, he was wondering what Europe’s fastest game bird was, and he was unable to get a satisfying response.

Since he was distressed by the fact that an informative book containing superlative facts was missing, Sir Hugh took the initiative in his own hands. Thanks to his activity and immense help of the fact-finding twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, the very first Guinness Book of Records or Guinness World Records, as it has been called since 2000, was published on 27 August 1955. Needless to say, it was amazingly successful; by Christmas of the same year, it became number-one bestseller in Britain. What I find quite fascinating is the fact that book itself actually holds a world record, as is it the best-selling copyrighted book series of all time.

Guinness World Records Day

The annual Guinness World Records Day was celebrated for the first time on November 9th, 2005. Are you wondering why it started more than half a century after publishing the first edition of the World Record’s Book? The answer is indeed very simple. It was in November 2004 when the World Records became the world’s bestselling copyright book and the event was created to regularly commemorate this fact. What is the point of this day? As you may have guessed, the aim of this event is to encourage people to break world records. The celebrations every year are huge: more than 300,000 enthusiasts eager to break a record participated the last annual celebration in November 2011. That certainly is a great success!

Guinness World Records Museum

Guinness World Records Museum

4943 Clifton Hill
Niagara Falls, Ontario
If you are interested in learning some of the amazing record-breaking facts but reading a book just does not seem exciting enough, you do not have to go too far from Toronto to find exactly what you are looking for. Explore “sports, animal, and structures sections,” see life-sized models of remarkable human beings, and much more. I am positive that a visit to the museum that “brings the Guinness Book of Records to life” will make for a lovely family afternoon. Take your children and discover who/what is the best, fastest, the tallest — or simply the most extraordinary. Have fun!

World Records Set in Canada

Do you know at least some of the world records of Canada and its citizens? I only knew a few, but after a little research, I feel relatively well informed and eager to share my newly found knowledge with you! Here is some of Canada’s (and Toronto’s) greatest past and present world records.

Largest Smoothie

Why not to break a record and please hundreds of people at the same time? Mixing a large smoothie is a fantastic way to achieve both. Smoothies are not too difficult to make, they are delicious, and at the same time good for your health. Canadians are sure aware of all that! In 2010, Dairy Farmers of Canada successfully mixed a 1,000-litre blueberry smoothie in Toronto in July 2010 and earned a mention in the Guinness books of records.

The 100 per cent Canadian smoothie was made up of up of 550 litres of Canadian milk, 300 kilograms of frozen Canadian blueberries, 150 litres of Canadian vanilla yogurt, and 35 litres of Canadian honey. A huge number of people participated in the event and tasted the record-breaking blueberry goodness. Who knows? It might have inspired them to mix their own smoothies at home. Canada is certainly great at that — interestingly, the previous largest smoothie was made in our country as well. Yummy!

Largest Gold Coin

For more than three years, Canada was the home of the most remarkable coin in the world. In spring 2007, the Royal Canadian Mint issued the then largest gold coin, the face value of which was a fantastic $1 million. This precious piece was 99.999 per cent pure gold and its weight was about 100 kilograms (220 pounds). Queen Elizabeth II was depicted on the front side of the coin — it was actually the largest official portrait of Her Majesty in gold — and its back showed something typical for Canada, three maple leaves.

Unfortunately, this coin is no longer the largest in the world. In October of last year, the new largest gold coin was unveiled in Perth, Australia. It is actually quite similar to our coin: Queen Elizabeth II is depicted on one side, and a typical Australian feature (a kangaroo) is on the other. The coin is, like the Canadian one, 99.999 per cent pure gold, but it is A LOT heavier. Its weight is an unbelievable 1,000 kilograms.

Longest Street in the World

Yonge Street by Wikimedia Commons

All those who have ever lived in or at least visited Toronto certainly know Yonge Street. Not only is it a national historic site, well known for offering great fun and food, but it is also extremely long. While there is controversy about whether it actually is the longest street in the world, patriotic Torontonians certainly believe there is no longer street anywhere, so I just have to mention it.

Years before it was paved, Yonge Street was a trail used by the Huron First Nation and colonial explorers. The founder of Toronto, John Graves Simcoe, named the street after the British secretary Sir George Yonge. Until 1998, the amazing 1,178 miles long street was listed in the Guinness Book of Records. However, without Highway 11, which apparently is not really a part of this street, it loses this precious recognition. Many people, including me, still believe there is no longer street in this world.

World’s Longest Freshwater Beach

Wasaga Beach by Wikimedia Commons

Take a trip about two hours north of downtown Toronto and you will find a record-breaking place. The 8.5 miles Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world. Wasaga Beach is one of the best and most popular places that is accessible and not too far from Toronto.

In the white sands, right on the waters of Nottawasaga Bay, you will find entertainment all year long. The weather is moderate during both summer and winter, thanks to which you can enjoy sunbathing as well snowmobiling and skiing in the most pleasant way possible — without unbearable heat and frequent snowstorms. Now, while the weather is not that warm yet, you can take your kids and have a lovely family picnic on the beach. There are tables available for you. Besides all this, you can shop, play minigolf, hike, or take part in one of the many events that take place on the extremely popular beach over the year.

World’s Biggest Beaver Dam

Would you believe there is a beaver dam that can be seen from space? As strange as it might sound, there indeed is one here in our country. The world’s largest beaver dam is located in a national park in Alberta and in 2010, it spread over unbelievable 850 metres.

The ecologist who discovered the record-breaking dam in 2007 thanks to modern technology (Google Earth) claims it has been in the making for approximately 40 years and generations of beavers participated in creating the structure. Nevertheless, it would most likely never have been discovered without Google Earth. That is pretty funny: it can be seen from space yet it took decades to be found.

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Spring is officially here, and the wonderful events taking place in Toronto are proof. Torontonians, do you already have plans for the upcoming weekend? If you do, I sure hope they involve the Spring Cottage Life Show. Never been there before? Read on and find out why the show is a great place to go with your family or friends this weekend.

The Spring Cottage Life Show has been an annual event in our city for 18 exciting years. Back in 1994, Cottage Life, a renowned Canadian magazine focusing on cottage lifestyle, organized the first show, and due to the great success of both the magazine and the show, this event has been presented every spring since. In spite of the fact that there are only two Cottage Life Shows every year, the team of professionals works all year round to make sure visitors are not disappointed.

Opening Hours

Spring Cottage Life Show 2009 

The show is being held at the International Centre at 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga. On Friday, March 30th, the gates of the International Centre will be open from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm, while on Saturday the 31st, visitors are expected from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm, and the final day, Sunday, April 1st starts at 10:00 am and ends at 5:00 pm. Leave your dogs at home, but bring your children — there are activities geared towards younger cottagers, and if you will need some alone time, free supervised childcare for up to two hours is available on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets

If you have never attended this event before, you should know that you need to purchase tickets. The easiest option is to order them online, but you can also buy them onsite. Credit cards are not accepted, however, so be sure to have some cash with you. If you are purchasing your passes onsite, a one-day ticket for an adult is sold for $17, while tickets for teenagers aged 13-17 cost $10 and those under the age of 13 do not need tickets at all. If you are planning to attend two or even three days, it is best to buy a weekend pass for $24. Those who are purchasing their tickets online can save a few dollars.

Why You Should Go?

Spring Cottage Life Show 2009 

The organization team is obviously doing a brilliant job, as the number of attendees and exhibitors keeps increasing every year, attesting to the popularity of the event. The last spring show, with more than 30,000 attendees, was immensely successful. Approximately 95 per cent of visitors do not regret taking part and rated the event as good/excellent.

Secondly, if you are already or are planning to become a cottager, there is no better place to visit. With nearly 500 exhibitors, you are going to find just about everything your will need at your cottage.  The show is an ideal “opportunity to make purchases and plans for the spring and summer, as well as plan for year-round cottaging adventures.” Do not forget that it was created by cottagers — and nobody knows better what the cottaging community needs than cottagers themselves!

The numbers say it all: about 85 per cent of last year’s attendees own a cottage, while 90 per cent of visitors made a purchase/plan to purchase, 31 per cent own property and may build a cottage in the near future, and 16 per cent of the spring 2011 show visitors are in the market to buy a cottage. Clearly, cottagers know this event is the only one of its kind in our area and is absolutely worth a visit!

Program

Spring Cottage Life Show 2009 

Believe it or not, the event is great fun for everybody — not strictly those who own a cottage or are planning to buy one in the near future. All you foodies out there, you should not miss the planned program in the Cottage Kitchen, including an appearance by celebrity chef Rob Rainford on March 31st. Interior design junkies are certainly already excited about Samantha Pynn, designer and host of HGTV’s Summer Home, sharing her cottage design tips and ideas. Kids will not be bored either; help them explore the campsite and the boat, or even create some nature-themed crafts. There is no time for me to list all the activities, but I can assure you that all of them make for an unforgettable weekend. 

Admission

Adults (18+): $17
Youth (13-17): $10
Weekend Pass: $24
Kids 12 and under: free

Dates & Hours

Friday, March 30: 11 am - 8 pm
Saturday, March 31: 9 am - 6 pm
Sunday, April 1: 10 am - 5 pm

Location & Contact

International Centre
6900 Airport Road at Derry Road, Toronto
(Enter at Halls 1, 3/4, and 3A)

cottagelife.com/shows

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There is something about this time of year that makes many people look at their houses differently, wondering what they could renovate, redecorate, or landscape in the upcoming months. After a few months spent cooped up inside their cozy homes, it is no surprise that the flaws start to become apparent, or maybe they just want to refresh their living space. Either way, if you are one of those people, this year’s National Home Show is the place to go!

Whether you are looking for inspiration or just a different way to spend the day, the biggest home and garden outing in North America has everything you need for your home and garden projects. Set up in an area of 600,000 square feet, it has more exciting features, products, and seminars than ever before. Moreover, this year, the show is co-locating with Canada Blooms: the Flower & Garden Festival to bring the largest North American display of innovative products and new ideas for all things you might need for inside and outside your home under one roof. Both events run simultaneously at the Direct Energy Centre from March 16th to March 25th.

One ticket will admit you to both events, each with its own programming. Just one day of attendance will probably not be enough to cover the immensity of the value that these events provide, however, if you have the stamina, two-day passes are also available. Admission to the shows ranges from $13.00 to $29.00. Here is a hint, if you go online to National Home Show & Canada Blooms official website, you can save a few dollars off the admission price.

The National Home Show 2012

The National Home Show logo

The first National Home Show took place exactly 60 years ago. Since then, it has been inspiring thousands of Canadian homeowners. More than 150,000 people attend the show every year, seeking expert advice, solutions, and new products for in and around their homes.

In 2012, over 800 professional exhibitors will showcase a wide range of home improvement products and accessories and provide you with a number of new ideas and products. If you have a home project in mind, or if you just want to discover the latest styles and trends for your home, the National Home Show has everything you need to get started.

It is advisable to plan your visit ahead because getting lost in the maze of products is easy to do! Also, take note of the workshop schedule, the sections, demonstrations, and talks that you want to visit. All you have to do then is to start comparing alternatives and prices, or take advantage of free advice from the experts. Even for those who do not have anything particular in mind, the show offers a truly unique experience and great fun for the whole family.

What Can a Guest Expect?

• The 2012 Dream Home, called R-House, designed by PROBUILT by Michael Upshall, the ultra-modern 3600-square-foot energy efficient home
• The Unilock Celebrity Stage with celebrity guests from the field of home design and building (where gardening celebs will speak as well) including Bryan Baeumler (Disaster DIY), Jim Caruk (Real Renos), Glen Peloso (Take This House & Sell It), Michael Upshall, and many others
• The Destination Renovation Hub where you can get advice from some of the GTA’s top contractors and builders
• One-on-One Consultations with Interior Designers from IDC
• A Discussion About the Newest Products from around the globe in the International Showcase

These are just a few highlights of this year’s show. For more information, please visit the event’s official site, listed below.

Canada Blooms 2012

Canada Blooms Festival

For the first time in history, the country’s largest indoor garden show is co-locating with the National Home Show. This year, it drew in more than 140 renowned experts, looking to showcase the very best in gardening. Everything from stylish and attractive horticulture products, different garden decoration themes, garden care and maintenance products to floral and landscaping tools and garden building accessories will be on display. With so much on offer and so much to see, the show is a truly floral window to the world. Whether you are passionate about plants, a dabbling gardener, or you are looking just for a fun-filled day with your family surrounded by unbelievable garden and floral displays —you will definitely enjoy Canada Blooms 2012!

Dates & Hours

March 16-25: 10 am - 9 pm
March 18: 10 am - 6 pm
March 25: 10 am - 5 pm

Admission

Adults: $20.00
Seniors (65+): $17.00
Students (13-17): $16.00
Children (12 and under): FREE
2 Day Pass: $29.00

Location & Contact

Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place
100 Princes' Blvd., Toronto

Phone: 416-263-3000
www.nationalhomeshow.com
www.canadablooms.com

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The Royal LePage 2011 Awards Gala was held at Le Parc banquet hall this year. It was a lively evening of dancing, music and merriment...and, of course, a celebration of the achievements of some of Ontario's top real estate agents!

Elli was honoured with the awards for #10 National Team, and #8 Ontario Top Team, as well as #10 National Chairman's Club.

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The abundance of red and pink, heart-shaped chocolates and balloons everywhere in Toronto keep reminding us that Valentine’s Day is coming soon! Some might find it annoying, but the fact is that to many, this day is special. If you do not have anything planned yet, here are some suggestions for how to spend the day or even the entire Valentine’s weekend in Toronto and various destinations all over Ontario.

What is Valentine’s Day?

The first question that needs to be answered is why we even celebrate Valentine’s Day. Where did this tradition come from? In spite of the fact that Valentine’s Day is a very commercial holiday, it initially was quite religious. The story about the origin of this day is not quite clear. Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different martyred saints named Valentine (Valentinus).

The story of the most famous of these goes back to the third century Rome. Valentine was apparently a priest who, despite the orders of Emperor Claudius II who believed single men were better soldiers, secretly performed marriages for young lovers. Once the Emperor found out, Valentine was put to death. He is said to have sent the first Valentine's card to the girl he loved from prison. What a romantic hero! Valentine’s Day is often said to be celebrated as a commemoration of his death.

Antique Valentine's Card by Wikimedia Commons

There are also those who believe that the origins of this holiday are very much associated with the mid-February pagan fertility festivals in Europe. The Christian Church, in order to somehow Christianize these celebrations, might have decided to celebrate the day of love on February the 14th. Despite the mysterious roots of Valentine’s Day, it is a fact that in the middle of the 19th century, the holiday spread all around the US and Canada massively.

Even today, Canadians seems to absolutely love this day! No wonder it is one of the most successful holidays for businesses, alongside Christmas, Easter, and Halloween. Apparently, about 84 per cent of us celebrate Valentine’s day. In 2006, 60.9 per cent of all those celebrating this holiday spend on average $100.89 on a present for their partner. Unsurprisingly, cards, chocolate and flowers are the most popular items of Valentine’s Day. Approximately 77 per cent of adult Canadians do not forget to buy chocolates as a part of their Valentine’s Day gift. Material gifts are not enough for everyone, however. What about those Torontonians who want to spend a romantic night or a fabulous Valentines weekend? Here is a little advice.

Ontario Getaways

Those who want Valentine’s Day to last longer than 24 hours should consider a romantic weekend trip. You do not have to travel far to have a lovely time: Ontario offers everything you are going to need in order to spend a wonderful and unforgettable few days. Even though February 14th falls on a Tuesday this year, a number of resorts offer special deals for the weekend before or after the 14th.

Pine Vista Resort

932 Gilchrist Bay Road, Lakefield

One of the loveliest cottage resorts in Ontario, Pine Vista is located approximately an hour and a half northeast of Toronto. While this award-winning, 4-star resort is a beautiful place to visit all year round, its special Valentine’s offer is absolutely irresistible. Just imagine spending two nights in a cozy cottage with a romantic wood burning fireplace and a private whirlpool bathtub. You would not even have to bother with catering. A bottle of wine, chocolates and fresh strawberries will be waiting just for you in your gift basket.

To make your stay even more special, you and your partner may go for a horse-drawn sleigh ride enjoying the view of the wonderful winter countryside. The Valentine’s weekend package is available from February 10th to February 16th for $375 per couple. Would you like to stay more than two nights? This should not be a problem. You can add a third night for 50 per cent off the normal daily rate. Have fun!

The Briars Resort & Spa
55 Hedge Road, Jacksons Point

The Briars Resort & Spa

This heritage Ontario lakeside resort located about an hour from Toronto will make you forget you are so close to your home. Surrounded by trees, rivers and the Lake Simcoe shoreline, the Briars is an ideal place to spend a perfect weekend getaway with your partner. You are welcome to stay at the resort any time of the year, and from February 10th to 16th, you and your partner can enjoy the “Touch of Romance” it offers. The special Valentine’s Day Inn Plus Guest Room package includes a chocolate gift box, comfy robes just for you, three meals a day and, if you stay two or more nights, a bottle of wine. In addition to the regular menu, a special Valentine’s menu including Lobster and Crab Ravioli and a special dessert for two is available every night.

If you would also like to meet up with other guests on the weekend, you are invited to participate in the special dinner dance on Saturday the 11th. If relaxation is what you are looking for, visit the spa for a couple’s massage or a soothing session of cocoa aromatherapy. The price ranges from $139 per person per night on Sunday to Thursday to $169 per person per night on Friday and Saturday.

Christie’s Mill Inn & Spa
263 Port Severn Road North, Port Severn

The popular, European-style inn located on the Muskoka peninsula will win you over on Valentine’s Day. Choose a package to stay in one of 41 French-country-classic-style guest rooms. The price of a special Valentine's Day package starts at $435 per couple and it includes accommodation, one romantic dinner for two, breakfast on both mornings, and a special delivery to your room consisting of chocolates and a bottle of sparkling wine.

A special Valentine’s Day gourmet menu is available from February 12th to 14th and is ready to please your taste buds with gourmet dishes such as rock lobster cocktail, lamb osso bucco, and a chocolate strawberry heart. Regarding entertainment, in case admiring the natural beauty surrounding the hotel does not sound appealing, you can relax at the spa or enjoy nightly entertainment with Ken Meyer. Sounds good!

Nottawasaga Resort
6015 Highway 89, Alliston

The winner of the 2011 Toronto Sun Reader’s Choice Gold Award for Favourite Ontario Resort, located in the Nottawasaga Valley, offers a special Valentine’s Day deal as well. The offer includes accommodation for two in the Deluxe Junior Suite with a king sized bed, fireplace and Jacuzzi, a delicious four-course Valentine’s Dinner in the Mahogany Room (dress code: no shorts or sandals), a country buffet breakfast, a cocktail, and an appetizer in the resort’s Starlite Lounge, and an unbelievable one-hour massage. Spend a weekend here and charm your partner all over again.

The Village Inn
39 Queen Street, Lakefield

Located just 90 minutes northeast of Toronto, the Village Inn is a great choice for all those who enjoy a nice, warm and welcoming country atmosphere. The inn’s Valentine’s Day package includes one-night accommodation for two in a classic or balcony room, dinner for two at Cassis Bistro, a continental breakfast, and a bottle of champagne or wine. The cost for all of this is $219.00 (excluding taxes) and if you stay for two nights, the second night will only cost you $89.00. Do not worry: this is country charm with city conveniences: there is a spa at the nearby Salon Sorella and, importantly, high-speed internet and a large-screen TV with cable.

Toronto

Restaurants

Valentine's Dinner by Jon Billings

The first thing that comes to mind for many of us is to take your partner to a lovely restaurant for a romantic (and delicious) dinner. Many restaurants in Toronto offer special deals for Valentine’s Day; it is up to you to choose which one of them you would like to visit the most. If you are looking for suggestions, you may want to take a look at some previously posted Toronto restaurant reviews that clearly show which restaurants I think are worth to a visit.

Not Only for Lovers

Go to the Zoo
361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto

Spending a cold winter afternoon at the zoo might not exactly be the dream for every couple on Valentine's Day, but for some people it may sound like a dream date! Not only that, it is something you can share with your children to show them you love them too. On February 11th and 12th, the Toronto Zoo invites all the kids to "celebrate Valentine’s Day with your favourite striped, spotted, and furry friends." Every child under the age of 12 who brings a Valentine present for their favourite animal will get in free. The Zoo is open from 9:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Pay a visit and enjoy - animals need love as well!

Anti Valentine’s Day Party
456 Wellington Street West

Sick of all the couples around you? Then you will absolutely love this event. The largest Singles' Anti Valentine’s Day Party in Toronto is to take place on Saturday, February the 11th at the C Lounge. If you enjoy being single and like pop music, come and have fun! The price of a ticket to the huge party is $19.99. Who knows? With more than 400 single men and women, you might well find your prince or princess at the party and never have to take part again. Do not forget to suit up!