Interview: Jim Byers, Canada’s Travel Guy, on his favourite places in Ontario
My Adventures on Twitter Spaces continue.
As I wrote in my previous post, I have been active lately on Twitter Spaces, Twitter’s cool new live audio feature.
I had the opportunity to chat with Jim Byers, fondly known as “Canada’s Travel Guy,” who is the author of “Ontario Escapes: 19 Great Places to Visit Right Now” (2020), available on Apple Books. Jim is the editor at Canadian Travel News and TravelPulse Canada, and a contributor to the LA Times. For many years, he was the travel editor at the Toronto Star, and before that he covered sports, and, of course, has his own blog.
Jim Byers (photo courtesy of Jim)
Jim lives in Toronto and he shared his top places to love in his home province of Ontario, Canada – a place I also call home. There is lots to love about Ontario.
Here are some brief highlights from our discussion. We covered a lot of ground in our one hour chat, so I condensed as much of it as I could for this blog post.
Screenshot from my phone of our Twitter Spaces live audio broadcast
Jim Byer’s top places to love in Ontario, Canada.
“Mostly, I love the natural spots and the small towns.”
- Thunder Bay – Sleeping Giant Park, trail hikes and walks, and lots of nature.
- Lake Superior Coast – hiking the Lake Superior Coastal Trail (note: Jim says there are not enough places to pull over or Tim Hortons restaurants).
- Muskoka – sort of the “playground of the rich and celebrities,” where you can to boating amongst beautiful islands such as Lake Joseph and Lake Rosseau; and the town of Huntsville.
- Ottawa – cool, thriving neighbourhoods, the Rideau Canal, museums, the National Gallery of Canada, the Byward Market and its very Canadian “beaver tails.”
- Kingston/Ganaoque – Kingston castles (and helicopter tour), and for the “1,000 islands.”
- Kawarthas – Peterborough city, the lovely towns and a “crazy garden filled with stone carvings from Zimbabwe;” also a cool winery and “butter tarts.”
- Lake Huron coast – Grand Bend community is “best beach town in Canada.” Jim says it reminds him of California, where he grew up.
- Toronto – Ontario’s largest city offers a lot of nature, which Jim calls “quiet Toronto” (Toronto islands especially).
- Niagara region – especially Niagara-on-the-Lake and the wineries.
- Lake Erie shoreline – “Canada’s Forgotten Coast,” has lovely small towns such as Kingsville, culinary and beer/wine gems.
- Grey County – the town of Meaford, hiking and kayaking on Georgian Bay, spectacular waterfalls.
- Stratford – “more than theater festival,” bacon and ale trail, and parade of swans, and B&Bs.
For more about Ontario destinations, check out Jim’s book: “Ontario Escapes: 19 Great Places to Visit Right Now” (2020), available on Apple Books. It is filled with tips, advice and fun and quirky stories written with great humour. The book was published by Sharon Creelman at Black Sand Digital .
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How to join me on Twitter Spaces:
- First, you need an iOS or Android phone. Spaces is not accessible on a computer yet.
- Go to my Twitter account @Shannon_Skinner
- You obviously need a Twitter account
- At the time of broadcast, you will see a live link appear in my feed (in purple). It was say something like “join me.”
- Click on the live link and it take you to my Space.
- Your mic will automatically be muted.
Shannon Skinner is a broadcaster, author, international speaker and loves to explore the world through travel and wine. Watch her interviews at ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com. Join me live for Inspiring Conversations on Twitter Spaces, M-F at 10am EST. Follow me at @Shannon_Skinner to join (you need an iPhone or Android phone).
How photography has helped heal grief
(Casa Loma, Toronto)
Shannon’s Sunday Stories is a series of personal reflections and musings on life.
Has one message ever changed your outlook in life?
It has been roughly a year since the start of the pandemic and Toronto is currently experiencing its second lockdown. With the gyms being closed, I’ve been walking more than ever to get through the fatigue and try to maintain a sense of balance. I do enjoy jogging, but the cold, winter air is too hard on my lungs. So, I’ve been walking this winter, roughly 8-10 km a day, more or less. Nowhere exciting, mind you, just urban strolls in a variety of neighbourhoods in Toronto.
Walking has been not only a way to manage being cooped up inside, it has also been helping me to manage my grief, with the passing of my beloved 15 year-old sheepdog, Bob. He was a constant companion with a sweet and goofy disposition, and I loved him deeply. More than a year after his passing, I still find it painful that I had to put him to sleep. Isolation has not helped.
I’ve turned to a variety of things online to find inspiration or as a distraction from my grief. As a travel writer, I thought it would help my storytelling skills to learn more about photography. On one of my social channels, I started to pay closer attention to visual artists, reading their stories and following their journeys. One artist from London lives by the mantra “always look up.” I thought it was an interesting message.
On a day that I was feeling particularly sad (the gloomy weather didn’t help), I went for a stroll along Bloor Street. As I passed the Royal Ontario Museum, I suddenly stopped in my tracks, looked up to the sky and took a photo with my phone. I thought of the artist’s message: always look up.
(the ROM on the left with a bird flying above)
For the rest of the day, I continued to walk through a few different neighbourhoods, looking up and taking snaps. I was seeing buildings that I had not noticed before, interesting architecture and rooftops I had not seen before, signage I was not aware of, businesses I didn’t know existed, while noticing the sky in more detail, as grey as it was.
I realized that whenever we walk, we tend to look straight ahead or down, not up. Not only was I beginning to see my city differently, as though it was an entirely new city, but I was also starting to see life in a different way.
When I got home and sat down to look at my photos in my phone, I discovered something else. For the first time in more than a year, I was not thinking about my sorrow. Rather, I had spent an afternoon being fully present and in the moment, whilst also discovering a new art: photography. For the first time, I felt I was on my journey of healing my grief.
Then I remembered the artist’s message: always look up.
Here are some other Toronto images I have captured by looking up on my walks:
The question is not what you look at but what you see. – Thoreau
Shannon Skinner is an TV/radio host, author, speaker, and travel and wine writer.
Romantic cities for getaways (when we can travel again)
This month we celebrate Valentine’s Day, which is a good time to start dreaming about that romantic place to whisk away to, by car or plane, once we can travel (safely) again.
Budapest, Hungary
I decided to put together this list after I was thinking about the line in the movie When Harry Met Sally, when Sally (Meg Ryan) tells Harry (Billy Crystal) about her and her ex-partner talking about flying off to Rome on a moment’s notice while they were still in their relationship. It was a fantasy that never transpired.
That lead me to think about one of the most memorable lines in film, from Casablanca, when Rick (Humphrey Bogart) says to his former lover, Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), “We’ll always have Paris,” a reference to their romance on the eve of World War II.
Rome, Paris…so many places in the world for romance.
So I put together a list of my top 10 cities to consider for your next romantic getaway. Some will be expected and others might be a surprise.
Quebec City, Canada (photo: Allice Hunter, WikiMedia)
1) Quebec City, Canada: Canada’s predominantly French-speaking city with European flare, cobblestone streets, quaint alleys and bistros with delicious food (be sure to try the crepes). Rest assured, you don’t need to speak French to visit.
Paris, France (photo: Pierre Blache, WikiMedia Commons)
2) Paris, France: Cliché, maybe, but Paris is Paris, brimming with history, art and literature, museums, romantic strolls along the Seine, and so much more.
Vienna, Austria
3) Vienna, Austria: A city filled with music and cafes, and stunning architecture, palaces, and, of course, chocolate. I have visited Vienna a couple of times and want to explore more of this stylish city.
Viennese chocolate
4) Budapest, Hungary: It is a superb choice for travellers interested in wellness because besides the wonderful architecture and safe nightlife, Budapest is home to world-renowned spas. See my photo essay.
Budapest, Hungary
5) Jaipur, India: The Pink City is one of my favourite spots in the world, with its ancient palaces and forts, with some, such as the Samode Palace, being popular spots for weddings and honeymoons. It has many heritage boutique hotels that were once royal family residences, like the Samode Haveli.
Fort Amer, Jaipur, India
6) Cheyenne, USA: Not an obvious one, Wyoming’s capital city is filled with intriguing cowboy and cowgirl history. It is a terrific starting point for those wanting to go hiking or skiing in Wyoming’s vast parks.
Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA
7) New York, USA: It’s almost too obvious to put on a list, but it’s New York and you can find anything you want to do and buy there.
Me, in New York (thanks to my friend Andrea for taking photo)
8) Boston, USA: One of my favourite spots. Years ago, I worked on the Massachusetts tourism account representing the commonwealth in Canada, and had the privilege of experiencing Boston at its best. From delicious seafood to history to the Boston Pops, there is much to do and see.
Boston, USA (photo: Nelson48 Wikimedia Commons)
9) Geneva, Switzerland: One of my favourite European cities, Geneva is a walkable city where you can enjoy international cuisine, world-class wines, chocolate and cheese, and high-end fashion, plus quaint art shops.
Geneva, Switzerland
10) Toronto, Canada: I can’t not mention my hometown, Toronto. It can be best described as a smaller and friendlier version of New York. It has high-end shopping, museums galore, international cuisine, an entertainment scene, some of the finest hotels and many parks.
Toronto, Canada
While this is merely a short list, the world is a big place and there are many destinations to consider. Rome, however, is not included because, unfortunately, I have not yet been! Hopefully this has sparked some inspiration to pack your bags and go…when it’s safe to do so.
Shannon Skinner is a broadcaster, author, international speaker, and travel and wine writer and consultant.
You may be interested in these related posts:
My perfect day in New York City
Geneva’s special ‘chocolate pots’ for Escalade
Top museums and art galleries to visit in Toronto
Looking south over Fort York, the Gardiner Expressway and the Toronto Island Airport. (photo credit: The City of Toronto)
If you are visiting Toronto, or live here, and want ideas for cultural activities to do this season, here is a list of top museums and galleries in the Toronto area to check out. The museums range from history to living museums, and the galleries are primarily the major ones (there are oodles of smaller ones scattered across the city that are also well worth a visit).
Note that at the time of writing, Toronto is still currently not fully opened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so please check the respective websites for updates, opening hours and public safety guidelines for visitors.
Royal Ontario Museum (photo credit: Taxiarchos228)
Top museums and galleries list (in alphabetical order):
Art Gallery of York University
Art Museum at University of Toronto
Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery
First Floor Gallery and Architecture & Design Gallery
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Gallery
Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre
Market Gallery, St. Lawrence Market
Morris and Sally Justein Heritage Museum
Orborne Collection of Early Children’s Books
Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum
Royal Canadian Military Institute Museum
Royal Regiment of Canada Museum
Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
Toronto Police Museum and Discovery Centre
TD Gallery at Toronto Reference Library
Toronto Scottish Regiment Museum
Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch
As well, the city of Toronto holds Virtual Exhibits. For more info, visit Ontario Museum Association and Toronto Tourism.
Railway Museum (photo credit: Arild Vågen)
Ancient Chinese art at ROM (photo credit: Wladyslaw)
Resources: Ontario Museum Association, Toronto Tourism, Ontario Tourism
Sources: Wiki
Top 12 gardens near Toronto to visit this summer
For eager day-trippers based in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), if you are looking to visit some gardens this summer, here is a list of the top 12 Ontario gardens that are in or near Toronto.
Keep in mind, though, given that we are still in the midst of a pandemic and the province not yet fully open, please check their respective websites to determine if they are open, hours of operations and public safety guidelines.
1. Allan Gardens, Toronto: One of the oldest gardens in Ontario, is both a park and indoor botanical garden, has six greenhouses and is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Toronto. (https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/41/index.html)
2. Casa Loma Garden, Toronto: Canada’s most famous medieval castle has more than four acres of gardens with a lovely roses garden, rare wildflowers, and plenty of rhododendrons and azaleas, on an escarpment overlooking Toronto’s downtown. (https://casaloma.ca/)
3. Edward Gardens, Toronto: The (former) Edwards estate has gardens that features perennials, roses, wildflowers, rhododendrons, a rock garden and a valley view. (https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/)
4. Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, Niagara: Renowned for its carpet bedding and Butterfly Conservatory, in the heart of Niagara. (https://www.niagaraparks.com/)
5. Niagara Parks Floral Clock and Gardens, Niagara: The face of the floral clock is made with about 16,000 carpet bedding plants and the tower portion has Westminster chimes. Centennial Lilac Gardens and Niagara Parks Botanical Garden are located nearby. (https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/nature-garden/floral-clock/)
6. Ontario Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington: Canada’s largest botanical gardens, comprising 2,700 acres of land, including five garden locations and 2,400 acres of conservation lands. (https://www.rbg.ca/)
7. Parkwood Estate Gardens, Oshawa. Estate built in early 20th century, now a national historic site, has a large conservatory, pavilions, an ‘art moderne’ garden, indoor Japanese garden and an Italian garden. (https://www.parkwoodestate.com/)
8. Queen Victoria Park, Niagara: Nineteenth century park with carpet bedding, rock garden and rose garden, overlooking the famous Niagara Falls. (https://www.niagaraparks.com/)
9. Spadina Gardens, Toronto: Victorian-era house with a restored garden, formal bedding near the house, including kitchen and cutting gardens, in the style of the 20th century. (https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/)
10. Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington: Canada’s largest botanical garden comprising 2,700 acres of land, includes rose and lilac gardens, and a rock garden. (https://www.rbg.ca/)
11. Toronto Botanical Gardens, Toronto: These botanicals are located in Edwards Gardens. (https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/)
12. Toronto Music Garden, Toronto: Designed by landscape architect Julie Moir Messervy in collaboration with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Design is music theme-based on the First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello by J.S. Bach, comprising six garden “movements.” (https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/)
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Resources: Ontario Tourism , seetorontonow.com
Source: GardenVisitGuide
An evening in Japan, in Toronto
I had the pleasure of attending a fabulous evening showcasing the food and culture of Japan at the National Club in Toronto. It was a night of food, sake and entertainment for the tourism industry and VIPs. Since I have not yet been to Japan, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn more about this wonderful country.
Here are some highlights from the event:
The lovely Visit Japan Ambassador, Marta Magdalena Stephen, who was crowned Miss International Canada 2017. Wearing a traditional kimono, she spoke of her deep love for Japan.
A Japanese event would not be complete without Sake – and sparkling sake at that! There were many varieties offered for tasting over the course of the evening.
Consular General to Japan (in the lovely kimono) and another event attendee.
Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie as a VIP guest.
Traditional Drummers! Wow, this made my heart speed up, in a good way.
Sake and more sake
Appetizers
Dinner was 6 courses, including dessert. Each dish was paired with a different sake.
Since I am a vegetarian, they accommodated my diet restrictions. This was a Japanese style salad with daikon radish, mizuna greens, perilla leaves and lots root chips.
Soba noodles with pomegranate seeds and an avocado.
Portabello mushrooms with quinoa and veggies.
Second salad of cheese and tomato
At the end of the evening, the organizers had several draws for giveaways. The very last gift was a 7 day Japan Rail pass – and guess who won that?! Yes, me!! Thank you. I am looking forward to it.
Many thanks to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and all the event sponsors for a wonderful evening: Ginko Japanese Cuisine, Ozawa Canada Inc., Metropolitcan Premium Wines & Sakes, True World Foods, Gekkeikan sake, Ontario Spring Water Sake Company, Izakaya U, Zen, Kado Enterprise, Kimura Imports.
Shannon Skinner is the creator/host of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com, international speaker, radio host, author and travel writer.
Ivan Viripaev’s ‘Illusions,’ a delightful dark comedy
On Friday night, I saw the play, Illusions, a dark comedy from the contemporary Russian playwright, Ivan Viripaev, at the new Streetcar Crowsnest Theatre in Toronto’s east end. In Illusions, four performers, who are two married couples in real life, narrate the stories of two elderly married couples who have been long-time friends. Weaving back and forth in non-linear style, each of them tells the tale of their intertwining friendships – and love.
The original work was translated into English. The performers, all dressed in basic black/white, speak to the audience one after the other, from a minimalistic stage with nothing more than some chairs (and a curious use of the theatre’s street level window).
The opening monologue is a story of an aged Albert, who is on his deathbed. What follows are monologues that build upon and untangle the stories – and illusions – of passion and death, loyalty and betrayal, truth and fiction, hope and despair. Some of them are humorous, others are rather somber.
Full cast
The cast includes: Brett Donahue, Gemini award-winner Laurence Dauphinais, Marie-Ève Perron and Andrew Shaver, who is also the artistic director along with Paul Flicker.
Brett Donahue, Laurence Dauphinais
The award-winning playwright, Ivan Viripaev’s theatre works include Dreamworks (2011), Illusions (2011), Comedy (2010), Delhi Dance (2009), July (2006), amongst many others. His work is also seen on screen.
Marie-Ève Perron
Illusions is presented by award-winning theatre company SideMart, whose productions include Morris Panych’s Gordon, Mark Doherty’s Trad, and SideMart’s original musical Haunted Hillbilly. Illusions runs through to May 7, 2017. For more information, visit the website.
Shannon Skinner is a Toronto-based, award-winning television and radio show host, international speaker, author and creator of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com. For information on her speaking engagements and interviews, visit: www.ShannonSkinner.com and www.ExtrarodinaryWomenTV.com. Tweet to her at @Shannon_Skinner.
* Photos courtesy of SideMart Theatre CompanySideMart and photographer Fraser Elsdon
The Women’s March I didn’t attend (but wish I had)
Something interesting happened this weekend. Millions of women and men around the globe got together for the biggest, most peaceful protest in U.S. history, and said, “I have value. Listen to me.” The issues ranged, primarily from protesting President Donald Trump, to women’s and overall human rights, to climate change.
I would have loved to attend the Toronto event, if it wasn’t for a nagging cold and the fact that, as an introvert, I dislike large crowds. I would have loved to be there in solidarity with women who felt a deep need or desire to “show up” for what they believed was right. No matter, I feel my voice can be expressed in different forms – like the written word.
It was a remarkable event in history. And as I suspect, this won’t be the last because in the age of social media, mobilization of the masses is easier than ever, and there are plenty of people around the world who have something to say.
For my Canadians friends, if you are interested in finding out when the next women’s march is, there is a group organizing it. Check out their website here.
* Photo credit: Business Insider.
Tonight on Shannon Skinner Live: anti-aging secrets with beauty expert Vian Sharef
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO, June 16, 2015 — Tonight on Shannon Skinner Live radio show, host Shannon speaks with beauty expert and owner of Toronto-based Dermedix Laser Clinic, Vian Sharef, about beauty and anti-aging secrets. Tune-in to VoiceAmerica Women at 7pm EST/ 4PM Pacific.
Vian Sharef, owner, Dermedix Laser Clinic
Shannon Skinner Live is a weekly radio show that uncovers the stories and solutions to living an extraordinary life and making this world a better place. It features interviews with experts, visionaries and activists, and more.
About Vian Sharef:
Vian Sharef is a single mother, beauty expert and the founder and owner of Dermedix Laser Clinic, based in Toronto. Born and raised in Iraq, Vian came to Canada as a teenager with her family, after living in a refugee camp for 3 years in Turkey. She would eventually achieve a successful career in the financial services industry – and get married. Later, in 2008, life would have its challenges again. Vian lost her father, job and her marriage disintegrated within 6 months, and, as a single mother to a young daughter, she made the decision to go back to school to study medical aesthetics. Today, she is a successful businesswoman and has helped thousands of women and girls look and feel their best.
About Shannon Skinner:
Shannon Skinner is a Canadian television talk show host, speaker and writer. In 2010, she launched Shannon Skinner’s Extraordinary Women TV, the first of its kind, as a live web TV show, and later developed it into an broadcast television show and online platform that is the ultimate online life-guidance resource for women. She is the author of the Whispering Heart: Your Inner Guide to Creativity; and she writes on a range of topics, including creativity, inspiration, feminine leadership, change and travel.
Falling in love with India
Enjoyed a great night last night of celebrating the food and culture of India, at an event hosted by India Tourism, Vasco Travel, a Toronto-based travel company in the Indian inbound tourism market, Air Canada, and Canadian Travel Services, at the Novotel hotel in Toronto.
There are many reasons to fall in love with India. I love Indian cuisine (it’s my favourite) and it is the most colourful country in the world. According to the stats, around the world, 1 in 6 people is Indian. There are approximately 122 languages in India, and it is a country filled with vibrant culture and enormous opportunity.
Lovely girls performing a little Bollywood dancing. Plus we enjoyed some fabulous fusion music.
Guest of honour, Consul General of India, Mr. Akhilesh Mishra, speaking about his passion for India – and his # 1 love – his wife (so sweet), who was in attendance.
Consul General of India, Mr. Mishra, doing a symbolic lighting ceremony, along with his beautiful wife, Mrs. Mishra.
The evening was also celebrating the launch of Air Canada’s new non-stop “Dreamliner” flight from Toronto to Delhi, India, starting this November 2015.
I can’t wait to discover more reasons to fall in love with India!
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational speaker, writer, and host and producer of the television and online series www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com.
