Just because gas prices have dropped, that doesn’t mean we should start using our cars again! As the FLICK OFF rally reminded us, climate change is a very real threat and sustaining a healthy environment is crucial for future.

So what are you waiting for? Park those cars for the winter and take the train instead. Consider the following statistics:

Brought to you by nightthree www.flickr.com/photos/nightthree/

According to Environment Canada, transportation accounts for approximately 30% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions of which 50% are produced by private passenger vehicles. Passenger trains contribute a comparatively small amount, totalling only 0.03% of Canadian GHG emissions. Train travel reduces traffic congestion in large urban centres and, therefore, reduces GHG emissions. On short and medium distances the harmful emissions are approximately half of the amount generated by vehicles and about 40% of the amount generated by air transport.

Also, did you know?

• Cars are less fuel efficient in winter thanks to increased use of heating systems and idling.

• Winter road conditions increase the number of automobile collisions.

Come on Canadians – let’s keep each other inspired in the battle against climate change!

Add more reasons for taking the train this winter by leaving me a comment.

I was Googling madly this morning, trying to find some insider tips about where to have fun in Western Canada. I know they’re living it up in Vancouver, kicking up their heels in Edmonton, making waves in Calgary, but where, WHERE? Unfortunately, I don’t get to travel west very often, but a girl needs some travel inspiration.

I ran across some interesting blogs that helped my research along:

• Rebecca Bollwitt’s blog: Miss604
• Beyond Robson, produced by FreshDaily (i.e. the darlings behind MidnightPoutine and TOBlog)
• The Insider’s view of Vancouver blog on the Tourism Vancouver site

But I’m not feeling the vibe yet! So I am making a plea here – help me find some restaurants, hot spots and boutiques to share with my readers in Western Canada. I want all the dirt!

Brought to you by Lucas Gomes @ www.flickr.com/photos/lucassrg/

This was by far my best trip to Ottawa! Why? Because I was on board the FLICK OFF Express along with scientists, musicians, students and of course, David Suzuki! And we all took part in a lively, fascinating discussion on various environmental issues. What more could you ask for?

We all agreed that FLICK OFF’s environmental message was relevant to all of us. Like many of you, I wouldn’t, for example, tie myself to a tree to protest against deforestation. But the following three valuable tips that we learned on this trip are things that we can implement in our daily lives quite easily. And that could make all the difference:

• FLICK OFF - It’s pretty clear: turning off your computer, TV, lights and properly closing your faucets reduces energy which, in turn, reduces greenhouse gases.
• Buy locally - Really, the only difference between an apple from California and one from Quebec is the distance needed to travel to get it to your grocery store. Less travel, less greenhouse gases. Magic? No, just common sense.
• Take the train! - It’s been proven, written about, and it’s remarkable: Only 0,03% of the total greenhouse gases are produced by rail transportation. Much less than planes and cars!

Once we arrived in Ottawa, we were greeted by a warm sunshine and beautiful autumn colors. I spent the day meeting students from the University of Ottawa campus and, of course, taking plenty of pictures!

It was an inspiring atmosphere that I’d like to share with you in pictures. Enjoy!

How lucky am I? I’ve just returned from the most exciting train ride of my life – filled with inspirational characters and a positive, life-changing message.

FLICK OFF EXPRESS: TRAVELLING FOR A CAUSE

No sooner did I have my first cup of coffee in hand did I come face to face with a giddy group of passengers aboard the FLICK OFF Express. Everyone from RBC contest winners to students, from scientists to musicians were ready to raise awareness about climate change and motivate our leaders to invest in our environmental future.

THE TRAIN RIDE OF A LIFETIME

One of the first people I ran into was José Etcheverry, who kindly offered me his elbow (his hands busy holding a coffee and muffin). José, who left Chile in the late-90’s and has been living in Canada ever since, is a member of the York University environmental faculty and an analyst for the David Suzuki Foundation.

Our very important discussion about the benefits of train travel was pleasantly interrupted by the sounds of Airick Woodhead (of Spiral Beach) and Gill Deacon showing off the FLICK OFF theme they composed that samples Queen’s “We Will Rock You” (singing, “We will, we will flick off!”).

I didn’t know where to point my camera first!

(PSST! To see the full photo set, visit my Flickr account!)

MEETING MY HERO

But the highpoint was definitely when David Suzuki, the legend himself, got on board. Students had plenty of questions for him, and he answered them all with both passion and conviction. We were so caught up in his words, we barely noticed when the FLICK OFF Express arrived on campus.

Surrounded by beautiful autumn colors, the campus was swarming with both curious on-lookers and students. It was an awe-inspiring sight and even though there’s nothing like being there yourself, I did my best to bottle this moment and share with all of you.

Stay tuned later this week for another posting about the Ottawa rally.

Until then, don’t forget to “flick off” your computer and save energy!

Great news!

Sit back, relax, and smile…cause VIA just saved you a bundle!

I’ve found some great offers along the Québec City-Windsor corridor. Check out these incredible prices:

Montreal – Toronto $59

Toronto – Ottawa $59

Kingston – Toronto $54

What can be better than chatting, browsing, eating and sleeping aboard a comfortable train… for a lot less?

See what other great deals VIA has in store for you!

Canadians know that climate change means WE need to change. So get on board to rock the rails and rally for environmental awareness!This Saturday, October 18, I’ll be outside the University of Ottawa at Confederation Park from 2:30-4:00pm as part of the final stop of the FLICK OFF Express. Look for the tall, thin brunette VIA spokesperson highlighting how eco-friendly train travel is… That’s if free concerts by The Constantines and Spiral Beach plus Canadian celeb environmental activists such as David Suzuki, Sarah Harmer and Jian Ghomeshi don’t tempt you first!

We’re motivating Ontario students to show how much they care about global warming by:

A)    putting pressure on our leaders (sign our petition online)
B)    making a personal change (calculate your carbon footprint)

It’s all part of the bigger FLICK OFF movement to get Canadians to adopt more energy-friendly measures such as taking public transit, recycling, and FLICKing OFF (the power, that is!)

This year, I started line-drying my laundry and composting, and would love to hear your tips on green living. Hope to see you in Ottawa!

It’s the long weekend! And sunny! Time to bundle up the kids and burn off those extra calories at these family-friendly Montréal events this Oct 11-12-13…

Get set for Halloween

• Got a dab hand at scary pumpkins? Display your masterpiece and (hopefully) win during the Great Pumpkin Ball (Botanical Gardens)
• Zombies, vampires, and giant rats… oh my! Shiver through favourites such as the Haunted House at the Halloween Fright Fest (LaRonde)
• Need thrills and chills? Discover Imax’s Haunted Castle 3D (Old Port)

Head outside!

• Make Thanksgiving pies even better by picking your own apples and pumpkins
• Join naturalists for guided tours of Parc-natures du Bois-de-l’île-Bizard and Pointe-aux-Prairies, or track white-tailed deer at the Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville
• Marvel at precision flying acrobatics at the International Kite Festival (Varennes, Parc de la Commune)

Try something new!

• Explore the world of corn husk dolls and create your own at Le Musée des maitres et artisans du Quebec (ages 6+)
• Join the Royal Astronomical Association of Canada at the CSL library to view the moon and Jupiter through a telescope, and learn about the night sky (ages 7+)

Sorry if some of these websites are in French only – it’s just that I got so excited, I wanted to include them all!

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

You may have noticed that my usual portrait has been replaced with a more upated image.

The drawing was nice and all with its soft lines and flattering colours – I do look ravishing in olive green.

But since I am made of pixels, I thought it only fitting that my image should also be composed of pixels. And I like the polka dots.

So let me know what you think - you know how us girls get

(PSST! See the whole photo on my Facebook fan page…)

How sad to think that some people live in places where there is no fall.

How does one live without ever seeing mellowing sunlight dappling leaves of red, orange, yellow… so romaaaantic!

Here are my top five activities to make your fall visit to Montreal (and beyond) sweeter:

• Chase dragons at The Magic of Lanterns (Botanical Gardens)
• Buy pumpkins at the Jean-Talon market
• See the city in a whole new light on a lighting tour of Old Montreal
• Get cinematic during the Festival de Nouveau Cinema
• Go apple-picking! Apple crisp is a perfect dessert for Thanksgiving

So go adventuring – and tell me your tales upon return!