Mike Myers’ Canada book
Mike Myers is a Canadian-born actor, comedian, screenwriter and film producer. He is best known for creating the movie character Austin Powers. He has written a book to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday this year.
The book lovingly explores the nation’s quirks and strengths. We are in agreement with him when he wrote that Canada is one of the world’s most beautiful countries in the world, filled with reasonable, civilized, friendly, cultured people. Here’s hoping you have visited Myers’ top spots.
BANFF, ALBERTA – The Rocky Mountains and Lake Louise form a natural tableau that will make you laugh out loud at its perfection. Banff might be the most beautiful place on the planet.
QUEBEC CITY – With history and charm, prepare to have your mind blown away. If you visit during the Winter Festival, you can shake the hand of the festival’s mascot, a giant snowman. And you must try the traditional Canadian pea soup.
NIAGARA FALLS – The Canadian side of the Falls is more beautiful and there are several casinos.
You must find time to ride the Maid of the Most boat at the foot of the falls, truly a wonder of the world.
ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND – Closer to Ireland than parts of Canada, this provincial capital can feel like its own world. St. John’s harbor looks like a harbor from Lord of the Rings. The people are truly nice and friendly.
TORONTO – Canada’s largest city stands out for its livability. It has been described as “New York run by the Swiss.” It is efficient, vibrant, safe and blessed with a thriving arts scene. The author now lives in New York but Toronto will always be his home.
MONTREAL – Canada’s home to one of the world’s largest French-speaking cities. Old Montreal is more French than France. It is a very diverse city, resulting in possibly the best bagels in the world and fantastic smoked meat sandwiches.
VANCOUVER – One of the world’s most beautifully situated cities offers majestic mountain and harbor views. It does rain a lot, just like Seattle. But the climate is way milder than the rest of Canada. Stanley Park is a highlight with its totem poles and sweeping views.
VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The ferry ride from Vancouver is so beautiful and romantic and quite unforgettable. The combination of pine, rocky outcroppings and deep- blue see are intoxicating. You will find Victoria like a town in England 100 years ago. It is a must to have high tea at the legendary Empress Hotel.
OTTAWA – Canada’s capital city has no shortage of charm, culture and appeal. During winter, you can skate at the Rideau Canal and check out the Parliament Library, one of the most beautifully decorated rooms in the world.
PEGGY’S COVE, NOVA SCOTIA – This Atlantic coastal village, known for a landmark lighthouse may be the prettiest spot in the country, a study in quaint. It is like stepping into an Edward Hopper painting. You must try the seafood chowder.
Canadian shopping malls doing better than America
Retail and shopping malls look like they are in trouble in the US. Macy’s is closing at least 68 outlets this year and Sears is closing 108 K-Mart stores and 42 Sears outlet. A spate of pending department store closures has may industry watchers worried about the future of shopping malls, but in Canada the picture looks quite a bit brighter according to a new study.
The Retail Council of Canada revealed that the malls in the country are significantly more productive, on average, than malls in the United States, with average sales of $744 per square foot in Canada compared with $466 per square foot south of the border.
That’s the situation even when Americans on average have more money to spend on discretionary purchases than Canadians.
Canadian cities have been quicker to refurbish their malls and adding new tenants, including new-to-Canada retailers and licensed restaurants. The country’s oldest department store chain, Hudson’s Bay Co. has been adding Saks and Saks Off Fifth stores in the country despite faltering performance in U.S. and Europe. Poor holiday sales were mitigated by a stronger performance at Hudson’s Bay stores in Canada.