New waters, fresh air and city sights
Making waves
Ever wanted to cruise the Great Lakes, or coast on an epic journey from Argentina’s southernmost tip all the way to Toronto? These are just two upcoming itineraries offered on the Viking Octantis, the first expedition vessel from the company best known for luxury river cruising and small-ship ocean voyages. Debuting this year, the Scandi-style craft is outfitted with 189 state rooms (each with its own Nordic balcony), multiple pools and a thermal spa, plus kayaks and other equipment for off-ship adventuring.
Cold as ice
Ottawa is already home to the world’s largest skating rink — the 7.8-kilometre Rideau Canal, when frozen over for the season, usually from January to early March. Now, about a 30-minute drive from the iconic canal, there’s a new spot to hit the ice: the Icelynd Skating
Trails near Stittsville, Ont., coowned by former Ottawa Senators player Chris Neil. Winding through tall pines, the forested path is lit up for nighttime skating and currently stretches two kilometres, with another 2-3 kilometres expected to open in the coming weeks. The property also has a half-dozen fire pits for keeping cosy, as well as a rentable outdoor rink. Advanced passes available at icelynd.com.
City of style
Sixty years ago, the first Yves Saint Laurent show hit the runway; now, a multi-venue exhibition in Paris is set to mark the anniversary. “Yves
Saint Laurent Aux Musées” (opening Jan. 29) will explore how artistic movements — and the collections of French public museums — inspired the fashion legend. The installations will be based at six sites across the city: the Centre Pompidou, the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée national PicassoParis and, of course, the destination dedicated to the designer, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris.
London’s latest district
Spring 2022 will mark the full launch of Borough Yards, the newest shopping and dining hub in London, England. The area, which has reinvented a cluster of Victorian railway arches and warehouses near London Bridge, will be home to more than 50 stores, restaurants and other spaces. The soon-toopen dining destinations, including the tapas hot spot Barrafina, the brunchy Brother Marcus and the wine bar Vinoteca, will benefit from the district’s next-door neighbour: the historic Borough Market, with its bounty of fresh produce, is practically steps away.