Over the mountains and to the lake
Trained at the School of Alberta Ballet, Tate McRae finished third on “So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation” in 2016. She was a voice actress for the “Lalaloopsy” series. And her YouTube channel, “Create with Tate,” has more than 1.7 million subscribers.
Recently signed to RCA Records, the 16-year-old Canadian entertainer is following up her debut single, “tear myself apart,” with “all my friends are fake.” An edited version of our conversation follows.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: I love traveling to new places around the world, but I always like going to our cabin in Invermere (British Columbia). I love boating, surfing and just hanging out with my family and friends. Get out on the lake and enjoy the water. It is a glacier-fed lake, so is super clear and refreshing.
Q: What untapped destination should people know about?
A: Canada in general is a beautiful country. There are so many mountains and (still) so many things close to Calgary that I have not seen.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: I traveled so much as a child. When I was 4, we moved to Oman in the Middle East. We lived there for three years, and I got to explore Oman, as well as many places around there. We went to Dubai in the UAE, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Egypt and then explored a lot of countries in Europe.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: Be open-minded and take everything in. Cultures are all so diverse, and you can learn so much from the people.
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: Definitely the cabin in Invermere. It’s a threehour drive from our house through the mountains. As soon as we get there, I feel like I am on vacation.
Q: What kind of destinations do you like best?
A: Anywhere tropical. I am obsessed with turquoise water, waterfalls, swimming holes. … Wherever I am, there has to be lots to do, though, because I am not good at sitting around. I do not enjoy sun-tanning or sitting and always need to be going somewhere or exploring!
Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A: The best trip we took at Christmas would have to be on a ski trip to Switzerland. It was so magical. I love Christmas. It is my favorite holiday of the year. I love being somewhere cold at Christmas so that there is snow.
Q: Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A: Definitely Australia! The culture and people and the vast amount of space reminded me of Canada. Of course, we do not have kangaroos.
Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: I hate packing and unpacking, so I like to pack super light. Really if I have my passport, credit card, phone and a change of clothes, I am good to go.
Q: What would be your dream trip?
A: Going to somewhere like Fiji or Bora Bora. I love the ocean and white sand and those little cute villas people stay in.
Q: How do you deal with jet lag?
A: I always fall asleep on planes. No matter what. As soon as the engine starts, I usually am out until the end of the flight. I love sleeping on planes.