Here’s how to make the most of everything Canada has to offer with a more sustainable summer vacation.

Go offline and get outside 
For a truly refreshing and restorative staycation, disconnect for a few days without reaching for phones or laptops. Electronics can disrupt our circadian rhythm and natural sleep cycle. Consider morning salutations or meditation to connect with nature and set your intentions for the day.

There are 37 national parks and 10 national park reserves in Canada, plus numerous provincial parks and local nature reserves to explore, meaning nature isn’t far from your doorstep.

“Camp” from the comfort of home  
Roughing it in the outdoors may not be ideal for everyone, but it’s easy to create a quality camping experience from home. Set up a tent in the backyard or a local campground, light some candles or a bonfire, and roast marshmallows and hot dogs using sticks fallen from nearby trees.

Try bringing food and snacks you already have in the fridge or pantry. If grocery shopping’s a must, consider carbon-neutral food options like Maple Leaf Natural Top Dogs. The Carbon Zero logo indicates a carbon neutral company to help you identify planet-friendly options for your cookout.

Support sustainable experiences  
Looking for a new experience? Try visiting food festivals or fundraisers in your area. These provide the opportunity for you and your family to support the community while also cutting down on your carbon emissions since you won’t have to travel far.

If booking a hotel or rental property, ask your accommodation provider about their sustainability commitments to choose an option that aligns with sustainable tourism.

Make staycations the new vacations. The more we explore our neighbourhoods on foot, the smaller our carbon footprint.

(Source : News Canada)

L’article 3 tips for a sustainable summer staycation est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

“With a third consecutive winter under the influence of La Niña, in the Pacific Ocean, and the presence of the polar vortex, Canadians can expect cold and active weather for the start of the winter season,” said by press release Chris Scott, MeteoMedia’s chief meteorologist.

“Unlike recent years, winter is off to a strong start in Quebec,” added André Monette, head of meteorology at MeteoMedia, in that same press release. “Several regions already have a good snow covering, and it will continue to grow. Due to the active corridor present in the Saint-Laurent valley, several storms are expected. The abundance of snow is expected in Quebec this winter, which is excellent news for enjoying outdoor activities.”

Quebec and Ontario

Winter conditions arrived quickly this year, compared to recent winters, where there was sometimes no snow on Christmas Day.

“The polar vortex will be more in the centre of the country, keeping the coldest anomalies far from the two provinces,” the press release specified. “Some incursions of arctic air are still to be expected. With a mild anomaly present on the American east coast, Quebec and eastern Ontario will find themselves in the axis of an active corridor.”

Elsewhere in Canada

The Prairies will be entitled to below normal temperatures with the repeated presence of the polar vortex. For the Atlantic provinces, they will be favoured by a pronounced mildness, thanks to the abnormally mild temperatures of the Atlantic Ocean.

In the Rockies, more storms and snow are expected. Therefore, that will help the sector’s outdoor activities. (A.B.)

L’article A Tough Winter to Come est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Families and friends were invited to gather at the Carrefour Laval to come and enjoy a variety of entertainment, music and activites.

The event was ending with a countdown, leading to the lighting of the large Christmas tree, located in the garden near entrances 3 and 4.

It all started around 5:30 p.m., with already several people on site to enjoy choirs and activities.

Disappointment

However, many people have shared, on social media, their frustration and/or disappointment concerning the tree’s illumination time.

The event’s announcement was made rather late, according to many Laval residents. Also, some of those people are mentioning it’s only once there that they learned, thanks to the security deployed, that the lighting of the tree wasn’t scheduled until around 7:30 p.m., which they’re considering too late for young children.

Others are also claiming it was very difficult to hear the choir due to the mall’s ambient noise.

L’article Illumination of Carrefour Laval’s Christmas Tree est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

The event, totally free, offers a hybrid program this year, as it’s on the Web and at the Multicultural Library.

Virtual reality, musical creation, coding, online escape room games, digital art installations, light-up video murals, robot building and many more activities are offered for children aged six and older, teenagers and their parents.

“Mastering the integration of technologies represents an increasingly essential know-how, which however, can seem difficult to access,” said Flavia Alexandra Novac, municipal councillor of Sainte-Rose and responsible for cultural files, via press release. The NUM Festival was precisely designed to offer everyone a fun immersion into the digital world. »

More than 40 varied activities are on the program this year. For example, escape room games, which have grown in popularity in recent years, will be available online, both individually and with the family. Also, a digital musical composition and a digital drawing and animation workshop will also be offered.

Key Figure

Five-time esports world champion, Stephanie Harvey, is one of the pioneers of women’s esports, and has been working to raise awareness about good gaming practices, gender equality, and the fight against online toxicity . She’ll be an ambassador for the NUM Festival this year. (A.B.)

L’article More Than 40 Activities at the NUM Festival est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Many free activities await families in Laval’s largest urban park, with four distinct zones that will offer festive experiences for all tastes.

“What a pleasure to have Family Day back at the Centre de la nature this year, said Seta Topouzian, city councilor of Renaud and responsible for files related to childhood, via press release. It’s with excitement that we’re inviting Laval families to take part in the many free activities and shows offered during Labor Day’s weekend. It’s a great way to celebrate the end of summer in style.”

Various Activities for Everyone

A great cultural offer and several youth shows are scheduled for the event, including well-known artists like Arthur L’Aventurier, Maria Cannelloni, Les Petites Tounes, La Tournée des 400 coups by FLIP Fabrique, as well as several other artists.

Inflatable games, circus workshops and face painting, as well as thrilling activities will be offered. There will also be rock climbing, zip-lining, as well as a hebertism course, which consists of physical exercise practiced at height.

Science and technology enthusiasts will also have a good time, as they’ll have the chance to experiment activities of the Studio des Bibliothèques de Laval, make scientific discoveries, and attend the special performance of the chemist and animator Yannick Bergeron.

Citizens will also have the opportunity to participate in Bryan Perro’s conference, author of science fiction and fantasy, known worldwide for his various works, including Amos Daragon.

Zones to Discover

The site will be divided into four big zones, with each of them offering different activities to keep families active.

Turbulence zone: In addition to zip-lining, rock climbing and a a hebertism course, participants will have the chance to discover the arts of graffiti, create music and attend participatory dance performances.

Plaine des jeux zone: This will be full of inflatable games, to the delight of children. The zone will also be animated by characters, circus workshops and a make-up area. A photo booth will be available in order immortalize your visit to Family Day’s 21st edition. A giant play area will also be offered.

Les petits génies zone: Several enriching activities will encourage children to think and learn more about the technological, literary and scientific world.

Village des arts zone: Singing and animation shows will charm the public at the Centre de la nature with their rhythmic universe filled with musical waves.

Street Closure

On September 4, a part of avenue du Parc will be closed to traffic. A few surrounding streets will be closed to parking in order to allow the festivities to run smoothly and in complete safety. Residents of the sector will have access to their home at all times, upon presentation of a proof of residence. (A.B.)

L’article Familiy Day on September 4 in Laval est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.