our Colour here.
Transcription
our Colour here.
2016 COLOUR A DESTINATION REVEALED Uncommon Experience destinationstjohns.com | 2016 1 Remember Them as We Do Their sacrifices shaped the future. Their courage inspires who we are. A century later, we honour those who served. CEO Cathy Duke Destination St. John’s Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, communities are marking the centennial year of the First World War with special activities and tributes. That terrible event, along with the many other sacrifices made during the First World War, helped to shape the destiny of this place. It continues to influence our Canadian province today. July 1st, 2016 will be a particularly meaningful day. It marks the 100th anniversary of a defining moment in our history: the Battle of the Somme at Beaumont-Hamel. To mark this important event, The Rooms will open a new, permanent Royal Newfoundland Regiment Gallery as well as the Fortis Courtyard and Amphitheatre on our grounds. On that single day, hundreds of men from Newfoundland and Labrador were killed and injured, devastating a small country and plunging whole communities into mourning. Visit www.therooms.ca for further details. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, embodies colour both literally and figuratively. It is the perfect title for our publication which reveals our colourful province. When considering a destination, ensuring that the infrastructure is there to support your needs is critical, but equally important is the destination’s personality. What sets it apart? Colour will tell you the story of St. John’s, touch on its history and heartbeat, explore our quirky and slightly off kilter way of doing things, introduce you to our food scene, and twirl around the musicality and rhythm of our island. We hope you will enjoy the read. It won’t replace visiting and experiencing it first-hand, but it will pique your interest to learn more. 4-5 Why St. John’s by Kelly Mansell 6 Uncommon Experiences 8 Take Us Home How To Get Here 10-12 The Forgotten Irish by Larry Dohey 14 Eclectic Spaces 16-17 Playing Host by Troy Croft 18-19 A Taste of History By Lori McCarthy THE DESTINATION ST. JOHN’S SALES TEAM Meet the team of professionals who will help you navigate your journey to a successful group event. Our complimentary services include comprehensive bid presentations, space availability searches, site inspections, promotion and attendance building, and tour and travel itinerary suggestions, to name a few. They will introduce you to exceptional service providers who will deliver on the promise. 20 Wild Things 22-23 Festivals 24 Incentive Travel 25 The Company We Keep 26 Build Your Delegate Attendance Exclusive Perks 2 Elinor Gill Ratcliffe COLOUR : A DESTINATION REVEALED Join us on Facebook and Twitter. Lisa Martin-Davis Jeannette Yetman Krista Cameron Sales Manager Sales Manager Meetings and Conventions, Canada National / International Travel Trade, Sport and Event Tourism Director of Sales National / International Meetings, Conventions and Incentive Travel (MC&IT / MICE) destinationstjohns.com | 2016 3 FAST ST. JOHN’S WILL CAPTURE YOU Why St. John’s FACTS “TOP C DESTINOASTAL IN THE ATION W 2011!”ORLD -Nation a Travelle l Geographic r’s Maga zine Rich in landmarks and treasured traditions, you won’t want to leave. Choosing St. John’s as a destination is adventurous. As a traveller from Toronto I fell in love. I’m certain you will love this place as I do. But beware. You may never leave. Torontonian Turned Livyer Eschewing the trappings of all that is associated Kelly Mansell with being 50, Co-Owner, Rocket Bakery my husband and I decided to embark on a midlife adventure and moved from Toronto to St. John’s 5 years ago with our two teenage sons to open Rocket Bakery. Newfoundland is on many a Canadian’s bucket list for travel, but is not a common place to present to your Toronto friends and family as your next choice of residency. In fact, no one in either city could believe what we were doing. Our old friends said, “You’re going where to do what?!” And our new neighbours curiously asked, “So, you’re not from here? You have no family here?” Yet despite the raised eyebrows, I can tell you St. John’s has welcomed us with open arms and is treating us like one of the family. As in every active family, there’s never a dull moment in this city on the edge of the world. The beauty of St. John’s is stunning. Moreover, it will turn you into an adventurer. A new experience waits at every vista: • Be the first on the continent to see the sunrise and to welcome in the New Year. • From Signal Hill you can watch majestic icebergs slide by St. John’s harbour. And with the arrival of icebergs come capelin, the tiny fish the whales are chasing. Thousands of whales and mammoth icebergs abound. It’s a spectacle not to be missed. 4 COLOUR : A DESTINATION REVEALED • Enjoy a city experience without being overwhelmed by all that is a megalopolis. Brightly-coloured row houses, award-winning restaurants, unique boutiques and art galleries are all here to explore. • If solitude is your game, nature is within minutes of St. John’s downtown core. The fabulous East Coast Trail gets you into cliff hugging adventures right away. • Sitting on the hills above Fort Amherst at the entrance to St. John’s harbour, picking handfuls of blueberries, looking out to the ocean and back towards the city are truly some of my favourite things to do. • Visit wonderful Bannerman Park and come across a crowd dancing to music from the 40s under twinkling lights in the new bandstand. • Sea kayaking and fishing are literally just beyond your back door. • Immerse yourself in the culture of St. John’s with the city’s untold number of masterful musicians playing every night of the week. You never know who might be sitting at the table next to you. My next adventures: learning all the verses to “Ode to Newfoundland” Newfoundland’s provincial anthem, mustering up the courage to use the best lingo ever for commonplace things, and getting myself invited to another Jiggs Dinner! And, no matter what adventure (or misadventure) I get myself tangled up in, I rest assured that there will be a Newfoundlander to give me a hand when I need it most. i destinationstjohns.com | 2016 5 Photo credit: Ocean Quest Adventures FAST UNCOMMON EXPERIENCES We take getting up close and personal quite literally. FACTS THE NEWFO UNDLA ND DOG H AS WEBBE FEET D If you are looking for adventure you have come to the right place. Snorkelling with whales tickle your fancy? How about hopping on the longest zip line in Canada and having a bird’s eye view of the ocean and the community of Petty Harbour? Sea kayaking with whales, and circumnavigating icebergs on zodiac (at a safe distance of course) are all experiences that will definitely make it to your travel journal. i 6 COLOUR : A DESTINATION REVEALED destinationstjohns.com | 2016 7 Local Potter y TAKE US HOME ec d h, an New foundl adorite Labr For gift ideas visit: www.destinationstjohns.com/ visiting/what-to-do. i re Sc Whether you’re planning an event, conference, trade show, meeting, or just want to say “thank you”, event gifts have the power to leave a lasting impression on attendees. Lucky for you, St. John’s is a hive of artistic energy. Local artisans and one of a kind craft shops abound. Ru m Recognize your guest speakers, volunteers and delegates with a unique reminder of their time in Newfoundland and Labrador. 䔀砀瀀攀爀椀攀渀挀攀 琀栀攀 䄀眀愀爀搀 圀椀渀渀椀渀最 伀挀攀愀渀 吀漀甀爀 HOW TO GET HERE Marine Atlantic Ferry departs from North Sydney, Nova Scotia and arrives on the west coast of the island at Port aux Basques or on the east coast in Argentia, which is a 2 hour drive from St. John’s. Or fly on one of the many carriers into St. John’s: Air Canada, Porter Airlines, Provincial Airlines, Sunwing, Air Transat, and WestJet. i DIRECT FLIGHTS TO ST. JOHN’S Halifax: 1.5 hours Montreal: 2.5 hours Ottawa: 3 hours Toronto: 3 hours Calgary: 7 hours Dublin, Ireland: 4.5 hours London, England: 5 hours Gatwick, England: 5 hours 䤀渀琀爀漀搀甀挀椀渀最 䌀愀瀀漀 搀攀 䔀猀瀀攀爀愀⸀ 䄀 戀爀愀渀搀 渀攀眀Ⰰ 猀琀愀琀攀 漀昀 琀栀攀 愀爀琀 瘀攀猀猀攀氀⸀ 䄀 洀甀氀琀椀ⴀ昀甀渀挀琀椀漀渀愀氀Ⰰ 洀漀戀椀氀攀 瘀攀渀甀攀⸀ 䌀愀琀攀爀椀渀最 琀漀 漀渀攀 栀甀渀搀爀攀搀 漀昀 礀漀甀爀 搀攀氀攀最愀琀攀猀⸀ 圀愀氀欀椀渀最 搀椀猀琀愀渀挀攀 昀爀漀洀 洀愀樀漀爀 栀漀琀攀氀猀⸀ 䠀漀猀琀 礀漀甀爀 渀攀砀琀 洀攀攀琀椀渀最 漀渀 琀栀攀 䄀琀氀愀渀琀椀挀 伀挀攀愀渀⸀ 䔀砀瀀攀爀椀攀渀挀攀 吀栀攀 圀漀渀搀攀爀⸀ 伀䌀䔀䄀一 吀伀唀刀匀 䤀挀攀戀攀爀最儀甀攀猀琀⸀挀漀洀⼀匀琀愀爀琀倀氀愀渀渀椀渀最 ⸀㠀㘀㘀⸀㜀㈀ ⸀㠀㠀㠀 䈀漀漀欀䀀䤀挀攀戀攀爀最儀甀攀猀琀⸀挀漀洀 8 COLOUR : A DESTINATION REVEALED destinationstjohns.com | 2016 9 The Forgotten Irish THE FORGOTTEN IRISH The Irish is in us. We walk in the footsteps of the O’Sheas, the O’Briens, Sullivans and Powers. Tors Cove, Irish Loop, “There are parts of Newfoundland that will transport you to Cork or Waterford.” Photo ew fou n dl an d La br or ad u To r is m a /B tt rre The Irish have long laid claim to the Cape - Larry Dohey Shore. The French priest, Abbe Jean Baudoin, in his journal entries of 1696, makes reference to Irish settlers taking root, and by 1713 the Irish from the “Harbour” (Placentia) were settling along the Cape Shore. The Irish Catholic Bishop of Newfoundland in the 1780s, when asking for priests to be sent to his diocese remarked, “It is absolutely necessary that they should speak Irish.” ay acK &M What is it about Ireland that stirs the imagination and lures millions of travellers a year? Is it the rolling hills, the dramatic coastline, the witty turn of phrase and the enchantment of Larry Dohey a fabled history? The Rooms Provincial Archives Division These lures are also found on another island on the east coast of Canada. On this island of ours, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as a provincial holiday, and we might just be the closest cousins to the Fair Isle as any. Travel the Irish Loop and Cape Shore and you will see first-hand that we look like Ireland. We hold fast to Irish traditions, our music is born from Celtic roots, and if you close your eyes and listen, there are parts of Newfoundland that will transport you to Cork or Waterford. cred it: N This film crew had stumbled onto what they described as the ‘Forgotten Irish.’ Manager of Collections and Projects In the early 1980s a film crew from Ireland arrived on the Cape Shore. Their goal was to produce a documentary on the Irish Diaspora. On arrival, the Irish film crew was stunned to discover that the “crowd from the shore” spoke with Irish accents, used Gaelic phrases, sang Irish songs, and danced to Irish music. Up in the meadows, where the youngsters stood with their parents cutting hay, the Irish visitors observed the use of old Irish farming techniques. 10 COLOUR : A DESTINATION REVEALED destinationstjohns.com | 2016 11 Cape Race There remain on the shore a ‘slew’ (large number) of words and phrases that come from the old country. We are a people of the sea, in a place where the weather is unpredictable, so we like to discuss it. We call on words that our ancestors spoke. When the weather is good, it is a ‘keen day’ (sunshine). When the weather turns it is ‘mauzy’ (overcast), and we have our ‘soft days’ (a little foggy). We know who the ‘sleveens’ are (the cunning), the ‘hooligans’ (the rowdy), the ‘streels’ (slovenly persons) and the ‘crooked’ (difficult). They are our friends and neighbours. In St. John’s, The Rooms, the provincial museum, gallery and archives, houses a permanent exhibit of Irish immigration to Newfoundland and Labrador. George Street is dotted with Irish pubs, and local theatre groups and entertainers bring Irish traditional music alive with the accordion, the tin whistle and the bodhrán. FAST FACTS ST . JOH HAS N’S SAME L THE A AS PAR TITUDE I SEATTS AND LE FAST FACTS M OS EASTERT POINT LY IN No Amerritch a We are clearly the descendants of the Irish and we welcome you to our shore. i Cabot Tower, Signal Hill 12 COLOUR : A DESTINATION REVEALED destinationstjohns.com | 2016 13 Cape Spear Bunkers ECLECTIC SPACES Diverse and colourful, creating memorable, unmatched experiences. re di t: Th e Ro o m s o rp Co tio ra n Eat, drink and be merry – it is a common theme in these parts. But we take the business of delivering professional events seriously. We also recognize that every event needs camaraderie and fun. When you combine that with a character-filled space it is a winning combination. Ph oto c 200 year old restored buildings in the heart of downtown, staged war bunkers on the coast that second as a sunrise breakfast venue, and modern floor to ceiling glass windowed galleries overlooking the city are readily available. How about an underground venue surrounded by 550 million year old rock formed before the Atlantic Ocean? Iceberg Beer brew pubs in historical fishing villages or cozy fire lit bungalows in our “central park” are choices too. Merriment in cool spaces creates memorable experiences. Visit: www.destinationstjohns.com/venues for more choices. i 14 COLOUR : A DESTINATION REVEALED destinationstjohns.com | 2016 15 FAST FACTS OP PLA SEE B CES TO YOU D EFORE IE 2011 ! -Smithso n Magazin ian e ” PLAYING HOST Whether it is on the field, pitch or ice, or in any of our sports centres, we know how to play host. We have been doing it for 500 years and it shows. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to play on the edge of the world? In the far east of North America, the Atlantic breeze will cool a player’s brow while local hosts warm Troy Croft visitors’ hearts Sport NL with their renowned Newfoundland and Labrador hospitality. A competitive day on the field, ice or court will be rewarded by experiencing the unique treasure that is St. John’s. Playing Host “SMITH SO LIFE LISNIAN T: T St. Pat’s Ball Park Kin g Ge or ge V Pa rk that of a Newfoundlander anywhere. Just ask those who gathered in St. John’s in 2005 for the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. I can assure you, it was a once in a lifetime adventure for the competitors. They felt welcomed as if they were playing on home ice, and they made lifelong friendships. With a proven track record for hosting major National and International events such as the American Hockey League All Star Game (on two occasions), the Eastern Canadian Gymnastic Championships, and the World Ball Hockey Championships, St. John’s is poised to host your event. Our people, our city, our fans and our volunteers are ready. Come to The Rock and experience playing on the edge. For more information visit: www.destinationstjohns.com/sporttourism i Executive Director I had the pleasure of co-chairing the 2014 Canadian National Senior Men’s Baseball Championships in St. John’s. The excitement of those who converged here on “The Rock” was contagious. They thoroughly enjoyed the tournament at our new crown jewel, St. Pat’s Ball Park, which went through extensive upgrades to host the tournament. And when they were not playing ball they were taking in the sights and sounds of the city while enjoying Iceberg Beer, the world’s freshest fish and chips, the migratory paths of icebergs and whales, and a night or two of entertainment on George Street. The Tim Horton’s Brier will converge on St. John’s in March of 2017. The local support for the event is impressive with 2000 full event passes sold before the bid was even won! You will likely not see local support like Maximize Meetings Situated at St. John’s historic harbour, Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland’s views and prime downtown location are certain to make your next event memorable. Whether it’s a business meeting for ten or a gala for 600 guests, our team of professionals will take care of all the details. • 19 meeting rooms with over 17,000 sq. ft. of space, plus a lush atrium Court Garden • 301 spacious guestrooms and suites • Inspired menus from our award-winning culinary team • Complimentary Internet access and parking Contact us: 888 870 3303 | [email protected] 16 COLOUR : A DESTINATION REVEALED 115 Cavendish Square St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador A1C 3K2 sheratonhotelnewfoundland.com destinationstjohns.com | 2016 17 FAST FACTS “B EST RESTA U IN CANRANT ADA 20 Raymon ” 14! ds Res -Vacay.c taurant a A TASTE OF HISTORY Sp A mouth-watering mix of old and new, satisfying body and soul. litt F ing ish The culinary traditions of Newfoundland and Labrador are firmly intertwined with the stories of its people and the communities in which they live. From the Maritime Archaic aboriginal Lori McCarthy peoples to our Cod Sounds recent European settlers, the foods that we gather, grow, serve and share are central to the lore of our land. As you explore our great province, you will undoubtedly encounter opportunities and experiences to savour. As you discover the people, places and history of our province, you will find that our culinary history resides at the heart of it all. The traditional ways of preparation and presentation continue to grow as we learn and share with those who take the time to taste our way of life. i Owner/Operator ed cr it: De rric k G le “Our culinary history resides at the heart of it all.” - Lori McCarthy nn Mercer COLOUR : A DESTINATION REVEALED ot o 18 The heads, tongues and sound bones used to craft dishes and feed families are part of the foundations of our shared experience. pp ea Bak Our culinary heritage formed in a time before modern abundances and mass transportation. Crops, wild forage and game, grown, gathered and hunted throughout the summer and fall were salted, preserved and stored in root cellars. Fish taken from the sea was for the merchant and markets abroad, not for the families that caught them. The choice parts of the fish were split, washed, salted and traded away in exchange for the mere tools and supplies needed to continue working in the fishery. Our culinary history concerning fish is not built upon these choice fillets and napes, but from the parts of the fish with no market value, which would otherwise be discarded. Ph le be r rie In modern times, these s same ingredients are used to craft dishes served as delicacies in our homes and some of our best restaurants. Take the time to taste and enjoy. Take a culinary class, cook up a freshly caught codfish, find native edibles on a wild foraging tour or simply have a boil-up on the beach. destinationstjohns.com | 2016 19 WILD THINGS ABOUND IN THIS PLACE So close to nature, inspiring a newfound wonder for the land and sea. One of the most popular group activities here is spending time on the water. If you see nothing other than endless sea and skyline, dramatic coast, and get two hours of fresh Atlantic air, it is worth it! But the chances of seeing one of our 29 species of mammals or 35 million seabirds are pretty good. The largest population of humpback whales travel north to the province while the goliath 10,000 year old icebergs are drifting south. This is the only place you might see both at the same time. i FAST FACTS VIEW TH E m arch of the iceberg s WHILE PICNIC KING Get Together AT MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY For meetings and events, sport tourism or travel trade, we have you covered: • safe, secure, accessible accommodations • indoor and outdoor meeting and recreational spaces • catering • free Wi-Fi • close proximity to all amenities 877 730 7657 (toll-free) [email protected] mun.ca/conferences 20 COLOUR : A DESTINATION REVEALED destinationstjohns.com | 2016 21 Festivals FESTIVALS FOR EVERYONE FAST FACTS “PLAC ES IN •Opera on the Avalon The eclectic sophistication of the city makes it a perfect host for outstanding annual festivals and events that showcase thousands of artists who call this place home. And they draw many more artists who are lined up to visit. You may consider booking around one of your favourites to allow delegates to come early or stay late to take in a festival. Here are a few highlights for your consideration. operaontheavalon.com •George Street Festival georgestreetlive.ca •St. John’s Time •Downtown St. John’s (10 days July/August) stjohns.ca Buskers Festival downtownstjohns.com •Seasons in the Bight Festival risingtidetheatre.com •The Royal St. John’s •Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival nlfolk.com/fest •Wreckhouse International Regatta stjohnsregatta.org •St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival womensfilmfestival.com YOU WCANADA BELIEV ON’T E EXI 2014!” ST -The Hu ffi ngton P ost Jazz and Blues Festival wreckhousejazzandblues.com For a full list, visit: destinationstjohns.com/visiting/festivals-events. i •Lawnya Vawnya: An •Victoria Park Lantern Explosion of Independent Festival Art and Culture lanternfest.ca lawnyavawnya.com •The Tuckamore Festival tuckamorefestival.ca •Signal Hill Tattoo signalhilltattoo.org 22 COLOUR : A DESTINATION REVEALED •Festival of New Dance festivalofnewdance.ca •Mummers Festival mummersfestival.ca destinationstjohns.com | 2016 23 THE COMPANY WE KEEP St. John’s is a proven host city. A surprising fact to some: those who attend conferences and events in St. John’s tend to travel with more people and stay longer than when they travel to other destinations. We invite you to join the hundreds of groups that have had successful conferences and events. Here are just a few we were happy to host. i Fogo Island Inn •International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering (OMAE/ASME) Outer Batte ry INCENTIVE TRAVEL We have a number of programs for you to consider, but a standout right now is a trip to St. John’s, surrounding areas and the Fogo Island Inn. Fogo Island Inn has been selected as a founding member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World! The Inn was chosen to be among a collection of 24 unique hotels in extraordinary places around the world with a demonstrated commitment to sustainability, authenticity and excellence. 24 COLOUR : A DESTINATION REVEALED FACTS THE RE ARE MORE D IAL OF ENGL ISH SPO ECTS KEN H THA N ANYW E HERE EL RE SE IN T E WORH LD “I wasn’t sure what to expect and I was overwhelmed with its exotic beauty. It’s like Ireland and the Caribbean squished together.” - Bettyanne Sherrer, President, ProPlan Conference Planners Conference •National Health Care Leadership Conference •National Slow Pitch Championship •Challenge Cup Soccer A destination that will motivate. When it comes time to introduce the next big thing to incentivize employees, to encourage them to reach higher, work smarter, and to exceed the financial goals of the company, the experience Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer is beyond compare. •Canadian Dental Association •Financial Management Institute of Canada •Canadian Bar Association •Governor General’s Canadian Leadership FAST In St. John’s you can choose from a historical boutique hotel like the Murray Premises located on Harbour Drive or JAG, the newest 4.5 star boutique hotel in the city. A four night stay in St. John’s with impeccable dining, outdoor adventures like sea kayaking with whales, iceberg viewing, coastal picnics, and followed by a 3 night program at one of the unique lodges in the world is an incentive that is sure to motivate. Just three hours from Toronto and five hours from London, England, we are strategically positioned to host employees from around the world. Please visit: www.destinationstjohns.com/visiting/ where-to-stay for more information. Call for more programing opportunities. 877-739-8899. i destinationstjohns.com | 2016 25 BUILD YOUR DELEGATE ATTENDANCE The Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development will cover mailing costs for up to 1,500 pieces of pre-promotional material to potential delegates in the year preceding the meeting. This is a perfect opportunity to offset some of the costs associated in hosting the annual meeting and is an excellent way to generate interest in our destination. As well, tent cards, lure brochures and a promotional video will be made available to the national committee, to EXCLUSIVE PERKS Delegate Discount Program. Be sure to take advantage of the delegate discount program, a suite of special offers from service providers, retail shops and restaurants exclusively for conference delegates. 26 COLOUR : A DESTINATION REVEALED pre-promote the destination to those delegates attending the previous national meeting. Please contact Rod Walsh, Marketing Specialist MC&IT 709-729-5228, [email protected]. i FAST FACTS 2000 NEA Cape Spear – most easterly point in North America G U E ST ROOM S C O N V R THE ENTIO N CENTR E Free Advice. Visit one of the three Visitor Information Centres in the city and get expert advice on what to see and do. Located at the St. John’s International Airport, Water Street and Quidi Vidi Plantation. Welcome Signage. For large conventions your group is recognized throughout the downtown with welcome signage in the shops and restaurants. destinationstjohns.com | 2016 27 Joe Batt’s Arm, Fogo Island You can spend a lifetime trying to change the world. Or you can just let the world change you. Some call it an epiphany. That rare moment of clarity in the brilliant chaos of modern life, surrounded by a landscape that simply beckons it. But it’s really just a matter of breathing it all in, as naturally as it was meant to be. Until that inevitable flight home. Or not. Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism is happy to provide our clients with plenty of support and assistance in sales and marketing. NewfoundlandLabrador.com/TravelTrade for more information. 28 Visit COLOUR : A DESTINATION REVEALED