Amazon Names Top 20 Canadian Cities that Love to Read

Comments 109 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Today, a new city was crowned the monarch on Amazon Canada’s list of Canadian Cities that Love to Read as Kingston, Ontario received the top spot in the sixth annual list. In second place, and appearing for the first time ever on the list, is another Ontario city, Waterloo. The list looks at print and Kindle e-book sales from Amazon.ca on a per capita basis in Canadian cities with more than 100,000 residents from May 2017 to May 2018.

Top Canadian Cities That Love to Read

Top 20 Canadian Cities that Love to Read

*New in 2018

1. Kingston, Ontario
2. Waterloo, Ontario*
3. Vancouver, BC
4. Kelowna, BC
5. Langley, BC
6. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
7. Calgary, Alberta
8. Oakville, Ontario
9. Regina, Saskatchewan
10. Edmonton, Alberta
11. Red Deer, Alberta*
12. Guelph, Ontario
13. Burlington, Ontario
14. London, Ontario
15. Delta, BC*
16. Oshawa, Ontario
17. Kitchener, Ontario
18. Barrie, Ontario
19. Winnipeg, Manitoba
20. Thornhill, Ontario

Top Canadian Cities That Love to Read

Taking a closer look at the data Amazon Canada revealed the top two cities are home to some of Ontario’s leading post-secondary institutions. Kingston led the way in the fiction literature, textbooks, history, medical and law categories, while Waterloo residents purchased the most science and math, computers and technology, and technical professional books

For the second year in a row, Vancouver and Cambridge took the cake as the top cities that purchased the most cookbooks. Vancouverites lead in categories pertaining to health and fitness, social sciences, self-help, travel and arts and photography.

When it comes to romance novels, no one is quite as passionate as Kingston, Oshawa and Barrie, remaining in the top three spots for a second year.

Even though Vancouver has dropped to number three in the overall rankings, they have taken the top spot as the city that purchases the most physical books, proving that they are loyal to hardcovers and paperbacks.

To start preparing your own summer reading list, visit Amazon Books and Amazon Kindle Books.

Win the new Kindle Oasis!

I have a new Kindle Oasis to give away courtesy of Amazon! Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Click below to post an entry on Twitter

[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win a Kindle Oasis E-Reader http://ow.ly/eKaS30kyafi” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Sunday, June 24, 2018.

Update The winner is Marcus!

McLean Mill Historic Park in Port Alberni

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt
Disclosure: Sponsored Post — Published in partnership with ZenSeekers Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

Through programming, tours, and simply being in a stunning natural location in the heart of the forest, McLean Mill Historic Park in Port Alberni has everything you need for a fun family outing. I spent a whole day at the grounds with ZenSeekers, getting a guided tour and having so much fun taking photos. You can read my full article on the ZenSeekers site but here are some quick, useful takeaways that will inspire you to visit.

McLeanMill Historic Park

4 Things to Check Out at McLean Mill Historic Park

McLean Mill Historic Park
5633 Smith Rd, Port Alberni
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

1. The Forest Walk
This National Historic Site is also a beautiful park, with winding paths under a leafy green canopy, and lines of market lights that give it such a calm and dreamy atmosphere.

McLeanMill Historic Park

2. The Sawmill & Camp Life
This is where you’ll find all the history! Take a tour or guide yourself through the dozens of historic buildings, from McLean family lodgings to the bunk house, cook house, and blacksmith shop. The old sawmill has some really fun parts to explore too.

McLeanMill Historic Park

3. The Cafe, gift shop, picnic area, and games!
At the entrance to the park you’ll see the Steam Pot Cafe building, which serves up a scoop of local history inside along with dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Grab a burger or poutine, and hang out on the picnic tables. You might also find a giant Jenga or board game to sit down and play with the family.

McLeanMill Historic Park

4. Beyond the sawmill
Past the cafe, the forest walk, and even the sawmill, there is the log pond, creek, and logging demo area that also has walking trails. There is also a bunch of colourful old equipment, draped in vines that are perfect for photo ops.

McLeanMill Historic Park

It’s a quick 10 minute drive (20 minute cycle) from town, or you can take the historic steam railway. There are also special events all throughout the year, including a treasure hunt on Father’s Day, Jeepers Creepers on Halloween, and Heritage Christmas.

McLeanMill Historic Park

Find out more by reading my full post on ZenSeekers »

If You Go

Adults-Only After Hours Playland Nights

Comments 56 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Playland Nights are adults-only after hours events happening every Friday, from June 22 to July 27, 2018.

Playland is hosting these 6 evenings for those 19+, with food, drinks, midway games, and exhilarating rides. The grounds will be fully licensed, so you can enjoy your favourite craft beer, glass of wine, or Playland-inspired cocktail throughout the park.

Adults-Only After Hours Playland Nights

When: June 22 & 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2018
7:00pm to 12:00am midnight
Tickets: Last year’s events sold out, tickets are now on sale, act fast! Playland Season Passes are not valid for these special events. Some activations require an extra fee.

Playland Nights 2018In addition to guest DJs spinning party tunes under the twinkling lights, people can enjoy Playland-inspired cocktails, craft beer and wine while participating in the fun.

New this year: Discover a virtual reality racing experience, burlesque shows featuring nostalgic carnival glamour, and atmospheric entertainment.

Test your Lumber Jack/Jill skills at the axe-throwing station and more exciting activations throughout the site. There are also VIP offerings to provide exclusive benefits for discerning guests looking for an elevated experience.

Win Passes

I have a 4-pack of tickets to give away to the first Playland Nights event on Friday, June 22, 2018. Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Click below to post an entry on Twitter

[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win 4 passes for #PlaylandNights @PNE_Playland http://ow.ly/mfDp30kwkcI” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. Must be 19+. Please enjoy responsibly.

Follow PNE/Playland on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more information.

Update The winner is leana!

Free Outdoor Dance Series in Vancouver

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Free, outdoor activities are all the rage in Vancouver during the summer months and nothing gets locals and visitors moving like dance. Dance in Transit returns to various locations across the the city with free, public dance events for all skill levels, running until September 1, 2018.

Dance in Transit

Free Outdoor Dance Series in Vancouver

Dance in Transit Free Outdoor Dance in Vancouver

The idea is to engage Vancouver in healthy, safe, fun activity that will include all cultures and occupations, dancers and people who have never danced before. This project is all about building community, expanding social networks, and easing people away from their digital devices and back to face-to- face connection.

Sam’s Dance, Rose Royce Group, and Vancouver Women’s Health Collective are partnering to host Dance in Transit. Each event will focus on specific dance styles with mini-lessons, demonstrations, performances, social dancing, snacks and drinks.

Venues

  • Robson Square: Below street level on Robson between Howe & Hornby
  • Jim Deva Plaza: Davie Street at Bute by the rainbow crosswalk
  • Chain & Forge on Granville Island: Under the Granville Bridge @ 1404 Anderson St

Schedule

June 16, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
June 21, 2018 @ Jim Deva Plaza 6:30pm to 9:00pm
June 23, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
June 30, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
July 5, 2018 @ Jim Deva Plaza 6:30pm to 9:00pm
July 7, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
July 14, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
July 19, 2018 @ Jim Deva Plaza 6:30pm to 9:00pm
July 21, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
July 22, 2018 @ Second Beach Sports Day 1:00pm to 2:00pm
July 26, 2018 @ Granville Island 8:00pm to 11:00pm
July 27, 2018 @ Granville Island 8:00pm to 11:00pm
July 28, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
August 4, 2018 @ Sunset Beach Festival 4:00pm to 5:00pm
August 11, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
August 16, 2018 @ Granville Island 8:00pm to 11:00pm
August 25, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
August 30, 2018 @ Jim Deva Plaza 6:30pm to 9:00pm
September 1, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm

Dance in Transit is looking for partners, sponsors, and volunteers. Full details can be found on the website. Follow Sam’s Dance on Twitter and Facebook for more information.

Dinner in the Sky North Vancouver

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Westcoast Sightseeing is launching Dinner in the Sky North Vancouver on June 23rd featuring Executive Chef Ned Bell. 22 guests can enjoy a meal while suspended 150 feet above West Esplanade for an elevated 360 dining experience like no other.

Dinner in the Sky Canada

Dinner in the Sky North Vancouver

From June 23 through July 29, 2018, Dinner in the Sky North Vancouver will be presenting fabulous brunch, lunch and dinner offerings from its scenic location at 415 West Esplanade, which showcases spectacular ocean, mountain and city vistas.

Individual experiences and private events for Dinner in the Sky North Vancouver are available to be booked online. Other locations for this summer will soon be announced.

Well-known Canadian chef, Ned Bell is sure to bring elevated excitement and culinary flair to Brunch in the Sky, Lunch in the Sky, and Dinner in the Sky. Bell has established his reputation across Canada with his passionate approach to cooking and his commitment to using high quality local and sustainable foods.

Bell brings his special sauce to Dinner in the Sky’s menu development, staff training and to upcoming celebrity chef experiences that will be threaded throughout the summer. Look to the affable, sustainable seafood advocate to bring exceptional ingredients and his “globally inspired, locally created” food philosophy to the table.

Dinner in the Sky Canada serves 22 guests with four staff including the chef, two servers and one designated safety lead. Guests can enjoy a 360-degree view with secure, comfortable rotating and reclining seating. It will offer eight to ten brunch, lunch, dinner, and other experiences each day, as well as themed special events, weddings and other private celebrations.

The venue includes a premium reception lounge for check-in and pre- and post-dining beverages, appetizer and dessert.

Follow Dinner in the Sky on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more info.