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45th Canadian International Auto Show continues to Feb. 25

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Toronto is being labelled the car capital of Canada during the 45th Canadian International Auto Show taking place now through Feb. 25 at the downtown Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

A special feature this year is a major display of cars celebrating the 70 years of Porsche and among them is an original 356 model sent directly from the company's museum in Germany as well as a Porsche 550 Spyder racing car from the 1950s.

What sets the Toronto auto show apart from other auto shows is the large number of special presentations that both inform and entertain, including 50 years of Hot Wheels, Auto Exotica featuring Lamborghinis, McLarens, Bugattis and Aston Martins. They combine to form the basis of the most exotic and valuable collection of cars showcased anywhere in the country.

A record $100 million worth of exotics were on display last year and that number will be topped this year. The ever popular Art and the Automobile exhibit presented by the Cobble Beach Concours d'Elegance will feature rare cars seldom seed anywhere. And show-goers will have a chance to test drive an electric car.

The Canadian International Auto Show is not only the largest automotive expo in Canada, it's also the country's largest consumer show. The event boasts more than 1,000 cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars and electric cars. More than 340,000 people attended last year's show.

See you at the car show!

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A word of caution for snowbirds. While the so-called 30-day rule for Canadian snowbirds does not exist in any U.S. law, Canadians should still be aware that in some cases, days they spent in Canada may be counted as days spent in the U.S. It's because of the way U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents process your arrival and departure record (commonly referred to as 1-94 when you enter the U.S).

According to the U.S. Immigration Act, a Canadian resident, non-U.S. citizen nor green card holder cannot be in the U.S. for more than 180 days in a year. Canadian snowbirds should avoid being considered U.S. residents for tax purposes at all costs as it can unnecessarily lead to significant additional income tax being owed to the IRS.

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Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley plans to meet shortly with officials of Greyhound Bus in an effort to restore bus service between Sarnia and London. A provincial grant program will provide up to $1.5 million for intercity bus projects by the deadline is looming. Greyhound had a Sarnia to London route for a few years in the 1990s but cancelled it when ridership struggled.

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The Bloor-Yorkville area of Toronto will be home to Icefest Feb. 24 and 25, an event featuring majestic ice sculptures and an ice carving competition.

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The Michigan Fly Fishing Club will bring the 41st annual fly fishing show to Metro Detroit on March 10 and 11. The 2018 Expo will turn the Sporty and Expo Centre at Macomb Community College into a weekend fly fishing academy offering dozens of presentations and demonstrations on topics ranging from casting to fly tying to "reading the water" to those places most likely to be occupied by fish.

Speakers include Tom Rosenbauer of Orvis, a name synonymous with fly fishing, and Canadian Stillwater specialist Phil Rowley.

The event will feature an area where kids can learn to fly fish. More than a dozen free seminars will be offered and in excess of 100 exhibitors will be in attendance.

The Expo is the oldest all-fly fishing event east of the Mississippi River. The community centre is located on 12 Mile Road in Warren.

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If you are in Toronto on a Friday night check out the Friday Night Live event at the Royal Ontario Museum. The series transforms Canada's largest museum of art, culture and nature into Toronto's hottest adult-only social event. Feature exhibitions currently at the ROM include Christian Dior, Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Here We Are: Black Canadian Contemporary Art.

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Maple Leaf fans take note! The Washington Capitals will host the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2018 Coors Light NHL Stadium series on March 3 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md. It will be the first-ever outdoor hockey game at the stadium.

Located in historic Annapolis, the U.S. Naval Academy was founded in 1845 and prepares young men and women to become professional officers and leaders in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The Capitals and Maple Leafs have on total played each other 141 times during this and past regular seasons.

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No need to leave Ontario for a romantic weekend away with your significant other. Small town Ontario is the perfect staycation destination with romantic cottages and luxurious resorts. There is something to satisfy the needs of everyone no matter the size of your budget.

Langdon Hall at Cambridge is a great choice as is the Couples Resort -Whitney at Algonquin Park.

Another choice is Heather Lodge in Haliburton Highlands.

The White Oaks Resort and Spa at Niagara-on-the-Lake is a favourite with many as is the By the Park Bed and Breakfast in Toronto.

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The Stayner Curling Club has a great offer for Family Day. Try curling for free with equipment and instruction provided free. The program runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 19.

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The annual Beaverton Ice Fishing Derby is taking place this weekend on Lake Simcoe. Fish hut rentals are available.

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Have you ever dreamed of being a part of Canadian music's biggest night? Enter CBC Music's Juno flyaway contest for a chance to attend the 47th annual Juno Awards March 25 at Rogers Centre in Vancouver. The prize package includes return airfare and hotel accommodation for two from March 23 to 26, tickets to the Juno Cup, the Juno Songwriter's Circle and the 2018 Juno Awards.

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Delight in Romance and Chocolate in Niagara-on-the-Lake this month. The Chocolate Lovers' getaway includes a chocolate martini, a chocolate tasting platter and a wine and chocolate pairing at a local winery all for $199. The promo code is LOVECHOC and the event is sponsored by Vintage Hotels.

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According to Luxury Retreats magazine, Dominican Republic is a dream destination for beach lovers. With nearly 1,000 miles of coastline, there is truly a beach for every type of vacationer. The favourite winter sun destination has every type of sun, sand and sea experience that you could wish for. There are remote pristine coves that require a boat or a four-by-four to access, soft white sands with beach bars pumping out bachata music, windswept stretches where surfers find great waves and spots where nature enthusiasts can go whale watching and family-friendly spots where resort lovers can find the amenities they crave.

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Ask people anywhere in the world what image springs to mind when they think of Canada and chances are they'll say the Rocky Mountains. And if you were to ask how they would traverse the Rockies chances are they'd say by automobile.

Yet while driving the Trans-Canada Highway has been an option since 1962, there may be a better, more luxurious choice. Travelling across the Rockies by train is an experience like no other, providing a chance to see vistas that are often inaccessible or difficult to get to by car or foot.

Alison Stewart of Rocky Mountaineer, which offers a variety of journeys by train across the Rockies, has seen firs-hand the amazement on guests faces as they get a close-up look at the mountains, waterfalls, glaciers and wildlife. While summer is prime season for tourism in the Rockies. guests can get an entirely different perspective during the spring, fall and winter.

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Readers are invited to submit their questions and suggestions on travel close to home or far away to Travel Writer Bob Boughner at bobgboughner@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

 

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