Birt Family Focus

Epcot World Showcase, Canada -- 7/31/02

Howdy Folks! Today we start exploring the World Showcase, beginning with our northern neighbors - Canada!

The Canadian Pavilion is pretty. Really. It's one of the prettiest of the areas to see in the WS. The gardens in front of Le Cellier are just gorgeous. They are patterned after the famous Victoria Gardens. Be sure and spend some time in here. Oh yes, and have some cheese soup in Le Cellier while you're at it.

The main building is a reproduction of Canada's Hotel du Canada, made in the French Gothic style.

The Canada Pavilion showcases those things particularly Canadian - The Northern Rockies, Furriers, Trappers, and Native Americans. There is a 30 foot waterfall that looks as if it is cascading down a mountain side.

While prowling around this pavilion, you will learn about the Native American cultures, French-Canadians, and the Scottish Maritime communities of the coasts.

Speaking of Scottish folk, be sure and catch a performance of Off Kilter! These boys wear their kilts and play a version of Celtic New Age music that mixes traditional Celtic melodies with rock and roll attitude - not to be missed. They are very nice about giving autographs after their concerts, but don't ask if they wear their kilts in the traditional regimental style- they won't tell. ;-) Also performing regularly are a bagpipe band called the Pipes of Nova Scotia. They are also fantastic- but you have to like bagpipes!

While visiting this pavilion, don't miss the circle 360 movie "O Canada". This film is 17 minutes long and has clips describing all sorts of interesting traditions and special events in Canada such as the big rodeo called the Calgary Stampede. If you didn't know anything about Canada before you visit, you certainly will when you leave.

Before you go, be sure to stop in at Trapper Bob's and sample a beavertail- you'll be glad you did.

Next week- the UK.