We Love Wednesdays: Our Picks for September 1, 2010

Our weekly guide to what we love right now!

Listen: Watch, interact, share

OK, so this is more of a listen and watch. Montrealers, Arcade Fire teamed up with Google to create this amazing, interactive and somewhat addictive video for their latest single We Used to Wait that's gotten the internet sharing and tweeting like it's going out of style.

Just put in your address and watch your neighbourhood become part of the video. It's best viewed on Chrome or in Safari browsers and your neighbourhood must have Google Street View.

Unfortunately it can't be embedded here. So, check it out at TheWildernessDowntown.com

Read: A road trip into their past

In No Great Mischief, Alistair MacLeod's narrator, Alexander MacDonald and his alcoholic older brother, Calum drive to Cape Breton from Toronto, their family history is relived, retold and recast between them. MacLeod is a master of the short story, and this novel is equally as moving and entertaining.

Cause: Challenge yourself daily

The Daily Challenge was started by two Torontonians, Afshin Mousavian and Darius Bashar. The goal of 
the organization and website is for people to challenge themselves to do one good deed a day. They even have a huge list of challenges on their site. They vary from telling your family members that you love them more than once a day to making an amazing homemade meal (including dessert), putting it in take out containers and giving it to someone who really needs it.

They also started Pay It Backwards Day with Second Cup and Silk Soy Beverage Canada. On one day a year, when waiting in line at Second Cup, pay for yourself and the person behind you in line and $5 will be donated to Sick Kids Hospital!

To Do: Let's go to the Ex (Round 2 - we talked about the CNE and PNE last week!)

The Saint John Exhibition started yesterday! There's lots of fun things for the whole family. A midway, baby show, petting zoo and country music concerts. Don't miss out on the East Coast's Exhibition!

The Saint John Ex runs from August 31, 2010 to September 3, 2010.

Bookmark: Track your trip   

Trip Tracker is the social way for you to keep track of your trip. Before your trip, browse other people's experiences and travel journals for first hand experiences to help you plan. Keep your family and friends updated on where your going and what your doing while your on your trip and then when you get home, create a fun and interactive presentation of your pictures and experiences.

Check out what we were loving throughout August:

August 25, 2010: Land of Talk, Margaret Laurence, Plummelo, Blueberry Peach Salsa and the Ex

August 11, 2010: Tegan and Sara, Carol Shields, Glow Stick Wars, Saskatoon Ex and Warm Spinach Salad

August 4, 2010: Metric, Lawrence Hill, Edmonton Folk Festival, Read it Later and Gazpacho

Explore PEI This Summer

If traveling is something on your summer agenda, then visit the beautiful province of Prince Edward Island. PEI, located on the East coast, is Canada's smallest, and greenest province. PEI's iconic features, like the red sandstone cliffs, and of course the many miles of sandy beaches, provide a breathtaking view of the land.

PEI is accessible through many modes of transportation. You can drive over the 13 kilometer bridge, take a ferry or fly from some cities in Ontario, Quebec and the United States.

For your utmost comfort, there are many accommodations available in PEI. You can choose from a variety of bed and breakfasts, inns, campgrounds, resorts, hotels and motels.

To get the most out of your stay in PEI, take one of the many scenic drives along the traditional red clay roads, or visit one of the many lighthouses that are open during the summer time. The many beaches in PEI, are a must for anyone visiting the province. Each one is unique from the next, with different colours of sand and varying amenities, a day at the beach is a great addition to your vacation.

With PEI located on the coast, there are an endless amount of fishing harbours, and lush farmlands. With that being said, the food industry in PEI is the most important contributor to their economy. A trip to PEI isn't complete without experiencing the tastes and flavours of some of the freshest seafood and produce.

With a place so rich in culture and an immense amount of activities to take part in, there's something for everyone in PEI. Be sure to visit this wonderful gem within Canada.

Camping For the Long Weekend?

Going camping this long weekend? Then you will probably be needing some camping supplies! Roots makes a ton of great camping gear. It's available at Canadian Tire stores and CanadianTire.ca.

Roots has you covered! We make everything from folding lounge chairs to tents to life jackets.

Roots Pine Ridge Tent, $359.99

This has enough space to sleep eight or more people in 137 square feet of space. It also has a lifetime warranty that can be redeemed at any Canadian Tire store. 

Roots Armchair with Footrest, $39.99

Get comfortable while out in the wilderness with this armchair. It even has a padded back and armrests and an insulated drink holder.

Roots Kid's PFD, $29.99

This kids life jacket is exclusive to Canadian Tire. It is brightly coloured and has a crotch safety strap for a secure fit.

Roots Rectangular Sleeping Bag, $64.99

This sleeping bag is sure to keep you warm and comfortable while camping. It has two loops at one end, making it easy to hang up if it needs to be dried or aired out.

Find a Canadian Tire store near you and check out all Roots has to offer when it comes to camping gear.

Want the Best Travel Job Ever?

Roots has teamed up with Air Canada, Flight Centre, Intrepid and Henry's to bring you a contest to win the Best Travel Job Ever.

You have until April 30, 2010 to create a 2 - 4 minute video of yourself explaining why you should get this job. Be creative! Flight Centre has provided some helpful hints on how to create a great video. Then it's up to you to promote your video and get people to vote for you.

The top 25 people will move onto the next round when the panel of judges will choose the top six entries.

The prizes for this contest are amazing: The top six semi-finalists will win one of six Intrepid Travel adventures, one of six HD video cameras from Henry's and one of six $500 Roots shopping sprees.

While the semi-finalists are off on their Intrepid Travel Adventures they will film their experiences. The winner will be chosen from the footage they return with by the panel of judges. 

Check out the submitted videos. Just by voting for your favourite entry you could win a $500 Flight Centre travel voucher.

Roots 'Chalet in the Sky' Featured in Hello! Magazine

Hello! Magazine featured Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman and the Roots Chalet in the Sky at the Shangri-La Hotel in Vancouver in a recent issue. 

Roots Team Heads to Whistler

It was a beautiful sunny day when the Team went to Whistler! The village was bustling with people.

The Roots Team makes their way to our Whistler store. 

Raymond Perkins and Karl Kowalewski with friend.

Roots friends from Asia, Ben Chang & Joseph Phi, along with their respective wives. 

Check out more pictures from Vancouver:

• Vancouver Calling! More Friends Stop By
• The Fun Continues in Vancouver
• One on One with Michael Budman
• Roots Robson is Rocking Vancouver
• Friends of Roots in Vancouver
• Friend of Roots in Vancouver: Christina Wallaert
• Roots Honoured to be Part of Canada

Or visit on on Facebook and post your own pictures!

Vancouver Calling! More Friends Stop By

 

Jimmy Fallon was at the Grouse Mountain lodge rocking the U.S. Student Pack from the Roots International Collection.

Jon Hamm (actor, most recently known for his role on "Mad Men") was all smiles with Matthew Budman and Roots Co-Founder, Michael Budman. Jon is wearing the Patriot Full Zip Hoody from the International Collection.

Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman with actor Jon Hamm.

Hockey great Viacheslav "Slava" Fetisov and Roots Co-founders, Michael Budman and Don Green.

Diana Larionov caught supporting Canada

Roots Fans spotted through the city walking with their messenger bags.

Our DJ Davin spinning at Roots Robson St. If you're in the city he's there every day until Sunday. So stop by.

Check out more pictures from Vancouver:

• The Fun Continues in Vancouver
• One on One with Michael Budman
• Roots Robson is Rocking Vancouver
• Friends of Roots in Vancouver
• Friend of Roots in Vancouver: Christina Wallaert
• Roots Honoured to be Part of Canada

Or visit on on Facebook and post your own pictures!

Top 8 Roots Canada Souvenirs

Roots is a proudly Canadian company! So here's a selection of some of our favourite Roots Canada souvenirs. These eight items are the perfect way to show your Canadian pride. They also make great gifts for fellow Canadians or for friends and family all over the world.

 

 

Canada Beaver and Moose, $16

Hand Embroidered Canada Pillow, $235


 Hand Embroidered Vancouver Pillow, $180

The Canada Collection by Roots Toque,
Proceeds from this item support Right To Play

$10.00

Hand embroidered Vancouver Tea Towel, $26

Canada Hoody for Men and Women, $70
Proceeds from this item support Right To Play

International Collection Canada Pouch, $42
Proceeds from this item support Right To Play

Canada's Winter Festivals: Newfoundland Mummer Festival

On December 20th from 1:00 p.m.  to 2:30 p.m. starting from MacPherson Elementary School, in St. John's Newfoundland, the first annual Mummer Parade will commence.

         
 

To those of you who don't know what mummering or janneying is; it's an age old tradition on the East Coast, mummering is when friends come together and dress up in hopes to trick their friends and family. Mummers dress in disguise with items found around the home and pay visit to their friends. Upon arriving at their door, the hosts will ask a series of questions in hopes of guessing who the Mummer in disguise might be. This may seem easy, however the mask and costume are not the only tricks these Mummers have. They may also change their style of walk and the way they talk to confuse their victims. 

According to Ryan Davis, Folklife Festival Intern, "In many homes, a host would not offer a drink until they guessed the mummer's identity. With the lifting of the veil, the stranger becomes the friend and the whole group would socialize until the mummers suited up and headed out to the next home."

This tradition was originally started in small villages throughout Newfoundland to threaten violence to establish trust within the community. Although this may seem like a strange and slightly eerie tradition, it's all in good fun.

The event is being hosted by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador a non-profit organization which was created by the Provincial government of Newfoundland group to preserve these old traditions and their heritage.  For more information about this event and how to get involved click here.

Fall Foliage

Fall has arrived.  To many people, this can only mean one thing; the next step is winter!  To most of us, winter is a word that strikes fear into our hearts.  However, with all this dreaded doom hanging over our heads, we rarely take in the benefits of fall itself.  This is the time when nature seems to show off the most.  Acting as the finale to an amazing summer show, the leaves light up like bursts of colourful fireworks.  Luckily for us, Canada has a wide variety of scenic routes that are perfect to take it all in.

A scenic drive out of the city and back to nature, is a perfect way to spend a weekend.  After driving through beautiful country landscapes, stop at one of the many trails and take a hike.  Make sure to be prepared, and bring along a picnic and a warm blanket.  Sipping warm hot chocolate from a thermos, while over looking all that nature has to offer.  Afterwards, maybe stop by a little town and check into a little B&B.  Roots Small Banff Bag is the perfect weekender  bag.  This is a trip with a small cost and big reward. Get back to your ‘Roots’. 

Need some inspiration to plan this adventure?  Quebec has some beautiful routes to enjoy.  For routes and trails in Ontario go here, the site is completely equiped to plan your fall adventure.  Want to see it all? Here are the Top 10 Canadian foliage picks.