Journey information: Award-winning structure, cliffside tenting and a brand new (and free) Yayoi Kusama exhibition

Architecture for everyone

Azure Magazine has announced the winners of the 2022 AZ Awards, its international architecture and design competition and the revamped Peggy’s Cove has asserted itself in the category of urban interventions. In October, Nova Scotia’s iconic landmark unveiled a new observation deck, the cornerstone of an ambitious infrastructure improvement strategy that will make the attraction safer and more accessible to all. Designed by Toronto/Halifax architect Omar Gandhi Architect, the massive, undulating white cedar deck offers unobstructed views of the historic lighthouse—so visitors don’t have to navigate the slippery rocks or famously treacherous waves.

At the beach

Even if you can’t book any of the 10 Nordic Chic huts at Wander the Resort You can still make a day out of it in Prince Edward County: The popular Bloomfield, Ontario getaway, which was lauded by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Hot List shortly after it opened, has brought back its beach club for the summer. A day pass for $40 each grants you access to the private beach, where you can lounge, order food and drinks at the Sandbar (the new, licensed bar/kitchen), or play games to while away the hours; Optional add-ons include paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. A $295 Bring Your Friends cabana booking for up to five guests (not counting children under five) offers the same all-day amenities, plus butler service, a bottle of bubbly and bottomless non-alcoholic cold Beverages.

cliff camping

Sure, you could take a ride Cape Breton Highlands National Park – the Cabot Trail winds through – but a stop is required to get a true sense of the scale. Just in time for summer there is a new roost: the cliff-side Mkwesaqtuk/Cap-Rouge Campground with 47 walk-in sites including five oTENtiks (hybrid cabin/tent). Mkwesaqtuk (‘Mm kwas sock took’) is a Mi’kmaq word for a place or feature that turns distinctly red, and you can learn more about the region’s indigenous and Acadian history at the park’s Interpretation House. The campground’s season runs through October 23, with sites available for reservation on Parks Canada’s website (pc.gc.ca).

catch it if you can

Montreal’s PHI Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on contemporary art, celebrates its 15th anniversary. The anniversary program includes the just opened Yayoi Kusama: Dancing Lights That Flew Up to the Universe (through January 15, 2023). Quebec’s first solo show on the Japanese artist features a grid of her My Eternal Soul paintings, a trio of her bronze gourd sculptures, and two immersive infinity rooms. While admission is free, reservations are required — and they go fast. A new block of tickets will be posted on phi.ca on the 15th day of each month at 12pm EST.

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