Canada
You can almost feel the chilly breezes of the Great Northwest among the totem poles of this Disney version of the Canadian Rockies in the shadow of the Hotel du Canada (styled after the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa). Almost.
On the lower level in what appears to be an old mine is O Canada!, a 360 degree Circle-Vision film that updated and replaced the previous film here, also titled O Canada, in 2007. Canadian comedian Martin Short hosts this 14-minute travelogue journey around Canada that showcases its natural beauty and peoples. Some of the footage is reused from the original film, and the song "Canada (You're A Lifetime Journey)" from the original movie is reprised in a new version by Canadian Idol Eva Avila, but the intent here is to show Canada to be a more dynamic, modern place than it was presented as previously.
The new version of the film is a welcome change (the original had been running since the park opened in 1982!) but it may age even faster than the old version due to some topical references and the humor growing stale. For now, though, it's a nice introduction to Canada with a few laughs (and groans), some beautiful travel footage, and it's shown in a nicely air-conditioned theater.
As with all Circle-Vision films there is no seating in the theater: audiences stand during the presentation. Fortunately there are benches in the theater waiting area.
Off Kilter, a Canadian/Celtic rock band, is worth catching when they're performing here.
Le Cellier Steakhouse. Located, appropriately, in the basement of the towering Hotel du Canada is a steak house. Steaks, prime rib, and cheddar cheese soup top a menu that's not for vegetarians. Advance reservations recommended.
There's shopping on the upper levels, with Northwest Mercantile, a rough hewn
great white north inspired shop where you'll find Mountie hats and lumberjack shirts,
Indian crafts, and that tasty maple candy, and La Boutique Des Provinces, a more refined, civilization oriented shop featuring jewelry, ceramics, and Anne of Green Gables books
and merchandise.
Where To?
From Canada you can turn left (as you face World Showcase Lagoon) to visit World Showcase Plaza or right to visit The United Kingdom.
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