The Symbolism of Canada's Beauty

The Maple Leaf has long been a representation of Canada and its people since it was officially adopted as the Canadian flag symbol on this day February 15th in 1965. In honor of the red 11 point leaf and our North American neighbor, we highlight a recent Bookwatch review of the Janson documentaries Greatest Journeys on Earth: Canada (1 x 48') and Greatest Journeys on Earth: Quebec (1 x 48').

&'The Greatest Journeys On Earth is an impressive series of thirteen 48-minute, full-color, video documentaries which take the viewer to some of the most beautiful places on earth. Each journey takes the viewer well beyond the unusual clichés of ordinary travelogs. Instead, we are treated to a visual tour through the geography, history, architecture, culture, celebrations, leisure activities, and gastronomy of the people and places visited. ...outstandingly produced and very highly recommended.&' Bookwatch

Greatest Journeys on Earth: Canada On the eve of the New Year, 1871, British Columbia put on her wedding dress and prepared to unite her destiny to that of the young country, Canada. The Prime Minister, the conservative, Sir John A. MacDonald, obtained his bride-to-be"s consent by promising to build a railroad that will cross the country from East to West. The die is cast, the iron horse must cross the Rockies. This monumental task will unfurl in a mountain wilderness, and will be the starting point of tourism for Canadian Pacific.

Greatest Journeys on Earth: Quebec It is in the 17th century that the first European adventurers, known as &'coureurs des bois&', appeared in New France. On a trip that takes us from Quebec to Montreal, then to the Great Lakes, we follow, beyond time and beyond seasons, the traces of these early trappers who confronted great difficulties with courage, enabling them to get their cargo of fur pelts to Europe where they were so valuable. At the same time, as we get to know some colourful characters, the coureurs des bois" journey will take us through stunning countryside that inspires celebration and meditation.