Free Activities

10 Free MP3 Albums & A Song To Download

Frederic — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 12:00:20 +0000

From Make Use Of Website:

Sound Sunday is a weekly feature sharing free albums in various genres of artists from around the world. After a roller coaster of genres over the past couple editions, I felt it was time to come down a little. Sink into the cushions with this ambient and electronic special.

Please share your thoughts and post your feedback in the comments. Album submissions, suggestions, and genre requests via email [tina at makeuseof dot com] are most welcome!

Here is the link to the Free MP3 albums: http://www.makeuseof.com

Visit for free the Doors Open in Ottawa – 100 prestigious buildings

Frederic — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:24 +0000

2 Days + 100 of the city’s most prestigious buildings + free admission = Doors Open Ottawa

Doors Open Ottawa is the region’s largest heritage event, unlocking over 100 of the area’s most architecturally interesting and historically significant buildings, many of which are not normally open to the public on the first weekend in June, annually.

For the past 10 years, like a rite of spring, over 60,000 attendees jump at this unique opportunity to see the interior of some of the city’s finest urban and rural buildings.

From Carp to Cumberland and everywhere in between; embassies, places of worship, museums, artist’s studios and science labs are yours to explore free of charge! From architectural buffs to those looking for a weekend full of free fun, Doors Open Ottawa allows everyone to learn something new about their local heritage, architecture, and design.

2012 event dates announced: Saturday, June 2 and Sunday June 3

More information: http://www.ottawa.ca/

Doors Open Toronto – 200 years of building the urban city – Free to visit!

Frederic — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:00:58 +0000

In 2000, the City of Toronto launched the first Doors Open event in North America, and has been a part of the provincewide Doors Open Ontario program since 2002. All building participants this year will focus on city builders – the people and personalities that are associated with our city’s history.

In commemoration of the War of 1812 bicentennial, this year’s Doors Open Toronto theme is 200 Years of Building the Urban City. More than 135 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings will highlight their city builders; the fascinating personalities who shaped Toronto’s architecture and history.

When: May 26 – May 27, 2012
Cost: Free

More information: http://www.toronto.ca/doorsopen

Enjoy the elevated Dufferin Terrace in Old Quebec City

Frederic — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:00:35 +0000

Located between the St. Lawrence River and the majestic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac — the city’s landmark hotel — the elevated Dufferin Terrace is a boardwalk that provides pretty-as-a picture views of both the river and Old Quebec.

At the end of Dufferin Terrace, Quebec visitors can ride the Funicular down to the Rue Petit Champlain in the heart of the old city and close to the waterfront. Shops and restaurants, ancient buildings and timeless churches are part of lower Quebec City’s appeal.

More information: http://quebeccity101.com/

Visit the Notre-Dame de Québec cathedral

Frederic — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:00:19 +0000

Built on the site of the first chapel constructed by Champlain in 1633, Notre-Dame de Québec Church was erected in 1647 and was called Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix. In 1664, it became the first parish church in North America. In 1674, the church took the title of cathedral, following the appointment of Mgr. de Laval as bishop of the new diocese of Québec. Due to the church’s new title, certain modifications were conducted on the building and on its décor. It was ravaged by the bombardments that occurred during the English Conquest in 1759, and was reconstructed a few years later. On December 22, 1922, a fire once again destroyed the cathedral. In 1923, they began the construction of the present-day church.

The cathedral was successively raised to the rank of metropolitan church in 1844, then to the rank of minor basilica on the occasion of the bicentennial anniversary of the Québec Diocese in 1874 and finally to primatial church in 1956. The church was declared an historical monument in 1966.

There’s no entrance fee for visitors who wants selfguided visits of the Basilica-Cathedral. It’s possible to visit the crypt with guided tours for 5$.

More information: http://www.patrimoine-religieux.com/

Discover the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site

Frederic — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:00:23 +0000

Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site commemorates the defence system developed between 1608 and 1871 in Québec, Canada’s main stronghold during the colonial period.

This site invites you to discover the rich military history of Québec, which is the only remaining fortified city north of Mexico, a distinction that has led to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage City.

More information: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/qc/fortifications/index.aspx

Visit one of the Doors Open in Ontario for free

Frederic — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:43:34 +0000

The first Doors Open Day (La Journée Portes Ouvertes) took place in France in 1984. The idea soon spread to neighbouring countries, including the Netherlands, Sweden, the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Scotland. In 1991, these events were united as European Heritage Days at the initiative of the Council of Europe. In 2003, all 48 signatory states of the European Cultural Convention participated in European Heritage Days.

In 2000, the City of Toronto launched the first Doors Open event in North America. In 2002, the Ontario Heritage Trust launched Doors Open Ontario, the first provincewide event of its kind in Canada. The Doors Open concept continues to spread across North America with events now being held in Newfoundland, Alberta, Massachusetts, Western New York State, New York City and Denver. (Visit these web links to Doors Open events in other countries.)

Every year, Doors Open Ontario attracts large crowds across Ontario. From April to October, residents and visitors are invited to discover first-hand Ontario’s hidden heritage treasures, some of which have never been open to the public.

Since the program was launched in 2002, over 4 million visits have been made to heritage sites participating in this exciting initiative. Doors Open Ontario, now considered a cultural phenomenon, will continue in 2012 with hundreds of communities participating across the province.

More information: http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/

Visit the Parliament Building of Quebec for free

Frederic — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:00:40 +0000

The Parliament Building is one of the key works of Eugène-Étienne Taché (1836-1912). The quadrilateral building surrounding an inner courtyard was constructed between 1877 and 1886 in the Second Empire style and is unique in North America. Although Taché drew his architectural inspiration from the Louvre in Paris, he also set out to design a building that would tell the story of Québec.

The imposing fountain at the main entrance pays homage to the Amerindians, Québec’s first inhabitants. Here too are a pair of remarkable sculptures by Louis-Philippe Hébert, Fisherman with Spear and A Halt in the Forest. The statues decorating the main facade of the Parliament Building represent men and women who shaped the history of Québec, from the discovery of Canada by Jacques Cartier in 1534 to the birth of Confederation in 1867. Together, these historical figures give meaning to Québec’s motto, “Je me souviens” (I remember), which Taché had engraved over the main entrance.

Admission to the Parliament Building and the National Assembly Library in the adjacent building is free.

Guided visits of the Parliament Building and its grounds, and any exhibitions that are open to the public, are also free.

More information: http://www.assnat.qc.ca/en/visiteurs/index.html

Enjoy the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City

Frederic — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:00:27 +0000

The site of many clashes for supremacy between the French and British Empires, the park is the scene of the 1759 Conquest, which changed the fate of North America. Apart from its historical past, the park is to Québec what Central Park and Hyde Park are to New York and London: a city park of outstanding value, the lungs of the city. One hundred and three hectares of meadow and grassy knolls, decked with flowers or covered with snow, are there for residents and visitors to enjoy.

On March 17, 1908, the law creating the National Battlefields Commission (NBC) was sanctioned to highlight and preserve this site, unique in the world by its sheer size, its geographic location, its historical role and its beauty. The Battlefields Park, which groups together the Plains of Abraham and the Des Braves Park, was developed to honour the memory of both French and British combatants.

More information: http://www.ccbn-nbc.gc.ca/_en/index.php

Discover the Place-Royale in Quebec City

Frederic — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:00:06 +0000

Today you can explore the still visible traces of historic events that took place long ago on Place-Royale in Québec City. You can explore the area virtually on the Web with 360-degree panoramas, or on location with your mobile device and podcasts download. Other menu options feature different approaches to one of the most important heritage sites in Québec and Canada, steeped in over 400 years of history.

Place-Royale: in brief

A small point of land wedged between Cap Diamant and the St. Lawrence River, Place-Royale is the well-protected, strategic natural haven where Samuel de Champlain chose to build his habitation upon his arrival in the new land on July 3, 1608. This dwelling place constitutes the first permanent French settlement in America.

Place-Royale is part of the historic area that earned Old Québec City recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1985. The historic district of Québec City is, in fact, the first city north of Mexico to be listed as a World Heritage Site.

More information: http://www.mcq.org/place-royale/en/accueil.php