Five cool things to do this week (April 19 - 25)

1. Get earthy

The largest environmental event of the year has arrived, and more than one billion people worldwide will join the fight to save the planet on April 22.  Take this day to learn about how you can adjust your daily routines to cut back on your carbon footprint.  Better, challenge yourself this week to going at least a day or two garbage-free!  Start by packing a litter-less lunch.

2. Toast William Shakespeare

The late great poet would be celebrating his 449th birthday this week! Catch Rufus Wainwright sing a sonnet at The Shakespeare Slam; test your knowledge at Shakespeare trivia at the Bard’s Birthday Bash Fundraiser, or throw your own celebration and act out a few of your favourite scenes with friends.

April 20, Bard’s Birthday Bash Fundraiser, Saskatoon

April 23, The Shakespeare Slam, Toronto

3. Dance, dance, dance

Do you love to dance? Perfect, shake it with the rest of Canada during National Dance Week, saluting this year’s theme: “I love dance/J’aime la danse.”  Each day of the week a sub-theme like, “Dance empowers Canadian youth” or, “Dance expresses diversity and social cohesion,” will be celebrated.  So, get dancing and join the conversation nationally on social media with #ilovedance.

4.  Watch the whales

Whale watching season runs from April to October along Canadian coasts and attracts thousands of tourists each year.  Infamous for being crowd pleasers, charge your camera and drift ocean side to marvel at the massive mammals.  TOP TOURS: Prince of Whales, Ocean Quest, and SpringTide Whale Watching & Charters.

Prince of Whales, Victoria

Ocean Quest, St. John’s

Spring Tide, Victoria

5. Drop into an art-class

What could feel better than discovering you have a hidden talent or two?  From life-drawing and sculpting to photography for beginners; drop-in art classes provide you with the opportunity to try it all on for size, and perhaps even frame it!

AGO, Toronto

Art Gallery of Alberta, Edmonton

Woodstock Art Gallery, Woodstock