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40 Years of Craft & Culture: How House of Embroideries and Crafts Became a CNE Legacy Gallery15 photos

40 Years of Craft & Culture: How House of Embroideries and Crafts Became a CNE Legacy

Since 1986, husband-and-wife duo Cesar and Neftalie Abrenica have run House of Embroideries and Crafts, a beloved fixture in the CNE's International Pavilion. For 40 years, the couple has personally hand-set their booth, showcasing shell crafts and hand-embroidered Barong Tagalog from Batangas, Baguio, Bicol, and Cebu. Beyond the nostalgia it brings older generations, the booth has become a bridge for young Filipino-Canadians rediscovering their roots — and for curious Canadians encountering Filipino craftsmanship for the first time. Every sale, Neftalie says, also supports artisans and workers back in the Philippines, making the booth as much a mission as a business.

09-07-2026

Faith, Food, and Filipino Hospitality Feeding Thousands Gallery11 photos

Faith, Food, and Filipino Hospitality Feeding Thousands

Ayuda sa Canada (Help in Canada), a volunteer-run initiative under God's Strength Ministries, led by Filipina Doris Greaves and her husband Pastor Dave. What began as food handed out of their family garage has grown into a monthly lifeline for thousands across Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, and Mississauga. Rooted in Filipino values of bayanihan (communal unity) and hospitality, Greaves treats every distribution as more than logistics—it's an act of dignity. She describes a shifting clientele: no longer just newcomers facing temporary setbacks, but working professionals and fixed-income seniors who "never imagined they would need food support." Her goal now is to build a permanent food pantry and community space, so that food distribution becomes something more lasting than a monthly stop—a place people know they belong.

08-08-2026

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Willits
11°
Mainly Clear
H:15°L:8°
5-Day Forecast
Sat.15°8°
Sun.16°7°
Mon.17°8°
Tue.15°11°
Wed.16°8°
ECCC5-day · Open-Meteo
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Canada

U.S. Destinations Launch Special Deals to Woo Back Canadian Travelers

From at-par currency deals to high hotel discounts, American destinations launch major perks to reverse a steep drop in Canadian cross-border visits.

U.S. Destinations Launch Special Deals to Woo Back Canadian Travelers
09-15-2026·Updated19:27

UNITED STATES - American tourism organizations and state governments are rolling out aggressive incentives, high discounts, and heartwarming diplomatic pushes aimed directly at Canadians as they face an unprecedented downturn in cross-border travel.

In response to a challenging massive decrease in cross-border tourism, major American hotspots are pulling out all the stops to roll out the red carpet and prove that Canadian travelers remain deeply valued guests.

Destinations in Nevada and Vermont are taking direct aim at exchange-rate anxiety with rare "At-Par" deals.

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  • Vermont: Skiers and outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of Jay Peak Resort Canadian cash accepted at-par exchange rate on-site for ski lift tickets, indoor waterpark admission, and golf passes when presenting valid proof of Canadian residency.
  • Las Vegas, Nevada: Just last summer, the “Vegas on Par” program allowed Canadian guests to receive $1 USD of value for every $1 CAD spent at select downtown locations through August 31, 2026, including Circa, The D, and Golden Gate.

For Canadians craving sunshine, sand, or culture, several top state tourism campaigns are pairing warmth with heavy price cuts.

  • California: Visit California teamed up with Expedia for the national "California Loves Canada" campaign, featuring hotel and attraction discounts alongside a cinematic tribute video celebrating shared cultural values and adventure.
  • New York State: The state's “NY Loves Canada” initiative features limited-time savings across hotels, dining, and outdoor attractions through December. According to iloveny.com, New York State is always ready to say "Welcome" or "Bienvenue" to their Canadian friends, whether coming to see family, friends, or relax in favorite part of the state. “Here's to New York and Canada's forever friendship!”
  • Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Frequently ranked as the top U.S. beach destination for Canadians, Myrtle Beach is offering Canadians up to 50% off hotel stays through the end of the year, beckoning travelers with 60 miles of coastline and over 80 golf courses.
  • Vermont: Beyond Jay Peak, the state-wide “100% Love for Canada” campaign offers up to 50% discounts across hotels, restaurants, ski resorts, and local attractions.
  • Graceland (Memphis, Tennessee): The homestead of Elvis Presley is extending an exclusive 25% discount to Canadian residents on both guided tour packages and overnight luxury stays at The Guest House at Graceland.

Beyond monetary deals, state leaders and national tourism bodies are putting relationships front and center.

In Maine, Governor Janet Mills unveiled new border welcome signs that will be installed at entry points across the state, sending a message of respect and partnership to Canadian friends. Addressing local hospitality leaders, Mills stressed, "A sign can't stop harmful policies or rhetoric coming from Washington, but it can send a simple but powerful message—here in Maine, we value our neighbors, we will always treat them with respect, and we welcome them warmly to our state."

On a national level, Brand USA, the official destination marketing arm of the United States, has announced it will bring its flagship trade show, Brand USA Travel Week Canada, directly to Toronto and Montreal from October 26–29, 2026.

"Canada has always been essential to the United States' travel economy, and the expansion of Brand USA Travel Week deepens our engagement with partners in the market who help shape travel decisions every day," said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of Brand USA.

As state tourism boards continue launching localized deals, the message from the American travel industry is unified: Canadian neighbors are welcome, valued, and being offered unprecedented savings to come back south.

A recent tracking study from Longwoods International revealed that 51% of Canadians had no intention of traveling to the U.S. over the next year. This sentiment reflects a turbulent year for cross-border travel. CNN report showed that four million fewer Canadians visited the U.S. than the year prior—a staggering 22% drop, according to the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO). Recent data from Statistics Canada confirms that Canadian visitation to the U.S. in early 2026 remained stagnant at late 2025 levels, pointing to a persistent shift in Canadian travel choices.

DISCLAIMER: The featured deals reflect a mix of past and ongoing promotions, and SYNAG Media presents this information strictly for news and informational purposes. SYNAG Media is not responsible for any changes in offer terms, blackout dates, or price modifications made by third-party organizers. Readers are strongly advised to independently verify current rates, terms, and promotion availability on each destination’s official website before booking or finalizing any travel plans.

Cheryl Ravelo-Gagalac
Cheryl Ravelo-GagalacMultimedia Producer

Toronto, Ontario

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