JOURNAL
FAMILY TRIP IN THE ROCKIES
Discovering Western Canada! July 1st is the perfect time to highlight must-see Canadian destinations! Last summer, Andre, FIG’s general manager, took a family trip to Alberta. "Driving, camping and hiking the Rockies was a fun experience for my children and I, and showed us that we have amazing landscapes to explore here at home!" What did your itinerary look like? We flew from Montreal to Calgary where we rented a car. Our itinerary took us to different places between Banff and Jasper, before driving back to Calgary, after a week of nature and mountains. What were the highlights of your trip? Sulphur Mountain: we climbed along the Sulphur Skyline Trail, and really enjoyed it! The sun was out, we saw mountain goats, as well as amazing views and finished our day with a visit to the Miette Hot Spring. To top it off, a family of caribous were waiting for us at our campground! The Athabasca Glacier: The rapidity at which it is melting is shocking. I remember being there 20 years ago and the landscape was very different then, better preserved. What are your recommendations for family activities in the area? Mountain hiking and camping. And if you want to enjoy a night or two of comfort, I recommend the Panorama Resort. The waterslides were a hit with the kids! Your next Canadian adventure? Tough question! I would go to the other side of the country to the Magdalen Islands, to enjoy the sea and the beach!
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INSIDE A FIG MANUFACTURE
Who makes our clothes? Sneak peek inside a FIG manufacture. One of the (many) advantages of a local production? Our manufacturers are a few hours away from the office, which makes it easy for us to pop by for a visit. Our SAFARI collection is made in the Beauce region, three hours from Montreal. Pre-production is handled at our office, and involves design, sampling and sourcing materials. Our design team sends all the pieces of the puzzle (patterns, fabric rolls, buttons, labels, etc) to its cut and sew manufacturer, for the assembly. The rest is managed by a team of about 20 people. Our business model allows us to produce just the necessary, and a bit of extra for the web or for additional orders during the season, which in turn limits risk and waste! Each person takes care of a step in the garment-making process: cutting, sewing, attaching labels, etc. Then, each garment is tagged, pressed, packed and shipped to our distribution center, only a few hours away from the factory. How’s that for a small environmental footprint!? « Meet the people that make our clothes. » FIG would not have made it this far without the help and expertise of its manufacturers and long-time partners. Quality is never an issue here, and there reigns a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to showing you their work!
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TRAVELLING TO PUERTO RICO
Beach, nature and history in the Caribbean. Perfection doesn’t exist, but some places are pretty close to it! In the sunny destination category, the island of Puerto Rico does not disappoint. First of all, it’s very accessible, even for a quick trip. For anyone on the East Coast, the island is a short (often direct) flight away. It’s also small enough that one week is plenty of time to get a feel for the country. The island offers magnificent beaches, luxuriant forests and fascinating history that will satisfy travellers with multiple interests. « The island offers magnificent beaches, luxuriant forests and fascinating history. » All around the island there are some amazing beaches that will satisfy those looking to lounge around, but also those seeking a little more action. You can swim, surf, kitesurf or snorkel depending on the area you choose. One thing is common though, warm and azure water! If you prefer trails and forests to beaches, there are several parks across the country that offer great hikes. The most renowned is El Yunque National Park, because of its unique tropical rainforest, which harbours hundreds of species of plants and animals. No need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the park, but if you’re looking for a challenge, some trails can transport you to untamed wilderness. Once you’ve had enough nature and sea, you have to visit the old San Juan, the historical centre of Puerto Rico’s capital. Walk the streets of a city that’s been founded almost 500 years ago! The San Felipe del Morro fort is one of the island’s main attractions and definitely worth a visit, but a simple walk in the old and colourful streets of San Juan will also charm you.Next time you are looking for a warm and sunny escape, think of Puerto Rico! PRACTICAL INFO Currency: U.S. dollar Language: Spanish (English is commonly spoken) Best time to go: Between January and April, for the driest period of the year. Accomodation : There are plenty to choose from, but my personal favourite was The Dreamcatcher Bed & Breakfast
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