For two enterprising couples, gingerbread became a relocation inspiration on a grand scale that extended well beyond holiday connections:

• Sweet and spicy gingerbread baking emerged as the signature touch in Lynne and Peter Van Wyck's transplanted venture on the banks of Ontario's well-named Grand River.

• Elaborate gingerbread wood-carved trim was part of the attraction for the relocation of Bermudians Alan Barker and Libby Rego to Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

Gingerbread, an essential in Europe for centuries, was a three-generation baking tradition for Lynne Van Wyck. She incorporated her grandmother's gingerbread cookie recipe into the treats that became a popular draw for their successful bakery and antique shop in the picturesque Lake Erie community of Port Dover, Ontario.

"We opened in Port Dover in 1988 and, at that time, [The Gingerbread House] was a bakery," said Van Wyck, a baker who is married to a chef, Peter. "I made gingerbread cookies, ginger snaps and more. The name 'gingerbread' conjured up an image of days-gone-bye, so we thought it could be associated with food and other old fashioned things. The business evolved over time and grew from a bakery to a tea room to a lunchroom."

When they decided to further expand their business to include accommodation, the Van Wycks searched for real estate that would provide future guests with a peaceful rural setting. The Van Wycks bought a 5-acre wooded historic property on the banks of the Grand River, outside Cayuga, Ontario.

The heritage house that has become The Gingerbread House Restaurant & Country Inn, with its 4 tastefully-decorated guest rooms, was once almost a whole town.

"The house is part of the old town of Indiana," said Van Wyck. "The foundation of the dining room is 1830. The dining room was the town post office and town hall. The whole building of 4000 square feet was 3 or 4 houses of the old town that were close together and then at one point were joined by a single roof."

If you're in the area, drop by for their signature dessert of warm gingerbread cake with crème fraiche.

Although many relocations are driven by a search for what is lacking in one's current situation, sometimes an introduction to an apparently inappropriate setting can trigger a love affair.

"Our daughter went to Acadia University, which is almost across the street, and we were coming [from Bermuda] to the Valley then," said Alan Barker, explaining how two Bermudians fell in love with the Annapolis Valley and retired north to Canada years later. "We came and people said that we must be crazy. From no income tax and no snow, to both, but the people who sold to us went on to Winnipeg and we thought that was crazier than we were."

Gingerbread played a different role in this Nova Scotian attraction. 'Gingerbread' is also the name given to the intricately-carved decorative wood trim which traditionally adorned roof edges and porches of Victorian houses. Barker and Libby Rego were drawn to a property that was defined by its ornate woodwork. Originally the 1893 carriage house for a neighbouring historic inn, it was converted into a family home in the 1980's. The owner then transformed the building into the gingerbread wonder which became the Gingerbread House Inn.

"The [Inn] does not look that big from the front and people are taken by surprise," said Barker. "This is not a typical bed and breakfast where you peel off and go down a hall, one room here, one room there, and you fight for the remote. Our 4 suites with hot tubs in the rooms are the only ones in Nova Scotia and they have private entrances. The other 3 rooms have Jacuzzis."

In their fourth year as owner-innkeepers, Barker and Rego are happy with their chosen relocation and have embraced Canada's winters.

"Bermuda is only 2 hours away and our sons are coming up for Christmas," said Barker. "It's not the other end of the world like Australia is."

Gingerbread takes us to yet another corner of Canada where at least one person came for work experience on a temporary assignment and became hooked on the area.

Cathy Brand originally traveled north about 700 kilometers from her home in Edmonton to Fort Vermilion, Alberta, for her first teaching assignment. Years later, she has no intention of leaving.

"I've been 12 years in this school and 14 in the division," said Brand, who is Webmaster and a Grade 3 teacher at St. Mary's School, which supports 156 kindergarten to Grade 4 students. "I came up to teach first year. A lot of people have come up to get started in their career, but have fallen in love with the area and just stayed."

The hamlet of Fort Vermilion, on the banks of the Peace River, is Alberta's oldest community -- the original fort was constructed in 1877. In 1928, World War I hero "Wop" May, who helped down the infamous "Red Baron," flew in life-saving serum during a deadly diptheria outbreak. By 1930, the Hudson's Bay company had established a prosperous trading post there. Brand lists "fresh air, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, the Northern lights, starry skies and bright blue sunny days" as just a few of Fort Vermilion's many attractions.

For a wealth of gingerbread recipes and creative ideas to share with your family, please visit St. Mary's School's gingerbread page.

Hopefully, our gingerbread-inspired comparison of moving decisions has fed your imagination and challenges you to explore your country before you decide on the best place to call home.

Published: December 12, 2006

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Strategist and Futurist is The Catalyst -- intent on "Helping The Best Get Better." An internationally-recognized "new retirement" authority, PJ's research, writing and speaking programs focus on decisions Baby Boomers face to achieve a successful future. Author of 6 books, PJ knows that, since home is headquarters for the "new retirement," professionals and consumers need relevant knowledge and insights, along with solid decision-making skills, to protect and enhance this private oasis. As The Catalyst, PJ provides strategic communication, client appreciation and advanced education services to the financial, tourism, lifestyle and service sectors -- and the clients they serve. A frequently quoted financial and business commentator, PJ is a thought-provoking strategic speaker who offers practical, real-life suggestions on leaving "the box" behind and embracing Forward Thinking -- a talent she regularly demonstrates in this column. For more, visit TheCatalyst.com.