There is a network of active Canadian Clubs across Canada and around the world, but few of those groups can challenge the setting of the members of the Lake Chapala club who gather on the second Wednesday of September through April in the lovely lakeshore garden of the Canadian-owned hotel, La Nueva Posada.
As he waited for a name tag at a recent meeting, one newly arrived member from a club in Ontario tilted his head so the sun could shine onto his face and said to his companion, “Can you believe this perfect day? Here I am, comfortable in shorts. I’ve never before attended a Canadian Club meeting without a heavy coat.”
Dan McTavish, a founding member and honourary president of the club, summed up the focus of the Lakeside group when he said, “We don’t...do. At meetings Canadians can come together, to enjoy time together, to learn from our speakers. Good works and fundraising are left to the other organizations in the community.
“The original Canadian Clubs were founded to bring a oneness to Canadians, to promote Canadian identity, encourage Canadian unity and foster an interest in Canadian institutions. Local clubs meet regularly to hear distinguished Canadians speak on issues of cultural understanding, national and international importance. Our group’s focus is on undramatic education, travel, programs and interaction. Here at Lake Chapala we strive to achieve the three simple objectives of all Canadian Clubs:
To promote good fellowship among Canadians and friends within the Lake Chapala area.- To encourage a cultural exchange and foster friendly relations with all residents.
- To be a centre for providing current Mexican and Canadian information.
- “Our group is non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian, and annual membership is a bargain at $50 pesos per person.”
For more information about Canadians living at Lake Chapala and the Canadian Club of Lake Chapala visit www.canadianclubmx.com. 
