I highly recommend the Mesilla Digital Imaging Workshops. I attended a black and white digital printing workshop there a few weeks back, and it was terrific. I learned a great deal in a short time, and met a lot of inetersting photographers. The instruction, facilities and equipment were first rate, and I found the whole experience well worth my money.
Mesilla, New Mexico is a short drive from White Sands National Monument, a place known to have been immortalized in more than a few exceptional black and images. Most Americans wouldn't get down to their bathing suits in southern NM on the coldest days in winter, but I'm sure it would be no problem for a Canadian.
If you want to check out the school, try:
http://www.mesillaworkshops.com/The upcoming schedule can be found at:
http://www.mesillaworkshops.com/workshop_schedule.htmlIf you need any recommendations about the local community, let me know. I live close to Mesilla, and I'd be happy to help.