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Seasonal Brew

October 11, 2005 | Tips from Us > Vancouver, Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries

It's Autumn! You can always tell - the air is crisper and cooler, leaves start turning colour, and Steamworks Brewpub serves up their delicious Pumpkin Beer. Located in Vancouver's Gastown area - the most historic neighbourhood in Vancouver - Steamworks brews this unique beer the beginning of every Autumn. Lightly spiced and ripe with pumpkin flavour, it's a great way to ring in cool season in the city. If you like beer, head down for a pint or two. But don't wait too long, they only serve the brew till Halloween.

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Posted by _, Vancouver at 12:00 AM

Chocolate Souvenirs from the Island

October 6, 2005 | Tips from Us > Victoria, Dining
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When I was on Vancouver Island last week, I couldn't help but indulge in my favourite chocolate treats. I know the Island is well known for grizzly bears, salmon fishing, spring golf, totem poles and whale watching - but I think chocolate has to be added to that list. Whenever I visit Victoria, I refuse to leave without my pink-and-white checkered hand-wrapped Victoria Creams from Rogers Chocolate; Raspberry for my youngest son, Strawberry for my 11-year-old, Rum for me and just plain, which is anything but plain, Chocolate for my husband. I place them in the bottom of my travel bag (where they are hard to reach) and wait anxiously until I arrive home. Needless to say, I get swarmed by the family everytime. I grew up eating Nanaimo bars, which are named after the City of Nanaimo, at Christmas time. When I was there last week I came face-to-face with an entire tray of these layered treats. Hold me back! Semi-sweet chocolate top, sugary yellow centre and graham crumb bottom. I walked by all the souvenir shops, with their spoons, pins, t-shirts and placemats, and snuck home with a tray full of Nanaimo bars.

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Posted by Susan, Vancouver at 12:00 AM

Jumping Salmon

October 4, 2005 | Tips from Us > Vancouver, Wildlife Viewing - Marine & Land
Find more information about Vancouver, Wildlife Viewing - Marine & Land

When visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge and/or Grouse Mountain, make sure to stop at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery. It's right in between these two two attractions and it's free! It's a great way to learn about the lifecycle of Salmon. I spent an hour there with visitors from out of town last weekend and it was fun cheering on the Salmon at a special viewing area as they make their way up the river.

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Posted by William, Vancouver at 12:00 AM

Autumn Brewmasters' Festival

October 1, 2005 | Tips from Us > Vancouver, Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries

I have a wee bit of a headache. Yep, that's right, I went to the Autumn Brewmasters' Festival in Vancouver last night. It was my first time and I don't think it will be my last. For $25 I received a four ounce plastic beer glass and three token chips to trade in for BC brew samples (I have one left I would now love to trade in for a Tylenol). I purchased more tokens at a price of 3 for $5. As the night went on, the crowd got busier, the music got louder and the beer needed to be lighter. I started out with a good hearty chocolate and coffee infused Stout, by half-time I was drinking Amber ales, and at the end of the night I was looking for golden Lagers. The other thing that progressed throughout the evening was the length of the line-up for the washroom. In total I tasted about 20 samples from Breweries all over BC; my top picks were from Crannog Ales, located in Sorrento, and Steamworks Brewing Company, located in Gastown. The event sells-out each year, so if you are already planning on going next year purchase your tickets in advance.

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Posted by Susan, Vancouver at 12:00 AM