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May 21, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Harrison Hot Springs, Accommodations
Find more information about Harrison Hot Springs, Accommodations
If you've never been to Harrison Hot Springs, you need to. Whether you're from across the prairies or Vancouver - especially Vancouver, it's worth it. You don't realize how close to home so much is available.
On any day the breeze off the lake will attract sail boarding, kite boadrers, marine craft of all types andsizes and just beach bumbs. Beach activities like swimming and sand castle building happens at schduled events. There's a helicoptor ride and a river cruise you can take when it's available during the season. Renting a suitable boat is also available for that fishing or just picnic up the lake. Harrison Lake is forty miles long so you won't need to worry about crowds for a while.
If hoteling is your style, Harrison Hotel will satisfy every taste, not only in food but opulance. The Lake Side has an awesome buffet. If you're a garden buff, visiting Minter Gardens is a must. You'll see it just off the #401 as you turn north .
Golf is close by, so bring your clubs.
I hope this blog won't attract too many people and fill up the town so when I get there it there won't be any room.
May 19, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Victoria, Accommodations
Find more information about Victoria, Accommodations
I am from Quadra Island. Recently my elderly parents from Saskatchewan spent a week in Victoria as part of a bus tour. Although they have been to BC on numerous occasions, this was the first time that someone else had all the planning responsibilities and did all the driving. They happened to be there over the Mothers Day weekend. I took an extra day off work and went down to meet them. It was the first time I've been with my mother on Mothers Day since the mid-80’s!
My comment here is really related to the wonderful service that they received while in Victoria, particularly from the Queen Victoria Hotel where they stayed. On Mothers Day morning we went to leave the hotel for breakfast nearby (too close to be worth driving). My father was silently grumbling (but loud enough for anyone in the vicinity to hear J ) about having to “walk” and everything being uphill etc. (remember, they are from SK). The staff at the Front desk quickly, and unsolicited, came to the rescue and offered to take us in the shuttle. They then picked us up when we were done. Later that evening the shuttle wasn’t available but they cheerfully paid for a cab for us to go out to dinner and return! What great service! It really changed the logistics of our brief visit as we were able to get my 80++ Dad out a bit further than the immediate vicinity of the hotel without having to have a dreaded walk.
While in Victoria they also greatly enjoyed being able to get to the Casino. I think the highlight for them was the shuttle trip and the casino's shuttle driver. They thought he was a great and colourful character.
On Mothers Day I took them for a drive out to Sooke. On the way home we happened to come across “Mom’s Café”. I would never have known it was there except that my “Garmin” navigation device directed me to it as the nearest restaurant. It is a bit tucked away off the main road, but what a buried treasure. Kind of a 60’s look with everything immaculate! A varied menu with a nice blend of old-time favourites and modern items. The best thing… mile high pies! Too bad we were only there for a coffee break as the menu was quite enticing and I would have liked to try it. I did try a bowl of chowder and it was one of the best I’ve tasted in my 18 years in BC!
In conclusion, I think the hospitality staff in Victoria are generally great when dealing with and anticipating the needs of seniors.
May 16, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Bowen Island, Hiking
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With the sun shining, a friend and I decided to head over to Bowen Island to get out of the city and do a bit of hiking. I caught the 8:30am ferry from Horseshoe Bay and enjoyed the scenic 20-minute sailing to Snug Cove on the quiet island community of Bowen.
The goal for the day was to hike to the top of Mount Gardner, but the first stop on the agenda was for a cup of coffee at the local coffee shop near the ferry terminal. From there, we headed first to Killarney Lake to check it out and then onto where the trail starts to Mount Gardner. The trail was quite steep as it first headed up a gravel road before branching off onto a narrow trail that wound through the forest. We had found a trail map and other information from a
Vancouver hiking site, so we had a general idea of what to expect.
After a couple of hours of hiking, we made it to the north peak where we could see one of the most amazing views. It was a fairly clear day so we could see as far as the Sunshine Coast to the north, the mountains along Howe Sound to the east, and West Vancouver and the city off in the distance.
After laying in the sun and enjoying the view for an hour or so, we headed down the opposite side of the mountain as the trail wrapped around and lead us back towards where we started. We made the final descent back down to Killarney Lake and then walked back to the Snug Cove ferry terminal. Before catching the ferry back to the mainland, we rewarded ourselves with a beer and burger on the patio of Doc Morgan's Pub next to the Marina.
Bowen Island was a great place to spend a sunny day hiking and exploring the laid back island community.
May 15, 2008 | Tips from Us > Summerland, Wineries & Vineyards
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I visited the
Okanagan valley with my sister and my Dad for the weekend for some wine tasting at the local
wineries. It was spring and a lot of the fruit trees were in full bloom, creating wonderful landscapes. One winery on a list of "must visits" was called "Dirty Laundry" in
Summerland. We were intrigued because of the unusual name.
The friendly wine expert who assisted us with our tasting told us that the winery was named after a dry cleaning business that operated in town a long time ago. It turns our that the owner operated some other business as well. Above his dry cleaning business was an illegal casino and brothel. His dry cleaning business quickly became known as "Dirty Laundry".
The winery has adopted the name and included some cheeky quotes from famous people on one of its bottles including “It's not true I had nothing on, I had the radio on.” by Marilyn Monroe.
The wine tasted great by the way...
May 15, 2008 | Tips from Us > Naramata, Wineries & Vineyards
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Kettly Valley Winery came recommended by a friend. I toured the
Naramata, famous for it's wines and wineries, just east of Penticton. The winery was located close to the Okanagan Lake down a hill. A picture perfect location. A lovely young woman assisted us in our wine tasting. We tried 3 or 4 wines and decided the Pinot Gris was our favourite so I bought a bottle before moving on to our next stop.
May 15, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Hope, Canyons
The Othello Tunnels near Hope were a surprisingly magnificent find for this BC resident. After visiting, I wondered how it was possible that I had not heard of this fantastic rest-stop before. Best visited when approaching Hope from Princeton (Hwy 3), or Merrit (Hwy 5), this stop is not just about old railway tunnels.
Perhaps more dramatic, are the roaring rapids cutting the canyon floor and the refreshing, cool air the thundering velocity of their water offers a road-weary traveller. The tunnels themselves are dark, damp and cavernous - the path daring you to venture in. Your reward? Viewing the next hairpin turn of the rapids and another tunnel before you. Adults, kids, and dogs will return to your vehicle entertained, exercised and rejuvenated.
May 7, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Dawson Creek, Natural Landforms
Hello BC!
i was in Dawson Creek for awhile and i loved it there and going back and so looking forward this time around! just like my friend says to me once you drink Dawson water you always wanting to come back! i believe him! im missing Dawson Creek!
Rodger Browning!
May 7, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Dawson Creek, Sightseeing Tours
Hi there!
i welcome and wishing you all the best on your reply and big heartful thanks! i was in Dawson Creek and loved it there! awesome and im going back to Dawson! it was so fantastic warm spectacular views! i love it there and looking forward to seeing again soon! i love BC !
missing Dawson Creek!
Rodger Browning
May 3, 2008 | Tips from Us > Golden, Wildlife Viewing - Marine & Land
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Boy was I glad we made the 15 minute trip west of Golden to the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre. With 6 resident wolves and very enthusiastic, passionate and knowledgeable staff, this Centre's mission is to promote wolf and bear conservation throughout the natural environment. A reasonable $10 admission gets you past the unique gift shop/resource centre that one enters upon arrival. From there, a staff member provides interactive commentary on the wolves including explanations of why wolves are so vital and integral to our environment. The highlight of the visit was when all 6 wolves began to howl in response to a barking dog. It was a hauntingly beautiful sound and I was sad when it ended after about 10 minutes.
If you are in Golden enjoying the town's summer or winter activities - and there are many, you really should make the short trip to see the wolves.
May 3, 2008 | Tips from Us > Golden, Dining
Who says you have to be in a big city to enjoy amazing food. Right in the heart of downtown Golden - the old section of town - is a great new bistro that is clearly a local, and visitor favourite. It is called the Whitetooth Mountain Bistro (named after the mountain that Kicking Horse Ski Resort now occupies). The atmosphere is cozy and classy-colourful with a great bar stacked with all sorts of wines and spirits. The martini selection rocks and there are some great BC wines by the glass. The menu has something for everyone, but I really recommend the caesar salad (with a touch of blue cheese in it according to the waiter). We were in town 3 nights and we ate there two of them it was so good - the risotto was wonderful and one of my companions didn't look up from his steak and potatoe with all the fixings so I guess he was happy too. The place was packed...and for good reason! We were in Golden in April and there aren't alot of restaurants open so this is a real gem. I bet it would be great after a long day on the slopes at Kicking Horse, or after a river raft ride as well.
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