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I'm a Little Bit Country...

July 2, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Fort St. John, Bars, Nightclubs & Lounges

Yee Haw!!! My first country experience was certainly a most memorable one. Being from a large city, I have always associated country dancing with doing a couple of steps to Cotton Eyed Joe, so when several fine gentlemen cowboys asked me to “two-step”, I was completely baffled. What is this “two-step”? Will I completely embarrass myself if I attempt this dance? It wasn’t until a friend of mine pulled me onto the dance floor, at New Frontier in Fort St John, and insisted on teaching me how it was done, that I immediately excelled at this new dance. Well, maybe not excelled, but I certainly did a lot better than I had ever imagined.

          After the dancing, I got the opportunity to meet some real cowboys. I had no idea that real cowboys even existed, so you can imagine my excitement. I finally had an epiphany and although I had travelled the world and currently resided in Toronto, I had lived a very sheltered life. I went from believing that cowboys merely existed in those old western films to actually grasping that they are, in fact, real. The New Frontier is a great place for a fun night out and, for a tourist such as myself, it provides a brand new experience.

          The festive music, live band, and affordable beverages provided for a great night. When my feet got too tired from the ample two-stepping, there was always a place to sit. This nightclub is additionally a great place to go if you are the type of individual who wants to sit back, relax, and have a drink. The dancing isn’t necessary but is always a great form of entertainment. Earlier in the night, the New Frontier offers a variety of food items on their menu and functions as a bar and grill. It is located at 10320-100^th Avenue. I will most certainly be returning there in the near future to have another great experience!

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Posted by Ali123, at 05:51 PM

Discover the Discovery Centre!

July 2, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Williams Lake, Interpretive Centres

Often times, Visitor Information Centres (VICs) fall within the trap of being a quick, unmemorable stop off for visitors who either need directions or a toilet break.  Thankfully, the Williams Lake Discovery Centre (which holds the city's VIC) exceeds these usual expectations and offers visitors an interactive experience that will certainly be memorable.  The building, which can't be missed when driving through town as it is strikingly beautiful with huge wood architecture.  The centre is chalked full of information of the city, region and province, all within an extraordinary building that will have flashes snapping and necks stretching to look up and around, most likely at the humongous tree that rises through the centre of the building.  Whether you chose to have your picture atop a mountain bike with peaks in the background, watch a quick movie in their cozy cabin or just have  a chat with the friendly staff, you won't be disappointed with this rest-stop.   

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Posted by amber, at 05:34 PM

Carly at the Beach

July 2, 2009 | Tips from Us > Vancouver, Beaches & Swimming
Find more information about Vancouver, Beaches & Swimming

BC Girl and Canadian Idol Finalist Carly Rae Jepsen shoots her latest video on the beaches of Vancouver.  You too can build a castle and stay until the sun comes down.  Enjoy! 

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Posted by Margaret, Vancouver at 02:54 PM

Elvis was in the building!

July 2, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Penticton, Festivals & Events

Wow!  The Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival was a huge success.  For the first time ever the two big events, the Saturday Night Tribute Show and the Sunday Judged Finals, sold out completely.  This has become a very impressive event, attracting top talent from around North America.

Between the Elvis Festival and the Peach City Beach Cruise, it was really amazing to see the traffic in downtown Penticton.  There were people everywhere because both events took place within the same two block radius.  On top of that, the Penticton Farmer's Market STILL ran on Saturday morning.

Talk about things to do!  Summer in Penticton is jammed with so many great things: sun, sand, festivals, fresh fruit, wineries... the list goes on.

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Posted by Aaron , Vancouver at 01:59 PM

Artisan Eats on Bowen Island

July 2, 2009 | Tips from Us > Bowen Island, Dining

 Next time you are heading to Bowen Island, don't limit your visit to Snug Cove but climb the hill up to the lesser crowded Artisan Square.  Not only will you find some delicious chocolate at Cocoa West and awesome local jewelry at by local jazz singer Christie Grace you will also find one of the most amazing bistros I have come across.  Artisan Eats has just the right blend of fabulous local food, atmopshere and a small but excellent wine list to make it a reason in itself to go back to Bowen Island more often.  I want to try everything on their menu! 

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Posted by Margaret, Vancouver at 08:30 AM

Dinghy Dock Pub in Nanaimo

July 2, 2009 | Field Reports > Nanaimo, Bars, Nightclubs & Lounges

When visiting Nanaimo, you have to check out the Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island. British Columbia Field Reporter Chris Wheeler takes a five-minute ferry ride to Canada's only floating pub and samples the seafood, talks to "Molly" the parrot and jives to a live band. What a place to enjoy an evening brew and watch the sunset... just watch out for pirates!

More videos showcasing the Nanaimo, The Harbour City at: http://www.youtube.com/DestinationNanaimo

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Posted by Chris Wheeler, at 07:59 AM

Vacation for a Cause: Mount Moresby Adventure Camp

July 1, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Sandspit, Kayaking (Ocean)

 I just spent a month on Haida Gwaii for a university field "school". Everything was just amazing! We hit up Masset, Old Masset, Tlell, Port Clements, Queen Charlotte City, Skidegate, Sandspit, and Gwaii Haanas and did so many different things! One thing that REALLY stands out though was Mount Moresby Adventure Camp! Located on Moresby Island, not far from the launch point into Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, this place is GORGEOUS! MMAC is right on Mosquito Lake and Mount Moresby overshadows the lake and there are some really cool short and long hikes nearby! The bunkhouse and mess hall buildings are also stunning; two cedar traditional longhouses!
But that's not all! Our field school rented out the camp in May as the camp was just coming alive and we had the chance to talk to Jonathan, the director. We got to hear about MMAC's beginnings and as it turns out, MMAC is not just a business, its actually this amazing Forest Stewardship and Outdoor Education Program that is partnered with the Haida Gwaii School District. Every year all the grades 4, 8 and 12 spend a week or two at the camp learning outdoor skills and environmental stewardship among other things. I think he said that as of this year every kid on Haida Gwaii will have been to MMAC! And better yet, all the money from tours and facility rentals that MMAC puts on goes towards supporting this program!
The staff that we met at MMAC, including Jonathan, are all pretty awesome and their resumes are pretty impressive! No need to worry about safety or having a good time with them around!
MMAC offers ecotourism sea kayaking tours into Gwaii Haanas, kids adventure camps and kids eco-tours as well as offering the MMAC facility up for rental for retreats and field schools to support the non-profit school camp!

It was such an amazing experience, kayaking and canoeing on the lake, hiking trails built by campers, campfires, 'class time' in the mess hall, spreading out our mattresses in front of the fire in the bunkhouses and waking up to the smell of cedar every morning! I hope everyone going to Haida Gwaii takes a tour with MMAC to support this great cause!!

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Posted by allison, at 08:57 PM

Golfing on Vancouver Island

July 1, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Victoria, Golf
Find more information about Victoria, Golf

We played the Arbutus Ridge Golf Club near Victoria on Vancouver Island and caught some video of an amazing rainbow from the patio. Then we saw a group of golfers fly off in a helicopter! Must be nice.

The views from clubhouse and golf course are fantastic. You can see the ocean and nearby islands in the background. We had dinner at the Satellite Bar & Grille at the Arbutus Ridge Golf Club and it was very good. I have to say I don't normally expect much from a golf course restaurant but the menu, food quality and selection of local wines far exceeded my expectations.

The golf course is surrounded by 9 wineries, so we visited a few. The Pinor Noir from Avrill Creek is fantastic! Cherry Point and Merridale Cider have great venues for tastings as well. Check the golf course and nearby wineries out if you can!

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Posted by jlowe, Cobble Hille at 06:16 PM