December 30, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Cranbrook, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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In the summer of 2011, we spent an incredible week with the Beckley's at Three Bars Ranch. It was a tough decision to stay in Canada for our once a year trip, but from the get-go we were impressed with the customer service at the ranch. Their website is great - everything you see in the pictures is accurate, and better than you'd imagine. The accommodations were wonderful and suited our family perfectly. The Ranch sets itself apart from others in their activities program. We loved the riding, rafting, hiking, fishing, golfing and we even went on an ATV tour that left from our door step. I would recommend Three Bars Ranch to anyone and everyone!
December 13, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Salmon Arm, Beaches & Swimming
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As kids, my brother and I were fortunate enough to have spent many summers in the Shuswap. It is now our time to share this amazing playground with our own children. The sun is always shining, the Shuswap lake is always beautiful and inviting, and the people are super friendly. There is an abundance of beauty and majesty that surrounds you at every spot on the lake. We hope that some day our kids are able to share this amazing spot with their own children. If you haven't been... Go!
December 06, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Richmond, Attractions
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Today I had the opportunity to try a sport that I’ve never played before
in my entire life: curling. I remember watching the intense and
strategic games of curling during the Olympics, but beyond that the
closest I’ve come is bocce ball, which is not very close.
I
headed down to the Richmond Curling Rink, located kiddy corner to the
Richmond Olympic Oval. They have a great facility including eight sheets
of ice (play areas), a café, pro shop, and a huge sports bar and lounge
with a fantastic observation area overlooking the arena.
I
arrived with my friend Colin, who is an avid curling enthusiast and was
eager to get on the ice and throw some rocks with me. Before we began
however, I was introduced to the local resident expert Kim, who was more
than happy to show and explain the ropes of the game to me. Curling is
an interesting sport as it’s extremely technical and all about finesse.
The most common beginner mistake is throwing the rock too hard- a lot of
times it’s the gentler, steady shots that win a given game. As I
watched the various games going on around me, it became immediately
apparent the huge amount of strategy and positioning involved in
curling. This can be a dirty game! When I say that I mean like chess
dirty—out maneuvering and one-upping your opponent. I like it.
The
objective of curling is to push a 44 pound rock down the playing area,
called the sheet, and try to land it in the ‘button’ (bulls-eye) at the
far end. It is essentially a huge target on the ice about 146 feet away
from where you start. Frozen bocce on crack is a good analogy.
After
a quick on ice lesson on proper rock throwing technique (I was awful,
despite what Kim says), as well as a briefing on sweeping techniques
(yes, women sweep better than men- ha!), I was ready to try my luck! I
positioned myself and placed my foot in the ‘hack’ (like a starting
block used to push off of), broom in hand for support, and grabbed my
rock. Eyes on the target, I pushed off and launched my rock. I soon
found out that it’s imperative to the game of curling that you keep your
rock on your sheet of ice and not your neighbour’s. You don’t get
points for completely missing your target and landing it next door. Ha!
Well, despite my lack of curling skills I had a blast and it was a great
new experience.
Colin soon challenged me to a three rock game
for beers upstairs afterwards. Since I know you’ve watched the video you
all know how that turned out. J Winter ale with winter sports. I love
it.
If you’re interested in trying some curling or already are a
curler, the Richmond Curling Rink offers league play, tournaments, train
and plays, event hosting and sheet rental. Of course if you’re a
‘gifted curler’ like me, the bar and observation deck upstairs are also
an excellent choice! Definitely check them out and have some fun!
December 06, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Nimpo Lake, Surfing & Watersports
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A month ago I was in the Caribbean and friends of mine introduced me to surfing ... what a great physical sport. Now I visited the Atnarko Lodge on Charlotte Lake and see what they have .... yes waves .... the air and the water is cold, in November very, very cold .... but the wind .... every windsurfer or kiter would think she/he is in paradise ......
November 30, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Richmond, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
This week’s video I am titling ‘Richmond in Motion.’ This is an idea I’ve had for a while; the concept behind it capturing the bustle and activity (aka motion) of Richmond through time-lapse photography.
I’ve done a little tiny bit of time-lapse photography in the past, namely my star gazing video earlier this year, however this was my first project dedicated solely to it. I think time-lapse photography is really underrated—the amount of time it takes to get those shots can be staggering. Suffice to say, this project’s given me a newfound respect for it. Those tiny little five-second shots you see certainly have a price! In my case, each shot you see is anywhere from 10 minutes on the low end, to 35 minutes on the high end, per clip!
I spent about four separate days out shooting these time-lapses, the first batch of which were ruined due to poor weather. It also didn’t help that daylight in the last few weeks has been diminishing at an alarming rate. The sunsets this week have been happening at 4:00PM! With my current schedule, I generally work late into the night and sleep in during mornings, so as you can imagine it gives me a limited window! “Wake up early Chris!” Shhhh!
That being said, I’m very happy with the result. Please enjoy Richmond In Motion!
November 28, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Nimpo Lake, Attractions
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It is nearly 6 month since I had the chance to drive south from Tatla Lake to the Whitesaddle Country Inn ... what a great place ... We had a great lunch and the hosts where terrific ...
and the drive itself was a treat ... mountains, rivers, lakes ... you name it ... wilderness at its best .... you got to see it yourself ....
November 25, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Nanaimo, Shopping
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Every time I am in Nanaimo I make a quick trip to the
Nanaimo Museum, not only because of the artifacts, but because of the small gift shop in the lobby. There are some great little finds there! Local crafts, kids stuff, First Nations jewellery...and its all pretty affordable. Another great spot within walking distance is the Barton & Leier Gallery that is full of funky, unique and again, affordable gifts and art. Both within walking distance of the Harbour, located in the commercial district.
November 24, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Richmond, Bird Watching
What is that noise!? Chances are if you live in Richmond or have been visiting Richmond in the last few weeks you’ve heard the insane amount of squawking going on. Yes, it is none other than the fabled snow geese horde that has taken over the city. (Yes, I call them ‘the horde!’)
Each fall, tens of thousands of snow geese touch down in the Fraser Delta, a huge portion of them landing specifically in Richmond. They breed way up in the Northern tundra’s of Canada and Alaska and migrate South every winter to the warmer climates of the lower mainland. They travel almost 5,000km on their journey to get here and it is quite a sight to see!
For me personally, I welcome the sight of them. I think it’s amazing to walk into a field covered in beautiful white snow geese. It represents the changing of the seasons and is a nature photographers dream! It’s an incredible sight to look up to the sky and see hundreds upon hundreds of white birds flying in formation over the city. I love it!
For others, namely the Vancouver International Airport, the snow geese are a major concern. With the massive amounts of geese flying in they have to be very careful to avoid bird strikes with their jets. To combat this, the airport uses lasers, lights, pyrotechnics, and trained dogs to chase and scare them out of the away from the runways. YVR actually employs three ‘bird officers’ whose sole job is keep the runways clear!
If you’re in Richmond and you can actually find the horde, (It’s difficult! They move around A LOT!) I highly recommend you grab a camera and check them out! Seeing 5,000 white birds dominate a school field is quite a sight! Even better news, if you’re superstitious, you have about 10,000 chances to get pooped on this winter! Think of all the good luck! ;)
November 14, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Whistler, Hiking
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In the final episode of the Great Ranger Experience, Ranger Katy Chambers and Ranger Andy Turner want to share their Garibaldi Provincial Park experience with you. The spectacular mountain and glacier landscapes of Garibaldi were protected as one of British Columbia's first Provincial Parks in 1927. The almost 200,000 hectare park offers more than 90km of world-class hiking in the summer and fall, and exceptional ski touring opportunities throughout the winter and spring. B.C.'s park rangers keep busy by maintaining recreational opportunities while ensuring the natural features and dynamic ecosystems are protected.
As BC Parks turns 100 years old, Park Rangers want to share their experience of working as stewards of BC’s wonderful parks. These short videos capture spectacular landscapes, and showcase a little bit of what our Park Rangers are up to throughout the Province. Featured Park Rangers share what is special about their favourite provincial parks, and most importantly, share why they are passionate about being a ranger! There are four videos in total, we’ll share one per week.
Links:
The Great Ranger ExperienceGaribaldi Provincial ParkHiking in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains regionBackcountry skiing in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains regionOther Great Ranger Experience posts:
BC Marine ParksSouth Okanagan GrasslandsBugaboo Provincial Park
November 12, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Burns Lake, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Want to help find some meteorites? Possible meteor impact near village of Burns Lake, BC. Crater measures 1 km across so there's lots of room for everybody. No professional geologists or TV documentary hunters please, only rockhounds and seriously casual loafers. We don't want this getting out of hand. BYOMD (bring your own metal detectors)