May 26, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Merritt, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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The
Quilchena Hotel has been welcoming guests on and off since 1908 when it was built due to wild spectulation that the railway would run through the Nicola Valley and the hotelier would become rich. The railway routed elsewhere but the hotel continued on until 1917 when it shut down for more than 40 years. It was reopened in 1958 by the grandson of the original builder. I didn't stay at the hotel but happened by it en route from Merritt to Kamloops via Highway 5A. We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the saloon - one of the best hamburgers I have ever had and no doubt considering the beef is raised and processed right on the ranch. For a history buff, the place was bursting with rich material. The 16 rooms are all unique and, while comfortable, are still reminiscent of the early days. The Saloon is a local favourite with bullet holes in the bar reminding us of the wilder days when outlaw Billy Miner roamed the area. The drive to Quilchena Hotel takes you past Nicola Lake and it was spectacular. I would highly recommend this alternative route if driving to Kamloops!
May 18, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Richmond, Whale Watching
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I am an absolute sucker for whales and marine animals, and knowing that the ocean playground near my home in Vancouver is teeming with life makes it that much more interesting. So when I had the chance to go with a local company, Vancouver Whale Watch, on a four-hour whalewatching tour, I had to jump at the chance. Their shuttle bus collected me from downtown Vancouver, and took us to the historic fishing village of Steveston, in Richmond, BC, where we jumped on covered boat and headed out to sea.
It being late April when I made my trip, it was still a bit early in the whale season, but I learned that all the whalewatching companies who share the waterspace around Vancouver Island, San Juan Islands in the US and around the Vancouver Islands "talk" to each other over their radios, to alert others if they've spotted a pod. So the likelihood of seeing whales is actually really high between late April and October.
And even if you don't, there was no shortage of other water life! We saw dozens of eagles pearching, California sea lions, a Dall's porpoise, and literally tons (of fun) Stellar Sea Lions, who we got up close to (keeping a safe distance, of course!) and got to hear them grumble and belch at us.
But so far, the whales had eluded us. Until... success! Two enormous Grey Whales, who the naturalist said hadn't been in these waters for two years, were spotted by another boat crew. So we headed over to find these shallow-water feeders munching happily and loping around us.
Alas, we didn't see any whale tails, or the typical Orcas that one sees at the height of the season. But we did see lots of spouting off - and Orcas or not, it's pretty incredible to see these things in their natural habitat.
It was an absolutely fabulous way to spend a sunny day!
May 07, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Queen Charlotte City, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
The Queen Charlotte Visitor Centre is gearing up for a busy tourist season! We are now open 9-5pm - closed on Wednesday and Thursday. We are a great place to get local and regional information. Come in and relax watch a video use the internet and shop for local arts and crafts.
May 03, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Penticton, Wineries & Vineyards
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I absolutely LOVE wine touring in the Okanagan Valley. So far I've probably been to over 25 wineries in the region and if you enjoy wine paired with stunning scenery, the experience is not to be missed!
Some of my favorites include Grey Monk, Mission Hill, Quail's Gate, Elephant Island, Red Rooster, Laughing Stock... down to Burrowing Owl and finally Nk'Mip in Osoyoos. And I could go on...
It was really interesting to see how the landscape and geography changes as you wind through the valley from rolling hills to a desert-like climate. Each area just as beautiful as the next.
I've gone back several times over the past couple years and I plan to make it a long standing tradition with my friends.
May 03, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Port Alberni, Hiking
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To get to the trail head for this hike you need to prearrange a boat shuttle across
Great Central Lake. We took the boat from the Ark Resort which is about 17kms from
Port Alberni on
Vancouver Island. After crossing the picturesque lake we coated ourselves in bug repellent before setting out on our 16km hike to the base of the Della Falls where we would camp. It was pretty flat to begin with and then gradually got steeper. It did seem to take a long time, probably 6-7 hours. We camped overnight at a nice campsite on the creek. You will want to camp close to the base of the falls because the next day is a long one!
The next morning we took in the scenery looking up at Della Falls, Canada’s tallest waterfall 440m high! It was breathtaking standing in front of these cascading falls - we took lots of pictures!
Next was our 2-3 hour hike up to get a view of the falls ending at Love Lake before the 1.5-2 hours to get back down to our site.
We were the first group to head up the trail for the season in early June and there was still a lot of snow at the top of the trail. We couldn’t really find the path after a certain point but we knew what general direction we were going in to get to Love Lake based on our map. My friends with ice axes and proper hiking boots lead the way by kick-stepping a make-shift path in the snow which really helped.
May 03, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Squamish, Snowshoeing
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Our 2 day (22km) snowshoe trek to Elfin Lakes was my first trip in the Diamond Head area of Garibaldi Park.
It was definitely more challenging than I had expected, friends who had done the trip in the summer described a hike that was relatively flat. In the winter you take a different route which was practically uphill all the way to the lodge. This made day 1 quite a challenge! That being said, the views were well worth it!!
We stayed overnight at the cabin at Elfin Lakes and enjoyed playing cards and cooking up a hearty dinner with the other travellers from BC and Washington State. The second day was mostly downhill making it a lot less strenuous so we had a chance to really enjoy the stunning scenery of the area and take some amazing photos on the way down.
This trek left our group with a feeling of accomplishment, especially the first time snowshoers!, so we finished the trip with some much deserved burgers at the Shady Tree in Squamish.
May 01, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Farms & Markets
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It's blossom season in BC: I found these vibrant-hued buds near Oak Bay Village in Victoria.
May 01, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Sidney, Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries
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Just a short detour off the Lochside Bike Trail, which runs the length of the Saanich Peninsula between Victoria and the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal, cyclists can find a sweet break from the pedals. Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse is located about 12km from the Swartz Bay, on the opposite side of the #17 (Pat Bay) Highway from the cycling route.
I stopped at the Ciderhouse last week on a weekend cycle for a sampling of their hard apple ciders, ranging from dry to dessert sweet. My favourite was the Kings & Spies, a light sparkling dry cider with a touch of sweet.
April 16, 2009 | Tips from Us >
New Westminster, Dining
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If you're looking for a upscale accommodation conveniently located outside the Vancouver city core, you need look no further than New Westminster. The recently revamped Inn at Westminster Quay sports a spectacular face lift beginning with the addition of a bright, fresh tropical palate to it's lobby accented with the warmth of candlelight in the evening and comfy lounges to relax in, offset by an open-air feeling compliments of the vaulted ceilings and balcony overlooking the check-in area! There's also a great business centre and gym cover all your needs away from home and office.
Situated on the boardwalk, overlooking the Fraser River, rooms feature a spectacular waterfront view. And speaking of rooms, you no longer have to head to Yaletown to experience modern elegance and upscale, urban style, as each guest room has been completely refurbished with an exciting accents of jewel tone colours, offering some fabulous luxuries like fluffy bathrobes, flat-screen LCD TV's, Cutler Salon Bath ammenities and rain shower heads to name a few. You'll feel pampered in luxury!
Also conveniently located in the hotel is the Boathouse Restaurant & Lounge complimented by Al Fresco dining in the warmer months and spectacular views of the Fraser. We enjoyed an amazing mixture of appetizers including some scrumtuous coconut shrimp and a pot of steamed clams in a delectable sauce along with a loaf of oven-fresh sour dough bread to soak up every last drop!
The staff are friendly and professional and excited to show off all the new changes to their hotel! Whether you're on business or looking for a nice weekend getaway, I'd highly recommend you consider a stay at the Inn at Westminster Quay next time you venture out!
April 16, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Attractions
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Last Sunday I visited Vancouver's Anglican Christ Church Cathedral for the first time, to attend an evening Compline service, a Gregorian Chant. It was a calming and relaxing conclusion to the weekend and the beautiful music in a beautiful setting was appreciated.
An interesting note: For runners participating in this weekend's 10-km Sun Run who are looking for some spiritual preparation at the start line, The Cathedral is offering a special 8am service on Sunday. No promises on a faster finish time but angel wings might help carry you the distance!