June 28, 2011 | Tips from Us >
White Rock, Surfing & Watersports
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When a friend asked if I wanted to spend my day off stand-up paddle boarding in the shallow waters off White Rock beach, there was little hesitation in my response. With a resounding "OH YEAH", I helped pack up her two massive boards and headed out on the short drive to White Rock, an ocean-side suburb about 40km south of Vancouver.
Being a weekday, it was a quiet day on the water as we cruised north along the shoreline from the main beach. The gorgeous waterfront homes weren't all we got to admire - within 15 minutes, a bald eagle had swooped over us, a huge heron landed close to shore and a seal swam right under us and popped up just 10 or so feet away! Unfortunately, he evaded my attempts to capture his curious little whiskered face on camera.
Paddle boarding is almost closer to kayaking than surfing, but it does require good balance and a fairly strong core as you have to stabilize yourself against the waves while standing up. It takes a few minutes to get used to the rocking motion of the waves and find a stance for your feet that's comfortable. I found that bending my knees helped a lot with stability. If you get tired or feel shaky, you can kneel or even sit down on the board while continuing to paddle, turning it into a boat of sorts.
It was definitely a cool experience to have the water lapping over my
feet as I paddled along, and because I was standing up, the view was
even better than from a kayak or canoe. And the best thing about it? You
can literally paddle board anywhere there's enough water to keep you
afloat. Rivers, lakes, ocean... you name it!
If you're looking for a way to get out and really experience the BC coastline, without spending a fortune or committing to learning a whole new sport like surfing, you should definitely check out paddle boarding. It's relaxing, but just enough activity that you feel like you've earned that apres patio beer ;)
For stand-up paddle boarding, you need a large, stable surfboard and a long paddle. There are several shops in Metro Vancouver that rent paddle board equipment - just Google it! Deep Cove (north of Vancouver) and Jericho Beach (in Vancouver) are two other popular spots for paddle boarders.
Can't wait for my next trip out on the water!
May 15, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Accommodation
I'm sitting in my elegant one bedroom suite at the Victoria Parkside. Its a corner unit with the loveliest of modern yet warm furnishings, a mug of italian coffee in hand having just finished a great work out in the gym and a soak in our gorgeous stand alone soaker tub. If only it would stop raining life would be perfect. Well the Parkside can't do anything about the weather but they seem to have a handle on everything else a guest may want. Location is perfect! A block off Douglas its walking distance to everything in the Inner Harbour. The facilities are first class - from my view in the well equipped gym I could see families enjoying the very large swimming pool and hot tub. The atrium is stunning and probably the nicest surprise, was the coffee shop (not open on my last visit) where I got a latte and 3 home made morning glory muffins for under 10 dollars! If you are looking for a get away in Victoria for family or just to spoil yourself, try the Parkside. You may not want to go back home ... its that nice!
Parkside HelloBCListing.
April 27, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Whistler, Spas & Wellness
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What to do when your body aches from skiing, mountain biking or exploring Whistler? Or you just want to relax in peace and quiet? How's three hours in Scandinavian baths, saunas, steam rooms and and solariums - surrounded by mountains and forest - sound?
Yeah, thought so.
I was recently in Whistler with a bunch of friends who were all off being active...but I just wanted to chill out. So I decided to check out the new and impressive Scandinave Spa, located a few minutes' drive outside the village.
I arrived at the spa through a foresty walkway (a real chipmunk munching a pinecone greeted me!), and entered into this AMAZING zone of calm. I opted to spend a day in the baths (though you can also get Swedish, Deep Tissue and Sports Massages!), and soon flip-flopped my way down to do the "circuit" of relaxation...
I started in the amazing eucalyptus steam room (so good for colds & sniffles!) then plunged into an icy pool (seals pores and strengthens the immune system). I then sat under a warm waterfall that pummelled any stress out of my shoulders, relaxed and read magazines, sat with my feet up outside by a wood fire it, gazed at the mountains, looked at the trees, then popped into the dry wood-burning Finnish sauna, followed by another round of cool pool and warm pools.
Along with my amazing cheese/nut/grapes snack box which I had afterwards in the lovely little Spa bistro, the whole experience took me about three hours - but you can stay for less or longer. I even snoozed a bit in the solarium while listening to bird noises and new age music!
The best bit? Talking isn't allowed, really, so you're there to enjoy the unwinding in complete peace...
Cannot recommend Scandinave enough. If you're up in Whistler, make sure you book in time to relax in between all the sports and rec!
April 26, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Whistler, Attractions
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I was up in Whistler this weekend for the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival with a bunch of friends, and while they snowboarded, I took the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful sunny day by riding the amazing Peak 2 Peak Gondola. I
Even if you're not skiing/boarding, you can get a lift ticket and it's worth it for the views on a clear day. Just magical. I hopped on the Gondola at Village base and road it to the top of Whistler Mountain, enjoyed the views there (and the snowboard demo park for the WSSF), and then snuggled into a P2P gondola for an 11-minute breathtaking tour of the skies over to Blackcomb peak.
You also get a birds-eye view of the village, the local lakes and more tree tops and ski trails than you could ever imagine. Once at Blackcomb, grab some nosh at the lodge or do what I did, lay down a plastic bag in the snow, have a seat and enjoy the sunshine (put sunscreen on, it's really strong sun!), the views and ruddy faces of all the people skiing.
April 26, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Whistler, Festivals & Events
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One of the myriad great things about Whistler, besides its jaw-dropping mountains and the fact that it's kind of stunning all year round is that it is home to some amazing festivals and events.
This Easter Weekend, we headed up for the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival which ran from April 15 - 24. There were gigs and concerts in the main Village Square, DJs, ski and boarding competitions, plus fashion and art exhibits.
While everyone was hitting the snow, I road the gondola to the top of Whistler Mountain to check out the demo park (bonus! The views are there year round - get a lift ticket and you can check them out whether you're riding or not), then took the Peak 2 Peak over to Blackcomb for a bite to eat at the lodge. Sat in the sunshine, chatted with other visitors (one from BC, another from Dublin) while having a beer on the patio on top of the world.
In town (see pic), I wandered, shopped, and checked out the Whistler DogFest. At night, our gang stuffed our faces at Ric's Grill, and joined the thousands in the square for the WSSF Big Air competition - brilliant to see great athletes make huge ski jumps, and and meet other visitors. The WSSF activities provided a great vibe in the village, lots of people (though we still managed to get good hotel deals), and the best news is that it happens every year. And even better news? You don't have to be at an event to enjoy Whistler. The mountains don't move! :)
March 17, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Accommodation
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I was pleasantly surprised with Ocean Island Inn in Victoria. For a hostel, this place has a lot of options!
We were looking for an inexpensive place to stay near downtown Victoria, as we were planning to visit some of Victoria's famous brewpubs located near the Inner Harbour.
Ocean Island gave us the choice of dorm rooms, semi-private rooms and hotel-style private rooms. We went for the posh option and stayed in a private room with a private bathroom, fridge and TV. Wireless internet was free. The room was small, but it very clean, comfortable and about a 15-minute walk from downtown. It faced the street, so we did hear some car traffic... something to consider if you’re a light sleeper.
It was indeed close to the places we wanted to visit -- we checked out Swans and Canoe brewpubs, and then visited Red Fish Blue Fish for Fanny Bay oyster tacones the next day.
Our one-night stay cost about $80, which included parking. A solid choice for budget-minded travellers.
March 17, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Sooke, Sightseeing Tours
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While driving between Duncan and Port Renfrew along, we stopped to stretch our legs at the Harris Creek Sitka Spruce.
This old tree is massive! Take a close look at the photo – that’s me in the bottom right corner to give a sense of scale.
The trunk and branches were coated in mosses of all textures and colours: soft, stringy, bright green and pale green.
The Harris Creek Spruce is located near Port Renfrew and was easy to find, as there were “point of interest” signs indicating where to pull over. It’s definitely worth a stop if you’re on this route. From the road, we couldn’t even tell the tree was there, but less than a minute walk from the car and we were staring at it’s enormous trunk.
A couple of tips if travelling the road between Duncan and Port Renfrew:
- Gas up in Duncan or Lake Cowichan. There are no gas stations in Port Renfrew.
- The entire route between Duncan and Lake Cowichan is now paved (a large section used to be gravel), but keep in mind this is still an active logging area. Take it slow and watch for logging trucks. We were travelling mid-week and saw at least a half dozen fully loaded logging trucks along the route.
March 15, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Mount Washington Alpine Resort, Skiing & Snowboarding
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I’m fairly new to snowboarding, and most of my experiences thus far have included groomed green runs and trying not to get hit by anyone on a busy ski hill. That is, until last week when I visited Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
So. Much. Fun.
Blue skies. Five to 10cm of fresh snow. Mid-week, which meant the ski hill was blissfully free of crowds.
I had an absolute blast. I boarded in powder for the first time, and it was hours before the fresh snow was tracked out. I tried blue and black runs and even dipped into the trees for a bit.
After more than a dozen runs, I hit the pub for a pint of Vancouver Island ale and waited for my ski hill buddy to join me after he explored “The Outback” from the Boomerang Chair. A great day... thank you Mount Washington!
March 15, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Tofino, Gardens
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I’ve passed by the botanical gardens in Tofino plenty of times, but on a sunny March day, I finally decided to check it out.
Since it was still winter, the honour system was in effect. I plunked the suggested off-season donation of $5 into an envelope, tossed it through an open window (fingers crossed they find it!) and borrowed one of the field guide binders to help me navigate the winding garden paths.
The gardens were much bigger than I expected – they go all the way back to the mudflats! Many of the trees and plants were in winter-mode (ie. not blooming), but there was still neat stuff to see. I found giant art sculptures, wooden huts, huge trees and a even a dry-docked boat along the paths.
It took me about a half-hour to walk through the gardens, but I could imagine spending at an hour or more on a sunny, summer day when all was in bloom.
March 15, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Tofino, Sightseeing Tours
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While wandering on Cox Bay Beach in Tofino, I came across a sign on the north end of Cox Bay for Pettinger Point/Sunset Point. The trail appeared well-travelled and the sign looked new, so I ventured into the woods to see where it led.
The path was very easy to follow and a large part of it was wooden boardwalk. Thick salal and trees lined the route. Less than ten minutes of walking later, the trail opened up into a grassy area surrounded by chunky black cliffs and rocks. My only company? A batch of black oystercatchers and some seagulls.
The view was fantastic. From the top, I was able to look back towards Cox Bay, Rosie Bay, and Chesterman Beach, as well as out towards the open ocean. Waves smashed against the rocky cliffs, and a few benches were nicely positioned to take in the scenery.
I visited in Pettinger Point in the afternoon, but I’m sure that sunsets from this spot would be spectacular.