May 08, 2012 | Tips from Us >
Whistler, Spas & Wellness
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The tulips and daffodils made all the difference on my latest visit to the wonderful Scandinave Spa in Whistler. I have had the good fortune of visiting this unique outdoor hot/cold pool oasis a few times since it opened in 2009, but never in Spring. The experience is always truly remarkable. So relaxing and stimulating at the same time....but I have to say that the flowers and spring buds made it even more memorable. As soon as I left after 2 hours of bliss, I wanted to return. And I will....
March 06, 2012 | Tips from Us >
New Westminster, Dining
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As a resident of New Westminster I gleefully celebrate any new restaurants that open in my town...but even more so when they turn out to be as good as any of the top spots in Vancouver's 'more advanced' restaurant scene. Open now for a few months at the newly renovated River Market (previously it was the New Westminster Quay) Wild Rice is owned by the same fellow that opened the original (and still there) Wild Rice on the outskirts of Gastown. The new location is worth the trip from adjacent areas and not just for the food. The Fraser River is steps from the restaurant & the huge glass garage-door style windows ensure a wicked and fascinating view of this working river. The food is unforgettable. I am still drooling at the memory of the wonton soup and the kung po. Loved how the dishes were served family style and seemed to keep arriving! An added treat for me was that they served Killer Cab from nearby Pacific Breeze winery - Canada's only 'garage winery'. The stuff is great!
Sorry don't have a photo but it is a casual open kitchen concept place and I would think their website would have pics. Thanks for coming to New West Wild Rice!
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.
February 07, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Dining
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Checked out this great place in Yaletown last week called Raw Canvas. It is a funky space (brick walls, big wooden beams, long share tables, well-stocked bar) where you can have some tapas (cheese and meats), a drink (great wine selection) and then..the main event....you take your glass of wine to the other end of the room where there are 20 or 30 easels set up and smock-cloaked 'artists' creating magic on canvas. You choose/buy the size of canvas that suits your idea/budget and they set you up with an array of paints, brushes and other tips and techniques and you go for it. Great atmosphere as people check out each other's creations. We were really impressed with not only our piece, but with all the works of art heading home with their owners. It was fun for two, but would be great as a group outing. I kept thinking that it would be a great memory for anyone visiting Vancouver...maybe they could paint one of their favourite Vancouver landmarks, like we did.
August 20, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Accommodation
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I had the opportunity to stay the night at the
Queen Victoria in downtown Victoria. This older property is super convenietly located across the street from the Royal BC Museum and I would definetly recommend it. The room I was in was spacious and had not one, but two, balconies....a bit of a rarity in hotels. The hotel was busy with tour groups, but as a single traveller, I enjoyed the buzz that they brought. Had dinner and breakfast in the hotel's acclaimed Samuel's Restaurant which has been turning out yummy food for over 30 years. Great service, great view, great food. All in all, a very pleasant stay.
August 17, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Gardens
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As a former tour guide, I have had the opportunity to visit Victoria's
Butchart Gardens many many times as an escort to groups. This trip however was with my 10 year old daughter who had never been. She loved it and I saw it through a young person's amazed eyes. The real treat for me was going on the boat tour that departs from the foot of the Japanese Gardens. This 45-minute tour (on an electric boat) takes passengers on a trip around the periphery of the Gardens to where the property's original cement plant was located. The scenery was stunning and our captain told us area and Butchart family history. Can't remember exactly what we paid (think it was around $30 for both of us) but it was well worth it and highly recommended. It also provides a nice break from the heat on a hot day, and the crowds on a busy one! Thank you Butchart Team for a great product offering!
June 18, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Whistler, Accommodation
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I opted to stay at
Nita Lake Lodge during a recent trip to Whistler. The Lodge is located near Whistler's Creekside area which is about 5 minutes from Whistler Village. The rooms were large and very welcoming - super comfortable beds and a very very large bathroom, complete with soaker tub! I had a view of the lake and enjoyed coffee in the morning on my deck. They have 3 food options in the lodge - The Fix (for coffee and insanely good granola etc.); The Cure (for cocktails and light snacks) and Aura for finer dining. We had a great lunch on the patio overlooking the lake so for dinner we opted to go to the nearby Rim Rock Cafe. To our great delight, the Lodge has a complementary shuttle so we didn't have to drive! Unforgettable meal followed by a great night's sleep. I will be back and when I return, I will also have to enjoy their spa, set to open Summer 2010.
June 18, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Whistler, Spas & Wellness
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While in Whistler the other day I had the great fortune to visit the newly opened (January 2010) Scandinave Spa, located just a few minutes north of Whistler Village. It happened to be a gorgeous day, but I don't think it would matter what the weather was - you would still love this unique experience of going from the eucalyptus steam room to a series of outdoor hot tubs, cold plunge pools, a large sauna, and a handful of solariums where you sit to relax. And relax you will as the house rule is "Silence"....no Blackberrys, no cell phones and no chatter. Just solitude and fantastic forest surroundings. I think it will be very cool (literally) in the winter when there is snow everywhere....except on the heated paths between the pools. How neat is that?! Anyhow, its a not to be missed Whistler experience in my...relaxed and slightly jello-y legged opinion! Next time I am opting to book a massage too.
July 17, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Attractions
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I checked out the new 4D Theatre at the
Vancouver Aquarium last week and was very impressed, not only with the technology but with the film content. I really didn't know what 4D was until I was seated in 122 seat theatre - its like a 3D film with the added benefit of a wide variety of special effects including bubbles, wind, water and some others (I wouldn't want to give it all away!). Everyone in the theatre seemed to be enjoying it - lots of laughter by young and old alike. The film itself, called
Planet Earth: Shallow Seas was excellent and lends itself nicely to what the Vancouver Aquarium does so well - help to connect visitors with our natural world. You will be glad to know that the 4D experience is part of the general admission rates to the Aquarium - no extra charge required for 4D fun!
July 07, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Art Galleries & Artists
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I guess it must be living in one of the most breathtaking places in the world that allows our province's artists to create some absolutely incredible art. It seems that everywhere I visit in the province, one of the activities that occupies a great deal of my time is poking around at pottery or glass studios & art galleries, watching artists create masterpieces on street corners, carvers transform hunks of rough wood into intricate pieces...you get the picture. I can't always purchase the art I see on my travels but I have over the years managed to treat myself and now I have the odd bit on my 'travel wall' or on my bookshelf to remind me how fortunate I am to live here. But sometimes I can't buy direct from the artist in the community where I see them and that is why I delighted in stumbling across Side Street Studio in Victoria, a great art gallery that showcases all sorts of BC art... from glass and wood, pottery and jewellery and more. It is well worth a visit next time you are in Victoria...especially if, like me, you failed to pick up the dream piece you saw created while you were out exploring BC.