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.
October 08, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Accommodation
I just completed a three night stay at Victoria''s newest hotel, the
Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa. All suites and in a fabulous location right across from St Ann's Academy and steps away from the downtown core, this property is perfect for families and people who love new, modern and are interested in their environment. Green at the Parkside however does not mean lean and the amenties are top notch. I especially loved the heated floor in the bathroom as well as two fireplaces and two flat screen tvs in my one bedroom suite! The restaurant wasn't open yet but having a kitchen provided a good alternative. The near by Browns Social House also does great take out! Check out the Parkside next time you are looking for a great getaway, I think you'll like it.
June 21, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Accommodation
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Wrapping up a very busy week at work, we decided to stay downtown Friday night and have our own "staycation" at the new Fairmont Pacific Rim. What a delight!!! Possibly the nicest hotel room I have ever stayed in, the quality of the property was only surpassed by the view from our Japanese soaker tub. Absolutely breathless - view of the north shore mountains, Canada Place and cruise ships.
The high tech contraptions satisfied our curious nature and the coffee machine was so good I'm on the hunt for one to purchase.
If you can bring yourself to leave your room, also try out the great gym, Willow Stream Spa and one of the best outdoor pool and patio in the city. The scones at the local cafe Giovanes (anyone with the first or last name G must get your photo taken there!)
Thanks Fairmont Pacific Rim! We will be back!
November 26, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Naramata, Wineries & Vineyards
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A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting James Cluer of Fine Vintage Ltd. James is a Master of Wine and a brilliant instructor and story teller. He shared his passion and knowledge of wine with enthusiasm and I came away with a new appreciation and excitment to learn more. James has just released some fabulous new videos about some of BC's best wineries. Please check them out!
October 13, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Port Moody, Hiking
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Our good friend and colleague Mark suggested the Diez Vistas when asked for a recommendation on an intermediate hike in the area that would result in good exercise and a spectacular view. The Diez Vistas trail delivered on both and then some!
Leaving our car in the Buntzen Lake parking lot (free!), we headed up the trail on a glorious October Saturday morning. We were ahead of most of the hikers and had the trail to ourselves. Having done the Grouse Grind I was a bit aprehensive that this was going to be another "put your head down, one foot in front until you get to the top" climbs but I was pleasantly surprised that while it was no walk in the park, there were sufficient breaks from the switchbacks to look up and enjoy the trip.
The hike to the first peak (of ten thus the name Diez Vistas) took us just over an hour. The trail is well marked and maintained. There is a sneak peak view about ten minutes before the actual viewpoint so we kept going as the majority of the climb has been completed and the summit at 570 metres has been reached. As with all spectacular sights, we didn't actually see the view until we came around a large boulder and then it hit us. Indian Arm, Deep Cove, the City of Vancouver and as far as Vancouver Island were all within our vision. It was really something special.
We understand there are nine more viewpoints that meander the top of the ridge ending at the far end of Buntzen Lake but we chose to retrace our steps due to time restraints (and because a fellow hiker said that we had just seen the best one). Perhaps we'll get back up there again another day and do them all!
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Beaches & Swimming
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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!
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Bowen Island, Dining
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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!
November 18, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Shopping
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On my lunch break while waiting for my delicious Greek Chicken Salad Wrap, I picked up a cool brochure I wanted to share. Its called Victoria Modern Urban Guides, and it lists a whole bunch of shops that make Victoria unique and funky and a great map of downtown Victoria and Oak Bay where most of the shops are located. I was especially pleased to find a couple of my favourite haunts, The Papery - awesome cards, and Romanoff Home & Interiors - gorgeous home design. There is a a website,
http://modernurbanguides.com. Turns out there is a brochure and a website for Vancouver too! Check it out!
August 05, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Oliver, Wineries & Vineyards
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A trip to the Southern Okanagan this August long weekend resulted in the discovery of a new (to me anyway) winery. Burrowing Owl will always be a classic and one of my all time favourites - the wine is consistently spectacular and the winery top class but a new kid on the block has the potential to add to my 'must stop list'.
Open only a year to the public although making wine since 2005, Le Vieux Pin positions themselves as making wine in the french tradition but with the latest equipment.
A wonderful welcome along a farm path alive with lavender and organic apples (the owner offers both for free picking!) , the winery also has a bocci court and pleasant patio.
Once inside, its the wine that is the star. On this visit we were offered by some very knowledgable and gracious staff, the 2007 Vaila Pinot Noir Rose - nectar of the gods was the description that came to my tongue and my rather uneducated but very happy palette. After quickly snapping up a bottle to purchase, we found out its an award winner scoring 97 points! And a very cool label to boot! Check out Le Vieux next time you are in Oliver - they say tastings by appointment but if the Open sign is out - go in - you won't be dissapointed!!!
March 03, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Tofino, Sightseeing Tours
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It doesn't matter how many times I go out to the west coast of Vancouver Island, I'm always amazed at the raw beauty of our natural wonders. It was even more evident as seen recently through the eyes of our two English guests who while well travelled, seemed totally delighted with everything British Columbia had to offer. Of special interest to one was the old growth forest and the other the expansive and tantalizing beach.
So they are both coming back, one to explore our coastal rainforests and the other to body surf all summer long.