September 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Kelowna, Beaches & Swimming
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H2O is somewhat of a clichéd name for a swimming complex but also rather cool at the same time (yes, I am aware that this is a total contradiction). My designer side thinks that naming a water complex ‘H2O’ is rather obvious – but I also feel that the name will really resonate with the target audience. It is also a short and easily branded name which is cool.
My design ramblings aside, the pool was BRILLIANT. It was costly at $19 for two adults, but you could stay in there for hours.
They had two large swimming pools (one which was reserved for lane swimming), diving area, three slides (one of which was in total darkness which was lots of fun) and an adult- only hot tub.
There was another hot tub reserved for families; a kids slide and play area; a wave pool and a large strong-current section.
My favourite ‘attraction’ at H2O was the surfing ‘pool’, where people could surf a man made wave. It was great watching people with all levels of ability from the super- tanned buff guys standing up on the board to some larger heavier males pulling some quite clever tricks on the body board.
Upstairs there is a gym which overlooks the whole water complex and there is a juice bar and snack area too.
On the way back to the car we also noticed that the exterior lighting around the building utilized solar panels to gain their power, a really eco-friendly system to recommend.
Was it worth $19, well if you are used to paying $12 for two then the little extra is definitely worth it especially for the occasional visit.
September 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Harrison Hot Springs, Accommodation
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Except from my name on the room reading as ‘Natt Samyciawoo’ I have nothing negative to say about our one night stay at the resort.
We had booked a campsite in Harrison but due to torrential rain we abandoned that plan and went to the nicest hotel in town instead (a wise move if we say so ourselves!).
The room was small and a little cramped due to it being old. We had lots of baby stuff including a crib in the room which didn’t help matters.
This hotel has six pools. Yes, six! They all get their hot water from the natural hot springs. They differ in temperature which is great for the whole family.
Some are indoors, the others outside. Oh, did I mention the spa as well? My wife had a pedicure while my daughter(2years old) and I bounced on the bed and watched nature programs with ‘monkeys’ and other animals she recognized .
The next morning included a buffet breakfast and a return to the hot springs to relax and play.
The room was $159 per night which is not cheap but rather than being damp or even wet in our tent we feel it was well worth the expense.
The true test of an hotel like this is “does it feel like you have been away longer than one night?” and the answer is a definite YES.
September 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Harrison Hot Springs, Dining
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This was our second meal at Harrison Hot Springs and once again the customer service was excellent.
The typically German-themed restaurant was nothing special, but fitting for a very small town. The food was authentic and really satisfied the hunger groans in my stomach. The waitress was amazing, personable and made a personal connection with our child and was very accommodating.
As we ordered she said they would get on to our child’s meal ASAP knowing that she was hungry. This was very thoughtful and a great touch.
Interior: 7 out of 10
Food: A good 6 out of 10
Customer service: 8 out of 10
September 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Harrison Hot Springs, Dining
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As we entered this small café I saw the young waitress behind the counter, she looked bored and angry and I thought ‘oh great, grumpy youth of today’.
This could not have been further from the truth. She was so, so, so polite and accommodating. I love it when I am thinking a negative thought and it turns out to be totally wrong. It is always a good reminder to be “open” and not so judgmental.
We had eaten there a few years earlier and thought it would be good to return. It was also the only place open as it was super early. The food was good for a breakfast joint, not greasy and was a good size meal for the amount paid. But as stated earlier, it was the customer service that made it special.
Interior: 6 out of 10
Food: A good 6 out of 10
Customer service: 8 out of 10
August 09, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Burnaby, Beaches & Swimming
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You think that a swimming pool located in a park would be calming and tranquil, maybe with the sound of wild birds singing in the background. Well, this one is located in a park that is located within a city. While sun bathing I was charmed by the sound of an ever honking car alarm, and the sound of the band warming up at the Stadium next door getting ready for the game, and the hustle of traffic a block away.
That being said, there is something amazing about being at an outdoor pool in Metro Vancouver. Maybe because it is only hot enough to sunbathe for about two months a year, it occurs as a real treat.
The pool is probably the busiest outdoor pool in Burnaby and is definitely the largest. It is a little dated but this doesn’t distract from a great experience. Less of a family pool compared to the Macpherson outdoor pool but kids are definitely welcome.
As the pool is skirted by a large deck many people set up their towel stations and stay there for the day, tanning. If you are intending staying a while bring something comfortable to sit / lay on as there are no deck chairs to be rented.
Enjoy one of many outdoor pools in Metro Vancouver this summer while the sun is still shining.
August 09, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Burnaby, Historic & Heritage Sites
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This will probably appeal to the resident of Metro Vancouver who is looking at doing something different this coming weekend.
What better way of spending a Saturday morning than visiting an oasis, the Four Seasons Oasis Car Wash – near Metrotown in Burnaby. Even if you don’t have a car but you love the 50’s era coupled with Florida styling it is worth a trip. Located on Kingsway the car wash seems like an oasis nestled in a predominant Asian landscape. It’s styling as you can see in the image above is a classic, and so is every detail of the car wash experience.
August 09, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Gardens
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If you are the type of person who likes to tour the streets at Halloween or Christmas to view what creative ways people have decorated their gardens, then you’ll love this house.
Located in Burnaby, this garden is a real delight. I first noticed it as I took a different route biking to work. There was street after street of regular looking housing and then I saw this house coming up in the distance. At first I wasn’t sure what it was, it looked like an explosion of colour had erupted all over someone's the garden. In essence this is what has happened. Every square foot has some kind of decoration or fun toy.
Whether a rainy Vancouver day or a perfect sunny afternoon this garden is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
August 09, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Beaches & Swimming
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Killarney pool is part of the Killarney Community Centre.
Located at Killarney and East 49th Avenue, it has become my new favourite pool in the lower mainland. Designed by Vancouver architect HCMA (Hughes Condon Marler: Architects), the facility was designed with the customer in mind, packed with features to enhance the customers overall experience.
The large North facing windows showcase the North Shore mountains and allows for an open and inclusive experience.
The open walk through design of the universal change rooms creates a feeling of acceptance, welcoming a variety of users. Ideal if you have children, need extra space, or if you prefer to have a private change room.
There are two pools. One pool is for children and parents including fun water jets, erupting bubbles and a kids slide. The other pool is more traditional, with lane swimming and a general splash and fun area.
Did I mention the corkscrew slide? Love it.
The whole facility is accessible by wheelchair users. The long ramp into the hot tub also doubles as a place for young children and their parents to enjoy the hot tub experience as well.
Finally, my favourite, the steam room. If you don't like it hot (and I mean HOT) avoid the steam room.
The community centre also offers a fitness centre, childcare, a computer lab, gymnasium, activity rooms and dance studio. Finally, if all that wasn’t enough they are building an ice rink which will be used as the short track speed skating training venue as part of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Patience at peak hours will be required as parking is limited. This will be resolved once ongoing construction on the ice rink is complete and more parking is added.
Killarney is an amazing facility, extremely well designed and enjoyable for everybody.
July 27, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Biking
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Connecting downtown Vancouver to Surrey is the convenient Skytrain. Following underneath the Skytrain for the majority of this journey is the 7-11 bike path. Starting at Science World it goes all the way to Richmond. On the way, you will pass Commercial Drive (home to great yearly events like the
Car Free Festival), as well as Trout Lake which hosts one of Vancouver’s
Farmers Markets. You will pass through
Central Park in Burnaby which is a great break from the traffic. Stop off at
Metrotown for a spot of light shopping. Or, rest with a coffee and a small treat at Choices Market In The Park at
Edmonds.
Even though the majority of the 7-11 pathways are on trails there are a few spots where you will be on the road. A helmet will give you extra reassurance that you are safe and is mandatory under BC law.
From Science World to Metrotown there are a few good sharp hills. They are not too bad, if you get tired, step off and walk your bike up. If you are anti-hills, Skytrain out to Metrotown (as it is at the highest point) and bike towards downtown, the ride is very easy and enjoyable. Bikes can be taken on the Skytrain any time except from 7-9am and 4-6pm Monday to Friday.
So, get on your bike, enjoy the summer sun and explore beautiful Metro Vancouver.
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Richmond, Farms & Markets
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The lower mainland is infamous for the variety of cultures that reside here. It is one thing I love about Metro Vancouver. I heard of of the Richmond Night Market years ago and had never gone, until last week when a friend invited me. I jumped at the opportunity.
Now in its seventh summer, the market is every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from the end of May to the beginning of September.
The official website states, "It's a festival, a carnival, a celebration of food, culture and adventure. The Richmond Night Market is a dazzling summer event that captures the hearts and imaginations of millions of visitors of all ages. The sheer splendour of the site has a magnetic quality, a vast space teeming with visitors, 400 vendors selling extraordinary fabrics, decorations, trinkets, toys and richly aromatic foods, and entertainers romancing audiences with cultural performances from Asian and Western traditions."
Not sure I would describe my experience of the night market as a carnival, but if you love Asian food like I do then it is well worth the visit. It is tempting to fill up on food from the first few vendors (as you are greeted with delightful smells and interesting foods) but take your time to explore as there are many different food vendors to choose from.
The non food vendors tend to lean more towards being a little 'tacky' but we bought some fun sunglasses from one of the many sunglasses vendors.
One of the main attractions is the main stage where many young Asian dance groups entertained the screaming adoring audience. These were amateur dance groups but we were rather impressed with their
choreographed performances and their hard work they had obviously put into their practicing.
We left that evening with a full stomach of delicious food, some fun sunglasses and a great evening doing something completely different.