August 29, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Kelowna, Dining
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My friend is a foodie and raved about this tiny little restaurant in the Mission area of Kelowna called The Fixx. Wow! Small place - as in seating for maybe 40, amazing service - relaxed, knowledgable and kind of quirky; open kitchen with lots of activity to keep you entertained while you munch away on an insane amount of delicious bread while waiting for your food. We devoured a duck salad and then shared a HUGE portion of rich, flavourful pasta. The owner came out and said hello, which is always a nice touch and made me feel like I was one of the locals...which I would imagine make up the majority of the clientele. Still, if you are in Kelowna, don't miss getting your FIXX.
August 29, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Williams Lake, Hiking
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When I think of Williams Lake, I think of the famous annual Williams Lake Stampede which takes place every July long weekend. Now I can add sore legs and fantastic scenery to the list. One of the most beautiful trail runs I have done in awhile...ok, one of the only trail runs I have done in awhile...was along the Williams Lake Valley Trail system in the Cariboo Chilcotin region. Located minutes from the centre of town, this extensive and well-maintained trail system is popular for hiking, mountain biking and running. As you run alongside the Williams Lake River towards its merge with the Fraser River, you are surrounded by towering cliffs of what looks like golden sand. The topography was very unusual, kind of eerie but beautiful. Despite the sore legs, I would definitely recommend the trail system to anyone wanting to escape into some of BC's spectacular wilderness.
August 29, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Williams Lake, Museums
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I never thought I'd get excited about a Visitor's Centre. Certainly,
Visitor's Centres here in BC are wonderful things - brimming with brochures, helpful staff, and the best place to get an idea of what to do when you're in town, or heading out on a great adventure. They're a must-stop on any road trip, but I can't say I've really walked away from one thinking "wow, that's pretty cool". But the
Tourism Discovery Centre in Williams Lake? An absolutely brilliant place if you're passing through the Cariboo.
This enormous and beautiful log wood structure is not only a stunning-looking building, it houses a multitude of things to, yes, discover inside. On our visit, we were greeted by incredibly friendly volunteers, and impressed by the architecture. Inside was a massive, painted tree that stretched from its preserved, exposed roots in the basement, right to the top of the roof. There were stacks of brochures and flyers neatly arranged, a flat screen TV showing area attractions, a map, a full-service service center desk, a wonderful gift shop and a very welcome cafe serving organic coffees, fresh-baked sweets and food. They've even got free wi-fi and two computers for travellers' use.
The best bit? The log-cabin-within-the-log-cabin. Visitors wishing to get a feel for the history and spirit of the
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast can go sit on warm, comfy sofas and chairs inside what feels like a real log cabin's living room (complete with framed photos, lamps, and a fireplace), and watch a clever and interesting 10-minute video about the CCC region. It's more like a multimedia show, actually. And it's a nice place to unwind for a bit after a day of driving, for sure. And speaking of driving, you can't miss the Discovery Centre's car, either. It's parked in the middle of the visitor centre - heaped high to the rafters with gear for all manner of outdoor activities - giving visitors like me an idea of what sort of adventures I could get up to!
August 28, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Williams Lake, Biking
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This week I visited Williams Lake to meet with
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism. Steve from the office was kind enough to take me on one of the many trails around Williams Lake. My first time doing any serious mountain biking... it was great fun.
August 28, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
Our BC trip was awesome. We visited the entire province and the National
Parks in and on the border of British Columbia. We flew in to Vancouver YVR,
beautiful Airport. Stayed two days on Hourbourside on the burrand Inlet in
Vancouver. Visited Stanely Park, took the Big Bus tour, visitied Granville
Island, ChinaTown, Gastown. Thereafter visited hope, Merrit, Revelstoke, Golden,
Fieldthe National Parks including Yoho, and Banff / Jasper (BC-Alberta border),
Mt. Robson. The landscape and scenery is BREATHTAKING. Truly Heaven.
Also Visited Kamaloops,Victoria, Brentwood Bay, Squamish, horseshow Bay
Village,Whistler. Vancouver Island as some nice little fishing villages.
Hello BC staff were very helpfull whereever we went. A special thanks to
the wonderful customer service in HELLO BC at the Mount Robson hello BC office.
The young lady helped us in finding good accomodations and was very helpfull as
were the other hello BC offices throughout our trip. Traveler tip: At Lake
Louise, take the Gondola up to the Mountain before 2pm and enjoy an AWESOME all
you can eat five star buffet for a couple of bucks.
We also visited several suburbs in Vancouver. Surrey, Delta, Richmond,
Burnaby. Found lots of fellow Indo-Canadians and awesome PUNJABI food in Little
India's Punjabi Market. Also was impressed listening to locals about People of
Indian Origin settling in British Columbia since the late 1800's.
I would like to thank the wonderful province of British Columbia for a real
awesome Vacation.
August 26, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Tofino, Beaches & Swimming
Late fall and winter are great times to visit Tofino on BC's wild, west coast.
This video compilation was put together after a terrific long weekend spent in Tofino storm watching in November 2006. Most days were clear, cool blue skies with tormented seas.
Accommodations were excellent - we stayed at the Middle Beach Lodge which has a terrific and comfortable common area (great place to warm up and play board games after a refreshing stroll on the beach) and easy beach access.
We dined at various restaurants but my favourites were Sobo for down to earth, well priced, delicious simple seafood (think Thai seafood tacos, polenta fried for about $10) and the Raincoast Cafe for finer dining (refined west coast cuisine in a comfortable, non-pretentious setting).
But alas we could not pass up enjoying a drink at the Wickininnish - superb setting, magnificent, dramatic view, prices to match.
Also enjoyed a jaunt to up Ucluelet and had great Halibut and Chips in a little road side diner called Smiley's. You can eat and go bowling at the same time!
August 26, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Revelstoke, Climbing & Caving
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The birth place of mountaineering in Canada Rogers Pass and the Selkirk Mountains.A classic climb of the north west ridge of Mount Sir Donald in Glacier National Park.
August 26, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Backcountry Skiing
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Lake Ohara in Yoho National Park for cross country skiing at forty below zero.Nothing like it.Being on a light pair of cross country skiis with toe bindings and a pack on your back heading into a back country lodge for a few days of winter touring.The snow is so dry it just blows by you as you ski.The cold is evident from the smoke that rises straight up from the chimnley of the lodge.There is complete silence.Nothing to hear but your skiis as they move through the snow.Remarkable.
August 26, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Revelstoke, Climbing & Caving
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Glacier National Parks Hermit Meadows in the Selkirk Mountains south of Rogers Pass in the summer is a popular hiking area.In the winter after avalanche season it is truly a remarkable location for Ski Mountaineering.Some of the best powder skiing you will ever experience with wide open bowls to ski.
August 26, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Galiano Island, Beaches & Swimming
After an enchanting walk through the forest at the Northern tip of Galiano - 6 and 5 year olds in tow - we came to the ocean. Dionisio Point Provincial Park is amazing. Hours were spent looking at tidal pools, logs, rocks, beaches and a incredible view. We saw only a couple other people and felt like we were seeing the land and sea just as the people who lived there 7,000 years ago did. I have rarely experienced waterfront in such purity and I was thrilled to share it with my daughter.