August 30, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Osoyoos, Wineries & Vineyards
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I just discovered some great BC wine podcasts which are geared to help wine travelers explore the BC wine touring experience beyond the big wineries. Check them out at:
http://www.bcwinecast.com/
August 25, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Powell River, Outdoor Activity Tours
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On our first visit to the Sunshine Coast we had our explorer's interest rewarded when we ventured north of Powell River. We found Lund, the small village and harbour where BC's "Sunshine Highway" 101 begins.
The associated picture shows some of the charm of this quaint village.
Though limited for time on this late August visit, we found one more lovely diversion from the route south from Earl's Cove; that was Irivines Landing!
Our advice to Sunshine 101 travellers is to allow as much time as you can for the surprises that will be found on its byways.
August 22, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Surrey, Beaches & Swimming
Earlier this summer I went with a couple friends to enjoy the sun at Crescent Beach. It was a hot day, but there was a pleasant breeze to cool us down so we even felt up for playing a game of volleyball on the sand court. There were a lot of other people there that day but since the beach is so long, it wasn’t crowded at all. We had brought a picnic with us and we were able to find a shady spot under a tree to enjoy our lunch. Afterwards, we walked through the ocean to cool ourselves down and the water felt amazing!
I returned to Crescent Beach recently, but since the weather was cooler, a few friends and I enjoyed just walking down the gravel path along the ocean. We stopped to sit on one of many benches facing the water to talk and enjoy the view for awhile.
This is a great spot for the whole family. Kids love the sandy beach and the ocean and it’s an excellent place to go for a walk during the evenings.
August 17, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Farms & Markets
Make sure you stop in to the Dawson Creek Farmers market. They have some of the most amazing jewellery and the best wooden lawn furniture I have ever seen. Also some of the local artists have paintings for sale there. And don’t forget the fresh grown vegetables and herbs. I have only been there once this summer but I am definitely going back on my days off. The Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday from 8:30 – 12:30 and runs from May thru September. Don’t miss out!
August 16, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Ashcroft, Accommodation
Nice reasonable ;clean motel The Kim's do a great job as hosts Mrs Chun Kim very persoanable;friendly stayed twice;will stay again;
Keith&Nina - Lynnwood Wa
August 15, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Fernie, Dogsledding
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Adventure Source Tours in Fernie BC takes it to the next level. They taught us how to mush our own dogsled team. With mini sleds called lightsleds, we ran our own teams of two dogs. This was a truly once in a lifetime experience. Oh and the views and every dog were fantastic.
August 13, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Queen Charlotte City, Historic & Heritage Sites
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The Skidegate Repatriation Committee has a Seafood Dinner Fundraiser this Sunday (August 19th). All proceeds go towards repatriation projects. Evening includes traditional seafood dinners, informative slide show presentations, and traditional Haida dancing. Tickets are available at the Queen Charlotte Visitor Centre.
August 10, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Museums
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My family took a short break to Victoria recently. The main draw was to see the Titanic exhibit at the RBCM. My 7 year old daughter was quite intrigued with the idea, so we did some reading ahead of time – there is a great kids series called the Magic Treehouse in which characters go back in time. Once we read "A Night on the Titanic", she really wanted to go see the exhibit.
We were advised to go early – which was smart – we were there right at opening and found parking in the back lot just behind the museum. There were no lineups as we arrived, and we had the luxury of reading and looking at all the materials on display.
The boarding passes provided to each person with profiles of different passengers was very engaging. At the end you look at the memorial wall which lists all the survivors and missing – both my daughter and I lived, but alas my husband’s character did not – proving the maxim “women and children first” really was followed. It was very exciting for my daughter to see the IMAX film which featured commentary by a survivor named Eva Hart. My daughter saw her name, and said “hey, that’s me!” It was fascinating for her to identify with a 7 year old on the ship and then to see her as an elderly woman telling her stories.
The docents were very well informed, although my daughter got a bit bored by the teletype fellow who had such enthusiasm for his topic that he went on a bit long for his particular audience. Apparently they have child docents too, but they were not there during our visit.
The room with the iceberg was very eery as you heard sounds as they might have been - it was dark and everyone’s conversation took on hushed tones.
The folks at the museum advise seeing the IMAX film first then viewing the exhibit, however the first film is at 10 am and runs 45 minutes. By this time there were lineups to get into the exhibit. We did it the reverse, and went into the exhibit first – which opens at 9am, then caught the noon IMAX. I don’t think we missed much by doing it this way, and we really avoided crowds. The film is definitely worth adding on as it shows the submarine that went down to discover the ship – you actually see things 2 miles under water that are then on exhibit.
All in all, very worthwhile.
A few tips if traveling with kids (or even not)
-you cannot re-enter the exhibit once you leave, so make a trip to the washroom first
-get there early if you can (park behind the museum), see the exhibit then have an early lunch before the noon IMAX
-don’t forget your ticket also gets you into the RBCM displays – with in and out privileges – all day – during the summer there are days they are actually open evenings also. The woolly mammoth is a big hit with kids, as are parts of the ‘old town’.
August 10, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Osoyoos, Beaches & Swimming
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Osoyoos BC on the July long weekend is such a good time for kids family and friends. There is an awesome parade where there is a huge water fight between the fire department Home Hardware employees and others in the crowd. Thousands of people show up for this event. After the parade there is a beer garden pie eating contest cherry-pit spitting contest and other fun things. You can go wine tasting boating or just lie on the beach during the day. At night there is a firework show that Osoyoos Home Hardware collects donations for all year. It is one of the best firework shows I have ever seen. Usually costs about $10000. This weekend is worth every minute in Osoyoos.
Trish
North Vancouver, BC
August 10, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Beaches & Swimming
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Kits beach is the best place in the world to spent time with the kids and family in all of Canada!
Carl
Vancouver, BC