August 15, 2007 | Tips from Us >
Surrey, Bird Watching
One summer evening after dinner my boyfriend and I decided to head to Mud Bay Park for a walk. Both of us have been Surrey residents for our entire lives and yet had not visited this lovely spot. The park is located right on the ocean waters of Mud Bay, and offers a selection of winding gravel walking paths that border the ocean and are surrounded by low lying shrubs and greenery. Views across the water include that of Crescent Beach and Boundary Bay.
Signs in the park inform visitors that the mud flats are an important feeding ground for migratory shore birds which occupy the flats throughout autumn. It was low tide when we visited the park, which allowed us to explore the extensive mud flats and to see first hand all of the many marine creatures likely on the dinner menu for these hungry migratory birds! Out on the mudflats, blue herons were a common sight. On our walk along the trail, we saw numerous wild rabbits and a few red-tailed hawks coming and going from the surrounding shrubs. Our night finished up with a beautiful sunset and then we were on our way back home (park gates close at 10pm). What a nature filled, awe inspiring evening! I can only imagine what it will be like once the birds begin to occupy the flats beginning in late August and September!
August 13, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Queen Charlotte City, Historic & Heritage Sites
View a larger image on flickr.com
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
Find more information about Victoria - Museums
View a larger image on flickr.com
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
View a larger image on flickr.com
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
Find more information about Vancouver - Beaches & Swimming
View a larger image on flickr.com
Kits beach is the best place in the world to spent time with the kids and family in all of Canada!
Carl
Vancouver, BC
August 10, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Whistler, Biking
Find more information about Whistler - Biking
View a larger image on flickr.com
Whistler Bike Park is world renown and by far the most exciting bike park in North America.
Alvin
Surrey, BC
August 10, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Salt Spring Island, Sightseeing Tours
View a larger image on flickr.com
Salt Spring Island in the summer is a perfect getaway that offers lots beauty and opportunity for relaxation...it's also where I got engaged last summer!
Please find a picture of the sunset atop Mt. Maxwell in Salt Spring Island last summer (2006) after my fiance popped the big question!
Erica
North Vancouver, BC
August 10, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Attractions
View a larger image on flickr.com
A Marmot in a woodpile at 100 Hundred Mile House.
Chico
Delta, BC
August 10, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Invermere, Hiking
Find more information about Invermere - Hiking
View a larger image on flickr.com
Invermere!!!! It has everything you need to have a wonderful summer vacation - a lake boating swimming beaches hiking trails rafting and golf!
Bonnie
Calgary, AB
August 10, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Powell River, Sightseeing Tours
Find more information about Powell River - Sightseeing Tours
View a larger image on flickr.com
Our summer secret is beautiful Savary Island located north of Powell River, B.C. near Desolation Sound. It is accessible by boat or by water taxi from Lund (45 minute drive north of Powell River). You can bring your bicycles on the water taxi and cycle the island for a fabulous day trip. One can also walk a short distance to discover the south beach. At low tide, the south side of Savary boasts a spectacular long sandy beach that is the perfect place to dip into the ocean. When the tide comes in, the ocean creeps over the long hot sand making swimming ideal! The water is amazingly warm. The south beach is a quiet paradise and easily accessible by boat. It is a beautiful place to anchor in the daytime, and be only minutes away from a marina and supplies in Lund. There are also protected anchorages nearby. One can also enjoy the jaw dropping panoramic view from the South side of Savary overlooking Powell River, Harwood, Denman and Hornby Islands, and Vancouver Island in the distance. Overhead, you will hear eagles and ravens and in the distance you will see countless sailboats and yachts cruising north into Desolation Sound. Savary Island is the perfect destination for those who enjoy strolling long sandy beaches, panoramic views, beachcombing, swimming or simply relaxing. Savary Island is a boaters paradise and the South beach is truly the best place to dip into the ocean!
Karen,
Blackcreek, BC