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 24, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Cruises & Boat Tours
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You get a refreshingly different view of Vancouver from the water. Here are some of the highlights from the tour I took on a recent Sunday afternoon.
August 21, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Biking
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My recommended rollerblading afternoon around part of the Seawall in Vancouver. I have to admit I cheated a bit, the woman in the video is my wife...
August 15, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Dining
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What a way to mix my two favourite things (eating and sightseeing) – grab a seat at one of Victoria’s many waterfront eateries and take it all in. I watched Harbour Ferries, kayaks and whale watching boats come and go, listened to street performers and took some great shots of the Parliament Buildings. This pic of the Fairmont Empress Hotel was taken from where I was sitting.
For dessert we waddled across the street to the new Roger’s Chocolates Soda Shoppe for their signature Capital City Banana Split. Every seat in the shop looks out over the Inner Harbour. Diet starts Monday.
August 07, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Queen Charlotte City, Festivals & Events
The Edge of the World Music Festival is this weekend!! Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. (8th, 9th and 10th) Come and check it out! FYI the Misty Meadows Campground is full, but there is still some free camping by the old Dress for Less. Weekend Pass's are $50. Headliners include The Higgins, Tambura Rasa, Summer and the Sinners and Mamaguroove.
Hope to see you there!
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!!!