December 19, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Whistler, Skiing & Snowboarding
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When I got to the top of the mountain, I felt dizzy but still, I couldn't but take out my phone from my pocket to take this picture. Spent the whole day skiing, alone but oh so lovely.
December 18, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Nanaimo, Parks
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Nanaimo is full of surprises, from the urban energy to the green spaces throughout the City. The other day I re-discovered Morrell Sanctuary in Nanaimo (just off Nanaimo Lakes Road). It is a privately managed 200 plus hectare nature sanctuary maintained by wonderful volunteers.
The well maintained trails meander through lush forests, past lakes, ponds, and some of the best look out points over the rest of the City. There is even a wheelchair accessible loop trail, which is great for strollers too!
This is a magical place, with a different face for every season. It is a little piece of what makes BC such an amazing place- space, serenity, nature up close, and wonderful people making sure it stays that way for everyone to enjoy. I recommend a walk through the woods in Nanaimo to anybody- visitor or local alike! It would make for a great place to stretch your legs if you are just passing through town or a great spot for an afternoon exploration for folks visiting the Harbour City.
December 11, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Port McNeill, Kayaking & Canoeing
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Last summer we went kayaking in Johnstone Strait on Vancouver Island for 4 days and it was
AWESOME!!!
We kayaked with orcas and humpback whales and saw lots of other animals
like seals and bald eagles. I had never kayaked before or done much
camping but found it pretty easy and the company we went with had a
pretty sweet campsite. Tents already set up for us and even a hot
shower. There are a few companies doing trips here but I would highly
recommend Kingfisher Adventures.
December 05, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Nanaimo, Accommodation
Beck Lake Luxury Guest House is slightly off the beaten path, just outside of Nanaimo, but easy to find and totally worth the effort. IT IS GORGEOUS and the nightly rate is amazing.
The guest house and cottage sit in a lovely garden, filled with ponds, sculptures, benches and wildlife. The awesome view of the valley beyond is pastoral and serene.
The cottage itself is so tastefully appointed, it could be taken for a boutique hotel or pages from House and Home with its warm colours, dark wood, custom made furnitures, high quality cotton sheets & downy soft duvet.
The kitchen is completely modern and stocked with everything required for housekeeping. No second rate castoffs here. The washroom, with its waterfall sink and hydrotherapy bathtub is also fully stocked.
Games, videos, cd's. It's all there. The only drawback - Beck Lake cottage is difficult to leave.
December 04, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Powell River, Outdoor Activity Tours
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Are you looking for a winter holiday destination? What about Powell River, BC. Powell River is about 160 kilometres (100 miles) north of Vancouver on the Sunshine Coast. We go there in all seasons and love it. The winters are mild, but you can easily get to the snow for snowshoeing, cross country skiing or sledding. There are places in town where you can rent equipment if needed. Try Alpha Adventures on Alberni Street and Skeeter Jacks south of town on Highway 101. The employees at both of these shops and the Powell River Info Centre can give you maps and details about places to hike and explores.
Because the coastal areas are usually free of snow, you can hike year round. The Sunshine Coast Trail has several entry and exit points that make it a good choice for family hiking. On weekends you can take your car or truck on forest and logging roads to see the pristine backcountry with old growth trees and uncrowded parks. There's also the ocean and Powell Lake for exploration.
You can stay in town or at several resorts and B&Bs along the coast. The Lund Hotel at the end (or beginning) of Highway 101 is quaint. It always amazes me how many great restaurants are in town. Some of my favourites are the Shinglemill with dynamite view of Powell Lake, Snickers on Marine Avenue with spectacular ocean and sunset views and the Town Centre Hotel restaurant and TC's pub. If you are north of town, don't miss lunch or dinner at the Laughing Oyster overlooking Okeover Inlet.
To get to Powell River you get the chance to ride a BC Ferry from Horseshoe Bay. You'll travel through some really beautiful inlets on the BC coast along the way. You can bring your car or take the Malaspina Coach Lines bus from several locations in Vancouver. You can also fly to Powell River using Pacific Coastal Airlines from the Vancouver Airport's South Terminal. There are lots of taxi cabs and bus transportation if needed for the traveler without a car.
Head to Powell River for a winter vacation you won’t forget. You may like it so much you’ll want to stay like we did.