February 26, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Tofino, Hiking
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Looking for a short, easy, beautiful hike through Pacific Rim National Park to a secluded little beach? Find the South Beach Trail (1.5 kl round trip) departing from just behind the Wickaninnish Beach and Interpretive Centre.
This easy to walk trail will take you past some curious looking flora as you make your way towards a small sandy beach, alive with dramatic crashing Pacific Ocean waves. This is a great little hideway for a romantic picnic.
February 25, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Attractions
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My Great Find includes a Great Sleep. A few years ago, I slept over at the Vancouver Aquarium with my family, a few seals, and a pool full of sea stars.
We had the whole place to ourselves (and a few other families), including a host who showed us the entire Aquarium at night. We went behind the scenes and fishtanks to tour the operation - the part visitors normally don't see.
We fed the fish, otters, frogs, and other creatures and fell asleep watching the Beluga's - our heads rested on pillowcases we made while sipping our pre-sleep hot cocoa.
Overall we had a once-in-a-lifetime experience that totally surpassed visiting the Aquarium during the day. It cost just a bit more than the usual admission price and a nights stay at a hotel, but well worth it.
February 25, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Dining
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Downtown Vancouver has an abundance of quick-and-easy (and economic) eatiers, which I find myself frequenting more and more. Here are some of my favourite food places, where I can take the food to go, which means...to the beach, to the park, to the stairs on the Vancouver Art Gallery, to the middle of the Burrard Inlet by boat, etc. There are so many great outdoor places to eat, you just need to bring your own food.
1. Hot Dog Vendors - all over the place, including the waterfront walkway. Veggie dogs too!
2. International Food Courts - mainly concentrated around the Burrard Street and Pender area downtown and in the shopping malls. India Abroad in the food court at Hornby and Pender is a local favourite.
3. Fujiya Sushi - sushi to go on West Pender. I always pick up a package of Pocky for an easy picnic dessert.
4. Markets - there are many farmers markets in Vancouver (but not downtown), with the most popular being Granville Island. I often speak to the farm growers, who fill in the story and detail of the food.
5. Food Stores - IGA, Capers, T&T (asian), Nesters, and Urban Fare all have great selections of local B.C. foods. I love the soup at Capers on Robson and often grab a cup, some fresh bread, and Ginger Beer to go before heading to Stanley Park. Or, I just sit on their patio and people watch.
February 25, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Ucluelet, Beaches & Swimming
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Life in Beautiful BC is different with our small and sweet new Havanese dog Cocoa, who came to us in the springtime in 2006. Our family travelled to beautiful Ucluelet BC on the rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island (Long Beach), and found a wonderful Terrace Beach Resort - complete with outdoor supply of towels and special water hose for dogs after a run on the lovely beach, and a friendly pat and welcoming dog biscuit in the office. We highly recommend this warm and well-run resort both for families (they have cooking/fridge facilities) and their pets! And as for the many wild beaches along the Pacific Rim, they are even better when experienced with your beloved dog!
On another note, Vancouver's Four Seasons Hotel provided a gorgeous big doggy cushion, silver tray with doggy ceramic bowls for food and water, delicious supply of doggy biscotti, and large bottle of spring water for free - when we registered our pooch for the stay. She enjoyed this lap of luxury, complete with information and directions for recommended doggy "green spots" within walking distance in downtown Vancouver, and a friendly greeting each morning as she trotted out for her walk. Another 5 star recommendation!!
February 25, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
North Vancouver, Kayaking & Canoeing
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I always tell visitors to head to Deep Cove. A quick 20 minute drive from downtown Vancouver to Deep Cove gets you into a small treasure trove of coastal life. Deep Cove is a small waterfront community in North Vancouver on Indian Arm, a remote-like fjord off Burrard Inlet.
Things to do include licking ice-cream, hiking the Baden-Powell trail, throwing the frisbee or tossing the hacky-sack in Cates Park, sitting on the wharf, and going on a treasure hunt in the many local shops.
But the Great Find of Deep Cove is the kayaking. I rent a kayak from Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak and head out to explore the area on my own. I love paddling past the architecturally inspiring waterfront homes on my way to Raccoon Island, where I stop for a picnic lunch or dinner and a bit of exploring... and sometimes skinny dipping (as long as no one is around, which is usually the case).
While I haven't done it, you can continue down Indian Arm and turn an evening paddle into an overnight adventure. Perhaps this summer.
February 25, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Port Alberni, Sightseeing Tours
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Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provical Park, is a must see when travelling to the Tofino area. It's about a 25 minute drive west of Parksville or about a 10 mintue drive east of Port Alberni and is located on either side of the Tofino Highway #4. Taking a walk on its trail system will leave you absolutely amazed at these towering Douglas-fir giants!
February 25, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Tofino, Beaches & Swimming
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This was just one of the many fantastic sunsets you will experience at Mackenzie Beach located just outside of Tofino. On a beautiful clear day,the spectical always draws a crowd to the beach with anticipation. Grab a comfy spot on a log and enjoy!!
February 25, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Nelson, Sightseeing Tours
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Photo of Kootenay Lake on an early summer morning.
February 25, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Revelstoke, Beaches & Swimming
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We swam and fished in this beautiful Lake everyday of our nine day camping trip. The water was beautiful...right off the mountains! Plus, there was a nice dock for fishing where our four-year-old caught her very first fish! And the campground was perfect...friendly staff, clean washrooms, hot showers, boat rentals, mini-golf, vollyball and a great playground for the kids! Not to mention the short drive to The Enchanted Forest. We loved it here and definately will visit again with our three kids!
The Evans'
Rimbey, Alberta
February 24, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Tofino, Beaches & Swimming
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My family and I have been to Tofino twice now and its fast become one of our most favorite places to be. On this day, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful sunny day and head to Long Beach. The air was warm and the ocean was cool producing a mystical like fog from the waves rolling onto the beach. Absolutely amazing!!