July 31, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Accommodation
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Opting out of a kind post-wedding accommodation offer of pitching a tent on the bride's property, we decided to take advantage of an enticing online special at the
Delta Ocean Pointe. This turned out to be a brilliant move.
Having stayed at all the big name hotels downtown, I have to say - the
Delta takes the cake. Why? Unique little and big things done thoughtfully: provided sunscreen, mouthwash, binoculars, beautiful blue-bouncy tennis courts, being able to see the
ENTIRE harbour from bed. To wit: Houses of Parliament in all it's nighttime radiant glory, merry little ferries,
whale-watching tours, Empress Hotel, mountains, hot seaplane action.
Also notable: ample opportunity to find free parking, relatively small scale without being creepy, pool area on harbour's edge *see photo*, and let's not forget - a timely note from the manager apologizing for the fire alarm in the night.
That was last weekend, and I'm already looking for a reason to go back!
July 17, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Attractions
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I checked out the new 4D Theatre at the
Vancouver Aquarium last week and was very impressed, not only with the technology but with the film content. I really didn't know what 4D was until I was seated in 122 seat theatre - its like a 3D film with the added benefit of a wide variety of special effects including bubbles, wind, water and some others (I wouldn't want to give it all away!). Everyone in the theatre seemed to be enjoying it - lots of laughter by young and old alike. The film itself, called
Planet Earth: Shallow Seas was excellent and lends itself nicely to what the Vancouver Aquarium does so well - help to connect visitors with our natural world. You will be glad to know that the 4D experience is part of the general admission rates to the Aquarium - no extra charge required for 4D fun!
July 14, 2009 | Tips from Us >
100 Mile House, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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As a Brit, cowboys have always conjured up images of John Wayne or the Marlboro Man ads of the 70s. I finally got to meet the real thing at Crystal Waters guest ranch in the Cariboo.
Taking time off around Canada Day, my fiancé and I drove up from Vancouver to Whistler, taking in the colourful Canada Day parade there, before heading up over the Duffy Lake road to Lillooet and onto Highway 97 – the Gold Rush Trail. From towering peaks around Pemberton, the landscape flattened into gently rolling hills as we entered the Cariboo region. Turning right onto highway 24 at 100 Mile House, we arrived at Crystal Waters to be greeted warmly and shown our rustic cabin at the edge of Crystal Lake.
We were truly among real-life cowboys ‘n’ girls. Stetsons, big buckle-belts, blue jeans and pointy boots were the order of the day. Jokes came thick and fast around the dinner table, while home-cooked food was hearty and good old-fashioned family values prevailed.
As newbies we were given the gentlest of their handsome horses to ride – and bumped along like sacks of potatoes behind our guide (appreciating the more comfortable Western-style saddles). The ranch encompasses the Rayburn River Wetlands (a Ducks Unlimited project) and we spotted fluffy goslings, a beaver dam and all kinds of birds. Underfoot, a carpet of wildflowers provided bursts of colour (lupins, roses, Indian Paintbrush and Arnica). We learnt how the ranch cattle are susceptible to wolves, bears and coyotes – a tough job to look after them all. Guests are encouraged to get involved in the workings of this ranch, rounding up cattle, branding and even mucking out stables.
Home on the range, activities included games of horseshoe, canoeing or kayaking around Crystal Lake, swimming, fishing for trout or simply lazing in deck chairs and gazing at the resident bald eagle and osprey through binoculars. Stories were swapped around the fire pit at night and fellow guests admitted they couldn’t bear to leave. In fact many have been returning for over a decade.
July 07, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Art Galleries & Artists
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I guess it must be living in one of the most breathtaking places in the world that allows our province's artists to create some absolutely incredible art. It seems that everywhere I visit in the province, one of the activities that occupies a great deal of my time is poking around at pottery or glass studios & art galleries, watching artists create masterpieces on street corners, carvers transform hunks of rough wood into intricate pieces...you get the picture. I can't always purchase the art I see on my travels but I have over the years managed to treat myself and now I have the odd bit on my 'travel wall' or on my bookshelf to remind me how fortunate I am to live here. But sometimes I can't buy direct from the artist in the community where I see them and that is why I delighted in stumbling across Side Street Studio in Victoria, a great art gallery that showcases all sorts of BC art... from glass and wood, pottery and jewellery and more. It is well worth a visit next time you are in Victoria...especially if, like me, you failed to pick up the dream piece you saw created while you were out exploring BC.
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Beaches & Swimming
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BC Girl and Canadian Idol Finalist Carly Rae Jepsen shoots her latest video on the beaches of Vancouver. You too can build a castle and stay until the sun comes down. Enjoy!
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Bowen Island, Dining
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Next time you are heading to Bowen Island, don't limit your visit to Snug Cove but climb the hill up to the lesser crowded
Artisan Square. Not only will you find some delicious chocolate at
Cocoa West and awesome local jewelry at by local jazz singer
Christie Grace you will also find one of the most amazing bistros I have come across.
Artisan Eats has just the right blend of fabulous local food, atmopshere and a small but excellent wine list to make it a reason in itself to go back to Bowen Island more often. I want to try everything on their menu!