July 03, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Art Galleries & Artists
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JIM ETZKORN
Potter, Jim Etzkorn, has received numerous accolades and awards, taught and presented to groups around the world, and designed the dinner service for the G8 Summit in 2003, but his day-to-day motivation comes from the hope that his work will find a place in the regular lives and hearts of families for generations.
Etzkorn, who lives and works in Prince George, BC, said it is the chance that his work might become a treasured family heirloom that most inspires him to continue what he started 30 years ago. 
“Like the exercises you might do leading up to a big race, the day-to-day stuff sustains me,” he said. “The contact with humanity is my affirmation. It’s not technological, it’s very personal, and it keeps me grounded.”
It was a connection with the pots of Asian history that inspired a style that he describes as “functional and decorative, utilizing traditional and contemporary forms, techniques and ideas”. Hypothesizing that he “might have been Asian in another life”, Etzkorn said he has always been drawn to the big, swelling shapes of Oriental antiquities and the primal spirit that seems to emit from them. 
He draws further inspiration from other artists, nature, and the Asian concept of wabi-sabi– a Japanese world view or aesthetic centered on embracing transitions over results. For Etzkorn, the transitions involved in making a piece of pottery-each piece is handled 15 or 16 times-can be as satisfying as the piece itself.
“The process is long and there are no immediate rewards,” Etzkorn said. “But when I’m working, I am totally in the present-it’s like time stands still. That something beautiful can start as a lump of mud, is still amazing to me.” 
Jim Etzkorn’s work can be found at Side Street Studio in Victoria.
July 03, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Campbell River, Sightseeing Tours
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I found my self in a great spot for Canada Day this year with a chance to go out on a boat to see our Canada Day fireworks in Campbell River. I cant remember how many times I've seen them from the shore and thought to myself what a show it would be from the water and i must say i was not dissapointed. The sound and light coming off the water made the show so awesome you could feel it in your chest and the show was almost 15 mins long getting better with every blast. for anyone thinking or this kind of fun for next year's show you will have to make sure to call the tour company as they said that they would love to do this trip next year.
July 03, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Hudson's Hope, Fishing
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The Peace Country of Northern BC shares a special place in the hearts of many. After recently moving here myself, I have found that I am growing to love it here as well. My name is Erin, and some co-workers and I decided to do a little exploring around our area. One of the places we went to was the Williston Lake Resort, near Hudson's Hope.
The Peace Country boasts nature's delights: plentiful fields, snow capped mountains, rolling hills, lush forests and sparkling lakes—my co-workers and I were amazed at the scenery.
As soon as we entered the lodge, I loved it right away. The Williston Lodge was built in the traditional log cabin style, with each of its logs hewn by hand for a beautifully seamless fit. The lodge is a work of art.
Not only is it beautiful, but the lodge is an excellent place to vacation and recharge, as it offers many lounging areas, including a large, sun-drenched balcony that is perfect for reclining. I felt like I was on an exotic island somewhere, just soaking up all those UV rays. It was great and wonderfully relaxing.
The Lodge offers a lot of activites that I didn't have time to do, but would have loved to. In the summer, there is fishing, horseback riding, ATV adventures and hiking. Winter guests who enjoying skiing or snowboarding will have the opportunity to ski the local mountains and enjoy the fresh powder. During the winter season there is also snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and wildlife observation.
The Williston Lodge Resort is a gem that sparkles in the Peace and draws travelers from far and near. After spending a short visit to the lodge, I was beckoned back for a second stay.
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Richmond, Farms & Markets
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The lower mainland is infamous for the variety of cultures that reside here. It is one thing I love about Metro Vancouver. I heard of of the Richmond Night Market years ago and had never gone, until last week when a friend invited me. I jumped at the opportunity.
Now in its seventh summer, the market is every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from the end of May to the beginning of September.
The official website states, "It's a festival, a carnival, a celebration of food, culture and adventure. The Richmond Night Market is a dazzling summer event that captures the hearts and imaginations of millions of visitors of all ages. The sheer splendour of the site has a magnetic quality, a vast space teeming with visitors, 400 vendors selling extraordinary fabrics, decorations, trinkets, toys and richly aromatic foods, and entertainers romancing audiences with cultural performances from Asian and Western traditions."
Not sure I would describe my experience of the night market as a carnival, but if you love Asian food like I do then it is well worth the visit. It is tempting to fill up on food from the first few vendors (as you are greeted with delightful smells and interesting foods) but take your time to explore as there are many different food vendors to choose from.
The non food vendors tend to lean more towards being a little 'tacky' but we bought some fun sunglasses from one of the many sunglasses vendors.
One of the main attractions is the main stage where many young Asian dance groups entertained the screaming adoring audience. These were amateur dance groups but we were rather impressed with their
choreographed performances and their hard work they had obviously put into their practicing.
We left that evening with a full stomach of delicious food, some fun sunglasses and a great evening doing something completely different.
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Dining
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It was the last night of my brother and families vacation and we were trying to decide where to take them for their last meal. Metro Vancouver residents are spoiled with so many amazing restaurants, not just from the freshness and quality of the food but also from the variety of styles. I would make suggestion after suggestion to my wife but it wasn't until I mentioned Hapa Izakaya that her face lit up with excitement. It seemed that we had chosen somewhere to go.
Hapa is not just another Asian restaurant, the food is spectacular, the staff are a great balance of professional and friendly and the atmosphere is open but private at the same time. We visited the Robson Street location where the interior is dark, dimly light and has a mixture of seating arrangements, from a traditional round table where you remove your shoes to more western style seating.
Traditionally Izakaya bars are where business men gather after work in Japan. They are never advertised and people are invited by another to join them. The bars themselves are not located on high streets, but are 'hidden' down a street alley, down a flight of stairs and through an unmarked door. Offering up a balance of food, music, and a space to bond with your guests.
When the owner of Hapa Justin Ault and wife decided to bring the concept of the Izakaya to Vancouver they were faced with an interesting challenge of promoting the concept of the Izakaya in a Western landscape. Firstly, you will notice that the sign outside of the restaurant is minimal. Secondly, on opening night of the
restaurant friends and influencers in the city were invited to enjoy the food and experience Hapa. After the guests were informed that their meal was 'on the house' they were asked if they enjoyed their experience that evening, that if they recommended Hapa to a friend then for the next two weeks they would also be offered a complimentary meal. In summary, they spent their marketing dollars offering food rather than more traditional advertising methods that would be expected in Western culture. It is brilliant marketing method. Obviously, word spread like wild fire throughout the city and Hapa has been busy ever since.
Everyone I talk to who has eaten at Hapa seem to have their favourites. Only a certain amount of the menu is permanent the rest changes year round, often depending which fish has been freshly caught that day. My favourite is the Ebi Mayo, deep fried shrimp, tossed in a spicy mayonnaise sauce (to die for), it is rare that we don't order more than one serving.
Not really a place where you take the kids, more of a setting for a romantic dinner with a loved one, or a gathering for friends who enjoy Japanese food but want something a little more special than a 'sushi' restaurant.
Visit the restaurant at 1479 Robson Street or in Kitsilano 1516 Yew Street (right next to the beach).
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Dining
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In summary of the following post, may I say, 'Yummmmmmmmm'.
I originally heard of “Qoola” on my quest to find lactose free yogurt.
The owner said in response to an earlier blog post "We are the only
frozen yogurt establishment in Vancouver (that we know of) that can
display the Live and Active Cultures seal, signifying that our
product does contain at least 10 million helpful bacteria per gram.
Our own yogurt contains well over 100 million per gram. Thus, the
more bacteria, hopefully the greater the likelihood that people that
are lactose intolerant will be able to enjoy our products".
Whilst my brother and his family were visiting we decided to finish
off our night with a trip to Qoola. I was very excited to try the
yogurt for the first time and to hopefully not be effected. I was
impressed by the interior of the establishment. It was modern, clean
and we were welcomed by friendly staff. Even when I was being
indecisive about which of the many topping extras I wanted and I was
holding up the line, the staff didn't make me rush and they were very
accommodating. I also quizzed them about the yogurt and myself being
lactose intolerant and they were very knowledgeable and helpful.
My initial reaction was that the cost was a little on the high side,
but when you consider it is next to English Bay, it is a treat and
personally for myself I can actually enjoy yogurt it was well worth
the price.
Cold treats are good any time of the year, but especially on a hot
summers day, so go treat your self this summer at Qoola Yogurt + Fruit.
Qoola Yogurt + Fruit is located at 1116 Denman St in English Bay
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
North Vancouver, Dining
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I’m a Yorkshire lad (pronounced York–sha) born and bred. Grew up eating scotch eggs and lard sarnies with crisps (chips) for Saturday (pronounced Sat-day) tea (evening meal).
So when I learned there was a British Butcher in town selling delights of my culinary childhood I was excited to visit.
The shop is located in North Vancouver (703 Queensbury Ave), a little off the beaten track, but is easy to find if you have a map. As soon as I walked in I noticed that it sells lots of meat products, pies as well as condiments and sweets (candy) from the mother land.
I was like a little kid who had been transported to their English youth. They sold Hula Hoops, which are crisps in the shape of a band (like a wedding band) that you put on all your fingers and then bit them off. They sell English Mustard, like no other in the world. If you like wassabi you MUST try this, it’s amazing (my mum always brings me a jar from England when visiting).
They sell 36 different varieties of sausages. It was difficult to choose but I decided to be patriotic and buy the Yorkshire variety.
Then there was why I went, I had a craving for a Scotch egg. Put simply, imagine a circular lump of cooked sausage meet with a hard boiled egg in the middle, covered in bread crumbs, this is a Scotch egg. It was absolutely amazing. Great flavour and consistency, good quality meat, and was big enough for a small meal.
The one thing you realize when you visit the shop is how great the quality is of the products. On the website they say “we have found that it is not worth cutting corners to meet the demand as our customers have come to expect a high quality product”.
The website could do with a wee polish, but the food is first rate. Go there and spend lots and eat lots and then tell me how great it was.
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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The Free Rein Ranch was a highlight of our trip through the Cariboo-Chilcotin region. We were only able to spend a short time there but the time we did have was relaxing and fun! We arrived with a few hours of sunshine left and were able to take out some kayaks on the small lake in behind the ranch. The surrounding forests mirrored perfectly onto the glass still water as loons and other birds fished around us. While we didn't see any that evening, our host Debbie told us that often other wildlife such as moose come down to the lake to drink and frolic in the water that is overlooked by the gorgeous log lodge. The horseback riding made for a fantastic morning and learned a ton about interacting and riding horses. Our hosts and guide were easygoing, fun and sweet, providing comfortable, cozy beds and simple, yet yummy food along with smiles and stories throughout our stay. By the end of our trip we felt like friends, rather than just simply visitors and it made us excited for a return trip.
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Dining
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Yee Haw!!! My first country experience was certainly a most memorable one. Being from a large city, I have always associated country dancing with doing a couple of steps to Cotton Eyed Joe, so when several fine gentlemen cowboys asked me to “two-step”, I was completely baffled. What is this “two-step”? Will I completely embarrass myself if I attempt this dance? It wasn’t until a friend of mine pulled me onto the dance floor, at New Frontier in Fort St John, and insisted on teaching me how it was done, that I immediately excelled at this new dance. Well, maybe not excelled, but I certainly did a lot better than I had ever imagined.
After the dancing, I got the opportunity to meet some real cowboys. I had no idea that real cowboys even existed, so you can imagine my excitement. I finally had an epiphany and although I had travelled the world and currently resided in Toronto, I had lived a very sheltered life. I went from believing that cowboys merely existed in those old western films to actually grasping that they are, in fact, real. The New Frontier is a great place for a fun night out and, for a tourist such as myself, it provides a brand new experience.
The festive music, live band, and affordable beverages provided for a great night. When my feet got too tired from the ample two-stepping, there was always a place to sit. This nightclub is additionally a great place to go if you are the type of individual who wants to sit back, relax, and have a drink. The dancing isn’t necessary but is always a great form of entertainment. Earlier in the night, the New Frontier offers a variety of food items on their menu and functions as a bar and grill. It is located at 10320-100th Avenue. I will most certainly be returning there in the near future to have another great experience!
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Williams Lake, Museums
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Often times, Visitor Information Centres (VICs) fall within the trap of being a quick, unmemorable stop off for visitors who either need directions or a toilet break. Thankfully, the Williams Lake Discovery Centre (which holds the city's VIC) exceeds these usual expectations and offers visitors an interactive experience that will certainly be memorable. The building, which can't be missed when driving through town as it is strikingly beautiful with huge wood architecture. The centre is chalked full of information of the city, region and province, all within an extraordinary building that will have flashes snapping and necks stretching to look up and around, most likely at the humongous tree that rises through the centre of the building. Whether you chose to have your picture atop a mountain bike with peaks in the background, watch a quick movie in their cozy cabin or just have a chat with the friendly staff, you won't be disappointed with this rest-stop.