June 08, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Oliver, Wineries & Vineyards
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Hey there,
Just got back from a trip to the Okanagan, a trip taken expressly for the wine, but enjoyed lots of the other attractions too.
The one thing I noticed is that all the best & most interesting wineries are not listed on your HelloBC.com site. Is this site not government funded? If so why is it that so few of the smaller wineries are not listed here? Is the price too high?
I would like to point out that those visitors who are planning a cellar stocking trip like we were need to do a lot more homework than this site.
Attention Wine Lovers!! Be sure to visit our favorites too! Golden Beaver Winery - their motto is Fun Name FINE Wine... and it's true - don't let the name dissuade you! Go in and ask how they came up with it! The wine will be worth it!
Also worth a stop Oliver Twist and Twisted Tree!
CHEERS!!
June 07, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Sandspit, Wildlife Tours
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4 days on a boat with 14 strangers....hmmm. I had my doubts that I could do it. How soon I changed my mind. A week later and I am still daydreaming about my trip.
We were boating through the Gwaii Haanas National Park in the Queen Charlottes watching whales, sea lions, birds of every sort, sea urchins, krill, starfish, trees blowing, waves crashing...we were sleeping well thanks to the gentle rocking of the boat, named the Island Roamer; we were eating incredibly well - wholesome, fresh food, thanks to the amazing on-board cook; we were learning lots thanks to our superb naturalist, and the Skipper and the Mate...and we were bonding, the 14 of us...thanks to, well, all the above.
And then there were the trips ashore to see ancient, precious remains of Haida villages, long abandoned, not forgotten. The remaining totem poles and village sites are holding on precariously to the final years of their life, threatened by an eager rainforest reaching out to engulf them. The Haida watchmen that oversee the village remains and interpret what it all means to the visitor are compelling storytellers and genuine in their love for their culture and history. It was spiritual, moving, sad, hopeful and too many other emotions to keep track of. Everyone should see these sites.
Some of my 'new friends' went onto visit the Haida Heritage Centre in Skidegate after the trip ended. I understand their museum visit provided great historical context for what we saw in the Park. I will be heading back to the Queen Charlottes for more, that is for sure.
There are a number of tourism operators that take groups into Gwaii Haanas, or you can do it yourself, but you have to register with Parks Canada. I was with Bluewater Adventures, who have been creating Gwaii Haanas memories for people for 30 years.
June 07, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Art Galleries & Artists
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I had the fortune of visiting the newly opened Bill Reid Gallery on Hornby Street the other night. (Its in the building that once housed the Canadian Craft Museum, next to Hy's Restaurant...its a bit tricky to find as it is located just up the stairs from the street ). Anyhow, I was really impressed with the incredible collection they had- prints, jewellery, boxes, huge carvings - I mean he did it all! I was also very impressed with what I learned about Bill Reid, the man, and about Haida culture in general. Its definitely worth checking out, especially if you are interested in First Nations art or the Haida culture, or if you are planning a trip to the Queen Charlotte Islands/Haida Gwaii.
June 01, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
West Vancouver, Hiking
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thought i would try the lions a little earlier this year. ive been up there many times and really like the hike, it's got many differant aspects to the hike and know the hike very well. i knew there was going to be quite abit of snow so i took my crampons and a pik. if you've been up there yourself you will know what sections that im going to talk about. after you head over the bridge after the the small trail you get into a rock section then it goes into a switchback section in the tree's. this is were if you havent been up there before it might be the end for you, there were many trees that have falling since last year (big trees) and the path is blocked all over the place and most of the flags and trail markings are gone. i did not have fun through this section after that i came to the rock section before the ridge, still 3 feet of snow needed my crampons. i would not suggest going up there quite yet all in all i had i good day the weather was great and there was no one else up there, i wonder why. i do hope that the tree's get cleaned up for this season as it's a great hike even for the non-experienced hope to see you in the mountians soon good hiking to all ! ps picture not from this trip will post some soon
June 01, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Sechelt, Cross-Country Skiing
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Dakota Ridge still has snow up top on trails to ski. Could be there for another couple of weeks or more. This area has snow on the ground for 8 months of the year. Only 1 short ferry ride and a 40 minute drive from Langdale ferry terminal. Great veiws of Georgia Strait and howe sound. Many miles of area to ski, snow shoe or just hang out in the snow. The Picture was taken May 17th 08.