June 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
North Vancouver, Hiking
Find more information about North Vancouver - Hiking
View a larger image on flickr.com
As a resident of Vancouver British Columbia and an avid hiker, I am always looking for new hiking places to keep myself busy during my spare time. I had heard about
Lynn Canyon Park several times but had never gone there. Last weekend I decided to venture out to the park and see what it had to offer hikers of the lower mainland.
I headed out to catch the cool air as the weather has been exceptionally warm lately. At 9am the park is just gorgeous! I couldn't believe how peaceful the park is! Any local resident in that area is blessed with an amazing backyard. I took a walk over the
suspension bridge which gave me a shiver as I crossed (Small fear of heights). Then I made my way down towards the
"Twin Falls" area. I came to another bridge and rather than crossing I walked further down river which was a lovely flat hiking trail. I kept seeing markers for the
"Baden Powell Trail" so I assumed that it was part of the same trail that crosses the North Shore Highlands. I'll have to check out the rest of it at a later date.
After a half hour or so, I decided to turn back as I had parked at the main entrance. I decided not to take my chances with the
suspension bridge again and walked across the twin falls bridge instead. This followed with a large amount of stairs and a short trail. Before I knew it I was back at the main entrance and stopped at the
Lynn Canyon Cafe before I called it a day. They had great coffee, and some lovely meals to choose from.
I would recommend
Lynn Canyon Park to anyone, local or foreigner. The best part -
It's A Free Attraction!Happy Hiking!
June 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Bella Coola, Sightseeing Tours
View a larger image on flickr.com
To get to Bella Coola, you have to drive the Big Hill. It is on highway 20, and heads through Tweedmuir Provincial Park before winding through to the Bella Coola Valley. It was definitely one of the top drives I've done in a long time. From the top of the hill, you have large snowcapped mountains, crystal blue lakes and thin trees. By the time you get to the bottom of the hill, which is only 22km in total, you are into lush, rainforest type vegetation yet still with the spectacular coast mountains.
It is a great drive, and even though its steep, and the hairpin turns may be little scary, but the views are great, and the destination is fantastic. Besides, you're allowed to wear the "I drove the Big Hill and survived" t-shirt when you are done!
June 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Williams Lake, Attractions
View a larger image on flickr.com
If you travel through the Chilcotin, highway 20 will take you to many of the areas you'll want to visit. There is so much along the road: there are endless stops to make for photo opportunities or just sightseeing. One of these stops was close to Alexis Creek, a little cemetary on the side of the road. The beauty of the mountains in the area really adds to the stop, and the golden grass growing around the plots made it a very calming resting place, even though its along a major roadway. Be sure to keep your eyes open all along this highway as there is so much to see!
June 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Arts, Culture & History Tours
View a larger image on flickr.com
When we arrived at Chezacut Ranch, we had the chance to take a little tour of the farm. Having been to many ranches growing up, I thought I had seen them all, but Chezacut was quite different. We saw the typical cows, pigs, sheep and other critters found on farms but learned about how the Ranch operates more sustainably and enivronmentally friendly. Although the ranch itself mostly operated horseback adventures, the hosts can tell you all about the practices of a organic farm, and the steps they take to ensure a high quality, ethical product.
And for those with kids, there are plenty of cute dogs and baby animals for all to enjoy!
June 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Bella Coola, Accommodation
View a larger image on flickr.com
We got up fairly early the morning we left the Bella Coola area, but we did have breakfast at the Eagle Lodge, which is right outside town of Bella Coola. We had a fantastic little breakfast of pancakes and eggs, which was absolutely appreciated after our long day touring the coast!
The Lodge itself was quite beautiful and well kept, complete with a little hot tub, cozy rooms and friendly hosts. We had a wonderful chat with Rose, the owner, who had lots to tell us about all the great things to do in the area; from hikes to sights, we could have easily spent another week there with the new info she gave us! Too bad... guess I'll just have to plan another trip!
June 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Bella Coola, Accommodation
View a larger image on flickr.com
We rolled into Bella Coola a little exhausted from our trip down the 'big hill' and were relieved to settle into Coast Mountain Lodge, just outside of Bella Coola in a town called Hagensborg. It was a beautiful little lodge, with easy access to all the activities in the area and a real modern design inside the log cabin exterior. There was a little cafe bar inside the main office where you could get a nice specialty coffee - this was certainly not expected but was absolutely appreciated.
The lodge was a great homebase for our quick stay in the Bella Coola area and it was only a quick drive to the ocean, to hikes, to restaurants and other activities. Definitely would love to go back and spend some more time and maybe take a wilderness tour offered by the hotel!
June 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
Find more information about 100 Mile House - Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
View a larger image on flickr.com
The morning after our stay at Free Rein Ranch, our host took us out on a 2 hour trail ride. We had the opportunity not only to ride, but also to catch our own horses, prepare and saddle them as well. That was a pretty cool experience. Apparently for guests who stay they quite a bit of time are taught a whole bunch about horsemanship and riding. Would have been cool to spend more time learning!
The ride we took was quite pleasant and gentle, but we saw quite a bit. From rolling farm lands, to a little creek bed and heavy wooded areas, the scenery was every changing and quite relaxing. My horse, Casper, was as 'friendly' as can be and I really enjoyed having the chance to ride again after many years of not riding. Hey, and they even suited us up with real cowboy boots!!
June 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Kayaking & Canoeing
View a larger image on flickr.com
We spent an evening at Free Rein Ranch, just off of highway 24 and south of Bridge Lake. It was a lovely evening out and we go ourselves a canoe and kayak and headed out onto the essentially private lake on the property. Paddling around the lake at sunset was incredible. What a way to spend an evening: still lake, gorgeous scenery and a a little bit of wildlife (loons!) to top it all off!
The evening continued with a little game of pool with the host of the ranch, Debbie. We stayed in one of the lake front cabins, which was very comfortable and private. In all, I would love to go back just to paddle a little more on the little lake!
June 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Festivals & Events
The video is coverage of the recent 'car free day'.
Commercial Drive is great to visit any day of the week. If asked to describe the vibe on the Drive I would say it is a mix of the city, mixed with the hippie easy going life and Italy.
Catch the Skytrain to Commercial Drive station or Broadway station and walk all the way to Venables street (about 1 mile from either station). Along the way experience over 400 businesses, most being owner operated.
If you are looking for a modern shopping excursion I would suggest to stay downtown. The Drive offers you the best coffee in the world served at Café Calibria (run by three sons and their father). Amazing food choices (Stellas and Havanas are always a good choice) to a few good greasy spoon cafes serving up a full breakfast for a very affordable price. Then there are local clothing shops (new and used), organic food shops, a large park often offering free live events, lots of coffee shops, one of the best independent magazine shops in the city, and alot more.
Commercial Drive is the right combination of new shops mixed with businesses that have been around for many years. It is a mix of good family values, quality, and a warm hearted feeling of inclusion.
Enjoy a good day exploring the Drive.
June 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Shopping
Find more information about Vancouver - Shopping
View a larger image on flickr.com
Recently, when reading the introduction to Gordon Ramsay’s latest cook book, “Cooking For Friends”, he mentioned something that caught my attention. His young children save a portion of their allowance to spend on food from their local farmer’s market. He also said that they not only enjoy the rich organic food more but it also teaches them to value the food they eat.
Support the Vancouver’s farmers markets and enjoy the rich taste experience of locally grown ‘natural’ foods normally picked inside of 24 hours. The market is for people who love fresh food in a festive gathering and among a like-minded community.
Explore different markets in Vancouver. Go for a wander around the neighbourhood and be a tourist in your own back yard. For example, as the name suggests the “
Trout Lake Farmer's Market” is set to the back drop of Trout Lake located within John Hendry park. The Trout Lake Community Centre offers an indoor skating rink, fitness centre, preschool, youth centre, sauna, whirlpool, pottery studio. playground, gym and a games room. The ice rink is currently closed for a beautiful renovation. If you like architecture this is well worth the visit.
The Trout Lake market is open from 9am - 2pm each week. From May 16 - October 10. It is located at 15th Avenue & Victoria Drive in the Parking Lot of Trout Lake Community Centre.