June 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Arts, Culture & History Tours
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
June 17, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Burnaby, Skiing & Snowboarding
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Whether you live in Metro Vancouver or are on vacation, sometimes you or your kids may need a break so why not hit a skate park? Metro skate park is one of the best. Located within a five minute walk from Metrotown Skytrain and bus station, the skate park is convenient to get to.
The park offers three main zones, Metro Square, Bonsor Pipeline and Dogleg Bowl.
The mission of the park's designers was to create a well rounded youth park that serves all abilities, includes young girls and integrates well with the site. I often walk by the Skate Park and from what I can see the original mission is definitely being met.
For more information visit the City of Burnaby's website.
June 17, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Burnaby, Parks
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Just East of Metrotown, in Burnaby, is an area called Edmonds. All Edmonds used to have going for it was the very large Value Village (a fantastic used clothing and houseware store) and a few great restaurants.
A few years ago the locally owned Choices Market opened a small store in Edmonds. It is located in a small complex of well designed high rise apartment buildings which is offset by the natural setting of trees and a local park. Situated just behind Edmonds Skytain station, it is a great place to stop and enjoy a beverage on the patio, or grab a juice on a hot day and relax in the Byrne Creek Ravine Park.
June 17, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Burnaby, Parks
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Central park is nestled in between busy streets and a busy neighbourhood. Whether you are traveling by car or the Skytrain it is very easy to pass by the park without really knowing it is there. It isn't until you start to explore one of the many well marked trails that you discover how grand the park actually is. You'll be amazed by the immense trees in the park as well as the many attractions. There is a recently renovated kids play area (which is fantastic), tennis courts, ball diamond, horseshoe pitches, picnic sites and a fitness circuit around the park.
On top of all that there is Burnaby's largest and most popular outdoor pool, open between May 25 and September 7.
The park is home home to the Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team with it's Swangard Stadium located in the park.
Everytime I go to Central park I seem to discover something new. Whether you go for an hour or the whole day, Central park will be fun and relaxing at the same time, a great escape from the busy city.