June 21, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Accommodation
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Wrapping up a very busy week at work, we decided to stay downtown Friday night and have our own "staycation" at the new Fairmont Pacific Rim. What a delight!!! Possibly the nicest hotel room I have ever stayed in, the quality of the property was only surpassed by the view from our Japanese soaker tub. Absolutely breathless - view of the north shore mountains, Canada Place and cruise ships.
The high tech contraptions satisfied our curious nature and the coffee machine was so good I'm on the hunt for one to purchase.
If you can bring yourself to leave your room, also try out the great gym, Willow Stream Spa and one of the best outdoor pool and patio in the city. The scones at the local cafe Giovanes (anyone with the first or last name G must get your photo taken there!)
Thanks Fairmont Pacific Rim! We will be back!
June 18, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Whistler, Accommodation
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I opted to stay at
Nita Lake Lodge during a recent trip to Whistler. The Lodge is located near Whistler's Creekside area which is about 5 minutes from Whistler Village. The rooms were large and very welcoming - super comfortable beds and a very very large bathroom, complete with soaker tub! I had a view of the lake and enjoyed coffee in the morning on my deck. They have 3 food options in the lodge - The Fix (for coffee and insanely good granola etc.); The Cure (for cocktails and light snacks) and Aura for finer dining. We had a great lunch on the patio overlooking the lake so for dinner we opted to go to the nearby Rim Rock Cafe. To our great delight, the Lodge has a complementary shuttle so we didn't have to drive! Unforgettable meal followed by a great night's sleep. I will be back and when I return, I will also have to enjoy their spa, set to open Summer 2010.
June 18, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Whistler, Spas & Wellness
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While in Whistler the other day I had the great fortune to visit the newly opened (January 2010) Scandinave Spa, located just a few minutes north of Whistler Village. It happened to be a gorgeous day, but I don't think it would matter what the weather was - you would still love this unique experience of going from the eucalyptus steam room to a series of outdoor hot tubs, cold plunge pools, a large sauna, and a handful of solariums where you sit to relax. And relax you will as the house rule is "Silence"....no Blackberrys, no cell phones and no chatter. Just solitude and fantastic forest surroundings. I think it will be very cool (literally) in the winter when there is snow everywhere....except on the heated paths between the pools. How neat is that?! Anyhow, its a not to be missed Whistler experience in my...relaxed and slightly jello-y legged opinion! Next time I am opting to book a massage too.
June 08, 2010 | Tips from Us >
West Vancouver, Hiking
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The snow line is dropping, which means hiking season on the coast has begun. First hike of the year for me was up to Eagle Ridge bluffs in West Vancouver. The trailhead is in Nelson Canyon Park (take Exit 4 to Westport Rd).
The route starts by following the TransCanada Trail, but then branches off to the Whyte Lake Trail. Whyte Lake itself is small, but has an awesome log barge that will be put to good use in summer. We stopped to chat with a family fishing for trout in the lake (they'd caught three).
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the outhouse. Why? Because it’s swanky (or as swanky as an outhouse can be). It’s like a mini log cabin. A must-use.
Whyte Lake Trail hooks up with the Baden Powell Trail, which leads to Eagle Ridge bluffs. It was windy up top, so we had a quick lunch (which was eyed quite carefully by the resident raven), and then headed back down.
Total time for the trip was 5 hours (3 up, 2 down), and most of the route is in the woods. The forest floor was thick with ferns, mossy trees stretched overload, and fallen trees or man-made boardwalks crossed over streams. One huge boulder field mid-route and the bluffs themselves add an element of scrambling.
After the trip, my hiking partner and I commented on the number of families out on the trail – so cool! It's great to see kids out enjoying nature, especially nature in their own backyard.