March 30, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Snowshoeing
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Last night was Earth Hour, and my husband and I and didn't stop at just turning out the lights for an
hour. We turned out the lights, left home and drove to the top of Mt
Seymour near downtown Vancouver, where we built ourselves an igloo to sleep in for the night.
We were with a group of friends and new acquaintances, testing out an overnight tour offered by
West Coast Adventures.
It was a worthy endeavour to have along the experts, because without
some guidance building an igloo could be quite tricky. They also
brought along yummy snacks. And dinner. And breakfast. And a few other
things that made the whole night quite comfortable.
But before
all that, we started out with an igloo-building lesson. Our guides demonstrated how to make an igloo block, by cutting it out with a saw and shovel. By cutting out the blocks out from what will become the floor of the igloo, and then building the blocks around the circular edge of the floor, the igloo takes shape.
It
turns out I'm quite a whiz at cutting snow blocks. My husband, on the
other hand, excelled at placing the blocks and sealing them in, which
is not super easy: the walls go up on a significant angle, and need to
be gently yet strongly secured into place with the blocks tightly
wedged together. Three hours later, 12 of us had build four igloos, plus a cosy outdoor 'living room' for meals and socializing.
The
day had started as snowy and foggy, and we couldn't see much further
than a nearby band of trees. But as the light began to fade, the clouds
opened up and we could see the city spread out below us. It was a
remarkable feeling - at first as if we were on a remote mountain alone
in the world - and the next minute, on top of the world yet close
enough to see the roof lines of houses below. Welcome to a new sport:
urban iglooing. "Where else in the world," pointed out the visiting
Brit in the group, "Can you do something like this?"
As the evening wore on, the wine and food flowed and the campfire was lit, and soon we were ready for bed. We retreated back to our igloos, now cosy with candlelight, sheepskin rugs and warm sleeping bags.
The next morning, the sun was out and the view from our igloo-village was beautiful. After
breakfast and packing up, the last thing to do before leaving was to
tear down the igloos, making sure no-one would stumble on them and fall
in. However, it turned out we did a fairly good job of building
super-strong structures: we were able to walk over the tops of all four of the igloos, and then we put in some considerable effort to bring them down (seriously, these things are strong!)
A
ten minute walk later, and we were back at our cars and civilization -
add another fifteen minute drive, and we had emerged from winter into
spring. Roughing it doesn't get much easier than that.
March 26, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Campbell River, Dining
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I had the great pleasure of meeting Sonora Resort's Chef Matthew Stowe this afternoon and even though he is described on their website as as a "Decorated Chef", personally I think they should replace "Decorated" with "Passionate."
In addition to serving his guests exquisite meals while at the remote luxury lodge on Sonora Island (accessible by helicopter, seaplane or boat) Stowe spends his time searching out the best local ingredients, giving personalized tours of his kitchen, holding cooking classes, and writing what I'm sure will be a well-loved, well-used cookbook. (Launching later this month.)
He told the tale of the independent local spotted-prawn and crab fisherman that drops off fresh seafood to their dock. He revealed how by accident a new supplier of succulent pears and crisp apples was found across the water in the Comox Valley. He disclosed how excited he was to find local suppliers of flavourful beets and carrots (so many different kinds!) and heirloom tomotoes in the Fraser Valley outside Vancouver. He describes the growers - characters as passionate as him about the benefits of local organic foods.
Talk of herb gardens at the lodge and their own charcuterie and the on-site six-grill outdoor kitchen and smoking their own salmon and PASTRY! Let's not forget about the cream used in the pastry! And the wines that go with it all, and , and.... whew!
I hope I am getting all this correct... the words were coming fast and furious and I just remember getting hungrier and hungrier. (I hope I wasn't drooling...)
In addition to great food, Sonora Resort has recently joined great company - they are now a member of Relais & Chateaux.
March 26, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Mount Washington Alpine Resort, Skiing & Snowboarding
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If you look at a map of the ski runs on Mt Washington Alpine Resort, you won't find the Alpine Village run. However, throughout the original village weaves roads wide enough for a car during the summer, but only accessible by ski, board and snowboots during the winter.
I was fortunate enough to stay in one of the village chalets last week and found out there is nothing like skiing out every morning by weaving between chalets and snow-topped trees, making fresh tracks on perfect powder.
To find the trail, swoosh under the walkway between the Alpine Lodge and the Bradley Centre.
LATEST TIP 2009: Due to the epic snow conditions (see "perfect powder" above) the resort is staying open until late April this season!
March 26, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Courtenay, Skiing & Snowboarding
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I don't know if there is a Mt. Washington in Japan or not, but I was happy to find out there was sushi on the ski hill when I hit the slopes last week! Mt. Washington Alpine Resort is Vancouver Island's "local" ski hill, located slightly north of the Comox Valley.
Sushi-Mon is located at the bottom of the Hawk chairlift, across the parking lot. One of those great places you wouldn't know was there unless you knew it was there.
Upon opening the door, the crisp snow-flaked filled air was replaced by wafting smells of curry-infused yummyness (is that a word?) Time to take off my jacket, loosen my boots and fill myself up with yam tempura rolls and miso soup. By the time my food arrived I wished I had ordered one of thier ramen noodle bowls, packed with enough veggies to soften any fall on the black diamond runs. (BEWARE: HUGE portions - my miso soup was served family style. Thankfully my family was there to share.)
Unfortunately, when I asked if one of the dishes we ordered was coming, I got a bit of a snappy remark - "yes, we're a bit busy, you know." Fair enough, they were busy, and as soon as the rush calmed down the staff did as well. I won't hold it against them and I will go back and of course, recommend the place to you.
Here's another tip for you - the Alpine Cafe serves up awesome chicken fingers!
March 26, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Sightseeing Tours
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Feel like sitting down with a warm bowl of veggie chili and a hot cup of coffee (or a cold beer) after a long walk in the fresh air? This is the place for you! I recently moved to Victoria but I have already discovered one of my new favourite hang-outs. Odgen Point Cafe & Dive Centre. It's off Dallas Road and next to the cruise ship terminal.
The cafe is a cozy, neighbourhood kind of place with warm smiles and local papers being passed around, as well as the pastries and quiche. I could sit here for hours, and every second I would get a different view.
The cafe is located at the start of the Ogden Point breakwater, and sits on top of the dive shop. There is a rocky beach close by, a seawall walkway leading to Clover Point, and a small marina within view. Between the divers hitting the water (one of the best dive sites in Victoria), the joggers jogging, the kids skipping rocks, the dogs walking their owners, and the tugboats and cruise ships going to and fro, the view is ever changing. (You can often see the dog from the owner of the dive shop hitting the water too!) People watching at its best - especially if you get a coveted seat on the patio.
I recommend wearing a jacket on the breakwater as the wind can get a bit intimate - especially if you make it to marker #5. But then, what a good excuse to head into the cafe to warm up!
March 26, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Revelstoke, Backcountry Skiing
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My husband and I are back from a week in the backcountry near Revelstoke, freshly showered and now re-living our adventures. A vacation that all boils down to this: Eat. Ski. Sleep.
Skiing was the real reason we showed up. However the day we arrived, while sunny and beautiful, was another clear day in a long spell of no new snow.
But that changed quickly, because it started snowing on Monday night and didn't stop til Thursday morning. By that time, over 80cm had fallen (94cm was the tally by week's end). So much powder fell that we didn't know what to do with it - there may actually be, it turns out, such thing as too much snow. It took me a bit of time to get my mojo going, but the fun was endless - following each other through the trees with hoots and hollers, gales of laughter and the occassional scream, hitting a note somewhere between fear and joy. By Thursday though, the snow had moved on, the sun came out and our groove had set in. That was the day I had the best day of skiing. Ever. Let me tell you, a day like that leaves one with an amazing feeling of euphoria.
Here's some video from our trip; enjoy.
March 26, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Sooke, Attractions
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The Sooke region is only an easy 30-40 minute drive from downtown Victoria, B.C. Our guests at Markham House Bed and Breakfast, continually comment on the wonderful outdoor activities available in our area. Hiking in East Sooke Park is a must--one of the finest marine trails on Vancouver Island. To be able to travel west to Botanical Beach at low tide is a treat--the acres of tidal pools are filled with sea life.
Many of our slightly more adventurous guests try out the zip line , Adrenaline, in the hills of North Sooke--just behind the historic 17 mile pub--a great place to refresh after an exhilarating 2 hour wilderness experience.
Last week, some guests returned, agog, after their 3 hour Zodiac marine eco tour in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
If one likes the outdoors, Winter or Summer, The Sooke Region is truly a premier place to visit. Our guests say it is so.
March 23, 2009 | Field Reports >
Parksville, Kayaking & Canoeing
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The waters off Parksville and Nanoose are particularly peaceful on this day - except for the sea lions barking! Join Kelli Corscadden as she tours the bay and gets up close and personal with 800-pound sea lions.
March 23, 2009 | Field Reports >
Parksville, Wineries & Vineyards
Experience the premiere food and wine festival Parksville Uncorked, in Parksville, B.C. on Vancouver Island. See highlights from two of the three signature events which capture the greatest wine and culinary delights of BC.
March 23, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Dining
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My husband and I had a great dinner at Jackfish Dundees Pub out at Charlie Lake last Thursday. The food is always good, but they a special weekend menu that we ordered from.
For an appetizer we had crepes stuffed with cream cheese, capers, smoked salmon, and fresh celery. And for dinner we each had the roasted duck breast over orange slices with potatoes, mixed veggies, and portabello mushrooms. Yum!
Needless to say, there was no room for dessert that night.
It is definitely worth the short drive from town to enjoy their food and hospitality.