May 14, 2007 | Tips from Us >
Squamish, Surfing & Watersports
Find more information about Squamish - Surfing & Watersports
View a larger image on flickr.com
The Howe Sound wind forced me to sit lower and lower on the rocks, allowing the jutting spit to block the morning air from reaching my stinging ears.
Despite their wet suits, the kite surfers swore at the cool BC water, and shared their energetic hoots and hollers with us onlookers as they stomped the waves. And then they would soar off again, into the snow-capped mountains or Shannon Falls or against the cargo ship docked on the opposite shore. I sat and shot away, and relished in the action as they played. The spit ranks right up there with the best wind-surfing and kite-surfing spots in the world.
May 11, 2007 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Attractions
Find more information about Vancouver - Attractions
Last night I had the opportunity to have dinner with the beluga whales at the Vancouver Aquarium. I have been fascinated with belugas ever since I grabbed my pillow, put on my pj's, and joined an aquarium sleepover a few years ago (yes, I brought my young son with me). Despite the late night, it was magical to follow the belugas around the tank and then into my dreams.
So dinner last night was followed by a nice slice of pool-side pie and a splash of "artic" sea water. Those blubbery beluga tails look small, but they can pack a punch! Fortunately I stood up fast enough to evade most of the over-the-fence wave.
And I didn't know this, but you can get into the pool with a trainer to feed, touch, and train one of the belugas. When you are that close to them, there is no way to move when they splash you - full soaking is included in the encounter. Fortunately, so is a wet suit.
Check out the live Beluga cam on the Aquarium website.
May 11, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Kamloops, Fishing
Find more information about Kamloops - Fishing
View a larger image on flickr.com
I just returned from a fishing trip at
Roche Lake Resort, 30 minutes south of
Kamloops in the interior of BC.
Roche Lake is weel known in the world of fly fishing as being a top-rated destination for anglers. I have been there two years in a row and found the entire place to be a great BC experience.
We camped in well maintained sites and had access to free firewood, hot showers, a pool and a hot tub for around $30/night. There are also modern Chalets that you can rent for quite a bit more. There is also a forestry site on the lake as well for around $9/night with no amenities.
The fishing was made much more enjoyable because we were given some expert advice from the staff on what lures to use. There is also a man-made spawning stream right beside the boat launch that you can stand beside and watch the fish do their thing.
Boat rentals are available. The restaurant serves up a good dinner for around $15-20.
May 10, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Peachland, Dining
This is a great family restaurant right on the lake. It has a wonderful multi-layered patio with hidden little corners to nestle into. It's in Peachland so it's a good place to stop if you're heading north from Penticton towards Kelowna or Vernon.
May 09, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Port Hardy, Outdoor Activity Tours
Find more information about Port Hardy - Outdoor Activity Tours
View a larger image on flickr.com
We were touring the Island in our motorhome and decided take a different route home. We prebooked passage on 'The Queen of the North' and so when it was time we headed to Port Hardy, and drove our motorhome onto the ship and left for Prince Rupert. It was an amazing journey, lasting 15 hours. We went past small communities like Bella Bella, and other smaller ones, many light houses, and some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. This was about 18 months ago, and unfortunately, that ship sank!! Yikes!! I hear they have a new one, and are still getting some bugs out of it. Hopefully it will have better luck than the last one. It's called Northern Adventure, and we are planning on going back soon. I would recommend it to anyone.
May 09, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Port Hardy, Gardens
View a larger image on flickr.com
A little known wonder on North Vanc. Is. is this garden, growing amid the rain forest trees. A man named Bernt Ronning lived here in the early 1900,s. He got seeds from all over the world and planted them here. There are many exotic trees, flowers and shrubs growing here, including 'monkey puzzle trees', which there are seedlings available to those who wish to have one and grow it in their own yard. The trees in the centre of this picture are these trees. This place is amazing and well worth the drive. Go west from Port Hardy on the Holberg to Cape Scott road. About half way to Cape Scott is the sign. It's a 15 minute walk to the Garden.
May 07, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Attractions
Find more information about Vancouver - Attractions
View a larger image on flickr.com
I had a great time at Science World this year.
May 07, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Port Hardy, Sightseeing Tours
View a larger image on flickr.com
A quiet cove called Hecate Cove, near Quatsino, a small settlement on Quatsino Sound on the north end of Vancouver Island. We have a lot here that we eventually want to build a cottage on for our get-away place. Can't wait!
May 02, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Museums
Find more information about Victoria - Museums
View a larger image on flickr.com
This is a great experience. There are not only the artifacts recoevered from the bottom of the ocean but actors in costume -- you can talk to them and ask them questions. I had more photos from my previous blog entry that I wanted to post so here is one.
May 01, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Campbell River, Beaches & Swimming
View a larger image on flickr.com
Of the beaten path slightly - but well worth the Ferry trip from Campbell River is this park beach on Malcolm Island.
It's secluded, peaceful and the greatest number of multicoloured smooth pebbles....
We came home with a few to remember the trip by.