May 26, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Kayaking & Canoeing
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Wow, I just got back from a really cool kayaking day trip along Victoria’s Gorge Waterway. Even though my dad was a lighthouse keeper and I grew up on the water, I can’t say that I am much of an experienced boater so when we began our kayak lesson, I was a little weary. The beauty of the Gorge is that the water is so calm and protected through this narrow inlet that you can become pretty confident in no time at all. My kayak seemed to glide through the water on its own while I watched Victoria’s skyline fade into the distance.
The highlight for me was seeing an otter pop out of the water and scurry along the tide line. I don’t think the critter knew I was there and that seems to be the beauty of kayaking: one can surreptitiously float amongst the marine wildlife and they are none the wiser.
May 23, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Campbell River, Ferry
Due to a delayed departure of BC Ferry to Prince Rupert from Port Hardy, we had the opportunity to stay in Port Hardy for 4 additional days. The result was that we really discovered the beauty of the place. Lots of black bear viewings and too many bald eagles to count. Telegraph Cove is a newly updated convenient community while Alert Bay offers a valid and interesting museum of local native culture and history. I am so glad we saw what Port Hardy had to offer. I suggest you give it a chance soon. You will be impressed.
May 23, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Dining
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If you're looking for mouth watering sashimi and the biggest sushi rolls in Vancovuer, make sure you visit Samurai in the West End. Located on Davie Street, right opposite the Shopper's Drug Mart, you will not be disappointed. The mountain sized plate of fresh salmon sashimi is sure to please. Other favorites are the agadashi tofu and the spinach gomae. Yum!!
May 22, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Burnaby, Sightseeing Tours
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What better way to learn about the history, architecture, culture and secrets of a city than by going on a walking tour? And, even though I am a "local", I am a big fan of walking tours in the Vancouver area too. So, with that in mind, I ventured to the first of four "SkyTrain Explorer" walking tours that will take place over the summer months in Burnaby. The guide, well-known historican and author, John Atkin tells intriguing stories and helps his 'subjects' appreciate how communities, their homes and buildings, streetscapes and even social behaviours are shaped and influenced by urban developments such as the SkyTrain, (or its precursor, the Interurban). The tours are about 2 hours in length, the walk is manageable by most and the cost is $10.50.
May 21, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Duncan, Accommodation
We recently spent some time exploring the southern end of Vancouver Island. The simple beauty is overwhelming. Mountains, rivers, the ocean & endless greenery. Flowers! Paradise after the rugged prairie icebox we wintered!
We lucked out & discovered something quite unique. Bluenose Marina! I have never stayed on such a floating dream! Meticulously decorated & absolutely magical. What a fantastic idea we thought, a floating hotel, well your own personal float home for a few nights. Fully equipped & as comfortable as being at home. Take me back to the top deck watching the sunset & the quaint little hub settling in for the night.
There was kayaking, whale watching, mountain biking (another day) & a few funky shops to browse through. They quite possibly host the best bakery on the planet. Completely organic & many varieties to choose from. Slip next door into Hilarys cheese & then grab a nice bottle of local wine. This place really is a hidden gem, the quality of its local products are exceptional. I just had to share.
I almost forgot about the delicious seafood ceaser at Schooners. mmmmm! We'll be back! And Silverside Winery with its blackberry & raspberry wines. Many vineyards to tour as well.
May 21, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Harrison Hot Springs, Accommodation
If you've never been to Harrison Hot Springs, you need to. Whether you're from across the prairies or Vancouver - especially Vancouver, it's worth it. You don't realize how close to home so much is available.
On any day the breeze off the lake will attract sail boarding, kite boadrers, marine craft of all types andsizes and just beach bumbs. Beach activities like swimming and sand castle building happens at schduled events. There's a helicoptor ride and a river cruise you can take when it's available during the season. Renting a suitable boat is also available for that fishing or just picnic up the lake. Harrison Lake is forty miles long so you won't need to worry about crowds for a while.
If hoteling is your style, Harrison Hotel will satisfy every taste, not only in food but opulance. The Lake Side has an awesome buffet. If you're a garden buff, visiting Minter Gardens is a must. You'll see it just off the #401 as you turn north .
Golf is close by, so bring your clubs.
I hope this blog won't attract too many people and fill up the town so when I get there it there won't be any room.
May 19, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Accommodation
I am from Quadra Island. Recently my elderly parents from Saskatchewan spent a week in Victoria as part of a bus tour. Although they have been to BC on numerous occasions, this was the first time that someone else had all the planning responsibilities and did all the driving. They happened to be there over the Mothers Day weekend. I took an extra day off work and went down to meet them. It was the first time I've been with my mother on Mothers Day since the mid-80’s!
My comment here is really related to the wonderful service that they received while in Victoria, particularly from the Queen Victoria Hotel where they stayed. On Mothers Day morning we went to leave the hotel for breakfast nearby (too close to be worth driving). My father was silently grumbling (but loud enough for anyone in the vicinity to hear J ) about having to “walk” and everything being uphill etc. (remember, they are from SK). The staff at the Front desk quickly, and unsolicited, came to the rescue and offered to take us in the shuttle. They then picked us up when we were done. Later that evening the shuttle wasn’t available but they cheerfully paid for a cab for us to go out to dinner and return! What great service! It really changed the logistics of our brief visit as we were able to get my 80++ Dad out a bit further than the immediate vicinity of the hotel without having to have a dreaded walk.
While in Victoria they also greatly enjoyed being able to get to the Casino. I think the highlight for them was the shuttle trip and the casino's shuttle driver. They thought he was a great and colourful character.
On Mothers Day I took them for a drive out to Sooke. On the way home we happened to come across “Mom’s Café”. I would never have known it was there except that my “Garmin” navigation device directed me to it as the nearest restaurant. It is a bit tucked away off the main road, but what a buried treasure. Kind of a 60’s look with everything immaculate! A varied menu with a nice blend of old-time favourites and modern items. The best thing… mile high pies! Too bad we were only there for a coffee break as the menu was quite enticing and I would have liked to try it. I did try a bowl of chowder and it was one of the best I’ve tasted in my 18 years in BC!
In conclusion, I think the hospitality staff in Victoria are generally great when dealing with and anticipating the needs of seniors.
May 16, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Bowen Island, Hiking
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With the sun shining, a friend and I decided to head over to Bowen Island to get out of the city and do a bit of hiking. I caught the 8:30am ferry from Horseshoe Bay and enjoyed the scenic 20-minute sailing to Snug Cove on the quiet island community of Bowen.
The goal for the day was to hike to the top of Mount Gardner, but the first stop on the agenda was for a cup of coffee at the local coffee shop near the ferry terminal. From there, we headed first to Killarney Lake to check it out and then onto where the trail starts to Mount Gardner. The trail was quite steep as it first headed up a gravel road before branching off onto a narrow trail that wound through the forest. We had found a trail map and other information from a
Vancouver hiking site, so we had a general idea of what to expect.
After a couple of hours of hiking, we made it to the north peak where we could see one of the most amazing views. It was a fairly clear day so we could see as far as the Sunshine Coast to the north, the mountains along Howe Sound to the east, and West Vancouver and the city off in the distance.
After laying in the sun and enjoying the view for an hour or so, we headed down the opposite side of the mountain as the trail wrapped around and lead us back towards where we started. We made the final descent back down to Killarney Lake and then walked back to the Snug Cove ferry terminal. Before catching the ferry back to the mainland, we rewarded ourselves with a beer and burger on the patio of Doc Morgan's Pub next to the Marina.
Bowen Island was a great place to spend a sunny day hiking and exploring the laid back island community.
May 15, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Summerland, Wineries & Vineyards
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I visited the
Okanagan valley with my sister and my Dad for the weekend for some wine tasting at the local
wineries. It was spring and a lot of the fruit trees were in full bloom, creating wonderful landscapes. One winery on a list of "must visits" was called "Dirty Laundry" in
Summerland. We were intrigued because of the unusual name.
The friendly wine expert who assisted us with our tasting told us that the winery was named after a dry cleaning business that operated in town a long time ago. It turns our that the owner operated some other business as well. Above his dry cleaning business was an illegal casino and brothel. His dry cleaning business quickly became known as "Dirty Laundry".
The winery has adopted the name and included some cheeky quotes from famous people on one of its bottles including “It's not true I had nothing on, I had the radio on.” by Marilyn Monroe.
The wine tasted great by the way...
May 15, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Naramata, Wineries & Vineyards
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Kettly Valley Winery came recommended by a friend. I toured the
Naramata, famous for it's wines and wineries, just east of Penticton. The winery was located close to the Okanagan Lake down a hill. A picture perfect location. A lovely young woman assisted us in our wine tasting. We tried 3 or 4 wines and decided the Pinot Gris was our favourite so I bought a bottle before moving on to our next stop.