May 20, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Nelson, Art Galleries & Artists
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Originally not from the Kootenays, I arrived here about a year ago. The astounding beauty of the place captured me, and I decided to stay for a while, hiking and exploring the area.
I settled down in East Shore of the Kootenay Lake to find myself ever more attracted to the colorful community, and in specific, to the abundant art forms.
This is when I started to take on the photography of the area as almost a mission. I am a photographer, and having arrived here, I found the opportunity to mingle my artistic talent with this community of art and this colorful nature.
May 19, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Comox, Outdoor Activity Tours
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In this episode Josie explores her own backyard and shows how
diverse Vancouver Island truly is. Downhill Mountain Biking,
Snowboarding, Skiing, and Surfing all in the same week!
Josie talks
with residents about their passion for the outdoors and how freeing it
can be. Visit Mt. Washington, Mt. Cain, Port Renfrew, and Tofino.
Featuring Downhill Mountain Bike Racer Simon Garstin plus Sitka and
Quicksilver surf team riders.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGPtCPlosH4
May 19, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Richmond, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Britannia Heritage Shipyard located in Steveston, BC, Canada is truly a unique step back in time. Steveston was the world's busiest deep water fishing port at the end of the 20th century, dotted with 15 fish canneries, hotels, saloons, and gambling dens. Her boardwalks reflected the voices of Japanese, Chinese, Native Indian, and European immigrants, as well as sailors from around the world. The Britannia Heritage Shipyard is now a
National Heritage Site. There is a cannery, boatyard, net loft and restored residences here.
As you slowly wander along the boardwalk,
you can hear the cries of seagulls, eagles,
and hushed echoes of the past. Or was I only imaging the past cries of fishermen who loved the sea and make their homes along her shores?
May 18, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Hope, Attractions
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Saturday afternoon was a great summer day, so a friend and I headed out to Hell's Gate near Hope to check it out. Part of the fun was the drive itself - within an hour or so you can leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and drive a scenic, winding road along the Fraser River and through a series of tunnels (don't forget to hold your breath & make a wish!).
Once we got to Hell's Gate (about 3 hrs. from Vancover), we hopped on the airtram that crosses the Fraser River at its narrowest point. This section is notorious for its current - twice the volume of Niagara Falls passes through there! After a short ride across, we got to the other side and spent some time walking across the suspension bridge and checking out the displays on the history of the river. To cap it off, we ordered a delicious salmon burger from the cafe and ate it on the patio in the sun - so nice and relaxing!
May 17, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Tofino, Whale Watching
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A day out on the water with Jamie's Whalewatching means more than whales, though they are undoubtedly the star attraction. We certainly saw a few lovely grey whales spouting and showing off from aboard our covered 65-foot cruiser (nice and warm, and there was coffee, tea and hot chocolate!). The greys were feeding near Tofino's Long Beach, which the on-board Jamie's staff explained was a good spot these days (mid-May).
But we also saw eagles, some super-speedy black harbour porpoises, a lone harbour seal and dozens of barking Steller sea lions on our three-hour trip.
And the best bit? Marine animals don't really care if it's raining (and it was for us) - so you're pretty much guaranteed some good sightings with Jamie's no matter what! A great day out on the Tofino waters...
May 15, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Parksville, Accommodation
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Been meaning to stay at Parksville's in-the-woods/on-the-beach lovely resort, Tigh-Na-Mara for a while, and finally had a chance during our recent roadtrip across Vancouver Island. Was fab - our ocean-view sat practically right on the ocean overlooking the amazing Rathtrevor Beach. When the tide is out on Rathtrevor, there's a sand beach covered in blacky-purple sand-dollars, clams and seaweed that goes on for almost literally, MILES. (I know, I walked out until I hit surf and it took about 45 minutes).
After our relaxing beach walk, we met up with friends and had a drink and pub food at TNM's bar, the Copper Room. But the best bit? Why not relax even more after a relaxing day? We did! We headed to the Grotto Spa to sit in the spa's mineral pool and jacuzzi. Great way to unwind by the ocean. (Not to mention that just past Parksville is the quaint little town of Qualicum Beach - which is also worth a visit). A great day out in Oceanside.
May 15, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
North Vancouver, Hiking
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On Thursday, May 13, 2010, myself (60 years old), my daughter( 22 years old ) and a friend (24 yrs), hiked from Lynn Canyon to Deep Cove. The estimated time for the hike was 5 hours but we wanted to do it in 3 1/2. No Problem! It was 22 degrees celsius, no rain, a perfect day for a hike. We started at 8:40 a.m.
The first part of the hike was up, very steep in some places and less steep in others. The scenery is BC at its best, sun filtering down thru the fir trees. The trail is excellently maintained, bridges over the many creeks, well marked except near the end (the last 1.6 km.) We missed the trail at the Indian Arm Lookout and went down a long way and had to hike back up so the hike ended up taking us 4 hours, plus the friend had a breathing problem and we had to go slow. Could easily do it in 3 hours next time. Today is Saturday and going up and down stairs has been difficult to say the least but I went for a bike ride today and I'll be out running tomorrow.
BC has got to be the most beautiful place in the world to hike, so accessible, so close to home and yet far away.
May 13, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Delta, Bird Watching
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One of the best bird watching areas in the Vancouver area is the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, located in the community of Delta, a short drive south of Vancouver.
Serious birders will know that there have been over 280 species of birds recorded here, but for the casual observer (like me) all you need to know is - this place is FUN!
You can easily spend a few hours meandering along the trails and raised dykes that criss-cross the estuary. If you're feeling lonely you can buy a bag of feed from the onsite Visitor Centre and you will instantly have more "friends" than you know what to do with!
The Reifel bird sanctuary is a great place to take the family, or for anyone just wanting to spend some time outdoors. The scenery is fantastic, and you'll see tons of cool stuff - the Sandhill Cranes are huge!
Cool tip: watch for the funky community of houseboats along River Road when you drive in.
May 13, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
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My name is Ali, and I work a the visitor's centre in Smithers. This is my second summer working as a visitor information counsellor, and I'm excited to be back for four months of hiking, biking, canoeing, swimming, shopping, eating and everything else that Northern BC has to offer(and happens to be quite good at). One of my favorite areas in Smithers is the Twin Falls. Set at the base of our beautiful Hudson Bay Mountain, melted glacier water turns into a set of falls that are a 15 minute drive out of town(another perk about Smithers- you really don't have to drive that far to get anywhere) and can be hiked close enough to to get soaked. On a hot summer day, there's nothing better. I will post more later on my favorite spots around Smithers, and tips for travelling around the Bulkley Valley.