November 28, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Duncan, Dining
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About 30 minutes drive from
Victoria is the
Cowichan Valley, a region which is becoming known as a mecca of food and wine production. As my in-laws live in Cobble Hill, my husband and I often spend time in the area. We've spent many weekends bombing around the backroads, searching out unique nooks and crannies. Over the years, we've developed our list of "must-stops" for every visit. On the top of the list is
Merridale Cider, which is the only estate producer of sparkling hard apple cider in the province. Their not-too-sweet ciders are worth seeking out, and we usually buy a supply to take home with us. They recently opened a bistro on premises, which is a fantastic place for lunch. There's nothing I like better than their "ploughman's lunch" of cheeses and bread, accompanied by a chilled glass of cider, while overlooking the orchard. There's a number of wonderful, small wineries in the area too. My mother-in-law favors Glenterra's "Brio" as her house white, and it's a perfect summer sipper. Nearby
Venturi Schulze winery produces wines that are a real treat, and we always ensure we have a ready stock of their "Millefiori" on hand. Winter might be approaching but the Cowichan is has the mild temperatures of Southern Vancouver Island that rarely drops below freezing. I'm looking forward to a couple days in the Cowichan soon.
November 25, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Shopping
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When I visit a new city, I love to discover items I'll never find at home. Here's a few of my favourite local clothing shops in Vancouver that'll have your friends asking "Where'd you get that?" when you get home: Dream in Gastown boasts that 98% of the store is stocked with local designers. The funky boutique has clothes, handbags, jewelery and other accessories. This is truly a favourite of mine, especially for the
Funk Shui felted wool hats and scarfs, and
Angelfish necklaces and earrings. South Main Street - dubbed "SoMa" by some, has a growing collection of fantastic independent stores.
Narcissist Designs is hands down my favourite for simple - yet unique - dresses. just a few doors away is the
Barefoot Contessa, where 'pretty' is given an edgy side. And
Eugene Choo is so darn cool it hurts. For shoe afficianados,
Gravity Pope on 4th Avenue is like coming home. Shoes that only existed in your wildest dreams live here. My most recent purchase is a colourful pair of rubber boots, perfect for the west-coast weather - they make a rainy day very fun. If you need some help navigating the choices, there'a tour company that'll take you to the best finds.
Shopabout Tours has a range of half-day excursions to different neighbourhood to check out the merchants.
November 03, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Skiing & Snowboarding
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The snow that's begun falling in great big flakes across the province has got me thinking about plans for this year's ski season, and remembering great ski trips in BC from past years.
Whistler Blackcomb is a regular and popular feature in my ski plans every year. It's only two hours drive from Vancouver, so an easy trip out of town to one of the most giant mountain playgrounds ever. And there's so much terrain that we rarely find ourselves repeating the same runs (except for favourites), or having to wait in a lift line. If we have more than a couple of days, we like to venture a bit further afield. I'm always keen to go to
Sun Peaks Resort, about 4.5 hours drive from Vancouver, located a bit north of Kamloops. This resort has nice wide cruiser runs, some fun tree runs, and a great village with a real community feel. My husband loves the mountain too; as a telemarker he finds lots of company on the slopes. Not far away is
Silver Star Resort, about the same distance from Vancouver. We'll often rent a large house on the mountain with a group of friends, and stock the kitchen with bread from the on-hill bakery and other hearty goodies. After the lifts close and night falls, we'll head out for a turn at the tube park, or wander to the village for a drink or two. It's become a tradition for us to head to
Mount Washington on Vancouver Island on the days after Christmas. The views from the snowy slopes down to the green valley and blue ocean are fantastic. As the first mountains off the Pacific Ocean, Mount Washington often gets loads of snow as the weather systems pass through. Skiing in the Canadian Rockies is another experience e