October 28, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Tofino, Surfing & Watersports
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Never thought it would happen but the other day I found myself on one of Sydney, Australia's northern beaches, sitting in the sand and dreaming of the surf in Canada. Sure, it didn't help that my Canuck buddies were texting me pictures of a decent Canadian west coast swell that rolled in up there while down here we were suffering a wave drought down here. But that aside, once in a while no matter how much warmer and more consistent the waves usually are in Australia I find myself longing to be bobbing in the lineup at North Chestermans, practically alone out there, staring off at snow-capped Meares Island while eagles drift and dive around me.
Didn't know BC had a decent surf scene? It's burgeoning to be certain, but it does exist. If you've got even an inkling to see Canada's west coast from the water, it's an awesome way to do it.
If you doubt me, check out Tofino-based photographer Jeremy Koreski's site: www.jeremykoreski.com. His images prove beyond words that not only are there waves to be found in Canada, but the guys who live there and ride them are nothing to be scoffed at either. And ladies, there's plenty of gals in the lineup in Canada so don't be afraid to wax up your sticks either.
Couple things to remember: you will need to rock a thicker wetsuit than you wear down here, with booties, gloves, and a hood. You can rent everything you need at an array of shops in both Tofino and Ucluelet. Don't underestimate the power of the ocean. The rips on the west coast can be pretty strong. Read the beach signs so you are surfing safely. And while you shouldn't be too worried about sharks up there, never, ever stare a sea lion in the eye. Trust me.
October 15, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Hiking
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This weekend my wife and I challenged ourselves to the Mt Finlayson trail in Goldstream Provincial Park. Caution: ditch the runners and don the hiking boots; this trail is not for the unprepared…think steep, think loose gravel, think rock face. What starts as an unforgiving vertical pathway under a rainforest canopy quickly morphs into slabs of rock where you find yourself on all fours trying to navigate your way to the summit. But alas, it’s all worth it as the panoramas of Victoria, the Olympic Mountains and surrounding waters come into view.
About half way down, we were both in desperate need of a reward so we took a side trail to Bear Mountain Resort where we found the new café, Mountain Bean Coffee. Wow, this place is over the top: leather chairs, stone fireplace, post-and-beam construction, naughty specialty coffees like Sticky Bun Latte and home brews like the Griz.
Bonus: it is peak salmon spawning season in Goldstream Creek – viewing from the bridge near the parking lot is excellent.
Goldstream Provincial Park is located approximately 20 minutes outside of downtown Victoria via Hwy 1.
October 14, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Sun Peaks Resort, Skiing & Snowboarding
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The white stuff is beginning to fly at
Sun Peaks as reported by our contacts on the hill today! Time to start doing leg lunges in preparation for another great BC ski season. I hadn't skiied for a number of years following an injury at Whistler Blackcomb, until the fine folks at Tourism Sun Peaks insisted I strap up and head down the hill a beautiful spring day early in 2008. I instantly remembered how wonderful the feeling of whipping down the hill, breeze in hair and all that stuff was. Now I am hooked again! Sun Peaks has lots of varied terrain to offer, and a fair amount of non-ski related activities too, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, apres-ski, tonnes of events...and spa.
October 10, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Art Galleries & Artists
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I had the opportunity to visit a very cool art gallery recently, located smack in the middle of Vancouver's downtown eastside..and it was well worth the visit. Centre A is Vancouver's International Centre for Contemporary Art and is located at the corner of Carrall Street and East Hastings. What is a real treat is that it is housed in one of the City's most important heritage buildings - the old BC Gas building that was where the interurban trains looped around before heading back out to the suburbs - this all many years ago of course. Now the building is home to some pretty edgy and thought-provoking Asian artwork. If you are visiting Gastown or Chinatown, or shopping at nearby Army & Navy, check out what they have to offer. But keep in mind that it is in one of the City's more colourful neighbourhoods. They are open Tuesday through Saturday.
October 10, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Anahim Lake, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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Travelling on horseback is a great way to explore the remote Chilcotin backcountry! Four of us went up into the Ilgachuz mountains north of Anahim Lake which are part of the Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park. One of the only parks in BC without any road access! We had 4 riding horses and loaded all the gear onto 3 packhorses. What a great trip. And the timing was perfect - looking back on our way down we could see the fresh snow up in the alpine, what a beautiful sight.
October 09, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Vernon, Farms & Markets
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In September, I returned to my hometown to visit with family. The fall season in the Okanagan brought back one particular memory... APPLES!!! Fall meant the peak season for apples and as a kid I remember going to a family friend's orchard to collect apples that had fallen from the trees to make apple juice. The amount of labour was intense to make the juice but the rewards were sweet and we had concentrated apple juice for the rest of the year!
We no longer make homemade apple juice but I felt the need to share my childhood memories with my nephew so we decided to go to Davison Orchard to see the "apple patches" (as my nephew describes them)!
The orchard was decorated to display the seasons harvest - great orange pumpkins, a variety of apples and squiggly shaped Goose Gourds. To get a full tour of the orchard we hopped on the tractor-pulled Apple train for a "rollicking" ride! While on the tour you had the option to get dropped off to pick your own apples off the trees. The final destination of the tour was in front of the petting farm. A donkey "hee hawed" us welcome as we walked into the farm area where we also saw some bunnies, chickens, sheep and even fed some hungry goats! Then back to the main market for some apple samples and to try their caramel apple dessert for lunch!
I think we'll be back there again as it was a memorable visit for my nephew, so good in fact that you'll see his reluctance to go home in the video when we said good bye.
October 08, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Skiing & Snowboarding
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As the fall weather has been nice here in Vancouver, I got an email today from our friends at Kicking Horse Mountain. They received their first snow of the season. They don't open until December 12th though (unless it really starts dumping earlier). I can't wait to strap on my snowboard and ride!