September 28, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
We've visited BC twice in the last four years. Fantastic. I don't want to share a particular experience, but just give a general tip. If you're a true shooter (photographers call themselves that), or you just like to take pictures, don't get caught short.
If you're an inlander, being on the coast will drive you crazy. Everyplace is a photo op, because there's so much coastline, and every piece of coastline offers the amazing mix of water, land, vegetation, elevation, blue sky.
First, get a decent camera no matter what level you are at. If you like landscapes, or even if you don't, you will find yourself shooting "miles-wide" images of scenery, so having a lens that goes down to 28mm, 24mm or less is great. You will likely not need much more than 120mm on the telephoto end. If you're 5 miles from something and think your 28-560 lens is the greatest thing, do yourself a favour and move closer --- it's so much better. Get more memory than you think you'll need, and unless you're crazy, don't skimp on the resolution. And above all DO NOT pretend that shooting with your phone is sufficient.
Batteries for the camera and flash if you have are critical. Don't run out while whale watching. Get a second battery if possible, and if you've been shooting all morning and then going on a whale watch, change to the second full battery beforehand unless you have an accurate battery level indicator (100 increments, not four).
And if you are running low on one media card, again, change that before you go somewhere where the environment is less than ideal. Don't expose the innards of your camera to the sea air, or worse, a splash.
If you can be happy with a water-resistant camera, get that if you're going out to sea, and make sure you have the wrist strap on your wrist, not waving loosely at the whale.
By they way, there are at least two ways to view whales. First are the "Zodiac-style" craft, that smash through the waves to find the whales. You wear a wet-suit. That can be an unfriendly environment. The second is a slower cruiser with a cabin with huge windows, as well as an outer deck. Much calmer and much friendlier to any piece of technology.
Easterners, you will discover London Drugs is invaluable if you need 'stuff' from A to Z and beyond.
September 28, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Festivals & Events
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Metchosin Day is an annual event celebrating the rural coastal community of Metchosin. This was my first time attending and I was really excited at the wonderful collaborative spirit present and the obvious pride Metchosinites take in their community.
Metchosin Day starts with a 5km run/walk, followed by a pancake breakfast. All day long there is live music (with local acts such as the high school jazz band) and entertainment, including a beer garden! My favourite event was the pet show, which included dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits and even miniature ponies. Every animal entered received a ribbon, for categories such as “happiest pet” and “softest fur”.
Many local vendors and craftspeople were present as well, selling handmade clothing, jams and preserves, and locally grown produce. Plenty of tasty food was available as well, including bannock, buttered corn on the cob and, the grand finale of the day, a lamb and salmon dinner. The lamb and salmon are cooked on display throughout the day over a constantly burning fire, so the end result is smoky and delicious.
Not only is Metchosin Day tons of fun, Metchosin itself is very beautiful and worth a visit any time. I can’t wait for next year!
September 23, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Powell River, Accommodation
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Just experienced a lovely stay at Desolation Resort in Powell River. It was wonderful to stay on the water and be able to enjoy a glass of wine on our deck and enjoy the view of Okeover Arm. The furnishings inside our 2-bdrm wood cabin were very tasteful. The night sky was incredible! Just a 5 minute walk from the amazing Laughing Oyster restaurant made this stay even more relaxing. This beautiful restaurant served delicious seafood, wonderful mushroom soup all overlooking the ocean and a setting sun.
Bring a flashlight if you walk home after sunset. It was dark, but luckily we had the full moon to guide us!
September 17, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Lillooet, Wineries & Vineyards
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Attended Lillooet's second annual Beer & Wine Harvest Festival today — it was great!
Hosted by Fort Berens Estate Winery, Texas Creek Ranch and the Bitterbine Hop Company it was great family fun. A straw bale castle, traditional playground set, and acres to to run around on, were highlights for the kids.
We elder folk enjoyed a variety of home grown musical entertainment, local crafts, produce, honey, hops and much more. Tours of the hop farm, the vineyard — by horse drawn wagon — and a very informative wine tasting!
Plenty of great artisan foods to delight your tastebuds - highlights included BBQ venison, chicken with veggies kebobs, and an awesome array of seasoned soft goat cheeses.
The day was complete with the typical blue skies and warm sunny weather for which Lillooet is celebrated. Treat yourself well — mark this on your calendar and plan to be here next year, for the 3rd annual festival. You’ll be glad you did.
September 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Kayaking & Canoeing
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One of my favourite British Columbia experiences is a canoe, a tranquil lake, and the soulful cry of loons for company.
Canoeing on Spring Lake brought back memories of all the camping trips I had done as a child. The natural beauty of the lake and the absolute stillness made the noise and bustle of city life seem a million miles away. Gliding through a marsh in the pre-dawn mist through a maze of connecting waterways, surrounded by tall reeds and floating grass islands, was almost spiritual.
I paddled past a beaver house - nobody home - and kept my eyes out for moose, which I was told could be spotted foraging in the shallow waters of the marsh. I startled two herons, which leapt from the water and took flight, their odd squawking cries echoing among the hills. Looking across the lake as sunlight crests the treetops and the mist begins to burn off, I think to myself: this is truly a magical place.
I spent four gloriously relaxing days at Spring Lake Ranch doing nothing but canoeing, horseback riding and walking the trails. Next year, I'm coming back for a week!
September 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Chemainus, Accommodation
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Wonderful experience, beautiful guesthouse, lovely surroundings... What more can I say? We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this bed and breakfast. The house is beautiful and the view of the ocean is spectacular. The bed accommodations were great; we slept peacefully. The owners are very friendly and cooked a delicious breakfast for us. We went on walks down by the beach, on a nature trail by a salmon creek and through lush greenery.
This B and B is located in a pleasant small town, Chemainus with quaint shops, friendly people and an easy drive to larger cities such as Victoria and Nanaimo.
We will be returning to this bed and breakfast again.
September 04, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Salmon Arm, Kayaking & Canoeing
Kayak trip from Canoe public wharf to Engineer's Point, the entrance to Salmon Arm Bay, where strong winds force Shuswap Kayaks to turn around and "ride" the wind and waves back...
September 01, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Sightseeing Tours
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I was born and raised on Salt Spring Island. I spent 19 of my years there before I moved away. Last weekend I visited a friend of mine in Victoria. We were trying to decide what to do -- and I say, "Can we go downtown? I'd love to see the waterfront." Her: "You have never seen the waterfront? You're from Salt Spring Island." She was immediately confused. It's funny that people often don't enjoy their own backyard -- no matter how beautiful it is.
After 27 years on this planet and inside-and-out a BC resident, my first time in downtown Victoria was a week ago. It was a gorgeous day on the island and the streets were lively. Tourists roamed from store to store, while each patio was packed with laughter.
I wasn't surprised by what I saw... the islands are home for me. I felt at peace being surrounded by water, sunshine and the hearty smell of the ocean air. We walked around in the inner harbour, checking out the Parliament buildings and fancy hotels. There were buskers and food vendors in the streets. Children perched by the waters edge waiting for seals to swim by.
My friend asked if I wanted to walk out to the point. I exclaimed: "Sure!" The walk felt like it was forever. Dallas Road runs alongside the water, so it was an enjoyable walk. We eventually reached a sign stating "Odgen Point."
At first glance, I was rather confused. Tourists were leaving the point on scooters and there were vehicles everywhere. But just around the bend was why we had come. A beautiful pier led out into the water and to the Odgen Point Lighthouse.
I have been away from the ocean for a bit and I was honestly completely overwhelmed. To be so close to the ocean with a breathtaking view of the mountains was absolutely pristine. People were fishing off the pier, the sunshine was gleaming off the water and silence filled the air.
Some 'tourists' may arrive at Odgen Point Pier and be disgusted by seaweed in the water. I loved every part of Odgen Point. There were beautiful views of the beach, the endless ocean and of island life.
Odgen Point was absolutely stunning. Downtown Victoria is picturesque. Both are sights to be seen.
September 01, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Fishing
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Port Renfrew is one of Vancouver Island's best fishing hot spots. The starting point for the famous West Coast Trail hiking route, it also offers saltwater anglers excellent salmon and halibut fishing opportunities.
Our charter, from Victoria's Island Outfitters, was scheduled to depart the Port Renfrew dock at 6 am, so we left Victoria just after 4 am - yikes! A quick stop at a 24hr Tim Hortons gave us a much needed boost: sugar and caffeine, the classic fisherman's breakfast.
From Port Renfrew it was a 20-minute run to the fishing grounds. Within minutes our guide, Dan, had the lines down and was working hard to get us "on the fish". As we trolled the shoreline the fog burnt off, revealing colourful tents and campfire smoke from hikers on the West Coast Trail. We could see boats around us landing fish, and our excitement grew as we figured we were due for one soon...
Bam...fish on!! The rod tip was wrenched down and line started peeling off the reel as I fumbled to get the rod out of the holder. Once in my hands, the fight was on...and it was a good one. Ten minutes later we had the fish aboard - a beautiful 20lb chinook salmon. After the morning "bite" died down we decided to head offshore to try for halibut. Along the way we dropped the lines for pink salmon and picked up 6 in only 10 minutes - sweet!
We anchored on one of Dan's halibut hot spots on Swiftsure Bank - this is definitely offshore water! Even on calm days there is an ever-present ocean swell. This is where the big ones are, though, and we weren't disappointed - after landing two "chickens" (the name given to 15-20 lb halibut) we hooked a beauty. After 15 minutes of hard cranking we could see it just below the surface - and when I heard Dan call for the harpoon, I knew it was a big one. When the 65 lb halibut hit the deck I was officially the happiest guy on the water.
We headed back to Port Renfrew tired, worn out and content. We stopped to check a crab pot on the way in and ended up with 15 Dungeness "keepers", a nice bonus to end the day.
This was my third fishing trip to Vancouver Island; two from Ucluelet and one from Port Renfrew. I can't wait for my next BC fishing adventure!
September 01, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Saturna Island, Whale Watching
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Highly recommend a stay at East Point Resort, Cabins 3, 4, or 6 only. These cabins are upgraded, clean and comfortable. The owners are extremely helpful and professional. The location of these 3 cabins give guests a clear view of Tumbo Channel and easy access to East Point where Orcas are known to pass by. We did see two pods. Unfortunately, cannot say the same about cabins 1 and 2, owned separately.