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September 22, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Ucluelet, Wildlife Viewing - Marine & Land
The best part of our early September 2009 trip to Vancouver Island was the five-hour wildlife-nature boat tour of Barkley Sound and the Broken Group Islands--the labor of love of Alan and Toddy Landry. Their boat leaves from Ucluelet. As we cruised through the gorgeous island-dotted seascape, we saw a bear pushing over boulders on a beach as though they were made of styrofoam, whales, bald eagles, seals, and sea lions. The boat was lovely--beautifully appointed and comfortable--and the lunch and endless supply of good coffee made the experience gracious and homey. There were only fourteen tourists on the boat (maximum is about 23), and the owner-captains provide an informative commentary during the tour and make you feel as though you are welcome guests in their home.
September 21, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Port McNeill, Jet Boating
I had looked at the Nimpkish River for a couple of years trying to determine if it is passable in a power boat. I checked it out as best as possible on Goggle Earth as there are no people I know of which have actually challenged the river with a jet boat. After the rains over the past few weeks the river had signifigantly come up, so I decided to try it with my white water race boat. It was very challenging, but I made it almost all the way to Woss. This river is quite different from the rivers that I have previously run it. Specifically, the water is very clear, it is very fast in some section, and obstacles are quite numerous. It is not what I would consider recommending to someone to attempt who has little experience. Never the less, I was able to navigate it without incident, and managed an average speed of 40 mph. This is not bad considering that this river is narrow and winding and I had never been on it before. Unfortunately, I did not take a camera on this trip, but neither myself or my navigator would have had opportunity to use it. I am planning to mount a video camera in the near future to the top of my roll bar, this is the only way to record this kind of adventure. I am going to do it again when I have the time, and the water levels are appropriate. Let me say, this was a very good exiting trip, however if anyone contemplates doing something like this keep in mind that proper safety gear is absolutely mandatory as this river would be unforgiving in the event of a mishap, and it is totallly out in the wilderness
September 21, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Harrison Hot Springs, Scenic Drives
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My wife and I have stayed at South Garden Bed and Breakfast 6 times over the last 6 years. We travel extensively in US, Canada, Mexico and internationally and stay mostly in B&Bs. South Garden B&B in Agassiz near Harrison Hot Springs. British Columbia, is by far our most favorite. Wonderfully done rooms (we stay in Garden Room) look out over beautiful lawn and flowers. The surround grounds are peaceful and serene and very refreshing for mind and body. Lovely touches include small waterfall, outside hot tub, wooden bridges, hammock, swinging chair, lots of beautiful flowers, large weeping willow tree, and beautful wood and metal bench. Breakfast, which you order off menu with time to be delivered, comes to your door so you can enjoy in the comfort of your own room. Food is always wonderful and a real treat. Hospitality and customer service are always outstanding from the owners, John and Jacquie, with warm and winning personalities. We most strongly recommend South Garden B&B to any traveler and we look forward to returning again in the fall next year.
September 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Kelowna, Swimming Pools
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H2O is somewhat of a clichéd name for a swimming complex but also rather cool at the same time (yes, I am aware that this is a total contradiction). My designer side thinks that naming a water complex ‘H2O’ is rather obvious – but I also feel that the name will really resonate with the target audience. It is also a short and easily branded name which is cool.
My design ramblings aside, the pool was BRILLIANT. It was costly at $19 for two adults, but you could stay in there for hours.
They had two large swimming pools (one which was reserved for lane swimming), diving area, three slides (one of which was in total darkness which was lots of fun) and an adult- only hot tub.
There was another hot tub reserved for families; a kids slide and play area; a wave pool and a large strong-current section.
My favourite ‘attraction’ at H2O was the surfing ‘pool’, where people could surf a man made wave. It was great watching people with all levels of ability from the super- tanned buff guys standing up on the board to some larger heavier males pulling some quite clever tricks on the body board.
Upstairs there is a gym which overlooks the whole water complex and there is a juice bar and snack area too.
On the way back to the car we also noticed that the exterior lighting around the building utilized solar panels to gain their power, a really eco-friendly system to recommend.
Was it worth $19, well if you are used to paying $12 for two then the little extra is definitely worth it especially for the occasional visit.
September 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Harrison Hot Springs, Accommodations
Find more information about Harrison Hot Springs, Accommodations
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Except from my name on the room reading as ‘Natt Samyciawoo’ I have nothing negative to say about our one night stay at the resort.
We had booked a campsite in Harrison but due to torrential rain we abandoned that plan and went to the nicest hotel in town instead (a wise move if we say so ourselves!).
The room was small and a little cramped due to it being old. We had lots of baby stuff including a crib in the room which didn’t help matters.
This hotel has six pools. Yes, six! They all get their hot water from the natural hot springs. They differ in temperature which is great for the whole family.
Some are indoors, the others outside. Oh, did I mention the spa as well? My wife had a pedicure while my daughter(2years old) and I bounced on the bed and watched nature programs with ‘monkeys’ and other animals she recognized .
The next morning included a buffet breakfast and a return to the hot springs to relax and play.
The room was $159 per night which is not cheap but rather than being damp or even wet in our tent we feel it was well worth the expense.
The true test of an hotel like this is “does it feel like you have been away longer than one night?” and the answer is a definite YES.
September 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Harrison Hot Springs, Dining
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This was our second meal at Harrison Hot Springs and once again the customer service was excellent.
The typically German-themed restaurant was nothing special, but fitting for a very small town. The food was authentic and really satisfied the hunger groans in my stomach. The waitress was amazing, personable and made a personal connection with our child and was very accommodating.
As we ordered she said they would get on to our child’s meal ASAP knowing that she was hungry. This was very thoughtful and a great touch.
Interior: 7 out of 10
Food: A good 6 out of 10
Customer service: 8 out of 10
September 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Harrison Hot Springs, Dining
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As we entered this small café I saw the young waitress behind the counter, she looked bored and angry and I thought ‘oh great, grumpy youth of today’.
This could not have been further from the truth. She was so, so, so polite and accommodating. I love it when I am thinking a negative thought and it turns out to be totally wrong. It is always a good reminder to be “open” and not so judgmental.
We had eaten there a few years earlier and thought it would be good to return. It was also the only place open as it was super early. The food was good for a breakfast joint, not greasy and was a good size meal for the amount paid. But as stated earlier, it was the customer service that made it special.
Interior: 6 out of 10
Food: A good 6 out of 10
Customer service: 8 out of 10
September 16, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Sidney, Dining
Made the short trip out to Sidney from Victoria, BC a couple of weeks back on a sunny summer evening. Ended up at Beacon Landing Waterfront Bar and Grill. A real gem. Very impressive views from throughout the restaurant of the waterfront, ocean and mountains in the background. Wish I had known about this place sooner. Had the Tuna Tataki for an appy and the Filet steak for dinner. All of it melt-in-your mouth fantastic and the whole time drinking in the beautiful views.
Highly recommend you make the trip out to Sidney by the Sea and stop by Beacon Landing. It's right on the beach at the end of Beacon Drive. I.e. no roads or parking lots between you and the waterfront. Seafood was amazing. They have a large patio, a fully-licenced bar and lounge side, as well as a restaurant side where you can bring the kids. Enjoy!
September 15, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Victoria, Whale Watching
Find more information about Victoria, Whale Watching
Nearing the mouth of Active Pass, on our way to Schwartz Bay, our ferry passed a pod of 20-30 Orca whales.
They were swimming pretty fast- I think they might have been trying to escape forming a lifelong connection with Jason James Richter.
Definitley a very surreal, and cool moment. Especially, after just commenting about how I'd "Never seen a whale in the wild before". Give that phrase a try when you're leaving Tsawwassen.
September 15, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Kamloops, Beaches & Swimming
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Riverside Park is a large city park with a number of amenities not offered at the other Kamloops beaches including:
• washroom facilities,
• concession stand (varying hours),
• beach with a life guard,
• a number of picnic tables and benches,
• kids water park,
• tennis courts,
• two playgrounds,
• large trees for shade,
• open grass areas,
• a pier,
• and is within easy walking distance to an ice cream shop (Scoopz) and a number of restaurants - yummy!
This is a great family beach and this is where I’d recommend if you’re traveling with your family and have no dogs.
Riverside Park is beautiful and I love to have a picnic there and then walk up to Scoopz to grab an ice cream.
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