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October 9, 2009 | Tips from Us > Vancouver, Aquariums
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There's a fab new exhibit at the amazing Vancouver Aquarium and I was privileged to be invited to its opening last night. Canada's Arctic - In the Grip of Change is a truly wonderful and educational exhibition featuring stunning photography about the animals, people, landscape and conservation and environment of the country's most remote areas including Iqaluit and Resolute Bay.
The exhibit also features a few tanks (baby arctic char, some really pink and fluffy arctic anenomes and "zooanthids", skeleton and Greenland shrimp and weird, tiny hedgehog anthropods) and some pretty cool and interactive "multi-tap" tables (imagine a table that's like an iPhone screen - you can tap, enlarge, move about digital images and videos, and they will automatically show you how the images connect together.).
Of course the most fascinating backdrop for this exhibit of all this is the wonderful and growing beluga family swimming behind you. Watch Aurora and her new calf, a smiley and nuzzling not-so-little girl) or Qila and Tiqa, as they all play about.
It's a great use for a popular room - and now, even more informative and fascinating than ever.
October 9, 2009 | Tips from Us > Vancouver, Aquariums
I am a sucker for aquariums. I turn into a kid at these places - running about, pressing my nose up against glass. And in all my travels, no aquarium has impressed me as much as the amazing Vancouver Aquarium (though Ucluelet's tiny touch pools and one-room Aquarium is also pretty special).
And now, it's also even more fascinating - it's currently home to a growing beluga whale family: Aurora, Tiqa, Qila and an as-yet-unnamed wee (okay, maybe not so wee) baby beluga share space at this fabulous aquarium, known for its conservation, education and innovative projects. One new exhibit (which opens today, October 9) is their stunning photo and interactive display on Canada's Arctic. Learn more about the Arctic, while watching as the white and baby-grey belugas swim and smile in the background.
May 18, 2009 | Tips from Us > Richmond, Whale Watching
I am an absolute sucker for whales and marine animals, and knowing that the ocean playground near my home in Vancouver is teeming with life makes it that much more interesting. So when I had the chance to go with a local company, Vancouver Whale Watch , on a four-hour whalewatching tour, I had to jump at the chance. Their shuttle bus collected me from downtown Vancouver, and took us to the historic fishing village of Steveston, in Richmond , BC, where we jumped on covered boat and headed out to sea.
It being late April when I made my trip, it was still a bit early in the whale season, but I learned that all the whalewatching companies who share the waterspace around Vancouver Island, San Juan Islands in the US and around the Vancouver Islands "talk" to each other over their radios, to alert others if they've spotted a pod. So the likelihood of seeing whales is actually really high between late April and October.
And even if you don't, there was no shortage of other water life! We saw dozens of eagles pearching, California sea lions, a Dall's porpoise, and literally tons (of fun) Stellar Sea Lions, who we got up close to (keeping a safe distance, of course!) and got to hear them grumble and belch at us.
But so far, the whales had eluded us. Until... success! Two enormous Grey Whales, who the naturalist said hadn't been in these waters for two years, were spotted by another boat crew. So we headed over to find these shallow-water feeders munching happily and loping around us.
Alas, we didn't see any whale tails, or the typical Orcas that one sees at the height of the season. But we did see lots of spouting off - and Orcas or not, it's pretty incredible to see these things in their natural habitat.
It was an absolutely fabulous way to spend a sunny day!
April 5, 2009 | Tips from Us > Vancouver, Festivals & Events
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When I first moved to Vancouver one of the things that impressed me the most about the city is that there's a defining moment when you know that spring has finally arrived. Two years on, I still look forward to the time when the city literally blossoms and explodes with colour and pinkness for the first time.
Visiting Vancouver at the end of March and beginning of April is always a treat - the crocus are out, and the cherry blossoms line every street. Their arrival ushers in warmer and longer days and it somehow lifts everything. The city also holds its annual
Cherry Blossom Festiva l too - lots of music, events and celebrations around town.
Here's a picture taken just off of Granville and 7th in Vancouver - I think it's fair to say that spring has truly sprung!
March 1, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Richmond, Sightseeing Tours
What to do on a lovely sunny day? Pay a visit to the fishing village of Steveston, in Richmond, BC! It's about a half-hour drive from Vancouver. Buy fresh fish and prawns right off the boats near the pier, have fish n' chips overlooking the marina or wander around town and check out the Historic Gulf of Georgia Cannery or Steveston Museum. Steveston's also got some lovely specialty food stores, including a fabulous Italian one called Papi's Market. ps, this video was shot in the end of February - check out the crocuses coming up!
December 16, 2008 | Tips from Us > Pemberton, Other
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So there I was at Vancouve r's International Airport, waiting to pick up my mum, who was arriving from Toronto, when I heard this come over the tannoy: "Would those people joining the Jamaican Bob Sledding Team event, please make your way over to carousel number 6". I thought, huh? Are you serious, the Jamaican Bob Sled team? They've had a film (Cool Runnings ) made out of their story!" In fact, it's a really interesting tale - a bunch of guys in Jamaica decide they're going to form a bob sledding team, get recognized and compete at the 1988 WINTER Olympics. And they did! It's was a ridiulousy feel-good story, so of course, I couldn't pass up a chance to officially welcome the team to BC!
I dispatched my husband to pick up my mum (it was a toss-up, collect my mother or go see athletic Jamaicans who normally wear lycra), while I wandered over to Carousel 6 to investigate. There, a motley crew of reporters, film crews, fans and representatives from Pemberton (a community near Whistler) were gathered. Pemberton and the Copper Dome Lodge there are hosting the team as part of their 2009-2010 North American Training Camp.
Soon enough the athletes arrived - and we waved Jamaican and Canadian flags to welcome them. I've attached one quick mobile-phone pic of one of the team, sorry for the quality. The team were given Pemberton hats and beamed from ear to ear. Fans and team members alike seemd excited. It was a real reminder about the spirit and drive required to make it to the Olympic Winter Games, and I felt pretty excited to have chanced upon their arrival.
So if you're heading up to Pemberton over the next little while, be sure to keep your eye out for the team and cheer them on as they train!
Go Canada, of course, but go Jamaica, too!
September 23, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Vancouver, Markets Vancouver, Markets
BC has some of the most amazing farmer's markets, brimming with delicious, local produce. I got a good recommendation to check these out, so went to the Trout Lake Farmer's Market in Vancouver, which runs every Saturday, May-October. There's a winter one too at WISE Hall in East Vancouver, which is on alternate Saturdays from November 8 through until April. It's a must-do for visiting foodies!
August 29, 2008 | Tips from Us > Williams Lake, Interpretive Centres
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I never thought I'd get excited about a Visitor's Centre. Certainly,
Visitor's Centres here in BC are wonderful things - brimming with brochures, helpful staff, and the best place to get an idea of what to do when you're in town, or heading out on a great adventure. They're a must-stop on any road trip, but I can't say I've really walked away from one thinking "wow, that's pretty cool". But the
Tourism Discovery Centre in Williams Lake ? An absolutely brilliant place if you're passing through the Cariboo.
This enormous and beautiful log wood structure is not only a stunning-looking building, it houses a multitude of things to, yes, discover inside. On our visit, we were greeted by incredibly friendly volunteers, and impressed by the architecture. Inside was a massive, painted tree that stretched from its preserved, exposed roots in the basement, right to the top of the roof. There were stacks of brochures and flyers neatly arranged, a flat screen TV showing area attractions, a map, a full-service service center desk, a wonderful gift shop and a very welcome cafe serving organic coffees, fresh-baked sweets and food. They've even got free wi-fi and two computers for travellers' use.
The best bit? The log-cabin-within-the-log-cabin. Visitors wishing to get a feel for the history and spirit of the
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast can go sit on warm, comfy sofas and chairs inside what feels like a real log cabin's living room (complete with framed photos, lamps, and a fireplace), and watch a clever and interesting 10-minute video about the CCC region. It's more like a multimedia show, actually. And it's a nice place to unwind for a bit after a day of driving, for sure. And speaking of driving, you can't miss the Discovery Centre's car, either. It's parked in the middle of the visitor centre - heaped high to the rafters with gear for all manner of outdoor activities - giving visitors like me an idea of what sort of adventures I could get up to!
July 4, 2008 | Tips from Us > Sooke, Dining
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Just got back from the foodie haven (and romantic getaway) in Sooke at the acclaimed Sooke Harbour House and restaurant. Not only is the inn and its rooms stunning (hallways and unique, spacious rooms decorated with amazing local art, fab little patios that overlook Whiffen Spit - which makes a great walk - and the mountains with great views of the otters playing in the bay. One otter even visited us in the garden!), and the service absolutely top-flight, but we had a chance to dine at their fantastic restaurant, which I can't recommend enough. For real foodies, this place is truly remarkable. Chef Tuson and his team fully subscribe to the 100-mile diet and EVERYTHING on the menu (with the exception of chocolate, coffee and orange juice for drinks) is sourced from local suppliers, grown on Vancouver Island or in the Harbour House's stunning and remarkable organic gardens. Your food will likely have been picked or delivered fresh that morning.
We had a four-course meal (about $75 not including wine/service) that we rate as among the best we've ever had. You've never had salads like the salads here - filled with unusual and delicious herbs, leaves and flower petals! The lamb melted in our mouths and the desserts - a rhubarb souffle that was astounding and a white chocolae mousse with edible rose petals and crazy sorbets - were remarkable. Plus, SHH also offers its visitors a free Garden tour in the mornings, where you can learn about what the gardens grow, and how they're used in your meals. You'll be eating fronds and herbs left right and centre and discovering all sorts of joyous combinations. Sooke is an easy drive from Victoria too (while in Victoria, be sure to have fish & chips or grilled fish from the little take-away joint "Red Fish Blue Fish" right on the wharf), but you can also take the #61 bus from Downtown Victoria and then a quick cab from downtown Sooke. SHH isn't cheap but it is stunning on all accounts.
June 26, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Vancouver, Air
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I'm not much of a flyer, but recently took my first floatplane return trip Vancouver-Victoria and am a total convert! What can be better than hopping aboard a plane right in Vancouver's downtown, and flying over sandflats, houses, the Lion's Gate Bridge, beautiful islands, vast expanses of water and golf courses, before touching down in Victoria's central harbour a mere 35-minutes later? I love the ferry ride, certainly, but you can't beat the speed and fun of bundling aboard a little plane and peering into the blue below (I even spotted an eagle and what I think was a dolphin or a small grey whale - yes, I'm certain it wasn't a rock or a log)! We flew over with
Harbour Air , and I heartily recommend the journey. Next time you need to nip over to the island, it's the only way to go. It's quick, and while not cheap, makes it easier to get to where you want to be. Plus, the views are incredible!
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