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Vancouver Eating On A Budget
Known for its wonderful restaurants and great food, traveling to Vancouver is a treat both for the eyes and the stomach. For the first time travelers to Vancouver, the city has its own Pacific Northwestern cuisine, a local style of cooking where cooking methods use only a selection of the most fresh of ingredients.
Specialties in Vancouver include crab, scallops and sablefish. Also, the city is known as a mixing pot of immigrants from all over Asia and Europe which influenced the variety of dishes and style of cooking available in the area. You can see a seemingly perfect synergy of Asian restaurants may they be Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese or Thai, and European establishments like French, Greek, Italian, Spanish and Mexican restaurants.But for the lowly traveler who eats on a tight budget, one does not need to use all their travel allowance to get to enjoy the Vancouver food. The following are some of the well known restaurants in the city that offer the unique tastes of Vancouver at very affordable costs.
The Samurai Sushi House
Located at 5888 Cambie St., Vancouver, BC, this small shop is quite popular because of their relatively large servings. Fresh sushi, cheap and pieces so large that it is absolutely hard to complain.Stepho’s
If you get tired of Sushi, you should try Stepho’s. This one is a Greek restaurant located at 1124 Davie Street. For less than $10 CDN you can get a huge delicious meal. Be sure to go there early though, since the place is so popular that you can expect a line out the door after after 5:30pm.Cheesecake Etc.
A small dessert place on Granville Street. The ambiance is great but the place is really tiny so sitting a whole pack of friends can be a little troublesome. It’s more of a date place. They offer wonderful specialty coffees for $3 or less and the desserts are to die for.Shabusen Yakiniku House
This time its a Korean BBQ dining place. Located at 202 - 755 Burrard St., this restaurant serves Korean BBQ and sushi for a little over $20. It can be a little pricey compared to the other establishments mentioned so far, bu still the grilled marinated meat won’t leave you hungry.Gigi’s Pizza Spaghetti House
If you want to go Italian, this is the place to be. Imagine tasty and filling pasta dishes for under $10. The baked pasta dishes are big enough to share so you can actually save more if you’re with a group.Guu Izakaya
Some say that Guu Izakaya is Vancouver’s best kept secret. The restaurant serve small dishes of Japanese food but the place is very authentic. You can see a lot of Japanese eating here, mostly exchange students.Posted in Attractions
September 28th, 2007 / No Comments
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The Energetic City
Located in the northeastern part of British Columbia is a small city that is known for its natural resources of oil, natural gas, forestry and agriculture and a generally young, energetic and enthusiastic populace. The City of Fort St. John is known throughout Canada as the “The Energetic City.”
This small city of about 17,000 people is a member municipality of the Peace River Regional District. The city has a land area of about 22 km² (8 mi²), the largest city in the northeastern British Columbia. Fort St. John is actually on a plateau above the Peace River Valley and is 73 kilometers (45.5 miles) northwest of Dawson Creek and 387 kilometers (240 miles) southeast of Fort Nelson.
It was the early pioneers that built Fort St. John. It began as a trading post in 1794 and is now considered as the oldest European-established settlement in present-day British Columbia. The construction of the Alaska Highway in 1942 and the discovery of high-grade oil in 1951 created the city as British Columbia’s Oil and Gas Capital.
From the trading posts of old to being the main transportation hub and oil capital of present day British Columbia, the city of Fort St. John has evolved into a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. It is a place people can enjoy the low unemployment rate, affordable house prices, stable economy and lots of recreational activities like hiking, fishing, hunting and golf, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, skating, curling and ice fishing.
If you happen to be in the city, some places that you need to see are the North Peace Museum, the North Peace Recreation Centre which is a multi-purpose facility that is mainly used for figure skating, hockey, and public skating, and the North Peace Cultural Centre where you could find the public library, Peace Gallery North, and a 413-seat live theatre.
You can also get to enjoy fresh farm produce during local farmers’ market fair. Homegrown tomatoes, bison steaks and fresh apple pies are just a few of the delicacies that you can get to sample during the Saturday market days. The farmers’ market is open May through December at the North Peace Arena.
Some of the yearly activities include the annual Great Canadian Welding Competition which is held in August. The welding competition features artists creating statures based on a given theme. And in January, there’s the High on Ice Winter Carnival which is also a yearly affair.
The city hold the distinction of hosting the BC Winter Games in 1984 as well as the Northern BC Winter Games five times, first was in 1975, then 1976, 1994, 2000, and lastly this year.
Posted in Attractions
September 14th, 2007 / No Comments
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Visiting the Ksan Village
The Ksan Historical Village, near Old Hazelton is considered as a major cultural heritage site of British Columbia. Located near the ancient village of Gitanmaax and right where the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers crosses. It is both an important tourist attraction and a cultural site for the Gitxsan people.
The site faithfully recreates a traditional Gitxsan which are also known as the people of the river of mists. The Gitxsan communities of the 1800’s feature cedar plank communal houses and totem poles with figures from Gitsxan clans and legends. The Ksan village is a reconstructed native village which showcases the arts and crafts of the northwest tribes.
The Ksan Village also houses a Museum where very important collection of First Nations artifacts are placed. Together with the museum, the whole Ksan Historical Village had been receiving visitors from all around the world for more than 30 years now. With an average of 50,000 visitors annually, the village hope to disseminate information about the Gitxsan culture and serves as a center for the Gitxsan people.
The entrance to the village is marked with totem poles which are an attraction by themselves. You can find several other totem poles in the village itself. One of the poles is the Pole of the Silkscreen Studio which contains a crest for each of the four Gitxsan Clans, namely Frog or “Lax See’l”, Wolf or “Lax Gibuu”, Fireweed or “Gisk’aast”, and Eagle or “Lax Skiik”.
The Gitxsan were originally of the Pacific North Coast of North America. Their territories extend from the watersheds of the north and central Skeena, Nass, and Babine Rivers stretching for almost 22,000 kilometers all in all.
The Gitxsan have built their homes near the rivers. They settled mainly on the banks of the Skeena River and its tributaries. The present communities are the Gitwangak, Gitanyow, Gitsegukla, Gitanmaax, Kispiox, and Glen Vowell.
Gitwangak is approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) from the coast and is the most western Gitxsan village. Gitanyow is located between 22-24 kilometers (14-15 miles) from Gitwangak north on the Kitwancool River. Meanwhile, Gitsegukla is between Gitwangak and Gitanmaax on the Skeena River. Gitanmaax is at the junction of Skeena and Bulkley Rivers and is estimated to be 264 kilometers (165 miles) from the coast. The settlement of Kispiox is about 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Gitanmaax and just at the crossing of Kispiox and Skeena rivers. The village of Glen Vowell or Sigit’ox was the latest one, being only a hundred years old. The last village is between Kispiox and Gitanmaax on the Skeena River.
Posted in Attractions
August 24th, 2007 / No Comments
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Having Fun in BC Amusement Parks
The young and the young at heart can have a lot of fun time visiting British Columbia. For one, families of different sizes and ages can enjoy the province’s amusement parks built for their enjoyment. First stop, Cyber City.
Cyber City has something for everyone from toddlers to great grandparents. This amusement center located in Nanaimo has a mini-golf course, go-kart tracks, laser tags, giant arcade, and a huge inflatable playground. It is open almost all year round and accept party packages, so your child may want to have a grandest of a birthday celebration. To get there, take Highway 19 North, then exiting at #21 onto Northfield. After which, turn right at Bowen Road.
Next is the capital Victoria’s scariest attraction Nightmares, which is located deep with Trounce Alley along Government Street. It has three main attractions, namely Hot Seat, The Unknown, and Madam Isabella, all are known to bring out your scares. It is also a source of scary costumes, masks, make-up accessories, props, novelties, and souvenirs. You may not want to bring in little children if you are afraid of having them “traumatized.”Vancouver’s Pacific National Exhibition is the home of Playland Amusement Park, with over 35 exhilarating rides, one-of-a-kind attractions, and fun games in between. Among its attractions include a 90-foot Westcoast Wheel, a basketball court where you can play 3 on 3, a haunted house, and KC’s Raceway that is a favorite among kids. It is also home to Kids Playce, a special zone filled with soft-play areas (inflatable playgrounds) and rides for children from ages 2 to 8. Playland is located on East Hastings Street, just off Highway 1 Westbound, then exiting at #26.
Another Nanaimo attraction is WildPlay Elements Park, where you get to experience fun and adventure in a 17-acre park set in a beautiful Douglas Fir forest. The park has three main attractions: Bungy Jumping, where you get to jump off a 150-foot bridge head first with a big elastic band around the ankles; King Swing, where you are strapped into a harness and then launched off the bridge at up to 140 kph as you swing over the river canyon; and TreeGO, where you move through a series of challenging elements from treetop to treetop including zip lines, suspended bridges, and swinging logs. To get there, take the Nanaimo Lakes exit off Highway 1.
Posted in Activities, Attractions
July 11th, 2007 / No Comments
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White Rock: Relaxing by the Oceanside
White Rock is an oceanside community located on the Semiahmoo Peninsula, a 45-minute drive south from Vancouver and several minutes away from the Douglas US Border Crossing. This quaint town is known for its mild climate all year round, relaxed atmosphere, sizable sandy beaches and a promenade from which we can view the magnificent Semiahmoo Bay. White Rock is named after the 486-ton rock that rests on the shores of the beach, apparently left when glaciers receded thousands of years ago. Large quantities of bird guano covered the rock, making it look white. Today, regular coats of white paint cover the rock. Visitors can reach White Rock through Highway 99, which links Vancouver and Seattle in the US.
Its moderate climate makes White Rock a preferred retirement spot. Summer temperature is averaged at 23°C while winter is averaged at 6°C.White Rock has the largest and one of the popular beaches in Greater Vancouver. Its long sandy beach is ideal for every beachside activity from picnics to throwing frisbees. The tide would sometimes go out, creating tidal pools where you can observe marine life up close. Also, the place is famous for its pier that juts out over 500 meters from the shore where people can take a leisurely stroll.
Marine Drive, the street right across the beach, is filled with different restaurants serving a variety of cuisines as well as street fare like fish and chips.
Because of White Rock’s proximity from the Canada/USA border, it is common for Americans—especially under 21—to visit the town for some drinks at the bar. White Rock has several bars and night clubs, the most popular being Ocean Beach Club and Grill at Marine Drive.
Posted in Attractions, Travel
June 8th, 2007 / No Comments
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Kelowna, the Gateway to Majestic Okanagan Lake
Kelowna is the largest inland city in British Columbia and it is located in the heart of the region’s wine country. It is a mecca of outdoor pursuits and cultural activities. The city is a restful getaway into Okanagan Lake, a 90-kilometer long body of water that has been a haven for boaters, swimmers, and even kite boarders. The lake’s inviting waters shimmer in the sunlight, a wonderful sight as vacationers bask along its beaches.
The city is as beautiful as it is delightful, with blooming surroundings, hanging baskets, and festive banners adorning the tidy streets. Kelowna succeeds in maintaining its image as one of the prettiest cities in BC.Kelowna never runs out of entertaining activities that tourists can enjoy, from championship golf courses to internationally-acclaimed wine tours, from downhill skiing to Shakespeare in the Park. You can browse the Kelowna Art Gallery or inside the city’s Centennial Museum. Visitors can also bask in the tranquility and peace of the Kasugai Japanese Gardens. Enjoy your nights here with free summer entertainment in City Park and Waterfront Park, or can even attend a concert at Skyreach Place. Downtown Kelowna has everything that a family can enjoy.
The Downtown City Park offers a great environment in the summer. One can sun tan, play and have fun. Children can use the playgrounds as well as the water and skate board park. Another place of interest is the Bertram Park at the end of Lakeshore Road, with beautiful beaches and grassy picnic areas. This is one of the most idyllic places in the city, where families can gather around for barbecue.
Gyro Beach is a half-submerged playground by the lake. In the summer you can let yourself slide along the rope into the Okanagan.
The city is also visited during winter time because of their popular ski resorts like the Big White, located 55 kilometers from the city.
Posted in Attractions, Travel
June 1st, 2007 / No Comments
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Queen Charlotte Islands: Getaway to Untouched Wilderness
Queen Charlotte Islands is located on the northwest of British Columbia, comprising of over 150 islands. Of these islands, only Graham and Moresby Islands are densely populated. With a population of about 4,000, the islands retained much of their natural beauty that adventurous tourists crave for.
This vast untouched wilderness is also home of the native Haida people for thousands of years. The native name “Haida Gwaii” translates as “islands of the people.”
Since the area is remote, expect the place to have little development (it only has one traffic light) and the absence of grand resorts. However, this is fully compensated with a whole different experience starting from learning the native Haida culture to exploring the vast first-growth rainforest.The rainforest is comprised of towering spruce and cedar trees, and many types of ferns and other greenery along the forest floor.
Queen Charlotte City, the archipelago’s administrative center, is located in Bearskin Bay on the southern shore of Graham Island. It contains more shops and services than its small size would suggest. The moist, mild climate allows for lush vegetation and abundant wildlife.
Sandspit, a charming village lying on a spit of land extending into Hecate Strait, is located on the northeast tip of Moresby Island. It is the home to the Islands’ main airport and also blessed with a mild climate, lush vegetation, and bountiful wildlife. Tourist reach Queen Charlotte Islands through direct flights from Prince Rupert and Vancouver or a 6-hour ferry ride from Prince Rupert.
Queen Charlotte Islands have two extensive natural parks: the newly-protected Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Naikoon Provincial Park.
Naikoon (Rose Point) is predominantly flat, with a highest altitude of just over 150 meters above sea level. Its native species include black bears, otters, and martins, while some mammals such as raccoons, red squirrels, beavers, and muskrats were introduced in the park. Wild cattle are also spotted here.
Posted in Attractions, Outdoors
May 25th, 2007 / No Comments
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Victoria: British Columbia’s Scenic Capital
Contrary to popular belief, Vancouver is not the capital of British Columbia. Its seat of legislature is located in a beautiful coastal city of more than 300,000 people situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.
Victoria has a lot of historic buildings and fascinating museums. It is blessed with mild climate, allowing its residents to enjoy outdoor activities all year round. Every corner of the city has exhilarating scenery, from ocean or mountain vistas to majestic flower gardens.
Tourists have endless options here in Victoria. There are little shops tucked away in every nook and cranny in the center, such as souvenir shops all around the Inner Harbour. Shoppers can also check out Government Street, the biggest shopping district of the city, where live music is also performed during summer; Antique Row along fort Street, which is lined with small antique shops and auction houses; and Bastion Square, where you can also find summer crafts stores similar to those in Inner Harbour.Summertime in Inner Harbour is full of artists, buskers, and other entertainers. Many residents also fly their float planes with amusement. It also has beautiful flowers during springtime.
Butchart Gardens is a favorite destination of both tourists and locals alike all year long. This former limestone quarry is home of the most wonderful flowers come spring, as well as musical fireworks during summer and winter nights. The gardens are also lit up depicting twelve days of Christmas.
You can also go to the local Chinatown for an afternoon of dining and ornament shopping. You can try out some bubble tea as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also here in Chinatown where you can find Canada’s smallest road, Fan Tan Alley.
Victoria has some of the most interesting museums in Canada. One can see extensive miniature displays of different cities in Miniature World, witness the cultures of the First People and coastal marine life in Royal BC Museum, get inside a huge Victorian-era mansion at Craigdarroch Castle, and get close with famous personalities in the Royal London Wax Museum.
Tourists can also get closer to nature through a visit in Victoria Bug Zoo where you can see different multi-legged creatures (even handling some critters for the more adventurous), a bike ride to Galloping Goose Trail, and even searching for whales on the ocean.
Posted in Attractions
May 25th, 2007 / No Comments
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Vancouver’s Marijuana Cafés
Vancouver is among the few places in the world were recreational use of marijuana is tolerated. Like the progressive social policy used in the Netherlands, the city has a small number of marijuana cafés (as opposed to “coffeeshops” like in Amsterdam) where open smoking of soft drugs like marijuana and hashish is tolerated.
The only difference between the pot cafés of Vancouver and its Holland counterpart is that patrons in Vancouver must bring their own smoke since marijuana is being sold outside the establishment.
Smoking marijuana within city limits is technically considered illegal, but as long as one carries small amounts of pot or hashish for personal recreational use you are off the hook. However, cultivation of cannabis and possession of large amounts of soft drugs are not allowed by law at all and is punishable by stiff fines and (sometimes) jail sentences.Many tourists go visit Vancouver’s soft drug cafés, a majority of them Americans considering the city as a cheaper alternative to Amsterdam. However, do remember to practice etiquette when partaking into the local marijuana scene. Tourists are advised to exercise same common sense, respect, and precautions used when smoking pot. For instance, do not try to smoke a joint while walking down the city streets out of respect for the locals. Also, try not to flaunt or talk in a loud voice about your use of soft drugs in public. Doing so would make you stand out to the locals, not to mention the unwanted attention you may draw yourself from police and criminal elements that exists in some streets. Keep also in mind that Vancouver has strict anti-smoking laws inside of most public buildings including bars and nightclubs, which is why smoking a joint inside a pot café is very much advisable.
Posted in Attractions, Travel
May 22nd, 2007 / No Comments