-
The Kootenay Rockies
August 17th, 2007 / No Comments
British Columbia’s Kootenay Rockies has been described as the region’s mountain oriented vacation spot featuring Canada’s most stunning mountain view.
The Kootenay Rockies starts from the Okanagan Valley in the west and stretches to the Alberta border in the east. Including the Rockies, there are four mountain ranges in the region, the other three being the Selkirks, Purcells, and Monashees. A lot of mountain climbers have come in the region to scale mountains and tackle peaks like Mount Findlay and Hamill Peak, which are both over 3,600 m (12,000 ft).
The Kootenay Rockies offer a number of clean, natural, uncrowded outdoor activities including a rather lively mountain biking culture. The Kootenay provide various trails for riders to take. Plus, towns in the region are quite appreciative of the biking culture. In fact the city of Rossland was crowned the mountain biking capital of British Columbia some time back.But biking is not the only outdoor activity that is popular in the Kootenay Rockies. Different ecosystems found in rivers, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, mineral hot springs, alpine meadows and snow-capped mountains provide outdoor enthusiasts with a bag full of things to do like canoeing, boating, cycling, windsurfing, water-skiing and whitewater rafting. The region is also known as a great fishing area where vacationing anglers can hike to alpine lake the Elk Valley, Flathead, St. Mary and Findlay river pools. The lakes around Creston seem to be filled with largemouth bass and lunkers.
Water sports and outdoor activities are quite common in the region and for good reasons. The Kokanee glacier is the source of freshwater of 30 lakes and river systems in the region.
The list above is only a partial listing of things you could do here. With this list in mind, it is not surprising that Kootenay Rockies has been called as “British Columbia’s Mountain Playground.”
Although summer and spring activities are quite exciting and highly enjoyable, there’s another outdoor recreational activity that is quite popular int Kootenay. The region is also a popular winter vacation destination. Skiers and snowboarders go to the area to enjoy the impressive downhill ride. With an average snowfall of 171- 206cm (67 - 81 inches), the region is a lucrative business for ski resorts.
Others things to see include the National Parks Corridor, The Valley of a Thousand Peaks, The Elk Valley, Kootenay Lake, Central Kootenay, and The Arrow Lakes and Silvery Slocan.
Posted in Outdoors
-
The West Coast Trail
August 10th, 2007 / No Comments
Located on the southern west coast of Vancouver Island is a 77 kilometer trail that starts from Port Renfrew on the south end to Bamfield on the north end. Commonly referred to as the West Coast Trail, this place is a favorite among hikers.
The trail features a lot of variety. From climbing clifflike ladders, wading mud bogs, riding cable cars, scrambling over slippery ocean boulders, racing the tides, maneuvering dangerous channels, photographing shipwreck relics, and a whole lot of other activities that could involve hauling yourself up or pulling ropes in rocky cliffs.
Part of the Pacific Rim National Parks system, the West Coast Trail has nothing short of outstanding natural features to offer. May they be terrestrial or marine based, these natural sceneries and wonders adds to the beauty of the trail. One can only gawk at the scenic beauty of the west coast. With beaches, bays, coves, creeks, storm-chiseled caves, and wonderful and seemingly enchanting forests and waterfalls, the trail is something like a dream for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Regular season for West Coast Trail hiking is from May 1 to September 30. Park officials discourage hiking the trail during the off-season citing possible dangerous circumstances. Hiking the trail usually takes 6 to 10 days. Knowing this, be warned that the hike is not for beginners or the inexperienced. The West Coast Trail needs stamina, experience, and well thought of planning.
First and foremost, you should be well equipped with a pack that includes sleeping bags and a rainproof light weight tents. With an annual rainfall of 270 cm (106 inches), it is more likely that you will encounter rain during the duration of your hike.
Slippery terrain, and creek fording adds to the difficulty of the hike. There are a number of commercial guides who operate in the park that hikers can hire.
Although, the hike can be really exciting, we can only stress that you arrange for a completely self sufficient pack. No supplies can be acquired on the trail which is a great reason for packing more light weight and spoil proof food.
Posted in Outdoors
-
The Joys of Performing Arts
July 19th, 2007 / No Comments
British Columbia is a province that comes alive with its love for the arts, among them are live performances. Traveling around the BC would get you to multiple options for music, theater, dance, and stand-up comedy, with Vancouver as the center of high-caliber, world-class concerts and shows.
For something different, try the Theatre Royal shows in Barkerville. It features acts in the same style as it was back over 100 years ago when it was the form of entertainment for the miners.
Also, you would find a wealth of performers at the province’s many music, wine, and art festivals throughout the year.
British Columbia has various sources of entertainment, especially during summer. For instance, Vancouver is the home Bard on the Beach Shakespeare , where you can enjoy various plays written by William Shakespeare such as Taming of the Shrew and Julius Caesar in open-ended tents against a spectacular natural mountains, sea, and sky backdrop. It is located at Vanier Park, where the west emd of Burrand Street Bridge, turning off Cornwall at Cypress. Tickets range between C$17 to C$31.Another group of thespians called Bard to Broadway Theatre Society can be found over at downtown Qualcum Beach, where you get to watch theater island style under the white tent with a view of the ocean. Among its titles include “Guys and Dolls” and “Lend Me a Tenor.” Tickets range between 18 to 23 Canadian dollars.
In Victoria, get set for an IMAX experience. The National Geographic IMAX Theater is located in the Royal BC Museum on the Inner Harbour. Long famous for its ultra-high resolution, picture clarity, powerful sound, and its giant screen, you are treated to various exploratory features such as exploring the last remains of the world’s most famous shipwreck, immersing in the color and culture of an ancient land, or swimming deep in the ocean with one of the planet’s largest creatures.. Between April 14 to October 14, 2007, witness “Titanica,” where you get to visit the remains of an unthinkable disaster and hear the incredible story of one young passenger.
Back in the mainland, The Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre, located at Port Coquitlam, offers a high energy musical comedy that is insanely interactive and slightly cheeky. The restaurant theater offers five different thematic shows every year, where you get to enjoy a full four course meal as you watch the stage production.
Posted in Activities
-
Having Fun in BC Amusement Parks
July 11th, 2007 / No Comments
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
-
Taking Afternoon Tea
July 11th, 2007 / No Comments
The tradition of sipping cups of tea with friends and family has been flourishing in British Columbia since the British introduced it over 100 years ago. This is usually accompanied with healthy conversations and social bonding.
Afternoon tea is taken with a light menu that includes seasonal berries, dainty finger sandwiches, freshly-baked scones topped with preserves and thick cream. Meanwhile, pots of differently blended teas are placed on the table for the guests to pour in. Remember that most venues require reservations, and some are open seasonally.
Most of the delightful tea houses are located in Victoria, where all things British still is part of daily life making high tea raised into an art form. Tourists can enjoy afternoon tea after a tiring day of touring. They can either take a sip at Butchart Gardens where you can also admire its majestic scenery, or in Fairmont Empress Hotel with its turn-of-the-century elegance while savoring its exquisite pastry line. Among other local Victoria favorites when it comes to afternoon tea include White Heather Tea Room, which offers 23 varieties of tea; Point Ellice House, a picture-perfect Victorian home with a wonderful English garden and overlooking the scenic Gorge Waterway, which is open only from May to September; and The Blethering Place, an authentic British tearoom filled with fascinating vintage English memorabilia.The city of Vancouver and its outskirts practice afternoon tea ranging from the sophisticated and elegant to cozy and eclectic. One prominent venue in the city is The Fleury Restaurant in Sutton Place Hotel, where Japanese and English tea drinking ceremonies are offered. Other places include The Secret Tea Garden, which serves over 50 varieties of tea from around the world; and Muzi, which was voted as the “Best Tea House of 2006” in Vancouver, with innovative and health-promoting teas.
Just outside Vancouver, you can also find quality tea houses such as Fairmont Chateau in Whistler, which serves traditional afternoon tea with three kinds of tea daily; Applewood Country Gifts in Delta, where you can also book a special Victorian-style tea party for kids; and Pearl Drops Tea House in Burnaby, where you can also find the freshest herbal, oolong, rooibos, and even yerba mate teas.
BC’s Thompson Okanagen Region are is also proud of its afternoon tea tradition aside from the quality wines they produce. Among the best tea houses in the area include Royal Victorian Tea House, which is housed in a restored heritage building with a beautiful tranquil gardens of English roses and ivy, serving scones straight out of the hearth; Cantaloupe Annie’s Mad Hatter Tea and Lunch Room, an Oliver tea house with a lovely patio where you can enjoy your tea during the summer months; and Sunmore Ginseng Health Spa, where you can enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, choosing from different organic teas including ginseng.
Posted in Activities
-
Vancouver’s Diverse Cultures
June 25th, 2007 / No Comments
Vancouver is proud of its diversity, with richly woven textures and traditions of different cultures, lifestyles, and experiences. Several locations in the city would leave you a lasting impression and get to learn more about these cultures.
For starters, visitors in Vancouver could explore the award-winning Museum of Anthropology, where thousands of artifacts and objects linking to British Columbia’s First Nations are displayed. Checking out its exhibits on the province’s native cultures are both educational and entertaining.
From there, take a stroll along the colorful streets of Chinatown, one of the largest (and cleanest) of its kind in North America. Vancouver’s vibrant Chinese community started settling in the city since the mid-19th Century. Today, it is a haven for exotic shopping while admiring the center’s unique architecture and culinary aromas.Asian culture is also evident in Richmond, a city near Vancouver where you can find a deeply-rooted Asian community, in particular its Golden Village. It also has a great shopping area where one can see a showcase of Asian entrepreneurship. You would not miss its various shopping centers like the Aberdeen Centre, Parker Place Shopping Centre, President Plaza, and Union Square Mall, where you can expect jostling, noisy crowd all looking for the best bargain. After a round of shopping, one can also visit the Buddhist Temple for some moments of serenity, peace, and tranquility.
Vancouver also benefits from a sizable population of East Indian immigrants, majority of them living in Little India. Its vibrant shopping district, Punjabi Market, is worth a visit. This area bears a striking resemblance to its exotic homeland, with its rows of fine silk fabrics, aromatic spices, authentic food and a high concentration of jewelers who are always open for bargaining.
Vancouver is also home of Little Italy, located at Commercial Drive. One can find plenty of hip restaurants and shops doing brisk business next to traditional sidewalk cafes and trattorias. Stop by and enjoy listening to some entertaining street performers, pick up fresh produce and artisan foods, and sip a latte at a sidewalk cafe and watch other people passing by.
Whatever cultural experience you wanted to take, you’ll be glad that you visit Vancouver.
Posted in Travel
-
White Rock: Relaxing by the Oceanside
June 8th, 2007 / No Comments
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
-
Kelowna, the Gateway to Majestic Okanagan Lake
June 1st, 2007 / No Comments
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
-
Queen Charlotte Islands: Getaway to Untouched Wilderness
May 25th, 2007 / No Comments
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
-
Victoria: British Columbia’s Scenic Capital
May 25th, 2007 / No Comments
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