Archive for the ‘ Canada ’ Category

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Alice Lake Park

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

Alice Lake Park is located just north of Squamish, B.C. and is surrounded by towering mountains, dense forests and plenty of grassy areas to kick back and relax. This provincial park is a wonderful recreational area for, fishing, kayaking swimming, biking, camping and a whole more.

I spent the afternoon one glorious day on my way to Whistler…my traveling companion and I had a wonderful time walking around the lake, taking in the sights,and enjoying a lovely picnic. I think there may be been a 15 minute snooze in there too.  I would love to return to Alice Lake to do some camping…the campgrounds looked fairly private for a designated area.  Squamish in general is an amazing place for those who really love the outdoors, there are so many activities and they even have a visitors center dedicated to it.



If you’ve been to Alice Lake before, tell my readers and me what you like best?

Alice Lake Provincial Park Information:

Sea to Sky Park Services
Email: info@seatoskyparks.com
Phone: (604) 986-9371
Park Website: Click here
Map: Alice Lake Map

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Vancouver Convention Centre

Monday, October 24th, 2011

I attended a travel blogger’s convention this past summer, which was held at the Vancouver Convention Center located right on the waterfront of downtown.  I’ve been to a number of convention centers and was really impressed with the one in Vancouver…with its innovative design and beautiful setting right on the water surrounded by mountains.

The Vancouver Convention Centre (Center for American spelling) opened in 1987, but was significantly remodeled in time to be one of the venues for the 2010 Winter Olympics.  The opening ceremonial cauldron is right out front, which is a spectacular piece of art and continues to be a draw for visitors.

With the expansion of the Centre, Vancouver tripled its capacity to cover over a million square feet (four city blocks) including pre-function, meeting, exhibition, and ballroom space.



I’ve spent quite a lot of time in the Vancouver, B.C. area and have been able to see the Vancouver Convention Centre from all angles…it’s really an impressive property to visit.  Whether you’re attending a function, strolling downtown, or taking a harbor cruise, don’t miss this architectural marvel.

If you’re interested, you can see my video of Vancouver Harbor.

For more information, visit: Vancouver Convention Centre

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Sea to Sky is one Scenic Stretch of Highway

Monday, October 10th, 2011

The “Sea to Sky” highway (technically highway 99) is one of the most picturesque stretches in North America. Sea to Sky runs from greater Vancouver to the mountains of Whistler, with the Howe Sound on one side and forested mountains on the other.  Thanks to the 2010 Winter Olympics, this stretch of highway 99 was greatly improved to handle the influx of traffic.  The drive is meandering and often mesmerizing with the intoxicating natural beauty that flanks on both sides.

Along the way you’ll see rapid rivers, wind sport enthusiasts and cascading waterfalls.  There are plenty of places to pull off and take-in the surrounding beauty.  There are also a number of great hikes and picnic areas along Sea to Sky, from Shanon Falls, Alice Lake, Brandywine Fall, to “The Chief.”

The Sea to Sky is the gateway to British Columbia’s magnificent alpine country of year-round world class outdoor activities.  If you’ve driven the Sea to Sky highway before, let my readers and me know what you like best by posting a comment below.  If you enjoyed this post and video, please hit the “like” button below to share with friends and family.


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Finn Slough’s Patina Gives it Charm

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

Finn Slough is an old fishing village situated along the banks of the Fraser River in the southern parts of Richmond, British Columbia.  Despite its blighted appearance; Finn Slough has become a popular tourist destination among artists, photographers, and the curious.

Finn Slough has not aged gracefully, however it’s hundred+ years of decay has added a patina of charm that only time can bestow.

The Village of Finn Slough has approximately thirty residents who live in wooden houses, both floating and built on stilts along the marshy Fraser River bank.  Many of the buildings were built between the late 19th century and 1950s most are quite blighted, while others have been carefully restored. Finn Slough was founded by Finnish settlers who came to Richmond in the 1880s.



Click the following link to see my pictures of Finn Slough.

Click the following link for a Map to Finn Slough. Or, scan the QR code to the right and a map of the Finn Slough area will open up on your phone.

If you’ve been to Finn Slough, leave a comment below and tell my readers and me what you enjoy most?  If you’ve enjoyed this post and video, please share it with your friends by clicking the “like” button below.

I thought it apropos to create a B&W version of the video above…let me know which you prefer?


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Queen Elizabeth Park

Monday, October 3rd, 2011

Queen Elizabeth Park is the second most popular park in Vancouver, next to Stanley Park, and is home to some of the most beautiful public gardens seen anywhere in the country.   At the center of the park is the Bloedel Conservatory, which is filled with exotic plants, tropical flowers a Koi pond, and, over one hundred free-flying birds of various species. No matter what time of year you go to the park, you’re bound to find something you’ve never seen before.  Features of the park include: several quarries, water features, plaza area, lots of sculptures and a pavilion, which is very often used for weddings.

In addition to the public gardens, Queen Elizabeth park has a number of recreational offerings:

  • Golf
  • Disc golf
  • Lawn bowling
  • Tennis
  • Pitch & putt
  • Tai Chi
  • Nighttime stargazing

Queen Elizabeth Park Information:

Google Map: Click here or, scan the QR code to the right with your mobile phone.
Details: Full park details
Park Map: Click here
Conservatory Admission: Park is free, but the conservatory is $5 for adults and 2.50 for children.

Click the following link to see my pictures of Queen Elizabeth Park.  If you’ve been to the park before, please post a comment below and let my readers and me know what you enjoy most?  If you’ve found this post and video helpful and/or enjoyable, please share the love by clicking the “like” button below.

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Vancouver Harbor

Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

I often tell travelers that if you visit a destination with a harbor, canal system or other waterway…be sure to take a cruise.  When you get off the shore, it’s a whole new perspective.  The Vancouver Harbor is no exception—with wonderful mountain views (often with snow-capped peaks), spectacular skyline, and landmarks such as Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge around every turn of the head.



Vancouver Harbor divides the City of Vancouver with the rest of the Burrard Peninsula…to the north is the North Shore Mountains, which is home to West Vancouver and the City and District of North Vancouver.

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Windsurfing at Jericho Beach

Monday, September 12th, 2011

Located right in the heart of Vancouver, B.C. is a sandy beach popular among wind sport enthusiasts—Jericho Beach is a large park that combines lots of activity choices with the natural beauty of treed copses and ponds.  This area was once the site of Vancouver’s first golf course, but was later commandeered by the Defense Department in the late 1930s for a seaplane base.  By the 1970s the area was turned into a park.  The eastern section of the beach caters to swimmers, while the west end to sailboats and windsurfers under the auspices of the popular Jericho Sailing Association.

There are several places to take sailing lessons and rent equipment…from sailboats, paddle boards to windsurfing and kayaks.  We took lessons from WindSure and had a great day…until the very end that was.  I was coming into the  beach and decided to step off my board about 20 feet from shore…apparently I did not push the mast hard enough in front of me and it came crashing down on top of my head as I entered the water.



Dazed and confused I pulled my board to shore and sought medical attention.  A had formed a nearly golf-ball sized lump on my forehead, along with a pretty good gash.  The first-aid station was extremely helpful and thoughtful.  They cleaned me up, gave me a couple of ice packs and suggested I head to the hospital. I would have to be incapacitated and/or physically dragged to go to a hospital.  :-)

Jericho Beach is a large park with lots of amenities and things to do.  There are a number of picnic areas and volleyball courts with an expansive beach outside of the sailing center.

If you’ve been to Jericho Beach in Vancouver, let my readers and I know what you enjoy most by posting a comment below.

Amenities
  • Concession (east end of beach)
  • Washrooms
  • Play Fields
  • Tennis Courts
  • Picnic Tables
  • Sailing Center
  • Swimming raft
  • Plenty of Parking (this was paid, but I think B.C. passed a new law where all parks have free parking, but don’t quote me)

Map to Jericho Beach


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Whistler: ‘World Class’ for Good Reason

Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

Whistler is a well-known destination for many reasons…first, it’s the largest ski resort in North American.  Second, it has been a host venue for the winter Olympics, most recently in 2010.  The resort community has so much to offer, be it winter, summer, or anytime in between.  From skiing, snowboarding, Nordic and dog sledding  in the winter…to golf, mountain bike riding, bungee jumping and zipline tours in the summer, Whistler is a recreational paradise. My most recent trip to the area was this past summer during a perfect stretch of weather.  I rode their newest attraction, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which was just spectacular…have a look at the video below.

I’ve been on a number of gondola rides in my day, but let me tell you…I’ve never been on anything like the Peak 2 Peak before.  The Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride is different due in part to the fact that they broke all the molds when engineering and constructing this monolithic experience.

We stayed in the heart of Whistler Village at the Crystal Lodge hotel, which is within walking distance to just about everything. The Village is very pedestrian friendly, with a stone walkway weaving through parks and patios while nestlings up to cafe’s and chairlifts.

There are so many cool shops and restaurants to choose from, and with a plethora of outdoor activities, you could spend a month there and not get board.

While visiting Whistler, here are some suggestions:

  • For an outstanding meal with incredible presentation and combinations, check out Araxi.
  • I have not eaten there, but apparently the locals love Umberto’s.
  • I’m not a hot dog fan, but Zogs Dogs is a local tradition.  Apparently their “Poutine” (which is a distinctly Canadian dish) is extremely popular…fries with gravy on top of cheese curds…no thank you.
  • For some great “cheap eats,” check out Mogul’s, great place for something quick…and, they have the greatest chocolate chip oatmeal cookies EVER!
  • The locals also love Elements for breakfast. Mogul’s is good too.
  • For an outstanding Caeser…check out the Fairmont Chateau.
  • Speaking of the Fairmont…Richard Samuels often plays at the Mallard lounge, he’s a wonderful musician and entertainer.
  • Many think Blackcomb Mountain is better than Whistler.
  • Don’t miss getting your picture taken in front of one of the many Olympic sculptures in and around the Village.  There is even a stone sculpture at the top of Whistler Mountain.

Click the following links to see more pictures of Peak 2 Peak or pictures of Whistler.  If you’ve been to the Whistler area, please leave a comment below and tell my readers and me what you like best?

For more information on visiting Whistler, check out the following links:

  • Whistler.com is the official tourism site for lodging and recreational activities. 1.800.944.7853
  • WhistlerBlackcomb.com is the official site for the ski resort. 1.866.218.9690

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Peak 2 Peak…what a ride!

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

I’ve been on a number of chairlifts and gondola rides in my day, but let me tell you…I’ve never been on anything like the Peak 2 Peak before.  The Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride is different due in part to the fact that they broke all the molds when engineering and constructing this monolithic experience.

There are so many things that will grab your attention…here are just a few:

  • The span between Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb is massive…2.73 miles (this is a world record).
  • Nearly 2 miles of the span between two of the towers is unsupported, which provides an ultra smooth ride.
  • The highest point is 1427 feet, with a great view of a creek flowing below.
  • The cabins are HUGE, each can fit 28 people (22 sitting, 6 standing).
  • It’s fast…only takes 11 minutes each way.



While the Peak 2 Peak engineering is impressive, so is the journey…the cabins are huge and provide 360-degree  views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.   The cabins themselves are quite spacious and luxurious…and, the nearly 2 mile unsupported section provides an ultra smooth ride.

For the die-hard view seeker, they even have two cabins with glass floors (Note: the glass floor cabins are painted silver).  I really wanted to wait for one of these cabins, but it would have been crowded…and, I think it would have been too much for my lovely traveling companion, Rhonda.  On the way from Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain, our car stopped for a bit…I really enjoyed it, but Rhonda was apparently having a panic attack.  We can laugh about it now, but she was seriously trying to refrain from freaking out (as you can see in the video above).

Check out this amazing video by Jim Budge, it will give you a whole difference perspective on Peak 2 Peak.

The Peak 2 Peak is just one of many very cool things to see and do at Whistler, so visit their website directly for more information at: Whistler Blackcomb.

Click the following link to see more of my pictures of Peak 2 Peak.  If you’ve done the Peak 2 Peak before, please leave a comment below for my readers and me.  If you’ve enjoyed this post and video, please hit the “Like” button below and share with your friends and family.

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Deep Cove: A Recreational Paradise

Friday, July 8th, 2011

On a beautiful summer day, there’s hardly a better place to be than Deep Cove in North Vancouver, B.C.  You can hang out at the Mount Seymour Provincial Park and have a picnic, or perhaps rent a canoe, kayak or paddle board.  For the more adventurous type, you can hook up with Cove Watersports for some wakeboarding, which is what I did. There are also a number of hiking and biking trails to explore.

I certainly wish I had had more time to explore Deep Cove, there seems to be so much to see and do.  The area has a cute little downtown with a number of restaurants and shops, as well as a number of bed and breakfasts…Deep Cove is a place I hope to make it back too soon.



Click the following link to see some of my pictures of Deep Cove.  Or, click here for more info on the area.  You can also click the following link for a map of Deep Cove.

If you’ve been to Deep Cove before, tell me and my readers what you enjoy most about the area?  If you enjoyed this post and video, please click the “like” button below.

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