The Vancouver Traveler » Great Places to Unwind

Day Trips to the Gulf Islands

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:38:03 +0000

The Southern Gulf Islands make up one of the most ecologically distinctive and fragile areas in southern Canada.
They are beautiful, serene places, within relatively easy reach from Vancouver’s Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

Galiano Island- The skinniest, driest and least agricultural of the islands, Galiano retains most of its unspoiled characteristics. You can spend hours spotting bald eagles, cormorants and gulls, and when the herring are running, California Sea Lions and the Killer Whales appear.

Mayne- A leisurely hike up Mount Peake yields splendid views, and on most days, you won’t see another person in sight! It definitely isn’t one of the more popular of the Gulf Islands, but if you are looking to spend some “alone time”, this is the island to go to.

Salt Spring- Locals have united over organic farming practices and with the huge artisan scene, the locals have created a lively arts and crafts experience for visitors. Rustic accommodations are available for around $60 a night. Salt Spring Island is probably the most popular of the Gulf Islands, but it is full of charm and well worth it for those who like to shopping and visiting with the locals.

Saturna- On the spectacular bluff walk east of Mount Warburton Pike, you’re likely to see feral goats, killer whales along the rocky shore and everyone waves at you as they drive by. Not many tourist travel here, so there is lots of open spaces to explore on your own.

Pender- Although people refer to Pender Island in the singular, there are actually two islands connected by a single lane bridge. North Pender, the most populous, is home to most of the islands 2400 residents and the Otter Bay ferry terminal. South Pender is mostly rolling farm land. Time moves slowly here, and you can spend you time on the sandy beach at Mortimer Spit or exploring hidden coves.

Getting There:
By Ferry – BC Ferries offer frequent service to the islands from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. bcferries.com
By Air – Seair services all islands from YVR’s south terminal. seairseaplanes.com
Harbour air services Pender and Salt Spring islands with departures from downtown Vancouver and YVR’s south terminal. harbour-air.com

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Electronic Rehab Getaways

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:49:54 +0000

The Fairmont Hotel and Resort have just launched “electronic rehab getaways” at their resorts in Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Whistler.
Designed for those guest who need help disconnecting from work, clients who sign up for this specialized package hand over thier cellphones, Blackberries and other mobile devices, which are then locked up in the hotel safe.
The guest are also asked to sign a waiver pledging to go offline for the duration of their stay.
As part of the package, those needing electronic rehab, are treated to herbal teas, complimentary access to fitness classes and mineral spa pools, meditation as well as being surrounded by spectacular scenary.

Packages start at about $500 depending on which hotel or resort you are staying at.

If you think you are in need of one of these retreats visit www.fairmont.com

photo credit-pda

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Favorite Cafes with Free WiFi

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:00:36 +0000

Here are my 3 favorite Cafes that offer Free WiFi…..enjoy!
(these cafes are in the downtown area)

Take 5 Cafe – 429 Granville Street
A place you can take business associates to impress them, as well as a place to hang out with your friends.
Take 5 Cafe is a cozy, trendy cafe that is a great place to relax and hang out in their comfy couches, their coffee is fantastic and why not also give their fabulous Italian food a try. You need to get your WiFi password from the staff!

Caffe Artigiano – 740 West Hastings
They have probably one of the best espresso I have had in a long time and great food!
They are also a chic traditional Italian cafe, not as big as Take 5, but still very comfy. You will need to get the WiFi password from the staff.

Trees Coffee – on Granville opposite Take 5
Trees is the original free WiFi cafe in downtown Vancouver.
The coffee is just ok, but the desserts are fantastic! Trees is a popular student hang out and has a very bohemian feel to it.

Image credit
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Strathcona Lodge

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 18:45:19 +0000

Surrounded by old growth forest and snowcapped peaks, Strathcona Provincial Park is 550,000 acres of awe inspiring beauty in the heart of Vancouver Island!

Strathcona Lodge takes full advantage of its pristine location.
Strathcona Lodge offers customized holiday adventures for adults of all ages, families, summer camps for youth, wilderness leadership training, outdoor weddings, health and fitness workshops and so much more.

At their family adventure weeks in July and August, guest canoe, sea kayak, rock climb, hike with a naturalist, try and high ropes course and learn outdoor skills.

Strathcona Lodge has something to offer for everyone, and you are garenteed to come away refreshed and invigorated!

For more information visit their website at www.strathcona.bc.ca

image credit: sxc.hu

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Golden Spike Days Festival

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:00:48 +0000

Calling all red necks? Are you looking for a good time…well then this is it! The Golden Spike Days Festival is a fun-filled weekend for the entire family with great entertainment, special events and activities, can can dancers, as well as great food!! June 28 is the kick off of the festival with concerts in the evening and back by popular demand: The Port Moody Idol Contest.

Visitors can enjoy family-focused events, live shows, family entertainment, sporting events, and children’s rides.

Admission by donation. Rocky Point Park, Port Moody. Check the website regularly for updates on what’s planned for this year’s festival www.goldenspike.ca

Photo Credits: sxc.hu

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Kayak the Nicomekl River

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:00:57 +0000

Sunset Paddle anyone? 19th June from 6pm – 9pm, come join us for a paddle of the Nicomekl River. The Nicomekl is an important fresh water artery that is tidal influenced. The area is the hunting ground for heron, loon, eagle, ospery, sandpipers and a number of migratory waterfowl.

Paddle along the banks of this sheltered water way to see why it is an important stopping ground for many bird species. Historic Stewart Farm House, Surrey. Experience Level required: novice. For more information call 604.535.7985 or send an email too nwcakayak@telus.net

Photo Credit: sxc.hu

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It’s Father’s Day!

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 01:13:58 +0000

Let’s go fishing in Rice Lake. Pick up your free day licence and try your luck at catching Rainbow Trout. Peek under a mucroscope to uncover what tasty insect treats these trout like to eat.

Enjoy your own feast at the delicious BBQ. Explore the picturesque Seymour Valley on a short guided tour. Discover the wonders of the watersheds in your city and find out where your drinking water comes from. Make a craft, play a game, join a fly tying demonstration, and more.

Great prizes too! Presented by Metro Vancouver and the Seymour Salmonid Society. Cost is Free, and it’s being held at Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. For more information call 604.451.6506

Photo Credit: sxc.hu

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6th Annual Bird Count

Sat, 24 May 2008 16:00:23 +0000

Calling all bird watchers, on the 31th of May, North Langley’s Glen Valley Watershed will be conducting this years bird count. Not to worry, not experienced, there will be people there to help you sharp your skills. The Glen Valley Watersheds Society will be hosting a wrap up BBQ following the even to give everyone the chance to enjoy good food and mingle with other birding enthusiasts.

Sound interesting, this is your cup of tea? For more information call 604.532.3517 or visit www.lepsbc.ca

Photo Credit: sxc.hu

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Vancouver Public Library

Sat, 17 May 2008 17:27:51 +0000

The stunning architectual achievement of the Vancouver Public Library makes it one of Vancouver’s defining landmarks.
The $100 million dollar, multi-building complex house Provincial and Federal Government offices, an amazing library with more then 1.2 million items for public use and a variety of shops and cafes.
It occupies a complete city block and consists of a seven-story retangular block, with the highlight being a free standing elliptical wall that contains reading and study areas accessed by bridges from the central pavillion.
The roof of the library serves as a large public garden.
The Vancouver Public Library was designed by Moshe Safdie, and was selected through and international competition and offically opened in May 1995.
It is a well worth seeing and great way to spend an afternoon!

Click HERE to see more pictures of the Vancouver Public Library

photo credit – sxc.hu

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Free Yoga on the Beach

Sat, 03 May 2008 23:59:55 +0000

Enjoy free Yoga in Vancouver’s great outdoors!
Weekly mixed-level yoga lessons are taught overlooking Vancouver’s gorgeous English Bay.
The yoga sessions start at 9am sharp, so please get there well ahead of time, and respect the groups practice by enjoying silence before the start of the yoga session.
Everyone is welcome, from beginners to advanced, make sure you bring your own yoga mat, wear comfortable, loose clothing and bring plenty of sunscreen in case there is no room in the shade. Washrooms are available but are not close by.

The group meets every Saturday (weather permitting; class will be canceled in bad weather or if it is too cold) from 9am to 10:15am at Sunset Beach Park, which is located at the 1400 block of Beach Avenue.

Donations are graciously accepted, which will be given to Doctors Without Borders.
Last year participants raised over $1200

Yoga On The Beach

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler