The Vancouver Traveler » Scenic & Short Trips

Clear Visibility….Lets go Diving

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:00:31 +0000

It’s been a long while since I made a post about the amazing scuba diving that can be found in British Columbia. What scuba diving?? I know everyone thinks us Crazy Canucks all live in igloos…and hunt polar bears!! But needless to say, that is a little off the mark!!

So, today was the great adventure day! Up early to catch the first ferry to Sechelt BC, where we met up with the guys from Suncoast Diving. With the boat all loaded up, we got on our way up the inlet to dive on the sunk destoyer HMCS CHAUDIERE. The Chaudiere, was sunk back in 1992 as an artifical reef, and this day would prove to be the best day of diving I have had here on the coast.

We had tied up to the midship mooring line, and it was out intention to do some outstanding wreck penetrations…but much to our surprise, we spent the first 20 minutes of our dive right at the bottom of the line! Crazy…but right there, at the bottom of the line, sat a Giant Pacific Octopus!!
Normally this guy would have left us in inky blotch…not this time. He or she stayed and played with us for almost 20 – 25 minutes!! We lucked out, as in our group of 5 divers, there were 3 digital cameras, and one HD Digital Video camera…needless to say, this big guy was blinded with all the flashes going off!!

You divers out there, looking for a great day!! Give Suncoast Diving a call…ask for Rob, and get out diving!! Visibility is currently greater then 100 foot!!

Ever been diving on the CHAUDIERE? got a good diving story?….stop by and let me know what you think of diving in BC…I would love to hear from you!!

Photo Credits: From my Personal Collection.

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

Saltspring Air – The Islanders Airline

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:54:20 +0000

Saltspring Air is a float plane service, based out of Ganges on Saltspring Island.
They are known amongst those living on the various Gulf Islands as the “Islanders Airline” because they provide schedualed and charter flights to and from the Gulf Islands and tailor those flights to suit their customers.
Saltspring Air also offers scheduled flights between Saltspring Island, Vancouver International Airport, Vancouver Harbour and Maple Bay on Vancouver Island.
What a fantastic way to travel and see the sights close-up!

Whether it is a scheduled flight you are looking for, or want a chartered scenic/sightseeing flight, Saltspring Air is a great way to explore the beautiful west coast from Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, Gulf Islands and everything in-between!

Visit their website at www.saltspringair.com for more information, destinations and schedules.

photo credit – saltspringair.com

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

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

photo credit:
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Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

Legend of Ogopogo

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:37:54 +0000

Over the years, the legend of Ogopogo has gained credibility as more and more sightings are reported.
Long ago, the Indians spoke of “N’ha-a-itk” who they referred to as a fierce lake monster that resided in Squally Point which is just 20 km south of Kelowna, in Vancouver’s Fraser Valley.
Descriptions vary, but certain characteristics have been used to describe Ogopogo over the decades.
Ogopogo is green, with a snake-like body and is about 25 meters long. Some have said his head looks like a horse, while others have reported it being reptilian and even goat like.
Some have claimed to have photographed the lake monster, but like the Loch Ness Monster, all those photographs have proved inconclusive.
Is it real or not?
Why not take a trip out to Kelown, which is about a 2.5 hour drive from Vancouver, and see for yourself!
It also a great place to find out more about “The Legend of Ogopogo“.

photo credit-sxc.hu

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

Bike, Ride, and Skate

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:00:15 +0000

Critical Mass in Vancouver; Critical Mass is a grassroots reclamation of public space — a bike rde and skate — This event is held the last Friday of every month, and you are invited to enjoy the safety and comfort in the care — free space that we create by simply riding together!

Bicycles, skateboards, rollerskates, self propelled couches, and any form of human powered locomotion are all welcomed! We ride around the city wherever people want to go. This decided collectly, the length of the ride depends on enthusiasm and is also collectively decided.

No one comes is forced to or needs to break the law in order to participate. We meet 5 – 5:30 at the Vancouver Art Gallery, leave at 6:00pm; Critical Mass in Vancouver, for more information visit www.bikesexual.org/cm/

Photo Credit: sxc.hu

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Rally for Champions

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:00:18 +0000

Get your motor runnin!! (if you can afford the gas) MCL Motor Cars has teamed up with the Special Olympics BC to challenge driving enthusiasts to rev up their engines in support of a wonderful cause.

One the morning of June 21, vehicles will take off on a daylong rally adventure in the third annual Rally for Champions. To participate in this exclusive event, each team must raise a minimum of $1000.00 either via pledges or a single payment. Space is limited to 40 cars so act now to ensure your place on our winning team!

For more information call 604.737.3131

Photo Credits: sxc.hu

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

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

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

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

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

Kayak the Little Campbell River

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 02:00:16 +0000

June 2nd, from 6pm – 9pm, The Little Campbell River, is full of history dating back to the early 1900’s. Running through the Semiahmoo First Nations Reserve provides a glimpse of the local area prior to urbanization.

The bans of the Little Campbell are a home of many shorebirds, kingfishers and eagles. This river is tidal influenced and the spawning grounds for a variety of species of salmon.

Experience Level required: Novice

For more information call 604.535.7985 or visit www.kayak.bc.ca

Photo Credit: sxc.hu

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

Heritage House Tour

Thu, 29 May 2008 05:18:37 +0000

While living in Nova Scotia, I was lucky enough to be an owner of a Heritage House, that was 179 years young. This 6th annual tour finds a soft spot in my heart. The tour is a one-day self-guided tour of 10 unique heritage homes. Visitors are to navigate the tour using a 30 page guidebook detailing the history of each house.

I will be the one knocking on the door asking to use the phone…so I can check out inside as well

For more information visit www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org

Photo Credit: sxc.hu

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler