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Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

Many consider Vancouver to be the Canadian city with the best climate.
Snowfall is rare in winter, with rain (and lots of it) being the norm – especially in November and December.

• Average November temperature – 7 c / 45 f
• November average high – 9 c /48 f
• November average low – 3 c /37 f
• Expect about 20 days of rain in November out of the 30

When traveling to Vancouver in November there are a couple things that you should definately have with you:

• Warm, waterproof clothing;  sweaters, hoodies, light jacket, warmer heavier jacket
• Closed toe shoes and/or boots
• Gloves and hat
• Umbrella

Perks of a November vacation in Vancouver

• Fewer tourist means a lot of great travel bargins through hotel and airline
• Despite the rain, there is plenty to do in Vancouver on a rainy days

November Highlights in Vancouver

• Vancouver Eastside Cultural Crawl
• Whistler Cornucopia
• Hopscotch Festival
• Rogers Santa Claus Parade

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

Travel Product Guide - provides you with information on all the latest and greatest travel products and keeps you up-to date on all the improvements to your trusted old favorites that you just can’t travel without!

The Phoenix Traveler- the newest destination blog focusing on Phoenix and its surrounding area.

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

Saltspring Air

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

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

For those days though, we you need to find a good place for your dog to spend the day, while you and your family go sight-seeing, there are an abundant amount of dog daycare and dog walkers available to help you out.

Some of my recommended Dog Daycare in the Vancouver and North Vancouver area are:

Zen Dogs Canine Care -
7520 6th Street  604.523.9663

The Doghouse at Granville Island (for small dogs only) -
Corner of 1500 W 2nd  604.737.1500

Wag Zone Urban Dog Retreat -
309 Mansfield Place 604.984.0611

Noah’s Barque -
1835 Ambleside Lane  604.926.5575

To stay at a dog daycare facility, dog’s must have proof of vaccinations. including distemper combo, rabies and bordetella (kennel cough).

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

• New York – Vancouver $452.59
• Boston – Vancouver $374
• Miami – Vancouver $471.59
• London United Kingdom – Vancouver $1186
• Paris France – Vancouver $1367
• Bangkok – Vancouver $1280

All tickets were based on short notice (14 Jul – 28 Jul) round trip bookings. So what are you waiting for….hope to see you here soon!!

Photo Credit: sxc.hu

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

The B.C. Passenger Transportation Board has said that of July 12, cab and limousine fares will jump 3.5 percent, due to rising fuel costs.

The Transportation Board has also reviewed the issue of implementing a fuel surcharge, and have agreed to issue a temporary fuel surcharge which will take effect July 1.
All B.C drivers will pay an extra 2.4 cents per litre at the pump in the form of a carbon tax.
As we all know these temporary taxes have a way of never disappearing, so expect this “temporary” tax to be around indefinitely!

Food prices will also continue to rise. The only way to get the food to the grocery stores and restaurants is in the back of a truck, so the cost of fueling those trucks will be passed along in the price of the food.

I think the biggest impact on the tourism industry in Vancouver will be the continuing rise in the cost of airfares.
Many airlines have introduces fuel surcharges. Last month Air Canada and Westjet added surcharges of up to $45 depending on the flight.

As the tourist sector braces for the impact, those of us living here in beautiful Vancouver, will just have to wait and hope for some kind of stability to take effect!

Would like to hear how the soaring fuel prices are effecting you, and what you do (if anything) to try and compensate.

photo credit:
taxi photo
airplane photo

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

There is no quarantine period for pets entering the country, however there is a $30.00 inspection fee.

A current health certificate, completed by a licensed veterinarian, in either English or French is required. It must be dated within 10 days prior to departure to Canada must accompany the pet.
The certificate must state that the veterinarian has examined the dog/cat and is satisfied that:

• the pet is not less than eight (8) weeks of age at the time of examination
• is free of any clinical evidence of disease
• has been vaccinated not earlier than at six (6) weeks of age for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza virus
• can be transported to Canada without undue suffering by reason of infirmity, illness, injury, fatigue or any other cause

Proof of vaccination is required including the date on which the dogs were vaccinated, that the vaccine was licensed by the country of origin of the dog/cat and the trade name and serial number of the vaccine and the certificate must be signed by the veterinarian and clearly identify his name.

This includes a valid rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian from the dog/cats point of origin.
Different regulations apply for those animals coming from recognized rabies-free countries and those countries where rabies exists, so make sure you look into this!

For additional information on pet import check out the Canadian Government website at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/import/petse.shtml

photo credits:
first photo – sxc.hu
second photo – sxc.hu

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

Bosmans Hotel – 733 Beatty Street
604.895.5830

Parkhill Hotel – 1160 Davies Street
604.685.1311

Empire Landmark Hotel – 1400 Robson Street
604.687.0511

Blue Horizon Hotel – 1225 Robson Street
604.688.1411

Sunset Inn and Suites – 1111 Burnaby Street
604.688.2474

Sandman Downtown Vancouver – 180 West Georgia Street
604.681.2211

Oceanside Hotel – 1847 Pendrell Street
604.682.5641

Photo credit – first photo – sxc.hu
second photo – sxc.hu

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler