The Vancouver Traveler » vancouver-island

Whippletree Junction

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:16:05 +0000

Here is a place that is just full of family fun. This place never failed to be full of fun, especially on those days when I had nothing to do, and I wanted something to keep me occupied.

Whippletree Junction is set within 14 restored buildings from the early 1900’s, filled with specialty shops and restaurants. The Junction is situated 7 km south of Duncan.

Got a slow day…want some entertainment….be sure to check this place out!

Photo Credits: www.explorevancouverisland.com

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

Ocean Island Backpackers Inn

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:45:55 +0000

The Ocean Island Backpackers Inn is located on Pandora Ave. in downtown Victoria, and is listed in the Best Places to Stay in BC list.
Dormitory beds start at nineteen dollars a night and private rooms at around twenty-six dollars a night.
You will not be disappointed, but instead, will be extremely surprised and amazed at the beauty.
The Ocean Island Backpackers Inn is located in a four-story beautiful old victorian home. It is not only stunningly beautiful but also exceptionally clean!
Definately not your average hostel!
There is food and drinks avaliable if you are hungry, and even a kitchen that is open to those budget conscience travelers who would rather do their own cooking.
They have their own in-house tour company that will show you around some of sights in and around Victoria.

photo credits – www.oceanisland.com

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

Victoria’s Annual Blossom Count

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 13:28:55 +0000

While most Canadians suffer through deep snow and bitter cold. Victoria enjoys the beginning of Spring.

For one week in early to mid February, the people of Greater Victoria on Vancouver Island count all the blossoms they can find. The results are then reported to the volunteers at the Flower Count HQ by telephone to 360.BUDS (2837) and prizes are awarded to the callers chosen at random each day.

How to Count:

Small tree full of blossoms 250,000 blossoms
Medium tree full of blossoms 500,000
Large tree full of blossoms 750,000
Small Heather bush 500
Medium Heather bush 1,000
Large Heather bush 2,000

Previous Years Counts:

3,364,658,680
Flowers counted in 2007

5,358,902,569
Flowers counted in 2006

4,773,559,314
Flowers counted in 2005

If you have the time, be sure to get out there and get counting…I know I will be there counting away!!

Photo Credits: Rentalo Web Site.

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

BC Ferries

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:00:37 +0000

BC Ferries as two mainland ferry terminals, Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay, which provide transportation to Vancouver Island, the Gulf Island and the Sunshine Coast.

Tsawwassen is approximately 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay takes about the same amount of tim, but is north of Vancouver.

Schedules are always changing depending on the season, and some routes can get extremely busy, especially during the summer months.

Ferries usually run every 1 to 2 hours depending on the route.
For current schedule information and fares it is best to check out their web site at www.bcferries.bc.ca

I highly recommend making reservations on the more popular routes during the summer months, especially on long weekends. It costs a bit more, but is well worth it!
I have spend many hours in long, hot line-ups wishing I had done the same. It is not uncommon to have to wait one or two sailing to catch your ferry during during these busy times.

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

Photo: Barkley Sound

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:00:08 +0000

While on a trip to Barkley Sound, on Vancouver Island, I had the opportunity to take this snap. I am always in awe with the natural beauty British Columbia has to offer. Photo Credit: The photo is part of my private collection

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler