The Vancouver Traveler » West-Coast-Living

The Beachcombers

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:42:59 +0000

The Beachcombers 35th Anniversary Events are planned for Gibsons, British Columbia. The Beachcombers was one of the longest running Canadian TV show. I remember watching Sunday evenings as a young boy. Here is proof that Molly’s is still standing!

For more information concerning the Anniversary, visit the Beachcombers website

Photo Credit: Private Stock

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

Fishing Anyone

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:06:14 +0000

If there is one thing that comes to mind about the West Coast of Canada, it is the beautiful blue cool water….and fishing boats. This is a small little fishing village up the coast from Vancouver. There is always a beautiful and rustic place to visit on those Sunday afternoon’s when you have nothing to do.

Photo Credit: My Private Stock.

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

Culture on Commercial Drive

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 05:32:59 +0000

Off the beaten downtown path, between Broadway and Venables street lies Commercial Drive, an area rich in cultural diversity.
The area is easily accessible by SkyTrain, which has a stop at the intersection of Broadway and Commercial street.

The Drive (as locals call it) is an area in which you can find cafes, ethnic and organic grocery stores and restaurants featuring Italian, East Indian, Spanish, Thai, Korean, Mexican, Vietnamese and vegan cuisine.

There is a large hippy population that frequents the numerous health- conscious cafes and alternative clothing stores along this popular strip that continues to maintain a certain scruffy charm.
It is truly a laid back atmosphere with great dining and the best espresso, a great way to spend a sunny or rainy day!

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

Granville Island, a must-see at any time of the year

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 14:30:01 +0000

Granville Island is a magical place and a must see for any visitor to Vancouver.
Located on the bustling, picturesque waterfront of False Creek, Granville Island’s is a people-friendly, artistic, and magnetic destination for locals and visitors.

It currently attracts more than 10-million people a year. You will find an amazing sprawling and colorful Public Market, the only one in Canada to win North America’s Great Markets Great Cities award.

Among the island’s other ediverse tenans are a celebrated West Coast art school, dozens of specialty shops and restaurants, theaters, art and craft galleries, and, of course, those friendly pubs. All of this is divided by artistic green spaces, and an unforgettable waterfront. There are also internationally recognized museums, a multitude of theme festivals, public workshops and special events that roll from one week into the next.

Whether a regular Vancouver visitor or a first-timer, being bored on Granville Island is simply not possible!

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler

Pack Ratt Louie’s

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 02:51:36 +0000

Great Food Reasonable Prices

If you are looking for a great family restaurant with a few fringe benefits, then Pack Ratt Louie’s in Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast is the place to go. Not only is their food top notch, the service is great and friendly.

The thing that makes Louie stand out is not only do they have an excellent menu but on Friday and Saturday nights they have live music from local jazz musicians on the coast to entertain you while you enjoy your dinner.

Since the new owners have taken the reins, there have been many improvements from interior design, menu, and bar layout making it a funky eatery that is casual and has a relaxed atmosphere and great comfort food!!

Pack Ratt Louie
Sunnycrest Mall
5-900 Gibsons Way
Gibsons, BC
V0N-1V7
604-886-1646

Post from: The Vancouver Traveler