British Columbia Canada Blog

If you are looking for a Ski in - Ski Out, family oriented, clean but a little older property to stay in Sun Peaks village then I would recommend Nancy Green’s Cahility Lodge in the heart of the Village.  Nancy Green’s Cahility Lodge is not one of the newly developed, modern upscale property in Sun Peaks but it certainly has an interesting history and is very well located. With about 191 different room types, it has a lot to offer to different group sizes.

 As you walk in the front door, you’ll be impressed by lobby display of Nancy Green’s trophies and Olympic medals. The other features that attract me to this place are: indoor and outdoor hot tubs, well equipped fitness room, cozy meeting room, slope-side ski storage room, complimentary wireless Internet and complimentary guest Internet station. I wish they had free free underground parking. Unfortunately the heated underground parking offered by the lodge is about $10/night. However, I like the idea of complimentary orientation ski tour and weekly reception ( during ski season.)

 Now, if you are in Sun Peaks Village, one of the most happening place for food and drinks is Macker’s on the Mountain. I love it for its upbeat bistro atmosphere and strong flair of the mountain.

 Check out: Nancy Green’s Cahility Lodge 

Related Links:
Thompson Okanagan
Ski British Columbia

If you are looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or soothing vacation then Radium Hot Springs is one of the hot spots you must consider. Radium Hot Springs, located in Kootenay National Park of Canada is eastern B.C.’s largest day spa. You can relax in this spacious mineral hot pool while chatting with friends and gazing up at the rock cliffs of Sinclair Canyon.

Radium Hot Springs is a perfect place to heal the soul and to let tension melt away. I love the breathtaking views of the rockies while soaking in mineral rich waters and trying to spot bighorn sheep that makes this canyon home. The heated winterpool entrances, nature trails, picnic areas and space to lounge makes Radium Hot springs a huge hit with the families. I personally enjoy ’Radium Hot Springs Poolside Cafe’ from where I pick snacks and souvenirs. I am sure your kids will enjoy icecreams and pizzas at this poolside cafe.

Radium Hot Springs operate all year around although timing vary from season to season.The facility is maintained to the highest public health and environmental standards. Don’t worry if you forget your towels or swimsuits as these are available for rent at the site.

 Related Links:
Kootenay Rockies
Radium Hot Springs

Penticton is one of the most beautiful cities of Thompson Okanagan and one of the annual events in Penticton is ‘Gun and Antique Show and Sale’ and this year’s show will be held at Penticton Curling Club on April 19th and 20th. Penticton Curling Club is located on 505 Railway Street.   

The show timings are: Saturday - 9.00 am to 5.00 pm and Sunday - 9.00 am to 3.00 pm. Tickets are priced at $5/person and $3 for seniors. For more information, call Brenda or Kevin at : 250-494-4356. Email: collector0003@shaw.ca

Related Links:
Travel Penticton
Thompson Okanagan

I did not think much of Kicking Horse until I visited it last week and found out all about it. It is certainly a great place for adventure sports.

Location: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is surrounded by lovely peaks and Canada’s most picturesque National Parks. The resort is located in Golden, British Columbia, just 1.5 hours west of Banff (145 kilometers), 2.5 hours west of Calgary (270 Kilometers) on the Trans-Canada highway,  6 hours from Edmonton (558 kilometers) and about 8.5 hours from Vancouver ( 711 kilometers) .

 Accommodation: There are many lodges and chalets on the mountain but many travellers prefer staying in Golden ( more hotel style properties). If you rent a condo on the hill, you can probably cook yourself and save on eating out everyday.

Activities: Some of the activities you can enjoy while in Kicking Horse include:

Summer Activities: Whitewater rafting on Kicking Horse River, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Golfing, Kayaking, Rock Climbing and Fishing.

Winter Activities:  Winter day time temperatures usually range from - 12 degree Celsius to 2 degree Celsius and sometimes dropping to -20/- 25 degree Celsius.  Heliskiing, Dog-sledding, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing, Ice climbing, Ice fishing etc. 

Dining: Try Kicking horse grill for contemporary Canadian cuisine.

Pictures of Kicking Horse:

The Golden Eagle Express Gondola

Kicking Horse  Village View

Advanced Ski runs - Kicking Horse usually has good snow even in the month of April

 Skiers on the top of the mountain- Getting ready to go down on a run

Snow covered peaks in Kicking Horse

View of the village from The Golden Eagle Express Gondola

Related Links
Kootenay Rockies
Skiing BC

I visited Sun Peaks last weekend and was surprised to see that there is still a lot of snow in the resort.  The Skihill is closing on April 13th so you still have a few days to enjoy last minute skiing. 

As far as accommodations are concerned, Sun Peaks has a lot to offer to tourists and locals. There are several ski in/ski out hotels like Nancy Green’s Cahility Lodge, Delta Sun Peaks, Coast Sundance Lodge, Sun Peaks Lodge etc. I personally prefer condos and chalets and Sun Peaks never ceases to impress me. Check out pictures of some popular units below:

 Village Center Sun Peaks, British Columbia

Timberline Accommodations in Sun Peaks, British Columbia

Mcgillivray Creek Chalet -  Sun Peaks, British Columbia

Trappers Landing (Upper Village) - Sun Peaks, British Columbia

Crystal Forest (Upper Village) -Sun Peaks

Delta Sun Peaks Hotel - Village Centre

Highly recommended restaurant in Sun Peaks: Macker’s (just next to Nancy Green’s Cahilty Lodge in the village center) 

Related Links
British Columbia Resorts
Ski British Columbia

There are several things to do and see in Victoria but check out the list below for 5 must see attractions:

1. You cannot visit Victoria without seeing the Parliament building. The grandeur of this building just leaves you in owe.  Located downtown Victoria, the Parliament Building is beautiful in the day and night.
2. Royal B.C. museum is a must see because it throws light on B.C. culture and natural history.  Take your time because you don’t want to miss out on any of the rich British Columbian history.
3. The Butchart Gardens will remind you: A Thing of Beauty is a Joy forever.  Flowers in Victoria bloom as early as late March and with the most pristine flower gardens in all of Canada, the Butchart Gardens are definitely worth seeing.
4. Whale Watching is a fun activity to do while in Victoria and with so many Whale Watching Tours, I suggest you take a customized trip with more than just one tour company.
5. Undersea Gardens: Experience the magical world of Victoria’s Undersea Gardens.  They feature More than 5,000 animals of different species.

Bonus: Hotels in Victoria: I suggest you head downtown and check out some of the elegant hotels in Victoria overlooking the harbor. Many of the downtown hotels are walking distance to fine restaurants, bus tours, and museums.

Related Links
Vancouver Island
Victoria Accommodations