British Columbia Canada Blog

Victoria is one of the popular places to visit in British Columbia and now there is one more reason to visit it and that is 6th annual ‘Dine Around and Stay in Town Event, Victoria.’ Starting February 19th up until March 8th 2009, you will get to enjoy mouth-watering food in some of the best restaurants of Victoria at a reasonable price paired with fantastic wines of British Columbia.

In this event participating restaurants will offer three course menus to the guests for $20, $30 and $40 CDN per person. Of course, these menus will all be paired with BC VQA wine suggestions. Visitors will also get some wonderful deals from Victoria’s hotels and accommodations like rooms starting from $79, $89, $99 and $129 CDN.

Did you know that Victoria has the second highest number of restaurants per capita in North America and over 50 local restaurants are participating in this wine and dine event? There are plenty of good restaurants to choose from so take your pick, make reservations and enjoy.

For more information, visit:  The British Columbia Restaurant & Foodservices Association

Other Related Links:

Victoria Accommodations

Vancouver Island

Wondering why people go to Big White on Fridays when it’s obvious that it’s the start of the weekend and slopes will be bustling with skiiers ? Well, it’s because you get best deals for Beautiful slopes of Big White on Fridays.

Can you believe that an evening ski pass on Friday nights at Big White is only $5.00. Moreover, you can rent your equipment for just $10 bucks. $5 Friday Night starts at 5 pm and ends 8pm and includes runs on the Plaza Chair, Bullet Express and TELUS Park Chair (weather permitting).

So, plan a trip to Big White this Friday and have a fantastic time.

Other Related Links:

Skiing and Riding in BC

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I remember my visit to Victoria last year. Definitely, a beautiful city with its own unique charm and believe me it’s worthwhile to stay at the right place to have a memorable vacation. Victoria has a lot to offer the tourists in terms of lodging. Inspite of plenty of lodging options, do consider these lovely Bed and Breakfast Inns:

1. A downtown Victoria Ocean View: This seaview home was custom built for Bed and Breakfast. It offers tourists elegant serene guest rooms with ensuite, fridge, TV, free wireless and more. Some units have patios , fireplaces and you can rewind in garden hot tub spa. Expect a home made buffet breakfast in the morning and fill yourself up before heading to town which is about half an hour walk along the harbour (about one mile).

The walk along the harbour is absolutely sensational because you’ll get to smell sea air and watch the sea planes, boats and wildlife. 

2. Beaconsfield Inn: This bed and breakfast style inn is nestled along a quiet, residential street just minutes away from downtown Victoria., British Columbia. Beautiful gardens, charming rooms and fine food make Beaconsfield Inn unique. Attentive Beaconsfield Inn staff will be quick to point out nearby attractions and suggest ways to experience a wonderful holiday.

Built at the turn of the century to be a gracious Edwardian home, The Beaconsfield Inn retains many of the historic elements that evoke all the character, warmth and hospitality associated with by-gone eras.

3. Ambrosia Bed and Breakfast: Want to rejuvenate during your stay in Victoria then consider staying at Zen, Ambrosia, Persephone or Isis suite offered by Ambrosia Bed and Breakfast. These quiet tranquil rooms are perfect for couples wanting to escpae their busy lives or business travellers who want feeling and comfort of a home.

This 1897 heritage downtown Victoria Bed and Breakfast Inn  is only three short blocks to the inner harbour, and one block to Beacon Hill Park.

4. A downtown strollers Bed and Breakfast: Victoria’s popular attractions like Royal B.C. museum, Fairmont Empress Hotel, Beacon hill park, Whale watching  are only 5 minutes stroll from this modest downtown Bed and Breakfast. You can easily walk along tree lined boulevard to get to Victoria’s inner harbour and enjoy Floatplane tours, The Coho Ferry and Seattle Clipper. This budgeted Bed and Breakfast has warm blend of old antiques and contemporary art. At ‘A downtown strollers Bed and Breakfast’, you can start your morning with croissants and eggs , basil and cheese omelets etc.

5. Oak Bay Guest House: Oak Bay guest house is an old but neat and well maintained Bed and Breakfast (almost 100 years old) located in Oak Bay, Victoria’s Seaside Village, two blocks from the ocean and not too far from Victoria’s Inner Harbour. This Victoria Bed and Breakfast is a gracious old 1912 Victorian Home, designed by Samuel Maclure. If you decide to stay in Oak Bay Guest house  then don’t forget to check specials and packages (fishing and sailing) offered exclusively to B&B’s guests.

6. Carberry Gardens: If you want to escape the crowds and don’t want to stay in downtown Victoria  then check out Carberry Gardens Bed and breakfast which is a 1907 Gentry home located on a quiet tree-lined lane in the historic Rocklands neighbourhood. Carberry gardens has recently beed restored and offers guests spacious bedrooms with private baths and comfortable queen, king or twin beds with goosedown quilts.

7. Race View Bed and Breakfast: Just 25 minute drive away from downtown Victoria, this secluded and tranquil Bed and Breakfast is located in Metchosin overlooking the ocean at Race rocks with sweeping views of the Olympic mountains. Race view doesn’t only have good views but good prices too which vary from $120 to $145  during summer which is the peak season for tourists.

8. Marifield House: This bed and breakfast is located on government street (in  a quiet neighbourhood) but only 5 minute from downtown Victoria, the Inner Harbour and Royal BC museum. Although renovated and remodeled this  1925 character home still has many features that typify its era- stained glass windows, granite fireplace, etc.

9. Cordova Bay Bed and Breakfast: This lovely Bed and Breakfast is perched on a highbank looking out over Cordova Bay, the Gulf and Juan de Fuca Islands, and nestled against 500 acres of lush coastal parkland. You can easily relax and unwind in well appointed bright character suite which makes this bed and breakfast beautiful. This suite will embrace you with old style charm provided by skylights, wide mouldings, high ceilings, and an elevated sleeping area with pillowtop queensized bed.

Cordova Bay Bed and Breakfast is only 15 minutes from downtown Victoria.

10. Fairholme Manor Bed and Breakfast : Want to experience luxury and romance? Stay at Fairholme Manor Bed and Breakfast Inn. This newly restored 110 year old Italianate mansion is located adjacent to the gardens of the Lieutenant-Governor’s house (the Queen of England’s representative in British Columbia) in the lush and historic Rockland district of Victoria, a 15 minute walk to the ocean or to downtown, and a 5 minute drive to the US ferries in Victoria’s inner harbour. With 5 spacious suites and sumptuous breakfast entrees this Bed and Breakfast has been featured in many tourism magazines.

I highly recommend making early reservations to avoid any disappointments later on. Take a city tour to get the feel of the whole city in short period of time.

For more accommodation options, check out:

Vancouver Island: Bed and Breakfast

Are you unable to decide where to stay while visiting Sun Peaks ski resort in BC? Well, do consider following few great places:

As I had mentioned in one of my earlier posts, if you want to stay in the village centre, Nancy Green’s Cahility Lodge is a great option.

If you want something a little new, away from village noise and hustle-bustle then McGillivray Creek condos are something to consider. These condos feature granite counter tops, full kitchens,in-suite laundry, private hot tubs, and private garages. Other beautiful townhomes include: Stone’s Throw, Trail’s Edge, Crystal Forest and Trapper’s Crossing. These units are all individually owned so vary in decor and bedding configurations. You can either rent them directly from the owners or one of the management companies. Definitely, a good choice if you want self- sufficient accommodation with cooking facilities.

If you want to feel a little pampered with full-service hotel and conference centre then Delta Sun Peaks resort will surely please you. If you are planning to stay for couple of night, hotel rooms might seem a little small so if you can afford it, go for Delta Residences.

Don’t worry if you can’t spend too much dough, Sun Peaks Resort has some decent budget accommodations too like Sun Peaks Lodge, Coast Sundance Lodge and Pinnacle Lodge. 

Want to stay in town of Kamloops, try one of these great inns and hotels:

Kamloops Accommodations

Feel free to share your Sun Peaks experiences (good or bad) with us. You can email me at aditi.jasra@gmail.com

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I am not a much of a skiier but I love going to Big White for ‘tubing’. Big White is a family friendly resort and ‘Tubing’ is definitely enjoyable for all in the family. You don’t have to be athletic to grab a tube, get pulled up to the top of the slope and then feel the rush of adrenalin as you slide down the hill and if you are planning to go with a sweetheart then both of you can slide down together too. Believe me, it’s a lot of fun. It’s certainly a little chilly up there so you might want to take a break in between, head over to fire pit and sip a hot chocolate.

One of the reasons I love visiting Silver Star ski resort is that there is always something exciting happening in terms of activities and events besides winter sports. Guess, what is happening next weekend i.e. Saturday, January 17th 2009? Well, it’s a superhero day. Sounds interesting. Isn’t it? 

On superhero day, you can leave behind your plain old clothes, grab your cape and mask and hit the slopes dressed as your favourite super hero, or arch nemisis. One of my friends who is crazy about snowboarding is quite excited about ‘ Super Hero Day’ in Silverstar and is going to wear his halloween costume which is of  ‘Batman. I can’t wait to see ’Batman’ on Silverstar slopes. I am sure you will get to witness some other popular superheroes on ski hill too.

After you are done skiing and snowboarding for the day,  ‘The Saloon’ is the place to be for apres ski snacks, with prizes for the best costume, great music and a chance to win your very own BEER FRIDGE with every beer you buy. The Saloon features an inviting atmosphere and is big enough to host great group gatherings. Families are welcome in the Saloon until 8 p.m. every night, and features FREE wireless Internet connections. I love ‘The Saloon’ in Silver star because it has live music and is the only place on the mountain with a nice big dance floor that gets you shaking your leg. It is Open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. until the closing. For more information, call: (250) 558-6081

Related Links:

BC ski resorts
Top 5 BC ski resorts
 

No one can deny that Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in British Columbia and Western part of Canada. Areas like Yaletown, Coal Harbour, Gas Town, West End, Granville Island etc make city of Vancouver so unique and special. Did you know that Chinatown in Vancouver, BC is the second largest Chinatown in the western part of North America after San Francisco ? This multi-cultural and vibrant city has a lot to offer to the tourists. Imagine what kind of special arrangements will be made to welcome tourists and athletes to Winter Olympics 2010.

Now, readers of British Columbia tours have one more reason to rejoice. Starting next week, our expert BC travellers will share with you some interesting information related with Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. In this weekly- 10 part series we will inform you about best restaurants, attractions, events, hot spots, job opportunities etc in Vancouver and surrounding region.

Are you ready to enjoy Vancouver 2010: Winter Olympics with us ? In the meantime, check out the following related links:

Vancouver Accommodations

Vancouver Activities

Vancouver Attractions

Although Christmas is over, there are plenty of other festivals and events to be celebrated this winter in British Columbia. If you are planning to visit the Okanagan region in the near future then don’t forget to attend ‘ Vernon Winter Carnival’ scheduled from February 6th until February 15th 2009.

This year’s theme is “Dancing with Carnival “ which will be a spectacular 10 days of fun & exciting events all over Vernon and Silver Star. You can take part in or simply enjoy the snow and ice sculptures, parades and all kinds of fun events.

For further details, check out Vernon Winter Carnival. In order to purchase tickets over the phone, call: 250-545-2236

Get ready for some true Okanagan adventure by taking advantage of Okanagan ATV (all terrain vehicles) Tours. Whether you want to explore the snowy trails or discover Okanagan’s scenic beauty, Okanagan ATV tours designed for all skill levels will surely entertain you. You can try 2 hour tours, half day tours or full day tours with your friends, family or colleagues.

These tours give you opportunity to take some lovely shots, have snacks and relax and feature an experienced guide. Before you begin your ATV tour, you are given a safety and operation orientation.

There are multiple companies in the Okanagan offering these tours. Check out a few below:

1. Okanagan ATV tours: (250)-717-0733 or toll free 1-888-418-8687

2. Quad Tours: 250-864-7823

So what are you waiting for? Explore breath takingly beautiful Canadian back country on the seat of an all terrain vehicle (ATV). 

Summers in British Columbia are absolutely gorgeous and if you happen to visit one of the small towns of Thompson-Okanagan then you’ll consider yourself to be in the magical wonderland. In my opinion ‘Kettle Valley Steam Railway’ (The Okanagan’s Heritage Railway) is part of this Okanagan magic.

You can enjoy a rail ride from May to October. This 90 minute rail journey through the rural beauty of Summerland is absolutely heavenly as you get to experience the sights and sounds of steam, majestic views of the Okanagan Valley which consist of beautiful Orchards, lovely vineyards and splendid mountains.

There are many special events slated throughout the season like Great Train Robbery, BBQ etc. Live music, historical commentary, happy go lucky fellow passengers will add to your adventure. So, if you are planning a trip to Okanagan this summer, then don’t miss ‘Kettle Valley’ steam railway one of the major attractions of the area. For toll free reservations, call: 1-877-494-8424