British Columbia Canada Blog

Labour Day long weekend is fast approaching and it’s time for you to plan for Labour Day weekend. Haven’t decided what to do? Check out our recommended list of activities for this labour day weekend:

1. Visit Labour Day Lake: Why not visit, Labour Day lake this upcoming weekend? Labour Day lake is located 35 km southeast of Port Alberni and you can get here via Port Alberni. Take Hwy 4 or Bamfield Road to Cameron River Main and Lake Road then a short hike to this mesmerizing lake ‘ Labour Day Lake’ will make your experience truly special. Labour Day lake is good for fishing, has plenty of campsites, is near to Kammat lake and Mount Arrowsmith regional park.

2. Enjoy Labour Day Lake Trail: Hikers would surely enjoy Labour Day Lake trail which leads upto Labour Day lake. Although logging roads in the Cameron Valley provide good vehicle access to beautiful Labour Day Lake, a short walk leads through the forest to the lake and to an exciting two- three hour hiking trail around the lake. Do take Bugs spray to protect yourself from summer bugs and insects.

3. Labour Day Picnic is also being organized in Kamloops, British Columbia by Kamloops and District Labour Council, affiliates and the Kamloops united way at Riverside Park Bandshell from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm on September 7th 2009.

4. Labour Day celebrations in Stanley Park, Vancouver: The labour day celebrations at the Rowing Club in Stanley Park will involve BBQ (weather permitting), two party rooms, Fusion Dance show and Salsa lessoons on Sunday, September 6th 2009. BBQ and social dancing is scheduled for 6.0o pm followed by Salsa lessons, Dance party and fusion dance show. Contact City Salsa Club for more information.

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Labour Day celebrations in British Columbia 

Labour Day is just around the corner and preparations for labour day are going on throughout British Columbia.  In Vancouver, the B.C. Federation of Labour and the Canadian Labour Congress are hosting a picnic to celebrate working people in British Columbia.

You can join in these Labour Day celebrations with your family and friends to have a fun filled day for free kids activities, family entertainment, 50-cent hotdogs, drinks and corn (no HST!). These Labour Day celebrations will take place in John Hendry (Trout Lake) park on Monday, September 7th 2009 from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm.

For more information, visit: BC Federation Website

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Vancouver Coast Accommodation

British columbia Activities

When it comes to nightlife, Whistler is quite happening for a resort village. No doubt, people from all over the world love coming down to Whister which is British Columbia’s most popular resort town. Check out our favourite Top 5 pubs in Whistler for Vancouver 2010.

1. Amesterdam Cafe and Pub: One thing I love about Amesterdam Pub is that they have a very popular patio overlooking the village square. Amesterdam Cafe and Pub is open from 11.00 am to 1.00 am everyday. There veggie villain burger priced at $11 will certainly appeal vegetarian option seekers. Call: 604-932-8334 for more information.

2. Dubh linn Gate Pub : Visit PanPacific Mountainside Resort to experience this Irish style pub which is open from 7.00 am to noon for breakfast and for full service until 1.00 am. For more information, call: 1-800-387-3311

3. Buffalo Bill’s Bar and Grill: Buffalo Bills Bar & Grill is the premier nightspot for partying in Whistler. Conveniently located next to the Conference Center, in the heart of Whistler Village Buffalo Bill’s is your place if you want to love dancing. For more information, call: 1-604-932-6613

4. Longhorn Saloon and Grill: You can let your hair down and totally relax at Longhorn Saloon, located right at the village lift base in the Carleton Lodge. Call: 604-932-5999 for more information.

5. Garfinkels Nightclub: Garfinkel’s Nightclub is one of Whistler’s largest pub known for its longest running parties. It can get really busy in here so call: (604) 932-2323 for more information. 

There are a lot of things to do and see in the city of Victoria but my favourite 7 are:

1. Take a walk in downtown Victoria which is absolutely lovely.

2. Enjoy a free self guided tour of the parliament building from Monday-Friday (8.30 am to 5.00 pm). Visitors are allowed on certain floors and if possible do check out the parliament building during night when it’s brightly lit like a newly-wed wife.

3. Visit Craigdarroch Castle Historic House Museum for a magical and awe-inspiring experience which was built in 1890 by a wealthy coal Baron Robert Dunsmuir with finest materials and offers best views of Victoria from its top tower.

4. Try fresh Sea Food in one of Victoria’s fine dining restaurants. There are plenty of restaurants offering variety of fish, crabs, lobsters and other fresh sea food and you got to try it while in Victoria. Make sure you check the menu before making reservations because some of these can get pretty expensive.

5. The Butchart Gardens (located on Vancouver Island, 23 km (14 miles) north of Victoria) are worth a visit too. These Gardens have an magnificent floral display and will surely impress you. 

British Columbia  is known for its beautiful award winning Golf Courses. If you are a golf connoisseur, then you ought to plan a golf vacation in BC. Check out a few of my favourite Golf Courses in British Columbia:

1. Gallagher Canyon/Pinnacle : Gallagher’s Canyon is one of my all time favourite Golf Course. This lovely Golf course is more suited to experienced players. It’s a peaceful course with breathtaking views of Kelowna and Okanagan Lake. For less experienced players, Gallagher Canyon’s partner course-Pinnacle is a more suitable option.

2. Hyde Mountain Golf Course: Hyde Mountain Golf Course located in Sicamous, British Columbia is Shuswap regions one of the finest Golf Course. Overlooking the Mara Lake, this Golf course features elevation changes and breath taking views of the lake. If you plan to play at this golf course then don’t forget to take your camera becauseI am sure you’ll want to take some pictures.  Hyde Mountain is located 3kms off Trans Canada Highway in Sicamous, BC (Halfway between Vancouver and Calgary). Just turn off the Trans Canada Highway at Old Spallumcheen Road. There are some good bed and breakfast lodging options in the surrounding area to make your vacation truly special.

3. Predator Ridge : This Summer, Predator Ridge is offering rooms starting $99/night which include suites on the Golf Course with a view, kitchens, fireplaces and comfy duvets. While staying at Predator Ridge Golf Community you can also take advantage of Concept Salon and spa, yoga and spinning classes, winery tours and orchard walks. You can choose to stay the the Predator Ridge Golf community, Kelowna or Vernon.

4. Salmon Arm Golf Club: This Golf Club is one of the oldest in the Okanagan Valley and has been ranked in the top 50 Golf Courses by the Score magazine. Besides a championship course, the Golf course also has a 9-hole beginner friendly executive course.

5. Sonora Dunes Golf Course: Sonora Dunes Golf Course is located in Osoyoos, British Columbia and offers a 9 hole pristine desert golf course. Sonora Dunes is located next to the Spirit Ridge resort and Spa in Osoyoos.

If you have had a chance to play at one of British Columbia’s world Class Golf courses, then share your experience with us today. You might be the next lucky winner for our Golf getway vacation package for two. Email us at: aditi@bctravelguide.ca

Just came across a very interesting news story about much talked about HST (Harmonized Sales tax) and how it’s going to effect BC restaurant industry. Check out the complete story at CBC News. Here is the sneak preview:

Many British Columbia restaurant owners plan staff cutbacks if the province carries through with its planned shift to a Harmonized Sales Tax, according to a recent survey.

The Canadian Restaurant and Food Services Association surveyed a few hundred of its 4,000 B.C. members and found two-thirds plan to cut staff and another six per cent said they’ll shut down if the HST is introduced, association president Garth Whyte said in a news release.

Premier Gordon Campbell and B.C. Finance Minister Colin Hansen announced July 23 that B.C.’s HST will combine the five per cent federal GST with the seven per cent provincial sales tax for a harmonized 12 per cent tax, starting in July 2010.

At that time, Campbell said the HST would boost the economy, but food industry leaders believe it will do the opposite.

“We’re going to have a seven per cent increase in taxes on the consumer when they come to restaurants – it’s going to really hurt us and it’s going to reduce consumer spending,” said Whyte.

The way the HST will be applied means the province’s consumers will pay extra tax on items such as restaurant meals, airline tickets, funerals and haircuts – all of which were previously exempt from the PST.

Hmmmm..I have a feeling that it will affect BC tourism a lot. Hopefully it won’t hurt a lot!

2nd Annual Cheese Rolling Festival in Whistler on Aug 15th, 2009

Okay, so a whopping, 11-pound cheese wheel is thrown down a hill and everyone chases it.

On the way down, racers lose their footing and end up tumbling, rolling, sliding and bumping down. Traditionally, the first person to get down the hill to the finish line wins the race, the cheese, and a pair of Whistler Season passes.

For the past 200 years (at least!), English men and women have gathered by the hundreds to take part in the wackiest of UK traditions – cheese rolling! And now it’s a Canadian tradition too. The 2nd annual Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival, on August 15th from 12-4 in Whistler, gives Canadians the chance to try out this zany contest and chase a wheel of cheese down a slope at BC’s famed Whistler resort. Come chase the cheese or bring the family to watch and take part in loads of other activities.

Last year, the event made its Canadian debut in Whistler, where over 5000 people turned up to watch 200 cheese rollers brave the hill.

Wanna watch?

Canadian comedian Roman Danylo will be the MC for this year’s event. Choose your spot on the hill to catch the action then laugh, giggle, snort, point, cheer, jeer, clap, shout and yell as much as you want. This isn’t a golf tournament so no polite clapping please. Remember to have your cameras ready, because you’re going to want to capture this! You can upload your pics and videos onto the Canadian Cheese Rolling Facebook page to share the action with others.

Wanna roll?

Canadian Cheese Rolling returns to Whistler, British Columbia, on August 15th, with the first race starting at 1pm. There’ll be men and womens’ heats throughout the afternoon, with kids’ uphill races in-between. Adult racers who’ve made it past the finish line first get to compete in the Race of Champions. Bring your friends, your best costume and protective gear!

Wanna do kids stuff?

As well as watching the main races, there’s loads for kids to do. Aspiring cheese rollers can compete in the kids’ version of the race (which goes uphill instead) and start their training early with all sorts of fun activities.

Wanna eat?

Stroll on over to the Festival area to sample some of Canada’s cheeses made with 100% Canadian milk. There’ll be cheese seminars and you’ll get to meet local cheese makers. You can sample and buy cheeses from all over Canada — both familiar favourites and more adventurous flavours. Kick back, chill out, taste and discover.

Find out more and sign up: http://www.canadiancheeserolling.ca/

 It’s a lot of fun to hangout by the lake during hot sunny days in British Columbia. They are good not only for picnicking but tons of other activities like playing games with friends and family, swimming, boating, floating, sun bathing etc. The plethora of lakes in BC certainly makes it difficult to decide - where to go? If you ever get a chance, do explore these 3 lovely lakes of British Columbia- Perfect for a weekend getaway.

Heffley Lake : This lake is located about 44 kms northeast of Kamloops and to get here you take Hwy#5 (Yellowhead Hwy) which is North of Kamloops. After 14 miles turn off at the Sun Peaks Ski resort exit and stay on this road - Heffley Louis Creek Road for 13 miles until you see signs for Heffley Lake . You can get here within 30-40 minutes (driving).

Make your vacation more interesting by taking a horseback riding tour. There are amazing trails in the wilderness of British Columbia and you can discover them around Heffley Lake with Tod Mountain Ranch

Williams Lake: Don’t get confused, there is a small town of Williams Lake as well as a lovely lake in the Cariboo Chilcotin region of BC called Williams Lake. If you are looking for accommodation then Big Creek Lodge is a good option for your stay. The Big Creek Lodge offers custom adventure packages to the guests. They offer many different and exciting activities, like hiking, photo-safari, trail riding, ranch riding, cattle drive, round up, gold panning, atv tours, snowmobile tours, cross coutry skiing and fishing.

The City of Williams Lake is the hub of the Central Cariboo region and an ideal place to start your adventure in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region. Once a year, during the July long-weekend, the city showcases its particular brand of western hospitality during the world famous Williams Lake Stampede. During this Stampede, guests get to see a thrilling display of rodeo competitions amidst a setting of family fun-filled days at the midway, parade, street parties and many other exciting exhibitions and activities.

There are tons of activities in and Around Williams Lake that tourists can enjoy like Hiking (Try River Valley Trail), Golfing, visiting Scout Island Nature Centre ( a park and nature sanctuary known for bird watching), fishing, Water Sports like Kayaking, Tubing, Boating or simply picnicking on the beach. The more adventurous souls can go on White Water Rafting expedition on Fraser or Cariboo River by themselves or with a guided tour.

Besides relaxing at Williams Lake you can also check out surrounding lakes like Chimney Lake or Lac La Hache which are popular and accessible local destinations.

Burns Lake:  Burns Lake is the geographic center of British Columbia located halfway between Prince George and Prince Rupert and gateway to Tweedsmir Park which is the second largest provincial park of BC. Burns Lake area (over 1000 lakes)  is popular for fishing (3000 miles) as it consistently produces Rainbow Trout, Char and other variety of Fish

Want to try fishing during your next vacation? Check out, Babine Lake resort is perfect for fishing. While at Burns Lake, you can also visit Francois Lake which is BC’s second largest natural lake located south of Burns Lake.

The other day, I was searching for some Victoria deals and came across City Wide Vic website which is basically a Gateway to local businesses & Accommodations in Victoria BC such as 5 star Resort Brentwood Bay Lodge, as well as Float planes such as Salt Spring Air , West Coast Air and More. Keep an eye on their blog for new deals and coupons available in Victoria.

Other Related Victoria Links:

Victoria, British Columbia: Where to Stay?

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All about Victoria