British Columbia Canada Blog

The Olympics may be finished come April but the action never stops in Whistler. TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival will be held in Whistler from April 16-25th 2010.  The festival will be packed with competitions, concerts and mind-blowing excitement.

It makes sense to visit Whistler during this festival because besides enjoying everything that this wildly popular festival offers, you can also take advantage of  the slopes which will be less crowded, the snow will still be great and you can get amazing low season prices.

View the entire Ski and snowboard festival event schedule here: Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival 2010 

 Since January 1st, 2010 I have been keeping my cellphone off while driving on beautiful BC roads and my friends and family are not happy about it. Well, it’s not that I want to be inaccessible to them but just the fact that a new driving rule has come into play starting January 1, 2010.

It is now against the law to drive while using a handheld cell phone or other electronic device in British Columbia. Any violation of the law will net drivers a $167 fine (I surely don’t want that). If a driver is caught texting or emailing, three points will also be added to their record (Whew..rules, rules and more rules but let’s think about it , it for our own safety).

What’s allowed? Hands-free cell phones that are voice activated, or activated by one touch, provided they are securely attached to the vehicle or the driver’s body (such as an earpiece).

For more information, visit: Drivecellsafe.com

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If you’ve travelled by road from Calgary to Kelowna, the chances are you’ve passed through Revelstoke or in fact stopped their for a pee break. Do you remember admiring small but beautiful town of Revelstoke? If you like Revelstoke then you’ll be happy to know that talks are being held for rebranding Revelstoke.

 During recently held Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce’s “Business After Hours” series Hoteliers Association discussed re-branding campaign for Revelstoke. Thom Tischik’s presentation (of Kimberly based marketing firm) featured a series of poster boards depicting what could be full page magazine ads and different takes on the new logo. His campaign focused on portraying Revelstoke as ravishing and truly magnificent place to live and visit during any season.

Let’s hope involved parties will take some concrete steps pretty soon and see Revelstoke getting transformed into a brand new exciting community.

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Any successful event requires a lot of planning and if it is something much awaited like Vancouver Olympics 2010 then the planning is followed by a lot of training, special changes and follow up to make sure things are moving along smoothly as planned. Vancouver is also gearing up for some changes to ensure that no one is disappointed in Vancouver as the host city for Winter Olympics 2010. After all, we want Olympics to be held here again and again.

Let’s look at some changes that Vancouver/ Vancouverites and neighboring areas will be going through during Winter Olympics 2010:

1. Early Spring Vacation has been announced for school children in Whistler and Squamish with schools closing from Feb 19th to March 1, 2010.

2. The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is closing for the entire Games from Feb 12th to 28th 2010 allowing for almost 3,000 parking spaces to be used as part of the Olympic Bus Network’s park-and-ride.

3. Vancouver will literally be converted into a partyzone. There will be live broadcast sites with giant screens in Vancouver’s downtown and Yaletown community. Robson Square will be a hub of activity around the outdoor ice rink. The city’s popular Granville Island market will be taken over with a celebration of Francophone culture.

4. Also, there will be parties in Richmond, near the Olympic oval, and in Surrey where the city is planning a $3 million, 13-day celebration with music and live broadcasts.

5. Another major change is the fact that the jury trials have been delayed between Feb. 6th and March 1 2010. The provincial courts will be processing day-to-day criminal matters, but because many police officers across the province will be deployed for Olympic security, they won’t be available to testify at any criminal trials province-wide.

6. Marine security in Vancouver’s False Creek will be restricting access to boats or escorting boats in and out of their slips near the athlete’s village.

7. If you are flying into Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet via float plane or helicopter, you will be subjected to added passenger and luggage screening, and new restrictions are being placed on carry-on baggage.

8. Think twice before planning to drive during Vancouver Olympics because there will be lot of transportation restrictions. Checkpoints will also be set up north of Squamish on the Sea to Sky Highway stopping unnecessary vehicle traffic from getting through to Whistler.

Despite all these changes most of us are still very excited about Winter Olympics 2010. Let’s hope to have a great time.

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Transportation during Vancouver Olympics 2010

Meet Canadian Vancouver Olympics 2010 Athletes

Opening Ceremony of Vancouver Olympics 2010

Trust Translink when it comes to transportation during Vancouver Olympics 2010.

Translink operates the SeaBuses that navigate the Burrard Inlet, the city buses, the West Coast Express commuter train and the automated rapid transit system commonly known as the SkyTrain. Part of the City of Vancouver’s Host City Transportation Concept Plan includes an additional fleet of buses dedicated solely to transporting spectator to and from Olympic venues. Other Game-time improvements will include 48 new SkyTrain cars, a third SeaBus and 85 additional buses joining the 115 that were recently added.I am sure one of these methods of transportation will come to your rescue during Winter Olympics 2010:

1. The newly expanded SkyTrain features the Canada Line, a 16-stop, 25-minute connector (You read it right- It takes only 25 minutes) between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and the City Centre so save yourself from getting stuck into crazy Vancouver traffic.
2. If you’re coming via Vancouver Island or any of the smaller Gulf Islands take advantage of the BC Ferry fleet. You’ll love our new, impressive Super Ferries.
3. Translink’s commuter buses alone provide an ideal form of transportation with countless routes, frequent service and multiple stops.
4. The West Coast Express will add half a dozen more weekday trips and 16 more weekend trips for an 80% capacity increase during the Games.
5. The newly expanded Sea to Sky Highway that connects Whistler with Vancouver will get you to your destination in no time.
6. Whistler and Valley Express (WAVE) transit system will include buses with low floors, ramps and wheelchair/scooter access. The BC Transit fleet that services the Pemberton-Whistler-Squamish area will expand from 39 buses to 135 and have five times the existing service hours running 24-7 once the Games come to town. Yes, we love the fact that expanded 24-hour bus routes will connect Whistler to the neighbouring communities of Squamish and Pemberton.

Also, some 180 more buses and 30 more HandyDART vehicles will join the Metro Vancouver fleet. SeaBus and SkyTrain schedules will implement extended hours.

Some other tips for Travellers to Vancouver Olympics 2010:

1. Carry an umbrella or a Raincoat. You never know with Vancouver Weather.
2. If possible, stay away from rental cars (you won’t find parking) and taxis (The money you spend on taxi bill could have been used for meals for the entire week)
3. Take advantage of Public transit.

How many of us really know about Swiss Guest Centre and social hub open to public during Vancouver Olympics 2010 called House of Switzerland Canada 2010 ? Well, I surely didn’t know about it until a few days ago. It surely is a great concept.

In Vancouver, the House of Switzerland will be situated in the highly popular “Bridges” restaurant on Granville Island. In Whistler, the House of Switzerland will be set up in the trendy “Mountain Club”, centrally located in Whistler Town Plaza.

As the official guest centre of Switzerland, open to the public at large, the House of Switzerland Canada 2010 will offer its guests and partners the chance to taste, see, and feel a true sense of Switzerland, and to generally feel at home. From 5 – 28 February 2010 the House of Switzerland will be a place for people to get together to watch live coverage of the Games. It can also be used for receptions, client entertainment, media conferences, and medal celebrations

The XXI Winter Olympic Games will take place from February 12 – 28, 2010 in Canada’s Vancouver and Whistler.  The unique Swiss guest centres will be set up in the heart of both of the sporting venues: Vancouver and Whistler.

The House of Switzerland Canada 2010 will open its doors in both cities a full week before the Olympic Games get underway – on 5 February 2010 – so as to make its mark as a key Olympic hotspot during the lead up to the Games themselves.

For more information, check out: House of Switzerland Canada 2010 

Some of the exciting events being hosted by House of Switzerland Canada 2010 that we are looking forward to include:

1. Grand Opening of the House of Switzerland in Vancouver for Olympics 2010 on Feb 5th 2010 – Come in for some delicious chocolate and cheese.

2. Opening Party in Whistler on Feb 6th 2010- Join celebrations with chocolate and cheese tasting, surprise acts and much more.

3. Swiss Day in Vancouver on Feb 6th 2010 with entertainment by Swiss Clubs with Swiss traditional music in the morning and evening and assist the recording of the famous Swiss national radio show “Persönlich” with special guests and live audience.

4. Globi day for children at the House of Switzerland in Vancouver on Feb 10th 2010- Become friends with Globi, the famous Swiss cartoon character who will read short stories from his first book in English: “Globi’s trip through Switzerland”. All children are welcome and will get a surprise present by DAR-VIDA. Timing: 10-11.30 a.m. and 2-3.30 p.m.

See you at the House of Switzerland 2010!

Walnut Beach Resort in Osoyoos is a great place for your winter weekend getaway. Skiing conditions at Mt. Baldy are excellent and the Malt Wine is ready along with the fireplaces in cozy Walnut Beach Resort rooms. 

All one bedroom and two bedroom suites have their own fireplaces and insuite washer and dryers. Oh and don’t forget the Wine Bar and Bistro on site. The pool and hot tubs are open and resort also offers sauna and steam room to warm up those tired muscles.

Walnut Beach Resort’s private beach has received a go ahead for a liquor license which will make you feel like you are in the tropics with beachside bar service. Plan a wedding at the resort and we promise, you won’t be disappointed.

Tomorrow (Jan 2nd, 2010) will be the last day 12th Annual Bright Nights in Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Columbia. The tickets are priced at $8.00/adult and $5.00 for kids and seniors. So, if you haven’t been to Bright Nights with your family and friends yet then do it before it’s over.

More than two million twinkling lights transform the forest, the train and children’s farmyard areas in the middle of the city’s wondrous Stanley Park. Bright Nights is enhanced by entertainment, dozens of delightful animated displays and more - carrying on the tradition that started with the first Christmas Train over thirty years ago!

For more information, check out: Bright Nights in Vancouver

Are you excited about New year 2010? Have you made any Travel Plans/ Weekend Getaways yet? Well, we already have a few shows on our list that we want to attend in 2010 and one of them is Fraser Valley Women Show  in Chilliwack, British Columbia which is being held from March 5-7th at Heritage Park. We have a feeling that it’s going to be a blast.

Check out some of the highlights of the show:

-Salon Stage, Free Hair Cuts & Makeovers
-Ask Vancouver’s very own certified Image & Style Guru Giovanni about his expert advice
-Photography for glamour, business and fun
-Shop from on onsite boutiques
-Women in Business Conference with guest Arlene Dickinson (CBC’s Dragons Den) Great Networking, Education, Inspiration and Empowerment Opportunity
-Don’t miss Singer/Songwriter Joe Taylor: “soulful and timeless, classic rock at it’s finest”
-Jewellery on sale
-Shop for unique gifts, quality jewellery, clothing, handbags and 1000’s of accessories from over 200 exhibitors
-Fashion Shows daily featuring the NEW spring fashions, hot new resort and swimwear
-Home & Interior Decorating “How To” Seminars, discover the new 2010 New Trends and Great New Colors
- Get Free Samples,  great door prizes and even a pre-show online contest

Doesn’t that sound fun? For more information, visit: Fraser Valley Women Show

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Here in British Columbia, we appreciate good music and thoroughly enjoy it especially with friends and family. No doubt, we have several interesting music festivals and events  in the province throughout the year.

‘Music & Friends’ is one such exciting, annual, family-friendly event founded by the North Pacific Music Festival Society in 2005 which captures and compliments the spirit of Northwest British Columbia. In 2010, this BC music festival will be celebrated on July 16-17th in Terrace, BC at the Terrace-Kitimat Regional Airport lands.

Although the goal of the festival is to provide exposure to BC artists from the North Pacific region and to provide them a chance to develop their musical skills through performance and public appearance, it has hosted musical acts from all over Canada and the United States.

As per organizers:

Over the years the natural beauty of the festival backdrop has captivated thousands of regional and international visitors. The sights and sounds of the festival are complimented by the regional flair that the various vendors provide. Offering a wide range of ethnic goodies, the scrumptious offerings of the numerous food merchants feed the senses. Festival goers can also shop for one of a kind crafts and handmade souveneirs courtesy of the local sellers.

Also, the festival organizers continue to dedicate profits each year to a charity of choice. So, if you haven’t been to ‘Music and Friends’ before, then make plans to check it out this BC music festival in 2010 and enjoy!

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