British Columbia Canada Blog

Good news for Paintball lovers ! Silver Star mountain resort is ready to offer paintball attraction to the guests this summer. Silver Star is already world famous for its Bike park in summer and now paintball would be another activity that guests can enjoy while at the resort. Silver Star’s cool and dry summer weather is perfect for paintball game.

In the words of General Manager Michael Sherwood:

“We’ve seen tremendous growth in Silver Star Bike Park in the past three years and we recognized the need to build on our success. We think Silver Star Paintball fits that need as it offers another unique alternative to the Silver Star experience.”

Location : It will be located in parking lot E, in a location well to the west of Silver Star’s main village, opposite the entrance to the Ridge sub- division.

Opening Date and Timings: Silver Star Paintball will open June 26, coinciding with the launch of the summer biking and hiking season. The courses will be open every Thursday to Sunday during the summer season, from noon until 8 p.m.

Related Links:
Activities Thompson Okanagan
Silver Star Lodging
Thompson Okanagan Biking

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

I recently had a trip to Whistler, which is the most popular ski resort in British Columbia. I must say, it is one of the most fascinating places in the world and Ofcourse, Skiier’s paradise. Check out some Do’s and Don’ts from a Whistler Lover:

 Do’s

1. If you are visiting Whistler anytime between (Nov-April),  make sure to carry your heaviest jacket, warmest trousers and lovely toques. It can get really chilly in Whistler.

2. I would definitely recommend making accommodation arrangements at least 2 weeks prior to your arrival date to get suitable place to stay. Believe me, it can get very busy in Whistler and last minute travel arrangement plans can leave a bad taste in your mouth.

3. Do try to get a unit with kitchen facilities because you will need a lot of energy to try all those fun activities that Whistler has to offer. Also, if you are planning to stay for a couple of days then having your own cooking facility can save you a lot of money on eating out.

Don’ts

1. Do not shop unless you absolutely have to because things are a bit expensive in the Whistler village.

2.Do not trust the Weather Gurus because climate can change quiet drastically in and around Whistler. We drove from Kelowna to Whistler on Friday morning and roads were fantastic and weather was fabulous. On our way back it took us over 5 hours just to reach Vancouver from Squamish.

3. Don’t try extreme sports ( like heli-skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking)without expert guidance unless you are really good at it because Whistler can be cruel at times. Also, make sure you carry good map with you all the time.

 Enjoy Whistler but be safe.

Related Links:
Ski BC
Whistler Skiing
Whistler Resorts

There are so many different Wineries in the Okanagan that tourists often feel overwhelmed when trying to decide which ones to visit especially in a limited time frame. Afterall, it’s not easy to choose from over 70 wineries in the same region. I often end up discussing my list of top 10 Wineries in the Okanagan with Friends and relatives who ask for my advise.

Check out my list of Top 5 Wineries and make your own decision.

 1. Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Summerhill Pyramid  Winery has Canada’s largest certified Organic vineyard. It is located on: 4870 Chute Lake Road. Ph: 250-764-8000

2. Cedar Creek Estate Winery

The Cedar Creek Winery has been recognized as Canada’s Winery of the Year in 2002 and 2005 and their Greata Ranch vineyard produces high quality grapes. It is located on : 5445 Lakeshore Road. Kelowna , BC 

3. Jackson - Triggs Okanagan Estate

Jackson- Triggs Okanagan Estate is another award winning Winery of Okanagan. It is located on 38691-97th Street, Oliver, B.C.

4. Nk’Mip Cellars

Nk’Mip Cellars is pronounced as  in-Ka-meep and is North America’s first aboriginal owned and operated Winery located on the shores of Osoyoos Lake.

5. Mission Hill Family Estate

Mission Hill Family Estate has a beautiful architeccture and spectacular view. The winery is located on: 1730 Mission Hill Road. Westbank, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia Ph: 250.768.7611
Alt: 250-768-6448

Related Links : BC Wineries

British Columbia offers some of the finest hotel accommodations in all of Canada.  Every region in BC provides a unique experience unlike anything.  So when you are touring our wonderful province consider some of the hotels below.

Northern BC

• Dawson Creek Hotels
• Prince George Hotels
• Stewart Hotels
• Terrace Hotels

Cariboo Chilcotin

• Williams Lake Hotels

Thompson Okanagan

• Clearwater Hotels
• Kamloops Hotels
• Kelowna Hotels
• Penticton Hotels
• Salmon Arm Hotels
• Silver Star Hotels
• Vernon Hotels

Kootenay Rockies

• Cranbrook Hotels
• Fernie Hotels
• Golden Hotels
• Nelson Hotels
• Radium Hot Springs Hotels
• Revelstoke Hotels

Vancouver Island

• Cumberland Hotels
• Nanaimo Hotels
• Tofino Hotels
• Victoria Hotels