British Columbia Canada Blog

Did you  hear, what Darron Kloster (Times colonist) said about discounted hotel accommodations on Canada.com. He mentioned that the prices for hotel accommodations across Canada have dropped down especially in our beautiful British Columbia. Now, isn’t thata great reason to travel this fall. See the data that Darron presented:

• The average price for a hotel room tumbled 17 per cent around the globe in the first half of the year — the lowest level in five years. (As per survey by Hotels.com)
•  Victoria’s major hoteliers, mostly in the Inner Harbour area, cut rates by eight per cent to $130 a night
• Calls to smaller operators indicated price cuts ranged from $10 to $70 depending on the month.
• Whistler cut rates by 27 per cent to $173 a night.
• The occupancy rate in Greater Victoria’s 4,400 hotel rooms slipped to 60 per cent over the first six months of the year — down four per cent from 2008, according to the latest figures from Bourree’s Chemistry Consulting. The average daily room rate was $116, off $6 from a year ago, while revenue per available room slid more than $8 to $70.32.
• Mandy Farmer, who runs the Accent Inn chain of six hotels across British Columbia, said occupancy was better than last year in the Okanagan and Kamloops areas, but weaker at properties in Vancouver and Victoria.

Instead of taking trips to Europe this fall, I am going to take more weekends trips to nearby beautiful BC destinations. How about you? Are you going to take advantage of discounted hotel rates in BC?

Yesterday, I came across a very interesting article on Yahoo, called “ Canada’s Top 10 Hotels” by Bob Harris- a Forbes traveller but what was more interesting was the fact that five of British Columbia’s Hotels were featured in this list (List was compiled by the Forbes Traveler 400 board of experts, who had gathered to determine Canada’s finest luxury hotels and resorts.) Curious to know, which BC hotels made it to the list? Check it out below:

Four Seasons Whistler and Fairmont Chateau Whistler : These resorts offer high-end accommodation with amenities like quality spa, excellent location, multiple whirlpools and finest dining facilities.

On Vancouver Island, the Sooke Harbour House was the clear choice in the British Columbia capital of Victoria along with Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino  .

Finally, in the city of Vancouver, the Opus Hotel (a youthful 96-unit boutique property) located in Yaletown district, made it to the list.

If you get a chance do travel to these outstanding BC hotels and if you have a favourite Hotel in British Columbia, do share it with us. 

Related Links:

British Columbia Accommodations

British Columbia Bed and Breakfasts

You can save some money on your BC trip by staying at economical places like Travelodge.  We just came across a great Travelodge discount deal on smartcanucks.ca. Check it out below:

Travelodge Canada - 50% off the 2nd night stay! (BC, ON, AB)

Travelodge Canada has a nice hotel deal going on right now. You can get a 50% discount on your 2nd night! I don’t see an expiry date for this one, so I’d scoop this deal right up before it’s gone! This offer is only available to residents of Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta.

Offer Code: SGL

Book online or call Travelodge reservations at 1-800-578-7878 and quote the Honey of a Hotel Deal offer, stating the offer code above.

Of course there are a few conditions:
The 50% discount will be applied at the completion of your stay. Available only at participating properties in Canada. Only a limited number of rooms will be offered at the “Honey of a Hotel Deal”, rate and may not be available during certain high seasons, holidays or special events. Offer not valid in connection with other special rates, discounts or programs or in connection with meetings, conventions or groups. 50% discount applies only to standard room charges (single or double occupancy) and does not apply to food, beverages, other incidentals, service charges or taxes. Extra person charges may apply. To qualify for the “Honey of a Hotel Deal” rate, a guest must stay consecutive nights at the same hotel.

Other Related links:

British Columbia Accommodations

Kelowna, located in the heart of Thompson-Okanagan is always bustling with activity especially during the month of August and September.  A lot of exciting events take place during these months in Kelowna. On Sunday, September 20^th 2009,  Kokanee Salmon Festival will be held in Kelowna at Mission Creek Regional Park (Springfield and Durnin roads) and Hardy Falls Regional Park ( Hardy Road off Hwy 97 south in Peachland).   Kokanee Salmon Festival is a free family event in which the whole family can participate and enjoy different activities like checking out the displays and watching Kokanee Salmon Spawning, local artists doing Salmon chalk art, musical entertainment and a barbeque. This year, children are being encouraged to dress in colourful costumes and swim, crawl or stroll into a huge, inflatable, interactive Salmon story telling tent. There will be interesting story tellers at Salmon story telling tent narrating native legends about the Salmon.  If you or your kids love fish, then don’t miss this fish focused event in Kelowna and Peachland. Kokanee Salmon Festival will run from 11.00 am until 3.00 pm For more information, visit: Regional District Website or call: 250-469-6140

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?

Accommodation Victoria

All about Victoria

August Long Weekend (This year from August 1st-3rd 2009) is probably one of the busiest weekends in British Columbia. If you are a tourist, visiting British Columbia, we highly recommend making reservations in advance.

The reason it’s so busy because it’s summer, it’s beautiful here in BC and everyone loves to hang out with their friends and family, secondly students all over the world have holidays and ofcourse it’s the tourist season as well. During August Long Weekend, BC residents indulge in variety of activities. They love going for camping, hiking, white water rafting, Kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, playing summer sports like beach volleyball, wake boarding etc. There are tons of festivals happening that weekend as well.

Check out what’s going on this August Long weekend (August 1st-3rd 2009) across British columbia

Bonfire Music Festival (from July 31st to August 2nd 2009) at Lions Park Fairgrounds -Kleindale, BC on the Sunshine Coast. Bonfire is a uniquely British Columbian festival experience. Music fans from all over Western Canada and the United States  converge during Bonfire Music Festival to experience a magical getaway of music, camping, fine food, art, fresh water swimming & celebration on BC’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. There are variety of musicians which appeal to a broad range of the Roots, Groove, Jazz, Funk & Folk audience who are known to appreciate the outdoor festival experience.

Kaslo Jazz Festival: Imagine Beautiful mountains, small village and a floating Stage- Welcome to Kaslo Jazz Festival. This year during August Long weekend, BC residents will celebrate 18th annual Kaslo Jazz summer music festival. The tickets can be bought by calling : 250-353-7548. Check out: KasloJazzfest.com for more information.

5th annual Wild BC Day long weekend family fun campout will also happen this August 1st, 2nd and 3rd. This year, the campout will be at Whitecap Campground in Seton Portage - one hour northeast of Pemberton, BC. The Wilderness Committee is inviting all of their friends to come camping in an endangered wilderness area which is spotted owl forest habitat located Northeast of Pemberton, BC in part of the St’át’imc traditional territory. You can join wilderness committee for a long weekend with a guided nature hike, swimming in Seton Lake, and learning about our campaigns to save Canada’s endangered spotted owls, to protect old-growth forests and help support healthy communities.

Please call Andrew or Stephanie at 604-683-8220 or email andrew@wildernesscommittee.org

Salmon Arm, British columbia is hosting Shushwap Adult Soccer Long weekend tournament. Although the registration is closed now but you can go and watch some great soccer.  For more information, visit: BC soccer website.

Hope you will enjoy your August Long weekend 2009.

What better way to discover Thompson Okanagan than to go camping. There are so many campgrounds and camping hot spots in the Okanagan region that sometimes it becomes difficult to choose. Don’t fret, we’ve compiled a list of some good campgrounds for our readers to check out:

1. Bear Creek Park and Campground:  Bear Creek Provincial Park is situated in the Central Okanagan Basin on the west side of Okanagan Lake. It’s a popular spot for camping for Kelowna Residents. The park features lakeside camping, over 400 metres of sandy beaches and 5 km of spectacular, well-marked hiking trails. A picturesque canyon has been carved into the bedrock by Bear Creek tumbling onto a cottonwood-lined delta. During the  during the summer season the park has a concession located at the Gatehouse and managed by the Park Facility Operator.

2. Ellison: In the mood for  boating , fishing , hiking, kayaking , scuba diving or volleyball  then go for Ellison campground which is only few minutes from Vernon, British Columbia. Located on the northeastern shore of Okanagan Lake, Ellison Provincial Park includes 200 hectares of forested benchlands above a rocky shoreline of scenic headlands and sheltered coves. The park’s natural attractions, combined with the dry, sunny Okanagan climate provide many recreational opportunities from spring through fall.  

3. Shuswap Lake- Scotch Creek: Just off Highway 1 near Chase, British Columbia, you can enjoy day camping on the shores of Shuswap Lake. Swimmers would love 1 km of developed beach and designated swim area. Although Boat rentals are not available here, there is a boat launch and boat trailer parking facilities available (only during the day.) Mountain biking is also permitted here.

Driving Directions: On the north shore of the main arm of Shuswap Lake, and includes Copper Island. Leave Hwy #1 at Squilax, and drive 19 km on paved roads. Note that Copper Island is only accessible by boat.

4. Herald Campgrounds :  Herald Campgrounds are easily accesible for Salmon Arm residents. Herald Park is located on the shore of Shuswap Lake, at the base of rugged Bastion Mountain. The area is naturally covered with open, parklike pine forest on sunny slopes and forest on shaded slopes. The campground has an upper, sunnier level and two lower levels - one sunny (an old farm site) and one shaded, both close to the beach (total of 119 campsites).  The main attractions are the long sandy beach and a short trail through a canyon leading to impressive waterfalls. Hikers surely check this one out.

5. Haynes Point Camping:This campground is located off Hwy 97 near Osoyoos, British Columbia. There are about 41 sites on a sand spit in Osoyoos Lake. Although a smaller campground, it does have amenities like fire pits, fire wood, recycle bins, flush toilets and disabled access.
Driving Directions: Located two km South of Osoyoos off Hwy 97 onto 32nd Avenue.

7.  Robson Meadows Camping - Mount Robson: If you want a beautiful treed setting at the base of the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies then Robson Measows Camping would be suitable for you. Robson meadows campgrounds are located just off Hi-way #16 about four hours north of Kamloops and there are a variety of day use and overnight hiking trails.  

8. Gladstone Park - Texas Creek near Christina Lake in British Columbia is another popular camping spot.  
There are about 63 large but mostly shady campsites. Gladstone Park is located approximately 20 km northeast of Grand Forks, British Columbia on Hwy 3 at the north end of Christina Lake in the Monashee Mountains. The most common accesses to the park are via the Texas Creek campground and by boat from Christina Lake. The campground is 5 km east of Christina Lake on Hwy 3; turn onto East Lake Drive and follow 4 km to the 63 site campground at the end of the road. There is rough 4WD access to Xenia Lake 22 km up the North Fork Rd from Grand Forks to Miller Creek Rd; turn right and go about 4 km. Look for a small road on the left marked with a white deactivated road sign that leads to the lake.

There is also access to the Mt. Gladstone trailhead from Hwy 3 and the abandoned CPR railway at Paulson, the Mt. Faith trailhead from the Burrell Forest Service Road, and Peter Lake from Dog Creek Road.

9. Champion Lakes near Nelson in British Columbia features 500 meters of sandy beach centred around three small lakes with a diversity of species; Western Larch, Cedar, Douglas Fir, Pine and Engelmann Spruce. Hiking trails, wildlife and fishing are available at this spot.  

From Merritt: Drive 50-kms northeast of Merritt on Highway 5. Take the Lac Le Jeune exit.

From Logan Lake: Drive 26-km east of Logan Lake on Meadow Creek Road.

So, if you are planning a camping trip in summer of 2009 then reserve earlier because these campgrounds get booked quickly.

 Hope you are enjoying your summer as much as I am. British Columbia offers tons of activities to adventure seekers during summer. Mountain Biking being on of my favourite. If you are mountain biking enthusiast then you don’t want to  miss Mountain Biking experience in Whistler. 2009 Mountain Biking season is off to a great start at The Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

Many new features have been added to the park this season like rebuild on Crank it Up and Angry Pirate in the Fitzsimmons Zone, exciting additions to No Joke (now called New Joke), Freight Train and Blue Velvet in the Garbanzo Zone.

 Oh and if you are a woman, you definitely want to check out Women’s nights specials. Every Monday and Wednesday women can take advantage of awesome deals in the Bike Park. And the prizes & Garibaldi Lift Company après are always the best way to finish a great night in the Bike Park. Also, Phat Wednesdays, an ever-popular race series is back giving riders and opportunity to step up their game.

For complete information, visit: Whistler Mountain Bike Park

Other Related Links:

Whistler Accommodations

Attention Jazz lovers! The hottest summer festival of Victoria, British Columbia - The Jazz Festival is just around the corner. Enjoy ten sizzling days and nights of cool Jazz during Victoria JazzFest scheduled from  June 26th to July 5th 2009. Victoria Jazz Festival is one of the premiere Jazz festivals of summer and highlights of 2009 include Michael Kaeshammer,  the David Sanborn Group, Al Di Meola and many others.the David rn Group, Al Di Meola and many others talented Jazz artists. You can buy ticket packages through Victoria Jazz Society by calling 250-388-4423.

The Ticketed Venues/ Cover Charge Venues during Victoria Jazz Fest include: ROYAL THEATRE, ALIX GOOLDEN PERFORMANCE HALL, VICTORIA EVENT CENTRE, OPEN SPACE, CENTENNIAL SQUARE, ELEMENT NIGHTCLUB, VISTA 18, FIRE and WATER LOUNGE, THE PACIFIC RESTAURANT and HERMANN’S JAZZ CLUB.

For accommodation during the festival, check out:

Victoria Bed and Breakfast

Victoria Resorts and Lodges

Have you heard the latest news about Vancouver 2010? Well, you can experience the magic of Vancouver 2010 during the games. During the 2010 Vancover Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, taking place in February and March 2010, common people like you and me will be able to ski too. It has been announced that 90% of Whistler Blackcomb Terrain will be open for public skating and riding. Now isn’t that some news.

So, if you haven’t booked your accommodation yet for Vancouver 2010 then do it now. Check out some useful links below:

Bed and Breakfast Vancouver coast

 Hotels Vancouver

Resorts and Lodges Vancouver coast