British Columbia Canada Blog

Apart from the Olympic Games, there will still be plenty going on in Whistler Blackcomb. Here’s a brief rundown of the events you can attend in Whistler this year.

March 1st – 8th 2010 Winter Pride 2010

March 1-8 are the official dates for GayWhistlers WinterPRIDE celebrating its 18th anniversary. This is going to be one anniversary party you will not want to miss come and experience Whistler just after the Olympics and take in the excitement of being on the world stage.

For more information, check out: Gay Whistler

March 13th – 21th 2010 Winter Paralympic Games

From March 12-21, 2010 Whistler plays host to some very talented and extraordinary athletes at the Paralympic Games. Come cheer on your favorite athlete as they go for Gold. The Paralympics are known to be more intimate than the Olympics and just as exciting!

April 9th – 11th 2010 The Whistler Cup

THE WHISTLER CUP is an international ski event organized by the Whistler Ski Club . Having completed its  17^th year, Whistler Cup has grown to become the largest and most important ski race in North America, and internationally, for athletes aged 11 – 14 years. It is held under the auspice of FIS, the international governing body for alpine skiing. With over 390 young athletes from 20 countries, Whistler Cup brings together children from many different cultures, from around the world.

April 16th-25th 2010: Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival 2010

Related Links:

Whistler City Guide

Top Whistler Pubs

Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival

Drive to Whistler, British Columbia

Vancouver never gets boring. There is always something exciting to look forward to. For instance, next week Vancouver is hosting ‘Canadian Country Music Awards 2009.’ Canadian Country music awards are scheduled to be held on Sept 13th 2009 at General Motors Place in downtown Vancouver and will be hosted by Jason Priestley. The awards will be aired live at 8.00 pm on CBC television.

 The Canadian Country Music Association will be in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia from September 10 -13 for four days of networking, artist showcases, workshops and of course for the Canadian Country Music Awards. Various events which will be taking place during the Country Music week include:  The New Artist Showcase, The Gospel Showcase, The Songwriters’ Cafe and my personal favourite the kickoff party. The kickoff party is scheduled for Thursday, Sept 10th at the Vancouver Aquarium where in people can meet other professionals in the music industry and develop business relationships.  Another must see event during Country Music Week is Fanfest which is free and will be held on Saturday, Sept 12th from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm on the 700 block of Granville between Georgia and Robson.

It’s going to be an exciting week of wonderful music in Vancouver during Canadian Country Music Awards 2009. The ticket prices for various events vary from $55 to $125 and can be bought at ticketmaster. Are you ready for the country music week? 

Related Links:

Accommodation in Vancouver

Canadian Country Music Awards

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

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.

Imagine beautiful setting of Harrison Hot Springs and then lively Arts Festival to add charm to your stay.The Harrison Festival Society will celebrate the 31st annual Harrison
Festival of the Arts this summer from July 11 to 19th 2009. The Harrison Festival is a popular summer festival with international reputation.
 
In a setting free of large crowds, line-ups, and high ticket prices, the festival presents
music from all corners of the globe, a large outdoor art and craft market featuring the work of a wide variety of artisans, workshops, a special day of children (of all ages) and much more. This year’s music will include the best in traditional Quebecois with Yves Lambert, the Louisiana Cajun of the Redstick Ramblers, traditional Hawaiian with Hapa, bluesman Eric Bibb and much more.

For more information, call: Ed Stenson at 604-796-3664
For more information, www.harrisonfestival.com

Plan your visit to Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia by visit: BC Travel Guide

Related Links:

BC Hot Springs

Yes, you read it right! Hollywood Celebrities will visit British Columbia this weekend from June 12-14th 2009. Why not rub shoulders with them? You are most welcome to visit Osoyoos, BC for the first annual Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival. Destination Osoyoos, in tandem with presenting sponsor Black Hills Estate Winery and the business community of Osoyoos are presenting the first annual Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival from June 12 to 14, 2009. 
 
At this wine festival, the guests will experience excellent food and wine pairing events from regional Chefs and Winemakers. Believe me, Okanagan Wineries has a lot to offer. A number of stars will attend this 2009 Summer Festival like Jason Priestley (Beverley Hills 9020, Hollywood & Vines), Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek, National Treasure), Dean Cain (Superman), Tiffani Amber Thiesen (Saved by the Bell, Beverly Hills 90201), Jann Arden (singer), and Terry David Mulligan (The Tasting Room).

The keynote event is the Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Auction, with proceeds benefiting children’s charities. Participants can sip wines from an array of South Okanagan wineries and nibble on delicious appetizers from local restaurants in the “20 km Diet”. Then they can bid on rare wine from great Canadian wineries in both the Silent and Live Auctions. All proceeds go to the 2009 beneficiary which is the Providence Children’s Center.

The Canadian Tenors will be the headlining act for the Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Auction, which will be taking place at the Walnut Beach Resort from 4 pm to 7 pm.

In addition to the Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Auction, three other great events are happening during the festival:

1) The Nota Bene Release Party
Featuring host Jason Priestley, Celebrity Chef Ned Bell, and winemaker Graham Pierce. Celebrate the release of the latest wines from Black Hills Estate Winery while tasting the cuisine of Ned Bell and listening to the music of DJ Jenn Goulet and the live tunes of Double Magnum.

Saturday June 13, 3:00-7:00 pm, Black Hills Estate Winery. Tickets are $149.00 each.

2) Burrowing Owl Winemakers Dinner
Featuring Chef Bernard Cassavantes and the exceptional wines of Burrowing Owl

Friday June 12, 7:30-10:30 pm, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery. Tickets are $125.00 each.

3) Desert Spirit BBQ: The official after-party!
Featuring Chef Jonathan Thauberger and wines from the South Okanagan. Enjoy a casual BBQ and opportunity to socialize in an upbeat setting.

Friday, June 12, 7-11 pm, Spirit Ridge Resort. Tickets are $49.00 each.

Tickets for all events are available for online purchase at www.ticketweb.c (website below) or visit www.blackhillswinery.com.

For accommodations contact the Walnut Beach Resort at www.walnutbeachosoyoos.com, or call 1-877-936-5400

For general information on Osoyoos, call Destination Osoyoos at 1-888-676-9667

Related links:

Okanagan Wineries

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

Wondering about Best BC Wines? Well, Okanagan’s 2009 Spring Wine Festival has just concluded and the competition for the Best Wine was really tough. However, the wine Connoisseurs did manage to spot Best BC wines. Five BC wines which have won Gold medal are:

Related Links:

Kelowna Wineries
Oliver Wineries

Burnaby is getting ready for an exciting event set to be held on June 6th 2009. I am talking about Annual Hats Off Day being organized by Heights Merchant Association in Burnaby. Over the years Hats Off Day has become Burnaby’s most celebrated event – and it’s happening this year on Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can join the Heights merchants and Burnaby’s community for a party on the Heights with a colourful parade and street festival featuring food, prizes, music and a lot of fun for all ages.

This year’s highlights include:

• Il Girolino di Burnaby – a “Dash and Pedal” race for kids five to twelve years old;
• The Show & Shine – classic and custom cars will be on display in a new location – on Hastings Street between Ingleton and Esmond Avenues;
• The Chevron Express – a train for all ages that will run along Hastings and take you from one exciting stop to another;
• The Edge Climbing Wall – 24 feet of climbing adventure;
• Bouncy castles, face painters, games and lots of kids activities;
• Many bands as well as community and cultural groups; and
• Hundreds of merchants featuring treats, giveaways, special promotions and demonstrations.

For more information about Hats Off Day, check out: http://www.hatsoffday.com or contact Kitty Au, Event co-ordinator by calling 604-294-8899

There is always something exciting happening in Victoria. This month, Victoria residents are being charmed by Victoria’s Belfry Theatre  which is presenting its annual Spark Festival from March 9 to 22nd 2009 giving audiences the opportunity to take in an array of modern, Canadian productions.

This year, the festival has been compressed into two exciting weeks, adding a mini-festival of ten-minute plays, a play reading series, and workshops with some of Canada’s most innovative artists. The single tickets are priced from $23 - $38 per person and students receive a 25% -50 % discount on the posted prices. So, buy your tickets now and watch some interesting performances. If you are planning to stay in Victoria then don’t forget to check our Victoria Lodging.

For more information, visit: The Belfry Theatre