British Columbia Canada Blog

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

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

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

Attention Snowboarders!

One of the most happening events is about to take place at Sun Peaks Resort near Kamloops, British Columbia, called You Look Good Rider’s Cup (YLGRC08). The event is scheduled to take place at Sun Peaks on March 15, 2008. This is YOUR chance to win $30,000. You Look Good Rider’s Cup is an event for you to meet pro snowboarders, models and local celebrities. Check out the details on YLGRC08 below:

• Practice: Open Practice

• Qualifiers: All riders will receive 2 judged runs. Best run counts. Number of finalists determined at Mandatory.Riders meeting on event day.

• Finals: 2 Judged runs, Best Run Counts. In the case of a Tie Break judges will use second run score.

CASH & PRIZING:

SALOMON Amateurs Top Men/Women will receive new gear from SALOMON SNOWBOARDS and a chance to earn a 2008 SALOMON SNOWBOARDS sponsorship contract

RIPZONE Best Trick: Ripzone will be awarding $500 Cash for the single best trick during the finals on the Ripzone specific feature. Riders of any age, male or female, must make it to the finals to be eligible for the Ripzone Best Trick.

CAMP OF CHAMPIONS

CAMP OF CHAMPIONS will be awarding one five day camp in the Salomon Amateur category and one eight day Pro camp in the Coors Light Pro Category at each of the five YOU LOOK GOOD Rider’s Cup events. In addition COC will select the most deserving stand out rider that competed throughout the series and award them with a 2008 coaching opportunity at the CAMP OF CHAMPIONS.

YAMAHA MOTOR CANADA

Yamaha will be awarding a 2008 Yamaha Phazer to the overall series champion, the individual who collects the most points throughout the series in the Coors Light Pro Open (men or Women) COORS LIGHT PRO: Top three in each category will receive cash prizes.

PRO MEN: 1st $2000 2nd $1000 3rd $500

PRO WOMEN: 1st $500 2nd $300 3rd $200

One of my favourite things to do at Big White Ski Resort is Snowmobiling. You can also take advantage of professionally guided snowmobiling tours like Outback Snowmobile tours.  

Check out some Snowmobile Tour rates:

• Single Rider ( With Passenger)
• 1 hour Tour - $ 119 (+ $49)
• 2 Hour Tour- $169(+69)
• 4 hour Tour -$229(+99)

I personally think Snowmobiling is a good idea for holiday celebrations, family reunions, corporate adventures, weekend getaways, bachelor parties or even upcoming spring break. Many snowmobile tours involve: Scenic rides with Photo stops and Hot chocolate. So, if you haven’t tried snowmobiling before, it’s time to try it out now before the season is over.

For any questions or concerns, contact activities desk : 250-491-6111

Related Links
BC Snowmobiling
BC Ski Resorts

This past weekend we traveled to Silver Star Resort in Vernon British Columbia.  Silver Star is better known for its skiing/snowboarding vacations in winter, however there is still much fun to be had in the summer as well.  Silver Star is actually only 20 minutes away from downtown Vernon and hosts numerous condos, chalets and restaurants.  We stayed at Silver Star’s spectacular Snowbird lodge and were very impressed with the high quality of the room.  Here’s a brief overview of our room at the Snowbird Lodge.

The Snowbird Lodge 3 bedroom executive unit has 1 king size bed (or queen) in bedroom 1 and bedding varies per second and third bedroom and living room. This unit has 2 bathrooms. The unit offers a dining area, as well as a kitchen with fridge, stove, oven, dishwasher, microwave, a living area, TV/DVD fireplace, wireless Internet access, private outdoor hot tub, balcony and private laundry facility. - SilverStar.com

We also took advantage of the warm weather at Silver Star to take a chair lift to the mountain top in order to hike down one of many trails.  The hike actually only took 40 minutes and provided us with wonderful views of the entire resort.

Related Links:
Silver Star Hotels
Silver Star Resorts
BC Hiking

This past weekend we traveled to the beautiful Sun Peaks Resort located near Kamloops, British Columbia.  Now you would ask, Why visit a ski resort in the summer?  Good question, and the answer is because there is so much to do at the Sun Peaks Resort!  Activities include: Shopping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Golfing, Dining and simply enjoying the peaceful community.

We stayed at Trapper’s Landing and were amazed how beautiful the Chalet was.  Our unit was meant to accommodate 6 people and included features such as a hot-tub, heated floors, 3 TVs, beautiful kitchen, games room and much more!  I would highly recommend visiting Sun Peaks.

Related Links

Ski Kamloops
Thompson Okanagan Resorts

Here are some photos from Fernie and Kimberley British Columbia. Both cities offer world class ski resorts and lodges where visitors can wake up to perfect snow conditions every day.

One of the advantages of working with a travel agency is that you get to travel to different places and next week I am off to Fernie, Kimberly and Panorama.  I am looking forward to my trip and will share my experience with all the readers of this blog. My friends from work who have been to Fernie before are really excited to visit this beautiful place again. Keep reading and I will let you know what I think about it.

Check Out:

Fernie Skiing
Fernie Resorts and Lodges
Kootenay Rockies