British Columbia Canada Blog

 Okanagan Fall Wine Festival is one of it’s own kind and the largest Fall wine Festival in North America, therefore a must visit for all wine lovers. This year Okanagan Fall Wine Festival  is being celebrated from October 1st to 11th, 2009 across 92 wineries in the Okanagan. The Okanagan wine Festival society is gearing up to organize and host about 150 different events.

Some of the events, I am looking forward to include:

1. Valley First Credit Union Grand Finale Consumer tastings on October 9th and 10th 2009 at Penticton Trade and Convention centre (273 Power Street). This is one of the largest event with over 60 wineries present and over 240 wines to sample. The ticket includes: enjoyable live entertainment, souvenir wine glass, all your wine tasting, bread and cheese and a free taxi ride home. This is a great event for those trying wines for the first time as well as those who want to expand their wine knowledge.

The advanced tickets are priced at $50/person. Call : 877-763-2849 to get your tickets today.

2. An evening of Fine Italian Cuisine and the wines of Tinhorn Creek on Thursday, October 1st 2009. The Villa Rosa Ristorante voted Best Italian Restaurant 9 years in a row. Each year during Wine Festival, there is a series of extraordinary multiple course menus, paired with the exceptional wines of the Okanagan’s finest wineries. You can experience all the rich flavors of authentic Italian food and full bodied wines. To enhance the evening winery representatives from Tinhorn Creek will be on hand to introduce each wine and answer any questions that you may have, as each course is being introduced.  To get tickets, call: 250-490-9595 and the tickets are priced at $99.95/ person  

3. Not everything has a price attached to it. Some events are free. Join fellow residents and tourists at the breathtaking Greata Ranch, located just south of Peachland, for wine tasting and a lovely artwork show and sale from well known Okanagan Artists Louise Lambert, Julia Trops, Rebekah Wilkinson and Charlotte LaFleur, Saturday and Sunday October 3 & 4, 10-4 pm (or 6 pm). For more information, email: julia@juliatrops.com

4. Enjoy fall Sampler plate at Little Straw Vineyards Estate Winery on October 6th, 7th and 8th 2009 from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm. Take time from your hectic wine touring to savour the flavors of fall. Relax on Little Straw Vinyeyards Estate Winery’s spacious deck with a glass of one of  newest releases and  “Fall Sampler Plate” as you gaze out over the vineyards and lake . Later take a look at local artist’s work featured in the gallery. For more information, call: 250-769-0404.

5. All you need is Cheese and the Rhone Ranger scheduled for Monday, October 5th 2009 at Manteo Resort from 6.30 to 8.30 pm. The tickets are priced at $40.00/person and can be bought at Ticketmaster.ca or by calling 250-860-1470. At this event, the guests will be able to evaluate variety of wines from the Rhone region of France grown and produced in the Okanagan Valley. These will be paired with fine Canadian cheeses like long aged Cheddars, mixed rinds, Aged Gouda along with a few unique Blue Cheeses. Wines will include Syrah/Shiraz, Viognier, Mourvedre and Grenache to name a few.

For more information, visit: Okanagan Fall Wine Festival

Related Links:

Okanagan Wineries

Okanagan Accommodation

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

I am sure just like me the other BC golf enthusiasts are excited about new Greg Norman golf course in British Columbia. Greg Norman (hall of fame golfer) has just recently announced that he will be designing a championship golf course on the former fairways of Ponderosa Golf Course in a new village-oriented development in Peachland, British Columbia (only 30-45 minutes away from Kelowna) .

The Greg Norman Championship Golf Course will provide exciting new challenges for all levels of golfers and will utilize the natural features of the area like lovely lake Okanagan, majestic mountains, the Ponderosa pines and awe-inspiring wineries. The Ponderosa planned community is going to be a five star community with a master-planned golf course development by Treegroup Developments Corp. in collaboration with the Westbank First Nation. It will have all facilities for leading a luxurious life.

From BC tourism perspective, this golf course will not only generate more jobs in the area but will also bring in valuable tourism dollars to beautiful Okanagan region. The golf course is scheduled to open in Spring of 2011.

British Columbia is a perfect getaway for adventure seekers but your trip to BC will be incomplete without trying these exciting activities:

1. Go downhill Skiing in Whistler, Kicking Horse or Sun Peaks

2. Experience Whale Watching in Port Hardy 

3. Take a wine tour in the Okanagan Valley

4.  Discover back country trails of beautiful British Columbia through Horse Back Riding

5. Go Fishing in Northern BC around Peace River or Skeena river region

6. If you enjoy camping then British Columbia will not disappoint you. Camping is a great way to travel through BC and to save on accommodation.

7. Throughout British Columbia, tourists will find world class golf courses and it’s hard not to go Golfing on a beautiful summer day.

8. Visit Glacier National Park to experience steep rugged majestic mountains, wide variety of plant and animal life, and to get glimpse of wildlife like mountain caribou, mountain goat, elk etc. 

9. Enjoy a ride on BC ferries which operates 25 routes among the islands of British Columbia. 

10. Try White Water Rafting on one of the inland rivers like Thompson or Fraser River.

Related Links:

Explore British Columbia here

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

When it comes to nightlife, Whistler is quite happening for a resort village. No doubt, people from all over the world love coming down to Whister which is British Columbia’s most popular resort town. Check out our favourite Top 5 pubs in Whistler for Vancouver 2010.

1. Amesterdam Cafe and Pub: One thing I love about Amesterdam Pub is that they have a very popular patio overlooking the village square. Amesterdam Cafe and Pub is open from 11.00 am to 1.00 am everyday. There veggie villain burger priced at $11 will certainly appeal vegetarian option seekers. Call: 604-932-8334 for more information.

2. Dubh linn Gate Pub : Visit PanPacific Mountainside Resort to experience this Irish style pub which is open from 7.00 am to noon for breakfast and for full service until 1.00 am. For more information, call: 1-800-387-3311

3. Buffalo Bill’s Bar and Grill: Buffalo Bills Bar & Grill is the premier nightspot for partying in Whistler. Conveniently located next to the Conference Center, in the heart of Whistler Village Buffalo Bill’s is your place if you want to love dancing. For more information, call: 1-604-932-6613

4. Longhorn Saloon and Grill: You can let your hair down and totally relax at Longhorn Saloon, located right at the village lift base in the Carleton Lodge. Call: 604-932-5999 for more information.

5. Garfinkels Nightclub: Garfinkel’s Nightclub is one of Whistler’s largest pub known for its longest running parties. It can get really busy in here so call: (604) 932-2323 for more information. 

British Columbia  is known for its beautiful award winning Golf Courses. If you are a golf connoisseur, then you ought to plan a golf vacation in BC. Check out a few of my favourite Golf Courses in British Columbia:

1. Gallagher Canyon/Pinnacle : Gallagher’s Canyon is one of my all time favourite Golf Course. This lovely Golf course is more suited to experienced players. It’s a peaceful course with breathtaking views of Kelowna and Okanagan Lake. For less experienced players, Gallagher Canyon’s partner course-Pinnacle is a more suitable option.

2. Hyde Mountain Golf Course: Hyde Mountain Golf Course located in Sicamous, British Columbia is Shuswap regions one of the finest Golf Course. Overlooking the Mara Lake, this Golf course features elevation changes and breath taking views of the lake. If you plan to play at this golf course then don’t forget to take your camera becauseI am sure you’ll want to take some pictures.  Hyde Mountain is located 3kms off Trans Canada Highway in Sicamous, BC (Halfway between Vancouver and Calgary). Just turn off the Trans Canada Highway at Old Spallumcheen Road. There are some good bed and breakfast lodging options in the surrounding area to make your vacation truly special.

3. Predator Ridge : This Summer, Predator Ridge is offering rooms starting $99/night which include suites on the Golf Course with a view, kitchens, fireplaces and comfy duvets. While staying at Predator Ridge Golf Community you can also take advantage of Concept Salon and spa, yoga and spinning classes, winery tours and orchard walks. You can choose to stay the the Predator Ridge Golf community, Kelowna or Vernon.

4. Salmon Arm Golf Club: This Golf Club is one of the oldest in the Okanagan Valley and has been ranked in the top 50 Golf Courses by the Score magazine. Besides a championship course, the Golf course also has a 9-hole beginner friendly executive course.

5. Sonora Dunes Golf Course: Sonora Dunes Golf Course is located in Osoyoos, British Columbia and offers a 9 hole pristine desert golf course. Sonora Dunes is located next to the Spirit Ridge resort and Spa in Osoyoos.

If you have had a chance to play at one of British Columbia’s world Class Golf courses, then share your experience with us today. You might be the next lucky winner for our Golf getway vacation package for two. Email us at: aditi@bctravelguide.ca

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.

I am usually totally exhausted by Friday evening and looking for some good weekend getaway spots. Like most working class people, I can’t afford to go on luxurious vacations every weekend so I either relax at home or go to some lovely spot within driving distance from my home in the Okanagan. Check out the list of my top 10 getaway spots in British Columbia and take your pick for this weekend:

1. CHILLIWACK LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK: If you live in or around Vancouver area then one of the best spots to getaway for the weekend could be CHILLIWACK LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK which is roughly about two hours drive from Vancouver (about 150 km East). There are a lot of activities that can be enjoyed here like canoeing, kayaking, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking etc. Not in the mood to be active, then just rent one of 146 front-country campsites and chill with a beer.  

2. BRIDGE RIVER VALLEY: History of British Columbia’s Gold Rush unfolds itself in BRIDGE RIVER VALLEY.The Bridge River Valley includes Bralorne, Gun Creek, Gun Lake, Tyax Lake, and Marshall Lake - with Gold Bridge being the main settlement. I enjoy visiting quaint little town-Gold Bridge which is surrounded by majestic mountains like Mt. Zola to the west and Mount Truax to the east and exotic Carpenter Lake while driving through Bridge River Valley. Gold Bridge is located about 1.5 hours west of Lillooet. The whole Bridge River Valley area is so self contained and peaceful that it is difficult to not feel tranquility here. The region enjoys a good selection of campgrounds and forestry recreation campsites providing overnight accommodation to visitors. You won’t have difficulty finding your own special back road in Bridge River Valley’s wilderness.

3. MOUNT ROBSON PEAK: Mount Robson peak is the highest peak in Canadian Rockies and is located in British Columbia’s oldest provincial park called MOUNT ROBSON provincial park. This provincial park is known for its exciting outdoor adventures. Did you know that Mount Robson Peak is called the ‘Monarch of the Rockies?’ Majestic Mount Robson Peak will surely fill you with awe and admiration.

4. FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS: Looking for a perfect place for a romantic getaway? Head to Fairmont Hot Springs which is Canada’s largest all-natural hot springs created millions of years ago. The water temperature of the springs range from 102 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit and is controlled by adding colder water from the snow and nearby creeks. I am sure the 10,000 square feet of pools bubbling with natural sweet-smelling mineral water will melt away your stress and you will return to work fully rejuvenated. You can also plan day trips from Fairmont Hot Springs to nearby towns like Panorama, Kimberley and Fernie.

5. DEASE LAKE and drive along STEWART-CASSIAR HIGHWAY (Hwy-37): The Stewart-Cassiar Highway runs nearly 500 kilometers (300 miles) through the vast wilderness of northwestern BC on its way to the Yukon. The drive through this highway is rough but scenic and you come across two renowned wilderness parks i.e. Mount Edziza and Spatsizi Plateau. Dease Lake is located west of the Stewart-Cassiar Highway at the junction to Telegraph Creek. It is a supply centre for the northwest region of British Columbia and a departure point for hiking and camping in the surrounding wilderness.

6. NAKIMU CAVES in GLACIER NATIONAL PARK: A limited access is available for visitors to these glorious limestone caves known as valley of hazards. The Nakimu caves lie between upper and lower Cougar Valley in the Selkirk Mountains, just west of Rogers Pass on the Trans-Canada Highway. Interested in visiting? Be prepared for a three to four hike to get to the entrance of the caves. I know it quite a hike but its totally worth it. For more detailed information, check out: Parks Canada

7. FORT STEELE: Just want to have a lazy weekend then consider rummaging through historical town of FORT STEELE which is located near Cranbrook on Highway 93/95 in the Eastern part of Kootenays. You can enoy daily re-enactments of the town’s past history and heritage year- round with special programming from mid-June to Labour Day.

8. WHISTLER MOUNTAINEER: If you are planning a weekend getaway to celebrate your anniversary of someone specials’ birthday then try WHISTLER MOUNTAINEER for a unique experience.

9. KETTLE VALLEY RAIL TRAIL: Why not go for a ride on KETTLE VALLEY TRAIL which is a 455 km long trail part of recreational trails collectively called the Spirit of 2010 Trail. You can start cycling from any of the following towns: Tulameen, Coalmont, Princeton, Summerland, Penticton, Naramata, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls or Osoyoos. Even if you are not in the mood for cycling these small little towns are quite picturesque and offer plenty of other activities to keep tourists  and locals entertained. For instance, my favourite is riding a scooter through Penticton and having a delicious lunch at Salties restaurant which is a cool waterfront joint. Get a spot on the patio to have the best meal experience.

10. OTHELLO TUNNELS: OTHELLO TUNNELS are located just off the Coquilla highway about 10 kms east of Hope. A short walk from the parking lot,through high canyon walls and above rushing water watres is a series of four tunnels and linking footpaths that make up the Othello Tunnels.

Have you found your favourite holiday spot in British Columbia? Why not, share it with our readers. You can win our next BC weekend getaway lucky draw.

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.