British Columbia Canada Blog

BC’s summer wouldn’t be exciting without these interesting summer festivals which are held in the month of July in various cities of British Columbia. We would highly recommend attending some of these summer festivals, if you can to get true taste of BC’s culture and to make your 2010 summer special. You can also plan a summer weekend getaway and have fun at these BC events.

4th Annual North Vancouver Party-at-the-Pier : Celebrating the North Shore’s maritime community, featuring marine-themed activities, displays, entertainment and the Seaspan Tugboat Ballet. - Foot of Lonsdale and the adjacent piers, North Vancouver - July 17 and 18

More info: www.lowerlonsdalebusinessassociation.com

Nanaimo Marine Festival : Features the world-famous Bathtub Race. - Nanaimo Harbour, Nanaimo, B.C. - July 22-25 - Free entrance

More info: www.bath-tubbing.com

23rd Annual Mission Folk Music Festival : Diverse and eclectic lineup of music from across Canada and around the world. - Fraser River Heritage Park, Mission, B.C - July 23-25

More info: www.missionfolkmusicfestival.ca

6th Annual Bonfire Music Festival : A three-day, hassle-free, art-infused weekend of exceptional music, camping and fun. - The Moon Farm, 9506 Pemberton Portage Rd., Birken, B.C. - July 23-25

More info: www.bonfirefestival.com

Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Country Fest : Family oriented, and agriculturally educational annual event.  Maple ridge, BC- July 24 and 25 

More info: www.mrpmcountryfest.com

Caribbean Days Festival : A weekend of tropical rhythm, cuisine, carnival and culture as only the Caribbean can offer. - Waterfront Park, North Vancouver - July 24 and 25

More info: www.caribbeandays.ca

6th Annual Honeybee Festival : Celebrates honeybees and our community with a host of amazing exhibits and fun activities. - Honeybee Centre, 176th St. and Fraser Hwy., Surrey, BC- July 24 and 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. - Free,

More info:  www.honeybeecentre.com

Vancouver Early Music Festival : This early-music festival celebrates 40 years with a concert series dedicated to Monteverdi. - UBC Campus - July 25-Aug. 14

More info: www.earlymusic.bc.ca

Kamloops PowWow : One of the largest celebrations of First Nations’ culture in Western Canada. - Kamloops, B.C.-July 30-Aug. 1

More info: www.tourismkamloops.com

Komasket Music Festival : Okanagan’s cultural family music celebration features music and dance by more than 150 performers. - Komaskey Park, Vernon, B.C-July 30-Aug. 1

Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival : A great variety and lineup of groups performing on the unique floating stage that rests just offshore the sandy beach of Kootenay Lake. - Kaslo, B.C - July 30-Aug. 1

More info: www.kaslojazzfest.com

Centre of Gravity Festival : Concert series, DJ and fashion shows, after parties and over 150 pro athletes competing in six different sports. - City Park, Kelowna, B.C - July 30-Aug. 1

More info: www.centerofgravity.ca

The Filberg Festival : More than 120 artisans, great food and lively entertainment for all ages. - Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park, Comox, B.C - July 30-Aug. 2 

More info: www.filbergfestival.com

Spirit of the Sea Festival : Weekend full of free fun, including a children’s carnival and parade, beach games and races, fireworks and continuous live entertainment.  White Rock, B.C - July 30-Aug. 2

More info: www.spiritofthesea.ca

20th Annual Harmony Arts Festival : Brings programs, events and concerts along the West Vancouver’s waterfront– all free of charge. July 30-Aug. 8 

More info: www.harmonyarts.net

7th Annual Vancouver Dyke March and Festival: Afternoon of celebration, music and fun. - March from McSpadden Park to Victoria Park, Commercial Drive area - July 31, march at 12 p.m., festival at 1 p.m. 

More info: www.vancouverdykemarch.com

Tsawwassen Sun Festival : Features a parade, children’s midway, antique fair, marketplace, slow pitch tournament, BMX air show, main stage entertainment, fireworks and food. - Winskill Park, Tsawwassen - July 31-Aug. 2

More info: www.sunfestival.ca

I am excited about the weekend since it marks the start of 2010 Okanagan Spring Wine Festival.  The Spring Wine Festival  which starts tomorrow i.e. April 30th 2010 will run until May 9th 2010. This 10 day festival with over 100 wine-related events is world famous and not to be missed. If you haven’t already planned your Kelowna trip then do it now. 

The festival has events to suit all sorts of tastes and price-points but few events that have captured my fantasy include: 

April 30 – May 3 – Summerhill Comparison Taste Tests: Cost- just $10 ($5 refundable with purchase)

April 30 – May 1, May 6-8: Cooking Classes at the Hotel Eldorado:Cost – $15 

May 3 – Cadbury’s Melt in Your Mouth Chocolate with Heavenly Wines: At the Manteo Resort for only $43/person.

May 1st- Valley First Vintages in the Park at the historic Father Pandosy Mission for $40/person

May 8th- Grand Opening of Tantalus Vineyards which will include  dramatic gallery style tasting room for complimentary wine tastings and hors d’oeurves from NOON to 5PM.

 This Thursday, on April 29th 2010 at 7.00 pm you can sample 4 delicious wines at Once Upon A Vine located in Maple Ridge, British Columbia:

#600 - 20395 Lougheed Hwy
Maple Ridge, BC, British Columbia V2X 2P9
ph. 604-460-8463

Once Upon A Vine is hosting this wonderful wine tasting event so that guests can come and sample four (4) delicious wines, commercial “benchmarks” of wine kits that can  be made at home at economical prices. Each wine will be paired with a scrumptious appetizer. Entry fee is $15.00 Per Person - redeemable towards the purchase of any wine kit made that evening. If you purchase one FEATURED wine, you will receive an ADDITIONAL $10 off! 

Interested? Register to attend by calling: 604-460-8463

Related Links:

BC wineries

Top 5 BC wines

Best Okanagan Wineries

The Kamloops Rodeo is one of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Associations annual events.  Featuring some of the best professional rodeo sportsmen, the Rodeo will feature saddle bronc, bareback riding, bull riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling and team roping; not forgetting barrel racing, the only rodeo event for women.

Todd Mountain Ranch specials include: 14th - 17th May 2010  $625 per person

Rate includes 3 nights accommodation, riding on Saturday and Sunday, transport to and from the rodeo grounds, all meals and drinks at the ranch and the rodeo grounds, entrance fees to rodeo on both Saturday and Sunday, use of all ranch facilities during your stay. Price excludes taxes of 6.2%.

For booking , visit: Tod Mountain Ranch  or call: 1-877-488-8881

To plan your next horseback riding trip to BC, visit: bctravelguide.ca

So, you’ve got time off from work, kids have summer holidays, your flight and hotel is booked for an exciting vacation in BC but did you give a thought to other travel requirements for visiting BC? If you are an international traveler, coming to BC for a vacation then do look into the following travel requirements for visiting BC.

1. One of the questions that BC visitors often ask me is “How much money can I bring to Canada?” Well, there is no limit to the amount of money you can bring in. So, feel free to bring as much money as you like but important thing to keep in mind is that you have to report all imports and exports of currency and monetary instruments equal to or greater than $10,000 CAN.
2. Double check and see if you need a visa to travel to Canada. Most visitors to BC, require a valid passport and a visa. Some exceptions are: Persons lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who have a Green card or can provide other evidence of permanent residence, British citizens and British Overseas Citizens who can be readmitted to the United Kingdom, Persons holding a valid and subsisting Special Administrative Region passport issued by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China etc.For more information, we suggest contacting your local visa office or checking out: cic.gc.ca 
3. Make sure you have your identification documents handy to show to the customs. They won’t be of any use if they are tucked at the bottom of your suitcase. Are you wondering, what kind of documents serve well as Identification proof? Valid Passport, your birth certificate or certificate of citizenship, and a valid photo identification such as a drivers licence are all accepted as your Id proofs. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S., don’t forget to bring your green card. If you are travelling with children, keep their documents with you as well. Parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents. If you are travelling with a child who is not your own, you need a note from the guardians granting you permission to have the child with you.
4. Carry a copy of your medical exam with you if you are travelling from a ‘Red Flagged’ country. A medical examination is required if you have resided for six or more consecutive months in a designated “red flagged” country/territory in the one year prior to your travel to Canada. Some of these countries include: Afghanistan, Bahamas, Armenia, Brazil, Cambodia, Ethiopa, Guam, Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, and Mexico. Again, visit: cic.gc.ca for complete list. 
5. Do not carry prohibited items with you unless you want to be stopped at the customs and interrogated. Some of the items that you are forbidden from bringing to BC (and Canada in general) are: · firearms and/or offensive weapons · drugs · certain fruits and/or plants that could contain harmful pests and diseases · meat etc.There is also a limit on Alcohol and Tobacco that you can bring in BC. For more details concerning customs regulations, call (204) 983-3500 or (506) 636-5064.

Once all your travel plans are sorted out, relax and enjoy beautiful British Columbia. We offer plenty of fun activities to our visitors ranging from strolling through downtown Vancouver, skiing down Whistler’s mountain, Horseback riding in the wilderness of BC forests, Camping, White Water Rafting, Getting familiar with our wildlife, Whale watching etc. You name it, we’ve got it. Stay at one of our bed and breakfast locations and you’ll never forget BC hospitality.
Other related posts:

Tips for BC travellers
Save money on your next BC trip
New regulations for driving in BC

Visiting Vancouver in April and looking for some fun? Why not attend Mardi Gras 2010 by Student Nurses of Douglas College in Vancouver on Thursday, April 29th 2010 from 7.00 pm to 3.00 am at Ceilis Irish Pub in Downtown Vancouver on 670 Smithe and Granville St.

The entry fee is only $10.00/person.  MARDI GRAS 2010 is actually a grad fundraiser and proceeds from the event will go towards their graduation ceremony. The event features live bands with east coast music, tons of beads, prizes and 50/50 draw.

Food and Drink specials include:
Buckets of ribs $4
All domestic and premium domestic pints $4
Highballs $4

It’s a 21+ event so be prepared to show your ID.

Interested? For ticket info. email:
laughdancegraduate@gmail.com

 Related links:

Your guide to Vancouver

Looking for a quick weekend getaway to Whistler or a week long vacation? Well, make sure to check out these deals:

1. Marketplace Lodge   

One Bedroom from $99/night
Valid Mar 30 – Apr 30, 2010  

2. TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival

$99.30 Rate at Aava Hotel
Valid Apr 15-27, 2010

3. White Spot Restaurant – Food & Drink Specials
Valid until Apr 30, 2010 : Visit the brand new White Spot Restaurant for for daily drink specials from $3.99, or get a Legendary Burger Platter & beer for only $12.99

4. Legends Creekside    
One Bedroom Suites from $103.35/night
Valid Apr 1-18, 2010
An unbeatable value at this family friendly Creekside location. Two bedroom suites also available for $168.35.

5. Fairmont Wildflower Restaurant
$20.10 Dinner + Dessert
Valid Mon–Sat from 5pm-7pm

For more information about Whistler or to plan your next Whistler trip, visit:

http://www.bctravelguide.ca/

http://www.bctravelguide.ca/Whistler.aspx

Cumberland, British Columbia (on Vancouver Island) will host its 2010 Motorcycle roundup on August 7th and 8th 2010 at 2701 Dunsmuir Ave. Cumberland, BC.

If you love motorbikes, then don’t miss this exciting event. The entire business community will be ‘leathered up’ for 2010 Motorcycle roundup and a variety of booths will display everything from motorcycles to leather clothing, tattoos and biker paraphernalia. There are numerous pubs and restaurants on the main street in Cumberland for bikers and visitors to kick back and enjoy excellent food and refreshments, and entertainment.

The Comox Valley has numerous hotels and motels for bikers who wish to spend the night. Comox Lake, located in Cumberland, is only 3 ½ miles away from the downtown area for those who wish a refreshing swim or a forested drive to this recreational area. Camping is also available at the lake at the Cumberland Lake Park Campground.

For reservations, call 250-336-2644

The show will begin on Saturday, August 7^th, 2010 with Show and Shine. The registration will take place from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Judging will be at 1:00 pm with awards for first, second, and third place given out at 3:00 p.m. Registration cost for the Show and Shine is only $10.00 per bike. So, if you are proud of your bike then shine it up for this show. The Motorcycles entered in the Show and Shine will be displayed in the centre of Dunsmuir Avenue, the main street of the Village.

To make the things interesting, there will be a Pancake Breakfast at the Cumberland Legion on Dunsmuir Ave from 9.00 a.m. until 11:00 am on Saturday and Sunday morning for $5.00.There will also be food booths, children’s areas and bike games to follow with prizes. Raffles will be held both days with proceeds donated to Tour De Rock.

On Sunday, August 8^th 2010 the Fistful of Dollars Poker Run will entail a scenic ride through the Comox Valley including a stop on beautiful Mt Washington. There will be a terrific buffet provided by Mt. Washington Ski Hill, and a ride up the ski lift for the driver OR the passenger to get the third card. Five cards will be given out at five locations. The final card will be collected at the Cumberland Hotel where there will be lots of great draws and prizes, even if you don’t have the winning hand. I would say,definitely worth playing for all the fun and adventure.

Registration for the Fistful of Dollars Poker Run is from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and the cost is $10.00 per bike

A quick look at all the details:

Saturday August 7th

• 9am : Pancake Breakfast Cumberland Legion
• 10am - 12noon : Registration
• 12noon : Show & Shine
• 1pm : Judging
• 3pm Awards in Village Square

Bike games to immediately follow awards.Sunday August 8th

• 9am : Pancake Breakfast Cumberland Legion
• 11am : Fistful of Dollars Poker Run - Proceeds donated to Cops for Cancer

For more information, about the show, call: Jean Cameron at 250-336-8746 

If you are looking for a great way to relax after an exciting day on Whistler slopes then try out Scandinave Spa in Whistler.

Situated just north of Whistler Village, B.C., engulfed in a spruce and cedar forest on the edge of Lost Lake and Spruce Grove parks, this unique spa overlooks incredible mountain vistas and valleys. Invigorate and cleanse your body and mind in the hot baths and refreshing waterfalls, melt away with a relaxing massage, and breathe in the invigorating country air.

Scandinavian baths are a year-round spa activity worth trying. This unique bath experience cleanses the skin, improves physical and aerobic conditioning and produces and increases sense of well-being. To enjoy the full benefits of the baths, alternate the body warming with refreshing cold water rinses and relaxation sessions 3 or 4 times. The whole experience should take about 2 to 3 hours. For the ultimate relaxation, complete the experience with a Swedish, Hot Stone, or Thai Yoga massage.

The packages at Scandinave Spa in Whistler start at about $50/person. For more information, visit: Scandinave Spa in Whistler

Plan your next Spa vacation in BC with BC Travel Guide

Spring Break is in full swing and am sure you are ready to get out with your kids and have some spring family fun. Spring Break Sno Jam is being held at Mt. Washington, British Columbia from March 8th 2010 till March 13th 2010. You can look forward to:

Dairyland Crazy Cards tomorrow (March 11th 2010) - Kids can play poker-style scavenger hunt between the Alpine Lodge and the Hawk Chair.

This is a Poker-style scavenger hunt in the Green Zone!  There will be 4 stations to visit.

1) Guest Services

2) The Ozone

3) Bottom of Platter Lift

4) Top of Green Face

You get a card at “registration” at Guest Services at 12pm.  Complete the task at each of the other stations – receiving a playing card at each – and bring them all back to Guest Services at 3pm, where you will perform one last task to get your last card.  Then play your poker hand to win a prize!

Timeline:

11:30 am – tent and table to back of Guest Service Ticket Kiosk

12pm – Scavenger Hunt starts at Guest Services

3pm – meet back at Guest Services with your 4 cards to complete the last task and get your 5 card “poker hand” which you will play for prizing.
 

Old Dutch Mini Olympics on Saturday, March 13th 2010 - You can participate in your very own Winter 2010 Mini-Olympic games  at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

Take part in this Olympic-style obstacle course to bring home the “gold,” and some delicious potato chips from Old Dutch! This one is open to all, Kids and Kids at heart! The obstacle course will be on the Elk run, behind Mtn Tek, from 11am - 3pm.  Come join in the fun!

So, pack your bags and head to Mt. Washington!