British Columbia Canada Blog

Visiting your timeshare can be a great experience that you look forward to every year. Your timeshare may be the perfect place for your vacations and provide all of the luxurious amenities that you want when you are relaxing away from the stress of work. But not all timeshares are able to provide such amazing vacations to their owners. For a lot of timeshare owners just the thought of their timeshare maintenance fees can give them a headache.

This is because for these owners the financial costs of timeshare ownership were not fully explained to them. They were not fully aware that the yearly dues to maintain timeshare ownership have the potential to increase over time. After a few years of timeshare ownership the costs can add up until they are at appoint that the timeshare owner can no longer afford them. This leads to owners looking for a way out of their financial timeshare obligations.

A lot of people will try to sell their timeshare on the resale market in order to get out. But this is not a viable solution to this problem. So many owners are being taken advantage of and scammed when they try to sell their timeshare. This can be very unsettling for those who have already spent so much money being a timeshare owner. Finding out now that a timeshare does not really sell as easily as they had been assured it would sell when they first purchased it can be devastating.

The timeshare trap is a serious problem that has led to companies like Transfer America to be created to provide viable exit solutions to owners. While there are some qualifications and the service does charge a fee, once you use them to get out of your timeshare you can be sure that you are out for good. Because they provide a written guarantee to timeshare owners which states they will no longer be responsible for their financial timeshare obligations they have been able to help thousands of people get out of their timeshares.

Kudos to the following athletes for their exceptional performance at Vancouver Olympics 2010.  These athletes are a great source of inspiration for budding champions and pride for Canadians:

1. Alexandre Bilodeau: Freestyle Skiing-Men’s Moguls

2. Maelle Ricker: Ladies Snowboard Cross

3. Christine Nesbitt: Speedskating-Ladies 1000 M

4. Jon Montgomery: Men’s Skelton

5. Scott Moir/Tessa Virtue: Figure Skating-Ice Dance

6. Ashleigh Mcivor: Feestyle skiing-Ladies Ski Cross

7. Kaillie Humphries/Heather Moyse: Bobsleigh

8. Canadian Women’s Hockey Team:

Related Posts

Canadian Medal Predictions

Okanagan Athletes in Vancouver Olympics

Vancouver Olympics 2010 Transportation arrangements

All things considered, I think Canada’s performance in Whistler Olympics 2010 hasn’t been bad. Check out the medal tally (as of Feb 25th 2010):

1. United States - 32 olympic medals

2. Germany - 26 olympic medals

3. Norway- 19 olympic Medals

4. Canada- 16 olympic medals

5. Russia- 13 olympic medals

What I am waiting to watch as Winter Olympics wrap up is that whether Canada can beat Norway and claim position among top 3 Olympic medal winners.

Related Posts:

Whistler 2010: Beyond Olympics

Canadian Medal Predictions

Winter Olympics 2010 Transportation

Here in British Columbia, we appreciate good music and thoroughly enjoy it especially with friends and family. No doubt, we have several interesting music festivals and events  in the province throughout the year.

‘Music & Friends’ is one such exciting, annual, family-friendly event founded by the North Pacific Music Festival Society in 2005 which captures and compliments the spirit of Northwest British Columbia. In 2010, this BC music festival will be celebrated on July 16-17th in Terrace, BC at the Terrace-Kitimat Regional Airport lands.

Although the goal of the festival is to provide exposure to BC artists from the North Pacific region and to provide them a chance to develop their musical skills through performance and public appearance, it has hosted musical acts from all over Canada and the United States.

As per organizers:

Over the years the natural beauty of the festival backdrop has captivated thousands of regional and international visitors. The sights and sounds of the festival are complimented by the regional flair that the various vendors provide. Offering a wide range of ethnic goodies, the scrumptious offerings of the numerous food merchants feed the senses. Festival goers can also shop for one of a kind crafts and handmade souveneirs courtesy of the local sellers.

Also, the festival organizers continue to dedicate profits each year to a charity of choice. So, if you haven’t been to ‘Music and Friends’ before, then make plans to check it out this BC music festival in 2010 and enjoy!

Related links:

Plan your BC trip today with BC Travel Guide

Halloween is almost here and BC residents have started putting up Halloween decorations, finalizing their Halloween costumes and buying tickets for hottest Halloween events in their respective towns. This year Halloween is on Saturday so you will have the whole day to indulge in Halloween festivities and we at BC Travel Guide suggest visiting the following Halloween attractions in Vancouver and surrounding areas:

1. Stanley Park Ghost Train in Vancouver:

Oct. 16 - Oct 31
5:00pm-9:00pm
Cost: Adults $10 / Seniors & Children $6.00

Family adventures at this year’s Halloween special Ghost Train, in addition to the train ride, will include face painting, a shadow puppet theatre, and the always-popular Children’s Haunted Farmyard and its spooky animals. To add to your Halloween experience, Thursday through Saturday nights, you can take part in Creatures of the Night Walks hosted by the Stanley Park Ecology Society .

Get tickets by phone: 604-280-4444 or online at Ticket Master.ca
Same Day Tickets available will be available at the ticket booth.

2. Potter’s House of Horrors: Get ready to experience spooky at Potter’s house of Horrors 2009 from October 16th - 31st 2009 , 6:00 pm  to 10:00 nightly*
*The first hour of the show will be static display “no actors, lower volume sounds” to accommodate the younger family members and squeamish adults. From 7pm to 10pm , all hell breaks loose and everyone is fair game.

Place:
12530 72nd Ave
Surrey BC

For more information, contact:
Phone: 604-572-7706
Fax: 604-572-7708

The tickets are priced at $13/person and $10 for kids 12 and under. Family Hour will be from 6 to 7 PM*- $10* Valid for admission from 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM daily. Family Hour tickets are only valid on the day they are issued.

3. Haunted Village at Burnaby Village museum (located on 101 - 4946 Canada Way, Burnaby, British Columbia) will be held on Oct. 28, 29 & 30th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

Cost: Adults $15 / Children (aged 2-12) $10.Entrance includes unlimited carousel rides and for the children, treat or tricking.

The features of this Halloween event include:  circus characters, ghosts, witches, stilt walkers and goblins lurking in the village streets, Trick-or-treat at the houses of the ghoulish village folk (for children only), Hear the devil’s blacksmith at the anvil, marvel at the fire show etc.

4. At Capilano Suspension Bridge  (735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, Phone: 604-985-7474) guests can enjoy a grand Jack-o-lantern display, along with fortune telling, temporary tattoos, kids crafts, musical entertainment and trick-or-treating (only if you show up in your costume) on October 31st 2009.

5. Haunted Forest Scream Train in Surrey, BC. You can also experience Halloween at Bear Creek Park Train which will run from Oct 16 - 31 - 2009 starting 6:30 PM to 10 PM. This is a SCARY ride designed to have guests screaming, jumping, laughing and having a great time with friends during this Halloween.

Night time Ticket Prices:
Kids (12 and under) $5.00
Adults $7.50

6. Haunted Vancouver Trolley Tours have been scrapped this year . After 16 years, Museum of Vancouver has concluded their fall “Haunted Vancouver” trolley tours (which included Ghost sightings, unsolved murders, simulated autopsies.)

The good news is that Museum of Vancouver is going darker this year. In the spirit of Ravishing Spirits (soon-to-open feature exhibit), MOV is hosting a Halloween-inspired event on the evening of October 30. It will involve music and a cash bar, guided tours of the exhibit, and a screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic Psycho, the film that left an indelible mark on the practice of taxidermy (and is, by far, creepier than all of its sequels and remakes combined).

7.Dunabar Hanted House (located on 6478 Dunbar Street, Vancouver (between 48th and 49th) The entrance to the Dunbar Haunted House is free but donations are accepted for BC Professional Fire Firefighters’ Burn Fund, Vancouver Police Union Charitable Foundation and Empty Stocking Fund.

If you want to bring young children or are easily scared, come visit during the day from 1:00 – 6:30pm. If you want the full-fright experience, come after 6:30. The last week at Dunabar Haunted House is extremely busy with line-ups that can take up to 1 hour.

8. Reapers Haunted attraction and The Maze of Terror (located on Gibson Rd. in Chilliwack B.C) The Morans are the brains behind the Reapers Haunted Attraction which initially started to keep their own and neighborhood children involved in a constructive activity. Now there is a whole crew of Halloween enthusiast’s that come out and volunteer their time and help to build on this event and the Moran’s are overwhelmed with their commitment and they make this event what it is.

So if you are looking for a real scare and have the guts, visit Reapers Haunted Attraction. Reapers is not recommended for children under 8 years of age at night, but see special daytime Boo tours for kids.

Reapers: $9/person , Maze $8/person or $15 for both the Reapers House and the Haunted Maze.
Friday - Saturday 7pm to 10pm and on Sunday from 7pm to 9 pm
Starting: October 21st it will run nightly from 7pm to 9pm.

Visit, one of the above mentioned Halloween attractions and make this Halloween a great experience for yourself and your family.

Related Posts:

The Best Halloween Parties, Vancouver

( Image Courtesy: Vancouver.ca)

Are you ready for SERF 2009 ?

This weekend, on Saturday, September 19th the Squamish Equinox Rock Festival is going to be the hottest event in British Columbia. The Squamish Equinox Rock Festival is an outdoor concert on the Squamish waterfront featuring live music, a beach bar, bonfire, and amazing 360 degree views.

An all-ages Squamish Music Festival starts at 2 pm and will continue till wee hours of the night. This year BC residents and tourists can enjoy 8 bands, DJ Riddim, Slackers slacklining, Play & Trade’s tricked out gaming car, an awesome Kid’s Zone (about 2000 Sq. feet), a healing drum circle, food vendors and SERF city marketplace. SERF has a community vibe inclusive of all. So take one last juicy bite out of summer and shake fall’s hand with your dancing shoes on at Squamish Music Festival 2009.

 If you are one of the first 1000 people to attend SERF between 2 - 5pm and get a chance to win a $500 Travel Voucher from Sunsational Vacations!

Check out the bands playing at Squamish Equinox Rock Festival this year:

1. Wassabi is a spicy five-piece, alternative-thinking band from small town of Nelson, B.C and they have been busy spreading their positive west coast vibes.  The band’s sound fuses everything from roots reggae, funk, jazz, hip hop, rock and everything in between. Hailed as one of Canada’s best live independent bands, Wassabi draws crowds of good people, positive thinkers and happy souls. 

2. Brave New Waves Reggae , surf and ska-influenced band from Victoria is floating through its second year. They say keep your dancing shoes on always, and don’t be afraid to sing anywhere!

3. Jam ’n’ Tonics: Converging in Squamish, the five folks who are the Jam ‘n’ Tonics create an energetic, bilingual, organic sound. Their vocal harmonies and sharp insightful lyrics are influenced by folk, rock and happy hour on the patio.

4. Lotus is an indie female band from Vancouver, BC. Formed in 2000 their music is an up-tempo mix of lyrical realism, winsome vocals, and sleek musical grooves. Lotus’s music is a fusion of “urban folk, rock, pop, and blues into one uniquely Canadian genre.”

5. Mindil Beach Markets is a rock/reggae/folk/hip hop group based out of Victoria, BC. They are a band that is difficult to cram into a nutshell, with song styles ranging from funky and bumping to powerfully emotive. Having grown up on the serene Sunshine Coast, all five band members are accustomed to a laid back lifestyle and exhibit an innate appreciation for the simple beauty found in nature. This perspective clearly manifests in their music, lending an organic and pure harmony to the nostalgic summer time vibe of their songs.

6. Zombie’s Locker is the essence of a ‘local band’ built on the exceptional songwriting talents of bass player Todd drummer. The guitar player Ben Lens of Davy’s Locker fame, another local favourite, has joined the original Zombie’s roof band to make a statement with classic rock roots and current political themes.

7. The Dead Heathers formed as a group a couple of years ago in the Squamish Valley. The Dead Heathers are a 5 piece band with an original sound, one could say “a unique blend of country, blues, and rock”.  Playing a wide variety of instruments, the band has a high energy, driving new sound, with groovy bass patterns and explosive drumming.

8. The Overcomers are a band with a pop-rock sound and a Nashville edge with Mario Iacovone on guitar and his wife Anne on lead vocals and guitar. Together the couple have been composing new tunes for their up and coming album with fellow bass player and composer, Andre Chamberlain. As a trio, they found jamming together to be a favouritepastime and many of the songs are born out of those jam sessions. Recently, The Overcomers have added drummer Jeremy Radawiec and backing vocalist Naomi Lang to complete a full band ensemble

9. DJ Riddim Fernandez began music with his trusted hand drum and progressed into drum machines and then to record players and now after DJing for several years have started creating music.

Hope you have fun at Squamish Music Festival 2009. Don’t forget to share your pictures with us.

Labour Day is just around the corner and preparations for labour day are going on throughout British Columbia.  In Vancouver, the B.C. Federation of Labour and the Canadian Labour Congress are hosting a picnic to celebrate working people in British Columbia.

You can join in these Labour Day celebrations with your family and friends to have a fun filled day for free kids activities, family entertainment, 50-cent hotdogs, drinks and corn (no HST!). These Labour Day celebrations will take place in John Hendry (Trout Lake) park on Monday, September 7th 2009 from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm.

For more information, visit: BC Federation Website

Other related Links:

Vancouver Coast Accommodation

British columbia Activities

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

 It’s a lot of fun to hangout by the lake during hot sunny days in British Columbia. They are good not only for picnicking but tons of other activities like playing games with friends and family, swimming, boating, floating, sun bathing etc. The plethora of lakes in BC certainly makes it difficult to decide - where to go? If you ever get a chance, do explore these 3 lovely lakes of British Columbia- Perfect for a weekend getaway.

Heffley Lake : This lake is located about 44 kms northeast of Kamloops and to get here you take Hwy#5 (Yellowhead Hwy) which is North of Kamloops. After 14 miles turn off at the Sun Peaks Ski resort exit and stay on this road - Heffley Louis Creek Road for 13 miles until you see signs for Heffley Lake . You can get here within 30-40 minutes (driving).

Make your vacation more interesting by taking a horseback riding tour. There are amazing trails in the wilderness of British Columbia and you can discover them around Heffley Lake with Tod Mountain Ranch

Williams Lake: Don’t get confused, there is a small town of Williams Lake as well as a lovely lake in the Cariboo Chilcotin region of BC called Williams Lake. If you are looking for accommodation then Big Creek Lodge is a good option for your stay. The Big Creek Lodge offers custom adventure packages to the guests. They offer many different and exciting activities, like hiking, photo-safari, trail riding, ranch riding, cattle drive, round up, gold panning, atv tours, snowmobile tours, cross coutry skiing and fishing.

The City of Williams Lake is the hub of the Central Cariboo region and an ideal place to start your adventure in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region. Once a year, during the July long-weekend, the city showcases its particular brand of western hospitality during the world famous Williams Lake Stampede. During this Stampede, guests get to see a thrilling display of rodeo competitions amidst a setting of family fun-filled days at the midway, parade, street parties and many other exciting exhibitions and activities.

There are tons of activities in and Around Williams Lake that tourists can enjoy like Hiking (Try River Valley Trail), Golfing, visiting Scout Island Nature Centre ( a park and nature sanctuary known for bird watching), fishing, Water Sports like Kayaking, Tubing, Boating or simply picnicking on the beach. The more adventurous souls can go on White Water Rafting expedition on Fraser or Cariboo River by themselves or with a guided tour.

Besides relaxing at Williams Lake you can also check out surrounding lakes like Chimney Lake or Lac La Hache which are popular and accessible local destinations.

Burns Lake:  Burns Lake is the geographic center of British Columbia located halfway between Prince George and Prince Rupert and gateway to Tweedsmir Park which is the second largest provincial park of BC. Burns Lake area (over 1000 lakes)  is popular for fishing (3000 miles) as it consistently produces Rainbow Trout, Char and other variety of Fish

Want to try fishing during your next vacation? Check out, Babine Lake resort is perfect for fishing. While at Burns Lake, you can also visit Francois Lake which is BC’s second largest natural lake located south of Burns Lake.

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.