British Columbia Canada Blog

So this ski season you’ve decided to stay close to home because the Flights from Japan to Whistler, Canada are very expensive. Well, not a bad decision considering that you can now enjoy Vancouver 2010 Olympics and delicious Whistler food near home at Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture. Tourism British Columbia, Whistler tourism and Naeba Ski Resort, Japan have made it possible for Japanese ski lovers to enjoy flavors of Whistler in Japan by opening Whistler Café at Naeba Ski Resort, Japan.

The café will be operational only during the winter season and this year it will run from December 19^th 2009 to 28^th March 2010. The officials have just launched a ‘Go-Whistler Campaign’ to celebrate the grand opening of this café. The campaign includes several fun contests with about 100 different prizes including a trip to Whistler in Canada for a pair and Naeba Ski Lift tickets. Also, don’t be disappointed if you haven’t been able to get tickets for Olympics 2010 in Vancouver because during the Winter Olympic Games, you can enjoy the selected popular Olympic events with your friends and family at the café as public viewing of the games has been arranged.

The Whistler Café will serve Canadian casual food, beer, British Columbian wine and you will also be able to find brochures, magazines and books, related to Whistler. Oh and those who are visiting Naeba Ski resort, Japan from Canada- Whistler Café will not let you miss home.

To plan your next trip to British Columbia, Canada visit: BC Travel Guide

I am a big fan of Chef Gordon Ramsay and love watching Hell’s Kitchen (the FOX channel’s reality series ) . I am excited for special two-hour episode on Tuesday, Sept. 22nd 2009 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) during which Chef Gordon Ramsay will showcase Whistler, British Columbia.

If you watch Hell’s Kitchen, you probably know that in this reality tv series, aspiring Chef’s are divided into two teams- red and blue and they compete to win each challenge. Ultimate reward for the last chef standing is Head Chef Position in a prestigious resort. Earlier this year, it was announced in  Hell’s Kitchen that the grand prize for this season is a Head Chef position at Araxi in Whistler, BC. The Winner will have the opportunity to work under Executive Chef James Walt as Whistler welcomes the world during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

It’s a little known fact that chef Gordon Ramsay paid a secret visit to Whistler earlier this year to film a teaser featuring Araxi and Whistler, British Columbia. In the Sept. 22nd episode (This tuesday), Chef Ramsay shows the chefs how high the stakes are via a satellite tour of the award-winning restaurant and Whistler. I can’t wait to see how show’s producers have captured Whistler’s beauty.

On the same show, the chefs must use 15 local ingredients flown in from Whistler to create three entrees. Guest judges for the challenge include Olympians Sasha Cohen and Jonny Moseley. I am sure the show is going to be an absolute delight for Whistler lovers and ofcourse Chef Ramsay’s fans.

John Muir, once said:

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.
The winds will blow their own freshness into you…
while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.

Yes, care will drop off from you like Autumn leaves if you visit Whistler. It will rejuvenate and fill you with passion for life once again. Whistler is only 1.5 to 2 hours from Vancouver and the drive is beautiful.

I remember my first visit to Whistler, British Columbia- about four years ago and ever since, I have been a regular visitor. The highway which is practically clinging to the mountainside is exciting and the spectacular views of Howe Sound will keep you entertained on the way. You will start seeing snow capped peaks after the small town of Squamish along with lovely Cedar and Douglas Fir Forests which endow the valley.

If you wish to detour or take a break, keep an eye out for Diamond Head and Elfin Lakes or various provincial parks like Alice Lake Provincial Park and Brandywine Falls provincial park. Once in Whistler, enjoy Golfing, Mountain biking or take a ride on a jet-boat or a glider out of the magnificent Pemberton valley only 25 minutes north of Whistler.

I will strongly recommend visitors to pack their snack bags for munching on the way as there are not very many restaurants along the way.  Life is short so enjoy it to its fullest and one of the best ways to do it is by visiting Whistler, British Columbia.

Related Links:

Top Whistler Pubs

Accommodations around Vancouver

British Columbia’s wine industry has always been innovative and exciting for wine lovers. We have some world class wineries and excellent wines. Recently, Sumac Ridge Estate Winery located in Summerland (Southern Okanagan)  has released its commemorative Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games sparkling wine called “Tribute”

Tribute Wine is the brain child of senior winemaker Mark Wendenberg who has also created Sumac Ridge’s Stellar’s Jay and Pinnacle. Offering fresh citrus aromas with zesty apple flavours on the palate, the Tribute wine exhibits excellent Chardonnay varietal character while offering exceptional quality. Sumac Ridge’s Tribute Sparkling wine has wide distribution and will be found at provincial/private liquor stores across the country from mid-September . It is priced at $30/750 ml. $1.25 will be donated directly to the Canadian Olympic team and the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic winter games from the sale of every bottle.

Wine lovers can taste Tribute(TM) on September 20, 2009 from 2pm - 5pm at the BCLDB’s 39th and Cambie Signature BC Liquor store. This event will feature winemaker Mark Wendenburg autographing the commemorative bottles, and Cellar Door Bistro chef Roger Planiden will offer bite-sized samples of his culinary creations.

 So, if you are coming to British Columbia for Vancouver 2010 olympics, don’t forget to celebrate with this wonderful wine.

Related Links:

British Columbia wineries

Okanagan Wineries

 The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.

On March 12, 2010, a thousand of the world’s top winter sport Paralympic athletes  from more than 40 countries will gather in BC Place in downtown Vancouver for the indoor Opening Ceremony. Nine days later, the Games will draw to its official end in the Host Mountain Resort of Whistler in a unique outdoor amphitheatre designed especially for the two-hour Closing Ceremony. 

Did you hear that Vanoc has announced that a very special talented team of 15 Canadians with expertise in costumes, lighting, music, and stage direction will join the creative team tasked with orchestrating the magical and awe-inspiring moments celebrating the dramatic achievements of Paralympians at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. 

The Vancouver organizing committee spent 6 months in searching for these talented Canadian artisans and many of these artists are from British Columbia itself. This team includes:

Associate Director and Head Choreographer: Jocelyn Peden, Music Director: Paul Airey, Art Director: Daniel Planko, Production Director: Nik Von Schulmann, Headline Director: Shaw Saltzberg, Segment Director: Luca (Lazylegz) Patuelli, Visuals Director: Sean Nieuwenhuis, Costume Designer: Sheila White, Production and Lighting Designer: Robert Sondergaard, Interactive Visual Designer: Roger Parent, Interactive Visual Designer: Louis-Pierre Morin, Stage Designer: Mark Patterson, Host Broadcast Liaison: Tim Lewis, Associate Producer: Anna Bond, The Abilities Arts Festival, a Toronto based disability arts organization and forum for creative and artistic excellence.

These Canadians were chosen by ceremonies producer Patrick Roberge Productions. I am excited to see how the cermonies unfold. The search for volunteers for cermonies is still going on so if you have talent then get in touch with the authorities today.

For more information, visit: Vancouver 2010
 

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. 

Who wants to stay indoors when beautiful summer is around? Shine those bikes and get ready to have a lot of fun at ‘Whistler Mountain Bike Park.’

Whistler Mountain Bike Park is now open for riders and you can get a real deal by purchasing Triple Play Card. The Early bird offer will end on June 19th 2009. The deal is: Adult price: $115, Youth/Senior price: $102, Child price: $59. Also, $115 before June 19 gets you your first 3 days in the Bike Park included, plus the lowest available daily rate all summer long. That’s over $38 savings, and you’ll save more if you ride more.You will also get 15% off food at the GLC.

I have already purchased my Triple Play card and am ready for a lot of riding this summer. How about you? Oh and if you are looking for good bike racks, check out: My Bike Rack.

The majority of people around the world have been talking about the vibrant city of Vancouver, the host for Vancouver 2010 Winter Olymoics paying a little less attention to the other venue cities like Richmond, Whistler and Cypress Mountain. 

Many other BC cities neighboring Vancouver like Squamish, Pemberton, Surrey, Delta, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, Burnaby and Port Moody etc have also been preparing for Vancouver 2010 Winter olympics in their own special way. Learn more about these towns below:

Richmond: The city of Richmond is located only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver and is a thriving multi cultural community which has developed rapidly over the last few years and this growth will continue until Vancouver 2010.

Whistler Mountain Resort: This friendly ski- resort is located about 115 kms from Vancouver in the coastal mountains of BC. It has about 8000 acres of skiable terrain making it an excellent choic for Vancouver 2010 winter olympics.

Squamish: This lovely little town is often called ‘The outdoor recreation capital of Canada’ is known for sports like windsurfing, mountain biking and rock climbing.

Surrey: The city of Surrey is about 40 minutes from Vancouver and the second largest city in British Columbia.

Port Coquitlam: The city of the Coquitlam has more than more than 68 parks and trails to offer visitors.There are plenty of bike paths, sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds etc here. 

Duncan: Duncan is popularly known as the city of totems and is located in the heart of Cowichan region. There are about 80 totem poles erected throughout the city which lend it a unique historic charm.

West Vancouver: If you want to enjoy sandy beaches, seaside walks, hiking trails, marinas and hiking trails then visit the waterfront community of West Vancouver which stretches about 89 kilometers.

No one can deny that Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in British Columbia and Western part of Canada. Areas like Yaletown, Coal Harbour, Gas Town, West End, Granville Island etc make city of Vancouver so unique and special. Did you know that Chinatown in Vancouver, BC is the second largest Chinatown in the western part of North America after San Francisco ? This multi-cultural and vibrant city has a lot to offer to the tourists. Imagine what kind of special arrangements will be made to welcome tourists and athletes to Winter Olympics 2010.

Now, readers of British Columbia tours have one more reason to rejoice. Starting next week, our expert BC travellers will share with you some interesting information related with Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. In this weekly- 10 part series we will inform you about best restaurants, attractions, events, hot spots, job opportunities etc in Vancouver and surrounding region.

Are you ready to enjoy Vancouver 2010: Winter Olympics with us ? In the meantime, check out the following related links:

Vancouver Accommodations

Vancouver Activities

Vancouver Attractions