Penticton – Skaha Bluffs
March 02, 2009South of Penticton, you’ll find the Skaha Bluffs, a popular rock climbing area known for its mild weather, easy access, and abundance of sport climbing routes. The routes are spread across three parallel canyons, and are updated on a frequent basis. There are also a few traditional climbing areas for those who prefer to eschew any permanently installed bolts or pitons.
In early November of 2008, the Braeside Farm parking lot was permanently closed. For years, it was the only access to the climbing area. It first closed in November 2006, but was reopened in 2007 while concerned climbers and other interested parties – including the Ministry of Environment, The Land Conservancy, and Nature Conservancy Canada – worked to open up a new access road. To commemorate the closing of Braeside, a climbing party and weenie roast was held by Hugh Dunlop, the past owner of the parking lot.
As of December 2008, work on the new parking lot and access road to the Skaha Bluffs area has been completed. There is space for about 80 cars, with more plans for another space if necessary (the old Braeside lot would sometimes see over 200 cars on major weekends). From the lot, you go from Smythe road up a surfacced version of the Gilles Creek road before reaching Skaha Bluffs. The road is currently closed, but will be opening in the spring – just in time for the climbing season to begin.
Previous Blog Entries:
Penticton – Summerland Motel
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Ucluelet – Pacific Rim Whale Festival
February 24, 2009Every spring, I head from Vancouver to the Island to see the annual migration of Pacific Grey Whales from the Mexican Baja Peninsula to the Bering and Chukchi Seas near the Arctic. An estimated 22,000 whales travel along this route, with a few staying in areas like Clayoquot Sound for the duration of the season.
Once called Devil Fish because of their aggressiveness when being hunted, grey whales can grow to a length of about 16 metres (52 feet) and can weigh up to 36 tons. Their round-trip through the west coast of Canada, the United States, and Mexico, reaches 16,000 to 22,000 kilometres at an average speed of about 5 kilometres an hour. It is estimated to be the longest yearly migration of any mammal.
In Ucluelet, there are free viewing stations set up at the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse. If you live in the area, or you plan to stay for more than a few days, I’d suggest signing up as a volunteer for the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival – I’ve always enjoyed volunteering as a way to work with and get to know the locals. You’ll still have plenty of time to watch the whales.
There are also viewing stations at the Wickaninnish Centre in Tofino. For the best whale-watching experience, hire one of the local charter boats or floatplanes. During the whale festival, there are also dozens of events, including my favorite, the Chowder Chow Down. For less than ten dollars, you can sample chowders from the local restaurants in Ucluelet and Tofino to help decide which one is best.
Previous Blog Entries:
Ucluelet – Reefpoint Cottages
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Nanaimo – Harbourfront Walkway
February 05, 2009As you cross the Lions Great Bridge over the Mill River, you’ll enter Nanaimo’s Harbourfront Walkway, a 4.4 kilometre oceanside walk featuring boutiques, souvenir stores, outdoor cafes, and ice cream shops. Strolling past the sailboats moored to the piers nearby, you’ll come to Swy-A-Lana Lagoon, the only man-made tidal lagoon in Canada. An arched bridge leads from thelagoon to the rest of Maffeo-Sutton Park, which is host to a number of festivals during the summer. On weekends, the promenade is filled with artists from local communities displaying and selling their work.
From mid-April through to early October, there’s the Farmers’ Market near the Bastion every Friday. Here, you’ll be able to purchase fresh local produce and handmade gifts.
Be sure to check out the Marine Festival and the World Championship Bathtub Race at the end of July! A tradition in Nanaimo since 1967, the race began with nearly 200 bathtubbers taking their “boats” 36 miles across the Straights of Georgia to Vancouver’s Fishman’s Cove. Amazingly, 47 finished the course. These days, the race begins from Nanaimo Harbour, circles Entrance Island, up to and around Winchelsea Island, and then finishes at Departure Bay. Originally created to showcase Nanaimo to the world, the Bathtub Race is still the most widely known event of its kind, though other cities now hold similar events.
Previous Blog Entries:
Nanaimo – Inn on Long Lake
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Vancouver – Granville Island
January 26, 2009When I’ve got family visiting from out of town, I like taking them to Granville Island. If you’re like me and you enjoy making your own meals with family rather than dining out, this is the best place to get all of your ingredients. You can buy farm-fresh produce, like hand-picked berries and Japanese eggplants, or fresh seafood, from Coho salmon to giant prawns on ice. Pick up bagels and loaves of bread baked on location, or select from a variety of cheeses, meats, and charcuterie. Edible Vancouver offers popular 3-hour chef-guided tours of the market at least once a month during the summer. I’ve been on two sofar – they’re a great way to sample regional foods you’re unfamiliar with, meet many of the local vendors, and pick up tips on food selection and preparation.
Granville Island is also a popular mecca for artists in the province. In addition to the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, there are a variety of shops from which visitors can buy unique creations or just watch artists at work. Enjoy watching dragon dancing during the Chinese New Year, totem pole carvings by First Nations people, traditional printmaking, or even glass blowing. Buskers are allowed – and encouraged – to perform in the area; on any visit to the island, you may see jugglers, dancers, magicians, and musicians from all over the world.
Previous Vancouver Blog Entries:
Cassandra Hotel:
http://www.selectlodging.com/Blog/tabid/80/EntryID/1/Default.aspx
Springbrook Resort – Skookumchuck
January 15, 2009
Submitted on January 14th by Brian
I rented the cabin at Springbrook Resort with some friends who had never been to this area of BC before. The cabin had several beds, a full bath, and a kitchen; I had tried to persuade them to rough it by going camping instead, but they couldn’t get away from their creature comforts. We spent our evenings making good use of the barbeque and fire pit, looking over the Kootenay River, and admiring the stars. Very peaceful. You’ll see rabbits quite often, as they’re allowed to roam freely around the resort.
Submitted on January 15th by Ted
Marnie is one of the nicest owners you’ll ever meet. She gave me a full tour of the area when I was thinking of buying a cabin there a few years ago. It’s a lovely place, with great scenery and things to do, but the price was too high for me at the time, so I decided to go see the world instead.
Submitted on January 15th by Alice
Take part in some of the community fires in the evening! I had hot chocolate with a grizzled, road-weary veteran from the 60s who told me some interesting stories about the war and protests he was involved in afterwards. As mentioned above, Marnie is a very friendly owner – very chatty and helpful.
The Hills Health Ranch – 108 Mile House
January 12, 2009
Submitted on December 21st by Susie
I went here with some friends who wanted to spend a few days getting in shape. A typical morning involved a vigorous morning hike, cardio with an instructor named Mona, stretching, and a relaxing massage. The staff are wonderful, always willing to help, and fun. We ate at the Trails End restaurant, which had very good food. The baked monk fish was delicious, and my friends loved the ribs. The horses are allowed to graze around the buildings, so you’ll often see them in the evenings while enjoying your dinner.
Submitted on January 3rd by Nick
I signed up for the 30-night package to try and lose thirty pounds. I only lost half, but it was well worth my time. The personal training I received, plus the workshops and nutritional help showed me how to completely change my lifestyle. I’ve since taken off the extra weight and feel much, much healthier. Thanks Juanita and Pat!
Submitted on January 5th by Layla
If you’re not familiar with the area, it’s easy to miss the ranch since it’s not visible from the highway. The decor needs a little improvement, but the view is incredible, and the staff are very accommodating. Loved exploring the forest on horseback, and then relaxing with a cup of hot chocolate in the lounge.
McLeese Lake – McLeese Lake Resort
January 08, 2009
Submitted on January 4th by Brian
I stayed here for two days while on a bike trip through the area. The resort features a motel, RV sites, and tenting sites if you’d like to go camping. I picked a small guest room in the motel, with a kitchenette and access to the patio at the back. There are several large grassy areas where you can lounge on a chair and admire the beautiful views of Mcleese Lake and the sunset. Just for kicks, I rented a pedal boat and spent over an hour trying to make my way around the lake. Definitely took some getting used to at first; I had to unteach myself habits I’d picked up from riding on the road.
Submitted on January 7th by Rosa
Our resort has a lot more than just pedal boats! McLeese Lake is one of the best fishing locations in BC. You can catch rainbow trout and kokanee salmon, some of which can grow up to forty pounds. There’s also Quesnel Lake nearby, which is the largest lake in the Cariboo region. We offer aluminum fishing boats (12 and 14”) for day rentals.
Every May, we host the annual McLeese Lake Fishing Derby over the long weekend. There are lots of prizes for adults and children, and a pig roast on Saturday evening. The camping sites always fill up quickly!
During the summer, there are logging trails for visitors to go hiking or biking on. During the winter, you can go skiing, ice skating, toboganning, and dog sledding. The resort is located close to the Bull Mountain Trails and the Mt. Timothy Ski Area, which are both popular with skiers and snowboarders.
We have 55 RV sites, all with water, power, and fire pits. Our tenting sites have fire pits, picnic tables, and garbage disposal; only some have water and power. There are modern washrooms nearby with pay showers.
Silver Star Mountain – Pinnacles Suite Hotel
December 16, 2008
Submitted on December 13th, 2008 by Brian
I stayed for two nights in the Pinnacles Suite Hotel during a skiing trip with some friends. The hotel overlooks Silver Star Village and the Monashee Mountain Range, so the view was spectacular. My room had outside access and a locker, making it easy to store my equipment and get to most of the ski runs. There are public rooftop hot tubs – a very nice way to relax in the evening.
Submitted on December 15th, 2008 by Mark
All of the snow on the ski runs is 100% natural: over 700cm falls on the Silver Star’s slopes every year. The average daytime temperature is -3 degrees Celcius (27 F); cold enough to keep the snow light and fluffy, and perfect for both downhill skiing and cross-country skiing.
Aside from the slopes, the Pinnacles Suite Hotel also offers easy access to Silver Star Village’s retail shops, restaurants, and cafes. The entire town is inspired by nineteenth century Victorian architecture, making it a pleasant experience just to walk around and take pictures of the buildings.
You can also go skating outdoors on Brewer’s Pond, which has a one-hectare natural skating surface, an outdoor fire, and music. Go on a sleigh ride around the village with your family, or hire a mountain guide and experience an unforgettable snowshoe tour of the mountain range.
Christina Lake – New Horizon Motel
December 03, 2008
Submitted on December 2nd, 2008 by Brian
I spent several days at Christina Lake while traveling between Vancouver and Calgary over the summer. Known as the Oasis of the Kootenays, Christina Lake is a popular family destination because of its sandy beaches and its warm, clean water. Although I hadn’t made a booking, I was able to get a small suite at the New Horizon Motel for $125 per night. The owners, Dave and Linda, live on-site and allowed me to choose my room. I opted for a room in the rear block so I wouldn’t be too close to the main highway. It was clean, spacious, and filled with an ample supply of soft towels in the bathroom. I was given a complimentary buffet breakfast every morning, the highlight being baskets of delicious, freshly baked cookies and muffins. I was also provided with fresh fruit, toast, and herbal tea.
Christina Lake is known for its recreational activities. I went swimming in the lake and saw other tourists on motorboats and canoes. According to Dave and Linda, you can also fish on the lake from spring to autumn, March and April being the best months for rainbow trout. You can catch Kokanee in May and June, and bass from May to September.
The highlight of my trip – and the reason I decided to stay at Christina Lake – was biking on the Kettle Valley Railbed. One of the featured sections of the Trans-Canada bike trail, the KVR is an abandoned railway bed that winds through southcentral BC between Midway and Hope. There are 600 kilometres of travel routes, all of which feature impressive scenery and spectacular views. The segment of the KVR between Christina Lake and Grand Forks has a renewed surface, making it perfect for casual family cycling or for an easy day ride. The Cascade Gorge section features a gorgeous view of the Falls. There are plenty of singletrack trails, such as the classic Deerpoint Trail in Gladstone Park or the Spooner Creek and Dewdney Trails. For expert riders, there are new trails with built-up sections, steep drops, and challenging balance sections.
Submitted on February 28th, 2009 by Linda
I was here for one night with my family while we were on a long drive to Vancouver. We stayed in a room with two queen-sized beds for $155. Everything was clean, and the room had enough space for my kids. In the morning, we found a nice, homemade breakfast waiting for us outside. The view of Christina Lake was good.
Clearwater – Clearwater Lodge
November 26, 2008
Submitted on November 26th, 2008 by Brian
From Kamloops, I headed north for 124 kilometres until I reached Clearwater, a small town located next to Wells Gray Provincial Park. Just five minutes away from said park was the Clearwater Lodge, where I had made a booking for two nights. My room was located on the ground floor, with a kitchenette and a small patio area. After setting up my laptop and e-mailing a few notes to the Head Office in Port Moody, I strolled down to the local restaurant and enjoyed a slice of home-cooked apple pie. Very delicious.
The next morning, after a quick swim in the hotel’s pool, I headed to Wells Gray Provincial Park. The park was not as big as some of the others I’ve seen on my trip, but there were enough hiking trails to keep me occupied for the greater part of the day. The highlight of my day was seeing Helmcken Falls, a spectacular waterfall on the Murtle River which drops 141 metres, making it about three times higher than Niagara Falls. There were only two other visitors when I saw Helmcken; we just stood in silence and enjoyed its splendor.
On my last day, I rented a canoe and spent my entire morning exploring some of the lakes in the park. It’s a very peaceful experience, with the mountains looming over you. I could hear many birds in the background, but I don’t remember seeing any large animals during my trip. I saw a few other tourists fishing on the lakes where I was canoeing – there are businesses in town where you can hire guides and rent equipment.
Submitted on March 1st, 2009 by Lee
Spent two nights here while on my way from Jasper. Very spacious, and the beds were clean, which is more than I can say for some of the other places I’ve been to. I enjoyed the view of the lake at the back. Ate dinner at the attached restaurant; the food was fine, but nothing to rave about.
I had a black bear pass in front of my car while I was driving to Wells Grey National Park. Watch out for the mosquitoes – I didn’t cover up and was eaten alive.
