Vancouver‘s Chinatown is a fantastic place to spend the day shopping, sightseeing, and sampling delicious Chinese cuisine. With striking architecture, beautiful gardens, and bustling marketplaces, it features a rich history that dates back to 1890, when early Chinese immigrants to Vancouver settled in Shanghai Alley. By 1898, the area was thriving, and even included the famous 500 seat Sing Kew Chinese Theatre, which was destroyed during a fire in 1947. In 1904, Canton Alley was created, and the convergence of the two created a vibrant area where music could be heard, shopping could be enjoyed, and political and cultural activities […]

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If you are like most divers, then you probably dream about tropical blue waters with an abundance of colorful fish and a rainbow of corals. Traveling north to British Columbia for the express purpose of SCUBA diving might seem a little odd at first, but once you find out more about the wonders that await beneath the clear, cool waters that surround the province’s coastline, you will probably find yourself feeling a bit anxious to get started. Incredible Marine Life While marine life in many cool water environments tends toward green and brown shades with an occasional flash of color, […]

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Magnificent sculptures, normally carved from Western Red Cedar trees by people indigenous to the Pacific Northwest, Totem Poles depict a variety of images which often evoke legends, commemorative stories, cultural beliefs, or shamanic powers. There are many different types of totem poles with variants that range from mortuary structures that contain grave boxes to simple pieces which artists have used as canvases for self-expression. There are many places in BC where you can view different types of totem poles – let’s take a look at some of the most popular. The Museum of Anthropology at UBC Founded in 1947, this […]

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Imagine yourself suspended in midair, high above a tumultuous river, with soaring canyon walls stretching as far as the eye can see.  This is only a small part of what you will experience as you explore; Hell’s Gate at Fraser Canyon is a place you’ll never forget. A Haunting History Located just 2

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So you’re stuck for ideas of where to eat in Vancouver.  There are many choices, but you might be wanting to impress a lady or man or boss or co-workers with your intimate knowledge of Vancouver. Perhaps you’re hopelessly stumped because you don’t want to do the same old same old. Here’s the list.  In no order with no attempt to rate anything because it’s up to you to decide what works for your situation. 1.  Hamilton Street Grill.  This is a Yaletown steakhouse plus more.  Owner Neil is always attentive as are his staff.  www.hamiltonstreetgrill.com.  Ask if he’s still […]

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Harrison Hot Springs is noted for many outdoor activities and is a mere 130 km from Vancouver and an easy drive. Top 5 Things To Do In Harrison Hot Springs Soak in the hot springs mineral pool located at the beach front at 224 Esplanade Avenue Go boating and swimming in Harrison Lake rentals available at Killer.s Marina located right on the lake. Hire a fishing guide and fish for many types of salmon.  Many fishing guides available such as Fraser River Fishing Lodge and Shoreline Tours to name a few.  Tours available right on the beach front. Tour world […]

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In my opinion, the Top Five things to do on Texada Island are: Walking old growth forest trailsThe Dr. Kay Garner Nature Trail along the forested shoreline of Shelter Point Regional Park offers some spectacular examples of BC coastal forest. The trail begins at the intersection of Gillies Bay Rd. and Shelter Point Rd. Hiking and camping Shelter Point Regional Campground. Ocean front and rich forested camp sites, food concession, showers and there are no land predators to eat you. This is a spectacular public spot for watching sunsets. The park entrance is at the intersection of Gillies Bay Rd. […]

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Looking for the Best Hot Springs in Canada?? Well, look no more as we’ve found a well kept secret called … Ainsworth Hot Springs in British Columbia, Canada! History, Mystery and Hot Springs Caves abound in Ainsworth Hot Springs Whether you’re looking for an unique  hot springs experience that includes an underground cave boasting temperatures of  38 degrees C (108 degrees F) for relaxing pleasure (year-round), or whether you enjoy Spelunking in the underground Cody Caves of only 10 degrees C (July/August) you’ll find them both in Ainsworth Hot Springs along with breathtaking views of the Kootenay Lake & Purcell […]

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Located near Egmont on the Sunshine Coast, this is an unusual Provincial Park for a number of reasons.  When you think “park” one often thinks of nice spots to have a picnic or enjoy a view.  The view at the end of the trail is the ultimate purpose of the park. Visitor Centres and your accommodations will have a tide chart for Skookumchuck Narrows.  Plan to arrive shortly before the tide ebbs or floods or you won’t receive the full reward for taking the trail. The Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park’s parking lot is off Egmont Road, about 6 km (4 […]

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Across the road from the entrance to Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park, which is on Egmont Road, you will find the Egmont Heritage Centre.  It’s a small museum with artefacts from Egmont’s pioneer and 20th century past. What’s refreshing about the museum is that it’s not so fancy that you can’t get up close to things.  For kids, they can play with old phones — dialling is a novel activity.   A lot of Egmont’s history is connected to Portuguese Joe, also known as Joe Silvey.  His rather busy life — which included whaling in the Azores, two wives, many children […]

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