To properly enjoy Whonnock Lake, plan on taking the entire family and spend the day there. Depending on the time of year, you should bring lawn chairs, beach blankets, towels, Frisbees, a volleyball, other leisure time toys, a good book, a swim suit, a good quality sunscreen. There is a concession stand just in case you forget to pack a picnic lunch.
Thoughts:
This small lake is a great place to spend the day with the kids. There is plenty of parking but limited beach space. Sand was brought in at some point to create the swimming area so it is weed free and nice and sandy.
Pros:
Smaller lake and is warmer than the others in the area. quite a bit of activities are provided by the parks board like a playground, paddle boat rental and a volleyball net.
Cons:
Small lake with limited area and could get crowded easily. As well it is a place you have to drive to as there is no public transit to this area.
Website: http://www.mapleridge.ca/EN/main/residents/935/2190/parks/4323/w/whonnock_lake.html
Monday 30 July 2012
Friday 27 July 2012
Sockeye City Grill: Steveston
Sockeye City Grill is located on the waterfront in Steveston B.C. They serve only the freshest of wild B.C. Seafood. Live lobster and Crab from their Crab tank are a local favorite and are available daily.
Thoughts:
Nice setting on the board-walk in Steveston Village. The food varied in quality as the cod was not the best but the halibut and salmon were very good. Your choice of indoor and outdoor dining gives you the option for enjoying the sun or staying cooler inside on the hotter days. The staff was friendly and seemed knowledgeable about the food. The layout of the inside was tiered giving most tables a good view of the waterway.
Pros:
Great location with plenty of things to see as you eat. The food was good and there was definitely enough on each plate.
Cons:
It was a bit expensive for the food and the restaurant seemed crowded with the different levels and walkways alongside the table.
Website: http://www.sockeyecity.com/
Thoughts:
Nice setting on the board-walk in Steveston Village. The food varied in quality as the cod was not the best but the halibut and salmon were very good. Your choice of indoor and outdoor dining gives you the option for enjoying the sun or staying cooler inside on the hotter days. The staff was friendly and seemed knowledgeable about the food. The layout of the inside was tiered giving most tables a good view of the waterway.
Pros:
Great location with plenty of things to see as you eat. The food was good and there was definitely enough on each plate.
Cons:
It was a bit expensive for the food and the restaurant seemed crowded with the different levels and walkways alongside the table.
Website: http://www.sockeyecity.com/
Thursday 26 July 2012
Town Plaza Suites: Whistler
Overview:
The Whistler Town Plaza Suites is a collection of three Whistler lodges, Deer, Bear and Eagle Lodges. These three buildings, which comprise the Town Plaza Suites, are located on Whistler Village Stroll, a short 5-minute walk to the lifts and Whistler Village Centre. This is "the" ideal location for your active vacation, as restaurants, retail shops and nightclubs are located on the ground floor of The Whistler Town Plaza Suites. You cannot get any closer to the heart of the action!
Thoughts:
These are individually owned units that are rented out through a management company. The location was great and the buildings looked nice even though they are a bit older. They are split into 3 towers spread out around a plaza on the main walk in Whistler. One major drawback to this is that the facilities like the lobby/gym/hot tub are in separate buildings. The hot tub was a good size but the gym left something to be desired as it consisted of a stationary bike and a pop machine.
The unit was a nice 2 bedroom suite overlooking the village stroll and was well kept. The price was affordable compared to the other places in Whistler especially when splitting the cost.
Pros
Cheaper-ish. Centrally located and a short walk to everything in the village.
Cons
Three separate towers with amenities in different towers. Gym was very limited. Parking was extra.
Website: http://www.whistler-townplaza.com/
The Whistler Town Plaza Suites is a collection of three Whistler lodges, Deer, Bear and Eagle Lodges. These three buildings, which comprise the Town Plaza Suites, are located on Whistler Village Stroll, a short 5-minute walk to the lifts and Whistler Village Centre. This is "the" ideal location for your active vacation, as restaurants, retail shops and nightclubs are located on the ground floor of The Whistler Town Plaza Suites. You cannot get any closer to the heart of the action!
Thoughts:
These are individually owned units that are rented out through a management company. The location was great and the buildings looked nice even though they are a bit older. They are split into 3 towers spread out around a plaza on the main walk in Whistler. One major drawback to this is that the facilities like the lobby/gym/hot tub are in separate buildings. The hot tub was a good size but the gym left something to be desired as it consisted of a stationary bike and a pop machine.
The unit was a nice 2 bedroom suite overlooking the village stroll and was well kept. The price was affordable compared to the other places in Whistler especially when splitting the cost.
Pros
Cheaper-ish. Centrally located and a short walk to everything in the village.
Cons
Three separate towers with amenities in different towers. Gym was very limited. Parking was extra.
Website: http://www.whistler-townplaza.com/
Wednesday 25 July 2012
Surrey
Surrey is currently the second largest city in BC and one of the fastest growing in all of Canada. Within the next decade, Surrey is expected to take Vancouver's place as the largest city in the province. It's no surprise then, that with Surrey's diverse array of cultures, our city has a truly international flavour. Surrey is known as the City of Parks, with over 6,000 acres of parks and green spaces beautifully sprinkled throughout a growing metropolis. The natural beauty of Surrey and the cultural opportunities lend themselves to many tourism and entertainment opportunities throughout the year. We welcome you to join us in celebrating all that Surrey has to offer!
Visit-ability:
Overall Surrey does not have much to offer considering the surrounding area and other cities in the Lower Mainland. It is central and affordable so it could serve as a good "Home Base" as you visit the other things to see.
2.5/5
Total Rating: 14/30
Thoughts:
Although it has some nice areas, this is not a great place to visit. It is very large and not a big variety of things to do.
Website: http://www.tourismsurrey.com
Activities:
Although quite large there is a limited number of big activities to do here other than golf. There is plenty of small sites and activities like Wild Play Elements Park.
1.5/5
1.5/5
Events:
Other than the regular holiday events there is nothing that stands out as a must see event during the year. though limited in the number of events when there is one it is definately worth checking out.
1.5/5
Other than the regular holiday events there is nothing that stands out as a must see event during the year. though limited in the number of events when there is one it is definately worth checking out.
1.5/5
View:
The layout of the land makes it hard to see the mountains and ocean from most of the city, there are plenty of parks and gardens though to walk around and enjoy.
0.5/5
Accommodations:
Being further away from the larger city centre give Surrey the opportunity to have a larger selection of accommodations, especially in the camping area.
4.0/5
Dinning & Shopping:
Plenty of options for dining here, it is just a matter of getting one near you because of the size of the city.
4.0/5
The layout of the land makes it hard to see the mountains and ocean from most of the city, there are plenty of parks and gardens though to walk around and enjoy.
0.5/5
Accommodations:
Being further away from the larger city centre give Surrey the opportunity to have a larger selection of accommodations, especially in the camping area.
4.0/5
Dinning & Shopping:
Plenty of options for dining here, it is just a matter of getting one near you because of the size of the city.
4.0/5
Visit-ability:
Overall Surrey does not have much to offer considering the surrounding area and other cities in the Lower Mainland. It is central and affordable so it could serve as a good "Home Base" as you visit the other things to see.
2.5/5
Total Rating: 14/30
Thoughts:
Although it has some nice areas, this is not a great place to visit. It is very large and not a big variety of things to do.
Website: http://www.tourismsurrey.com
Tuesday 24 July 2012
Vancouver
Named "Top City of the Americas" in Condé Nast Traveler magazine's 2009 Readers' Choice Awards, Vancouver offers travellers both outstanding opportunities for outdoor adventure and the sophisticated amenities of a world-class city.
Activities:
Plenty of things to do here in the city, golfing, hiking, walks through gardens and parks and outdoor/indoor swimming and skating. You can spend the day at a sporting event with the Vancouver Whitecaps, BC Lions or Vancouver Canucks or take one of the many guided tours through the city. There is a vibrant night life downtown on Granville St. or spend the evening at a play at the Theatre.
4.0/5
Events:
Although the city has lost a few great events there is still plenty of things that go on through out the year. Take in a play at Bard on the Beach, or watch the world famous Celebration of Light fireworks display. The Vancouver Sun Run attracts people from around the world and many more.
4.0/5
View:
Great views of the North Sore Mountains, Burrard Inlet and the Georgia Strait. Take a walk around Stanley Park or Out at UBC to get great views of the Pacific Ocean.
2.5/5
Accommodations:
Plenty of places to choose from when looking to stay in the city. Hotels, and Hostels are abundant in the down town core as well as scattered through out the rest of the city.
3.0/5
Dinning & Shopping:
Some of the Worlds latest fashion can be found at the malls and down on Robson Street. World class dining of all cuisines can also be found no matter what you are in the mood for.
3.5/5
Visit-ability:
Definitely a place you can spend an entire vacation, especially if you have the money. Unfortunately there is limited free things to do that are not repetative (walks in the park) but you can find plenty of coupons and discounts to help make things more affordable.
3.5/5
Total Rating: 20.5/30
Thoughts:
One of my favourite places to see especially during a big event. Try to take in the fireworks or a sporting event during your visit.
Website: http://vancouver.ca/
Monday 23 July 2012
Mackenzie
"Fabulous place", "Great place to visit", "Nice people and town", "Peaceful, scenic place you have", that's what visitors are saying about Mackenzie. Come and discover a natural, unspoiled wilderness that provides ample opportunities for both summer and winter outdoor recreation activities, wildlife viewing and spectacular photography moments. Learn about the famous explorer, Alexander Mackenzie, and his journey through the area. Visit the World's Largest Tree Crusher, which was used to clear non-merchantable timber in the valleys that were flooded for the WAC Bennett Dam.
Activities:
Plenty of outdoor activities here, hiking, swimming, snow-mobiling, camping, hunting and fishing are just a few. Limited indoor activities for those rainy days.
3.0/5
Events:
Not too much goes on here since there is a very limited population to participate in big events.
0.5/5
View:
The natural landscape views of mountains, lakes and wildlife are spectacular and abundant. There isn't a lot of history to this relatively young town and although the plant life is quite diverse the vibrant colours of trees in the fall and limited flower varieties in the spring are all you find for a change from the standard forest green.
3.5/5
Accommodations:
With such small numbers of tourists staying in the town there is a visible lack of accommodations, only 3 listed on their website but they are missing the camping. The prices are affordable no matter how you choose to stay.
2.5/5
Dinning & Shopping:
Again, small town limits the number of stores and services. A good variety of food though with chinese, western, pizza and Greek/Italian.
2.5/5
Visit-ability:
A beautiful place to stop in and see for a day or two, giving people a great place to enjoy the outdoors in both summer and winter.
3.0/5
Total Rating: 15/30
Thoughts:
This a wonderful place to go and see some of Canada's largest wildlife. For people that enjoy hiking, fishing and hunting this is a must see place.
Website: http://www.district.mackenzie.bc.ca
Activities:
Plenty of outdoor activities here, hiking, swimming, snow-mobiling, camping, hunting and fishing are just a few. Limited indoor activities for those rainy days.
3.0/5
Events:
Not too much goes on here since there is a very limited population to participate in big events.
0.5/5
View:
The natural landscape views of mountains, lakes and wildlife are spectacular and abundant. There isn't a lot of history to this relatively young town and although the plant life is quite diverse the vibrant colours of trees in the fall and limited flower varieties in the spring are all you find for a change from the standard forest green.
3.5/5
Accommodations:
With such small numbers of tourists staying in the town there is a visible lack of accommodations, only 3 listed on their website but they are missing the camping. The prices are affordable no matter how you choose to stay.
2.5/5
Dinning & Shopping:
Again, small town limits the number of stores and services. A good variety of food though with chinese, western, pizza and Greek/Italian.
2.5/5
Visit-ability:
A beautiful place to stop in and see for a day or two, giving people a great place to enjoy the outdoors in both summer and winter.
3.0/5
Total Rating: 15/30
Thoughts:
This a wonderful place to go and see some of Canada's largest wildlife. For people that enjoy hiking, fishing and hunting this is a must see place.
Website: http://www.district.mackenzie.bc.ca
Tuesday 17 July 2012
Burnaby
Visit our incredible museums, galleries and boutiques. Enjoy world-class performances, music and theatre just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Discover our many parks and outdoor spaces. Experience the unbelievable eateries and delicious food in the City, especially along Kingsway in Metrotown, Hastings Street in the Heights shopping district, and on Edmonds Street. Burnaby is an unforgettable setting and a perfect location to tap in to your sense of adventure. It is a must-see, must-discover and must-explore City!
Activities:
There is something for everyone to do here. Golf courses, lakes and rivers, hiking trails, shopping and arts and heritage attractions. Although there is not big selection of adrenaline type of activities Burnaby's central location in the lower mainland makes it about a 30min drive to anywhere.
2.5/5
There is something for everyone to do here. Golf courses, lakes and rivers, hiking trails, shopping and arts and heritage attractions. Although there is not big selection of adrenaline type of activities Burnaby's central location in the lower mainland makes it about a 30min drive to anywhere.
2.5/5
Events:
There are plenty of speciality events that take place throughout the year, most notably Hats Off Day and the Rhododendron Festival. But there is not a big selection of festivals and events for everyone.
2/5
There are plenty of speciality events that take place throughout the year, most notably Hats Off Day and the Rhododendron Festival. But there is not a big selection of festivals and events for everyone.
2/5
View:
You can take a stroll around Burnaby Lake and by the beaver dam or through one of the many wooded city parks to take your mind off the hustle and bustle of the city. Almost everywhere you get a great view of the North Shore Mountains or even Mount Baker in Washington. Burnaby Mountain gives you a great vantage point of the Indian Arm and world class architecture like Simon Fraser University.
4/5
You can take a stroll around Burnaby Lake and by the beaver dam or through one of the many wooded city parks to take your mind off the hustle and bustle of the city. Almost everywhere you get a great view of the North Shore Mountains or even Mount Baker in Washington. Burnaby Mountain gives you a great vantage point of the Indian Arm and world class architecture like Simon Fraser University.
4/5
Accommodations:
Plenty of hotels and B&B's to choose from located throughout the city. There is even a camp ground just off the highway in the centre of town.
4/5
Plenty of hotels and B&B's to choose from located throughout the city. There is even a camp ground just off the highway in the centre of town.
4/5
Dinning & Shopping:
Plenty of restaurants with a selection of all international cuisine will keep you looking at where to eat next. Metrotown, the largest shopping mall in BC will keep you occupied for a couple of hours looking at the latest fashion and enjoying one of the many displays they generally have set up.
3.5/5
Plenty of restaurants with a selection of all international cuisine will keep you looking at where to eat next. Metrotown, the largest shopping mall in BC will keep you occupied for a couple of hours looking at the latest fashion and enjoying one of the many displays they generally have set up.
3.5/5
Visit-ability:
As a cheaper alternative to staying directly in Vancouver, Burnaby offers a few things to do but it will probably be the most memorable part of the trip and will probably get lumped into being a part of "Our Vancouver" trip.
2/5
As a cheaper alternative to staying directly in Vancouver, Burnaby offers a few things to do but it will probably be the most memorable part of the trip and will probably get lumped into being a part of "Our Vancouver" trip.
2/5
Total Rating: 18/30
Thoughts: One of the largest by land areas of the Lower Mainland, Burnaby offers a great deal of things to do. Although you wouldn't notice that you are in Burnaby or Vancouver, they get a lot of concerts and events that are not as far away as the down town core for people staying further out.
Website:
Wednesday 11 July 2012
Dubh Linn Gate: Whistler
Overview
The Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub’s origins are rooted in Ireland’s traditional heritage. Long ago, the name Dubh Linn – Irish for “black pool” – was given to the dark pool of water that still lies today beneath the proud heart of Dublin City. Designed and handcrafted in Ireland, the Dubh Linn Gate Pub was transported piece by piece around the world to the the ground floor of The Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside. The Dubh Linn Gate is unsurpassed in uniting this exceptional location with authentic Irish pub charm. Opening in May 1998, the pub is decorated to showcase a pictorial journey through Ireland’s culture.
Thoughts
At this Irish Pub the food was good and the atmosphere was great. Located right at the base of the ski hill in the middle of Whistler Village, this pub offered a great patio view of the ski hill. Service was a bit slower but that is most likely due to how busy the place usually is.
Pros
Good food, live music and a nice selection of drinks.
Cons
Expensive and service was slow.
Overall
3.5/5
The price and slow service brought this down but it was a place I would visit again.
Website: http://www.dubhlinngate.com/
Tuesday 10 July 2012
Steveston Village: Richmond
Steveston a quaint historic fishing village in the southwest corner of Richmond, BC, just minutes from the YVR airport and Vancouver, BC. Once home to 15 canneries, Steveston has long been known for its commercial fishery. Although, home to Canada's largest fishing fleet of more than 600 vessels, it no longer plays host to a single cannery.
Activities:
Not a lot to do outside of some walking and shopping. There is a large park with an open field that is always good for some kite flying and as well there are whale watching tours that leave from the docks in town. There is the local museum and a tour through Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site built in 1894.
2.5/5
Events:
There is the odd festival throughout the year that takes place here, other than the notable Salmon Festival though you are pretty much looking at the regular holiday festivities.
1/5
View:
Lots of nature walks and great views of the Coastal Mountains in the distance, as well as mouth of the Fraser river leading out into the ocean. You get a good view of Vancouver Island and can see the planes taking off or landing from Vancouver Airport. A nice little village stroll offers quaint shops and an historic cannery.
3.5/5
Accommodations:
Not anything noticeable when you are in town but their website has a hotel and B&B, not really a big selection.
0.5/5
Dinning & Shopping:
A few local shops offer great souvenirs, as well there is the fish market down on the docks where you can pick up your seafood right off the back of the boats. A few restaurants here mainly serving seafood as it is a fishing port. A couple of unique dining experiences include Pajo's and the Crab King, that both offer a dining experience right out on the wharf at water level.
4.5/5
Visit-ability:
Definitely worth a day trip here especially if you are fan of west-coast seafood and history. Bring the camera for some great scenery shots.
4/5
Total Rating: 16/30
Thoughts: Not too far out of the way it is definitely worth the drive to spend a few hours here.
Website: http://www.stevestonivillage.com
Activities:
Not a lot to do outside of some walking and shopping. There is a large park with an open field that is always good for some kite flying and as well there are whale watching tours that leave from the docks in town. There is the local museum and a tour through Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site built in 1894.
2.5/5
Events:
There is the odd festival throughout the year that takes place here, other than the notable Salmon Festival though you are pretty much looking at the regular holiday festivities.
1/5
View:
Lots of nature walks and great views of the Coastal Mountains in the distance, as well as mouth of the Fraser river leading out into the ocean. You get a good view of Vancouver Island and can see the planes taking off or landing from Vancouver Airport. A nice little village stroll offers quaint shops and an historic cannery.
3.5/5
Accommodations:
Not anything noticeable when you are in town but their website has a hotel and B&B, not really a big selection.
0.5/5
Dinning & Shopping:
A few local shops offer great souvenirs, as well there is the fish market down on the docks where you can pick up your seafood right off the back of the boats. A few restaurants here mainly serving seafood as it is a fishing port. A couple of unique dining experiences include Pajo's and the Crab King, that both offer a dining experience right out on the wharf at water level.
4.5/5
Visit-ability:
Definitely worth a day trip here especially if you are fan of west-coast seafood and history. Bring the camera for some great scenery shots.
4/5
Total Rating: 16/30
Thoughts: Not too far out of the way it is definitely worth the drive to spend a few hours here.
Website: http://www.stevestonivillage.com
Thursday 5 July 2012
Pitt Meadows
Nestled between the mighty Fraser River and the majestic Golden Ears mountains, Pitt Meadows is a dynamic municipality with a growing population of just over 18,200.
Website: http://www.pittmeadows.bc.ca/
Activities:
Plenty of golfing with 6 golf courses in the rural community and an extensive dyke system with a well taken care of trail system offers plenty of leisure strolls with new things to see all the time. There is a large playground at Harris Park with an outdoor pool and kids water park.
2.5/5
Plenty of golfing with 6 golf courses in the rural community and an extensive dyke system with a well taken care of trail system offers plenty of leisure strolls with new things to see all the time. There is a large playground at Harris Park with an outdoor pool and kids water park.
2.5/5
Events:
Although there is always something going on at the community park or Harris Park I was not impressed with their Canada Day festivities as they fell short in the organizational aspect of the scheduled programs.
3/5
Although there is always something going on at the community park or Harris Park I was not impressed with their Canada Day festivities as they fell short in the organizational aspect of the scheduled programs.
3/5
View:
Lots of nature walks and great views of the Coastal Mountains in the distance, as well as a trail along the Fraser River. You also can view some nice landscaping and structures with a stroll down the Commercial part of Harris Road.
3/5
Lots of nature walks and great views of the Coastal Mountains in the distance, as well as a trail along the Fraser River. You also can view some nice landscaping and structures with a stroll down the Commercial part of Harris Road.
3/5
Accommodations:
I have noticed 1 hotel in town and nothing else really advertised.
0.5/5
I have noticed 1 hotel in town and nothing else really advertised.
0.5/5
Dinning & Shopping:
A few local shops and some larger stores for shopping. Not too many restaurants but at least one for each style you are looking for.
2/5
A few local shops and some larger stores for shopping. Not too many restaurants but at least one for each style you are looking for.
2/5
Visit-ability:
You could spend a day here or 2 if you enjoy golfing but you would probably stay somewhere else or even camp at nearby Golden Ears Provincial Park.
2/5
You could spend a day here or 2 if you enjoy golfing but you would probably stay somewhere else or even camp at nearby Golden Ears Provincial Park.
2/5
Total Rating: 13/30
Thoughts: Great place to spend a day if you are in the area but I would not go out of my way to visit.
Website: http://www.pittmeadows.bc.ca/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)