Rolley Lake: Mission

Overview:

Less than an hour’s drive from Vancouver, Rolley Lake Provincial Park provides a quick escape from urban life.  The small, warm-water lake provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Sixty-four campsites are nestled in the trees just minutes from the lakeshore. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking and short hikes.

Beach at Rolley Lake, Mission

Thoughts: 
I like the small lake and its seclusion keeps most of the crowds away.  There is a pretty large grass field for playing in and some shaded and open picnic tables for use.  The beach is pretty rocky though and some water shoes would definitely be recommended.  Not an overly large swimming area but enough space to play in the water and the depth is quite gradual so you don't have to worry about any drop offs for kids. The only facilities at the beach area is an outhouse part way along the walking trail around the lake.

The trail around the lake was a gravel trail with some bridges and wide enough to walk a stroller on.  The trail is 2.6km and would take about 45min to walk.

There looked like a lot of people were fishing but I didn't see anyone catch anything and I am not too sure how big the fish could get with so many people fishing and such a small lake.

Pros:
Small lake so the water is warm. There is more than just swimming and sitting to do with the field, trail and fishing options close at hand. Camping is close by so good for a weekend getaway.

Cons:
Rocks in the sand so shoes are almost a must. Swimming area is a bit small and could get crowded in lots of people show up.

Website: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/rolley.html‎

River Market: New Westminster

Tin Man at New Westminster Quay

Overview:

Shops, walks, and play for the kids! The New West Quay has something for everyone.  Come down and catch an event or concert or enjoy a dinner or beverage on the patio. Explore and enjoy your visit to New Westminster.

Thoughts:

Heading down to the New West Quay is a great idea on a warm day to enjoy a walk. The boardwalk heads along the river with information plaques along the way telling you of the history of the Fraser River and New Westminster.  The Market itself though does not have much going for it other than it was freshly renovated.  It didn't look like there were any shops on the upper floor and the few that they had on the lower did not really entice me to go in.

Good for an hours walk or so while you eat some ice cream on a hot day, but it would have to be part of another activity in the area unless you were staying close by.

Hours:

Sunday to Thursday 10 am – 6 pm

Friday to Saturday 10 am – 7 pm.

Contact Info:

810 Quayside Drive

New Westminster, BC

Canada V3M 6B9

Tel 604.520.3881

Fax 604.520.6130

Website: http://www.rivermarket.ca/

Email: info@rivermarket.ca

Playland: Vancouver

Overview:
Playland offers rides to match the most extreme thrillseeker to the slightly queasy stomach fairgoer. Are you looking for an experience you can share with the whole family? Jump on one of our TWO NEW FAMILY RIDES, Teacups and Balloon Explorers. If it's games you seek, Playland's midway games section will keep your brain and hand/eye coordination busy. Interested in an adrenaline rush? Check out ATMOSFEAR, the historic Wooden Roller Coaster, Revelation or the Haunted Mansion. Need a break from all the excitement? Grab a tasty treat from any of the different food venues at Playland. At Playland, there’s literally something for everyone.

Thoughts:
Although the price is quite steep, you can get a guardian pass if you are bringing children under 12. Plenty of rides and things to do to keep you busy for a couple of hours.  The lines were quite short earlier in the day and got longer as the day when on.  There is not much for kids under 36" and they are not very lenient on the rules.  My kid was just under and even though she was smart enough to go on her tippy toes to make it over the height they made her stand flat footed.  And even though you can take any kid on some of the rides with an adult, they had to have their own seat and seat belt, which did not go over well with the 8 month old.

This place is definately best for kids over 48" but for those that are under you can still have some fun but there might be a lot of, "sorry, you can't ride that one yet".

Price:
Over 48": $32.50
Under 48": $23.75
Children Under 3 and 48": free

Pros:
Quite a few rides and fun things to do. Was a good place to spend a few hours and let the kids have some fun.

Cons:
Expensive. Not only do you have to pay to get in the gate, there are certain rides and activities that cost more once you are in, and the food is very expensive too.  Not a great place for smaller kids but they can definitely do some things if you are taking older kids.

Contact Info:
2901 East Hastings Street,
Vancouver, BC, Canada
V5K 5J1

Phone: 604-252-3620

Website: http://www.pne.ca/playland/
Email: info@pne.ca

Golden Eagle South: Pitt Meadows

Overview:
Located only 45 minutes from Vancouver, Golden Eagle Golf Club is situated amidst the beautiful Thompson Mountains located in scenic Pitt Meadows. At Golden Eagle Golf Club in Pitt Meadows you will find 18 fun and challenging hole South Golf Course. Rolling fairways surrounded by plenty of water and bunkers lead you to massive bent grass greens testing all aspects of your game.

14th Hole Green at Sunset

Grounds:
Grounds maintenance does not seem to be a top priority on the south course.  Spotty fairways, modelled greens and bunkers that blend with the rough make some shots very challenging or worth actually moving your ball a little.  Bunkers do not look like they have had new sand in a while with pebbles showing up on top of most.

Staff:
The only person we saw on the course was the pro shop teller that took our green fees.  He was very friendly and nothing to complain about.

Amenities:
There is a beer cart but perhaps not during the week or for later tee times.  A restaurant, putting green and a couple of warm up cages.

Facility:
Nice clubhouse and pro shop.  Things looked clean and well taken care of.

Price:
$54 per round and $35 for a cart makes it a mid range course.  The twilight deal at 5pm for $25 is a good deal though as during the summer months it is still light enough to make it through the course.

Course Type:
Parkland | Public | 18

Par:
70

Thoughts:
Lots of water and creeks to help thin out your extra balls.  This course plays nicely as long as you keep the ball straight.  The grounds definately could use some care and attention,  it looks like there was some draining issues in places when it rains and then some patches in the fairways and greens.  The bunkers created a new hazard type offering a blend between rough and sand around most edges.

Pros: 
Not a long course in distance and you can find some good deals for green fees.

Cons:
Maintenance issues stand out the most and the need to hit the ball straight.

Contact Information:
21770 Ladner Road,
Pitt Meadows, BC,
V3Y 1Z1

Phone: 604-460-1111

Website: http://www.goldeneaglegolfclub.com
Email: info@goldeneaglegolfclub.com

Swiss Gourmet Restaurant: Harrison Hot Springs

Overview:
Based within the Hot Springs Villa Hotel, this quaint restaurant offers a German/Swiss cuisine mixed with some west coast favourites.  Enjoy the food and drinks in either the open restaurant or on the patio overlooking the beach at Harrison Hot Springs.

Thoughts:
The staff was friendly and the taste of the food was ok but the downsides definitely outweighed the upsides.  The portions of food were smaller than expected, I could have counted the number of fries on my fingers, and the price was too high for both quality and quantity of the food.  The interior could use some updating as well as the tables and chairs inside were looking old.  I would not recommend this restaurant especially given the other choices in such close proximity in the same price range.

Price:
Appy's $8-$12
Burgers $9-$14
Entree's $15-$25
Too much.  Not for a meal but for what you get here it was too much.

Pros:
Location is great, and food was ok.

Cons:
Overpriced and no very big portions.

Contact Info:
270 Esplanade
Harrison Hot Springs BC, Canada

Phone: (604) 796-9339
Toll Free: 1-866-796-9339

Websites: http://www.harrisonvilla.com
Email: t9445@telus.net

Splashdown Park: Tsawwassen

Overview:
One of only 2 water slide parks in the Vancouver area, this park offers 13 slides for everyone from toddlers to adults, with 3 tube rides, 2 intermediate slides, and 4 advanced slides.  Spend the day and make use of the concession, bbq's and tent rentals.

Thoughts:
Not the biggest water park but it was large enough to keep relatively short lines and a fun atmosphere.  Plenty of grass space in both shade and full sun so you are not too crowded when taking a break or getting something to eat.  One of the best things about the park though was that we could take our toddler down any of the slides that were not tube rides.  Giving them the fun of both the kids slides that they can do on their own and also going down the bigger slides with an adult.

The price was good as well, adults are only about $20 and children under 3 are free for all day fun. As well you get a $2 discount per member when you sign up for email newsletters.

Price:

AGE:	FULL DAY:	TWILIGHT: (starts 4 hrs. prior to closing)
Age 4 + (while under 48")	16.96	11.99
Over 48" (to Age 64)	22.99	16.96
Tots (3yrs & under)	Free	Free
Seniors (65+ with ID)	9.99	7.99
Family of 4	81.99	59.99

Pros:
Large area so it didn't get too crowded, plenty of options for kids and the price was good for something that you can do all day.

Cons:
Tsawwassen is quite far away from most places and takes some time to get to.  There could be a couple more slides for adults to give them a better experience.

Contact Information:
4775 Nulelum Way
Tsawwassen, B.C.

Phone: (604) 943-2251

Website: http://www.splashdownpark.ca
Email: info@splashdownpark.ca

Pacific Inn Resort and Conference Centre: White Rock

Overview:
A full-service resort hotel’s with luxurious accommodations inspired by the lush ambience of the tropics, offering a one-of-a-kind relaxation experience.  The hotel comes complete with a swimming pool, hot tub, spa, as well as a few shops and services right inside the hotel offering massage, and other services.

Thoughts:
The hotel is a bit older and could use some new paint and freshening up.  The weather outside was extremely hot while inside during our stay the air conditioning seemed to not be working in neither the lobby/foyer or the rooms.  The lobby was nicely done though and the atmosphere was very much that of a tropical resort.  The rooms however you noticed the age of the building with scuff marks, dents and dings all throughout the halls.

The restaurant was mediocre as the food was nothing to write home about, although there was a bar, a couple of the drinks we tried to order they couldn't make and they apparently ran out of milk so the kids were forced to choose different drinks.

The front desk staff seemed more pre-occupied with other tasks while we waited about 5 min to check in with 2 of them looking through a book or another 5 when we tried to get towels for the pool. Overall the price was a bit higher but not unreasonable for the rooms and the amenities offered. Might try a different hotel if planning on staying in the area again but would not discourage people from staying here.

Price:
$110 - $250
Although not overly high it did seem like it could use some updates for the price.

Pros:
Tropics like atmosphere and a nice pool and hot tub.  The rooms were a decent size and the beds comfortable enough.

Cons:
No working AC (while we were there), restaurant food left something to be desired and could use some sprucing up.

Contact Information:
1160 King George Boulevard
White Rock/Surrey, British Columbia  V4A 4Z2
Canada

Phone: (604)-535-1432
Fax: (604)-531-6979
Toll Free: 1-800-667-2248

Website: http://www.pacificinn.com
Email: sales@pacificinn.com