Yo Sushi: Burnaby

Overview:

Thoughts:
Nice restaurant inside and very classy looking. Plenty of seating but only a small section for larger groups. The restaurant was empty just after lunch but may be busier after work for dinner.

Only 2 people in the restaurant and the service was a little slow to take orders but might have been busy with other cleanup obligations during slow times. After the order was placed though it took quite some time for the food to come as well. I don't expect it to be rushed but again, only two people.
(Update: second visit the service was much quicker but still a bit of tine to get the food. Perhaps it was the care in making it.)

The prices are just above average but nothing too high. The quantity was definitely enough to fill a person and the roll size was excellent.  The food tasted very flavorful and even though I had the usual full feeling it did not have the greasy sick feeling along with it, nice and light.

Pros:
Not overly expensive and nice place. Great food and excellent portion sizes.

Cons:
A little slow.

Contact Info:
4266 Hastings st
Burnaby, BC
V5C 2J6

Phone: 604.299.2500

Last updated: June 2, 2015

Kita Sushi: Burnaby

Thoughts:
Clean and plain id best to describe the inside of the restaurant. The pricing is pretty average but the taste is above average.  The rolls had minimal filling and a lot of rice. The seaweed wrap was very chewy.I don't think this is a place I would try again with better choices in the area.

The rolls are on the smaller side which probably helps keep the price down.

Pros:
One of the few good sushi options in the area. The food tastes good and is not too expensive.

Cons:
Smaller portion sizes. Small interior making it very busy at times and might be better for take out.

Contact Info:
# Dawson St.
Burnaby BC

Phone: 604.

Website: www.kitasushi.ca

Krakit: Burnaby

Overview:

Enter a Krakit Escape Game room, where SOMETHING  has happened.  Once the door closes behind you, your challenge is to find the clues hidden right before your very eyes to ESCAPE. There are four Krakit Escape Game rooms each with a different theme.  In some rooms, you may find your heart pounding and your palms sweating but be assured all of this happens in a make belief world with no danger.  Krakit is a unique way for everyone (ages 8 and up), to have fun, challenge yourself, host a birthday party or special events (stag/stagettes), host staff/corporate events and team building activities, or to create a date night that you'll never forget! It’s as simple as picking the room theme you want to escape from and then challenging fate.

Thoughts:

The idea is great and the execution is well done at Krakit. It was good fun and the staff was friendly and helpful, ecen joined in on the joking around with our group.

The room we were in was not very big and might have been a bit small for a group of 6. The room details were not as in depth or as extravagant as others like it. We did a zombie room and didn't see or hear a single one.

There was a good variety of clues but some were a little far reaching. The location was great as this is the only one like it not in Richmond.

I would recommend giving this a try as it is a good small group activity that does not rely on only one attribute.

Pros:

Close to locations other than Richmond giving people the opportunity to try without the long drive. Updated seasonal theme rooms with varying levels of difficulty. Fun for a small group of people.

Cons:

Some of the clues were hard and not overly relevant. The fine details could have been better in the room design.

Address: 

4035 North Road,
Burnaby, BC,
V3J 1S3

Website: http://www.krakit.ca/

Phone: 604.868.5512

Email: info@krakit.ca

Price:

$22.00 (taxes included)/ perosn

Monday-Wednesday: $18/person (taxes included) *excluding holidays

Free *when within 3 days of your birthday

Hours:

Monday-Thursday 3:00pm - 11:30pm

Friday 3:00pm -12:30am

Saturday 11:00am - 12:30am

Sunday 11:00am - 11:30pm

East Side Craft House: Vancouver

Thoughts:
Nice place with good food and a good selection of beers. Unfortunately they were out of some of the advertised brands and seeing how it was a Tuesday at lunch I am guessing that tgey ran out on the weekend and didn't bother getting more.

The food was good and the large portions made the above average price seem ok.

There didn't seem to be a lot of seating but based on it's location I don't see it getting too busy.

It was ok if you are in the area but could probably find better a short drive away.

Pros:
Good menu of food and drinks.

Cons:
Above average price and seemed out of stock on a few beverages.

Gold Creek Falls: Maple Ridge

Overview:
The Gold Creek Falls is a short hike that is perfect for the beginning of the season or in combination with a camping trip to the Golden Ears Provincial Park.

Thoughts:
This is a recently re-done trail making it nice and easy to walk through the forest up to the falls location.  Along the way there are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the creek, either for the view or in the hotter months you can take a dip in the water.

The trail is compact gravel and very wide so it good for walking with a stroller, no bikes or horses are allowed on the trail either. The distance ends up being 5.4 km return (2.7km to the falls) and takes about 40 min to walk one way with minimal stopping.

A little ways to drive as it takes about 30 min from downtown Maple Ridge to get tot the trail head but if spending the day out there or just going for a walk up to the falls it is worth it.

There is also plenty of parking at the trail head but does get busy during the summer months and you may need to park further back up the road.

Pros:
Nice trail and easy to walk along wit strollers and not too physically challenging. Good swimming all along the creek

Cons:
A little ways out of tow to get to.

James St Cafe and Grill: Burnaby

Overview:

James Street Café & Grill boasts an array of dishes that are characteristic of East African cuisine with a hint of Western fusion. Your taste buds will take you on a journey to Dar es Salaam, Nairobi and Kampala, although you will really be on the border of Vancouver and Burnaby at Canada Way and Boundary Rd.

Thoughts:
Not the cheapest place around but definitely one of the better tasting. A good selection of both Indian and Western cuisines,  Jame St. Cafe and Grill will have sonething for everyone.  The burgers are big and flavorful and came with a good serving of fries. The butter chicken was very tasty as well, not too spicy but very good and filling.

We did get our menus relatively quickly but after that the service slowed exponentially.   After we got the orders placed the food came quick but then had to ask for the bill after waiting at the empty table. Thia has happened on a few visits.

Pros:
Good food and nice size portions.

Cons:
Above average prices and slow service.

Contact Information: 

3819 Canada Way 

Burnaby BC
V5G 1G6

Phone: (604) 676-1876 

Fax: (604) 676-1874

Email: jamesstcg@gmail.com

Cultus Lake Adventure Park: Cultus Lake

Overview:
Kids big and small, young and old, will love to get away from it all and play in the imaginary and wonderful world of Giggle Ridge Adventure Golf at Cultus Lake Adventure Park. It's Adventure Golf unlike any you've seen before! Make your way through the abandoned but recently rediscovered mountain lumber camp known as Giggle Ridge. Discover it for yourself at Cultus Lake and have an Adventure like none other!

Thoughts:
A great place to spend a couple of hours while out at the lake.  If you come for a picnic at the main beach or visited the waterslides for the day it is a nice way to finish off your visit. Although not a lot of rides there is a couple for kids of all ages including bumper boats and the Giggle Ridge Adventure Golf.  Prices are quite low for the rids and the golf is not too bad either.

As a fairly new place it is very clean and has a cartoon-ish theme to it. Not too big but great for little kids and good for older ones as well.

Price:
Admission is free
Tickets are $1.50/ea and most rides are 1 or 2 tickets
Mini Golf is $9
Combo and Discount packs are available

*waterslide tickets have a coupon for mini golf on the backs (buy 1 get one free I believe)

Pros:
Good for all kids and not so big you need to spend the day there to see and do everything.  Nice and clean, fun theme for the kids. Rides for kids and adults.  Quite cheap if you do not have a big family.

Cons:
Not very many rides.

Contact Information:
3993 Sunnyside Blvd
Cultus Lake, BC
V2R 5B5

Phone:  604-858-8777

Website: http://www.giggleridge.com/
Email: info@cultusadventure.com

Cultus Lake Park: Cultus Lake

Overview:
Many recreational activities can be enjoyed in the area, from boating, fishing and swimming, to picnicking, playground and walking.

Thoughts:
Although a long ways out this is a great way to spend the day at the lake.  The park is large and offers a good variety of things to do.  The swimming area is very large with a big dock and shallow waters. Unfortunately the "beach" is a bit rocky and gets worse in the water.  Because of the shallow waters though it is quite warm at this end of the lake.  Plenty of parking in the 2 main lots, unfortunately it is pay parking ($6/day). Lots of picnic tables around both on the beach area and the grass and a large playground for children of all ages.

Boat rentals are close by (http://www.mainbeachboats.com) as are large bathrooms, a concession stand and even a market on Saturdays.  Parking lot B is shared with the Cultus Lake Adventure Park giving you a change of scenery if needed and the Cultus Lake Waterslides are just across the street.

Pros:
Warm waters and plenty of things to do to keep you busy for the day.

Cons:
A far drive for anyone not in Abbotsford and Chilliwack areas.  The beaches are a bit rocky.

Contact Information:
Cultus Lake Park
4165 Columbia Valley Highway
Cultus Lake Park, BC V2R 5B5

Website: http://www.cultuslake.com/

Hot Summer Nights: Maple Ridge

Overview:
On Thursday evenings in July and August, the Maple Ridge Fire Department visits various community neighbourhoods, both pre-announced and random locations, after 6:30 pm.

Thoughts:
This is great fun for kids of all ages.  The fire department sets up a couple of hoses and sprays water out at the kids.  They also let the kids control the hoses (supervised), open up the fire trucks for tours and hand out informational kids packages.  They usually set up at a park giving the kids a playground to play at when they are tired of the water.

Pros:
Different locations throughout the city allowing for people in different areas to enjoy this event.

Cons:
A lot of people showed up and sometimes the park is not set up to handle that amount of vehicle traffic.

Contact Info:
Website: http://bc-mapleridge.civicplus.com/434/Hot-Summer-Nights

Hayward Lake: Mission

Overview:

Many recreational activities can be enjoyed in the area, from boating, fishing and swimming, to picnicking, hiking and mountain biking.

Thoughts: 
This little area is one of the best beaches around.  It is a bit bigger than the others in the area and the sand is great right out into the water with minimal rocks.  Large beach area and large grass with plenty of picnic tables.  The grass had both trees for shade and open field for sun and activities.

There is a bathroom / change room near the parking lot that was relatively clean and a non-motorized boat launch area.  Right at the base of the Stave Falls Power House, the water is fed down from Stave lake keeping it very clean and a little brisk.

A large parking lot with overflow parking on the Stave Falls Power house side and a walk along a short path.

Pros:
Close to the city but far enough out that it is not always busy.  The sand is great and goes out into the water with minimal rocks to step on.

Cons:
Parking lot is a bit of a hike from the beach/picnic area and the park gates close at 8:45 so you must make sure you are starting to pack up if you go for a later dinner.

Website: https://www.bchydro.com/community/recreation_areas/hayward_lake.html

Miki Sushi Japanese Bistro: Burnaby

Thoughts:

Nice decor and decent looking. The price was on the cheaper side but you get what you pay for. The rolls had minimal filling and a lot of rice. The seaweed wrap was very chewy.

I don't think this is a place I would try again with better choices in the area.

Pros:
Nice restaurant and cheaper priced menu.

Cons:
Food could definitely have been better.

Contact Info:
#1 4461 Logheed Hwy
Burnaby BC

Phone: 604.299.2798

Peace Portal Golf Course: Surrey

Overview:
The Peace Portal Golf Course located in White Rock/ Surrey, British Columbia, near Vancouver and Seattle. Established in 1928, Peace Portal has achieved a 4 star rating by Golf Digest and a "Top 100 Public Course in Canada" by Canada's Golf Ranking Magazine.

Thoughts:
Great course and well maintained.  The course started out nice and open with the tree line being very playable to progressively getting harder with the addition of some water hazards towards the end of the course.

Grounds:
Well kept greens and fairways, it was hard to find any problems with the course.  In some areas of the rough the drainage could have been a little better but that is really just looking for something to complain about.

Staff:
The clubhouse staff and cafeteria staff were friendly and nice.  Did not see a snack cart on the course though, could have been the time of day but I am not sure.

Amenities:
Nice Clubhouse and patio. As well there looked to be a cafeteria and bar side to the restaurant. There was a chipping and putting green but no range for warm up.

Facility:
Large clubhouse with pro shop and restaurant and patio.

Price: 
Weekend ( Saturday, Sunday & Holidays): $66.00
Weekend Twilight (after 3 pm): $49.00
Weekend Super Twilight (after 5 pm): $31.00
Weekend Sundowner    (after 6 pm): $25.00
Weekend Super Sundowner (after 7 pm): $18.00

Dawn Patrol (before 8am Monday to Friday): $45.00
Weekday (Monday & Tuesday): $52.00
Weekday (Wednesday -Friday): $56.00
Weekday Twilight (after 3 pm): $43.00
Weekday Super Twilight (after 5 pm): $28.00
Weekday Sundowner    (after 6 pm): $22.00
Weekday Super Sundowner (after 7 pm): $15.00

SENIOR RATES (60 years and older)
Weekday (Monday & Tuesday): $47.00
Weekday (Wednesday-Friday): $49.00

JUNIOR RATES (18 years and younger)
Weekend: $49.00
Weekend twilight: $31.00
Weekday: $43.00
Weekday Twilight and Dawn Patrol: $28.00

Course Type:
Parkland | Public | 18

Par:
72

Pros:
Well kept grounds and open treeline make finding and playing your ball fun and easy.

Cons:
Long ways out there being right at the border.  Unless your in the White Rock area it is a bit of a drive.

Contact Information:
16900 4th Avenue
Surrey, BC, V3S 2Y9

Phone: 604-538-4818
Toll Free: 1-800-354-7544
Fax: 604-538-5232

Website: http://www.peaceportalgolf.com/
Email: golf@peaceportalgolf.com

Critter Care Wildlife Society: Langley

Overview:

Critter Care Wildlife Society specializes in the treatment, care and release of sick, injured and orphaned Native Mammal species of British Columbia's Southern and Lower Mainland. They are the only facility in BC specializing in the care of mammals and one of only four Bear Rehab facilities in the province.

Thoughts:
This is a very good place for wildlife rehabilitation.  Because of their work with animals though they are only open for tours one weekend a year to minimize human interaction.  There was a few animals that could be seen while not on the tour but the majority of animals could only be seen on the tour. The tour was good and informative but seemed rushed because of the number of people that were moved through.

There was a cost of $2 per adult and kids were free. But once inside everything else cost other than the tour. About 25% of the proceeds go to the shelter.

Other than tour there was not really much else to do unless you got there later when the dog or horse shows were on. The rest seemed more like a farmers market.

It is definitely worth while going for the tour and learning about the animals and the society. The kids will get to see baby animals and learn about them and it helps support the society and the animals they help.

Pros:
Learned about local animals and how they are helped. Reasonably priced and does not need to take all day.

Cons:
Unless you bring extra cash there is not much you can buy. Was a long ways out and did not spend a long time there, plan to do other stuff while out that way.

Price:
$2 Adults
Kids free

Hours:
11 am - 4pm 1 weekend in July

Contact Information:

481 - 216th Street

Langley, BC

V2Z 1R6

Phone: 604-530-2064

Fax: 604-532-2009

e-mail: info@crittercarewildlife.org

website: http://www.crittercarewildlife.org/

Exit: Richmond

Overview:
EXIT has four themed rooms: The Lost Ship, Ancient Egypt, Prison Escape and Laboratory Escape. Groups of anywhere from two to six people have 45 minutes to figure out how to get out by using critical thinking skills to solve challenges and riddles.

Thoughts:
A great idea and very well executed. The 4 different themes offer a good variety for returning groups. The rooms are small and hard to move around in with 6 people, but it is not cramped if everyone spreads out. The clues were sometimes hard to find and it was definitely better to have 6 people that may come across the answer. Although not overly expensive at $25 per person it would have been nice to make an evening out of it somehow as the time limit of 45 minutes almost seems not worth the drive in from far even though it was.

Pros:
Fun and able to do as a group of 6. Not too expensive per person and very challenging.

Cons:
Nothing else really around in the area and hard to make an evening of it, must plan to go out after or before.

Price:
$25 per person

Hours:
Mon - Thur: 3:00pm - 11:45pm
Fri: 2:00pm - 11:45pm
Sat: 11:00am - 1:45am
Sun: 11:00am - 11:45pm

Contact Information:
Shop 2115
4653 Garden City Road
Richmond, BC
V6X 4A9

Phone: 604.370.5555
Email:  info@e-exit.ca

Website: http://www.e-exit.ca

Britannia Mine Museum: Britannia Beach

Overview:

Last century, it was a working mine. It turned out massive amounts of copper and other minerals. Now, it's a multi award-winning Museum, turning out awe-inspiring sights and memorable family experiences. So much to see and do. Pan for real gold! Rumble aboard our mine train as it rolls into the dark. Learn from informative but informal tour guides. Come on up.

Britannia Mine Museum in Britannia Beach

Thoughts:

This was a nice place to spend a couple of hours.  Although it is also called BC Mining Museum it really was only about the Britannia Mine and didn't really have any other mining information there.  The tour was very cool with a short underground train ride with a couple of stops to show different aspects of underground mining. It was good for kids of all ages although the hard hats for the underground tour didn't really fit small children.

It would have been nice to see a bit more of the mining operations building but due to insurance issues you are limited to the ground floor.

Pros:
Informative and interactive, not too large but a good place to stop for a couple of hours.  The price is reasonable and lots too see.  The gold panning offers a variety of gems, gold and fools gold which you get to keep if you find (included in price). Was fun for all ages.

Cons:

Its a fair ways from most places.  Don't get to see the inside of the mine building. Hard hats did not fit small children (3 and under) although they were still allowed on the tour with their oversize hats.

Price:

Adult $25.00

Senior (65+) $21.00

Youth (13-18) $21.00

Child (5-12) $17.00

Preschool (4 & under) FREE

Daily Family (2 adults/3 children) $92.00

Hours:
The Museum site is open from 9:00 AM to 6 PM daily with 45 minute guided tours offered throughout the day. The Gift Shop is open from 9:00 AM to 6 PM.

Contact Information:

PO Box 188

Britannia Beach, BC V0N 1J0

We are located on the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99), north of Vancouver.

Toll free: 1-800-896-4044 - press 0

Phone: 1-604-896-2233 - press 0

Fax: 1-604-896-2260

Email: company.store@bcmm.ca

Website: http://www.britanniaminemuseum.ca/

Sushimoto: Burnaby

Overview:

Sushi Moto is a small, funky restaurant tucked away next to the Holdom Skytrain Station off of Lougheed Highway. The restaurant has an interesting selection of sushi and other Japanese inspired menu items as well as quite the collection of characters and other figurines  in a display case and decorating the walls.

Thoughts:
The rolls were not large but the rice layer was thin making more room for the better stuff. The food tasted good but the price is a little higher than average. There is also a good selection of specialty rolls if you are in the mood.

Decor was different, everything said Japanese except the movie and sports action figures in a large display at the bar seating. Would recommend this place if you are in the Holdom area and wanting sushi but there is better within a 15 minute drive.

Pros:

A decent option in the Holdom area of Burnaby. Nice restaurant and good food.

Cons:

Not really near anything so unless you are in the area it is out of the way. Not the cheapest but not too expensive, especially for what you get.

Contact Info:

102-2221 Holdom Ave,
Burnaby, BC
V5B 3A4

Phone: 604.293.2201

Hammond Park: Maple Ridge

Overview:
Small city park with an open field for play and childrens playground with swings.

Thoughts:
Went in the morning with the kids to play and it didn't have a welcoming feeling.  It was clean and well maintained but perhaps it is the area of town but the "ambiance" just wasn't quite right.  There is a large playset for the kids along with a few swings.  Lots of trees for shade and an open field.  No picnic tables or even picnic areas.  As well there was a small plaque with some history about the area.

Pros:
Newer equipment and good place to go to kill an hour or so.

Cons:
Not too big, and not many people around. Not much parking other than street parking.

Contact Information:
114th Ave and Waresley St.
Maple Ridge, BC

Cafe Burger Time: Burnaby

Overview:
Family run diner serving breakfast and lunch to local workers.  Located in the heart of Burnaby, this small restaurant gives you fast service with good food.

Thoughts:
Decent food but a little above average prices. Had a burger and it was pretty big but the patty itself was lacking and there was a good amount of fries.

The interior is clean but old. Not somewhere you would go on a date but ok for lunch or breakfast during the week. It caters primarily to local workers as hours are only 6am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Definitely would not go out of my way to eat here but it is edible and works if you are in the area and looking for something quick.

Pros:

Only restaurant in the area.

Cons:

Food was just ok and price a little high. Nothing special really.

Contact Information: 

2701 Norland Ave
Burnaby, BC
V5B

Phone: 604-291-0931

Mario's Kitchen: Tsawwassen

Overview:
Mario's Kitchen is located on the main drag of Tsawwassen.  Friendly staff, great food and a energetic atmosphere make this a great place to stop and have a meal.

Thoughts:
This is a nice little restaurant on the main drag in Tsawwassen.  The food was great and the price wad average.   It has is smaller inside with not a lot of seating but enough that you shouldn't need to wait for a spot. Definitely recommend this one if you are looking for a simple well made meal.

Pros:

Good food and great atmosphere. The food is well priced for what you get.

Cons:

Hard to find unless you know what your looking for

Contact Information: 

1105 56th Street
Delta, BC
V4L 2A2

Phone: 604 943 4442

Website: http://marioskitchen.ca/

Garry Point Park: Steveston

Overview:

Located at the end of Steveston Village, Garry Point Park offers excellent views of the Fraser River and Gulf Islands. The park includes features such as a Japanese style memorial garden (Kuno Garden), beached logs and sandy beach access and expansive open areas for picnicking and kite flying. There are also two concession stands that run seasonally at the main entrance of the park, along with washroom facilities and dog watering station.

Fisherman's Memorial Needle at Garry Point Park, Steveston

Thoughts:

This is a great place to visit and spend some time if you are in the area.  There is a 1.2km walking trail around the perimeter of the park that will take about 20 minutes to walk around if you are taking your time.  This is a great place to come fly a kite as there is always a breeze.  If you are visiting Steveston Village Garry Point Park is a must see at either the beginning or end of your visit.

Pros:

Easy gravel trail for walking, and large open path. Art and information plaques to read on your visit. Great views and large open field if you want to stay for a BBQ or picnic. Free parking at the park.

Cons:

Can't swim in the river as the current is too strong through here although there are sandy beaches.  Allways windy so could be a bit cool. No tables or picnic areas.

Hours:

Parking is open from dawn to dusk.

Contact Info:

12011 Seventh Avenue

Website: http://www.richmond.ca/parks/parks/SigParks/parkinfo/park.aspx?ID=17