Asakusa Sushi: Burnaby

Overview:

Small but clean and bright on the inside. Good food and a decent selection. Lots of lunchand dinner specials and combos. Rolls were a good size. Good prices on some rolls.

Pros:

Prices were ok for the quality

Cons:

Mainly pay parking unless you park at the mall and cross the street.

Contact Info:

4729 Kingsway, 

Burnaby, BC 

V5H 2C3

Phone: (604) 436-5505

Sushi Royal House: Vancouver

Overview:

Sushi Royal House is a fun and welcoming place to enjoy simple, fresh and delicious food crafted using a combination of Japanese ingredients and fresh products.

Thoughts:
Nice and clean on the inside. Quick service and decent prices. The parking lot was a bit tight and a lot of reserved parking making it hard to find a spot.

Pros:

Decent food for a decent price and close to the Skytrain.

Cons:

Small parking lot making it hard to find parking.

Hours:

Mon-Wed, Sat 11:00am - 9:00pm

Thu-Fri 11:00am - 9:30pm 

Sun 12:00am - 9:00pm

Contact Info:

2893 Grandview Hwy., 

Vancouver, BC 

V5M 2E1

Phone: 604.436.0890

Phone: 604.568.0941

Website: http://toktokvan.com/sushiroyalhouse/menu1.php

Crazy M Ranch: Prince George

Overview:
Come and enjoy a horse drawn sleigh ride through beautiful woodland trails and open fields where deer and many other kinds of wildlife can be seen. The hour long ride will bring you back to a building “The Sleigh Shed” which is heated by an old fashioned wood cook stove where complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, tea and cookies are served.

Thoughts:

This is a great winter season activity for a fairly large group. The family run ranch offers hour long sleigh rides followed by another hour of drinks bon fire and sledding.

The property is about 20 min out of the city and is pretty easy to find. The ameneties are in great condition and they are constantly adding new things to make your experience more enjoyable.

Coffee and tea are provided and outside food is allowed as well. We brought hot dogs and marshmallows to roast on the fire and they had sticks there for you.

The sledding hill was a bit of a walk from the hut and would be a bit difficult to use within your time frame. It probably gets most use during larger groups where multiple sleigh rides are required.

Pros:
Good for large groups and a lot to do in the couple of hours you get. Very friendly family that runs the sleigh rides.

Cons:
Sledding hill a bit far and it is an open sleigh ride so weather may or may not be on your side.

Contact Info:

Crazy M Ranch - Sleigh Rides

Prince George, BC

For bookings ask for Gaylene

Phone: 250-560-5505

Website: http://crazymranch.weebly.com/

Sloquet Hot Springs: Fraser Valley

Overview:
Sloquet Hot Springs is a wonderfully wild set of shallow, man-made pools fed by a small, all natural, and very hot, waterfall.  The pools stretch from the waterfall to the large and crashing Sloquet River. The large, spread out campsite for the hot springs lies a short 5 minute walk from the springs.

Thoughts:

A great spot for relaxing and very scenic. It was very busy on the summer weekend and the campground was quite full.

A bit of a drive in as it is about 3hrs from Pemberton on gravel roads or 3hrs from Harrison on a gravel road that requires 4 wheel drive in sections.

The springs are in a natural setting broken up into multiple pools each getting gradually cooler towards the Sloquet river.

About 20 sites for camping and most can hold multiple tents and even a small trailer if you want to tow one in on the gravel roads. There is a $15 fee to camp and a $5 day use fee if the attendant is there to collect (apparently mainly on weekends and during the summer months).

Aside from the long drive in it is a great spot to go and I would definitely head back that way. I probably would not come up from Harrison though but rather just spend the extra time to drive down from Pemberton.

Pros:
Very nice setting and very clean.

Cons:
A pretty long drive down a bumpy gravel road, day use and overnight fees

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

Website: http://whistlerhiatus.com/driving/sloquet-hot-springs-126k.html

Skaha Lake Park: Penticton

Overview:
This beautiful park offers outdoor fun for everyone! Located at the south end of Penticton, this 21 acre park offers a variety of year round recreational opportunities. Skaha Lake Park includes one of BC's most beautiful sandy beaches; the red sand beach is great for sunbathing & wading in the warm waters of Skaha Lake.

Thoughts:
A nice lake in the summer with plenty to do. A spray park for the kids, small concession and of course a sandy beach. Boat rentals and a slide offer some water fun as well. The lake is nice and warm in the summer because of the size and can get quite busy.

There is a very large parking lot and plenty of space on the beach or grass for everyone.

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

Cons:
Swimming area can be quite crowded as it can be a bit short in areas because of a drop off.

Contact Information:
Phone: 250-490-2426

Website: http://www.penticton.ca/EN/main/community/parks-trails-beaches/parks/skaha-lake-park.html

Bentei Sushi: Burnaby

Thoughts:

Super friendly service and very quick. The prices are also on the lower end which is good for the quality of the food. The rolls were decent size and the rice and roll contents were very good but the seaweed wrap was a bit chewy.

The restaurant was a little unsettling from the outside and the inside looks like an old diner but very clean.

Pros:

Other than the seaweed the food was good and the prices were even better.

Cons:

Chewy seaweed on the wraps and looks a little rough. 

Contact Info:

#5-5901 E. Broadway St.,
Burnaby, BC
V5B 2Y1

Phone: 604.291.0080

Website: http://www.benteisushiburnaby.com/

Gaya Sushi: Burnaby

Thoughts:

Small place with limited parking but quite a few seats.  Very busy at lunch and had to wait a fair bit of time to even be seated.

Nice decor and very clean looking.

Pros:

Lots of seating and better location is decent for people in the area. 

Cons:

Small parking lot and food was just ok 

Contact Info:

105 - 2900 Bainbridge Ave
Burnaby,  B.C.
V5A 2S8

Phone: 604.368.0086

Chettinad Dosa Palace: Burnaby

Overview:

Exquisite Menu and Ambience is a matter of pride. They serve both South and North Indian cuisine and have more than 25 varities of dosa to choose from.

Thoughts:
Very busy and small area. Quite a bit of group seating though. The outside does not look like much and doesn't get too much better. The service was quick but it took a bit to get the food after ordering. Probably because of the number of patrons.

The prices were not cheap and not too expensive.  More like high mid range.

Pros:

Good food and welcoming atmosphere. 

Cons:

Terrible parking lot and small interior.

Contact Info:

5081 Canada Way
Burnaby, BC
V5E 3N1

Phone: 604-544-1561

Website: http://chettinaddosapalace.ca/

Sushi Garden: Burnaby

Overview:
With lineups during lunch and dinner most days, Sushi Garden on Lougheed Highway next to Staples is a very busy restaurant. They serve delicious sushi with a good selection of rolls, nigiri, and sashimi.

Thoughts: 

Nice open space and very modern decor. Great food at a very good price. Friendly staff and a good menu selection. It gets very busy there though so try to avoid standard lunch and dinner times in order to eat within a reasonable time frame.

Pros:

Great food and good prices.

Cons:

Usually very busy and could take some time to get a table and your food.

Contact Info:

4269 Lougheed Hwy,
Burnaby, BC
V5C 3Y6

Phone: 604.294.0104

X-Site Grill & Bistro: Burnaby

Overview:

With locations in Burnaby and East Vancouver, X-site Grill & Bistro aims to provide great food at prices that won't hurt your wallet with Dinner and Drink specials every night of the week! Check out our East Vancouver location for great local music Monday through Saturday nights!

Thoughts:
Great prices and very decent food. Perahps not the best tasting but more than acceptable and what little that is lost for flavour is made up for in portion size.

Nice and open with a good selection of drinks. Not a large space bit clean and able to accommodate groups.

Staff was super friendly and service was quick.

Pros:

Good food and great prices. 

Cons:

Small-ish inside and limited timed parking. 

Contact Info:

4625 Hastings St.

Burnaby, B.C.

Phone: 604-298-7483

Website: http://x-sitegrillbistro.com

Norland Grill: 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:
All new interior gives the place a nicer feel than before (see Cafe Burger Time). The prices and food seemed have remained the same though.

Still wouldn't go out of my way to eat there but would not object if someone else recommended it.

Pros:

Only restaurant in the area and newly renovated.

Cons:

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

Contact Info:

2701 Norland Ave
Burnaby, BC
V5C 5B7

Phone: 604-291-0931

Marina Park: West Kelowna

Overview:
This park has a pebble beach, a grass area, a covered picnic facility and a playground. It is perfect for those with small children as both the park and beach areas are fenced in.

Thoughts:
A great little park in West Kelowna that has everything. The beach is there for hot summer days, a new playground structure for the kids to play on grassy areas, and a covered picnic area makes this the perfect destination.

Due to the limited beach options in West Kelowna though I can see this place becoming very busy during the summer season.

Pros:
Beach, grass, picnic and playground all in a fenced park area.

Cons:
Not very big and not a lot of other options around so it could become quite busy.

Super 8: West Kelowna

Overview:
Near Skiing and Wineries of the Okanagan, with Indoor Pool, Hot Tub and Free Breakfast Buffet

Your wonderful visit to Okanagan Valley starts when you book your stay at our Super 8 West Kelowna BC Canada hotel. With free SuperStart continental breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi Internet access, in room coffee and tea, indoor pool, hot tub and fitness room at our West Kelowna BC hotel, you’ll never want to go home.

We're proud to offer conveniently located top-notch lodgings for family and business travelers alike. Easy access to wineries, golf courses, restaurants and more means you'll come back for skiing, fishing and sightseeing every year.

Thoughts:
This is a decent hotel and a little bit cheaper than surrounding hotels.  The rooms are a bit small and there are no suites and only 1 large room with a king bed and pull out couch.

The pool was warm and the hot tub was nice. Combined with the hot breakfast and fitness room the amenities were definitely great for the price.

There was not much in the area so driving anywhere is a must and the restaurant was under renovations so even getting a meal you had to leave for.

Pros:
Cheaper price than other nearby hotels and the breakfast and pool were good.

Cons:
Not really close to anything and needed to drive to even get some food.

Contact Info:
1655 Westgate Rd,
West Kelowna, BC
V1Z 3P1

Phone: 1-250-769-2355
Fax: 1-250-769-2370

Website: http://www.super8.com/hotels/british-columbia/west-kelowna/super-8-west-kelowna-bc/hotel-overview

Email: info@super8westkelowna.com

Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa: Harrison Hot Springs

Overview:
The contemporary guest rooms at Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa are equipped with cable TV and pay-per-view movie channels. A refrigerator and coffee maker are provided.

This resort boasts an indoor mineral pool and a large spa bath with a 30-foot high pavilion. There are 3 outdoor pools, one of which is a 1,000 square feet adults-only mineral pool.

The historic and upscale Copper Room features local cuisine and live music. The Harrison Hot Springs Resort is also home to the Islands Bar, offering cocktails and views of Harrison Lake from the patio.

Thoughts:
Amazing amenities and a beautiful resort. The resort is broken up into 3 distinct parts, the original area, the newer poolside area, and the new tower rooms.  The original side is their heritage area and is definitely classic, if possible try not to get a room in this part of the hotel as the walls are thin and the floors offer nothing in terms of dampening those above you.

Although the pools are amazing and the hotel is immaculate, it definitely comes at a cost, even if you manage to get a decent price for a room, try to make sure the breakfast is included or else you will be paying $18 per plate for a breakfast buffet. This could be avoided in the summer season by eating at one of the other restaurants but during the off season you may be hard pressed to find something open.

Pros:
Amazing facilities and very relaxing atmosphere in a wonderful setting.

Cons:
Very expensive and seemed to be charged for all the extras.

Contact Info:
100 Esplanade,
Harrison Hot Springs, Canada
V0M 1K0

Phone: 1 855-634-8331

Black Forest Restaurant: Harrison Hot Springs

Overview:

Authentic German food that is both memorable and fresh but right here at Harrison Hot Springs. The Black forest restaurant over looks beautiful Harrison Lake just 10 km off Highway # 1. The restaurant is family owned and operated since 1975 in Harrison Hot Springs. Come and enjoy delicious European food !

Thoughts:
Nice rustic German decor and atmosphere.  Restaurant was clean and serving staff was beyond friendly.

Menus prices are a little above average but the portion sizes definitely makes up for that.  Great tasting food and a wonderful atmosphere make this a must when in Harrison.

Pros:

Nice place and great food along with a wonderful staff.

Cons:

Rather pricey like most places in Harrison.

Contact Info:

180 Esplanade Ave.,

Harrison Hot Springs, B.C.

V0M 1K0

Phone: (604) 796-9343

Fax: (604) 796-9342

Email: info@blackforest-restaurant.com

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.