ChonQing is a nice little Szechuan restaurant in Vancouver, offering a variety of Chinese dishes for both lunch and dinner. The Commercial Dr. location is walking distance from the SkyTrain station and is the largest location. The other Vancouver location on Robson St. is the smallest but probably the best location for accessibility and the Burnaby restaurant is across the street from Metrotown Mall on Kingsway.
Cost
The price for lunch was a bit expensive around $9 per plate but the portions were enough to fill you for sure.
Contact Information
4909 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC V5H 2E5, Canada
(604) 558-0101
11:00am - 10:30pm
2808 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC V5N 4C6, Canada
(604) 254-7434
10:00am - 10:00pm
1260 Robson Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 1C2, Canada
(604) 568-0303
11:30am - 10:30pm
Thoughts
It is only assumed that all the locations are similar in décor and taste as the Commercial Dr. restaurant. Overall it is a nice restaurant, the food was good the décor looked to be recently updated and looked very modern. The service was not what I was used to, not that the people were rude but other than taking the order and delivering the food we did not see the staff. Maybe this is part of the atmosphere they are trying to create. The price was a bit high but the portions were huge. I would definitely visit again given the opportunity.
Website
http://cqrestaurant.com/
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
Monday, 18 February 2013
Departure Bay Beach: Nanaimo
Located right in the middle of Nanaimo is Departure Bay. The constant ferry and float plane traffic gives visitors something to watch for while visiting this beautiful spot. Great views of the west side of Piper's Lagoon and the north end of Newcastle Island. A couple of restaurants and a kids park are here as well.
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| Departure Bay Beach in Nanaimo |
Newcastle Island, ferries, birds and float planes are just some of many sights that can be found down on the beach at Departure Bay.
Wildlife:
Birds and if you are lucky some deer of even marine life that may have happened in to the bay.
Visit-ability:
Nice spot for a picnic or a quick swim during the warm summer days especially if you are staying in the area and only have a couple of hours.
Thoughts:
The beach itself is quite rocky, but during the summers there is an area that is bouyed off for swimming and the logs are moved around for "privacy" areas along the beach. Across the street area ocuple of restaurants and a gas station with a convenience store so that you can get some snacks or food if you did not bring lunch or dinner along with you. At the end of the beach there is a kids play park run by the Kinsmen. If in the area it is a good spot for an afternoon but if you are driving the beaches a few kilometres up the road in Parksville are much better.
Rating:
4/10
BC Ferries - Queen of Cowichan
We took this ferry on the Horseshoe Bay to Duke Point route. It is the older model that is still being used. Unfortunately it allows for more people than there is seating for and is difficult to find enough seats together for a family. The restaurant serves some White Spot Triple-O's hot food, sandwiches and deserts and there is a cafe as well serving some cold food, coffee and tea. The children's play area had a slide and a couple of car type things with steering wheels. there was an arcade with some newer games but each one was $1 per play. A gift shop also sold some B.C. related things and your usual magazines and chocolate bars.
I am not a big fan of these older ferries, especially after being on the new ones with plenty of seating space. If at all possible I would definitely recommend checking the boats on the route you are taking to see if you can get on one of those.
I am not a big fan of these older ferries, especially after being on the new ones with plenty of seating space. If at all possible I would definitely recommend checking the boats on the route you are taking to see if you can get on one of those.
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Othello Tunnels
A line of tunnels were built through the Coquihalla Gorge which are known now as the Othello Tunnels. There are spectacular viewing opportunities available on the trail, through the tunnels and on the bridges. The Coquihalla Canyon park highlights the Kettle Valley Railway that passes through the canyon and 5 tunnels which were built in 1914.
View:
Great views of the Coquihalla River and some fantastic spots for photos in and around the tunnels.
Wildlife:
Not much along the trail althouggh you may get lucky and see a black bear.
Time:
About 40 min to the end of the tunnels and back.
Visit-ability:
Good spot to stop and stretch your legs or if you are in the Hope area to stop in for part of the day.
Website:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/coquihalla_cyn/
Open:
Spring to Fall, closed for Winter
Thoughts:
I like this quick little stop to see a part of Canadian history and nice quick walk through nature. Just outside of Hope makes it easy and fast to get to and the trail is easy to walk on. The tunnels took about 10 minutes to get to the first one and the whole trip is about 40 minutes with stops for pictures and to enjoy some of the scenery.
Rating:
7/10
View:
Great views of the Coquihalla River and some fantastic spots for photos in and around the tunnels.
Wildlife:
Not much along the trail althouggh you may get lucky and see a black bear.
Time:
About 40 min to the end of the tunnels and back.
Visit-ability:
Good spot to stop and stretch your legs or if you are in the Hope area to stop in for part of the day.
Website:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/coquihalla_cyn/
Open:
Spring to Fall, closed for Winter
Thoughts:
I like this quick little stop to see a part of Canadian history and nice quick walk through nature. Just outside of Hope makes it easy and fast to get to and the trail is easy to walk on. The tunnels took about 10 minutes to get to the first one and the whole trip is about 40 minutes with stops for pictures and to enjoy some of the scenery.
Rating:
7/10
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Christmas Light Parade: Maple Ridge
Where: Downtown Maple Ridge
When: December 1st, 6:00pm
Overview:
This light parade was filled with dancers and support from local businesses. No a lot of "eye-catching" floats or displays. A lot of mini candy cans and chocolate bars though and it was great for the kids. Most businesses just put some lights on a vehicle with a sign to showcase their support, but it would have been nice to see a bit more in the way of displays.
Thoughts:
It was good for the kids to go out and see Santa and all the dancers, but I would not drive from out of town for this one.
When: December 1st, 6:00pm
Overview:
This light parade was filled with dancers and support from local businesses. No a lot of "eye-catching" floats or displays. A lot of mini candy cans and chocolate bars though and it was great for the kids. Most businesses just put some lights on a vehicle with a sign to showcase their support, but it would have been nice to see a bit more in the way of displays.
Thoughts:
It was good for the kids to go out and see Santa and all the dancers, but I would not drive from out of town for this one.
Thursday, 22 November 2012
100 Mile House
"Smile you're in 100 Mile" is the motto of this friendly community who welcomes all! 100 Mile House began as a rest stop for travellers along the Cariboo Waggon Trail during the excitement of the gold rush in the 1860s. Remnants from the village's days-of-yore still exist in the form of an original red Barnard Express stagecoach located at the north end of town.
Activities:
There are quite a few things to do here for the outdoors type. Hiking, skiing, fishing and golf are to just name a few. This interior community's small population limits the number of activities that it offers.
2.5/5
Events:
Outside of the usual holiday events and the other small events like art shows, farmers markets and craft fairs, the only really notable event is the "Cariboo Cross-Country Ski Marathon" held on the first weekend in February.
2.0/5
View:
Nestled in at the south end of the interior plateau you get more hills than actual mountains to look at. Plenty of deer and other smaller animals though and the lakes are beautiful in the area. As a "rest" stop on the Gold Rush trail there are plenty of historic sites to see.
2.5/5
Accommodations:
A good variety of accommodations can be found from hotels, camping to B&B's Dude Ranch's and Spa Resorts. Prices can vary and there is not a big selection in each category but at least there is something for each one.
3.0/5
Dinning & Shopping:
A few local restaurants and not a big variety that is very much expected of smaller cities. Not a big shopping community either as there is not much more than what is necessary.
2.5/5
Visit-ability:
great place to stop on your way through and check out the local history, or if you are attending the Ski Marathon. Otherwise there is not a lot here that would bring people in.
2.0/5
Total Rating: 14.5/30
Thoughts:
No my first choice of places to go, I like the history of the town and could spend a couple of hours taking a break and learning about the Gold Rush or even spend a coupl eof nights at a Ranch or Resort. Otherwise it is just a place to gas up on your way North or South along the highway.
Website: http://www.100milehouse.com/
1
Activities:
There are quite a few things to do here for the outdoors type. Hiking, skiing, fishing and golf are to just name a few. This interior community's small population limits the number of activities that it offers.
2.5/5
Events:
Outside of the usual holiday events and the other small events like art shows, farmers markets and craft fairs, the only really notable event is the "Cariboo Cross-Country Ski Marathon" held on the first weekend in February.
2.0/5
View:
Nestled in at the south end of the interior plateau you get more hills than actual mountains to look at. Plenty of deer and other smaller animals though and the lakes are beautiful in the area. As a "rest" stop on the Gold Rush trail there are plenty of historic sites to see.
2.5/5
Accommodations:
A good variety of accommodations can be found from hotels, camping to B&B's Dude Ranch's and Spa Resorts. Prices can vary and there is not a big selection in each category but at least there is something for each one.
3.0/5
Dinning & Shopping:
A few local restaurants and not a big variety that is very much expected of smaller cities. Not a big shopping community either as there is not much more than what is necessary.
2.5/5
Visit-ability:
great place to stop on your way through and check out the local history, or if you are attending the Ski Marathon. Otherwise there is not a lot here that would bring people in.
2.0/5
Total Rating: 14.5/30
Thoughts:
No my first choice of places to go, I like the history of the town and could spend a couple of hours taking a break and learning about the Gold Rush or even spend a coupl eof nights at a Ranch or Resort. Otherwise it is just a place to gas up on your way North or South along the highway.
Website: http://www.100milehouse.com/
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Friday, 16 November 2012
Stewart
Situated across from Alaska's Misty Fiords National Park and at the end of the Portland Canal, Stewart, BC is a unique border town attracting tourists from every corner of the world.
Activities:
Fishing. That pretty much sums it up. Lots of places and types though, rivers, lakes, streams, and ocean. All in one place.
2.5/5
Events:
Due to the small size of the town, not much goes on here.
1.0/5
View:
Amazing view of mountains and the ocean, wildlife, lakes and glaciers on the drive into town. Well worth the trip.
3.5/5
Accommodations:
Only a couple of places to stay while visiting. A couple of camp grounds, a couple of hotel/motels and a B&B.
2.5/5
Dinning & Shopping:
A couple of stores and local restaurants but again not a big variety
2.0/5
Visit-ability:
A must see for all nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts. This is a beautiful area of the province and a definite gem.
2.5/5
Total Rating: 14/30
Thoughts:
A very small place that is worth stopping at on a trip either up the Cassiar Highway or if you are travelling towards Terrace. Great wildlife and scenery to see on the drive there and once in town. Not somewhere you would want to spend a week unless you are there for the fishing but somewhere to put on any nature lovers bucket list.
Website: http://www.districtofstewart.com
1
Activities:
Fishing. That pretty much sums it up. Lots of places and types though, rivers, lakes, streams, and ocean. All in one place.
2.5/5
Events:
Due to the small size of the town, not much goes on here.
1.0/5
View:
Amazing view of mountains and the ocean, wildlife, lakes and glaciers on the drive into town. Well worth the trip.
3.5/5
Accommodations:
Only a couple of places to stay while visiting. A couple of camp grounds, a couple of hotel/motels and a B&B.
2.5/5
Dinning & Shopping:
A couple of stores and local restaurants but again not a big variety
2.0/5
Visit-ability:
A must see for all nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts. This is a beautiful area of the province and a definite gem.
2.5/5
Total Rating: 14/30
Thoughts:
A very small place that is worth stopping at on a trip either up the Cassiar Highway or if you are travelling towards Terrace. Great wildlife and scenery to see on the drive there and once in town. Not somewhere you would want to spend a week unless you are there for the fishing but somewhere to put on any nature lovers bucket list.
Website: http://www.districtofstewart.com
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