We have, since we set up almost two years ago, always recommended Canadian Affair for flights, where you can get return tickets to Canada for as little as £318 including taxes.

Canadian Affair charter Thomas Cook flights, as well as Air Transat so you you have the piece of mind when you book that you can choose flights by which ever company you’re most familiar with (though Air Transat is my personal favourite). There’s two reasons for us always recommending Canadian Affair. The first being we ALWAYS book our flights to Canada with them – and have now been on 18 flights over the last 7 years, so we have huge experience with them. The second being – they are simply, the cheapest place to book flights to Canada from the UK. I know.. i search every few weeks, always looking to book my next trip!

Thomas Cook 757 at Toronto

Even if you may have heard of Canadian Affair before, there are deals that many people miss, so I’d always recommend checking out their Special Offers page before you start entering dates – so you can ensure you get the best deal before you book your tickets.

With most people, and understandably, the biggest factor is getting the cheap flights to Canada, but there’s more to Canadian Affair than simply being the cheapest flights to Canada! They strive to give you the best customer service possible, for example in the numerous times i have needed to contact them via email, they have always responded the same day – and on a couple of occasions within 30 minutes of me actually submitting my query!

They also provide you with choice. If your closest airport is Manchester and you want to get flights from Manchester to Toronto or flights from Manchester to Ottawa, you can! Likewise you also have the choice of getting your flights from Gatwick to Toronto and flying back from Toronto to Liverpool if you wanted.

Canadian Affair offer flights from the following UK airports: Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle and Exeter. Their destinations include Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal and Edmonton, but they also do package holidays to various resorts around these locations (such as Niagara Falls) in addition to their flights.

Remember to have a look at our full review from last year on Canadian Affair, details in it are for a trip we took in 2009 but service has only got better since then: Travelling to Canada with Canadian Affair in 2010

If you want to keep up to date on the latest offers we find, and our latest articles, be one of the first to find out by following us on Twitter!

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But a Holiday isn’t all about the flight right? And different people like different types of holidays. Some relaxing – taking the kids out to some of Canada’s best attractions, Some adventuring through types of wilderness that can only be found here, Some just looking to soak up the culture – or even go shopping. But whatever you want to do while on your Canada trip, we try to find places which you will love, and tag them to the locations you’re looking to Visit!

For example, if you’re heading out to have a drive round Ontario – check out our Ontario category. Or, if you’re planning on spending your time in a particular city or destination such as Toronto, then have a look at the places we’ve reviewed and featured in our Toronto Category. We are also building up a portfolio of Provincial Parks – The one we are focusing on at the moment is Algonquin Provincial Park which is easily accessible after landing in Toronto or Ottawa and you’re guaranteed to be able to spend your entire holiday camping, or staying in a hotel just outside the park – enjoying the unspoilt wilderness – and discovering everything the parks have to offer..

So, Reviews.. Where to start! We have 200 articles on Canada Trip.co.uk, all offering advice about where to go, what to see, how to save money and where to stay.. so when asked to pick out specific reviews, its a difficult choice to make! Below are some of the articles of places you absolutely must visit if you’re in the cities they’re located in..

Toronto

Toronto Zoo
Toronto zoo is one of the must see locations on your trip if you’re in the Toronto region – though remember to give yourself a whole day to look around this amazing place – When i visited in May, it was a beautiful sunny day, we got there in the morning and still didn’t quite get to see everything in the zoo… (more..)

Canada’s Wonderland, Toronto
While you’re in Toronto – why not take a day to visit Canada’s Premiere Themed Amusement Park! Whether you have kids young or old, or even if you don’t have any – Canada’s Wonderland is guaranteed to be a day you wont forget! (more..)

The CN Tower, Toronto
If you’re flying into Toronto Pearson International Airport, you may be lucky enough to be greeted to Canada with a beautiful cityscape of Toronto, set on the background of Lake Ontario – The city skyline of Toronto, no matter where you go in the world will always have a needle looking building to its centre – this is the truely world famous CN Tower Toronto. (more..)

more Toronto articles…

Ottawa

Parliament Buildings, Ottawa
Parliament Hill (colloquially The Hill, in French: Colline du Parlement) is an area of Crown land on the southern banks of the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa, Ontario. Its Gothic revival suite of buildings — the parliament buildings — serves as the home of the Parliament of Canada and contains a number of architectural elements of national symbolic importance. Parliament Hill attracts approximately 3 million visitors each year… (more..)

Canada’s Wonderland, Toronto
The museum’s collection contains a wide variety of civilian and military aircraft, representing the history of Canadian aviation from the pioneer era before the First World War up to the present day. Particularly noteworthy is the collection of vintage bushplanes from the 1920s to the 1940s. The military aircraft represent aircraft flown by Canadians in the First World War, Second World War, and the Cold War. The museum’s best known exhibit is the surviving components of the Avro Arrow interceptor from the late 1950s. (more..)

more Ottawa articles…

Vancouver

Toronto Zoo
Back now to Vancouver – and one of the city’s key attractions – The Capilano Suspension Bridge. Not a place to go if you have a fear of heights, but if you’re clear of that – you’ll find the trip out to this attraction to be something special, and something you’ll remember for a long long time. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a simple suspension bridge crossing the Capilano River in the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada… (more..)

Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver Aquarium is Canada’s largest Aquarium, and also a non-profit organisation! They dedicate their efforts to effect the conservation of aquatic life through display, interpretation, education, research, and direct action. You will experience all this and more when you go visit them! (more..)

Fort Langley National Historic Site
My personal thoughts are that if you truly want to get to know somewhere, then you should always go a little bit further to learn about how it came to be this way in the first place, hence my love for history! So, I’m shining the spot light on Fort Langly National Historic Site of Canada in Vancouver, BC… (more..)

more Vancouver articles…

Halifax

Halifax, NS
Another one of the cornerstones of places to visit in Canada would certainly be Halifax. Halifax was the site of the first British town in Canada, founded in 1749. Since then, the area has evolved to be home for a diverse mix of people. Charming fishing villages, farming communities and Atlantic Canada’s largest city are just some of the things which Halifax has to offer. (more..)

Halifax Citadel
Located within the centre of Halifax, this fort is easy to get to from wherever you may be staying in the city. Though a little word of warning – each day at noon a cannon is fired as a symbol of Halifax’s military history.. This often comes as a great shock, being so loud, to unsuspecting tourists – so now you wont be one of them! (more..)

York Redoubt, Halifax
York Redoubt as a place to visit is both an interesting historic site, as well as a fantastic spot to take pictures of the surrounding landscape, and not only that it’s only a very short drive from the city its self… (more..)

more Halifax articles…

Quebec / Montreal

The Citadelle, Quebec City
And I’m once again going to delve into the history of Canada. Anyone who happens to be a member of English Heritage or National Trust in the UK may be interested in Castles, and simply for its imposing position, significance and importance – The Citadelle in Quebec City I would probably most likely compare to Dover Castle, as far as visitor experience is concerned. (more..)

Montreal Biodome, Montreal
If you or your kids ever wanted to be able to visit a number of different places around the world within a few hours, the Montreal Biodome is the place you’ll want to take your family!… (more..)

Canadian Railway Museum
f you have kids, love history and or trains – this is one place that if you’re in Montreal in Quebec, you will not want to miss out of your trip! (more..)

more Quebec / Montreal articles…

Calgary / Edmonton

Calgary, Alberta
Nestled in the foothills of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, Calgary, Heart of the New West is a place where visitors come to explore the heritage of the Canadian West. This safe, clean and vibrant city offers the best of all worlds: a cosmopolitan city of over 1 million people and breathtaking outdoor adventure in pristine wilderness. Not only does it offer amazing wilderness, it has an immense number of activities for you and your family to head off to! (more..)

Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta and is well known for its scenic river valley and a thriving music and art community. Located 294 km (183 mi) north of Calgary, Edmonton is home to North America’s largest shopping and entertainment complex, West Edmonton Mall. More than just a shopping centre, West Edmonton Mall also has a giant water park, a man-made lake, a skating rink, two mini-golf courses, 21 movie theatres, a Vegas-style casino and an amusement park with 25 rides and attractions. (more..)

The Calgary Tower
Officially opened June 30th 1968, the ‘Tower’ has become the City of Calgary’s most famous and identifiable physical landmark. One of the first Towers of its kind, the Calgary Tower offers the best view in Calgary and is a must-see on any tourist’s itinerary… (more..)

more Calgary / Edmonton articles…

Remember, you can check any of the categories on the left to specify if you’re looking for anywhere that isn’t listed here. For the latest articles, feel free to head back to the home page and have a look around!

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The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a simple suspension bridge crossing the Capilano River in the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The current bridge is 136 metres (446 ft) long and 70 metres (230 ft) above the river. It is part of a private facility, and draws over 800,000 visitors a year.

But crossing the bridge isn’t the only thing to do here. Cross over to towering evergreens, cedar-scented rainforest air, serene trails and the award winning Treetops Adventure – a series of suspended footbridges offering a close encounter with the very heart of the rainforest and stunning views from up to 100 feet above the forest floor.

Life-size photomurals and “voices from the past” chronicle the early history of the Bridge and Vancouver in the Story Centre. Watch as First Nations legends are chiseled into cedar and shared with guests at the Big House. Join a guided eco-tour or sing along to old time favorites during daily summer performances by the Pioneer Players. The diverse and authentic Canadian experiences at Capilano Suspension Bridge are refreshing, rain or shine.

The bridge was originally built in 1889 by George Grant Mackay, a Scottish civil engineer and park commissioner for Vancouver. It was originally made of hemp ropes with a deck of cedar planks, and was replaced with a wire cable bridge in 1903. In 1910 Edward Mahon purchased the Capilano Suspension Bridge. “Mac” MacEachran purchased the Bridge from Mahon in 1935 and invited local natives to place their totem poles in the park, adding a native theme. In 1945, he sold the bridge to Henri Aubeneau.

The bridge was completely rebuilt in 1956.

The park was sold to Nancy Stibbard, the current owner, in 1983. Annual attendance has since increased, and in May 2004, Treetops Adventures was opened. This new attraction consists of seven footbridges suspended between old-growth Douglas Fir trees on the west side of the canyon, forming a walkway up to 30 metres (98 ft) above the forest floor.

As well as the bridge itself and Treetops Adventure, the park also features rain forest ecotours, award-winning gardens, nature trails, North America’s largest private collection of First Nations totem poles, period decor and costumes, and exhibits highlighting the park’s history and the surrounding temperate rain forest. Guests can also witness a First Nations performance, featuring their traditional Regalia (ceremonial dress), masks, dancing and storytelling.

So if you’re looking for somewhere different to visit on your trip to Canada – remember to head to here!

For more information about opening hours and admission fees remember to check out their website http://www.capbridge.com/

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Thaw Out with These 7 Ways to Enjoy Spring in Vancouver
by Dana Lynch
(http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/things_to_do/springtime_vancouver_2011)

Spring in Vancouver is the season of rejuvenation. Gardens bloom, whales migrate and the entire city comes alive. In March, April and May, Vancouver’s special mix of cosmopolitan living and outdoor adventure is at its best. From dining and shopping to kayaking, golfing and exploring nature, Vancouver has the ultimate remedy for spring fever.

1. Stroll Through the Gardens
Nowhere is spring more evident — or more beautifully realized — than at Vancouver’s gorgeous public gardens. The roses at the Stanley Park Rose Garden are at peak bloom at the end of March through the beginning of April, while the first two weeks of May are the best times to see the 4,500 hybrid rhododendron and azalea plants at Stanley Park’s Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden. Spend a day touring gardens by combining trips to Stanley Park with visits to the lush VanDusen Botanical Garden and the free quarry gardens at Queen Elizabeth Park.

2. Watch the Whales
Whale-watching season starts in March, and the spring months are among the best to see these magnificent creatures in action. Experience the thrill of watching migrating orcas and gray whales up-close-and-personal with the professional naturalists onboard one of Vancouver’s whale-watching tour operators.

3. Shop for Spring Fashions
For fashion-lovers, every new season is an excuse to shop, and spring in Vancouver means new finds at the city’s best boutiques and fashion hot pots. Shop downtown’s Robson Street for name brands, historic Gastown for cutting-edge fashion or Main Street between 20th and 22nd avenues for the best in local and independent Canadian designs.

4. Kayak on False Creek
Situated in the heart of Vancouver, the False Creek inlet is the perfect spot for springtime kayaking. Take a kayak tour with Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre and see seals, otters, eagles, and fish while enjoying exercise, fresh sea air and amazing views of downtown Vancouver.

5. Dine on the Patio
What is it about outdoor dining that makes even five-star food taste better? Enjoy the warmer spring weather by dining outdoors under the iconic yellow umbrellas at Bridges Restaurant on Granville Island, on the urban patio of Yaletown’s Blue Water Café + Raw Bar (the perfect spot to see-and-be-seen), or on Raincity Grill’s terrace overlooking the majestic English Bay.

6. Hit the Links
Vancouver’s public golf courses combine lush fairways and rolling greens with awesome mountain and water views — and they’re inexpensive, too! Hit the links at the challenging McCleery Golf Course at the foot of Mount Seymour, or play the Fraserview Golf Course, a true hidden gem and one of the best public golf courses in all of Canada. For more choice golf courses, click here.

7. Experience Nature Hands-On
If spring is the time to experience nature hands-on, then Stanley Park is the place to do it, guided by the naturalists of the Stanley Park Ecology Society. Along with operating the Stanley Park Nature House — Vancouver’s only ecological centre — the Ecology Society also offers inexpensive, guided “Discovery Walks” for learning about the park’s biodiversity, as well as programs for bird-watching and coyote-spotting.

To view the article, as well as links to the various places listed, click here!

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If you haven’t been to Canada yet, you’ll almost certainly walk into restaurants and find something on the menu called Poutine. Now, don’t be scared of its particularly unique name! Poutine is actually something that most people in the UK can relate to.. We have all (well.. most of us) gone to the chip shop and got either Chips with Gravy, OR Chips with Cheese .. Well .. although technically it wouldn’t be technically correct – if you had cheese and gravy on the same tray of chips, that is almost poutine! Now, i say almost because for it to be truly poutine, the cheese needs to be cheese curds, not just your normal cheese.

As you can see from the picture, poutine is definitely not the most elegant looking of foods, but lets face it, it beats the looks of mushy peas now doesn’t it! Besides, Canadians have always been known for their no-nonsence approach, and food in my opinion should always be about flavour, and not looks.

The dish originated in rural Quebec, Canada, in the late 1950s. Several Québécois communities claim to be the birthplace of poutine, including Drummondville (by Jean-Paul Roy in 1964), Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, and Victoriaville. One often-cited tale is that of Fernand Lachance, from Warwick, Quebec, which claims that poutine was invented in 1957. Lachance is said to have exclaimed ça va faire une maudite poutine (“it will make a damn mess”), hence the name. The sauce was allegedly added later, to keep the fries warm longer.

So, since in the UK fresh cheese curds are difficult to find, how do you make poutine in the UK? If you were fancying making and trying your own poutine, it’s actually not too difficult. my suggestion if curds are hard to find, use a cheese like Mozzarella (torn into small ‘curds’) or Cheshire or Lancashire cut into small cubes, then pour your sauce over them.

You can either make your own real meat gravy from your Sunday roast, or use tinned gravy granules (OXO or that nice Bovril granule mix), a touch of tomato sauce and a dash of pepper (black), or if you like a touch of oregano and garlic that is fine, depending on were you go in Quebec the poutine sauce can change.

The most important thing you should know, is the chips are supposed to be soft in the middle and crispy on the outside, and to make sure they keep their texture for as long as possible, take the chips to the table and put the gravy on immediately before eating!

So when you’re in Canada next, you’ll see it on the menus. And sometimes, someof the best places to get it are at the chip trucks you’ll see in store carparks or by the road – so why not call off and try out the genuine stuff? Comments would be welcome for places to get the best Poutine!

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Once upon a time, back in the 1800s, this was a fur trading post that traded with the First Nations people. Relive the history of the west at this picturesque site that houses the oldest surviving building in BC! The site offers demonstrations of fur trade skills, blacksmithing and coopering by costumed guides in addition to BC history and culture exhibits and interpretive programming for adults and families. You can also try your hand at panning for gold!

Experience the sights and sounds of the fur trade as you explore the Hudson’s Bay Company trading post all year round. Let costumed interpreters introduce you to the lives and loves of the people who lived at Fort Langley. Meet First Nations women and Hudson’s Bay Company workers from places like Quebec, Scotland and Hawaii. See their homes and how they worked. Enjoy guided walks or step into their world through interactive games and activities.

The fort was started in 1827 and in August of that year the first bastion was completed. November 26th 1827, the fort was officially completed. Due to its strategic location on the northern boundary of the Oregon Territory of the U.S. and in the path of the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush, Fort Langley grew dramatically. It played a key role in the establishment of the 49th parallel as the international boundary with the U.S. and was the staging point for prospectors heading up the Fraser Canyon in search of their fortune.

The social and political consequences of this influx of adventurers led the British Parliament to establish a crown colony on the Pacific Mainland. Old Fort Langley was the location of the proclamation of the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858 by James Douglas, the colony’s first governor, during his journey upriver to confront American miners in the wake of the Fraser Canyon War as a pre-emptive move to forestall any drives for annexation to the US.

While some might have projected Fort Langley as the capital of the newly created colony, Colonial military commander, Colonel Moody of the Royal Engineers, Columbia Detachment, deemed it militarily indefensible and ordered the construction of New Westminster on the high north bank of the Fraser River many miles downstream due to its much more defensible position.

In 1923, the Canadian government named Fort Langley as a site of national historic importance and erected a commemorative plaque near the storehouse. At this time, the site consisted only of the one building and 1-acre (4,000 m2) of land. From 1931 to 1956, the Native Sons and Daughters of British Columbia operated a museum out of the storehouse. The site was established as a Parks Canada National Historic Site in 1955, and a joint Federal-Provincial program reconstructed three buildings in time for the centennial of the founding of British Columbia in 1958. In 1978, the site became a national historic park, and has consisted of 8.5 hectares (21 acres) since 1985.

Back to the present though this is a much loved destination for a visit while you’re in Vancouver on your family holiday so why not stop in, have some fun and while you are – learn a little about some of the foundations that made Canada what it is today?

For up to date opening hours and admission fees – remember to checkout Fort Langly’s official website

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Belcarra Regional Park is located northeast of the meeting of Burrard Inlet with Indian Arm, beginning near Belcarra Bay and extending to Sasamat Lake. Sasamat is of the warmest lakes in Greater Vancouver, is located in Belcarra Regional Park. The park is northwest of the Village of Anmore and to the southwest of Buntzen Lake.

Included in the park is a First Nations archaeological site, which is operated and maintained by GVRD Parks.
There’s just so much to do in the park that its kind of like all the things to see and do in Vancouver but its all in nature!
In the warmest months the beaches at Belcarra’s Sasamat Lake are very popular for sunbathing and simply relaxing, so if you’re looking for a nice beach to spend some time on while in the park, this will be a great choice!

There are also two small docks for swimming which are located along the walkway, and with this being one of the warmest lakes in the area you shouldn’t be too shocked when you get in! The road that leads to the heart of Belcarra Park begins just before Sasamat Lake, so its a great access point here to travel further in after your relaxation!

The park itself is 1700 acres (687 hectares) in size just east of the city and is one of the best places outside of the city to go for a picnic and see wildlife year round.

With so many things to do here you can make it your day trip two or three times and still not see it all!

There’s fishing (but don’t forget to get your fishing permit!) hiking trails, mountain bike paths or you can spend your time on the water in a canoe or kayak and paddle in the calm waters.

A lot of the scuba diving schools in Vancouver bring their classes out to the park to learn to dive because the visibility and calm water is an ideal place to learn to dive. This pretty much gives you a hint therefore that this is not just a pretty lake, its a great place to take the opportunity to do some diving!

Some of the divers that go there catch crabs while on their dive and then have them for the freshest dinner you can catch when they’re back on shore!

It’s a good idea to get a map of Vancouver that also shows you Belcarra area as well before you go so that you don’t loose your way – remember, maps are your friend! I always make sure I have got a map of an area before i head out into an area I’ve not been before.
When you go from Vancouver to Belcarra Regional Park, I suggest you think about leaving before it gets too dark because its not that hard to get lost on the dark roads if you aren’t use to them!

So if you’re in Vancouver in the Spring to Autumn / Fall – why not head out for a little calmer, relaxing day – in Belcarra Regional Park?

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Prefer freshwater kayaking and canoeing? This coastal community also offers easy access to more than 30 lakes including the world-famous Powell Forest Canoe Route, a semi-circle of eight lakes and portages. The best time of year to go is between June and October.
Expect enrapturing visuals: soaring coastal mountains laden with cedar, fir, and spruce trees overlook fjord-like waters, and wildlife sightings, from bald eagles to black bears, are always possible. Camping accommodations are available along the route.

Kayaking is of coarse one of many activities on offer at Powell River which includes Trails and hiking, Fishing and charters, Mountain biking, Climbing, Driving, Golf and Winter activities: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter hiking and snowmobiling.

If you’re like me, and love to eat – Powell River isn’t short on this neither. What’s fun about dining in Powell River are the big tasty portions, which are the rule rather than the exception. In keeping with the community’s overall vibe, expect relaxed yet highly attentive service. This upper Sunshine Coast community is home to some fine dining establishments that serve West Coast cuisine with local, organic ingredients. Pub fare and ethnic restaurants figure into the hearty selection as well. Check for Mexican, Thai, and sushi restaurants while driving or strolling through the Marine Avenue dining district.

Head to Joyce Avenue, particularly the area around the Crossroads Shopping Centre, for fast food and chain restaurants. Coffee lovers can grab a latte or frappuccino at any of our several cafes or coffee shops. If Seafood is your thing, what better place to enjoy the ocean’s bounty than on its doorstep? Savour delicious dishes and experience the very best in culinary creations on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, complete with stunning views of the ocean, the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, mountains and the world-famous sunsets.

How do you get there? Well the first step is book your flight to Vancouver, which Canadian Affair will help you do easily – and with the lowest priced flight to Vancouver you’ll find.

So what about the adventure part? Well, if you’re travelling by car you wont just be able to get there by road! Powell River is on Highway 101, about 4-5 hours north-west of Vancouver. Although the city is on the mainland and there are roads in the area, it will require a couple of ferry rides (Horseshoe Bay to Langdale and Earl’s Cove to Saltery Bay) to get to it because it is not directly linked with the rest of the provincial road network.

Highway 101: The Pan-American (also named Highway 101 in parts of the United States and Canada) is the world’s longest highway, stretching 9,312 miles (15,020 km) from Chile’s south coast to Lund on BC’s Sunshine Coast.
The 87-mile (139-km) stretch of Highway 101 between Langdale and Lund is a motorcyclist’s dream come true. Dozens of parks with biking, hiking, and ski trails; canoe and kayak routes; beaches; and coastal viewpoints are easily reached directly from the highway.

If you want to take a little more direct approach, you can fly to The Powell River Airport (YPW) which is centrally located within city limits. Pacific Coastal Airlines offers daily flights to Powell River. Click here to find out more.

The majority of the information i’ve selected is just a small portion of the information available at Discover Powell Lake’s website http://www.discoverpowellriver.com/ So for more information about everything you would ever need to plan your vacation there click here!

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On a completely different note, look out for our new articles starting Friday from my most recent trip from Canada, of which i got back from last night!

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Powell River’s website says “The Sunshine Coast is a dream destination for people looking for year round recreation, cultural experiences and unforgettable holiday memories.” and I’m certainly not going to disagree – this place really must be seen if you’re looking for a more adventurous holiday.. Its arguably an adventure to get to! But I’ll tell you about that in a little bit!

No matter what type of holiday you’re looking for, Powell River offers all types of accommodation; Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Camp sites, Cabins, Cottages, Hostels and even Bed and Breakfasts – so you can be flexible about how you stay there.
Of the resorts, you have health spas, as well as the usual resorts you would find. I’m going to name two of the many which you will find here just to give you a couple of contrasting options.

Beach Gardens Resort and Marina is located right on the water front and is infact the waterfront Hotel & Marina within the City of Powell River with standard and deluxe oceanfront rooms. It’s got all the amenities you’d ever need as well as offering Golf Packages! So even if you’re not staying here, they’re currently offering a “Stay and Play” package for $99pp which includes 1 night’s stay, 1 round of golf and a meal voucher! For more information about Beach Gardens Resort and Marina, you can check out their website by going to http://www.beachgardens.com/

Desolation Resort, is one of those places you will truly remember for a life time. This could quite possibly be the most memorable holiday you will ever take. Spread over seven wooded acres, Desolation Sound Resort offers twelve spacious, fully furnished oceanfront chalets. Overlooking Okeover Inlet, these chalets are perched on a hillside surrounded by tall cedars and firs. The resort also offers:

• complimentary kayaks and canoes for their guests

• scheduled and chartered cruises to Desolation Sound can be arranged – motor boat rentals and kayak lessons can be arranged

• moorage for their guests with boats (size limits apply)

• complimentary wireless Internet

and since i couldn’t describe how beautiful the setup is at this resort, i’ll have to include a photo!

For more information about Desolation Resort – check out their site at http://www.desolationresort.com/

For a full listing of Resorts at and around Powell River click here

On Monday i’ll complete the article, letting you guys know about what there’s to do, eat and how to get there!

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Vancouver Island’s famous chili cook-off is once again one of the centrepieces of the Qualicum Beach Fire and Ice Street Festival. Join them to see up to 25 teams in their decorated booths compete for the best tasting chili served by enthusiastic cooks. Teams must prepare a minimum of 75 litres of chili with each team having its own distinct flavour. A one-time cup purchase for $3.00 from the festival ticket sellers will allow you to go from team to team on the streets of our quaint and friendly town sampling the culinary fare and voting for your favourite. The teams, all from local restaurants, supermarkets, golf courses, organizations and businesses, are competing for the “Best Professional”, “Best Amateur”, and the coveted “PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD”.

But this is the fire and ice street festival, we know about the fire, but what about the ice? Well..

That’s covered by the Ice Carvers!
Ice carvers from Western Canada compete for prizes in this annual event. Up to 18 ice carvers will be at various locations throughout the town where spectators can gather round to watch as they work their magic with chainsaw and chisel on two large blocks of ice. Cash prizes are awarded for the 1st, 2nd & 3rd best ice sculptures. There will also be an “Honorable Mention” cash prize for the most interesting sculpture not placing in the top three.

Fire & Ice is a family-oriented street festival so there are lots of activities for the kids. Once again, the local branch of the Coastal Community Credit Union is sponsoring the “Kids Zone”. This is one of the busiest places in town with lots of little people getting their faces painted, listening to story time, playing games and participating in activities planned just for them. Volunteers are there all day to ensure that kids of all ages are entertained.

Music & entertainment will be ongoing all day on the streets of Qualicum Beach. The music varies from country and folk to jazz and rock all coming from three stages situated at various locations around town. Vancouver Island is home to some of B.C.’s finest performing artists and this festival will showcase their talents throughout the day. Stroll the streets of Qualicum Beach and listen to the music, as you taste the different varieties of chili.

If you aren’t flying today however, don’t be upset if you will miss this year’s festival, its annual so this is one of those things if you’re heading out next year round this time – make a point of adding it to that all important “to do” list!

Don’t forget to check out the festival’s own dedicated website which will give you more information about the festival!

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A Near-Perfect 48-Hour Itinerary

You have two days in Vancouver. That’s it. How can two days possibly be enough time to experience this amazing city, you ask? We’ve got a fail-proof way to make the most of your visit in just 48 hours.

Photo © Matthew Walters

Vancouver at night

Day One

Time is short on this trip, so no sleeping in. Grab an early cup of joe at one of the many cafes on bustling Robson Street, which is the prime spot in town for window shopping and people watching. Once the caffeine has kicked in, head over to Robson Square for a stroll through the acclaimed Vancouver Art Gallery. The gallery features more than 9,000 pieces and great travelling exhibits.

The Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch is one of the largest public capital projects ever completed in the city, and it is magnificent. This complex is more than a simple library — it is an architectural gem in Vancouver. The nine-story structure was built to resemble the Colosseum and features a massive and striking atrium covered by a glass ceiling. There’s a continuous piazza surrounding the complex, which proves to be a gorgeous outdoor public space.

After you’ve spent some time feeding your brain at the library, it’s time to feed your stomach. Don’t settle for an ordinary lunch experience. Try something with a little ethnic flair. Dim sum is a culinary adventure, featuring steamed treats of all types of imaginable ingredients. It can be difficult to find good dim sum, unless, that is, you are in a multicultural mecca such as Vancouver — and particularly Vancouver’s Chinatown. North America’s third-largest Chinatown, the neighbourhood celebrates more than a century of heritage in the city and features plenty of authentic cuisine, including enough dim sum to hold you over until your next trip to China.

With a great Chinese meal devoured, it’s time for another authentic experience. Blending rock, water, plants and architecture into a serene landscape, the Dr. Sun-Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden is reminiscent of a Ming Dynasty-era garden. Its tranquility and beauty have been Chinatown mainstays for almost three decades.

While Robson Street deservedly gets a whole lot of credibility as a shopping destination, the Gastown district, just a short jaunt from Chinatown, holds its own. The pedestrian-friendly district features fashion, galleries, specialty shops, and plenty of dining and drinking options for those who need a break from carrying a dozen bags full of goodies. Plus, there’s the Gastown Steam Clock, which as you may have guessed is a clock powered by steam. It’s one of the few in the world, making it a popular tourist draw.

Finish off the day with a late dinner in another one of Vancouver’s great neighbourhoods, The West End. With more than 40,000 people calling this mostly residential district home, the West End is Vancouver’s most populous area and its filled with numerous eateries ranging from coffee shops to great fine-dining options that are frequented by locals.

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Day Two

Day two of this grand Vancouver adventure begins at Granville Island, which is connected to downtown via its namesake bridge. Wander through the massive Granville Island Public Market, overflowing with fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and arts and crafts. Stop for breakfast in the food court, take in a few galleries and enjoy the spot that the Project for Public Spaces called “One of the World’s Great Places.” To think, this area was once home to little more than factories, industrial plants and sawmills.

Vanier Park is just a quick ferry ride from Granville Island, meaning it won’t take long to be whisked away to great attractions that tell the stories of Vancouver. The municipal park is home to the Museum of Vancouver, the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.

The thing about sightseeing is it takes some serious energy. Sometimes a break is in order, which is where Kitsilano Beach, or “Kits” Beach to locals, comes in handy. One of the most popular beaches in the area, it faces the Burrard Inlet and is a great place to relax in the sun and take a deep breath of sea-filled air. The beach is also home to an outdoor saltwater pool, Kitsilano Pool, which at 137 metres (85 feet) is the longest pool in Canada. Don’t miss dining at the legendary Watermark Kits Beach, a delicious seafood restaurant with unparalleled views.

Head back to Granville Island for an evening of live entertainment. Here you can choose from a cluster of community theatres, including The Arts Club Theatre Co., the largest company in Western Canada. Vancouver also has a diverse theatre community extending throughout downtown. Options include the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Firehall Arts Center and Vancouver Playhouse.

After experiencing some of the best of Vancouver for very full two days, we’ll bet that the hotel bed is sounding pretty good. Or you may just be ready to extend your trip another day.

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Visit Tourism Vancouver’s own page on this article here

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