Thursday, June 17, 2010

Le Manoir Richelieu Resort in Charlevoix, Québec

Nestled majestically between the sea and the mountains, the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu Quebec Resort in Charlevoix is a vision of historical splendor. Rich in tradition, this exquisite paragon of hospitality blends the quiet charm of the countryside with the sophistication of a world-class resort.

The expert Quebec resort staff and well-equipped facilities guarantee successful meetings and conferences. Outdoor activities abound at Manoir Richelieu - golf, whale-watching cruises on the St. Lawrence River, downhill and cross-country skiing and tennis are but a few of the activities that would make your stay worthwhile. There is a world-class casino where you can test your lucky streak! Experience the magnificent landscape surrounding Fairmont Manoir Richelieu’s Charlevoix hotel – a source of inspiration for artists and a delight to both business and leisure travellers.

At the confluence of the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay Fjord, Baie-Ste-Catherine is perched between the cliffs and the sea. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful bays, it is home to several species of whales during the summer. Croisières AML gives you the chance to encounter these astounding marine mammals.
You can expect to see the white beluga whale; if you are lucky you might run into into one of the might blue or fin whales that inhabit the St. Lawrence.

Manoir Richelieu

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Participate in Actual Whale Research - Newfoundland/Labrador

Our Whale Study Week is a great opportunity to participate in actual whale research.

Your experience will start with an introduction to the ocean and the whales during a 2.5 hour trip on the Atlantic Whaler. We also view puffins and hundreds of thousands of other seabirds. We review the marine ecology of the North Atlantic (get our sea legs) and prepare for our onboard assistance to local whale census and acoustic research. We also travel to the eastern edge of the continent to do more whale watching.

We spend six hours on board our coast guard certified vessel looking at whales. Humpbacks and minkes are the most common whale species but dolphins and fin whales are also occasionally seen. In fact, 20 varieties of whales are reported from Newfoundland waters so you can expect an occasional surprise. We will focus on tail fluke photography, individual whale recognition, behavioral observations, feeding ecology and just enjoying the sights. We have also been involved with hydrophone development research and may try to listen in on humpback feeding sounds together with any vocalizations associated with their other behaviours.

On we go whale watching from the land as we try to take in some of the range of the world's largest population of humpbacks. A caribou herd, moose habitat, a humpback-feeding beach and seals usually add to the day's sightings. Scenic photographers will enjoy the coastline and the lighthouses should they want to see more than just the whales. Bird lovers will enjoy the small seabird colonies near our whale study lookouts. This day is sometimes the holiday highlight as we enjoy up-close encounters with the humpbacks as they cruise their feeding beach.

Humpback tails are as distinctive as human faces or fingerprints; and we use this six hours on the water attempting to get scientifically useful tail shots that allow us to identify individual whales and mother calf pairs. This provides insight into their range and life history. You'll learn how we contribute to the worldwide study of both humpbacks and orcas. If the science doesn't excite you just sit back and enjoy the gentle antics of the whales and the other wildlife of the North Atlantic.
Whale Research

Friday, June 04, 2010

Golf in British Columbia

A few spectacular suggestions for golfing in British Columbia

Discover the Okanagan… Renowned for its natural beauty, abundant sunshine, crystal-clear lakes and extended golf season, it's truly a golfers' paradise! Situated on the eastern shore of th e Okanagan Lake mid-way between Penticton in the south and Vernon in the North, Kelowna is the largest city in the Okanagan Valley. With fine dining, unique shops and a vibrant cultural like - yet orchards and vineyards within 10 minutes of the downtown core, Kelowna is the perfect setting for any golfer.

GolfBC is pleased to offer two wonderful facilities centrally located in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. The Okanagan Golf Club, consisting of The Bear and The Quail courses, and Gallagher's Canyon are both nestled amongst spectacular ponderosa pine forests and emerald greens. If time is limited and you want to be able to enjoy all the highlights of the breathtaking city of Kelowna, perhaps our 9-hole mid-length Pinnacle Course would be more fitting.

Furry Creek is not a course that one merely plays - it is an enriching adventure to be savoured. Considered one of the most beautifully landscaped playgrounds in the province, Furry Creek delivers an unforgettable experience with its breathtaking beauty, dramatic play and first-class facilities. Be sure to visit the Sea to Sky Grill - serving the best in West Coast cuisine.

As BC's most scenic golf course, Furry Creek perfectly captures the most spectacular qualities of this part of the country. This par 72, 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Muir Graves and built in 1993 offers panoramic ocean views and encounters with abundant wildlife.

Snowcapped peaks. A brilliant emerald-coloured lake. Majestic fir trees. Fresh, invigorating mountain air. This is the setting that inspired the great Jack Nicklaus to create a course as unique as himself.

This par 71, 18-hole course winds along a gentle valley floor offering you a spectacular setting as your golfing skills are tested to the fullest. Just minutes from cobblestone walkways and street side cafes of the resort town of Whistler, Nicklaus North stands out as one of the great courses in North America. It's no wonder this is only one of a few rare golf courses in the world bearing Jack Nicklaus' name.