Wednesday, September 26, 2012
101 Best Hotel Restaurants around the World
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Giving Beluga Whales a pill
If you think it's hard to hold a golden retriever long enough to make it swallow a pill, try harnessing a 1,200-kilogram, four-metre-long beluga whale.
That's what Winnipegger Chris Debicki tried to do more than 50 times earlier this month in the frigid waters of northern Manitoba's Seal River estuary as part of a beluga-tagging expedition.
During the subarctic summer, an estimated 57,000 white whales inhabit the waters of western Hudson Bay in a long arc of coast that extends from Arviat, Nunavut, to just across the Ontario border.
Where exactly the whales swim to is a bit of a mystery, however, as biologists are not certain whether the marine mammals hang out at the mouths of the same rivers all summer or move around the coast.
Knowing where the males go is important as conservation officials prepare for the possibility of more shipping in Hudson Bay, where the ice-free period is getting longer.
Hence the expedition to the mouth of the Seal River earlier this month, where a joint crew of federal fisheries officials, provincial scientists and staffers from marine-conservation organization Oceans North Canada succeeded in placing satellite transmitters on six beluga whales over the course of a week.
"We call that a success," said Debicki, an Oceans North project director who was handed the task of grappling with the whales because he was one of the few non-scientists on the expedition.
Tagging adult belugas is not an easy task, even though these whales display little fear of people. The expedition broke six propellers and one driveshaft on a pair of zodiac boats as they tried to corral belugas in the shallow waters of the Seal River estuary, working at low tide.
It was Debicki's job to jump off the Zodiac into the shallow water and attempt to place a hoop net around a whale. More often than not these attempts failed, he said.
The six whales the expedition did manage to capture were tagged with lithium-powered satellite transmitters capable of operating for more than a year. Since beluga whales have no dorsal fins, the tags are implanted in a hard ridge of fatty tissue on their backs the creatures use to break the ice.
A veterinarian stood by to ensure each whale was enduring the procedure, Debicki said.
"Right until we catch them, they're not very stressed at all, it seems. And if they got away they would stay with us," he said. "But they're obviously not thrilled to be in a hoop net."
The Seal River estuary is one of three major beluga whale gathering spots in Manitoba, along with the mouth of Nelson River at York Factory and the Churchill River estuary near Churchill.
Scientists tagged belugas near Churchill in 1993 and on the Nelson River from 2002 to 2005, said Oceans North biologist Kristin Westdal. The latter effort demonstrated the whales spend their winters in stretches of open water in the Hudson Strait.
According to satellite monitoring, the first tagged whales on the Seal River spend a tremendous amount of time in the river itself, Westdal said.
This may because the fresh water is warmer or because the shallow, sandy river bottom aids the moulting process, she said. The shallow river may also offer protection from predators such as killer whales, which do not do well in ice but appear to becoming more common in Hudson Bay.
Sunday, July 01, 2012
Sandra back in Canada
What a great week, back in my favourite country.
Flew into Edmonton and then on to Jasper - too long a drive, I should have listened to my own advice and stayed a night in Edmonton but I was short of time and longing to get back to the Rockies.
Amazingly after 40 years of visiting Canada, I had never been to Jasper in the summer. I certainly made the most of our time there- took the cruise to Spirit Island, went on a great side car tour up to Marmot Basin,
Flew into Edmonton and then on to Jasper - too long a drive, I should have listened to my own advice and stayed a night in Edmonton but I was short of time and longing to get back to the Rockies.
What a great week, back in my favourite country.
Flew into Edmonton and then on to Jasper - too long a drive, I should have listened to my own advice and stayed a night in Edmonton but I was short of time and longing to get back to the Rockies.
Amazingly after 40 years of visiting Canada, I had never been to Jasper in the summer. I certainly made the most of our time there- took the cruise to Spirit Island, went on a great side car tour up to Marmot Basin, saw bear and elk along the way - a magical couple of days.
Had some wonderful food too - especially memorable was the Tekarra Lodge Restaurant and the Pyramid Lake Lodge where the food and views vied for superiority. Watched the England/Italy game in the Brew pub - food better than the game:(
Flew into Edmonton and then on to Jasper - too long a drive, I should have listened to my own advice and stayed a night in Edmonton but I was short of time and longing to get back to the Rockies.
Had some wonderful food too - especially memorable was the Tekarra Lodge Restaurant and the Pyramid Lake Lodge where the food and views vied for superiority. Watched the England/Italy game in the Brew pub - food better than the game:(
Thursday, May 10, 2012
£160 to spend on the Rocky Mountaineer
Book a qualifying holiday on the Rocky Mountaineer by 29th June and get up to £160 to spend on extras such as hotels, tours, meals Thursday, May 03, 2012
Laugh it up Festival in Quebec City
The Laugh It Up Festival is gearing up to be one serious rib-tickling knee-slapper (or maybe a knee-slapping rib-tickler). From June 8 to July 1, 2012, comics and comedians will blow into Québec City in a gale of laughter.
The festival organizers are thrilled to announce that pass holders can see the iconic Whoopi Goldberg at the closing show on July 1 at the Port of Quebec Agora. Laugh It Up Festival: if laughter is the best medicine, then the doctor is in!
The festival organizers are thrilled to announce that pass holders can see the iconic Whoopi Goldberg at the closing show on July 1 at the Port of Quebec Agora. Laugh It Up Festival: if laughter is the best medicine, then the doctor is in!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal
I went to the Comedy Store in London last night where some comedians were auditioning for a place at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal. Just three of them will make it through I think - and if that is a sample of what to expect - the Festival itself is a must!!
The Just for Laughs Festival takes place July 9 - 29.
Frontier Canada can organise a weekend for you to enjoy the festival and then perhaps explore some of the amazing Quebec countryside. Take a look at some of the fun from last year.
The Just for Laughs Festival takes place July 9 - 29.
Frontier Canada can organise a weekend for you to enjoy the festival and then perhaps explore some of the amazing Quebec countryside. Take a look at some of the fun from last year.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Rocky Mountaineer - new destination for 2013
Friday, November 04, 2011
Charley Boorman biking across Canada coming to Channel 5 soon
You can go where Charley goes with the help of Frontier Canada www.frontier-canada.co.uk
Coming soon to Channel 5, Charley Boorman's Extreme Frontiers. He's ridden through Africa in the award winning series 'Long Way Down', braved the wilds of the North on his 20,000 mile 'Long Way Round' adventure and now Charley Boorman, accompanied by producer/director Russ Malkin, is about to launch his latest adventure - a new and exciting adventure expedition that really gets under the skin of an entire country.
Charley Boorman's Extreme Frontiers follows Charley's epic 10,300 mile journey across Canada, the world's second largest country. Travelling principally on motorbikes, the series sees Charley and Russ traversing each of the 10 Canadian Provinces, 2 Frontiers, 3 Oceans and 4 Extreme Frontiers from East to West revealing a unique insight into this beautiful country.
Never before has Charley had the opportunity to deeply explore one country. Each episode sees them embark on a series of dangerous, frightening, inspiring and hilarious tasks from canoeing to rodeo, heli-mountain biking to ice hockey. Charley Boorman's Extreme Frontiers also sees Charley braving the impressive 8,000m peak Mount Fable in Alberta and overcoming his claustrophobia whilst wreck diving in Lake Huron. Every challenge reveals the breathtaking wilderness of Canada, its people and its diverse culture. It sees the team delve into its rich history whilst being pushed to the limit in a series of often tough challenges.
Charley Boorman commented: "I absolutely loved filming this series, but I have to say it was one of the toughest trips I have ever been on due to the intensity, the tough challenges we embarked on and the sheer distance we travelled. During the 6 week expedition I experienced some of the scariest and uplifting moments of my life but as always it was the amazing characters I met along the way that stick with me. Canada is an awesome country and Extreme Frontiers Canada is a great way for people at home to learn more about this amazing place whilst having a good laugh at me at the same time trying to do things like climb Mount Fable when my legs have turned to jelly!"
Charley once again delivers an outstanding performance with his boyish charm and great sense of humour. The series was filmed across six weeks through June and July 2011 during the months of the midnight sun. Travelling throughout these two months provided exceptional cinematography footage and additional time for filming. You will see the team adventure across infinite landscapes in enduring summer light offering a totally unique, in-depth and beautiful picture of the country like no other before it.
The series is due to start on the 28th November.
Coming soon to Channel 5, Charley Boorman's Extreme Frontiers. He's ridden through Africa in the award winning series 'Long Way Down', braved the wilds of the North on his 20,000 mile 'Long Way Round' adventure and now Charley Boorman, accompanied by producer/director Russ Malkin, is about to launch his latest adventure - a new and exciting adventure expedition that really gets under the skin of an entire country.
Charley Boorman's Extreme Frontiers follows Charley's epic 10,300 mile journey across Canada, the world's second largest country. Travelling principally on motorbikes, the series sees Charley and Russ traversing each of the 10 Canadian Provinces, 2 Frontiers, 3 Oceans and 4 Extreme Frontiers from East to West revealing a unique insight into this beautiful country.
Never before has Charley had the opportunity to deeply explore one country. Each episode sees them embark on a series of dangerous, frightening, inspiring and hilarious tasks from canoeing to rodeo, heli-mountain biking to ice hockey. Charley Boorman's Extreme Frontiers also sees Charley braving the impressive 8,000m peak Mount Fable in Alberta and overcoming his claustrophobia whilst wreck diving in Lake Huron. Every challenge reveals the breathtaking wilderness of Canada, its people and its diverse culture. It sees the team delve into its rich history whilst being pushed to the limit in a series of often tough challenges.
Charley Boorman commented: "I absolutely loved filming this series, but I have to say it was one of the toughest trips I have ever been on due to the intensity, the tough challenges we embarked on and the sheer distance we travelled. During the 6 week expedition I experienced some of the scariest and uplifting moments of my life but as always it was the amazing characters I met along the way that stick with me. Canada is an awesome country and Extreme Frontiers Canada is a great way for people at home to learn more about this amazing place whilst having a good laugh at me at the same time trying to do things like climb Mount Fable when my legs have turned to jelly!"
Charley once again delivers an outstanding performance with his boyish charm and great sense of humour. The series was filmed across six weeks through June and July 2011 during the months of the midnight sun. Travelling throughout these two months provided exceptional cinematography footage and additional time for filming. You will see the team adventure across infinite landscapes in enduring summer light offering a totally unique, in-depth and beautiful picture of the country like no other before it.
The series is due to start on the 28th November.
Saturday, October 01, 2011
Purcell Mountain Lodge
The story of Purcell Mountain Lodge begins in the early 1980s,
when founders Russ Younger and Paul Leeson started taking people backcountry
telemark skiing in the Purcell Mountain Range. Back then, guests slept in
Mongolian Yurts – large canvas tents with wooden floors – in a meadow at the
headwaters of the Spillimacheen River.
In 1989, inspired by the area's diverse terrain and unbeatable powder snow, Paul and Russ decided to expand their operation, and with the help of some dedicated friends and skilled artisans, set out to build the finest remote mountain chalet in North America.
Mindful of the alpine ecosystem and committed to the highest ecological standard, Paul and Russ knew that enviromental conservation had to be at the heart of the Purcell Mountain Lodge experience, beginning with its construction. To that end every post and beam was flown in my helicopter; and workers and friends, instead of camping on the meadows around the site, slept in the yurts in the valley below. Each day they trudged up the hill to continue the building project - thereby protecting the fragile flora surrounding the Lodge and reducing their overall impact on the area.
Paul and Russ also built a mini hydro-electric system that harnesses clean energy off a nearby stream and engineered an elaborate sewage treatment plant that is still today considered an industry standard for other backcountry operations. In short, all possible measures were taken to address their twin goals of creating exemplary guest services without sacrificing their commitment to ecological ethics and conservation.
In 1989, inspired by the area's diverse terrain and unbeatable powder snow, Paul and Russ decided to expand their operation, and with the help of some dedicated friends and skilled artisans, set out to build the finest remote mountain chalet in North America.
Mindful of the alpine ecosystem and committed to the highest ecological standard, Paul and Russ knew that enviromental conservation had to be at the heart of the Purcell Mountain Lodge experience, beginning with its construction. To that end every post and beam was flown in my helicopter; and workers and friends, instead of camping on the meadows around the site, slept in the yurts in the valley below. Each day they trudged up the hill to continue the building project - thereby protecting the fragile flora surrounding the Lodge and reducing their overall impact on the area.
Paul and Russ also built a mini hydro-electric system that harnesses clean energy off a nearby stream and engineered an elaborate sewage treatment plant that is still today considered an industry standard for other backcountry operations. In short, all possible measures were taken to address their twin goals of creating exemplary guest services without sacrificing their commitment to ecological ethics and conservation.
The story of Purcell Mountain Lodge begins in the early 1980s,
when founders Russ Younger and Paul Leeson started taking people backcountry
telemark skiing in the Purcell Mountain Range. Back then, guests slept in
Mongolian Yurts – large canvas tents with wooden floors – in a meadow at the
headwaters of the Spillimacheen River.
In 1989, inspired by the area's diverse terrain and unbeatable powder snow, Paul and Russ decided to expand their operation, and with the help of some dedicated friends and skilled artisans, set out to build the finest remote mountain chalet in North America.
Mindful of the alpine ecosystem and committed to the highest ecological standard, Paul and Russ knew that enviromental conservation had to be at the heart of the Purcell Mountain Lodge experience, beginning with its construction. To that end every post and beam was flown in my helicopter; and workers and friends, instead of camping on the meadows around the site, slept in the yurts in the valley below. Each day they trudged up the hill to continue the building project - thereby protecting the fragile flora surrounding the Lodge and reducing their overall impact on the area.
Paul and Russ also built a mini hydro-electric system that harnesses clean energy off a nearby stream and engineered an elaborate sewage treatment plant that is still today considered an industry standard for other backcountry operations. In short, all possible measures were taken to address their twin goals of creating exemplary guest services without sacrificing their commitment to ecological ethics and conservation.
In 1989, inspired by the area's diverse terrain and unbeatable powder snow, Paul and Russ decided to expand their operation, and with the help of some dedicated friends and skilled artisans, set out to build the finest remote mountain chalet in North America.
Mindful of the alpine ecosystem and committed to the highest ecological standard, Paul and Russ knew that enviromental conservation had to be at the heart of the Purcell Mountain Lodge experience, beginning with its construction. To that end every post and beam was flown in my helicopter; and workers and friends, instead of camping on the meadows around the site, slept in the yurts in the valley below. Each day they trudged up the hill to continue the building project - thereby protecting the fragile flora surrounding the Lodge and reducing their overall impact on the area.
Paul and Russ also built a mini hydro-electric system that harnesses clean energy off a nearby stream and engineered an elaborate sewage treatment plant that is still today considered an industry standard for other backcountry operations. In short, all possible measures were taken to address their twin goals of creating exemplary guest services without sacrificing their commitment to ecological ethics and conservation.
The story of Purcell Mountain Lodge begins in the early 1980s,
when founders Russ Younger and Paul Leeson started taking people backcountry
telemark skiing in the Purcell Mountain Range. Back then, guests slept in
Mongolian Yurts – large canvas tents with wooden floors – in a meadow at the
headwaters of the Spillimacheen River.
In 1989, inspired by the area's diverse terrain and unbeatable powder snow, Paul and Russ decided to expand their operation, and with the help of some dedicated friends and skilled artisans, set out to build the finest remote mountain chalet in North America.
Mindful of the alpine ecosystem and committed to the highest ecological standard, Paul and Russ knew that enviromental conservation had to be at the heart of the Purcell Mountain Lodge experience, beginning with its construction. To that end every post and beam was flown in my helicopter; and workers and friends, instead of camping on the meadows around the site, slept in the yurts in the valley below. Each day they trudged up the hill to continue the building project - thereby protecting the fragile flora surrounding the Lodge and reducing their overall impact on the area.
Paul and Russ also built a mini hydro-electric system that harnesses clean energy off a nearby stream and engineered an elaborate sewage treatment plant that is still today considered an industry standard for other backcountry operations. In short, all possible measures were taken to address their twin goals of creating exemplary guest services without sacrificing their commitment to ecological ethics and conservation.
Purcell Mountain Lodge is a home away from home. Surrounded by the unspoiled wilderness of the Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park, it is an oasis of comfort in the midst of some of North America's most rugged and spectacular mountain scenery.
You'll arrive by helicopter – itself an unforgettable experience – and touch down in the middle of Canada's largest alpine meadow. As your guides unload the luggage, your hosts will welcome you into the warmth of the Lodge, where the smell of freshly baked goodies greets you at the door.
On your tour you'll be seduced by the
Lodge's friendly atmosphere – the smiling staff, the cozy living room, the
intimate library and the panoramic views. Local artifacts and old photographs
line the walls of this hand crafted timber-frame building, and for the guests
who return year after year, it feels like home.Purcell Mountain Lodge is a home away from home.
Surrounded by the unspoiled wilderness of the Rocky Mountains and Glacier
National Park, it is an oasis of comfort in the midst of some of North America's
most rugged and spectacular mountain scenery. In 1989, inspired by the area's diverse terrain and unbeatable powder snow, Paul and Russ decided to expand their operation, and with the help of some dedicated friends and skilled artisans, set out to build the finest remote mountain chalet in North America.
Mindful of the alpine ecosystem and committed to the highest ecological standard, Paul and Russ knew that enviromental conservation had to be at the heart of the Purcell Mountain Lodge experience, beginning with its construction. To that end every post and beam was flown in my helicopter; and workers and friends, instead of camping on the meadows around the site, slept in the yurts in the valley below. Each day they trudged up the hill to continue the building project - thereby protecting the fragile flora surrounding the Lodge and reducing their overall impact on the area.
Paul and Russ also built a mini hydro-electric system that harnesses clean energy off a nearby stream and engineered an elaborate sewage treatment plant that is still today considered an industry standard for other backcountry operations. In short, all possible measures were taken to address their twin goals of creating exemplary guest services without sacrificing their commitment to ecological ethics and conservation.
Purcell Mountain Lodge is a home away from home. Surrounded by the unspoiled wilderness of the Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park, it is an oasis of comfort in the midst of some of North America's most rugged and spectacular mountain scenery.
You'll arrive by helicopter – itself an unforgettable experience – and touch down in the middle of Canada's largest alpine meadow. As your guides unload the luggage, your hosts will welcome you into the warmth of the Lodge, where the smell of freshly baked goodies greets you at the door.
You'll arrive by helicopter – itself an unforgettable experience – and touch down in the middle of Canada's largest alpine meadow. As your guides unload the luggage, your hosts will welcome you into the warmth of the Lodge, where the smell of freshly baked goodies greets you at the door.
On your tour you'll be seduced by the Lodge's friendly atmosphere – the smiling staff, the cozy living room, the intimate library and the panoramic views. Local artifacts and old photographs line the walls of this hand crafted timber-frame building, and for the guests who return year after year, it feels like home.Purcell Mountain Lodge is a home away from home. Surrounded by the unspoiled wilderness of the Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park, it is an oasis of comfort in the midst of some of North America's most rugged and spectacular mountain scenery.
You'll arrive by helicopter – itself an unforgettable experience – and touch down in the middle of Canada's largest alpine meadow. As your guides unload the luggage, your hosts will welcome you into the warmth of the Lodge, where the smell of freshly baked goodies greets you at the door.
On your tour you'll be seduced by the Lodge's friendly atmosphere – the smiling staff, the cozy living room, the intimate library and the panoramic views. Local artifacts and old photographs line the walls of this hand crafted timber-frame building, and for the guests who return year after year, it feels like home.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
WICKANINNISH INN RANKED Number 1 IN CANADA
Travel + Leisure Magazine’s 2011 World’s Best Travel Awards
The Wickaninnish Inn is pleased to announce it was selected as the #1 Top Resort in Canada, #1 overall top Accommodation property in Canada and the Inn’s Ancient Cedars Spa was also voted the #1 Best Hotel Spa in Canada and #3 Best Hotel Spa in the USA and Canada in the coveted 2011 Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Awards.
Travel + Leisure Magazine, the leading publication for sophisticated, informed luxury travelers, has released the results of its yearly readers’ poll. The 2011 World’s Best Travel Awards ranks a range of travel experiences, including favorite hotels and resorts, spas, and cruise lines.
The Wickaninnish Inn, situated beachside on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast, appears in the rankings for the 9th consecutive year, maintaining its place as Canada’s top-ranked luxury resort and accommodation property.
Questionnaires were available in Travel + Leisure Magazine and online at www.TLWorldsBest.com from December 2010 through March 2011, inviting the public to rate hotels on their rooms/facilities, location, service, restaurants, food, and overall value. The complete 2011 World’s Best results will be featured in the cover story of the August issue (available on newsstands July 22nd) or online at www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest .
Although Travel + Leisure highlights the Inn’s year-round comfort with spectacular ocean views and in-room binoculars, an extensive early 2012 re-design of all 45 guest rooms in the original Pointe building will further emphasize the Inn’s commitment to excellence, its connection with nature and the spa-like ambiance. “The Inn’s appeal since its opening in 1996,”
according to Charles McDiarmid, Managing Director, “is due to the synergy between its unique oceanfront and forest-fringed location, the destination of Tofino, and a consistent level of personalized service from all team members. Our team is made up of many 10-years-and-counting senior staff who work alongside, often mentoring, new hospitality professionals who have earned a place on the Wickaninnish Inn team.”
About the Wickaninnish Inn: The Wickaninnish Inn, perched on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island near Tofino, is a year-round destination exemplifying "Rustic Elegance on Nature's Edge". A Relais & Châteaux member property since 1997, the Inn is owned and managed by the McDiarmid family of Tofino, and is exclusively located on beautiful Chesterman Beach. Each of the 75 oceanfront guest rooms and suites welcomes guests with a gas fireplace, soaker tub, local art, an individual balcony and a beach or ocean viewscape. The Wickaninnish Inn is home to The Pointe Restaurant, boasting 240º Pacific Ocean views and an innovative culinary program, and the award-winning Ancient Cedars Spa.
To see more of this wonderful place or to book your special holiday
Wickannish
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Capilano Suspension bridge
CLIFFWALK is the newest attraction at Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge. Opening in Spring 2011, this heart-stopping cliff-side journey takes guests through rainforest vegetation on a series of unobtrusive cantilevered and suspended walkways jutting out from the granite cliff face above Capilano River to previously unexplored areas of the park. Not for the faint of heart, it is high and narrow and, in some sections, glass (very strong glass) is all that separates guests from the canyon far below. If you are looking for some thrilling Vancouver activities, check out CLIFFWALK at Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Visit Vancouver!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
news from Whistler!
The Blackcomb Liquor Store - The Bounty of BC - Wine Tastings
Daily “tasting sessions” Thursday – Saturday at 1:00 pm
Through a sommelier-led presentation; you can experience the quality and diversity of British Columbia‟s wine country in the comfortable setting of the Fitzsimmons Public House at the base of Blackcomb Mountain.
The experience includes tasting a special selection of both white and red wines from a variety of producers with description and discussion of style and region, discussing grapes and wine styles, notable regions and producers and discovering how to taste and assess wine correctly with “sniff, slurp & spit” practice! It also includes learning the “cause and effect” of wine & food chemistry – and how to match wine with your meal! Here your can smell and taste something uniquely British Columbian! The wines of BC reflect British Columbia's agricultural and natural heritage.
Ziptrek Ecotours and Whistler Blackcomb - continue to bring Whistler guests the ULTIMATE Mountain package. A summer
sightseeing journey on the world-record breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, coupled with an exhilarating Ziptrek Ecotour through the ancient rainforest above Fitzsimmons creek. Both experiences combined together at one great price. The package is available to October 10.
Daily “tasting sessions” Thursday – Saturday at 1:00 pm
Through a sommelier-led presentation; you can experience the quality and diversity of British Columbia‟s wine country in the comfortable setting of the Fitzsimmons Public House at the base of Blackcomb Mountain.
The experience includes tasting a special selection of both white and red wines from a variety of producers with description and discussion of style and region, discussing grapes and wine styles, notable regions and producers and discovering how to taste and assess wine correctly with “sniff, slurp & spit” practice! It also includes learning the “cause and effect” of wine & food chemistry – and how to match wine with your meal! Here your can smell and taste something uniquely British Columbian! The wines of BC reflect British Columbia's agricultural and natural heritage.
Ziptrek Ecotours and Whistler Blackcomb - continue to bring Whistler guests the ULTIMATE Mountain package. A summer
sightseeing journey on the world-record breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, coupled with an exhilarating Ziptrek Ecotour through the ancient rainforest above Fitzsimmons creek. Both experiences combined together at one great price. The package is available to October 10.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Ripplecove lnn, Quebec
One of my favourite hotels in Quebec has got a new chef. Have a read of this.
Award Winning Cuisine
The Anchorage Restaurant at Ripplecove Inn has again been awarded the prestigious Four Diamond Award in 2011 for chef Rapart's new summer menu. Composed of the finest local ingredients and prepared in a modern French and international style, our new menu earned rave reviews from our guests during its opening evening gala on Friday June 24th. Served in a magnificent Victorian dining room and terrace overlooking the lake, Ripplecove Inn has turned the sophisticated dining experience into much more than just a treat for the taste buds alone. The culinary experience is topped off with live classical piano, a 5,000+ bottle wine cellar, renowned Sommelier and professional and attentive staff.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Luxton Rodeo, Victoria B.C
Well, the rodeo was amazing - I didn't know there was a rodeo on Vancouver Island - I was wrong.
The whole day was such fun and I took hundreds of photos - I thought this was one of the best - let me know what you think.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
TheStar Video: The view from the CN Tower’s EdgeWalk
TheStar Video: The view from the CN Tower’s EdgeWalk
How about this for the latest in Toronto - it will cost you £109.
How about this for the latest in Toronto - it will cost you £109.
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Charley Boorman bikes the width of Canada
Charley Boorman's Extreme Frontiers Canada Expedition 2011 departs June 9th, 2011.
Starting June 9th Charley is going to Newfoundland to take another of his epic journeys - this time east to West across Canada. Perfect territory for him - apparently it will be aired on Channel 5 early next year - that will be required watching.
Have a look at where you can visit in Newfoundland - one of my favourite provinces.
Newfoundland
Starting June 9th Charley is going to Newfoundland to take another of his epic journeys - this time east to West across Canada. Perfect territory for him - apparently it will be aired on Channel 5 early next year - that will be required watching.
Have a look at where you can visit in Newfoundland - one of my favourite provinces.
Newfoundland
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Calgary Stampede Line up
The much-anticipated Coca-Cola Covert Concert was held last night at Flames Central and featured performances by Hollerado and The Trews, two of this year’s headline performers on the Coca-Cola Stage. Between performances, the entire 2011 stage lineup was unveiled to a packed house of cheering fans.
Each year the Coca-Cola Stage presents some of the biggest names in music, and 2011 is no exception. The Trews, Mother Mother, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Finger Eleven, Kevin Costner & Modern West, Finger Eleven and Shawn Desman are just some of the performers who will rock the stage this July.
The Calgary Stampede is world renowned as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth for many reasons, one of which is that it’s one of Canada’s largest music festivals. Don’t forget! Concerts on the Coca-Cola Stage are FREE with admission to Stampede Park.
Entry to the park is included in the Frontier Canada Calgary Stampede package - have a look at
Calgary Stampede
Each year the Coca-Cola Stage presents some of the biggest names in music, and 2011 is no exception. The Trews, Mother Mother, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Finger Eleven, Kevin Costner & Modern West, Finger Eleven and Shawn Desman are just some of the performers who will rock the stage this July.
The Calgary Stampede is world renowned as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth for many reasons, one of which is that it’s one of Canada’s largest music festivals. Don’t forget! Concerts on the Coca-Cola Stage are FREE with admission to Stampede Park.
Entry to the park is included in the Frontier Canada Calgary Stampede package - have a look at
Calgary Stampede
Monday, May 23, 2011
Victoria, BC
Just arrived in this lovely garden city, the sun is out and I stopped on the way to my friends' house for a walk along the beach. I had forgotten how beautiful it is. Tomorrow, we are going to drive out to Sooke before going to the Victoria Rodeo.
Delicious fish on the barbeque - the food here is so fresh, it is wonderful. Many people are practicing the 100 mile diet - ie everything has to come from within a 100 miles of Victoria - such a good idea - good for the environment and for the local farmer/fishermen economy.
I hope to get some photos of the rodeo tomorrow and will post them. Might also try and look at the new luxury hotel here, the Parkside.
Delicious fish on the barbeque - the food here is so fresh, it is wonderful. Many people are practicing the 100 mile diet - ie everything has to come from within a 100 miles of Victoria - such a good idea - good for the environment and for the local farmer/fishermen economy.
I hope to get some photos of the rodeo tomorrow and will post them. Might also try and look at the new luxury hotel here, the Parkside.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Goats on the Roof
This wonderful spot is on the way to Tofino - don't miss it - it will be yet another highlight of your time on Vancouver island! I shall be there next week - can't wait:)
The old country market originated from a modest fruit stand in 1971 and later grew to support a hamburger stand alongside the fruit stand. In 1975 the original building was erected. This was the start of the grass roof. The idea for the grass roof came from then owner, Kristian Graaten. He emigrated here from Norway with his family in the mid 1950’s and longed to see some of the buildings from his home country. Many homes in Norway were built from the sides and slopes of the hills with the roofs built as an extension of the hillside.
After the grass had rooted a family of goats appeared. Legend has it that a “few glasses” of wine inspired the idea of putting the goats up on the roof, but you will have to come in and ask Larry about that.
The thought of goats on a roof caught on so well that each year an increasing number of tourists and locals stopped by to catch a glimpse of this trip of “goats on the roof”. With this curiosity and a lot of hard work and pinch of good fortune it has evolved into what it is today.
Do stop for lunch and be warned - you will be tempted by the many good things to eat and buy.
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