Archive for the ‘BC Travel’ Category

Happy Victoria Day British Columbia!

Sunday, May 19th, 2013

Doesn’t the Victoria Day long weekend feel like the end of winter and the start for the spring and summer season in beautiful BC? We certainly think so, and hope you are planning your British Columbia vacation!

Get out there and take advantage of that extra day and enjoy the many sights BC has to offer. Some special ones to note:

Victoria Day Parade in Victoria, BC
This year marks the 115th Parade! As the city’s largest parade event, join us along Douglas Street to watch marching bands, floats and more. The event starts at the Mayfair Shopping Centre at 9:00am, finishing downtown at the intersection of Douglas & Humboldt.

Cherryville Farmers Market
This weekend marks the start of the Cherryville Farmers Market in Cherryville BC! Be entertained by live music and performances while you stroll the market and enjoy a wide variety of organic produce, farm products, fresh foods, handmade crafts & much more! Learn more by visiting the Cherryville Town Website.

Make this Victoria Day weekend even more victorian by staying at one of BC’s beautiful Victorian-Style and inspired Bed & Breakfasts. Find a great selection of quality BC Bed & Breakfasts here! 

Finally, we would like to congratulate Premier Clark and the BC Liberal Party for their win in the recent BC Election, as well as send congratulations to all elected members from all parties!

Treat Mom to one of BC’s Great Festivals!

Sunday, May 12th, 2013

What a weekend of wonderment it is! The weather is beautiful, it’s Mothers day on Sunday and there are so many wonderful events happening throughout BC! Treat your mom to an amazing weekend event and make her feel even more special by staying at one of our BC Bed and Breakfasts! (hint! She gets an amazing breakfast and YOU don’t have to cook it for her!)

Here are just a few of some of our favorite events happening this weekend!

 

Pier Street Farmers Market
Campbell River – Sunday, May 05 through to September 29, 2013 - 10:00 AM

The Pier Street Farmers’ Market & Arts Fair is back for its 11th year! Stroll the pier surrounded by the stunning scenery of Georgia Strait, Fisherman’s Wharf, discover some amazing local vendors and enjoy the nearby Fishing Pier & Maritime Heritage Centre. Lots to do & see for all ages!

 

Creston Valley Bird Fest
Creston – May 10-May 11 – 9:00am-4:00pm

Celebrate the amazing diversity of birds along with fun activities and games for all ages. The Bird Fest offers a variety of birdwatching activities guided by field experts, as well as photography and art displays and bird-oriented workshops.

 

Perfect Pairing at Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate
Oliver – May 10-May 11 – 12:00noon-4:00pm

Join the Jackson Triggs Family at the winery to celebrate the start of a new wine season and experience the “perfect pairing”. Explore the winery, taste their award-winning collection of wines which are artfully paired with some of the finest chocolate.

 

Rhododendron Bloom at Milner Gardens
Qualicum Beach – May 10-May 12 – 10:00am-5:00pm

Experience Milner Gardens on Vancouver Island and their most significant collections – Rhododendrons. Stroll through the woodland gardens and stop to smell the flowers! Talk about Flowers for Mother’s Day!

 

RunawayGrape Offers Guided Tastings of BC’s Best Wine & Food

Saturday, April 27th, 2013
RunawayGrape logo

Sample BC’s finest pairings of wine and food at RunawayGrape, hosted by Tania Thomas.

The 2013 RunawayGrape Guided Gourmet Food & Wine Tastings events run from May through November and offer an unparalleled opportunity to eat & drink your way through the finest gourmet wine and food to be found in British Columbia, Canada.

This is the second year for these tasting events, following a hugely successful premiere in 2012.  Certified Specialist of Wine Tania Thomas has again organized a variety of guided food and wine tastings at an elegant tasting room in a spectacular garden setting at Stanley Park in Vancouver, BC.

This is your chance to learn more about expert wine tasting techniques and BC wine grape varieties while sampling British Columbia’s world class wines.  Events also teach you how to pair wines with food and you will taste local, artisinal cheeses, smoked meats, small plates, chocolate and more.

We recommend pairing your RunawayGrape BC wine tasting experience at RunawayGrape with the personalized Vancouver lodging of our member Bed and Breakfast inns. (more…)

Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival Celebrates 150 Years

Saturday, April 20th, 2013
Victoria Highland Games

The 2013 Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival celebrates 150 years of Scottish Culture in Victoria, BC.

The 2013 Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival, happening May 11-19, marks 150 years of this annual gathering in Victoria, British Columbia.  For newcomers and longtime festival-goers alike, this sesquicentennial celebration is the perfect time to experience Scottish culture in BC.

Traditional Scottish games, pipe bands, falconry, sword fighting demonstrations, sheep dog herding, cultural & heritage presentations, musical performances, Scottish & Celtic vendors (food & goods) two beer gardens, and a single malt Scotch whisky tasting school combine to create an unforgettable weekend.  His Royal Highness – Prince Andrew, The Duke of York, will be Chief of the Games and make public appearances both Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19.

Attendance is expected to be high for this milestone event, so it is recommended that you book your Greater Victoria, BC lodging at a member B&B inn to make the most of your stay.

(more…)

British Columbia Islands Events Celebrate the Many Faces of Spring

Saturday, April 13th, 2013
British Columbia Islands Region

Spring is in full swing in the BC islands.

May brings a variety of events to the British Columbia Islands, making it an ideal time to experience the diversity offered by the region.

From cookery to migratory bird watching, alternative healthcare, local flora and music, the islands of BC celebrate the peak of spring in western Canada with several events and festivals that reach from the west of Vancouver Island out to Hornby Island.

As you explore this region’s eclectic and unique celebrations, be sure to choose British Columbia Islands lodging that will match that singular experience. (more…)

The Spring Okanagan Wine Festival Celebrates the Wakening of BC Wineries’ Vines

Saturday, April 6th, 2013
Okanagan Wine Festivals logo

Kelowna Wine and Cuisine This celebration of Okanagan Wines is considered one of the best small festivals in BC.

The 2013 Spring Okanagan Wine Festival runs from May 2-12 at over 100 wineries and vineyards, plus other venues located throughout the Central Okanagan and surrounding area of British Columbia.

Mid-spring is a wonderful time to visit BC’s Central Okanagan wine region.  The Okanagan vineyards grapes are in bud break and the wineries open their doors to welcome you to explore the season’s new debutante wines, sample gourmet local foods, enjoy their gracious hospitality and take pleasure in a wide variety of entertainment.

Wine tastings and pairings are the primary draw of this annual festival, but there is also plenty of music, art and other events to enjoy.  The Spring Okanagan Wine Festival is the annual home of the Best of Varietals Competition among BC wines.  Challenge your taste buds at the blind taste testing of wine and cheese.

Attendance of this festival is expected to be very high, so now is the time to make your plans for travel and accommodations.  We recommend you pair your Spring Okanagan Wine Festival with the luxuriant and individualized Central Okanagan lodging of our member bed & breakfast inns. (more…)

Sechelt Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market Begins It’s 20th Season on the BC Sunshine Coast

Saturday, March 30th, 2013
Sechelt Farmers' & Artisans' Market logo

Since 1993, the Sechelt Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market has been a mainstay attraction on BC’s Sunshine Coast.

The 2013 season of the Sechelt Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market, the largest outdoor market on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, will run Saturdays starting at 9:00 am to 2:30 pm from April 27 through September 28, 2013.

Celebrating its 20th year on the fertile Sechelt Peninsula, this farmers’ and artisans’ market features an exquisite collection of artisans and produce growers.

While you’re browsing this Saturday market in Sechelt, as well as the many other treasures of the area during your travels, we recommend you add the memorable BC Sunshine Coast lodging of our member bed and breakfast inns. (more…)

World Ski & Snowboard Festival at Whistler, BC

Saturday, March 16th, 2013
World Ski & Snowboard FestivalWorld Ski & Snowboard Festival

DSC_5010The WSSF will captivate you with world class snow sports, arts, entertainment and much more.

The World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF) returns to the premier snow sport destination of Whistler, British Columbia from April 12-21, 2013.

This is a huge event – the largest gathering of winter sports, music, arts and culture in North America.  This year’s WSSF looks to build upon that reputation of “bigger and better” with a lineup of events, entertainment and international skiing and snowboarding personalities guaranteed to thrill the many thousands expected to attend.

Given the popularity of this annual snow sports festival, it is highly recommended you make your travel plans now. Make the most of your time at the World Ski and Snowboard Festival with a stay at the relaxing and tailored Whistler, BC lodging of our member Bed and Breakfast inns.

Snow Sports Events

The WSSF’s primary draw are the many snow sports events, featuring competition among the world’s top athletes at the highest levels.

World Skiing Invitational – AFP World Championship

The World Ski and Snowboard Festival will host the Association of Freeskiing Professionals (AFP) World Championship, which feature two major competitions:

Slopestyle

Freestyle ProBlackcomb Terrain Park

Slopestyle, now a part of the Olympic Games, challenges even the most experienced skiers with jumps, rail,s and daunting features.

Big Air

Ski AerialsWhistler Ski Plaza

The Big Air jump offers breathtaking aerials by the world’s top skiers as they compete for big dollars and the championship title.

The Shred Show

This year’s snowboarding competitions will feature three distinct events:

Big Air

snowboard aerialWhistler Skiers Plaza

Join the capacity crowd on April 20th to watch the world’s finest snowboarders compete for $25,000 in prize money on a huge table jump.

Boarderstyle

BoardercrossBlackcomb Terrain Park

Introduced at WSSF in 2011, four riders race on a traditional boardercross course and are judged on freestyle skills.

Slopestyle

slopestyle snowboardingBlackcomb Terrain Park

Just as with slopestyle skiing, snowboarders face a supremely grueling combination of jumps, rails, and features.

Other sports-related events include the Demo Park, where you can try out the latest ski and snowboard gear, a fun-for-the-whole family set of competitions with Big Air Bear, the Festival’s official mascot, and his furry friends, plus a dog show and the Vengeance in the Valley roller derby tournament between the Squamish Sea to Sky Sirens and Whistler’s Black Diamond Betties.

Entertainment

EntertainmentAway from the races and other snow sports competitions, you’ll find plenty to enjoy during the 10 days of the festival, including an incredible lineup of music, films, a fashion show, photography, art and culture exhibitions and much more.  Most of these events are free of charge.

More information, including how you can purchase tickets, is available on the World Ski & Snowboard Festival website.

Choose Whistler Blackcomb, BC Lodging That Provides a Personalized Escape from the Frenzy of the World Ski & Snowboard Festival

Whistler Bed & Breakfast Inn bedroom

Avoid the crowds and hassles of most Whistler lodging when you choose the relaxed setting of a member B&B inn

Our Whistler Blackcomb Bed and Breakfast inns offer tailored lodging to provide peaceful accommodations once you are done with your day of adrenalin pumping events and entertainment at the WSSF and all of the events and activities of the Whistler Blackcomb region of British Columbia.

Savour a large assortment of breakfast choices and relax before and after your adventures in a comfortable guest room.  You’ll enjoy the attention to detail and the regional expertise of the innkeepers at locations all across the Whistler Blackcomb region.

What’s Your World Ski & Snowboard Festival Expectation or Experience?

The annual WSSF event has been held since 1996 and has, in that time, earned its place as the largest and most exciting ski and snowboard event in North America.

Please share your plans for and memories of the World Ski & Snowboard Festival.

Okanagan Fest-of-Ale Highlights Pacific Northwest Beer

Monday, March 11th, 2013
Okanagan Fest-of-Ale Logo

Sample the Pacific Northwest’s premier beers at the Okanagan Fest-of-Ale in Penticton, BC.

The Okanagan Fest-of-Ale Society’s annual beer festival will be held at the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre April 5-6, 2013.  The brew-masters of over two dozen of the Pacific Northwest’s leading craft brewers are coming together in this beautiful spot in the Thompson Okanagan Region of British Columbia, Canada to present their finest selection of ales.

In addition to the beer tasting, the festival will also feature:

  • An eclectic assortment of seven local entertainment acts ranging from bands to belly dancing
  • Food vendors offering a wide variety of culinary delights to pair with your microwbrew beer tasting

Why not pair your microbrew beer tasting with the custom “craft accommodations” of Thompson Okanagan lodging available at our member bed & breakfast inns in the region?

Okanagan Fest-of-Ale Participating Breweries

The breweries attending this year’s beer festival read like a who’s who in the world of Pacific Northwest craft brewing:
beer pints

Alpine Brewing Company

Oroville, WA

Barley Mill Brew Pub

Penticton, BC

Big Surf Beer Co

Kelowna, BC

Bravo Beer Co

Squamish, BC Belgian Beer Importer

Cannery Brewing Co.

Penticton, BC

Crannog Ales

Sorrento, BC

Creemore Springs

Creemore, ONT

Dead Frog Brewery

Aldergrove, BC

Driftwood Brewery

Victoria, BC

Fernie Brewing

Fernie, BC

Firehall Brewery

Oliver, BC

Granville Island Brewing

Vancouver, BC

Growers Cider

Vancouver, BC

Horizon Beers

Canmore, AB

Left Field Cider Co.

Logan Lake, BC

McClelland Premium Imports

Penticton, BC

Mill St. Brewery

Toronto, ONT

Mt. Begbie Brewing Co.

Revelstoke, BC

Paddock Wood Brewing Co.

Saskatchewan, SK

Parallel 49 Brewing Company

Vancouver, BC

Phillips Brewing Company

Victoria, BC

Port Townsend Brewing Co

Port Townsend, WA

Steamworks Brewing Company

Vancouver, BC

Summerland Heritage Cider Company

Summerland, BC

The Tin Whistle Brewing Company

Penticton, BC

The Whistler Brewing Company

Vancouver, BC

Tree Brewing Co.

Kelowna, BC

Vancouver Island Brewery

Victoria, BC

Come sip and savour the best of the Pacific Northwest!

Okanagan Fest-of-Ale Entertainment

Entertainment Schedule
FRIDAY, APRIL 5

4:30-5:30 PM

Get Bent Belly Dancing

5:30-6:30 PM

Roland Allen

6:30-7:30 PM

Joe’s Garage

7:30-8:45 PM

Fluxx

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

12:00-1:00 PM

Thursday Night Jazz Band

1:00-2:00 PM

Flashback

2:00-3:00 PM

The Dungbeatles

3:00-4:00 PM

Roland Allen

4:00-5:00 PM

Joe’s Garage

5:00-6:00 PM

Fluxx

Playing GuitarAs you taste the gourmet beers and delectable foods at the festival, there will be a great lineup of entertainment, including:

The Dungbeatles

An amusing, unothodox blend of pop, roots and world music

Flashback

Rock and roll of the 1960s, 70s and 80s

Fluxx

Purveyors of fine rock originals and coversBelly Dance

Get Bent Belly Dancers

Bollywood-style belly dancing by local dancers

Joe’s Garage

Vast and diverse reptoire of material ranging from Tom Jones to Bob Marley

Roland Allen

Classic and contemporary rock with a twist

Thursday Night Jazz Band

17 piece big band playing swing, plus funk and other modern styles

More information, including how to purchase tickets is available at the Okanagan Fest-of-Ale website.

Choose Thompson Okanagan, BC Lodging That Provides “Craft Accommodations” to Pair with the Microbrews of the Fest-of-Ales

Breakfast

Begin your day of beer tasting with a mouthwatering breakfast from our member Thompson Okanagan B&B inns

Our Thompson Okanagan bed and breakfast inns offer personalized lodging for your family vacation to match up with the unique beers of the Fest-of-Ales and all of the events and activities of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia.

Enjoy a wide array of breakfast options and rest up before and after your tasting adventures in a comfortable guest room.  You’ll receive the expert service and area knowledge of the innkeepers at locations all across the Thompson Okanagan region.

What’s Your Okanagan Fest-of-Ales Expectation or Experience?

The annual Okanagan Fest-of-Ale event has been held since 2000.  Since then, it has grown significantly and emerged as a premier beer festival in the Pacific Northwest.

Please share your plans for and memories of the Okanagan Fest-of-Ales.

South of Vancouver, BC’s Lulu Series Celebrates Art in the City

Saturday, March 2nd, 2013
Richmond, British Columbia - The Lulu Series: Art in the City logo

Public Spaces Art The 2013 Lulu Speaker Series on Art in the City concludes with a presentation on the art of public spaces and urban living by Andrew Pask.

Richmond, British Columbia in the South of Vancouver region continues to spotlight art in the city with it’s Lulu Speaker Series.  March 28 will feature Vancouver Public Space Network founder Andrew Pask delivering a presentation on the art of public spaces and its place in the city experience at Richmond City Hall.

Early spring is a great time to discover Richmond, BC and all that the South of Vancouver region of British Columbia has to offer.  Add this engaging exhibition and the unique South Vancouver lodging of our member bed & breakfast inns to your travel plans.

The City on Display: Urban Living and the Art of Public Space

Richmond City Hall Council Chambers
7:00 PM
Seating is limited
RSVP to lulu@richmond.ca

From beaches to civic architecture, parks, plazas, public squares and even the streets themselves, cities are evaluated by the quality of their public spaces.

Vancouver Library

Public spaces have the potential to inspire whole populations.

Mr. Pask, an anthropologist and urban planner who studied in Toronto and Amsterdam, will present the history of public spaces and reveal how theories of their design has evolved to the theories used in the present day.  Recent public space debates, issues and their solutions through design around the world will be explored, including:

  • New park & plaza projects
  • Social (and contested) nature of public places
  • Recent artistic interventions to enliven existing public spaces

Andrew Pask, a neighbourhood planner with the City of Vancouver, founded and directs the Vancouver Public Space Network (VPSN), a nonprofit organization run by volunteers since 2005.  It uses a blend of creative research, design and intervention to advocate for the importance of quality public spaces.  Mr. Pask has contributed to a wide variety of community developments with non-profits and local governments in both British Columbia and Ontario.

More information available from the City of Richmond, British Columbia, Canada website.

Choose South of Vancouver, BC Lodging That Provides Custom-designed Private Spaces

South Vancouver bed & breakfast inns bedroom

The bed and breakfast inns of South Vancouver invite you to choose a personalized stay experience.

Our South of Vancouver bed and breakfast inns offer unique lodging for your family vacation to help you get the most out of your spring getaway to the South of Vancouver region of British Columbia.

Wake to a delectable variety of breakfast option after a night’s stay in a cozy guest room.  Enjoy the pampering service and area expertise of the innkeepers at locations all across the South of Vancouver area.

What’s Your South of Vancouver Public Spaces Expectation or Experience?

The South Vancouver region of British Columbia is a center of multicultural and multimedia public art and spaces.

Please share your plans for and memories of the public spaces of South Vancouver.