2012 Travellers' Choice Awards

Every year we sit around the television to watch the annual movie, music, television, and broadway awards being handed out to the stars we all admire. And being Canadian, we are always so proud to see one of our own up on stage giving a thank you speech. Well, this is true for the hospitality and tourism world as well. Even though we may not get to dress up in $1,000 gowns and tuxedos, it is still an honor to be recognized for all the hard work and determination that is put into providing a magical experience. And in the 2012 Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, the BC Innkeepers Guild is proud to say that 9 members have been recognized in the top 25 B&Bs and Inns in Canada. We would like to congratulate and thank everyone for their passion and devotion in making British Columbia one of the World’s most desired destinations, and would like to devote this blog post to those who ranked in Canada’s top 25.

7) Bostrom’s B&B on Little Beach Bay: Located in Ucluelet, Bostrom’s B&B boasts amazing ocean views from all rooms, hot tub, and decks. 3 levels of decks have barbeques and a teak dining suites. Luxury meets fun in the games room with snooker, darts, and so much more. Join fellow travelers for delicious gourmet breakfasts or dine in the privacy of your room.

8) Bee & Thistle Guest House: The Bee & Thistle is a perfect base for exploring the gorgeous city of Vancouver. Whether you are there for a vacation, visiting relatives or on business, you will love the warmth of this lovely heritage Bed & Breakfast, only minutes by car from the heart of the shopping & business district.

12) ThistleDown House: Located in North Vancouver, ThistleDown House’ internationally acclaimed heritage, style, comfort and fine hospitality make it a gem in the middle of a beautiful city. With six exquisite en-suite rooms to choose from, Afternoon Tea and deliciously creative multi-course breakfasts, you will love every minute of your stay.

16) West End Guest House: Located in Vancouver and built in 1906, this gracious lady has been transformed into a modern Bed & Breakfast with special emphasis on the amenities to make your stay smooth and comfortable. The inn itself is filled with antiques and a photo collection from the early days of Vancouver. Parking, Wi-Fi, and bikes to borrow are all included.

18) A View of the Lake Bed & Breakfast is located in West Kelowna, British Columbia.  Enjoy a unique experience with the resident Chef as he creates your three course breakfast from his demonstration kitchen using the freshest of local ingredients. The contemporary home offers an expansive lounge and patio area for all guests and is close to the Westside Wineries and only minutes from Kelowna.

20) Apple Blossom Bed & Breakfast: If you enjoy a view and gardens, you’ll love this West Kelowna Bed and Breakfast. All Bed and Breakfast rooms have a view of the lake and gardens. Wake up to the sound of local song birds after a good night’s rest on comfortable beds before enjoying your 3 course full country-style breakfast.

21) Albion Manor Bed & Breakfast: Welcome to Victoria’s Victorian Jewel just a 5 minute walk from the ferries, downtown and major attractions. Situated in a beautiful garden, Albion Manor features delightful architectural details. Enjoy gourmet breakfasts in a tastefully decorated ambiance with antique furnishings and art.

25) Long Lake Waterfront B&B: Located in Nanaimo, the Long Lake Waterfront Bed & Breakfast provides a romantic private lakeside lifestyle with reflections on the water in your canoe/kayaks. Hot tub, King size beds, wifi, float plane accessible. Your day trip center for Vancouver Island. Warm hospitality and hot breakfasts.

So what are you waiting for? Get out and book your next vacation at one of Canada’s top Bed & Breakfasts and Inns!

Port Moody at Sunset

Set on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, Sooke is a wonderful spot to re-energize your battery and start the new year off on a positive note. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, lush green forests, and with plenty of trails and nature to explore, it is one of B.C.’s best kept secrets. And the Ocean Wilderness Inn is a fantastic spot to take it all in. Located along the beach of the Pacific Ocean, and just 15 minutes north of Sooke, the Ocean Wilderness Inn provides its guests with a quiet, relaxing vacation spot where your only neighbours will be eagles, deer, and the rest of the wildlife. If you book your BC getaway from now until April, you will receive 20% off your stay.

Right across the Straight of Georgia, discover your dream vacation at the Mainstay Oasis Bed & Breakfast. Nestled in the coastal town of Port Moody, and conveniently located on the stunning waterfront, Mainstay Oasis B&B provides its guests with a luxurious vacation spot year round. With each room offering a spacious ensuite, luxury linens, and an expansive view, it is no wonder it is one of the lower mainland’s top bed and breakfasts. And better yet, book your romantic vacation today and you will get 2 nights for only $200.

Other great Bed & Breakfasts which are currently offering winter packages include Reef Point Oceanfront in Ucluelet, Courthouse Inn in Revelstoke, Villa Marco Polo in Victoria, and the Chemanius Tudor Inn Bed & Breakfast in Chemanius.

So don’t sit around waiting for summer to arrive, book your vacation today and visit one of the many fascinating British Columbia Bed and Breakfasts.

An extremely popular destination for all types of recreation seekers, Revelstoke is able to offer an adventure experience for the whole family. Whether it is a leisurely stroll through historic downtown, an afternoon hike through the flower covered meadows on Mount Revelstoke, or a thrilling ride down Revelstoke Mountain Ski Resort’s 3,121 acres of skiable terrain, you are sure to find an activity that interests you.

When travelling to the Kootenay region, and specifically Revelstoke, vacationers typically arrive with one main purpose, outdoor adventure! In the summer time visitors can experience hiking, mountain biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, and much more. And the best part is that it only gets more exciting once the first snow fall comes. With activities such as downhill, cross-country and heli skiing along with snowshoeing, tobogganing and curling right outside your front door, it is no wonder Revelstoke has become one of the most popular winter vacation destinations in Canada. The fact that is has some of Canada’s most breathtaking scenery only adds to the beauty.

The majority of this scenery comes when visiting Mount Revelstoke National Park. Containing stands of old-growth forest, and housing a small protected herd of the threatened mountain caribou as well as providing a habitat for grizzly bears, Mount Revelstoke National Park is an excuse all in itself to visit the region. And with a quick trip down the Trans-Canada Highway, one can experience the many wonders of Glacier National Park which is home to Rogers Pass and the Hemlock Grove Boardwalk Trail.

In the heart of this quaint mountain city are three spectacular Revelstoke bed and breakfasts that are awaiting your arrival. No matter what your purpose may be while visiting Revelstoke, your accommodation needs are sure to be met while you are there.

beautiful Gulf Islands scenery

Six of the most commonly visited islands include Salt Spring, Pender, Mayne, Galiano, Saturna and Gabriola. Since all of these islands are well served by ferry services and float planes, it is easy to pick up and island hop during a vacation. Not only can one take in the crisp ocean air while lounging at one of the many fantastic restaurants serving up locally grown food, you can also visit a local Gulf Islands scuba diving shop and experience some of the most stunningly beautiful marine life on the planet.  Kayaking is another favorite activity on the islands.  All of these activities are right outside your door when you take a trip to the Gulf Islands.

During your island vacation, and between the exploring and beachcombing, the Gulf Islands are home to some magnificent BC Bed and Breakfasts. Located on Gabriola Island, just a quick ferry ride from the Harbour City of Nanaimo, Wur Here B and B boasts two private suites with private entrances & kitchen areas, heated floors in the en-suite, fridge, microwave, tv/dvd, WiFi, a private deck and a shared hot tub. With many walking trails, and a well known arts & culture scene, Gabriola Island and Wur Here B & B is a must visit.

Located just south of Gabriola Island is the very popular Salt Spring Island which is home to Quarrystone House and the Anchor Point Bed & Breakfast Suite. Situated on 5 acres of land, Quarrystone House has four rooms which are located in a separate building from the main house but joined by a patio, ensuring complete privacy. All rooms have their own entrance, private patio/balcony, fireplace, jacuzi tub, WiFi, tv/dvd, fridge, microwave and robes. A full three course country breakfast is served each morning at Quarrystone House. For those possibly looking for an even more private location, the Anchor Point Bed & Breakfast Suite has a beautiful view of Ganges Harbour with a private self contained designer queen-size 1 bedroom suite with living/dining space. Enjoy the morning view during a speciality island breakfast.

So make sure to book your next island getaway to the Gulf Islands and experience the sought after island lifestyle.

For those looking to become one with the snow laden earth and crisp winter air, a 25 minute trip to the Stake Lake Nordic Centre, located south of Kamloops, may be the ultimate day-trip. With approximately 60 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, along with many showshoe trails as well, the Stake Lake Nordic Centre is a one of a kind ski destination. And if you are travelling with your best friend, a dog that is, they also offer a 5 kilometre dog friendly trail making this activity fun for the whole family.

If you are looking for more of a relaxed, comfortable and laid back experience, then maybe a horse drawn sleigh ride is more your style. With a number of different companies offering breathtaking experiences, there is never a shortage of ways to explore the vast, snowy landscape of Kamloops. And finally, if you are the adventurous type, maybe looking to provide dinner one evening, you’re in luck. With a countless amount of lakes and rivers just minutes away, the sport of ice fishing is at your finger tips. Nothing says winter like a thermos full of hot chocolate, a frozen lake and fishing pole.

Once you have spent the day exploring and playing in the fresh winter air, Kamloops is home to a number of luxurious and comfortable accommodations. Whether you want to be close to restaurants, relax on the river side, or need a larger space for the family, the Kamloops Bed and Breakfast community is first class.

Royal Bed& Breakfast, Penticton B.C.

This 4 Star B&B in a quiet suburb is located  just 5 minutes from downtown Penticton, South Okanagan Events Center, Penticton Trade and Convention Center, and the beach. On-site masseuse offers 20% discount to B&B guests. Several packages are available, or talk to your host to create your own unique special package.

Benchmark Bed & Breakfast, Naramata B.C.

This Benchmark country estate offers panoramic lake views, large suites with private entrances, swimming pool and spa, and is dramatically situated on a bluff overlooking the Naramata river and lake.

Sunflower Inn Bed & Breakfast, Christina Lake B.C.

Just 45 minutes west from Castlegar and Rossland, 2 hours east from Osoyoos and 3 hours east from Kelowna, this beautiful log home on the shore of Christina Lake is a peaceful retreat from city life for rest, relaxation, fresh air and serenity and offers three lakeview rooms.

A Apples -N- Wine B&B, Summerland B.C.

Two large luxurious AC adult oriented suites are available with private entrances/baths, luxurious beds/linens, robes & slippers, Cable VCR/DVD,  and Internet.  Enjoy views of the lake, Decks and the Hot Tub. Breakfast service offered is gourmet in the Lakeview Suite and wholesome self-catered style in the Winemaster Suite.

Then let us make the stress of Christmas shopping a bit more cheerful.  With a BC Innkeepers Guild Gift Certificate, everyone wins! When you purchase a gift certificate from the BC Innkeepers Guild, not only are you providing your loved ones with the trip of a lifetime, you are also giving the gift of relaxation, recreation, and ever lasting memories. And since they never lose their full value, and never expire, they can be enjoyed any time of the year at any BC Innkeepers’ member Bed & Breakfast inn. Below are a few properties who also offer gift certificates.

Lakeshore Bed and Breakfast, Kelowna B.C.

Located on the shores of Okanagan Lake, Lakeshore Bed and Breakfast offers the perfect combination of relaxation with a touch of recreation. Only minutes away from wineries, golf courses, and historical sites, Lakeshore Bed and Breakfast offers something for everyone. Email today for more information on gift certificates:  stay@lakeshorebb.ca 

Tourists have been flocking to the coastal towns of Tofino and Ucluelet British Columbia to observe what may possibly be the most awe-inspiring display of ocean storms in the world.

Think of all the Vancouver restaurants awaiting your discovery.

The restaurants of Vancouver, British Columbia, do this better than most. This winter, take action. Plan many trips to Vancouver BC Bed and Breakfasts, and bring an appetite.

Once settled in a BC inn, consider the first meal. Vancouver is a large, cosmopolitan city, where intrepid diners may find food from all over the world. This is fun. Yet it’s also fun to be a locavore – to fully explore all the region has to offer. Such diners will delve into plates of British Columbia seafood, bottles of British Columbia wine.

Several Vancouver restaurants build their menus around local ingredients:

• Raincity Grill. Diners have their choice of “local” at Raincity Grill. Eat from the immediate vicinity, or stretch to the 100 mile menu. Your server will be able to tell you the name of the farm that grew the vegetables and where the mussels grew. It’s a delightful culinary experience.

• West. One of the finest restaurants in the city, if not the region. Dine on Salish Sea Sockeye Salmon, Vancouver Island Octopus, and Baynes Sound Scallops. Try the six course tasting menu.

• Fishworks. The menu features more than just fish, but if you like seafood, this is a good spot for it. Try the Fishworks Paella, the Wild Salmon Wellington, or the simple Fish and Chips, done to perfection.

• Aphrodite’s Café & Pie Shop. A great spot for lunch or a casual dinner, and a great spot for anyone with food sensitivities. Ingredients are organic and come from local farms. You won’t want to leave without trying the pie.

Many Vancouver BC Bed and Breakfast innkeepers feature local ingredients in their morning meals. Be a locavore breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and savour the flavors of Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Victoria, BC Parliament building.

That said, Victoria during the holiday season is something special. Grand old buildings like the Parliament Building, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Christ Church, Craigdarroch Castle, and St. Andrew’s Cathedral dress themselves in ribbons, wreaths, and thousands of lights. Walk hand in hand down charming streets, or sit back in a horse-drawn carriage and delight in the sights as you pass slowly through the city. Victoria is a feast for the eyes any time of year, but especially during the winter holidays. Don’t miss it–book a room in your favorite Victoria, BC Bed and Breakfast soon.

Visitors and locals enjoy browsing the many shops of Market Square and Bastion Square. All are invited to pass through the majestic Gate of Harmonious Interest, the symbolic entrance to Chinatown, where wonderfully narrow Fan Tan Alley beckons intrepid explorers. The historic downtown area is small enough to thoroughly explore on foot, but large enough to house a great variety of shops, pubs, and restaurants. If holiday shopping needs to be done, it may be done with panache in Victoria.

Other Victoria attractions include:

• Butchart Gardens, which transform into a holiday winter wonderland during the month of December. There’s an outdoor ice skating rink, live music and caroling, and tens of thousands of colorful lights.

• Christmas in Old Town at the Royal BC Museum, November 18, 2011 – January 8, 2012. Experience Christmas as it was long ago.

• Helmcken House Old-Fashioned Christmas, December 17 – 24, 2011. Delight in early Victorian holiday traditions and decorations.

• Festival of Trees at The Fairmont Empress, November 22, 2011 – January 6, 2012.

Add a touch of magic to your holidays this year. Spend a few days in a Victoria, British Columbia Bed and Breakfast, and discover all this charming, historic city has to offer.