A new book by National Geographic has named Vancouver's Dr. Sun Yat-sen Garden #1 on a list of city gardens around the world. The small, but beautiful garden is rated, for instance, ahead of the Rodin Sculpture Garden in Paris. Only two other city gardens in North America were rated -- the Foster Botanical Garden in Hawaii and the Conservatory Garden in New York's Central Park. The Dr. Sun Yat-sen Garden was the first garden in the Ming Dynasty style that was created outside of China, and is located Vancouver's Chinatown, near to the city's downtown....
Dates are now set for the 2012 sailings of the nine-day, eight-night Haida Gwaii eco-cruises operated by Maple Leaf Adventures of Victoria. The company does so with a classic 28-metre schooner that sails into the Gwaii Haanas National Park Marine Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, an area rarely travelled and explored. The cruises depart from Masset, BC (returning to Sandspit, BC) on May 7, May 16, May 25, June 4 and June 13. The cost per passenger is $4,640 and includes all shore excursions, meals, accommodations and use of onboard equipment....
Hawaii travel wholesaler Condominium Connection is introducing an innovative, free travel agent service in the form of a real-time PDF client brochure creator that allows agents to select the Hawaii properties they feel are best for their clients. A PDF is created instantaneously and can be printed or e-mailed to the client. Customization includes travel agency logo (or an agent photograph), agent phone number, agent e-mail address, agent web site, client name, agent-selected recommended properties, travel agent comments and descriptions for comparisons. "This marketing tool is an easy and...
In BC's Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Bella Coola Heli Sports welcomes adventurers with three backcountry ski and snowboard lodges spread across a mass of terrain the size of the Swiss Alps. Now, the welcome is even warmer, thanks to custom-made reverse camber skis designed especially for Bella Coola Heli Sports by Whistler's Prior Manufactory. These skis feature advances in deep powder ski technology that allow lengthier runs with less stress on the knees. This is especially relevant for downhillers that take on the new Big Mountain Challenge. It gives experienced heli-skiers new mountaineering...
Banff National Park's month-long celebration of winter is set to begin with a flurry of activities during the first annual "SnowDays"festival. Developed as a destination-wide partnership, SnowDays seeks to build on the traditions of past winter carnivals while establishing new events with a fun-filled month of weekday activities and weekend festivals jam-packed with wintry adventures of all kinds. From Jan. 14 to Feb. 12, visitors to Canada's first national park will be able to enjoy an array of winter pursuits including ice climbing in downtown Banff, skating on the town's new ice rink and...
At the NorthernStar Kennels, north of Quesnel, BC, those seeking an Alaskan sled dog experience can bond with man's best friend, with in-depth instruction to equip adventurists with essential sledding skills. Patrons can hop on a sled for a short 1.5-hour traverse of the trail, or make a day of it with Mushing 101. The latter is a day-long immersion in the remote Cariboo countryside, including the basic skills of the trail, an al fresco homemade lunch and even some history of the sport....
Following The Fairmont Kea Lani's multi-million dollar pool and suite renovation, the resort's signature restaurant Ko is undergoing a complete remodel too. The new look, which will debut in March, will feature sweeping curved walls, a floating shaded roof, a dynamic action bar and more. Led by Executive Chef Tylun Pang, Ko's dishes utilize the freshest local ingredients and sustainable seafood, showcasing the ethnic diversity and culinary history of Maui. Over on the Big Island, Brown's Beach House at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii has been awarded with a 2012 AAA Four Diamond rating. One of...
At last - a sleepless night you can actually enjoy. On Feb.11 and 12, BC's Grouse Mountain will open to the public for a full 24 hours so skiers, snowboarders and hot chocolate drinkers can indulge in winter festivities to their hearts' content. The "24 Hours of Winter"event was introduced three years ago to commemorate Grouse Mountain's decision to stay open 24 hours every day throughout the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The move was intended to showcase Vancouver's finest snow sports and alpine recreation to international visitors and media from all time zones - and now, locals and...
With majestic scenery, a smorgasbord of dining experiences and wide array of outdoor activities, Vancouver is a great romantic retreat for couples this Valentine's Day. The following is a list of 10 romantic things to do in Vancouver: !!! Board the Grouse Mountain Skyride and ascend 3,700 feet above Vancouver for a romantic dinner at the Observatory Restaurant. With sweeping views of the city lights and glistening ocean, this romantic hotspot is ideal for a kiss or -- better yet -- a proposal. !!! Get in the mood with the Ritual of Two where "playful"couples treatment at Fairmont Pacific...
Granville Island is gearing up to celebrate its seventh annual Winterruption, Feb. 24-26, a truly unique Vancouver winter festival. This year, Winterruption will focus on locally acclaimed artists and cultural groups as it welcomes the community and visitors to experience the diverse arts and culture of Granville Island. The Coastal Jazz and Blues Society will once again provide an acclaimed line-up of jazz musicians, while artists' exhibits and open studios will be found around every corner of the island. After exploring the festival's offerings, recharge at one of Winterruption's featured...