Nanaimo is one of those charming places you think you have already explored every nook and cranny and had all figured out – only to find out more interesting facets and attractions awaiting to be discovered. Being a local and a self-imposed tourist ambassador of Vancouver Island, BC, I have been and seen every attraction Nanaimo has to offer, or so I thought.
A Pleasant Surprise
Then I came across with some pretty great reviews on Newcastle Island, which piqued my curiosity. Reading comments such as “It’s the loveliest part of Nanaimo”, “Jewel of an Island” and “Amazing views!”, I thought this is something I have to personally see and experience for myself.
And so I scheduled a trip to Newcastle Island with a family member, and much to our delight, it certainly is a place of natural rugged beauty. The island is breathtaking in its stark simplicity and it’s one of those places that seem to beckon to world-weary souls.
An Accessible Sweet Escape
Newcastle Island is situated in Nanaimo Harbour, which is just mere minutes away from downtown Nanaimo, BC. You can access the island via a private boat or by Nanaimo Harbour Ferry, which leaves from Maffeo Sutton Park. the view from afar, one can easily sense its colorful history and rich character that will never fair to stir the interest of both locals and tourists.
There are a number of activities you can do on Newcastle Island, such as, hiking, biking, tent camping, swimming, picnicking, and kayaking. One of the highlights of the island is the 1930’s era pavilion, which showcases historical displays along with a concession stand and camp store. However, you have to note that there are no motorized vehicles on this island except for its grounds keeper.
Spend a Day of Leisure
You can enjoy a few hours of strolling, swimming or you can camp overnight. I particularly like the lack of posh amenities and facilities, which in a way force you to go back to the basics and spend more time interacting with your family and friends instead of being overly distracted with the fancy trappings that usually come with most vacation hotspots.
You can enjoy the view from Newcastle Island at sunset, where it sets a stage for a magnificent view of Nanaimo's boat marina and it's downtown. There are many small bays that present perfect coves for swimming and fun activities to keep kids preoccupied and happy all day long.
Without a doubt, Newcastle Island is a great refuge for people who simply want to get away from the usual hustle and bustle of the city. The great news is, you don’t need to travel far and wide to find this truly wonderful oasis.
Accommodations
There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western:
The BEST WESTERN PLUS Northgate Inn is located at the hub of Vancouver Island and offers incredible value and an ideal location to area sights and businesses. Guests enjoy beautifully appointed rooms, fully equipped with high-speed internet, refrigerator, microwave and satellite television. Select rooms feature king size beds or Jacuzzi® suites, and the BEST WESTERN PLUS Northgate Inn features meeting and banquet facilities that can accommodate up to 75 people.
Contact info: BEST WESTERN PLUS Northgate Inn, 6450 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9T 2L8, CA. Toll Free: (800) 661-0061; Local: (250) 390-2222; Fax: (250) 390-2412. Email: info@bestwesternnorthgate.com
Enjoy all that Nanaimo has to offer and please tell your friends.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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Ever heard of the McLean “Steam” Sawmill? Well, if you are planning to visit Port Alberni, BC, don’t dare miss this historical adventure. Visit the only commercial steam-operated sawmill on Vancouver Island, BC or more accurately the only one in Canada to be exact. While some people may wrinkle their nose at the thought of a seemingly “boring” excursion, you will be pleasantly surprised to know this particular attraction has a number of interesting and entertaining activities.
Steam Sawmill, What is it Exactly?
While this concept may be foreign to many, in the simplest terms, it is exactly what it says. A visit will show you how the sawmill cuts wood for demonstration purposes and puts it up for sale, you also get to personally see and enjoy the steam it generates. This is a wonderful presentation of how people used to do it back in the day and appreciate their ingenuity – most of which became the basis of the modern innovations.
Travel Back in Time
Get a glimpse of the simple life a few decades ago. You will be entertained by shows on stage performed by the resident Tin Pants Theatre Company. History comes to life at the Nikkei Theatre daily. In addition, you can also see various restored logging equipment within the site such as logging trucks, lumber carriers, graders and even a steam donkey. If you have kids in tow, it can be a treat to witness all these large trucks up close.
A walk around the site will allow you to experience being transported back in time as you enter the old original buildings. But the entertainment is not solely for adults. Children will also get to experience and learn through stories about the characters from the past and even interact with some puppets. Visitors of any age are sure to get a sense of what kind of life people lived in the past in this camp.
Other Great Attractions
After enjoying your adventure, you can dig in to a sumptuous meal at the Steam Pot Café, which presents a perfect end to a wonderful day. If you want to purchase gifts and souvenir items, make sure to drop by the Mill Store before heading back home. Take a piece of history with you or at the very least what it represents.
About McLean Mill
With a pioneering get-it-done attitude and a showcase of sheer inventiveness, the McLean Mill was run from 1926 to 1965 by R.B. McLean and his three sons. One can say that such attributes really commemorate the history of saw milling. In fact, the mill was named a National Historic Site in British Columbia in 1989. Even though it is just a typical mill in a remote sawmill complex and coastal lumber camp the thing that makes the site so memorable, are the people who worked there, which gave the whole place an endearing character of its own.
The land where the sawmill is located was donated by Macmillan Bloedel. To name a few, Forest Renewal BC, Heritage Canada, BC Community Futures, the BC Heritage Trust, the City of Port Alberni and the Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot are the different establishments and institutions supporting and funding the site in order for it to be fully restored from 1995 up to the present day
Accommodations
The quaint town of Port Alberni never fails to draw in tourists mainly because of its charming beauty and friendly locals. No wonder it remains to be a prime Vancouver Island travel destination. If you are planning to visit the place, make sure to make all the necessary preparations to ensure a comfortable stay, starting with booking your accommodations ahead of time.
There are a number of great places to stay in Port Alberni as well as its neighboring cities, including our sponsor, BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel:
BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel
4277 Stamp Avenue, Port Alberni,
British Columbia V9Y 7X8
Phone: 250/724-7171 | Fax: 250/724-9691
Any type of vacation starts with a luxury accommodation. You can easily find that comfortable haven in Barclay Hotel. Known as the largest full facility hotel in the area, it boasts a full host of modern convenience and facilities all available to make your stay memorable.
After a long day of adventure, sink into the plush beds in any of the well-appointed guest rooms. More than just a place to stay, the hotel has strived to provide a welcoming place that never fails to attractive tourists and local guests. In fact, a number of its business is generated through word of mouth and various recommendations.
Whether it’s a short trip, or you’re in for a full week of sightseeing and tour, Barclay Hotel is definitely the most ideal place to stay.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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If you love food you then you will want to add a visit to the Comox Valley to your list of things to do! You will find many ways to entertain your taste buds in this thriving community of chefs, farmers, vintners and foodies.
Here are a few ways you can explore all the Comox Valley has to offer:
- Come and fill your basket at our Farmer's Market where you will find fresh garden produce, locally made artisanal foods such as award winning cheeses to tasty tamales, excellent fresh-baked breads and pastries, fish from local fishers, tender lamb, bison, beef, venison, goat and pork fed on valley grains and grasses, and so much more. Saturday markets are year around and often feature live entertainment. Please check our website for location and times based on season.
- Take a cooking/dinner class from one of the regions many great chefs, organized by Beyond The Kitchen Door
- Buy fresh fish direct from fisherman at the wharf, availability varies, boats in after 5 pm
- Take a tour with Island Gourmet Trails and meet a few of the artisan food producers, farmers, wine makers or brew masters of the Comox Valley. The tour may include a brewery or fruit winery, a seafood processing plant, a chocolatier, a coffee roasting house and/or traditional bakery. Plus you will enjoy a gourmet buffet picnic showcasing some of the best food produced in the region.
- Spend an afternoon wine tasting with one of our growing list of local wineries gathering acclaim, such as Beaufort, Blue Moon, and 40 Knots. Prefer something stronger? Take a tour and a taste at Shelter Point Distillery.
The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre offers a Culinary Tour Package for 2 people that includes a day tour with Island Gourmet Trails, one night accommodation, hot breakfast, and one $50 gift card for The Flying Canoe West Coast Pub. Starting at $218 per person.
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Be a Part of a Great Cause – the Fashion Inferno 10!
Since childhood, fire fighters have been viewed as local heroes. It’s no wonder, most kids at some point wanted to be one, with me included. Watching them in action is simply awe inspiring. But when taken to a different level, that’s definitely something else.
If you are from Campbell River, BC, one of the great Vancouver Island travel destinations all year around, then take part in one of the great events for a cause during your visit.
Fashion for a Great Cause
Fire fighters have their own way of raising funds for the benefit of the community. For about ten years now, the members of IAFF Local 1668, and the Campbell River Fire Fighters have done this activity. On March 3rd 2012, in partnership with the Campbell River community and together with the support of the BC Professional Fire Fighters, they will be hosting the Fashion Inferno event.
This Event, done yearly in Campbell River, on North Vancouver Island, BC – is an occasion to celebrate Fire Fighters, solely dedicated to the people in the community. Specifically, it is called Fashion Inferno 10! For more details you can call via phone through 250-286-6266. This is located at the Campbell River Community Centre at 401-11th Avenue.
It’s a Popular Annual Event
Tickets to this annual fundraiser always gets sold out right away so make sure you get your tickets as early as possible so you won’t miss this event. The event showcases both a silent and live auction; there is dinner plus drinks and best of all, the fashion show.
Of course, this fundraiser’s proceeds will go to the BC Professional Firefighter’s benefit for their Burn Fund. The ticket cost is affordable ranging from $50.00 each or if you want to go as a group or as a family, or you may purchase a table with 10 seats for only $400.00. To buy the tickets, contact Stewart Dumont at 205-203-8311 or just go directly to the #1 Fire Hall in Campbell River.
Celebrating A Decade of Dedicated Service
“Preventing Victims, Empowering Survivors!” This is the theme for the event by the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund established 1978. The Burn Fund extends life supporting, life saving and life enriching services to the people in BC. From fifty communities, there are more than 3,700 enlisted fire fighters in British Columbia along with Yukon who are striving to further the fund’s vision. Their skills and time are highly dedicated to the burn survivors and as well as to strengthen the community’s knowledge about fire safety and all issues about fire along with its Burn Awareness, Research and Prevention Programs.
Accommodations
Campbell River attracts tourists all year round. So if you are planning to visit the area, make sure to book your accommodations ahead of time to ensure a comfortable stay. One of the best options includes one of our major sponsors, the BEST WESTERN PLUS, Austrian Chalet:
BEST WESTERN PLUS Austrian Chalet
462 S Island Highway, Campbell River, British Columbia V9W 1A5
Phone: 250/923-4231 | Fax: 250/923-2840
The Austrian Chalet is easily one of the finest accommodations you can find in Campbell River, BC. In fact, it is the widely preferred places to stay mainly for tourists and executives while on business trips not only for its world-class amenities and premier services, include modern conference centre, business centre and meeting rooms. It has also established itself as the ideal family-friendly hotel that offers comfortable accommodations at reasonable rates.
Located just a several minutes away from the beautiful Pacific Ocean beaches, you can only expect the utmost convenience and comfort, all at close proximity to many of the popular attractions around area. All guest rooms are also well-appointed with a host of modern conveniences, complemented with magnificent views of the ocean.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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If you get the chance to visit Cowichan Valley, BC, there are actually some of the best and the top local artisans there, ready to blow your mind with their various works of art. Some of the famous ones include Mary Fox Pottery, Jo Ludwig and Ken Broadland. These three have certainly taken their craft into a whole new level.
Whether you are looking for an eye catching addition for your home or for your personal collection, feast your eyes on the masterpieces that take up different forms – from ceramics, wood and glass. It’s no wonder Cowichan Valley is slowly carving its name as the ultimate collector’s haven in Vancouver Island, BC.
Mary Fox Pottery
One exciting way to enjoy your life is through contemplating works of art. Mary Fox, a popular local ceramic artist, offers you beautiful vessels for you to appreciate and perhaps flaunt as stunning centerpieces in your home.
Mary Fox, at a very young age of 13, had already ventured into creating magnificent ceramic pieces.????? She has focused on making beautiful forms that depict mostly subtle methods and simple lines, these wonderful art pieces are truly worth owning.
She mentions that she has yet to grow weary of any aspect of her works. Full of inspiration and energy, she loves going to her studio everyday making bowls, mugs, casseroles and jugs. She always bears in mind that the designs she makes have a variety of colours, designed to suit every buyer’s preference and whim.
Exhibiting regularly in the international and national markets and events, what is important for Mary Fox is that all her works were done with contemplation in mind. She finds great joy observing people view and appreciate her work. You can actually select either from her decorative or functional works of art.
Mary Fox Pottery -- Ceramic Artist
Address: 321 3rd Avenue, Ladysmith, BC
Phone: 250-245-3778
Website: http://www.maryfoxpottery.com/
Business Hours: Tuesday-Saturday
Jo Ludwig
Another popular local artist is Jo Ludwig who came to Canada in 1977. He makes glass craft vessels. Jo completed a Heavy Duty Mechanic apprenticeship in 1983 and then enrolled in a Philosophy Honours program in 1986 at the University of Alberta. He then decided to pursue Philosophy of Art, as a postgraduate degree. Jo opened KilnArt Glass Studio with his wife Peggy Brackett when they moved to Victoria, BC in March 1997.
Jo Ludwig’s works on fine craft glass vessels and has been especially known from his work on Things of Beauty (TOBs). In addition, he also makes lighting fixtures and architectural glass panels. Lastly, he works on larger vessels when he is not making TOBs, which are inspired mostly by Frank Lloyd Wright, and some Jugendstiel artists such as, Egon Schiele and Gustave Klimt, Piet Mondriaan and recently by Norval Morrisseau.
Jo Ludwig -- Craft Glass Vessels
Address: 1588 Adelaide St., Crofton, BC
Phone: 250-246-3991
Website: www.kilnartglass.com
Studio visits welcome by appointment
Ken Woodland
A retired Conservation Officer, Ken enjoys turning salvaged wood into useful items. He has eighteen years of experience in lathe-turning, he has the ability to determine trees with character and strength, and picture the finished work within the log. Ken then forms the final designs through practical and simple methods, which allows nature’s beauty to speak from the wood itself.
Ken works on different types of trees, most from southern Vancouver Island, but mainly showcases Arbutus and Maple, since these trees are popular with customers because of their character. His specialty is not only servers and salad bowls but he also produces hand-crafted and lathe-turned things such as kitchen utensils, lidded containers, cutting boards, artistic pieces and coasters. These magnificent creations are displayed in Ken’s post-and-beam studio located west of Duncan, right beside his log home.
Ken Broadland – Woodturner
5846 Curry Rd. (off Gibbins Rd.), Duncan, BC
Phone: 250.746.5480
Website: www.heartwoodstudio.ca
Open year round by appointment
Accommodations
If you are planning to visit one of the popular Vancouver Island travel destinations, especially for art connoisseurs and collector’s, make sure to book your accommodations ahead of time for superior convenience. There are actually a number of wonderful places to stay in Cowichan Valley and its neighboring cities. One of the established and widely preferred is BEST WESTERN Cowichan Valley Inn:
BEST WESTERN Cowichan Valley Inn
6474 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan, British Columbia V9L 6C6
Local: (250) 748-2722 Fax: (250) 748-2207
Email: info@cowichanvalleyinn.com
The ultimate travelers and tourist haven, the Cowichan Valley Inn strives to provide the best convenience at reasonable rates. Whether you on a business trip needing access to a conference centre and meeting rooms, or you are simply keen on enjoying a weekend getaway, this is your home away from home.
From well-appointed guest rooms, to luxuriously furbished amenities, friendly hotel staff – you name it, Cowichan Valley Inn is committed to ensuring your utmost convenience and comfort.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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Play Finders Keepers at Mineral World & Scratch Patch in Sidney, BC
Recognized as one of the best state-of-the-art establishments in Canada, Mineral World is a unique venture in retail with its stone works of art, unique giftware, beautiful jewelries, fossils, school and community programs, Earth and Science exhibits and of course, their most well known Scratch Patch area.
It’s easily one of the most popular and fun Vancouver Island travel attractions all year round, and why not? People of all ages love to getting the chance to look for rare minerals and gems which they keep for free. If you want to get your hands on a few pieces of your own, better head down to Sidney, BC.
Launch a Treasure Hunt at Scratch Patch
When we discuss about the Scratch Patch area, it refers to a labyrinth of outdoor activities of shells, gold panning, gemstones and fossil digging. What is best is, it is absolutely free to visit. Jade, agate, amethyst, jasper and many are others are the gems that you could hunt and choose as your own treasure when you purchase a collector’s bag in the Scratch Patch area. Yes, you only pay for the bag! How cool is that?
The Scratch Patch can also be a family gold panning and gemstone adventure. It is specifically designed to let everyone enjoy and experience an adventure land full of magic and wonders through gems. It is where you will learn what it’s like to hunt and collect treasures.
A Garden of Gems and Minerals
Basically, the area is comprised of almost all of the gems around the world. Set like a garden right beside the sea, it is about 1800 square feet containing a pond of shells, two pools for gold panning and a pile of precious gemstones like amethyst, jasper and tigereye and about 80 varieties more. When there is nothing more to do, especially during hot summer days, you can just enjoy the cold stream and pick up tropical shells that you can just put in your bag.
All in all, you can enjoy the sea breeze, listen to the voices of the seagulls as you sit down, relax and feel in sync with nature. To somehow set the mood, you can also experience the lazy moment of the Scratch Patch. Once you get home, you might also want to identify the gemstones that you have collected and who knows it might be an amazing discovery for you to keep. Some discoveries were in fact about 400 million years old.
The Art of Hunting for Gemstones
Even though there is not an entrance fee, in order to collect a wide array of selections out of minerals, you must buy the collector’s bag for either $6.00, $8.00 or the largest one at $10.00 so that whatever you fill in the bag, it is going to be yours to keep! As you can imagine, a lot of people have learned of this. It is usually a family activity appealing from 6-year olds to the grannies. In fact, a lot of grandparents go back, purchase a bag for themselves and have fun without bringing their grandchildren along the second time.
It takes approximately 20 minutes to fill a bag if you rush it, but just take your time – you have the whole day to spend. The staff wouldn’t mind at all. So, what are you waiting for? The more you continually go back to the place, the more chances of getting more and more types and varieties of gemstones that you can collect and treasure. What do you think of a star sapphire?
Accommodations
When it comes to visiting one of the lovely places in the entire Vancouver Island, BC, it is generally best to book ahead of time to avoid the tourist crowd. There are a string of wonderful places to stay in Sidney, among the most popular ones include one of our major sponsors, BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn:
BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn
2306 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 1X2
Phone: 250/656-4441 | Fax: 250/655-1351
If you are looking for great accommodations at reasonable rates, the Emerald Isle Motor Inn presents the ideal place to stay. It is the ultimate accommodation of choice for large groups and families.
Located a mere 5-minute drive from Victoria International Airport, along with other ports and terminals, Emerald Isle Motor Inn is highly accessible and easy to locate. For tourists searching for comfortable and affordable place to stay, this one is definitely on top of the list .
A short ride from Emerald Isle Motor Inn will take you to some of the major tourist destinations such as the Butchart Gardens, the Butterfly Gardens, the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre and Centre of the Universe Observatory, Church & State Winery, among others.
The guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed basic modern conveniences. In addition, the inn also features a number of wonderful amenities that are all designed to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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When looking for that unparalleled comfort and privacy well away from the crowd and the city, you should visit Chesterman Beach Bed and Breakfast Suites and Cottage in Tofino, BC. One of the most beautiful beaches in the area, it beckons locals and tourists to stay and spend a tranquil weekend.
A Tranquil Haven
Like most people, I feel the need to getaway every once in a while just to avoid the stifling hustle and bustle of the city. And when it comes to a weekend of rest and relaxation, no matter what time of year, the beach will always be the ideal place for me.
For couples looking for a romantic place to spend their special events, this definitely makes it on top of the list for highly recommended places. It is also ideal for families who simply want to enjoy a weekend to have fun and frolic or watch the day go by.
I had a chance to spend a week at the beach a few years ago. The wonderful haven offered at Chesterman Beach, and some time alone definitely does wonders to the soul. If you have not personally tried it, make sure to include it on your bucket list.
Create Great Memories
Each tourist can look forward to creating and experiencing great memories the whole year-round at Chesterman Beach Bed and Breakfast. The amazing tree-lined resort is at close proximity to Pacific Rim National Park. It offers a breathtaking view of the rolling surf and a magnificent oceanfront resort that makes it a premium place to stay.
You can also see the gray whales off shore or revel in a sun-warmed breeze. Experience the rumbling sound of the world-famous winter storms with its window-rattling power during the storm season. Aside from that, the sunsets and sunrises are truly one-of-a-kind so prepare yourself to be thrilled and titillated.
Other Great Activities in Tofino
Get involved with sport fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, kayaking and surfing, which are the most popular outdoor activities in Tofino. Long invigorating walks and tide-pool exploration are also some of the wonderful opportunities that the sandy beaches of Tofino can offer. After enjoying the activities and hunger comes to your senses, Tofino has a wide array of eateries ready to satisfy your palette and of course that visit would not be complete without going to the famous SOBO restaurant, where every food lover can enjoy a world-class meal. Aside from food, Tofino also has bookstores, galleries and a gift shop for you to buy souvenir items of your visit.
Storm watching is also another attraction when visiting Tofino. Conveniently located on Vancouver Island’s West Coast, because of the winter conditions, wind and rainstorms make a spectacular view. You can have a very good vantage point on the oceanfront.
The Tofino waters provide the best outdoor saltwater fishing adventures especially when done between April and September. Steelhead and trout as well as world-class salmon fishing are among the best fish provided by the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound. Halibut fishing are also the best for offshore fishing in the summer months. Furthermore, shellfish and crab are also abundantly available in the area. And if you want to know more, Tofino has a lot of fishing charter operators to help you as well.
Wildlife watching, bird watching and boating are the highly recommended activities when you are in Tofino. You can see seals, whales, black bears, sea lions, seabirds and eagles in the entire West Coast of Vancouver Island. They can be best seen while you are on the boat tour. There is also an existing protected habitat for birds located in Clayoquot Sound. World-class birds bring great opportunities while you are in Tofino especially while on land based trips to canoe and boat tours.
With all these great attractions, it’s no wonder Tofino remains to be one of the popular Vancouver Island travel destinations.
Accommodations
With a full array of wonderful activities to do in Tofino, Vancouver Island, BC, mae sure to book your accommodations ahead of time to ensure a comfortable stay. One of the premium options includes one of our sponsors, BEST WESTERN Tin Wis Resort Lodge:
BEST WESTERN Tin Wis Resort Lodge
Box 389 1119 Pacific Rim Highway
Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0
Phone: 250/725-4445 | Fax: 250/725-4447
Known as the premier place to stay in Tofino, the Tin Wis Resort Lodge offers a very best of luxury living as an ideal beachfront hotel. All guest rooms are well appointed with fully equipped with modern conveniences and highly advanced facilities that are designed to ensure a comfortable stay.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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Good Coffee, Great Crowd, Superb Location – Served Hot at the Harbor Quay
I have done a lot of traveling and know that most vacations are typically spent at a breakneck pace – constantly keeping up with an itinerary, dashing here and there to check out places to see, sample local dishes and everything else in between. Not particularly relaxing, eh? Which is why its practical to spend at least a full week at a certain destination to enjoy the sights and sounds at an unhurried pace.
Watch the World Go By
For locals and tourists looking for a great place in Port Alberni, BC to simply while the day away, shopping, eating and simply relaxing with friends, Harbor Quay is definitely the ideal place to be. Take leisurely walks and enjoy the fresh sea breeze as you venture from shop to shop. When sampling wonderful local treats, make sure to pick a table outside, that way you can enjoy lunch or dinner with a spectacular sight overlooking the Canal.
The Harbor Quay is a vibrant district located in downtown Port Alberni, on a bustling strip right along the waterfront. You can find a conglomeration of fine restaurants, galleries and specialty shops, which make it a favorite hangout for both locals and tourists alike. You can spend a full day of fun, without the constant need to rush.
Top 5 Harbor Quay Attractions
I recently had a chance to visit again and spend a lazy afternoon at the Harbor Quay. Since my last stopover about two years a go, it’s comforting to notice that while there are many changes here and there, the old familiar charm of the place still remained.
For tourists, here are some personal recommendations of the great things you can do here to pass the time:
1. Enjoy the view. Climb up the Clock Tower at the Quay and enjoy a breathtaking seagull’s view of the magnificent Alberni Inlet.
2. Take a short trip. Get down to the Lady Rose to take a trip down the Canal. This one is truly wonderful during sunny days.
3. Go shopping. Check out what this stroller’s paradise has to offer with its string of shops, galleries and restaurants.
4. Grab a bite at the Donut Shop. This is a small hole-in-the-wall store where you can sample the best maple donut! Offering 22 varieties of different flavored fresh homemade donuts, they have been known to offer the best donuts on Vancouver Island. Whether you are a donut lover or not, don’t leave without grabbing a bite or two.
5. Indulge your sweet tooth. Take home a few succulent treats by dropping by at Sugar Shack, where you can find a wide selection of Belgian chocolates and gourmet candies.
For information on how to get here, check out Vancouver Island travel .
Accommodations
When planning to stay at Port Alberni, you will discover there are a number of great accommodations available to suit every budget. If you are longer for more bang for your bucks, check out one of our sponsors, BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel:
BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel
4277 Stamp Avenue, Port Alberni,
British Columbia V9Y 7X8
Phone: 250/724-7171 | Fax: 250/724-9691
Every vacation should start with a premium accommodation. The Barclay Hotel is the largest full facility hotel you can find in Port Alberni, BC. If you seek optimum convenience of modern facilities and world-class service, you can find it right at the heart of the city. The hotel boasts onsite cold beer and wine store as well as a sports and grill bar and sauna.
If you are traveling on a business, you will also find that the hotel is fully equipped with large meeting rooms that are perfect for banquets, small conventions, parties and business meetings.
Whether you are traveling for work or leisure, you will surely find Barclay Hotel more than able to provide you the services you need to meet your exacting requirements.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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A Celebration of Music at Its Finest with Joe Trio, Tofino, BC
Over the years, music concerts and shows have continued to be a favorite attraction among locals and tourists alike in Tofino, BC on Vancouver Island. Given the predilection to fine music, a string of concerts are slated this year in Tofino. Among the firsts to kickstart the year was Joe Trio, who recently performed last January 28, at the Clayoquot Sound Community Theatre. Tickets were sold at $20.
For informatiom on how to get here, please check our Vancouver Island Travel page.
A Great Turnout
As expected, the event was well attended. Joe Trio is a popular group known to play traditional music in a most un-traditional way to the delight and fascination of many. They are clearly the new breed of musicians who have successfully gone ahead and elevated music to a whole new level.
The group, composed of Charles Inkman, Cameron Wilson and Allen Stiles serenaded Tofino playing the violin, piano and cello. The concert showcased a classical repertoire of new works by various contemporary composers and a highlight of their own arrangements of the popular Rock and Jazz tunes.
Breaking the Mold
Since their debut, the group has successfully carved a name and established a strong following with their refreshing, out of the box take on music. Keen on not being neatly categorized, they have brought a whole new twist to music with their versatility and diversity.
But mind you, the night was not only filled with great music, as it was also peppered with laughter, which seemed to be a great natural progression as the evening wore on. They have managed to inject a bit of their quirky humor and unpredictability that brought a round of chuckles every now and then.
All in all, it was a successful event that gave its attendants good value for their money. The Tofino concert scene is definitely well and alive, and both locals and tourists can certainly look forward to more great shows in the coming months.
For informatiom on how to get here, please check our Vancouver Island Travel page.
Accommodations
If you are planning to visit Tofino in Vancouver Island, BC, whether for a short stopover or a weekend getaway, you will be delighted to know there are a number of great hotels and inns that can readily provide premium accommodation. If you are looking of a place to stay in Tofino, check out one of our sponsors, BEST WESTERN Tin Wis Resort Lodge:
BEST WESTERN Tin Wis Resort Lodge
Box 389 1119 Pacific Rim Highway
Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0
Phone: 250/725-4445 | Fax: 250/725-4447
Recognised as one of the premiere places to stay in Tofino, the Tin Wis Resort Lodge redefines luxury living as a premium beachfront hotel. All guest rooms are fully equipped with modern conveniences and advanced facilities to cater to your every whim and fancy. Whether you are visiting the city for business or pleasure, you can sure to find everything you need to ensure a comfortable stay.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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There are fine pieces of arts you can appreciate in museums, and then there are those you can find in the most unlikely places. Who would have ever thought you could create stunning works of art with a chainsaw? It’s hard enough for any ordinary person to wield such heavy and dangerous equipment, much less use it to make an intricate masterpiece with great attention to detail. Not quite sure what I’m talking about? Visit Forbidden Studios & Outdoor Gallery and see for yourself.
I have heard a lot of rave feedback from friends about chainsaw carving, which of course, prompted me to include it in my must-see places in Courtenay, BC. Several months later, the opportunity finally presented itself, when I also had a scheduled business trip to the area. The detour sure paid off. The place, along with its collection of twisted, quirky art forms were pure delight.
Not Your Regular Gallery
Nestled just along the side of the Brown River in Courtenay on Vancouver Island, you will discover a little piece of paradise. I’d personally like to think it’s very much of a fantasy world for adults as it is for kids. Several strides into the place, I was immediately greeted by beautifully painted garden rocks and chainsaw carvings. The place was practically teeming with art – in that eccentric, charming kind of way.
If you do get to visit the place, make sure to bring along your kids. Their vivid imagination will certainly run wild here.
Chainsaw artists Kevin Lewis and Angela Kroeker actually carve out British Columbian, and Canadian wood, with the skillful flicks of their chainsaws. The images were simply stunning, and the attention to detail could easily rival those made with chisels.
I found out Kevin has 15 years of experience working as a chainsaw artist, and specializes in carving mythical creatures such as tree spirits, faeries and dragons. He also has a fine collection of carved eagles, frogs, bears, all of which mostly made use of bird’s eye yellow cedar and birds eye maple. This talent has taken him all over Vancouver Island, BC and other key areas in Canada.
Other Great Attractions
Much to my dismay, I soon discovered that the two and a half hours I had allotted for the visit was simply not enough to fully enjoy what the place has to offer. For those planning to visit, consider blocking off a whole afternoon to visit Forbidden Studios & Outdoor Gallery to allow leisurely appreciation of every beautiful detail.
Aside from the outdoor carving gallery, the trail will also lead you to the sewing/upholstery area, where you also have a chance to observe other craftsmen in action. There is also a Sole Comfort Reflexology Studio, which presents a welcome respite for tired, achy feet of tourists after hours of walking. They also feature Dream Shapers Hair Studio, if you fancy snipping off some locks.
Over all, the visit turned out to be more than I expected and proved a worthwhile visit, especially for families.
Address:
Forbidden Studios & Outdoor Gallery
4010 Forbidden Plateau Rd.
Courtenay, BC V9J 1P9
Phone: 250-338-1603
Email: forbiddenstudios@yahoo.ca
Web: www.forbiddenstudiosoutdoorgallery.com
www.kevinlewiscarvings.ca
Accommodations
When planning to visit Courtenay, make sure to book your accommodations well ahead of time. You will discover that the area has a number of great places to stay, including one of our sponsors, BEST WESTERN PLUS The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre:
BEST WESTERN PLUS The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre
1590 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, British Columbia V9N 2K4
Phone: 250/338-7741 | Fax: 250/338-5442
Are you traveling for business or for leisure? Whatever the case may be, you will find the Westerly Hotel fully equipped to provide you all the modern conveniences you have come to expect from a premium hotel. Enjoy full-service accommodation at its finest right at the heart of the Comox Valley.
Guest rooms provide spectacular views and are fully furnished with flat screen televisions and walk in showers. They also provide free Internet access and cable satellite TV.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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