December: It’s the month of Christmas trees and menorahs, Kwanzaa and the Winter Solstice. The days get cooler and shorter. There are big lineups, big bargains, and even bigger VISA bills. It’s as easy to predict December as it is to predict that the holiday gift from Aunt Lois that looks like a sweater and feels like a sweater will – in fact – be a hideous holiday sweater.
But did you know December’s the perfect month to visit Whistler’s only remote access wilderness retreat? How about the hush-hush location of a secret shopping wonderland only forty minutes from Vancouver? Want to know how to beat the school holiday blues? It’s all included in our December issue of Story Starters. And you thought you had December all figured out!
It’s A Wonderful Life. A Christmas Carol. Miracle on 34th Street. There’s something about a heartwarming story at Christmastime that we can’t get enough of. Just in time for the holidays is this touching tale of a woman named Clair who, after working at a prestigious law firm for over 31 years, was desperately in need of a change in her career life. On a whim, she decided to quit her job and purchase a charming 1922 heritage home to pursue her dream of becoming a B&B owner. Add a new roof, a new kitchen, and the right amount of passion and you have the heartwarming story of Clair's Bed & Breakfast in Ladner Village. Join Clair, her husband Cliff and their adorable cat Mowatt for an overnight stay that’s sure to put you in the holiday spirit. For more information visit www.clairsinnladner.com.
Forget the digital camera, the iPhone, the Nintendo Wii, there’s only one thing you want for Christmas – snow! The perfect wilderness playground for snow-lovers of all adventure levels is the Callaghan Lodge. Hidden away in the backcountry 35km (21.7 miles) from Whistler Village, Callaghan Lodge is the area's only full-service, remote access wilderness retreat. Overnight packages start at $349.00 per person and include return snow coach or snowmobile transportation to the Lodge, meals, accommodation, and the use of cross country skis, snowshoes and toboggans. Treat yourself to the Callaghan Lodge’s Heli-Ski Powder Fantasy package, 3 days of exhilarating powder skiing with a Bell 407 helicopter acting as your ski lift! Or, spend the day tobogganing and taking in the spectacular natural surroundings. For more information visit www.callaghancountry.com.
With the holiday season fast approaching, it won’t be long before parents start hearing those two dreaded words: I’m bored. Stir up excitement with winter activities on a fun family outing to Manning Park Resort. Located a short driving distance from Vancouver through beautiful Mighty Fraser Country, Manning Park Resort is a favorite spot for families and winter sport enthusiasts. From skating to snowboarding, tubing to tobogganing there’s something for everyone that’s sure to help you beat those school holiday blues. Don’t forget the family dog: Manning Park Resort is pet-friendly! Visit www.manningpark.com for more information.
You love holiday shopping. From finding the perfect present to finding the perfect parking spot, there’s nothing quite like shopping during the holidays. For the holiday shopper who’s searching for that extra special gift, a daytrip to Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast is just what Santa ordered! Gibsons is easily accessible from Vancouver (only a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay) but it seems a world away. The charm of Gibsons is next to none, and you’ll adore the variety of art galleries and special boutiques. You’ll find paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculptures, music, and genuine Native art all handcrafted by contemporary Northwest Coast artisans. It’s like your own shopping wonderland! For more information visit www.gibsonsbc.ca.
With just 60 days left in 2007, here are the best off-the-beaten path places to ring in the New Year. If loud and busy isn’t your style, book yourself into the Chilcotin Holidays Guest Ranch. Set in the remote wilderness a six hour drive from Vancouver, the beautiful Ranch lies in the very heart of the south Chilcotin Mountains. Or, if you prefer reading about the wilderness than living it, visit the Arcturus Retreat Bed & Breakfast on the Sunshine Coast. Here you can curl up with your favourite book and enjoy fresh homemade treats while admiring views of the deep blue water of Howe Sound. For fun in the snow stay at the Backcountry Adventure Club Lodge in Pemberton, the perfect base for snowmobiling, heli-skiing, dog sledding and more. Celebrate in the privacy of their 10-acre property, or join the First Night festivities in Whistler Village - only 20 minutes south of the BAC Lodge. Happy New Year! For more information visit www.chilcotinholidays.com/; www.arcturusretreat.ca/; www.baclodge.com.
