‘Twas 3 weeks before Christmas – well - 3 weeks and 1 day
And 2008 was just one month away
The travel writers were suffering from the end-of-year blues
The best stories were written and they had nothing to use
When what to their wondering eyes should appear
But the latest issue of Story Starters for the New Year:
“From Burnaby, to Brackendale, to Lund, and to Lytton,
Whistler, and Richmond, and Gibsons, and Mission,
We have ideas about festivals, events and celebrations
From travelling on a budget to new foodie destinations
We hope you will find an idea that’s just right
Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good write!”
Calling all foodies! There’s a new destination for travellers in search of unique gourmet experiences surrounded by outstanding natural beauty - the Sunshine Coast! Spence on the Coast in Sechelt held its Grand Opening this summer and features delicious favourites like ‘Pistachio Crusted French Brie’ and ‘Soft Baked Wild Salmon Fillet’. The Alchemist: A Journey Home is Powell River’s newest restaurant. Former Powell River resident Erin Hotston and her chef partner Francois Lessard carefully chose the name to symbolize Erin’s return to her hometown after many years of travelling abroad. The Boardwalk Restaurant in Lund realizes the dream of its Australian owners, Ian Thomason and Catherine Burton, who moved to Lund on a whim. 15,000 kilometers later they’re delighting guests with their delicious west coast cuisine and picturesque setting overlooking Lund Harbour. A trip to the Sunshine Coast is guaranteed to be gastronomic love at first bite! Visit www.spenceonthecoast.com, www.alchemistrestaurant.com, and www.theboardwalkrestaurant.ca.
January is the perfect time of year to spot the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region’s most famous feathered friend – the Bald Eagle. Join in the fun at the Brackendale Winter Eagle Festival & Count, which runs throughout the month of January. Brackendale, the halfway point between Vancouver and Whistler, boasts the title "The World Eagle Capital" and is home to a world record count of 3769 wintering American Bald Eagles. The Festival includes guest lecturers and musical events. You can watch one of nature’s most awesome spectacles from land or take part in an Eagle Safari and travel down river in an expedition-class raft. Don’t forget the camera! For more information visit www.brackendaleartgallery.com
Brunette’s the new blond. Rouge is the new black. And economical tourism is the new eco-tourism. Although most people associate eco-tourism with green, environmentally responsible travel, Vancouver-based West Trek Tours is redefining eco as economical. With the Canadian dollar reaching the highest level in decades, travelers are looking to stretch their dollars and a trip with West Trek Tours is the perfect solution. With tours departing Vancouver for Whistler and Mt. Seymour (among other fabulous destinations) West Trek Tours offers a unique, truly Canadian adventure that’s guaranteed to fit your budget. Visit www.westtrek.com for details.
The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia has launched a new guided tour that’s sure to please anyone who enjoys food, history, or the history of food! The new tour, called "A Matter of Taste: Ceramics and Culinary Connections", explores the links between the Museum’s exceptional collection of 15th-19th century European ceramics and the foods upon which they would have been served. The Koerner collection of European ceramics is a world-class collection of over 600 pieces made between 1500 and 1900. Following the tour you will have the opportunity to taste a sampling of foods of 16th and 17th century Europe. The cost is $10 per person (fee includes admission to all Museum galleries). For more information visit www.moa.ubc.ca.
There are New Yorkers who have never visited the Statue of Liberty, Parisians who have never been atop the Eiffel Tower, and even Vancouverites who have never explored their own spectacular backyard. We take pride in watching tourists and our visiting friends enjoy the attractions and beauty of our home, but if the last time you visited the Fort Langley National Historic Site was on your Grade 5 fieldtrip, well, it’s time to become a tourist in your own backyard! Pick up a See Vancouver & Beyond Smartvisit Card and access over 50 of the region’s best attractions. You can visit the Canadian Museum of Flight in Langley, the Greater Vancouver Zoo in Aldergrove, and the Power House at Stave Falls in Mission all for one low price. With exclusive winter deals on now, visit www.seevancouvercard.com for more details.
