Happy April Fools Day! Did you make it through the morning without somebody putting salt in your sugar bowl or plastic wrap on the toilet seat? Someone who must be feeling as if he’s living in one big, bad April Fools prank is Eliot Spitzer: MSNBC.com is reporting a new cocktail for bartenders in the Big Apple named after Eliot Spitzer. It’s served on the rocks ... just like his marriage.
That got me thinking: if the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region was a cocktail, what type would it be? I know it wouldn’t be dry, straight-up with no surprises. It would definitely have an unexpected twist. The May issue of Story Starters highlights five ways to travel Vancouver, Coast & Mountains with a twist. From undiscovered jewels of Metro Vancouver to off-the-beaten track accommodations, the May issue of Story Starters is sure to get you in the spirit. Cheers!
From castles to jail cells, travellers searching for unique sleeps have just about seen it all. But have you ever slept in a yurt? If not, a visit to Pender Harbour on the Sunshine Coast will change that. At Pender Harbour Resort, guests enjoy indoor comforts in the great outdoors. Your cozy yurt – a replica of the ones first developed in Mongolia more than 2,000 years ago – comes complete with comfortable beds, a charming dining room, and a beautiful skylight so that you can sleep under the stars. If you’re not already sold by the peaceful surroundings and affordable rates, who can resist the temptation to send a postcard home with the message: “Staying in a yurt in Pender Harbour, having a wonderful time!” For more information visit www.penderharbourresort.com
Mother’s day is right around the corner. If mom loves to travel, Mother's Day is the perfect opportunity to remind her that being a mom doesn't mean she has to give up her passion for travel. The Pan Pacific Hotel in Whistler is offering a special Mother’s Day package for the entire month of May. For CAD $299, Mom receives one night accommodation in a luxurious one bedroom suite, breakfast, flowers and chocolate dipped strawberries upon arrival, and a $100 gift certificate for the hotel spa. Or, join Mom for the weekend and upgrade the package to a two bedroom suite for an additional $100. Doesn’t Mom deserve the best? For more details visit www.panpacific.com.
All my life I’ve been told, “You need to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince.” But for all the women who truly believe that snogging amphibians will find you Mr. Right – listen up! The world is facing what may be the single largest mass extinction since dinosaurs ruled the earth: as many as half of the world’s 6,000 known amphibian species could be wiped out in our lifetimes. "Frogs Forever?" is a fascinating new exhibit at the Aquarium that spotlights the plight of the world’s frogs, with tips on how we can all help save them. The new gallery features 26 species of amphibians and interactive activities that engage, amaze and inspire visitors to care for these important creatures. Kermit the Frog was right: with ½ the world’s frog population at risk of extinction, it isn’t easy being green. Visit www.vanaqua.org to learn more.
Style, culture, history, world-class dining, oodles of retail therapy… and I’m not talking about Vancouver or Whistler. New Westminster is a little city with a big secret: it has it all. “New West” (as it’s known to locals) features several distinct shopping districts, each with its own charm. You'll be sure to find that special item while in New Westminster, from fabulous vintage finds on Front Street (Antique Alley) or 12th Street (Vintage Row), to the perfect souvenir at the Westminster Quay. Take a break from shopping to check out the Irving House Historic Centre. Step through the front door and enter the 19th Century, to revisit the splendour and grace of the pioneer days. Be sure to leave time for dinner – The Heritage Grill in the heart of historic downtown features live music 7 nights a week! After your city break in New West, Vancouver’s only thirty minutes away by Skytrain. Or, stay overnight at the Inn at Westminster Quay where all 126 guestrooms feature spectacular water views of the Fraser River. Happy shopping! Visit www.tourismnewwestminster.org for more tips.
Here’s something you don’t get to do everyday – gold panning. In 2008, British Columbia celebrates the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia. It has also been 200 years since the legendary Simon Fraser explored the Fraser River. This summer, the BC150 Rivermania festival will unite the communities along the river from Prince George to Steveston in celebration of the history and the Peoples of the Fraser River. From August 24 – September 28, 2008 a flotilla of boats will ride the Fraser River. Along the way, there will be live musical performances from local acts like Tiller's Folly, jetboat tours and, yes, even gold panning! Gold panning is a great activity that the whole family can enjoy. Enjoy the unique experience of reliving the gold rush with a panning tour on the very same river as the prospectors panned 150 years ago. Keep an eye out for a sparkle in your pan – all that glitters may, in fact, be gold! Find out more at www.bcrivermania.com
