It’s finally here – my favourite time of year! What’s the best thing about summer? The sunshine, the longer hours, the outdoor BBQs… and finding out what made Oprah’s list of “What’s Hot This Summer”. On the list this year: the Mar-a-Lago Turkey Burger, a portable pen filled with nail polish, and a new weekender bag by Toss Designs – the perfect travel companion for your next trip to the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region.
It’s going to take more than Oprah's new favorite bag to get you to visit Vancouver, Coast & Mountains, you say? Well, that’s where the August issue of Story Starters comes in.
Happy writing!
Imagine sailing through beautiful coastal waters that boast an abundance of marine life, including sea lions, porpoises and orcas. You find a tiny fishing harbour where you tie up and enjoy the sunset while sipping a glass of chardonnay. Sound like the life of the extraordinarily wealthy? Boating is one of the great pleasures of summer, but many people are put off by the hefty price tag that comes along with the sport. But there’s good news – you don’t have to own a megayacht to afford a boating trip on BC’s Sunshine Coast. Beautiful Desolation Sound Provincial Marine Park is one of the finest sailing playgrounds in the world and, best of all, it’s affordable! The Marine Park has more than 60 km (37 miles) of shoreline, several islands, numerous small bays and snug coves for you to explore. If you prefer to be in the water than on it, try renting a sea kayak from Terracentric Coastal Adventures – rentals start at only $69 per adult. The warm waters of the park are also ideal for swimming or scuba diving. Back on land, spend the night on the cheap at SunLund campground in Lund. Or, treat yourself to a taste of luxury at Sevilla Island Resort. And with anchorages with enchanting names like Prideaux Haven and Grace Harbour, who needs the Cote d’Azur? Bon voyage! Visit www.vcmbc.com for more details on spectacular Desolation Sound.
Forget the 100 mile diet: with access to an abundance of delicious fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, grains, and more, Metro Vancouverites and Fraser Valley residents abide by the 30 mile diet. The World Watch Institute reports that the average food item eaten in North America has traveled 2500-4000 km from farm to table. By supporting local growers and suppliers you help the environment, reducing your carbon-footprint by limiting the amount of shipping and fuel consumption needed to get the seasonal foods to you. So, on your next visit to Vancouver, Coast & Mountains do your part for the environment and taste the 30 mile diet for yourself. August is a great time to start: apricots, blackberries, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, Chinese vegetables, melons, mushrooms, peaches, pears, raspberries, strawberries, summer squash and more are all available in BC in August. Need one more reason to try the 30 mile diet this August? On August 17, 2008, Sea to Sky's signature agritourism event Slow Food Cycle Sunday is back. From 9am – 4pm, join the pedal-powered trip through picturesque Pemberton Meadows farmland to meet local growers and sample produce fresh from the field. Now that’s fast food! For more information on Slow Food Cycle Sunday visit www.slowfoodcyclesunday.com.
Friday August 8, 2008 is set to be a busy day for weddings – happy couples around the world are eager to tie the knot on the unique and lucky date of 8/8/08. But if you didn’t book a venue in time (with 40,000 couple set to marry on 8/8/08, most venues have been triple-booked for years) don’t worry: there are plenty of ways to have a unique, memorable wedding without the triple-eights. If you love the outdoors, say ‘I will’ to Kumsheen Rafting Resort in Lytton. Don’t think white water rafting and weddings go together? They do at Kumsheen Rafting Resort. The newly renovated Nicomen House is the perfect place to exchange marriage vows, with a beautiful deck that overlooks the river and falls. It's located about half way between Spences Bridge and Lytton, which regularly records some of Canada’s hottest temperatures. Lytton’s scenic and romantic views make your special day even more breathtaking. As any bride will tell you, a wedding is all about the details. From flowers to salt shakers, each detail needs to be carefully planned and the helpful staff at Kumsheen are up to the challenge. Best of all, after taking the plunge on a rafting trip through the 18 legendary rapids known as the Devil's Gorge, your first year of marriage will be a piece of cake! For more details on a white water wedding visit www.kumsheen.com.
In August 2008, British Columbians celebrate our province’s birthday – we’re turning 150! And as so much of BC’s history is linked to the maritime industry, where better to celebrate than at the 5th Annual Richmond Maritime Festival? Richmond's traditional connections with the sea will be celebrated with a classic wooden boat show, sea shanties and much more at the annual Festival. There will be a variety of maritime exhibits and demonstrations, such as oar making, canoe building, knot tying, rope making, caulking board activity and children’s model boat building. The event takes place in the Britannia Shipyard National Historic Site in Steveston on August 15, 16 and 17, 2008. The whole family will enjoy watching the floating exhibition of boats showcased for your viewing pleasure, including a 1930's rum-runner, historic fishing boats and classic sail boats. Happy Birthday BC! For more details visit www.tourismrichmond.com.
