With the winter holidays just around the corner, I’ve started making a list (and checking it twice). But instead of recording who’s been naughty or nice, mine is a list of all the winter holiday activities that I’ve always wanted to do but never gotten around to:
- Ice skate on an outdoor rink
- Have my photo taken with Santa (OK, it’s been a while…)
- Take a sleigh ride
- Try tubing (it looks fun!)
- Go carolling (I can’t hold a tune… but that’s the nice thing about singing in groups!)
My list (along with my favourite holiday carol, Jingle Bells) has inspired the December issue of Story Starters.
Sadly, this issue of Story Starters will be my last - as of next week I will no longer be the Media Representative at Vancouver, Coast & Mountains. It has been a pleasure working with you all and I have enjoyed hearing about your adventures in our region. Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good write!
DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW
Most people think of BC’s Sunshine Coast as a summer playground of sandy beaches, warm waters, summer cottages, and outdoor promenades. What you may not know is that the Sunshine Coast is an incredible winter playground, too. One of the locals’ favourite winter pastimes is snowshoeing. The Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation Area, located just past Roberts Creek, is an ideal spot for snowshoers of all ages and abilities. Trek through snowy mountain forests, gentle hills, and wide ridges as bald eagles fly overhead. Access to Dakota Ridge is limited to 4X4 vehicles with chains, but the views make the journey worthwhile. From the parking area at Dakota Ridge you’re just a short trek away from a number of viewpoints that offer outstanding vistas of Georgia Straight, Vancouver Island, and Mount Baker. This is a truly special winter experience that is popular with all ages. For more details about Dakota Ridge visit www.scrd.ca.
IN A ONE HORSE OPEN SLEIGH
Get ready: December 12, 2008 is the grand opening of the Peak 2 Peak Gondola at Whistler Blackcomb. Need one more reason to visit Whistler this winter? How about a horse drawn sleigh ride through Whistler Blackcomb’s stunning winter wonderland? A horse drawn sleigh ride is a true Canadian winter adventure that anyone of any age group can enjoy. Sleighs move on metal bottom runners that glide smoothly across the snow as they’re guided by majestic Clydesdale-Percheron horses. The sleighs are designed for comfort with padded bench seats and warm blankets to cozy under – a thermos of hot chocolate is mandatory! Sleigh rides cost as little as $35.00 per person. Or, for $49.50 to $99 you can experience a beautiful 30-35 minute ride through wooded trails beside Green Lake before returning to the classy Den Restaurant at Nicklaus North Golf Course for a four course gourmet fondue dinner. To book your horse drawn sleigh ride today visit www.blackcombsleighrides.com.
O’ER THE HILLS WE GO
There are unlimited activities to do on the mountains of Vancouver, Coast & Mountains during the winter months. Although skiing and snowboarding are the most popular, there are many other options for all skill levels and abilities. Beginner: Looking for a spot to use your own toboggans and sleds? Manning Park Resort in Mighty Fraser Country has a groomed snowplay area (nominal fee) for the general public located next to the Polar Coaster Tube Park. Intermediate: If you tire easily with downhill skiing/riding, why not try cross country? Cypress Mountain is one of Canada's most popular Cross Country Ski destination; their Nordic Ski School boasts a variety of lesson programs from single day clinics to multi-session programs for skiers of all ages and abilities. Expert: If you’re an expert skier/rider on all trails, attempt the parks & pipes freestyle terrain at Whistler Blackcomb. Start with the Terrain Garden on Blackcomb. Then head over to the Habitat Park on Whistler Mountain. When you are confident of your skills, try the Nintendo Park and finally, the Highest Level on Blackcomb. Visit www.manningpark.co; www.cypressmountain.com; and www.whistlerblackcomb.com.
On a visit to Vancouver, every traveller must take a trip to the Granville Island Public Market. Rain, snow, or shine, Granville Island is alive with colourful artists’ studios and workshops, art galleries, and a fabulous public market that’s a favourite place for locals to meet and eat. But there’s one more must-do activity at Granville Island this holiday season: stop in at the New Revue Stage beginning November 12, 2008 to see TheatreSports Holiday Special. The word ‘funny’ doesn’t even begin to describe this gut-wrenching, laugh-out-loud hilarious experience. Relying on razor-sharp wit and lightning-fast reflexes, two teams of actors are pit against each other in competitive improv matches. Using audience suggestions, and inspired by the spirit of the season, teams must create totally improvised situations on the spot. Each TheatreSports match is overseen by a referee. More than just a whimsical host, the ref will determine who has been naughty and who has been nice – bestowing penalties and rewards on players as he sees fit. Get ready to laugh. To buy tickets today visit www.vtsl.com.
If you’ve never seen a glass blower in action, it’s an incredible sight: the fire is burning hot, the glass molten and moving, and then ta da! A beautiful new vase appears before your eyes. Although glass blowing and Christmas celebrations may not be likely matches, glass blower Malcolm MacFadyen is quickly becoming a holiday tradition during Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge. From Dec 6, 2008 – Jan 3, 2009 Capilano Suspension Bridge’s signature maple tree and the surrounding Treetop Adventures park are draped in 200,000 shimmering snowfall lights. Malcolm MacFadyen is back by popular demand to teach guests how to blow glass icicle ornaments. You can also decorate your own gingerbread man and sing along with the festive carollers. Hearing the carollers voices ring is sure to get your in the holiday spirit! Visit www.capbridge.com or call 604-985-7474.
From ‘A Christmas Carol’ to ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ there’s nothing we like more at Christmastime than an uplifting story with a happy ending. Glenda’s Christmas Cottage in Abbotsford has its own heart-touching Christmas story. Glenda is a delightful woman who has overcome all types of challenges in the 18 years she’s been in business – everything from a health crisis to a fight again the city to remain open and operational. Glenda battled passionately to keep the Christmas Cottage open, and it has now become a Christmas tradition for many families in Abbotsford. Visit Glenda’s Christmas Cottage from Nov 2 – Dec 21, 2008 to find unique Christmas gifts in a beautiful, traditional Christmas setting. You’ll find tree ornaments, keepsakes, home decor, gourmet food and other curios. Glenda’s Christmas Cottage specializes in sought-after Christmas Collectables: Byer's Choice Collectible Carollers, Lemax Houses, Department 56 & Snow Babies. It’s also part of Abbotsford’s Passport to Christmas. To find out more visit www.glendaschristmas.com and www.tourismabbotsford.ca.
