Ah, at last, the snow is gone! The sun is beginning to make a few appearances in the sky, the days are getting longer, the temperatures are rising and my “winter blahs” are finally subsiding. It’s time to switch into spring mode. And that means it’s time for me to get off the couch, switch on the PVR, and get out of the house to enjoy the outdoors.
Oh yeah, speaking of switching, beginning in April, Story Starters will integrate with BC Tourism’s Fresh Story Ideas. What does that mean? Well, if you already receive Fresh Story Ideas in your inbox from Carla Mont, then there is no need to worry. But for those of who don’t, email me at lisa@vcmbc.com and let me know so I can add you the new email list, and you can keep learning about all the great things happening in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region.
I saw a whale! This is one fish tale I want to tell over and over again, especially to my folks back home in Ontario. I know, whales aren’t fish they are mammals, but you get the point – It’s worth writing home about! Vancouver Whale Watch is located in Richmond in Steveston Village, a quaint historic fishing village, where you can find galleries, shops or eat the catch of the day, straight off the boat. It’s the perfect destination to spend the day. First join professional Naturalists for a 3 to 5 hour whale watch tour on a first-class vessel. Vancouver Whale Watch even uses an extensive whale spotting network, so there is a 90% success sighting rate and you are bound to have whale of a time! Once you disembark from your voyage, stick around the village and explore Steveston.
Spring Break has come and gone and you probably think you’ve exhausted all your ideas for fun and educational things to do with the kids. Step back in time, way back, at the Kilby Historic Site. Located in Harrison Mills, this BC museum and heritage attraction offers tours with guided costumed interpreters. This once thriving community allows you to explore what life was like at the turn of the century. On the five acre farm, you’ll find a general store, built in 1906, a heritage post office and the Manchester House Hotel. On the surrounding fields, you'll meet Jersey cows and calves, chickens, pigs, sheep, lambs, goats, rabbits, and turkeys. The kids can also explore a large tree fort, and play a variety of old fashioned games in the Orchard Playground. For a day of fun, the family rate is just $24 dollars. Kilby Historic Site opens for the season on Thursday, April 9 and opening weekend includes an Easter egg hunt on April 12 and 13.
Hey guys, I know the coolest place for a cheap date. That’s right gentlemen, you’re off the hook! Now, there’s no need to drop tons of cash on your gal. Bring your date to Mt. Seymour any Monday night until March 16th for the “Guys Night Out, Girls Ride Free” event. So ladies, leave your wallets at home, grab your girlfriends, and gear up. All you have to do is pick up a Girls Ride Free lift voucher at any of the retail store sponsors and hit the slopes between 6 pm and 10 pm. The great value continues. Any Thursday evening until March 5th Mt. Seymour offers 2 for 1 on lift tickets and rentals. Who knew skiing could be so affordable?
Nothing says spring like bees. So why not see them in action at Honeyview Farms, the largest beekeeping farm in BC. As part of the Fraser Valley Circle Farm Tour, take part in a free self- guided tour and see first-hand how they harvest honey, pollen, wax and propolis, by observing a hive behind glass. You can also taste and buy all the different honeys from their store. Free self-guided tours begin in April and guided tours are every Saturday at 2pm from June to August and the cost is just $4/person.
Ah, good old-fashioned road trips games. I spy with my little eye…something that is bigger and definitely not old at all. This is one of my favourite games, and I can’t wait to play it on my trip to the Upper Sunshine Coast. Oops that’s another hint. I spy….the new MV Island Sky, BC Ferries’ newest vessel. The ship, which began service February 19 on the Earls Cove to Saltery Bay route, accommodates 450 passengers and 125 vehicles and has been fitted with numerous systems to make it one of the most environmentally-friendly vessels in the BC Ferries fleet. Of course, on this ferry you’ll have lots to spy on, because not only is this sailing route named as one of the most picturesque, the new vessel also offers seating with panoramic views, and a spacious outdoor seating area on an open sundeck. You’ll have to so much to see, there will be no time for games.
