Janine's Guide to Day Trippin' Vancouver

ANYTIME: CULTUS LAKE

2011-06-01T05:25:00.000-07:00

Lake O' the Parks...it's quiet in the Cultus area right now, if quiet is your thing, but summer turns this area into a scene from your favourite beach movie...or National Lampoon movie, depending on your goal.

Close to Chilliwack, just off the Trans Canada Highway, the area has four camping grounds, picnic areas, several boat ramps fishing spots and of course, the water slides.

History from Wikipedia: Cultus Lake has always been an important place for spirit quests of the Stó:lo people. However, it was named with the Chinook Jargon word meaning primarily bad,[2] worthless, or good for nothing, though the same word can also mean free, without purpose, or simply nothing.

Easily driveable from Vancouver, the area also has several rental accomodations.

ANYTIME: Richmond Buddhist Temple

2011-04-30T06:41:00.000-07:00

Because true smiles are serene and we all need more of them no matter what...on your way home from Silver City, stop in and visit the Richmond Buddhist Temple.

From the website of the International Buddhist Society, "Widely regarded as the most exquisite example of traditional Chinese architecture in Canada, the International Buddhist Temple is in many ways like a work of art taken straight out of Chinese history.

As a magnificent structural complex modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, the temple features Chinese imperial architecture in all its glory. Combining intricate stonework and symbolic carvings with the elements of nature, the tranquil grounds resemble a scholar's courtyard in ancient China. Inside the artistic interior of the temple, admire the finest Chinese workmanship in painting, calligraphy, sculpture and carpentry. Discover traditional Chinese art and culture in majestic Buddha statues, exquisite shrines and spectacular ceramic murals. Come experience what the temple has to offer. Come and inspire your mind and spirit!"

visit: www.buddhisttemple.ca for more info, hours, etc.

STEVESTON...the closest thing to Nantucket.

2011-04-16T17:06:00.001-07:00

STEVESTON...the closest thing to Nantucket this side of the Ozarks. Or the Rockies. Whatever. Steveston is the Lower Mainland's answer to visiting a small fishing village. And it has Pajo's...the best fish and chips around. The Steveston webpage lists 101 things to do there. In the summer, on Saturdays, check out the Farmer's Market. Buy the bag of assorted mushrooms then hit the Barefoot Contessa's recipes for the best soup ever! Stroll down the docks to pick up fresh shrimp, salmon etc. Sit out on the deck of one of the restaurants. Enjoy!

UBC BOTANICAL GARDENS DEAL

2011-04-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

UBC BOTANICAL GARDENS DEAL TODAY ONLY: Groupon Vancouver has a great deal for yearly passes to the UBC Gardens. Adults 50 percent off or Family passes 51% off. For more on the THE GARDENS, visit the blog. See index on right.

ANYTIME: BURNABY MOUNTAIN

2011-03-05T08:51:00.001-08:00

A nice place for an afternoon stroll, Burnaby Mountain was first logged back in the early 1900's and became a favourite of hikers by the 1920's. Today, you can still enjoy walking and hiking trails, but the park is less rugged, and has other things to offer. Toss a frisbee, fly a kite or simply enjoy the changing of the seasons.

The Kamui Mintara Playground of the Gods sculptures were created by Japanese sculptors Nuburi Toko and his son, Shusei, to commemorate the goodwill between sister-cities: Burnaby and Kushiro, Japan.

Two Tancho crane eco-structures make their home in the gardens. The six metre sculptures are made of plants. (Actually, over 17,000 plants in three different varieties!)

There's a playground on-site for the kids. Horizons Restaurant is popular for Sunday outings with the clan. The city-views and glimpses of Burrard Inlet are great for shutter-bugs.

Please do not feed the Coyotes.

To get there: From Lougheed Highway, turn north on Gaglardi Way to Centennial Way.

ANYTIME: BELCARRA REGIONAL PARK

2011-02-20T22:02:00.000-08:00

Crabbing Dutch Harbour-make you want to heave? Then we suggest trying your hand fishing in calmer waters ... like Belcarra Regional Park.

Grab the crab net, get some chicken and tie it to the bottom of the cage, throw out the line, wait patiently and voila...dinner is served. Well, caught anyway.

Remember the rules, and if you don't, they're posted there for you. Remember your crab measurer, and if you don't, they're built into the dock there for you. What else can we say? Get your salt water fishing license...four crabs are waiting for you.

Stay way from the shellfish. Seriously. Red tide warnings were in effect at the time of this posting.

Fishing off the dock is also permitted.

P.S. The sunfish a crabber caught the day we visited, was returned safe and sound to the waters after its photo op.

ANYTIME: BUNTZEN LAKE

2011-02-13T21:35:00.000-08:00

So...maybe it's not the BEST time to have a picnic...when we visited recently a lot of the Buntzen Lake picnic area was under water due to high water levels. There are detours around the flooded part of the lake at the moment, just get up with the birds if you intend to try hiking. The trip is estimated from five to eight hours to complete on a good day. (Refer to the first line of this post and edit to read "take a hike".) There are shorter trails available. Bring boots.

The unusually high water is due to a problem with a turbine at the powerhouse and is expected to be fixed in the Spring.

Bring your dog. The current situation is perfect for pets who love to shake water all over their owners. Or walk around proudly with a big stick. (We don't know the identity of the dog pictured in this post, he's just one happy fellah.) They have their own off-leash area to play in.

Canoes can be rented at the store just before the entrance to the park.

For more information including opening and closing times, visit: www.bchyrdo.com/community/recreation_areas/buntzen_lake.html#activities

LULU OF A WINERY

2010-11-18T06:02:00.000-08:00

LULU OF A WINERY...they're telling us we're in for a frightful winter here in Lotus Land. So, you might was well pick up some wine to bunker down with, if you're going to be stuck in the house. The lack of power will only add ambiance to the temperature of the wine, after all.

Just down the road from Barry's Bait and Tackle in Richmond, we found a great winery to stop in and visit, (looking for some vin to go with the poisson-de-jour, of course.) We recommend the Chardonnay, but there are several reds and whites to sample and choose from.

From the website "At one time, Lulu Island was known as Blossom Winery. Blossom was well renowned for it’s quality fruit wines and icewines throughout North America, as well as Asia. But our wine maker wanted more, he wanted to apply his talents towards making table wines! So Blossom underwent a transformation. We built a new 7 million dollar facility just outside of Richmond and changed our name to Lulu Island Winery, in honour of the land we built our winery on. The island of Richmond, just south of Vancouver, BC was once named Lulu Island. It is rumoured that the name Lulu came from the mistress of a great Duke who first pioneered this land. That of course caused a huge scandal and the name had to be changed to what we now know as Richmond."

Thanks to Mike and Heather for the pix, and also the wine tasting.
www.luluislandwinery.com for more information.

LULU of a wineey

2010-11-18T05:55:00.000-08:00

LULU of a wine...get ready to buckle down folks, Vancouver they say, is in for some serious weather. If you're going to be stuck in the house, be stuck in the house with wine, we all ways say.

We found this Richmond winery down the road from Barry's Bait and Tackle. So one hopes there's a selection to go with your poisson-de-jour. We recommend the Chardonnay.

At one time, Lulu Island was known as Blossom Winery. Blossom was well renowned for it’s quality fruit wines and icewines throughout North America, as well as Asia. But our wine maker wanted more, he wanted to apply his talents towards making table wines! So Blossom underwent a transformation. We built a new 7 million dollar facility just outside of Richmond and changed our name to Lulu Island Winery, in honour of the land we built our winery on. The island of Richmond, just south of Vancouver, BC was once named Lulu Island. It is rumoured that the name Lulu came from the mistress of a great Duke who first pioneered this land. That of course caused a huge scandal and the name had to be changed to what we now know as Richmond.

Thanks to Mike and Heather at the winery for the photos.

SUMMERTIME: Slo-cat Harbour Tours, Madeira Park

2010-09-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

IF YOU'RE ALREADY ON THE SUNSHINE COAST...because really, you need more than a day there, take a tour around the bays via Slo-cat Harbour Tours. Weather permitting, there are three daily tours departing from the Government dock in Madeira Park. $25.00 for adults, $10.00 for children 6-12, younger than that? Free-gratis-free.

It's a 1 1/2 hour narrated tour. You'll learn all about the history of the area, the ins-and-outs of the local politics if you're thinking of building your dream home on the water, and who DOES own that honking big mansion by the sea?

Seals and eagles are wildlife elements.

ANYTIME: GREATER VANCOUVER ZOO

2010-08-09T18:03:00.000-07:00

Okay...I liked it better when it was just a game farm, but today it is a zoo. I like the Radical Raptor Birds of Prey show, and I like the...the...okay, this is not my favourite zoo for all kinds of reasons. But I won't spoil it for you. Take the kids, take lots of money. What? Did I just spoil it for you?

Go to their website www.gvzoo.com for more information.

More fun for kids: Maplewood Farm, North Van.
Better zoo for adults: Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle
Best car zoo around these parts: Olympic Game Farm, Washington State
Best zoo maybe ever: San Diego.

ANYTIME: VAN DUSEN GARDENS

2010-07-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

Take time to smell the roses. This time of year the rose garden is full of perfume and blooms are plentiful.

Three owls have taken up residence in the park. I only saw one on my travels today, but he was happy to pose for pictures. Bring your camera.

Watch out for sprinklers and bees, but the sprinklers are the bigger hassle.

There's a restaurant on the grounds, but kid friendly food like hot dogs are also available.

ANYTIME: One Mile Lake, Pemberton

2010-06-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

ONE MILE LAKE TRAIL-PEMBERTON. When you're in the Whistler/Pemberton area, the One Mile Lake trail is an easy 20 minute boardwalk stroll around the water. Roped off swimming area during the summer.

ANYTIME: Maplewood Farm

2010-04-16T05:53:00.000-07:00

The last remaining farm on Vancouver's North Shore, it was once a thriving dairy farm, bringing fresh milk and cheese to customers from Deep Cove to Lonsdale. It's now a 5 acre protected park, home to over 200 species of animals.

OKAY, IT'S A PETTING ZOO....

But kids will have fun interacing with the free roaming chickens and playing in the goat pen.

Check the website for hours etc., as the park takes a vacation on Mondays during the wet (winter) season and Christmas Day. Open 10-4 otherwise.

Adults $6.50
Children $3.50
Babies $FREE (18 months and under)
Seniors $3.50 (55 and up)

405 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver (off Mt. Seymour Pkwy)

ANYTIME: SEATTLE-WOODLAND PARK ZOO

2010-03-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

Ah, springtime at the zoo...doin' it like they did it on the Discovery Channel...I'll have to sensor some photos here, and even though the most risque animals are at the San Diego Zoo, have those answers to "what are they doing" prepared in your head if you have young kids along.

I know, I know, some of you do not like zoos. But as zoos go, this one is a pretty good one, I think.

Recommended: The Willawong Station
The birds land on the little sticks and nibble away, giving them an up-close and personal visit...until they fly off to another stick.

From the website: "Flock to Willawong Station - the bird feeding experience at Woodland Park Zoo. Be surrounded by small parrot species from Australia in this interactive exhibit. You can even purchase a seedstick and everyone in the family can feed these feathered friends. Learn how you can help wild bird species in your very own backyard."

Check the zoo website for times and more information.

ANYTIME: SEATTLE CITY PASS $59.00 ($39 for kids)

2010-03-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

Steve from New Zealand was asking if there was still a great deal on the train from Vancouver to Seattle. Yes, there is. At last look the Amtrak was $26 per person, one way, and it takes you right downtown, near the ball fields. Enjoy a movie and a meal while on board. It's relaxing, but not quick. Allow time. The buses in the downtown core (not the monorail) are free, so if you spend all your money at Safeco on beer and hot-dogs, you can still get back to your downtown hotel without having to beg for money on a street corner-unless you want to. We like the Camlin Hotel.

I mentioned the Seattle City Pass in the post about the Museum of Flight. We did it all, plus wound up taking in a couple more attractions at separate admissions. (And found time for Bon-Jovi at Key arena, the real reason for the trip.) Here's what it's all about:

Inside each Seattle CityPass booklet are six actual admission tickets, each with a little tip revealing a CityPass secret to skip main ticket lines. Plan an action-packed weekend -- or take up to nine leisurely days -- to explore Seattle’s shops, restaurants, and neighborhoods. Seattle CityPass offer one admission to each attraction:

1.Space Needle: Day & Night admission: two visits to the top within 24 hours
2.Seattle Aquarium: general admission
3.Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour: one hour cruise
4.Pacific Science Center: general admission & one 2D or 3D IMAX® film
5.Woodland Park Zoo: general admission
6.The Museum of Flight: general admission
OR Experience Music Project Science Fiction Museum: general admission

Booklets provide you with attraction information, transportation directions, best times to visit, and a map. Plus discount coupons for photos at Space Needle and discounts at Tillicum Village by Argosy Cruises. Seattle CityPass is your guide to Seattle – and it fits in your pocket.

SEATTLE-MUSEUM OF FLIGHT

2010-03-24T05:55:00.000-07:00

Too true...Seattle isn't really within the boundaries of Vancouver. But it's close enough, and sooner or later you're probably going to head down there. So here is something to do if you find yourself with a few hours to spare. First family hint: Grab a City Pass. It's a less expensive way to see tourist spots like the Museum of Flight, The Space Needle, the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame etc., (five famous Seattle attractions at one low price,) and it will keep you occupied for hours.

If you head out towards SeaTac to King County Airfield, you'll find yourself in the vacinity of the Museum of Flight. For flying buffs, it's home to 85 aircraft including the Concorde and Air Force One. And where else can you try a simulator and try to land the Apollo Lunar Module? We crashed baby, sorry about that.

Adults $15.00, children under four free.
Daily 10-5.

Note to beer buffs, the popular 8'th Annual "HOPS AND PROPS" is sold out.

Canadians check passport requirements depending on mode of travel.

ANYTIME: THE BLOEDEL CONSERVATORY

2010-01-29T05:47:00.001-08:00

Help keep it open because although the outside looks a little 1970, inside it's BEAUTIFUL.

So many things aren't...like that new EAST VAN sign at Clark and GNW, but I digress. The Conservatory was hard to get to the past few years, due to the construction on Cambie, and may be during the "event-who's-name-shall-not-be-spoken for fear of lawsuit" but before or after the games - go for it.

Where else can you get a bit of tropical on a rainy day? And where else can you go for an adult admission price of five bucks? Pre-schoolers are FREE-GRATIS-FREE. Plan it as a part of your afternoon at Queen Elizabeth Park. Before or after the pitch n' putt.

Kids will love the birds. Gardeners will love the flowers. Photographers will love just about everything. If you're really lucky, a ladybug will land on your hand.

Torontonians are sure to recognize a Henry Moore outside. Right near the tai chi'ers.

For furrther info: http://vancouver.ca/PARKS/PARKS/bloedel/index.htm: It's open from ten to five daily.

ANYTIME: Point Roberts, WA

2009-12-28T08:25:00.001-08:00

Sure, summer is probably better...but if you're looking to escape to a foreign country and don't feel like having to exchange a wad of money, a quick drive through customs at Point Roberts qualifies you as an international traveller, even just for an hour or two.

We used to go there for Breakers, but it's closed now...or for the little cafe/art gallery, but it's closed now...and we tried the Marina, but....so packing a thermos of coffee might be a good idea, at least until the warm weather hits.

The stroll along the shore was beautiful, and it was the annual bird count day when we were there, so there were a few people with binoculars doing their thing. No props needed to see the loon, although it refused to hang around for a picture. It was a crisp, clear day and Mt. Baker could be seen in the background. Some horses had evidentally enjoyed the walk as well, as evident by the horseshoe prints in the sand.

The streets were so quiet, it would have been a great place to bring a bike.

Too bad we forgot to play the Powerball (lotto) when we were down there (sigh).

CHRISTMAS: Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Gardens

2009-12-17T21:20:00.000-08:00

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas... and take a stroll through the magical transformation of the already fabulous VanDusen Gardens, into a festival of lights. Make an evening of it by dining at the on-site Shaughnessy Restaurant (reservations recommended this time of year.)

Although our table's location was the worst (I felt like I was sitting in a doorway, maybe because I was...) the service was great and the food (we sampled the duck and the bison) was excellent, making the overall experience an enjoyable one.

The night we visited, there was a sprinkling of snow on the ground, but it was warm enough to wander around the park for an hour or so, taking in the sights and sounds of the holidays. We always like the "tulip" lights, made from recycled water bottles. (see photo). Carolers serenaded us, fountains danced and of course the big red guy was busy entertaining children in his workshop. You can purchase hot chocolate along the way, should you hit a frosty evening.

The Festival of Lights is open until January 3'rd except for Christmas, when it is closed.

For more information including hours and admission prices, visit:

vancouver.ca/Parks/parks/vandusen/website/events/fol_hours.htm

We like it so much we come back year after year.

NOV-FEB:SEA2SKYHWY:EAGLES/BRACKENDALE

2009-11-06T05:20:00.000-08:00

Take it to the limit with the other eagles-head up to the Brackendale Eagles Park, Squamish.

Most years, about 2000 of the bald-headed beauties make the area their winter home, drawn by the annual salmon run.

The offical count is in January, but anytime between November and February provides easy sightings.

Mother Nature's bonus this time of year: The trees have dropped their leaves and they're easier to spot.

Follow the signs and head towards the Squamish river.

More info: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/brackendale_eagles/

Looking for breakfast? Try "The Nest". Don't feel bad about the eggs...we're pretty sure the eagles would eat them too...(41430 Government Road).

ANYTIME: SEA2SKYHWY-SHANNON FALLS

2009-10-31T17:15:00.000-07:00

Heading north up the Sea to Sky today, we stopped in to have a look at Shannon Falls. It was raining, and the mist was crazy, but you'll get an idea of how tall (335 meters) and furious the falls really are, especially when the winter rains come.

According to the website noted below, ... "The falls were named after Shannon who in 1890-1900 owned the falls and surrounding area and used the clay deposits to make bricks. He then sold the land to Brittania Copper Mines in 1900. In the 1930's, the area was used as a relief camp for the workers building Highway 99. In 1976 the area was purchased by Carling O'Keefe Brewery, who used the pure mountain water to brew their beer, and made the area a logging show park."

"This park holds significant spiritual value to the Squamish Indians, the first people to live in this area. They told of a two headed sea serpent, Say-noth-ka who lived in and around Howe Sound. According to legend this beast travelled both on land and in water. Some versions say it was Say-noth-ka who formed Shannon Falls by slithering and twisting his powerful body up the mountainside on repeated expeditions, Say-noth-ka gradually wore down a spillway for those cascading waters."

Personally, I find the different types of mushrooms in the growth worth the stop if you've got a camera handy.

For more info visit www.shannonfalls.com

YEAR ROUND-UBC BOTANICAL GARDEN

2009-10-24T06:54:00.000-07:00

To Canopy or not to Canopy? That is the question...

The UBC Botanical Gardens have something to offer any time of year. We were there last week for the Apple Festival and it was crazy-so crazy CNN was there. But even in the crowd we were able to find a secluded path to enjoy nature on our own.

For fans of Vancouver's various suspension bridges, you can pay a little extra and take a walk on the Greenheart Canopy.

"The 308-metre walkway, which reaches heights in excess of 17.5 metres, enables visitors and researchers to experience the unique biodiversity of a Pacific Coastal Rainforest canopy, which include s treetop mosses, lichens, birds, insects and other invertebrates, and offers a "bird's eye" view of the forest canopy" per UBC's offical website.

Costs vary. Visit www.ubcbotanicalgarden.com for the latest info.

OCT: Sincerest Pumpkin Patch?

2009-10-07T20:37:00.000-07:00

THE MOST SINCERE PUMPKIN PATCH???...maybe not, but probably the most fun. From October 10'th until the end of the month, the pumpkin patch at Richmond Country Market (Hwy 99. to the Stevenston turn off, turn left enroute to Silver City) welcomes kids of all ages. Check the website at www.countryfarms.ca for the latest info, but basically $10 per person on weekends (less on weekdays) gets you a musical hayride, a pumpkin, a corn maze and an apple when you leave.

Sure it's crazy, but that's the whole idea, Charlie Brown.

TIP: If the weather turns nasty, wear your Wellies, because the field gets really muddy, really fast.

More pictures after we carve the gourds. Feel free to post your pumpkin' carvin' prowess.

SEPT 13 ONLY: AVALON DAIRY COUNTRY FAIR

2009-09-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

Those wonderful people with the glass milk bottles are celebrating a 103 year anniversary with a country fair on Sunday September 13, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Petting zoo, music, face painting, milking demonstrations etc. on this mini-farm. 1960 prices on hotdogs (50 cents), pop (50 cents) and chips (25 cents). According to the Province, if you bring a non-perishable food item, which will be donated to the Union Gospel Mission, you get a coupon for a free hot dog. Free admission, parking a bit of a challenge, so consider transit. 5805 Wales Street, Vancouver.

Avalon Dairy is the oldest operating dairy farm in B.C.

More info www.avalondairy.com

YEAR ROUND: 4D Movie at the Vancouver Aquarium

2009-09-07T20:29:00.001-07:00

Okay, that's our fish, not the Vancouver Aquarium fish, but no matter...check out the new 4D movie at the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park. It's a little Disney (have you been to Mermaid 4D? ), but a lot of fun. There is a warning at the beginning about how to exit the theatre if it isn't for you, and people actually did at the showing we went to, but most kids & kids at heart will love it.

At the time of this posting, the Beluga tank has a new birth and is a bit inactive, except for an information talk. Baby was doing well. www.vanaqua.org/belugacam to watch mom and the as yet unnamed calf.

The dolphins still put on a great show, and the frog exhibit is cool.

The Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park is the best around. (We've been to a lot of them up and down the West Coast.) This is a great place to go when it's raining. Wear your wellies for the outdoor areas, hot cocoa is available. Allow yourself a couple of hours to see all the fins.

TIP: If you're a Vancouverite, the yearly pass is the best deal. Two trips and you're done.

For operating hours and times, check out www.vanaqua.org.

YEAR ROUND: George C. Reifel Bird Sanctuary

2009-09-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

Open year round, the George C. Reifel Bird Sanctuary, located on Westham Island , just west of Ladner, is a great place to take a stroll. The 850 acre wetland has lots of level walking trails and as you can see from the photos, lots of wildlife that gather round to eat birdseed (available at admissions) right from your hands. If you have young kids, spring is the best time for a visit, when all the babies are around.

Plan Man and I usually allow 1-2 hours at a minimum and ALWAYS bring a camera.You can picnic just out side the sanctuary if you like, and washrooms are available. It's suitable for all ages. Free Parking.

Please check the website before you go at: http://www.reifelbirdsanctuary.com/ for further information, including admission prices and hours.Directions are also available via MapQuest.