Scenes of Vancouver

My passport expires in 79 days.  Its stamps are sparse. There’s Belize, the trip for which I got the passport in the first place. And Costa Rica. A few from Mexico. And, of course, there’s Canada. I’ll get a new passport, surely. But I’m not done with this one just yet. It needs one more […]

Grape Lakes in Canada’s Okanagan Valley

The region is stunning, and so are the wines. So why do American wine lovers have so few bottles from BC’s Okanagan Valley in their wine cellars? Sunset magazine covered the challenges of crossing the U.S. Canadian border with alcoholic goods in hand after a visit to British Columbia’s Okanagan wine region. Here’s the deal. If […]

Photo Friday: Granville Island Market

Granville Island’s Public Market in Vancouver is a fun place to get just a little bit lost. I always make sure I have plenty of cash in my pocket to get a little of everything… a tin of fine tea, a couple of crab cakes for dinner, fixings for a salad, a bouquet of fresh […]

Canadian Brew

The Discovery Islands in British Columbia are a pretty wonderful place. Especially in the summer, and especially in a kayak. Relaxing on a dock after a long day in that kayak is nice, too. And if you can get your hands on some British Columbia microbrew, well then all the better. Here’s to memories of […]

GETAWAY: Spring on Saltspring Island

It’s very important to have that favorite place. What kind of favorite place is that, you ask? It’s that place you daydream of quitting your job and moving to someday. You may visit this place only once a year, but still you feel like you’ve truly come home each time you visit. And yet, a […]

Kayaking Quadra Island

Have you always wanted to try your hand at kayaking? How about in one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest? Whether you are a total novice in a kayak or an experienced paddler, you’ll love Quadra Island’s Discovery Islands Lodge (250-285-2823), a kayak hostel nestled in the Gulf Islands of B.C. Discovery […]

Destinations and Distractions – British Columbia June Jazz

Now is the time to plan your June getaway in British Columbia – and there are so many fine reasons to do so. Jazz, blues, and fusion, just to name a few! Enjoy plenty of free or low-cost performances while soaking up some Northwest culture. The neatest part is – you can easily take one […]

Where to Sleep in Vancouver on a Budget

(Updated 2012) Vancouver isn’t the cheapest city for Americans to visit, especially with the decline in value of the US dollar over the past decade. Still, there are accommodations to fit every type of traveler and every type of budget, especially if you go outside of prime summer tourist season. The Sylvia Hotel (West End) […]