Destinations
New ski tech for Bella Coola challenge
In BC's Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Bella Coola Heli Sports welcomes adventurers with three backcountry ski and snowboard lodges spread across a mass of terrain the size of the Swiss Alps. Now, the welcome is even warmer, thanks to custom-made reverse camber skis designed especially for Bella Coola Heli Sports by Whistler's Prior Manufactory. These skis feature advances in deep powder ski technology that allow lengthier runs with less stress on the knees. This is especially relevant for downhillers that take on the new Big Mountain Challenge. It gives experienced heli-skiers new mountaineering...
Banff celebrates winter with ‘SnowDays’ festival
Banff National Park's month-long celebration of winter is set to begin with a flurry of activities during the first annual "SnowDays"festival. Developed as a destination-wide partnership, SnowDays seeks to build on the traditions of past winter carnivals while establishing new events with a fun-filled month of weekday activities and weekend festivals jam-packed with wintry adventures of all kinds. From Jan. 14 to Feb. 12, visitors to Canada's first national park will be able to enjoy an array of winter pursuits including ice climbing in downtown Banff, skating on the town's new ice rink and...
Mushing 101 in the Cariboo Chilcotin
At the NorthernStar Kennels, north of Quesnel, BC, those seeking an Alaskan sled dog experience can bond with man's best friend, with in-depth instruction to equip adventurists with essential sledding skills. Patrons can hop on a sled for a short 1.5-hour traverse of the trail, or make a day of it with Mushing 101. The latter is a day-long immersion in the remote Cariboo countryside, including the basic skills of the trail, an al fresco homemade lunch and even some history of the sport....
New Ko in works at Fairmont
Following The Fairmont Kea Lani's multi-million dollar pool and suite renovation, the resort's signature restaurant Ko is undergoing a complete remodel too. The new look, which will debut in March, will feature sweeping curved walls, a floating shaded roof, a dynamic action bar and more. Led by Executive Chef Tylun Pang, Ko's dishes utilize the freshest local ingredients and sustainable seafood, showcasing the ethnic diversity and culinary history of Maui. Over on the Big Island, Brown's Beach House at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii has been awarded with a 2012 AAA Four Diamond rating. One of...
Grouse Mountain’s ’24 Hours of Winter’
At last - a sleepless night you can actually enjoy. On Feb.11 and 12, BC's Grouse Mountain will open to the public for a full 24 hours so skiers, snowboarders and hot chocolate drinkers can indulge in winter festivities to their hearts' content. The "24 Hours of Winter"event was introduced three years ago to commemorate Grouse Mountain's decision to stay open 24 hours every day throughout the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The move was intended to showcase Vancouver's finest snow sports and alpine recreation to international visitors and media from all time zones - and now, locals and...
10 romantic things to do in Vancouver
With majestic scenery, a smorgasbord of dining experiences and wide array of outdoor activities, Vancouver is a great romantic retreat for couples this Valentine's Day. The following is a list of 10 romantic things to do in Vancouver: !!! Board the Grouse Mountain Skyride and ascend 3,700 feet above Vancouver for a romantic dinner at the Observatory Restaurant. With sweeping views of the city lights and glistening ocean, this romantic hotspot is ideal for a kiss or -- better yet -- a proposal. !!! Get in the mood with the Ritual of Two where "playful"couples treatment at Fairmont Pacific...
Winterruption’ on Granville Island
Granville Island is gearing up to celebrate its seventh annual Winterruption, Feb. 24-26, a truly unique Vancouver winter festival. This year, Winterruption will focus on locally acclaimed artists and cultural groups as it welcomes the community and visitors to experience the diverse arts and culture of Granville Island. The Coastal Jazz and Blues Society will once again provide an acclaimed line-up of jazz musicians, while artists' exhibits and open studios will be found around every corner of the island. After exploring the festival's offerings, recharge at one of Winterruption's featured...
Hula enthusiasts rally in Hawaii
Beauty, grace and tradition will come alive as hula schools from across Hawaii and Japan take the stage at the Polynesian Cultural Center's (PCC) 22nd Annual Moanikeala Hula Festival. Hawaii's premiere hula event of 2012, the festival will be held Jan. 21 in PCC's Pacific Theater. Starting as a child hula competition over two decades ago, Moanikeala has since blossomed into an annual event featuring dancers of all ages, whose movements paint pictures and narrate stories of ancient and modern Hawaii. The event showcases many of the world's most talented halau and honours Aunty Sally Wood...