Shamrock, Photo by cobalt123 via flickr.

White Rock’s Irish Festival

Celebrate Irish Heritage Month in White Rock with music, poetry, workshops, contests, dancing, food and more! Events have been going on since March 1^st but don’t worry; there are still plenty of activities to participate in. Catch some live music at Jimmy Flynn’s or Tommy Salsa’s, sign up for an Irish Drum Workshop at the White Rock Community Centre and check out the Irish Party at “Slainte” by the Pier Gastrobar. For a complete list of festival events click here.

When: March 1 – 31, 2013
Website: http://www.inwhiterock.com/Events.tsp?id=416

Canadian Diabetes Association’s BMO St. Patrick’s Day 5k – Vancouver

Support the Canadian Diabetes Association and run or walk a scenic 5k route through Stanley Park. Individual entry fees are $35 and teams of 5+ members can enter for $31/member until March 13. The race starts and ends at the Stanley Park Pavilion and then you can enjoy the famous GIB (Granville Island Brewing) After Party complete with beer, Irish stew, cupcakes, DJ and more!

When: 10am on Saturday March 16, 2013
Website: http://www.stpatricks5k.com/

CelticFest Vancouver

There are tons of free & ticketed events and concerts happening during CelticFest Vancouver, including the 9^th Annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Vancouver on March 17^th at 11am. A whiskey tasting at The Cellar and a Celtic Comedy Night at the Vancouver Fan Club are also on the agenda during the festival – click here for the festival schedule. Be sure to check out the Mahony & Sons Celtic Village on the 16^th & 17^th! Granville Street will be full of vendors, music and even a kid’s Celtic Corner.

When: March 9 – 17, 2013
Website: http://www.celticfestvancouver.com/

St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Photo by janheuninck via flickr.

Discovery Saturday: Celtic Fest 2013 – Surrey

The Surrey Museum is hosting a Discovery Saturday event on March 16^th where you can experience all things Celtic! Discover Celtic music and dancing, learn about Celtic history through local community groups and get creative with Celtic crafts. Admission is by donation for this all ages drop-in event. 

When: 1pm – 4pm on Saturday, March 16, 2013
Website: http://www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/12276.aspx?startDate=Feb-28-2013

St. Patrick’s Day Pool Party – Hope

The Dan Sharrers Aquatic Centre in Hope is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Pool Party on the 16^th! Admission is only $3.25 and there will be games, prizes and fun for everyone.

When: 6pm – 8pm, Saturday, March 16, 2013
Website: http://www.fvrd.bc.ca/

Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub – Whistler

If you’re in Whistler head out to the Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub and celebrate with live music all day long from The Splinters & Ruckus Deluxe. With some of BC’s finest beers on tap, it’s a great place to celebrate with friends!

When: 7am – 1am on Sunday March 17, 2013
Website: http://www.dubhlinngate.com/index.php

The Blarney Stone – Vancouver

St. Patrick’s Day is a big deal at The Blarney Stone, with events happening on the 15^th, 16^th and 17^th. Enjoy green beer, music by Killarney & Usual Suspects and no cover before 8pm on Friday. Saturday and Sunday the Blarney Stone opens at 9am and there will be Irish dancers, street performers, pipes and drums, green beer and lots of craic!

When: March 15 – 17, 2013
Website: http://blarneystone.ca/

Irish Dancers, Photo by donnaidh_sidhe via flickr.

Central City St. Patrick’s Weekend – Surrey

The Central City Brew Pub & Restaurant in Surrey will have live music, drink specials and Irish cheer from March 15th – 17th. Check out musical performances by Headwater on the 15^th, Pat Chessell Duo and Blackberry Wood on the 16^th, and David Blair and Blackberry Wood on the 17^th.

When: March 15 – 17, 2013
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/583985914944758

2^nd Annual St. Patricks’s Day Dinner Dance & Silent Auction – Abbotsford

This Abbotsford-Sumas Rotary Club fundraiser is being held at Bradner Hall in Abbotsford. Tickets are $50 each and include dinner and a live band. There will be draws and great prizes to be won!

When: 5:30pm – 1am on March 16, 2013
Website: http://www.abbotsfordsumasrotary.org/

At the Panto, Photo by Steve Bowbrick via flickr.

The Hope Performing Arts Community Theatre (HPACT) will be performing Beauty, the Baron and the Beast at the Hope Legion Hall on December 15^th, 2012 (with repeat performances on December 22^nd & 23^rd at a different location).

Here’s a teaser for Beauty, the Baron and the Beast :

Baron Peep has escaped the swamp and is planning to ruin Mother Goose’s Christmas feast for all of the storybook characters.
Will the Whistling Pixie and Green Genie save the day?
Will it be up to the arrogant Prince Charming? The Dwarves?
Or maybe it’s the audience who will foil the Baron’s evil plans!

Tickets for the show are $8 for adults and $5 for children and are being sold at the Hope & District Arts Council office, the Hope Arts Gallery, The Art Machine, and Pixel Mountain Studio as well as through individual HDAC & HPACT members.

Where: The Hope Legion Hall, 344 Fort Street
When: 7pm on December 15^th, 2012 (repeats on December 22^nd & 23^rd at the Hope Station House)
Website: http://www.hopedistrictartscouncil.com/

We’re counting down the days before Christmas! For each day until Christmas, we’ll highlight a Christmas tradition that you and your family can do in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region. Read our previous post: Christmas Countdown – 18 Days. Read our next post: Christmas Countdown – 16 Days.

Part 1 of this post was devoted to “ultimate road trips” that can be done over a few days. Part 2 focuses on day trips and short overnight routes!

Duffey Lake Road (Pemberton – Lillooet)

This stretch of road is on Highway 99, between Pemberton and Lillooet (it’s also approximately 99km, one way). The road is a favorite among bikers due to the beautiful lakeside and mountain views, curves, remoteness, generally sparse traffic, and the wildlife. This route is a much-loved favorite of the local and visiting motorcycle community!

Duffey Lake, Photo by JoshNV via flickr.

Scenic 7 Route

This route is approximately 137km long (one way) and goes through the communities of Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Mission, Kent, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs and Hope. Route 7, also known as the Lougheed Highway, is more of an “off the beaten track” link between Metro Vancouver and Hope. You’ll see lively communities, unique shops, rolling hills, livestock grazing in fertile pastures, fruit and vegetable stands, the winding Fraser River, lakes, and much more along the way.

Website: http://www.scenic7bc.com/index.php?page_id=1

Vancouver  Loop

If you’re looking for a scenic city route, this could be it! Start anywhere along the route you want to, but here’s the basic itinerary (it should take a couple of hours, depending on traffic and how many stops you make):

Granville Island – Vanier Park – Kitsilano Beach – Jericho Park – Spanish Bank Beach – UBC – Iona Island – Queen Elizabeth Park – Granville Island

Check out a map of the route here (and please excuse my map creating skills!).

Some great places to stop along the way include: Granville Island, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, the Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver Maritime Museum, the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, the Museum of Anthropology, UBC Botanical Garden, the Bloedel Conservatory and of course, all of the beaches and parks!

View from Queen Elizabeth Park, Photo by Crystal Solberg.

Cultus Lake (Chilliwack)

My favourite route to Cultus Lake is from Highway 1. Take the No. 3 Road/Exit 104 if you are driving east from Abbotsford- that way you can stop at the famous Yellow Barn Country Produce store! From the Yellow Barn:

Continue on No. 3 Road – Right on Tolmie Road – Left on No. 3 Road – Left on Yarrow Central Road – Yarrow Central Road becomes Vedder Mountain Road – Slight right on Cultus Lake Road – Cultus Lake Road turns into Columbia Valley Highway

Highlights along the way: sprawling farms, the Village of Yarrow, Cultus Lake Provincial Park (I recommend checking out a few of the beaches along the way, such as Main Beach and Entrance Bay). In the spring and fall it’s fun to sit on a restaurant patio and watch all of the other motorcyclists and classic car clubs drive by. Plan on spending at least a couple of hours in the area (but there are some great cabins and campsites around!).

Madeira Park to Garden Bay (Sunshine Coast)

This short route (it takes approximately 25 minutes) is full of curves! If you haven’t done this route before, please use caution. This can be a pretty technical route but it’s also a lot of fun! Start out in Madeira Park:

Head onto the Sunshine Coast Highway (Highway 101) towards Egmont – Left on Garden Bay Road

Ride to the end of Garden Bay Road (a stop at Garden Bay Lake along the way is recommended!) and visit the Marina. It’s definitely a nice area to stop and grab a bite to eat!

Garden Bay, Photo by Mark Faviell Photos via flickr.

Circle Farm Routes

Several communities in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Region offer self-guided Circle Farm routes, which are a great way to discover all of the amazing things being grown and produced in the area. Pick up a brochure at a Visitor Centre or visit circlefarmtour.com for information on these routes, such as what you what you can expect to see, the operating hours of farm stores, and much more. The routes tend to follow scenic rural roads that are great for exploring on a motorcycle!

Abbotsford Circle Farm Tour: http://www.circlefarmtour.com/index.php?page_id=9
Agassiz & Harrison Mills Circle Farm Tour: http://www.circlefarmtour.com/index.php?page_id=13
Chilliwack Circle Farm Tour: http://www.circlefarmtour.com/index.php?page_id=52
Langley Circle Farm Tour: http://www.circlefarmtour.com/index.php?page_id=21
Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge Circle Farm Tour: http://www.circlefarmtour.com/index.php?page_id=25

Skookumchuk Narrows – Egmont

Perhaps the most famous inland rapids in Canada, the walk in to view the rapids is a “must do” on the Sunshine Coast.  Situated a short drive west of Egmont – a tiny community at the northern end of the Lower Sunshine Coast.  The picturesque community will charm you with its friendly locals and laid-back vibe. Reach the rapids via an easy 4 kilometre trail that meanders through old-growth forest to Roland Point, an outcropping of rocks overlooking the rapids.  Famous for powerful whirlpools and white-water, on a 3 metre tide, 200 billion gallons of water can flow through the narrows connecting Sechelt & Jervis Inlets, which makes for an awesome ride for experienced kayakers, and an spectacular show for those on land. Be sure to check the viewing timetable before starting to make sure you arrive at the rapids during their peak, though there is about a one hour window on either side of the “best viewing times”, so don’t feel like you have to be there exactly at the right moment!  For more information,visit the BC Parks website.

Skookumchuck Narrows  from IcebergFilms via YouTube.

Othello Tunnels – Hope

One of the coolest sites immediately outside of Hope is the Othello Tunnels - a series of abandoned tunnels and bridges originally built in 1914 for the Kettle Valley Railway, but are now a part of Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park and are open to the public to explore.  These five tunnels are an impressive feat of engineering as they were built in a straight line through the solid granite at Coquihalla Gorge. The natural setting of the turquoise waters rushing through the canyon adds to the magic, especially with the surging river in the spring.

Two items you may want to consider bringing are a flashlight and a picnic lunch. Expect to spend about an hour here as the trail to the tunnels is 3.5 km round trip. For full details, visit the BC Parks website.

Othello Tunnels, Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park. Photo: Bob Young

Bridal Veil Falls – Chilliwack

Located between Hope and Chilliwack in the Fraser Valley is Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park. Visible from Highway 1, the falls are easily accessible by a 10 minute walk along a wide path through the forest.  Named for the “veil-like” effect the waterfall makes as it tumbles 60 metres over a smooth rock face, Bridal Veil Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls in the region and claims the distinction of being the sixth-highest waterfall in Canada. Be sure to look skyward while you’re taking in the beauty of the falls and you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of hang-gliders or paragliders who launch from the hilltop high above the falls. For more information about what the park has to offer, visit the BC Parks website.

Brandywine Falls – near Whistler

If you’ve driven the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler, chances are at one point you’ve stopped at the stunning Shannon Falls. But those driving from Squamish to Whistler are in for a special treat at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. A short trail (15 minutes) across the covered wooden bridge and through the forest takes visitors to a new viewing platform at the top of Brandywine Falls. The waterfall puts on an impressive show as it emerges abruptly from the forest and drops a spectacular 70 metres into the creek below. If you walk just a little bit further you’ll come to another spot to see the falls and then another with amazing views of Daisy Lake and the surrounding mountains, including the towering Black Tusk. The surrounding park has great trails for hiking and mountain biking and spots to picnic in. For more information, visit the BC Parks website.

Brandywine Falls. Photo by Calypso Orchid, via Flickr.

Twin Falls Loop Trail – North Vancouver

Located on Vancouver’s North Shore, Lynn Canyon Park is a favourite among locals and visitors alike.   The main attraction at the park is the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, but the true beauty of Lynn Canyon extends far beyond the views from the bridge, albeit spectacular, and into the temperate rainforest.  From the bridge, there is a great view of the raging waters of Lynn Creek , but once over the bridge visitors have the choice of turning left or right. Left leads along a forest trail, part of the Baden Powell Trail system, along the creek to the very popular 30 foot pool. In the peak of summer it’s not uncommon to come across local youth jumping from the rocks into the pool below. But the treasure, in our opinion, is found if you turn left and head for Twin Falls. A lovely walk through the forest and along boardwalks, the Twin Falls Loop trail takes you to another bridge downstream where you are much closer to the raging waters and can enjoy a wonderful view of Twin Falls.  Cross the bridge and head up a series of steep stairs where it’s just a short walk back to the parking lot and the suspension bridge.  If you wish to turn this short nature walk into a long one, it is possible to hike the Baden Powell Trail from Lynn Canyon to the Cleveland Dam, just upstream from the world famous Capilano Suspension Bridge.  For more information about the Twin Falls Loop Trail visit LynnCanyon.ca

Whistler Village – July 28 – July 2

Take the weekend and experience all the events and attractions that Whistler has to offer and stroll through the Village with the family for some circus-themed celebrations! The Canadian carnival starts on June 28^th and runs until July 2^nd. Get your face painted, don a balloon hat and discover the roving circus performers throughout the resort town.  Trade the big top for the big mountains and enjoy open-air concerts held at the Whistler Olympic Plaza Pavilion on the 29^th, 30^th, and 1^st from 8:00 – 10:00pm.  Beginning at noon, check out the Canada Day parade happening July 1^st as it winds from Whistler Town Plaza to Mountain Square. Finish the day with a 10:15pm fireworks display at the Skiers Plaza.

Fireworks: Yes
Website

Surrey – July 1

If you’re looking for an intimate gathering with over 100,000 of your closest friends and family, then round up your posse From Far And Wide and head to Cloverdale to celebrate Surrey Canada Day 2012. This is the largest Canada Day celebration in Western Canada and those in attendance know how to have fun! The day kicks off at 10:00am at the Millennium Amphitheatre in Cloverdale with games, rides, motocross demonstrations and all sorts of national and international foods! Enjoy music at the Chevron Mainstage all day. Headlining bands include: Hannah Georgas,   Jordan Cook, and the Juno-award winning, Sam Roberts Band. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for Captain Canada!

Fireworks: Yes
Website

Canada Day Celebrations in Surrey. Photo: Miss 604 via Flickr

Harrison Hot Springs – July 1

Start the day with a pancake breakfast at the Harrison Fire Hall from 8:30 – 10:00am. With Glowing Hearts, See the flag rise at a noon ceremony accompanied by a Chehalis welcome in the Harrison Plaza. Enjoy cake and children’s games while taking in the spectacular mountain views alongside Harrison Lake. As the evening rolls in catch the parade as it marches through Harrison Hot Springs Road and Esplanade. Close the evening at 10:00pm when a fireworks display is set to light up the night sky.

Fireworks: Yes
Website

Downtown Vancouver/Canada Place – July 1

This party is so big it can’t be contained! Have fun and enjoy activities and events at Canada Place, Canada Place Way, Vancouver Convention Centre’s Jack Poole Plaza and the neighbouring Harbour Green Park in downtown Vancouver. Join Global BC anchor, Chris Gailus, and thousands of spectators and experience True Patriot Love as 60 new Canadians are granted their citizenship or take part in the Canadian Citizenship Reaffirmation Ceremony to remind yourself what it means to be a citizen of our great nation. Take in the West Coast Lumberjack Show, Street Hockey, or join the Penny Party by brining your pennies to Canada Place and help support local charities. Meet Canada’s Army, Navy and Air Force and watch the 4^th Annual Canada Day Parade. Once the sun sets, take in the Sails of Light as the Canada Place Sails illuminate to represent spots across the nation. Finally enjoy spectacular fireworks visible from Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, West Vancouver and North Vancouver.

Fireworks: Yes
Website

Canada Day Fireworks from Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver. Photo: Bob Young

Tri-Cities – various dates

However you prefer to celebrate, enjoy three times the fun in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody this Canada Day! The City of Port Moody hosts their annual Golden Spike Days Festival from June 30th – July 2^nd at Rocky Point Park. Enjoy cultural displays and the check out the popular Golden Spike Can-Can Dancers. In Coquitlam, head on over to Lafarge Lake and the Evergreen Cultural Centre on July 1st. Starting at noon guests are invited to work up an appetite in Adventure Village and then sample foods from around the world. Enjoy the diverse entertainment across four stages and be sure to watch out for roving entertainers amongst the crowds.  Cap off the night with a dazzling fireworks display. Feed your senses in Port Coquitlam on July 1^st with a morning pancake breakfast and a fishing derby (for kids under 10) at Lions Park. In Castle Park, Opening Ceremonies start at noon with a community showcase, activities, Firefighter’s Salmon BBQ (3:30-6:30pm) and evening entertainment from 6-10pm.

Fireworks: Yes (Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam)
Website

Hope – July 1

Celebrate Our Home And Native Land in Hope on July 1st with music, feats of strength and a salmon barbeque. Take in a Strongman Competition starting at 10:00am and watch as competitors participate in six events including the car dead lift, truck pull, tire flip, log press, Louise Cyr press, and Atlas Stones. The Canada Day Car Show runs in conjunction with the Strongman Competition along Wallace Street. From 2:00 – 4:00pm enjoy the first of the Concerts in the Park series with Gerald Charlie & the Black Owl Blues in the Memorial Park Bandshell. The free concert series continues to run on Sunday afternoons throughout July and August.  Finish the day with an annual salmon BBQ at the Hope River General Store at Emory Creek.

Fireworks: No
Website

Sechelt – July 1

This year’s Canada Day theme in Sechelt is: “Diamond Jubilee – Music From The Past 60 Years”.  Enjoy music from the four piece band ‘Classic Country Boys’, Celso Machado, Steve Giltrow Quartet Jazz, and a host of others! The morning starts with a pancake breakfast,  followed by a bicycle decorating contest, and a parade from Cowrie Street to Hackett Park. Activities include a climbing wall, pony rides, bouncy castle for the kids and a beer garden for the adults.

Fireworks: No
Website

Did you catch all the lyrics to our National Anthem? Here’s a hint!

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free! 

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

5 Outdoor Adventures Along the Gold Rush Trail

Photo: River rafting down the Fraser – August 2010. Source: Hyak River Rafting.

1. Raft the Mighty Fraser Canyon

The first time I ever went white water rafting was two years ago in the Fraser Canyon between Lytton and Boston Bar. Although I’m not a strong swimmer, my initial anxiety quickly morphed into adrenaline and delight. If you think you already know the Fraser River based on what you’ve seen in the Lower Mainland, it is such a different experience rafting down the Fraser in the heart of Canyon Country. Not only does the Fraser Canyon provide a dramatic geography and a drier climate, but it’s also rich in indigenous culture and colonial history. And of course, the rafting provides the ultimate adventure to appreciate this kind of setting.

Local river rafting operators include Kumsheen, Hyak River Rafting, Chilliwack River Rafting, REO Rafting Resort and Fraser River Raft Expeditions - all offering rafting adventures of all types along the Fraser and its tributaries.

2. Hike the Tikwalus Heritage Trail

Located north of Hope along the Fraser Canyon, the Tikwalus Heritage Trail was traditionally used by the Nlaka’pamux First Nation for over thousands of years. This trail connected villages and fishing sites along the Fraser Canyon as well as providing access to important food and medicine in the high mountains nearby. It was then shared with workers of the Hudson Bay Company in the late 1840s as a fur trading route between Fort Kamloops and Fort Langley. Needless to say, the Tikwalus Heritage Trail is entrenched in BC history.

For photos, directions, maps, and details on the Tikwalus Heritage Trail, be sure to visit the Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning’s website as they’ve been playing a large role in its restoration.

3. Panning for Gold

The Fraser Canyon was home to one of the earliest gold rushes in British Columbia, dating back to 1858. If you think the art of gold panning has been lost in this region, think again! Hell’s Gate Airtram offers gold panning on site where you can sift through gravel from nearby Hills Bar, home to the biggest claim ever staked in the Fraser Canyon during the Great Fraser River Gold Rush.

Alternatively, you can seek out professional gold panner Yukon Dan who teaches a variety of gold panning workshops throughout the year at various schools and special events. He even has a list of best gold panning sites on his website if you wanted to head out on your own.

4. Explore Alexandra Bridge

Situated in the Fraser Canyon between Hope and Boston Bar is Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park. Though small in size, this park is a must for those on a gold rush history pilgrimage. As written up on the BC Parks website, Alexandra Bridge is “centred around the site of the original Cariboo Wagon Road bridge over the Fraser River. The park was established in 1984. It provides both a rest stop and picnic facilities for travelers. This site has been a natural stop-over and crossing of the Fraser River since the area was first populated. Because of its small size there are limited recreational opportunities within this park. You can access the historic bridge from a trail through the day use area.”

5. Discover Othello Tunnels

Photo: Othello Tunnels. Source: Stephen Rees via Flickr.

One of the coolest sites immediately outside of Hope is Othello Tunnels - a series of abandoned tunnels and bridges originally built in 1914 for the Kettle Valley Railway, but are now a part of Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park and are open to the public to explore. These five tunnels are an impressive feat of engineering as they were built in a straight line through the solid granite at Coquihalla Gorge. The natural setting of the turquoise waters rushing through the canyon adds to the magic, especially with the surging river in the spring. Two items you may want to consider bringing are a flashlight and a picnic lunch. Expect to spend about an hour here as the trail to the tunnels is 3.5 km round trip. For full details, visit the BC Parks website.

Related Posts:

• Explore British Columbia’s Gold Rush Trail – Part 1

5 Historical Adventures Along the Gold Rush Trail

Photo: Children panning for gold at Fort Langley National Historic Site. Source: VCMBC

1. Fraser River Discovery Centre – New Westminster

Learn about the past, present and future of the living, working Fraser River at the Fraser River Discovery Centre located in British Columbia’s first official capital, New Westminster. The Fraser River was BC’s golden artery – the route in which many a miner travelled to get from the coast into the interior of British Columbia.

Website: www.fraserriverdiscovery.org
Location: 788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC [map]

2. Fort Langley National Historic Site – Langley

Photo: Panning for gold at Fort Langley National Historic Site. Source: FLNHS via Facebook.

Travel east along the Fraser to Langley and visit the Fort Langley National Historic Site. First established in 1827 as a fur trading post for the Hudson’s Bay Company, it’s where the Colony of British Columbia was created a century and a half ago.

Website: www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/bc/langley/index.aspx
Location: 23433 Mavis Avenue, Langley, BC [map]

3. Historic Yale Site – Yale

Photo: Historic Yale. Source: Historic Yale Site via Facebook.

Continue up the Fraser Canyon past these points to visit Historic Yale Site, the gold rush boomtown that was once the largest west of Chicago and north of San Francisco.

Website: http://historicyale.ca/
Location: 31187 Douglas Street, Box 74, Yale, BC [map]

4. Hell’s Gate Airtram – Hell’s Gate

Photo: Hell’s Gate Airtram.Source Ryan C. via Flickr.

When explorer Simon Fraser first encountered Hell’s Gate in 1808, he exclaimed, “We had to travel where no human being should venture for surely we have encountered the gates of hell”. A historic landmark in the heart of the Fraser Canyon, Hell’s Gate is where 200 million gallons of water per minute thunder through this 33 metre wide passage. Hell’s Gate Airtram provides a bird’s eye perspective, an education centre, gold panning, and more.

Website: www.hellsgateairtram.com
Location: Trans-Canada Highway, Boston Bar, BC [map]

5. Lytton

Located at the confluence of the Mighty Fraser River and the Thompson River is the village of Lytton. The First Nations called this merging of two great rivers “kumsheen” which means “great forks”. The gold rush of 1858 and the construction of the Cariboo Wagon Road rapidly changed Lytton, bringing in infrastructure and hundreds of miners. Learn about the history of the region at the Lytton Museum and explore the remnants of the Cariboo Wagon Road.

Website: www.botaniecreek.com/museum/
Location: 420 Fraser Street, Lytton, BC [map]

Related Post:

• Explore British Columbia’s Gold Rush Trail – Part 2

It’s the first day of spring!

Yeah, it’s hard to believe with the frigid temperatures, although there’s that fresh smell in the air of cherry blossoms waiting to bloom. You know it’s just going to be a matter of days before we start seeing pink everywhere. It’s seriously one of my favourite times of the year, so fleeting yet magical all the same.

Back when I was a student at UBC, I took an art history class about Japanese ukiyo-e painting, and one recurring subject in the artwork was “hanami” which is the Japanese custom of enjoying beautiful flowers… or more specifically, cherry blossoms at that precise moment when the petals begin to fall. My professor would tell us stories of modern day Japanese hanami or sakura parties in Toyko where people in the hundreds would flock to the cherry trees at the first site of fluttering petals, and would proceed to drink sake all day under the canopies of pink.

But that got me thinking… there’s a strong tie to the Japanese community here and while we don’t exactly have a hanami tradition, we do appreciate spring, cherry blossoms, and Japanese culture. We also have several Japanese gardens scattered around our beautiful Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region of BC.

To kick off spring, I thought I’d highlight five of such gardens:

1. Nitobe Memorial Garden – Vancouver

Photo: UBC’s Nitobe Memorial Garden in March, 2003. Photo by Robyn Hanson.

Located at UBC campus, Nitobe Memorial Garden is a traditional Japanese Tea and Stroll garden and according to their website, it’s considered to be one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in North America and among the top five Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Nitobe Garden also includes a rare authentic Tea Garden with a ceremonial Tea House. Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies are always a possibility when you visit.

Though tiny in size, Nitobe’s a must for anyone interested in traditional Japanese gardens. Each tree, stone and shrub has been deliberately placed and is carefully maintained to reflect an idealized conception and symbolic representation of nature. The garden honours Inazo Nitobe (1862-1933) whose goal was “to become a bridge across the Pacific”.

When you’re planning a visit, take note that the garden is only open on weekdays from 10am-2pm. Admission is by donation.

2. Kuno Garden – Richmond

Richmond has strong ties to Japan, and it’s not just because they’re sister cities with Wakayama. Japanese Canadians were Steveston pioneers, making up a significant chunk of the village’s population back in the infancy of the fishing industry. Just drop by the Steveston Museum for proof where you can glimpse at the old photo albums and you’ll see that Steveston was once home to Japanese schools, a Japanese hospital, and countless shops catering to the Japanese Canadian community. This was pre-WWII Steveston.

Steveston is a different place now, but legacies of its Japanese heritage live on in places such as Kuno Garden. Situated at the entrance of Garry Point Park, Kuno Garden was created to celebrate the centennial year of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant to Canada. It’s a tiny section of an otherwise expansive park, but the nearby grove of cherry trees makes it a particularly alluring place to visit in the springtime.

3. Chiba Garden – North Vancouver

Located along the 200 block of West Esplanade at Waterfront Park, North Vancouver’s Chiba Garden is a traditional Japanese garden tucked away behind cedar gates. Built in 1986, it commemorates the friendship between the City of North Vancouver and its sister city, Chiba. Although the North Shore News‘ Todd Major suggests that it’s “a little neglected”, he explains that “the garden’s design is comprised of two streams originating from one source, representing the friendship between these two cities”.

Local blog This Is the Way It Is & That’s Okay visited Chiba Garden in February 2012 where they relaxed and absorbed the scenery – the trees, the sea air, and the quiet. Check out their photos as it’ll no doubt inspire you to hop on the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay where Chiba Garden awaits less than a 10 minute stroll away.

4. Friendship Garden – Hope

Photo: Friendship Garden in May, 2008. Photo by Robyn Hanson.

Located in the heart of Hope is a beautiful Japanese garden simply known as Friendship Garden. I’m embarrassed to admit that I had only discovered this garden in May of 2008 despite a lifetime of visits to Hope. It’s only two short blocks east of Water Avenue (the main strip when you first enter the town) and any time I visit Hope now, I definitely make a point at stopping by. It’s a beautiful park to stretch your legs and breathe in the mountain air. Of course, the cherry blossoms make it particularly picturesque.

But there’s a deeper meaning to this park as explained by the plaque on the rock. It reads, “Built by the local Japanese Canadians commemorating the Japanese Canadians interned during World War II in Tashme Camp, 20 kilometers east of Hope on Hwy No. 3 and also to demonstrate Japanese culture to the general public. Presented to the Town of Hope on July 27, 1991. Project design and supervision provided by the Japanese Gardeners Cooperative of B.C.”

5. Friendship Garden – New Westminster

Yes, there are two Japanese Friendship Gardens in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains! Located adjacent to New Westminster’s Tipperary Park, Friendship Garden is a Japanese-inspired garden that was built in 1963 as a tribute to Moriguchi, Japan – New Westminster’s sister city. Unlike the more traditional Japanese gardens, this garden blends the aesthetics of a Japanese garden with the more informal garden style typical of the Canadian west coast.

Ironically, it’s situated right next to City Hall, but there’s no better place to escape the city. Relax on a bench to enjoy the beauty of the trees, flowers, and native plants, or go for a short stroll along the walking paths. The park also features a waterfall and pond as well as a totem pole. In any case, it’s the perfect hybrid of Japanese and west coast culture.

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Culture Days is happening all across Canada this weekend (September 30, October 1 & 2). Described as a “collaborative pan-Canadian volunteer movement to raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of all Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities”, we’ve highlighted 20 events going on this weekend in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains:

1. CBC Live – A Kick Off to Culture Days – Vancouver:

Begin your Culture Days festivities in the heart of downtown Vancouver at the CBC Studios on Hamilton Street. Enjoy entertainment, meet your favourite CBC personalities and enjoy a free concert at 8pm with performances by the Midway State, the New Pornographers, and Stars. More info.
When: Friday, September 30 from 10am until 10pm.

2. Fall Harvest Festival – Burnaby:

Celebrate the fall harvest in Nikkei (of Japanese-descent) style through the annual Japanese Farmers Market and Nikkei Centre Open House. Fantastic food, cultural displays, music, performances and family friendly activities will continue through the day. More info.
When: Saturday, October 1 from 10am until 3pm.

3. Multicultural Festival – Powell River:

Enjoy performances of music, dance, and drama; demonstrations of traditional arts & activities such as Japanese origami, First Nations carving, Ukrainian egg painting, and Chinese martial arts; displays about countries & cultures; and education related to multiculturalism, tolerance, & inclusiveness. More info.
When: Saturday, October 1 from 10am until 4pm.

4. Ioco Ghost Town Days – Port Moody:

Stop by the former Ioco Lawn Bowling green for family activities including tours of the Ioco town in antique cars, pony rides, pumpkin decorating and other crafts. Variety show performances include a juggler, magician, ventriloquist, bluegrass band, sing-along and fiddler. More info.
When: Sunday, October 2 from 12pm until 4pm.

5. Sunday Family Arts – Abbotsford:

Bring your kids out to Abbotsford’s The Reach Gallery Museum and experience an array of art projects together. Pre-registration is required for this parents and child collaborative event. More info.
When: Sunday, October 2 from 1pm until 3pm.

6. Newton Cultural Centre’s 1st Anniversary Weekend – Surrey:

Bring the family out to Surrey’s Newton Cultural Centre as it celebrates its first anniversary. There will be live entertainment, a craft fair, art show, face painting and more. More info.
When: Saturday, October 1 from 10am until 4pm, and Sunday, October 2 from 12pm until 4pm.

7. Paint the Alley – Squamish:

Come to Squamish’s Home Base Studios and help their in-studio artists paint their alley in a graffiti-like fashion. More info.
When: Friday, September 30 from 12pm until 6pm.

8. Kwikwetlam First Nation: Red Fish up River – Coquitlam:

Visit Coquitlam’s Evergreen Cultural Centre and explore an exhibition with a focus on the current initiatives of the Kwikwetlem First Nation including the revival of several cultural traditions. On view will be historical artefacts, photographs, video and a scale model of the war canoe commissioned in 2009. More info.
When: Friday, September 30 until Sunday, October 2 from 12pm until 5pm.

9. 195 Studios: A Touch of Paris on Pemberton Avenue – North Vancouver:

Meet fifteen artists in their studios for a touch of a Parisian experience and enjoy original art. Savour croissants and pastries in a friendly sidewalk cafe atmosphere. The artists include both painters and sculptors who employ a variety of mediums and techniques. More info.
When: Saturday, October 1 from 11am until 5pm.

10. Richmond Lantern Festival – Richmond:

Come to Richmond’s Minoru Park to see 500 lanterns on display as well as Chinese cultural performances such as lion dances, martial arts, folk music, and calligraphy. More info.
When: Friday, September 30 from 4pm until 8pm; Saturday, October 1 from 11am until 8pm; Sunday, October 2 from 11am until 6pm.

11. Creation, Exhibit, and Open House at the Art Machine – Hope:

Help create a large acrylic community painting on canvas at the Art Machine in Hope. They will also be exhibiting original work created by participants of their community arts program. Enjoy the display, meet the artists and experience being an artist. More info.
When: Saturday, October 1 from 11am until 4pm.

12. Watercolours – Gibsons:

Drop by the Gibsons Public Art Gallery for an exquisite watercolour show by watercolour artists Larissa Hsia and the late Mel Kero. More info.
When: Friday, September 30 from 11am until 4pm.

13. Ukelele Class – Chilliwack:

Join the Chilliwack Academy of Music instructor Rod Swanson for a sneak peek at an upcoming beginner adult music class – Ukulele level 1. Back by popular demand, the summer offering of this course had dozens of adults strumming, singing and laughing their way towards learning a musical instrument. Don’t have a ukulele? Borrow one of ours! More info.
When: Saturday, October 1 from 3pm until 4pm.

14. Greenlinks 2011: Insects – New Westminster:

Discover the art works of Tiko Kerr and Ivan Droujinin and explore the insect exhibit put on by the Douglas College of Urban Ecology at New Westminster’s Amelia Douglas Gallery. More info.
When: Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1 from 10am until 7:30pm.

15. TEDxSechelt – Sechelt:

The theme of TEDxSechelt is “The Nature of Creativity” with discussions about music, art and education as a tool for social change. More info.
When: Saturday, October 1 from 9am until 4:30pm.

16. Langley Art Studio Tours – Langley:

Langley’s visual artists are once again opening their studios to warmly welcome visitors. Tour-goers will use a guide-map to find their way around the community to the various loctions where they will see artists at work and displays of original local art. There will also be art demonstrations and hands-on mini workshops to add to the experience. More info.
When: Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2 from 10am until 5pm.

17. Open House at the ACT – Maple Ridge:

Visit the ACT in Maple Ridge for an afternoon of fun family art activities, back stage tours, an art gallery tour and talk, and a celebration of the Arts Council’s 40th Anniversary. More info.
When: Saturday, October 1 from 1pm until 4pm.

18. ArtScene 2011 – Lions Bay:

The Lions Bay Arts Council will be creating a cultural hub around the Village Hall with a variety of events including the annual Lions Bay Art Show, live musical performances, book and poetry readings by local writers, and more. More info.
When: Saturday, October 1 from 11am until 5pm.

19. Artists Reception & Gallery Show – Delta:

Tour the newly reopened Tsawwassen Arts Centre and view beautiful works of art while enjoying the company of the featured artists. Light refreshments will be served. More info.
When: Saturday, October 1 from 5pm until 8pm.

20. Sunshine Coast Art Crawl Launch Party – Roberts Creek, Madeira Park & Powell River:

There will be 3 Art Crawl Launch Party locations along the Sunshine Coast and all 3 locations will be linked through an online video chat so that everyone can all mix and visually meet each other. he 2011 Sunshine Coast Art Crawl brochure will be available to take home and distribute to your friends, clients and family for them to start planning their crawl. More info.
When: Sunday, October 2 from 2pm until 4pm.

For a full list of Culture Days events happening in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region, visit the Culture Days website at www.cuturedays.ca.

September and October are great months to be camping in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains. The crowds are practically non-existent and the weather can be fantastic provided that you’re prepared for cool mornings, warm afternoons, and crisp evenings. Sure, the seasonal rains may flirt with us now and then, but don’t discount the fact that autumn frequently gives us amazing weather.

Here are 5 camping destinations in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains worth experiencing this season:

1. Granite Falls:

Photo: Kayaks along the beach at Granite Falls. Source: Karl Woll via Flickr.

Considered one of the most spectacular camping trips out of Vancouver, Granite Falls is a beloved local secret. That secret? It’s only accessible by boat.

Officially a part of Indian Arm Provincial Park, Granite Falls offers rustic beachfront camping at the base of the 50m tall waterfall. The campsite is small, but it does have basic amenities such as pit toilets and water, although most campers simply gather water from the falls themselves.

To get there most people go by kayak, departing from North Vancouver’s Deep Cove then following the coastline up Indian Arm until they reach the waterfall. “You can’t miss the falls” says local kayaking enthusiast Joshua Lee. He also told us that it’s best to go in and out with the tide in order to make this 18 km journey easier. On average it takes a minimum of 3 hours of paddling one way.

Cortes Island blogger Paddlesheep camped at Granite Falls in 2008 and writes, “A pleasant trail leads from the main campground along the shore, to some other camp sites along the water. The roar of the waterfall was very soothing that night and lovely to fall asleep to.”  But the waterfall isn’t the only attraction. According to Tourism Vancouver, up to 60,000 Pink salmon can be seen spawning along Indian Arm every year from July until October… so keep your eye out for this truly incredible sight!

2. Mount Richardson Provincial Park:

The location of our favourite Mount Richardson campsite: Tuwanek. Source: Google Maps

It’s just a coincidence that our second camping destination is also only accessible by boat, but this one will make you feel like you’re camping in your own private temperate rainforest! Located along the eastern shore of Sechelt Inlet about a half hour drive north of Sechelt, Mount Richardson Provincial Park offers three distinct boat-accessible campsites at Oyster Beach, Nine Mile Point and Tuwanek.

The Tuwanek campsite is what truly left us feeling as though we discovered our own secret beach in the midst of the temperate rainforest. We discovered it by accident while canoeing along Sechelt Inlet a short distance from the community, also called Tuwanek – a small collection of houses, cabins, and the Tuwanek Hotel – all at the end of Sechelt Inlet Road.

This coved beach is covered in barnacle-covered stones, but the campsite is set back within the forest, under a canopy of old, majestic evergreens. There is a pit toilet and picnic tables, but the only source of water comes from the stream, so it’s best to bring your own. Finally, there is really only one campsite here and it’s first come first serve, but if you’re willing to chance it and can claim it for your own, you’ll feel as though the world’s your oyster.

3. Manning Park:

Hiking at Manning Park in October 2010. Source: el Florian via Flickr.

Some of my favourite childhood camping memories are from Manning Park – a mammoth provincial park east of Hope along the Crowsnest (Hwy 3) in the Coast Mountains. With over over 70,844 hectares of rugged forest-clad mountains, deep valleys, alpine meadows, lakes and rivers, it’s an ideal destination for nature lovers. I personally think it makes a great weekend camping destination if you have a car and you’re seeking easy access to the mountains.

Officially known as E C Manning Provincial Park, Manning Park’s campsites are well maintained and are all accessible by car or RV. They have basic amenities like water, toilets and firewood, but don’t have any RV hookup services. Although a few of the campsites have closed for the summer, there are still a few which are open until October 11.

At the moment there are 64 campsites at Coldspring (open until October 11), 143 campsites at Lightning Lake (open until October 11), 49 campsites at Mule Deer (open until September 26) and 2 sites at Lone Duck Group (open year round). The close dates are weather-dependent, depending on the first snowfalls.

4. Silver Lake:

Here’s something I recently discovered: Skagit Valley doesn’t only exist in Washington State. It also extends into British Columbia between Hope and Manning Park. And it’s precisely here in the Skagit Valley – 12km southwest of Hope along a gravel road – where you’ll find rustic camping along the pristine, undeveloped Silver Lake in Silver Lake Provincial Park. Basic amenities include water (from a hand-pump) and pit toilets.

Getting to Silver Lake is really easy by car. There are excellent directions on the BCParks website, but because it’s off the beaten path, Silver Lake’s apparently off the radar for most drive-up campers.

Local blogger SilentWhisper1 recently camped at Silver Lake during this past August and writes, “Silver Lake is beautiful. The nights were cold, though sitting by the fire kept things warm while gazing up through the old growth trees at shooting stars. Silver Lake and its surroundings is rich with history. I swear the whole time I was there I was feeling the ancient natives and their spirit among us. The mountains around the lake are massive and very close. The beauty is post card material.”

5. Joffre Lakes:

Photo: Camping at Upper Joffre Lake in October 2010. Source: Dan Bewley via Flickr.

Our final autumn camping destination is a little more hardcore than our other choices, simply because it’s walk-in/wilderness camping. Located between Pemberton and Lillooet on the Duffy Lake Road (Hwy 99), Joffre Lakes Provincial Park offers turquoise glacial lakes and some pretty serious alpine hiking.

According to Mike Chang at Vancouver Trails, “The trail to Upper Joffre Lakes can be quite steep in sections and campers should be in excellent physical condition and able to hike in all the required camping equipment and supplies.” Enough said.

You can camp year round at the Upper Joffre Lake site which is 5.5km from the parking lot where there are 24 walk-in backcountry campsites. According to ParksBC, “The campsite may fill up on weekends so it is best to get there early.”