W Canada Travel

Posted by Lori Henry

It was with great pleasure that I was invited to a screening of Vancouver Historical Society’s City Reflections: 1907- Vancouver- 2007. When a Seattle filmmaker, William Harbeck, decided to strap a camera onto an electric streetcar in downtown Vancouver in 1907, the footage would be lost to the next generation. It ended up in a private collection in Australia, mislabelled as coverage from Hobart, Tasmania!

After making it’s way Library and Archives Canada, it was restored to it’s present glory. The clever folks at the historical society decided to shoot the same film, 100 years later, on the same streets of downtown Vancouver. Side-by-side coverage of the two films, as well as intelligent and humorous narration allows future generations to see how far the city has come in 100 years.

“While street scenes of today’s Vancouver may not seem all that interesting to us now, think how different some of these scenes will look to someone 25, 50 or maybe even 100 years from now,” says Jim McGraw, a board member of the Vancouver Historical Society. “Will our cars look as quaint to them as horses and wagons look to us today?”

Another screening will be held for the public on May 22, 2008 at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre (604-738-7827, 1100 Chestnut Street) for an 8:00pm showtime. The DVD will be made available shortly from the City Reflections website.

Posted by Lori Henry

Mother’s Day in Vancouver is always fun. There are many things to do and places to take that special woman, whether she’s your mom, your mother-in-law, a soon-to-be mom or even a grandmother. It’s also a great excuse to pamper her with good food, a massage and some quality time with her favourite daughter/son/relative, etc…

At the Opus Hotel (604-642-0557, 350 Davie Street), Elixir bistro moderne is hosting a Mother’s Day brunch from 11:00am – 3:30pm. Two-course, $29.50 CDN and three-course, $36.50 CDN options are available, with things like buttermilk pancakes and wild BC salmon.

While you’re there, enter to win a “Mother and Daughter Opus and Michael Kors Shop and Stay Experience.” Yes, this is a $500 shopping spree at the Michael Kors store at Oakridge Centre, chauffeured service to and from the mall (in a 7 series BMW), one night’s accommodation in a deluxe guestroom at the Opus Hotel, and breakfast for two in the morning. Um, yeah, good deal!

For even more luxury, Absolute Spa (604-684-2772, 1015 Burrard Street) is running specials on Mother’s Day luxury spa treatments. From the massage or body wrap in a bed of roses ($95-$105 CDN) and four hour Hawaiian Vacation (a mix of Lomi Lomi massage, a pedicure, body buff, and body wrap in coconut mango aromas- $315 CDN), to manicures and pedicures for two people ($120 CDN per person) and gift cards, your mother can have anything she wants.

Posted by Lori Henry

I had a wonderful meal the other night at Shun Feng Seafood Restaurant. In Richmond, BC, it’s only a 15-minute drive or a reasonable bus ride on the 98 B-Line. It’s located right in Parker Place mall and is definitely worth getting out to.

The daunting 10 course meal, with wine pairings, was superb. All of the produce was sourced locally and wines were all from British Columbia. To start, the Sumac Ridge Sauvignan Blanc went perfectly well with fantastic seaweed spring rolls.

Highlights of the night were the flaméed drunken BC spot prawns, melt-in-your-mouth wok-fry steak of sablefish, and the dessert selections of pan-fried pancakes and a baked almond bun. The special cake-style tea was the perfect finisher.

Fortunately, this carefully selected menu will be available all summer long, so I recommend getting to Richmond and trying it out! Dim Sum (menu service) is also available, of course, for those die hard fans.

Shun Feng Seafood Restaurant

Unit 1425- No. 3 Road (Parker Place mall)

Richmond, BC

Reservations: (604) 304-6088

Posted by Lori Henry

I just got back from my travels in Calgary, Alberta. I took an easy flight from Edmonton and got ready to see a city I hadn’t visited in a few years, yet knew it would look much different. Construction is everywhere and workers labour feverously to complete the construction projects.

I stayed right in the middle of it all, at the Fairmont Palliser hotel in downtown Calgary. As usual, the dependable hotel chain got my rave review with its grand entrance and luxurious accommodations. Plus, it’s located next door to the Calgary Tower, the Glenbow Museum and a myriad of great dining options.

I was lucky enough to do some pretty neat things, from trail rides in the snow just outside of Calgary, to an urban spa and upscale dining in the heart of downtown. The range of things to do is pretty astounding, as the city is growing so fast and mixing the old western cowboy history with the new metropolitan vibe.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be covering the activities I did during this trip, the places I saw and the restaurants I ate in while there. Check back with my feature articles and read about how you can wake up in the sunshine in your luxury accommodation, drive 45 minutes to a ranch and trail ride in the snow, and return to the city for a spa treatment and uber swanky dinner at one of the city’s finest establishments.

Tourism Calgary (1-800-661-1678) and Travel Alberta (1-800-ALBERTA) can help you plan your trip.

Posted by Lori Henry

I’m in Edmonton, Alberta right now and am having a great time. I spent yesterday trying out Café de Ville (780-488-9188, 10137 124th Street), a fantastic little restaurant, then went on to a shopping tour by the fabulous Judy McDonald (Finding Sophies Rubies, 780-901-3178). I discovered where to find all of the best boutiques in the city that I’m sure even residents don’t know about. Then it was over to the EvelineCharles spa (780-424-5666, 244 Edmonton City Centre) for my first body scrub, which was delightful. They also ordered me dinner and I ate right there in the spa!

This morning was filled with the charismatic folk at the Royal Alberta Museum (780-453-9100, 12845 102nd Avenue). The knowledge, passion and intrigue at this museum is profound and I enjoyed the colourful commentary by staff. In the afternoon I had a tour of the Union Bank Inn (780-423-3600, 10053 Jasper Avenue) where I’m staying. I got to see many more of the rooms and was impressed with the boutique atmosphere and elegant environment.

I just got back from the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s The Trumpet Shall Sound show with local trumpeter Jens Lindermann. The Winspear Centre is only three blocks away from the Union Bank Hotel, so I could walk there and back. The show was a wonderful mix of music with the charming Edmontonian Jens Lindermann. The crowd ate up his performance and humorous antics, and were moved when he and the orchestra played Gershwin’s Someone to Watch Over Me in honour of his parent’s 50th anniversary.

The Winspear Centre is host to many interesting performances during the year. With the Enmax Hall seating almost 2,000 guests on five levels and fine acoustics throughout, check out their schedule if you’re in town and have a lovely evening out.

Posted by Lori Henry

I finish off the coverage of my trip to Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island today. On Salt Spring Island, I attended the first day of the annual market in downtown Ganges. I met many wonderful artists and residents of the island and spent the day walking around, mingling and looking through the many tables. Although all the artists were doing great work, there were some standouts at the Salt Spring Island Market.

Over on Vancouver Island, I stayed in Sidney, BC for a few nights at the fantastic Miraloma on the Cove. This waterfront resort-style property was a pleasure to stay at and the little touches like games in the living rooms, a teddy bear on the beds and homemade cookies and hot chocolate every night made it stand out from other accommodations.

The town of Sidney, BC was also charming. I took one of the complimentary bikes from Miraloma and explored the town and the seaside bike path. Downtown is filled with cute cafés, independent stores and nine bookstores all along the main Beacon Street. People are friendly and the fresh air from the water make this a really pleasant place to stay. You can also use it as a base to see the rest of Vancouver Island, and it’s only a short drive south to visit Victoria.

Follow the links above to see what I thought about Sidney and Salt Spring Island.

Posted by Lori Henry

For those of you visiting Vancouver, BC this month, the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company is presenting the play True West, by Sam Shepard. Put on your evening’s finest, head downtown, and enjoy a night of powerful modern theatre.

Austin is a straight-laced screenplay writer trying to break into Hollywood. While working on a script in his mother’s house, his concentration is broken by Lee, his absent older brother. Coming from “the desert,” the two argue, fight, and provoke each other into a state of almost-absurdity. When Lee charms Austin’s producer, his younger brother falls apart at the seams and descends into the life of a drunken slob. In other words, the two almost completely switch roles.

As Austin says, “There’s nothin’ real down here, Lee! Least of all me!”

Through the many moments of shouting comes quick humour and fantastic dialogue. Sam Shepard is a master at giving actors everything they need to deliver riveting performances. The two leads, Vincent Gale (Austin) and Brian Markinson (Lee), give it their all and incite laughter at all the right spots.

Standout was veteran actor Alec Willows, who plays Saul Kimmer, the producer Austin is working with on his script. When Saul decides to scrap that project and jump into a silly western idea from Lee, he deals with the rapidly-declining brother’s sanity to perfection.

The Playhouse Theatre

Southeast corner of Hamilton and Dunsmuir, downtown Vancouver

Tickets: (604) 873-3311

Dates: March 29-April 19, 2008

Posted by Lori Henry

This past week I’ve been writing feverishly about my last trip to Victoria and Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. I’m always impressed with the rich wilderness and natural beauty that comes so easy for such a gorgeous province.

What this means is that there’s some brand new content for you to read! Follow me from Vancouver to Victoria as I stay at The Fairmont Empress hotel, then the boutique Magnolia Hotel & Spa. Ride through the downtown inner harbour with me as I tried out a horse-drawn carriage tour and visited the incredible Craigdarroch Castle.

Over on Salt Spring Island, I stayed at the elegant Hastings House Country House Hotel, where I cycled around, enjoyed the property and had exceptional meals. I flew back to Vancouver with Salt Spring Air, which was a treat. The small operation treats customers with familiarity and warmth- what a change from some other airlines :)

Next week I’ll continue with content from this trip. The Salt Spring Market was a fun way to while away the day. I also went to Sidney, BC, and have lots to say about that part of the trip. Daytrips include the Butchart Gardens and the Butterfly Gardens. Stay tuned…

Posted by Lori Henry

For those passionate about fly fishing or for those who want to begin fly fishing, now is your chance to meet with a man who has been doing it his whole life. Rick Passek will be launching his new book, “The Freshman Fly Fisher- A Beginners Guide for a New Generation” at the Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club in Surrey, BC.

Go by on Sunday April 6, 2008 from 10:00am to 4:00pm to meet Rick, get some free fishing education, and chow down on some BBQ’d food. As well, I’m told there will be hatchery tours, casting lessons, fly tying demos, bug identifications, knot demos, entertainment and, of course, a book signing.

Sounds like a great day for families to hang out and have some good old-fashioned fun. Here are the details:

The Freshman Fly Fisher- A Beginners Guide for a New Generation launch

Sunday April 6, 2008

10:00am-4:00pm

Semihamoo Fish and Game Club

1284- 184th Street

Surrey, BC

Posted by Lori Henry

I’m back from my weeklong trip to Victoria, Sidney and Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. It continues to baffle me how gorgeous this province is and how much there is to see and do.

My last destination was Hastings House Country House Hotel on Salt Spring Island. Their website photos looked amazing and I dreamed of walking through the endless property and looking out over the water. I was not disappointed.

Spread over the 22 acres of land, lies 18 options for accommodation. From the old manor house to the newly built hillside suites, there is enough room for every type of guest. There’s even an alternative for young children, who can stay in the secluded Churchill Cottage for a private retreat in the woods.

The staff were delightful and welcomed everyone with warmth. It seemed that all of the personnel were just as proud of the hotel as the owners were. Small touches like freshly cut flowers (from the garden near the reception area) adorned the rooms, a “wake up” hamper delivered to your door every morning with tea or coffee and fresh muffins, and the stuffed cat you put outside your door if you’re ready to have your room cleaned. It was a refreshing experience.

I will be doing a full profile piece about my stay there and have lots more to say. Stay tuned for the article in the upcoming weeks.

UPDATE: You can now read the Hastings House article by clicking here.