See What's Happening in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains this Summer!

It’s summer – there’s no doubt about that! The flowers are in full bloom and the sun has decided to show itself for more than a few seconds at a time. With all this sunshine, you’re bound to want to take advantage of Vancouver, Coast and Mountains’ variety of outdoor fun. From plays to festivals to beautiful Whistler, Vancouver, Coast and Mountains covers all the bases so that you can enjoy your summer in style and experience our region like never before!

For more information on summer vaction ideas, click here.

TD Canada Trust Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Vancouver
June 20-29, 2008

Canada Day Celebration
Vancouver
July 1, 2008

Abbotsford Int'l Airshow
Abbotsford
August 8-12, 2008

BC 150 Years, Rivermania
August 24 to September 28

What do I need to know when crossing the US border into British Columbia or any of the other Canadian Provinces?

International visitors will need to carry a valid national passport, US citizens require government issued ID, but do not need a passport at this time.
Click here for more information

For more great ideas to plan your Vancouver, Coast & Mountains vacation, please visit www.VCMBC.com or call 1-800-667-3306

Sensational Shakespeare in a Spectacular Setting

Shakespeare is one of the hottest tickets in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains! Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival has become one of the city’s signature summer events, attracting more than 87,000 patrons in 2007 and selling out for every performance. Now in its 19th season, the festival presents four professional productions in a dramatic location - the waterfront at Vanier Park, adjacent to the city’s downtown core. The festival’s signature open-ended tents allow the audience to enjoy the action against a sensational backdrop of mountains, sea and sky. And, Bard is highly affordable, with a top ticket price of only $33 Canadian.

This summer, in the larger main stage tent, the fun-filled romantic comedy TWELFTH NIGHT plays in repertory with the epic tragedy KING LEAR. Shakespeare’s hilarious tale of cross-dressing, misplaced affections and mischievous hoaxes, Twelfth Night is set in the Roaring Twenties in a stylized homage to the old-fashioned Hollywood movie. A more modern brush has been applied to the great tragedy KING LEAR, where hints at British royals across recent decades are evident as the foolish decisions of an aging king lead to sad consequences.
         
In the intimate studio stage tent, the magical romance THE TEMPEST is paired with the revenge drama TITUS ANDRONICUS. Colourful Jacobean costumes attire the shipwrecked courtiers and island spirits for The Tempest, as both old bitterness and new love flourish on an enchanted island. Rounding out the playbill is one of Shakespeare’s most disturbing tragedies, Titus Andronicus, which takes a powerful look at the cycle of destruction that vengeance still perpetuates today.
         
Bard on the Beach runs Tuesdays through Sundays under the tents in Vanier Park until September 27. There are also many special events and performances. For more information or to order tickets check www.bardonthebeach.org or call the Bard Box Office at 1-877‑739-0559.

Steveston: From Farmers’ Market to Festivals for All

The first Annual Steveston Farmer’s and Artisans Market runs every Sunday from 11am to 4pm starting May 4th to September 28, 2008.  It is located outside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site with over 50 stalls displaying fresh local produce, healthy foods, flowers, plants and unique works by local artisans. Also new for 2008, Chef in the Market, at noon each Sunday, features a half hour cooking demonstration. This season’s line-up includes Diane and Doug Clement, Nathan Hyam (author of New Thai Cuisine), Executive Chef Ken Iaci (Papi’s Ristorante), and Tahera Rawji (author of Simply Indian and soon to be released Simply More Indian).

Families find plenty to do in Steveston: a whale-watching excursion takes families wildlife viewing into the Gulf Islands to observe killer (Orca) whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals and bald eagles. Zodiacs and larger covered boats operate from April to October.

The Steveston Water Park is a ‘must-do’ for youngsters. Designed around a Fishing Village theme, children cool down on hot summer days as they play among spouting fish and water cannons.

Summer is the time for festivals in Steveston: The 63rd Annual Steveston Salmon Festival, July 1, combines a Canada Day parade with the famous salmon barbecue where over 1200 pounds of wild salmon filets are grilled over open fire pits.

The Dragon Boat Festival, July 19, at the John M.S. Lecky Boathouse, celebrates Richmond’s Chinese cultural heritage with a day of dragon boat races, entertainment and fun for the family.

From August 15-17, the Richmond Maritime Festival takes place at Britannia Shipyard National Historic Site in Steveston. Highlights include a floating exhibition of boats, maritime displays, boat demonstrations, free kids’ activities and live entertainment.

With the Fisherman’s Wharf as backdrop, where visitors can buy fresh fish and seafood off the fishing boats, and a variety of enticing shops and restaurants, Steveston is an exciting open-air gathering to explore this summer.

Experience the Sunshine Coast at your own pace with CanaDream RV

Experience the Sunshine Coast at your own pace with CanaDream RV Rentals. RV-ing isn’t all about the drive, although CanaDream’s fleet of RVs offer a range of amenities to satisfy everyone’s needs. RV-ing is about having access to the natural beauty and surroundings of the area you’re exploring, at any moment.

Imagine an adventure that begins in Langdale on the Sunshine Coast. Scenic Highway 101 runs the entire length of the Sunshine Coast (Langdale to Powell River, separated once by a short ferry ride en route) with a variety of stops along the way. Stop your RV at Roberts Creek Provincial Park for some tide-pooling to check out the creatures who call the Sunshine Coast home. Drive to Smugglers Cove and enjoy a 4 km hike to Secret Cove, a picturesque anchorage spot on the south side of the Sechelt Peninsula. If fishing catches your fancy, RV on over to Paq Lake and try your luck at trout fishing. Want to be even closer to the water than on a dock or in a boat? Scuba diving in Mermaid Cove is calling! Experience some of the best scuba diving in the world and be sure to look out for some sunken treasures – a 10 foot tall, bronze mermaid statue was sunk off the shores of nearby Secret Cove at about a 20 meter depth. And if you favor dry land, Myrtle Point Golf Course is just a short drive up Highway 101 and with all the attributes that make an 18-hole course fabulous, you may never want to head back to your RV. Are you kidding? Of course you will!

Exploring the Sunshine Coast by RV is the most hands on way to enjoy the area. Let CanaDream slow down your pace so you can enjoy the already stunning Sunshine Coast even more.

Tucked Away, But Still in the Heart of Whistler

Imagine rich dark woods, gorgeous floor to ceiling art work, funky lighting, and the natural beauty of Nita Lake as a backdrop – that’s Nita Lake Lodge.

This luxury Whistler boutique hotel is nestled just steps from the base of Whistler Mountain a short 120 km/75 miles north of Vancouver, on the quiet shores of Nita Lake.

Nita Lake Lodge and Whistler Mountaineer welcome you for the trip of a lifetime. Soak in the stunning ocean and mountain views as you travel on the Whistler Mountaineer from Vancouver, along the rugged coastline and in-land through the Coast Mountains to reach Nita Lake Lodge.

Guests can travel with Whistler Mountaineer to the Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler for an exceptional package starting at $419 per person for your Coach Classic Train Experience, three nights of accommodation in a stunning Mountain View Studio, and $100 meal credit at Nita Lake Lodge’s lakeside restaurant, Jordan’s Crossing. If you would prefer the Glacier Dome Experience and a Lake View Studio the price is just $539 per person plus applicable taxes.

Before May 31, British Columbia residents are invited to take advantage of this unprecedented package starting at $335 per person for your Coach Classic Train Experience, three nights of accommodation in a Mountain View Studio and $100 meal credit at Nita Lake Lodge’s lakeside restaurant, Jordan’s Crossing. For the Glacier Dome Experience and a Lake View Studio the price is $454 per person plus tax.

The rest of the world seems far, far away. Breathe the fresh alpine air, slow down and listen to the whispers of nature. Clear the mind. Sink into the timeless elegance of Whistler’s finest and most exclusive Whistler boutique hotel – Nita Lake Lodge.

To book your package, contact Nita Lake Lodge's reservations today at 1-888-755-6482 (NITA)

Harrison Hot Springs and Agassiz: Full of Fun and Festivals

The 30th Annual Harrison Festival of The Arts is coming up on July 5th – 13th, 2008. The Festival is a celebration of music, theatre, dance and visual arts from around the world. From indoor concerts and live theatre in the Harrison Hall to the outdoor stage and art markets on the beach, this is a spectacular event. For kids, Children’s Day is on August 9, and will be the ultimate creative place. This is where tots to tweens get to paint a mural, watch comedic song and dances and build their own crafts.

The second Annual Agassiz Slow Food Cycle Tour is on August 9, 2008.  Only an hour and half out of Vancouver, families and friends ditch their vehicles to enjoy a self-guided cycle tour of 10 local agriculture based businesses in the region. At each stop, participants meet and interact with growers and sellers of delectable farm fresh products. Everyone will be celebrating with barbeques, demonstrations and tastings, including blends of honey, chocolate covered and roasted hazelnuts, handmade artisan cheeses and even organic bison meat.

A trip to Harrison Hot Springs would not be complete without a stop to see the magnificent sand sculptures.  Made of only water and sand these feats of art, were created at the third Annual Tournament of Champions in May and remain on display through to October 19, weather permitting. And, the premiere event not-to-be-missed, is the 19th Annual World Championships of Sand Sculpture, September 2nd to 7th, with sculptures also on display until October 19.

Summer time, the weather’s ideal for outdoor adventure in and around Harrison Lake. Vacationers can rent a boat, swim, enjoy a lake tour or guided fishing adventure, golf, hike the trails or just relax on the beautiful sandy beach.

With so many exciting things to do in the Harrison Hot Springs region you will need to pick up the local Ticket to Explore Guide which lists 150 activities to experience in celebration of British Columbia’s 150th birthday in 2008. Plus, the booklet is full of coupons for savings at local businesses.

Best of all, Harrison Hot Springs is only 90 minutes east of Vancouver.  Find nature…just up the road!