Summer Highlights - Welcome to a sizzling British Columbia

This year holds special meaning for one of Vancouver Island’s premier attractions: Butchart Gardens, the 22-hectare bloom-adorned, beauty spot just north of the city, is 100 years old. Celebrations include whimsical topiary creatures that will adorn the garden from May 21 on, two nine-metre-high Totem Poles are being carved on site by aboriginal artists and will be raised in September. Fireworks are held each Saturday evening and guests who come to stroll the luxuriant gardens that include a fragrant rose garden, Japanese and Italian gardens and the favourite of many, the Sunken Garden, can have tea and enjoy a special exhibit of archival photos and stories. It is fitting that a new variety of tulip was christened ‘Jennie Butchart’ in honour of the imaginative gardener who started it all. Butchart Gardens are open daily; there are two restaurants, coffee shop and a seed and gift shop. (www.butchartgardens.com)

Bloom-lovers visiting the Island should keep in mind that it boasts a bounty of efflorescence. Nineteen gardens have joined forces—‘The Gardens of Vancouver Island’ -- to showcase some of the best. Don’t miss Milner Gardens and Woodland in Qualicum Beach. It is 28 hectares of Douglas fir woodland and luscious gardens (over 500 Rhododendrons) sweeping around a seaside estate that has a nice touch of history. (www.vancouverislandgardens.com)

A visit to Vancouver Island is not complete without experiencing some of its myriad outdoor adventures. Go whale watching, walk or cycle well-maintained trails – like the Galloping Goose or the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail – see big trees in Carmanah Pacific Park, go fishing at Campbell River, kayak Clayoquot Sound on the west coast, or explore the wonderfully wild Cape Scott Park on the northern tip. For many paddlers, the waters of British Columbia are known as ‘kayak heaven’. Recently, The Wilderness Kayak Institute has been formed to assist novice paddlers as well as the more experienced. Run by experienced kayak teachers and guides, the Institute operates out of Port Hardy in the waters of Queen Charlotte Strait and the Central Coast. Since the multi-leveled courses are set in true wilderness, it means paddlers gain practical experience while learning all the skills of kayak touring. (www.wildernesskayak.net)

Opened May 15 is Great Bear Lodge. Trips depart from Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Islands, to reach the floating lodge located in the Great Bear Rainforest on the central coast of BC. Surrounded by an enchanting, silent wilderness, the lodge focusses on grizzly bear viewing. It is a magical, unforgettable vacation. (www.greatbeartours.com)

A visit to British Columbia combines the great outdoors with any number of attractions and not to be forgotten is spa time. The spa scene in this province, simply keeps getting better. New on Vancouver Island – opening May 27 – is Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa. The intimate, 33-room, luxury resort, just north of Victoria’s city centre, has an oceanfront setting with restaurant, pub, outdoor pool and meeting space with a Spa and Wellness Centre. Check out the ‘First Night is on Us’ package and prepare to enter a tranquil space. (www.brentwoodbaylodge.com)

Soothing spa treatments are nothing new in this part of the world. Vancouver Island boasts a Spa Trail that begins in the deluxe Willow Stream Spa at Victoria’s Fairmont Empress Hotel and follows up Island visiting four spas. The tour ends at the Ancient Cedars Spa at the Wickaninnish Inn on the west coast. On the east coast, last year the much-loved Tigh-Na-Mara Resort in Parksville added The Grotto, a European-style spa specializing in water-based treatments.

In Vancouver, the latest addition on the spa scene is geared to guys. The Absolute Spa in the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel, Canada’s first men’s spa, opened April, 2004. Macho males who lust after deep tissue body massages and pedicures no longer have to wear women-size robes in a pampering pink atmosphere. The Absolute Spa boasts pedicure chairs with video games and computers where stock prices can be checked plus a décor rich in earth tones. www.absolutespa.com

As appealing and action-packed as the southern section of this western province is, it is also a doorstep to a Mecca of many more pleasures. The sunny Thompson Okanagan lures with lakeside resorts and wine tours. Worthwhile to note is the new Alive Resort for Wellness and Longevity located just outside of Vernon. It is the first Canadian centre to combine European spa services with health education. It opened in February, 2004 with a roster of health and spa experts. The resort offers diverse workshops that focus upon bodywork, physical activity, training/programs, stress-management training and interactive educational programs along with feel-good spa treatments. (www.aliveresort.com)

Golf is great in BC. Some highlights? The mountain-rich Whistler Resort thrills with four courses. Within 30 minutes of Victoria are eight championship courses. The recently added Bear Mountain Golf & Country Club, opened August, 2003, has already garnered a huge following. Golf gurus know to head to the Rockies where a challenging game at places like Radium Hot Springs, can be followed by an oh-so-soothing soak in a natural hot springs. Guaranteed to improve the swing!

History buffs revel in gold rush trails – there’s a tour that leads them along the fabled route (www.ramblinroadstours.com) – ending at Barkerville. You can experience the heady times of gold fever at this historic site. In the surrounding Cariboo Country, city slickers can experience cowboy cattle round-ups, fly fish at some 16,000 lakes and be surprised by the amenities at some ranches and resorts. For an upscale, family vacation head to Siwash Lake Ranch near 70 Mile House (www.siwashlakeranch.com). For a romantic holiday, check out Eagle’s Nest Resort at Anahim Lake (www.eaglesnet-resort.com) and if you are looking for top-notch instruction when it comes to fly fishing, plan a stay at Tyee Lake Resort (www.tyeelakeresort.com)

For untouched beauty and seldom-seen wildlife, Northern BC is the last stand. Drive the Alaska Highway, take a boat to visit the hauntingly, beautiful Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haiada Heritage Site on the Queen Charlotte Islands, marvel at moose, bear, mountain goat, stone sheep and more. This region north of Prince George is a haven of wilderness.

From the tried-and-true to the spanking new, British Columbia’s attractions are synonymous with a good time. Discovering British Columbia is as easy as calling toll-free 1-800-HELLO BC (North America) or HELLO BC (435-5622) in Greater Vancouver. This reservation and information service provides free help and advice in planning a trip to British Columbia, from travel ideas and tips to booking your accommodations, tours, and transportation. You can also order your free copy of the BC Escapes™ Getaways Guide. And be sure to check out the Tourism British Columbia web site at www.HelloBC.com.

«Previous Page · 1 2 · Next Page»