Small and cozy...Enjoy!

Sometime over the coming weeks you and yours will find you just need to get away…so why not head out to the Fraser Valley, to Harrison Hot Springs for a romantic two night escape.  Tuck into the Harrison Beach Hotel where this two night stay includes a welcome bottle of wine, one breakfast for two in Country Kim’s Cooking Cafe, and two passes (one for each of you) to the public mineral pools.  And, complimentary parking is included, as is a late check-out should you find yourselves lingering on the lakeshore the last morning!  This is an easy place to reach, it’s relaxing and if you let yourselves soak into the ambiance, you will have a fabulous time.

Read more about Harrison here.

View the community of Harrison at www.tourismharrison.com and the hotel at www.harrisonbeachhotel.com.

www.HarrisonBeachHotel.com

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Xa:ytem Visitors Learn cedar weaving

The real history of Harrison began many thousands of years ago with the first original inhabitants. Although there is no certain date, best archaeological estimates are that people lived here some 10,000 years past, shortly after the retreat of the last ice age.  And while little remains from this early period, we do know that the indigenous people were the predecessors of the Stò:lo people.  Today, this vibrant community located approximately 90 minutes from Vancouver, is a favourite getaway for families with kids of all ages.  There’s so much to see and do here, year-round, however the late spring and summer times are really outstanding.

Take the scenic drive out Highway 7 as the road winds through some of the prettiest county this side of the Rockies. A must stop

A lazy afternoon at the beach

is a visit to Xá:ytem – the Longhouse Interpretive Centre. Here you will experience an amazing historical tour of the area’s First Nations culture. Enthralled by the stories and songs shared by the tour guides, the fascinating historical details of life over the past 150 years is warmheartedly woven together with the wisdom and knowledge of the thousands of years old oral culture of the Sto:lo and Coast Salish peoples. Integrating the treasured heritage of First Nations with that of the early settlers makes for a truly memorable visit with family, especially children.

Hit The Street

‘Main Street’ Harrison is an eclectic mix of architecture, mostly from the 40s to 60s.  The mood is casual, with that small town energy – friendly retailers whose kids help out in summer, to elders striving to maintain the coziness of the village while integrating modern conveniences (wireless internet), with contemporary new structures. One thing is glaringly obvious – the streets and lakefront beaches are remarkably clean, as is the lack of obnoxious city sounds of loud music and vehicles. The lakefront is alive with water activities come the good weather so if you’ve only made it a day trip, don’t forget the bathing suits, towels and sun screen!

Harrison Beach Hotel is across from the lake

Quaint and comfy restaurants dot the lakeshore. And for a relaxing haven, book into the Harrison Beach Hotel located minutes from all the action and right across from the beach.  With 42 units all facing the lake or mountains, you can bring along a few refreshments as each guest suite has a full or partial kitchen, and should the weather be on the rainy side, hop into the indoor pool or workout in the gym onsite.

Nearby Neigbourhoods

As you travel either to or back from Harrison along the spectacular Highway 7 route, there is a special place located at the confluence of the Harrison and Fraser Rivers. The Kilby Historic Site is the last remaining site of the heart of the

Harrison Lake Poolside

once-bustling community of Harrison Mills.  Period-costumed interpreters discuss transportation, geography, farming and the logging industry from the 1920s and 1930s with their guests. Visitors are enthusiastically encouraged to tour the General Store Museum, stop for a snack and pet the farm animals too – city kids will love this experience!

Getaway Details

www.tourismharrison.com, www.xaytem.ca,

www.kilby.ca, www.harrisonbeachhotel.com

Photos courtesy of Tourism Harrison

Simply click on the hi-lighted name to be taken directly to the company web site for rates, dates and general information.

• 

  Wild Play in Maple Ridge

  Summer time is play time at the newly opened Wild Play Element Park in Maple Ridge.  Kids of all ages to those who still have some kid left in them will love the ‘monkido’ course – as in Monkey See, Monkey Do,  across Tarzan swings, zip lines, scramble nets, swinging logs and other elements between six and 60 feet above the ground!

• Minter Gardens is located only 90 minutes from Vancouver in Rosedale (Chilliwack area).  The gardens are gorgeous right now and if you visit the web site, there is a 50% admission coupon for the rest of July.  Stroll the gardens from 4p to 7p daily with this super discount.

• 

  Pathways Guides lead canoeists on Bowron Lakes

  Voted one of the Top Ten Canoe Trips in the world by Outside Magazine, head to Bowron Lakes for a getaway that is exceptional for the novice to expert canoeist. Your guides at Pathways ensure a trip of a lifetime!

• Tour beautiful Quadra Island on a rented scooter.  Pick up your rental and picnic lunch at April Point Resort & Spa then head over to Rebecca’s Spit for a relaxing day at the beach.

• Head out to Fort Langley for a day exploring the medley of shops – garden, clothing, ANTIQUES and cafes serving up delicious local treats.  The Fort hosts special events aimed at families throughout summer.

• 

  Celebrate BC Day at Sun Peaks Resort

  Surf’s up, all you surfer dudes who don’t have time to visit Tofino.  Head over to Jordan River in the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park located approximately 60 km driving northwest from Victoria.  Kayaking is superb in summer.

• Awe-inspiring mountain scenery to meadow flowers and gently flowing streams beckon at an Island Lake Lodge hiking holiday. Located in the Kootenay Rockies, outside of Fernie, there are trails for all fitness levels.

• Book a weekend away that celebrates family this coming BC Day at Sun Peaks Resort.  The cozy alpine village will be alive with free entertainment both days including corn husking, scarecrow making and water balloon competitions at the spectacular outdoor Farmer’s Market held in the village on Sunday.

• A great family outing that includes fresh air and fantastic bird watching is a trip to the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Delta. Open from 9a to 4p daily, with no pets or bicycles allowed!

• Attending musicals at Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS as it’s known by locals),  in Stanley Park has been a Vancouver summertime tradition since 1940!  With BEST PRICED tickets starting at only $29, this year delivers something new with all seats being reserved. Call ahead, go online or simply show up and take a chance on getting in.

I’ve had the great fortune to get to know the always wonderful, Chef Eric Pateman of Edible BC quite well over the past few years.  His energy and passion for food and a healthy lifestyle are infectious!

If you haven’t been to his retail store on Granville Island, be sure to put it on the list of must visits when in Vancouver.  All the products sold are either grown and made in BC, or from points across Canada; with many being organically produced.  Eric and his team are thoroughly versed on the exciting culinary growth taking place here in particular, within British Columbia.  From small mom and pop operations to larger suppliers who are meeting the demands of a savvy consumer, this is a great spot to shop for your home or a gift. 

The recipe below is suitable for Celiacs and is absolutely yummy!  Plus Spot Prawns are readily available right now.  All of the ingredients listed are from Granville Island Market, however you should be able to locate them in your local community.

www.edible-britishcolumbia.com

BC SPOT PRAWN BISQUE (Serves  eight)

Pair with:  Sumac Ridge Stellar’s Jay Brut 2002

Ingredients

• Head and Bodies of 2 lbs of BC Spot Prawns (Seafood City)
• 1 Onion, Finely Chopped (Green Grocer)
• 2 Large Carrots, Roughly Chopped (Green Grocer)
• 4 Large Ripe Tomatoes, Roughly Chopped (Green Grocer)
• ¼ C Brandy (Liquor Store)
• 500 ml Whipping Cream (Milk Man)
• 2 Tbsp Lobster Oil (Edible BC)
• Dungeness Crab

Method

Place the prawn heads, onion, carrot, tomatoes and brandy in an 8L stock pot and cover with enough water to go approximately 4 inches above all the ingredients. The exact amount of water does not matter since you will be reducing this stock.

Bring the pot to a soft boil and decreasing the heat, simmer until the liquid is almost level with the ingredients.

Using a stick blender or traditional blender, puree the ingredients together and return to the pan and reduce again by half.

Remove the pan from the heat and strain the liquid through a very fine strainer twice and return to a clean saucepan.

Add the cream and return the pan to a low heat and reduce the liquid by half again.

Taste the soup and season if required, but most likely all the sweetness from the tomatoes and carrots, and the saltiness of the prawns will create an almost perfect taste.  Just before serving, garnish with the lobster oil and Dungeness crab meat.

Sit down and enjoy with family and friends!

First Nations Children Celebrate Their Vibrant Culture

The real history of Harrison began many thousands of years ago with the first original inhabitants. Although there is no certain date, best archaeological estimates are that people lived here some 10,000 years past, shortly after the retreat of the last ice age.  And while little remains from this early period, we do know that the indigenous people were the predecessors of the Stò:lo people.  Today, this vibrant community located approximately 90 minutes from Vancouver, is a favourite getaway for families with kids of all ages.  There’s so much to see and do here, year-round, however the late spring and summer times are really outstanding.

Take the scenic drive out Highway 7 as the road winds through some of the prettiest county this side of the Rockies. A family favourite of household is a visit to Xá:ytem – the Longhouse Interpretive Centre. Here you will experience an amazing historical tour of the area’s First Nations culture. Enthralled by the stories and songs shared by the tour guides, the fascinating historical details of life over the past 150 years is warmheartedly woven together with the wisdom and knowledge of the thousands of years old oral culture of the Sto:lo and Coast Salish peoples. Integrating the treasured heritage of First Nations with that of the early settlers makes for a truly memorable visit with family, especially children.

Hit Harrison

‘Main Street’ Harrison is an eclectic mix of architecture, mostly from the 40s to 60s.  The mood is casual, with that small town energy – friendly retailers whose kids help out in summer, to elders striving to maintain the coziness of the village while integrating modern conveniences (wireless internet), with contemporary new structures. One thing is glaringly obvious – the streets and lakefront beaches are remarkably clean, as is the lack of obnoxious city sounds of loud music and vehicles. The lakefront is alive with water activities come the good weather so if you’ve only made it a day trip, don’t forget the bathing suits, towels and sun screen!

Quaint and comfy restaurants – most perfectly suited to family dining, dot the lakeshore. For a more intimate and upscale environment with well behaved children, enjoy the Copper Room located in the always fabulous Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa.  This is one special place to stay overnight too!

Nearby Neigbourhoods

As you travel either to or back from Harrison along the spectacular Highway 7 route, there is a special place located at the confluence of the Harrison and Fraser Rivers. The Kilby Historic Site is the last remaining site of the heart of the once-bustling community of Harrison Mills.  Period-costumed interpreters discuss transportation, geography, farming and the logging industry from the 1920s and 1930s with their guests. Visitors are enthusiastically encouraged to tour the General Store Museum, stop for a snack and pet the farm animals too – city kids will love this experience!  And if you go over the May 24^th long weekend, be sure to pack the kids’ favourite teddy bear for the Teddy Bear Picnic. Full details are on their site.

Getaway Details

www.tourismharrison.com, www.xaytem.ca,

www.kilby.ca, www.harrisonresort.com

Photos courtesy of Tourism Harrison and R. Bond, CtoC Productions

Scroll down the home page of  getawaybc.com here for the fun video of Harrison

David Hancock and Karen Bills of Hancock Wildlife Foundation View Eagles

And while you’re visiting the area, check out the scenery aboard a riverboat tour with Fraser River Safari.  For schedules and tour details visit www.fraserriversafari.com.

Sandpiper Golf Resort's Owner, Betty Anne Faulkner and eagle,Sonsie share a wink

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is working with the team at Xa:ytem Interpretive Centre  during the festival as well.  Drop by to see the live exhibit of the Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl and maybe, if you’re lucky, Meredith the Bald Eagle may be visiting.  Xa:ytem features local native art and gifts in their First Nations gift gallery too.  There are great gift ideas for Christmas.  For directions and hours of operation visit www.xaytem.ca.

Extend your eagle viewing adventure with an overnight stay at Sandpiper Golf Resort and Rowena’s Inn.  This exquisite heritage Manor is the former summer home of the Pretty Family. Filled with favourite family antiques and heirlooms, including a photo wall revealing the faces of the family behind the home, the ambiance is cultured and luxurious.  Enjoy a lavish hot and cold breakfast in the solarium located off the main dining lounge, or stay in one of the four west coast chic cabins – each complete with king-sized bed, soaker jacuzzi tub and river rock fireplace – a perfect retreat to relax with a glass of wine while admiring the view out over the river.  Whether you choose to stay at the Inn or in a cabin, the eagles will soar past gracing you with their majesty.  Visit www.sandpiperresort.ca for package details.

The Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society – OWL – is a dynamic organization comprised of people who care deeply about the safety of birds of prey.  The web site offers information on educational programs and special events, as well as contact information should you site a bird in need.  Please visit www.owlcanada.ca.

All Photos Courtesy of R. Bond, CtoC Productions

Interior cabin at Sandpiper Golf Resort and Rowena's Inn

Cozy up in this romantic cabin with someone you love.

Easily one of the most accessible romantic getaways in the lower mainland is at Rowena’s Inn on the River in Harrison Mills.

Located less than two hours from Vancouver, half the fun is getting there. The colours of autumn fuse together like a cozy quilt as you travel along Highway 7. Once you arrive at Rowena’s the warmth, elegance and especially the intimacy of the Inn and its nearby cottages provides the perfect setting to unwind together. Exquisitely decorated with lavish antique furnishings collected for decades by family members, the Inn’s guest rooms and public areas evoke a luxurious standard from a by-gone era, yet remain completely comfortable and relaxing. More recently built, The Cottages offer authentic west coast ambiance with the finest linens, soaker tubs, river rock fireplaces and a cozy seating area from which to take in the soothing views of Harrison River. Sit back, light the fire and savour the complimentary wine and fresh fruit with cheese. Kick back for a few days either exploring the fascinating history of the area – the Pretty family, who own and operate Rowena’s and the adjacent Sandpiper Golf Course and Club – are descendants of one of BC’s founding timber barons, Charles Nelson Pretty.

A challenging but idyllic spot for a hole-in-one.

Great golf, nearby hikes and gentle bike trails are right out the front door affording easy outdoor adventures. Then, as you head back to Vancouver, take the scenic drive back via Highway 7 and be sure to stop at Xa:ytem Long House. This fascinating First Nations cultural attraction provides a most unique opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Sto:lo, the ‘people of the river’ who have lived in the Fraser Valley for centuries. An advanced society of people who fished, harvested the forests systematically and traveled long distances to trade, the Sto:lo culture is steeped in ceremonial traditions from which all peoples might benefit. Xa:ytem interpreters share their heritage through engaging inter-active displays, Monday through Friday, year round.

Get The Calendar

Harrison Sandpiper Golf Resort

One of the best times of year to visit Harrison Mills and Harrison Hot Springs – only twenty minutes apart by car, is most definitely in the fall. Sturgeon and salmon fishing are popular, as are guided wildlife tours. One of my favourites? Heading out with the Charlie family and their tour company, Sasquatch Tours. From the traditional First Nations welcome dock-side, to touring the lake aboard a certified power boat, the tours provide a unique look into local history.

BC Sportfishing Group, also located in Harrison Hot Springs, offer guides, equipment and incredibly good times for fishing and wildlife tours down the Harrison River.

Mark off November 21 and 22 for the annual Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival. If you’ve never been to watch these majestic creatures return to a familiar nesting ground, this is a fantastic getaway. Pack up the kids and make it a day trip or better still, check out the accommodation packages at Tourism Harrison and go for the entire weekend!

Get Going

• Harrison information at www.tourismharrison.com.
• Fraser Valley golf is at www.fraservalleygolf.ca and for great sport fishing in this area, visit www.bcsportfishinggroup.ca.
• Visit Xa;ytem Lodge at www.xaytem.ca
• The Bald Eagle Festival site is www.fraservalleybaldeaglefestival.ca
• Book your getaway at www.rowenasinn.com or call toll free to 1.800.661.5108

Other attractions include Westminster Abbey, Xa:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre, the Power House at Stave Falls, Mission Raceway Park, and the beautiful Fraser River Heritage Park.

Also, don’t miss spectacular events, such as Old Car Sunday, the Mission Folk Music Festival, the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival or Candlelight Parade.

Mission is located about 70 kilometres east of Vancouver in the beautiful Fraser Valley. Situated on a hillside overlooking the mighty Fraser River, Mission is a growing community of over 35,000 residents.

We invite you to experience all that Mission on the Fraser has to offer.

For more information about this beautiful community,

visit www.mission.ca;

The National Historic Site of Canada remains similar to the way it was and is now a first-class interpretive centre. The generator hall is filled with the original five generators and turbines for visitors to experience up close.

All tours start in the theatre, where the video, Rain, introduces you to hydro electricity. You also get a glimpse of the early 1900s and see what the facility has become today. Electrica, a hands-on area, is divided into two sections, alternative energy and the science of electricity.

Next you make your way along the mezzanine floor, overlooking the generator hall on your way to view the penstocks (special water pipes) and the dam. On a warm sunny day, you can finish the tour with a cold drink and a snack on the deck overlooking the old tailrace channel and the MV Shirley.

Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until Oct. 12 for self-guided tours.

For more information call

604-462-1222 or visit

www.bchydro.com/stavefalls

or e-mail stavefalls@bchydro.com;

The downtown has several key features customers appreciate, including exceptional service, and a wide variety of unique items you can’t find anywhere else. All this is packaged in a few square blocks radius.

The personal touch is what many customers rave about after visiting downtown. These unique streets offer a relaxed shopping atmosphere, where customers feel like friends.

For more information, visit

www.missiondowntown.ca;