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  23rd Annual Caribbean Festival in North Vancouver

• Shake your booty by the sea in the beautiful seaside community of Ambleside in West Vancouver.  Every Thursday through to August 26^th from 6:30p to 8:30p, for only $6 per person, grab a partner and enjoy learning the Latin rhythm of dancing on the plaza of the Ferry building.

• More shaking and swaying takes place in North Vancouver’s Waterfront Park for the 23^rd Annual Carribean Days Festival. From 10am to 7p on July 24 and July 25 celebrate the vibrant food, dancing, music and culture from Jamaica, Haiti, Barbados and more.  Don’t miss the colourful parade on Saturday morning at 10am as this fantastic free event will draw close to 50,000 people over the two days.

• Strong in the belief that ‘we are children of the same God’ in that friends, parents and children from different backgrounds can come together to form a ‘family’ of support for others who suffer in the often harsh environment of daily reality, check out Sunday July 25^th at the Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver. A concert and lunch is raising funds for “Saving the Lives of Abandoned Children of Pakistan’ under the direction of the Karim Family of the North Shore.

• Hit the chocolate culinary trail with a visit to Victoria (the incredible Rogers Chocolates have been a locals favourite since 1885!) to up island and Tofino for Clayoquot Blackberry Buttercream chocolates from Chocolate Tofino.

• Master Sand Sculptors travel from all corners of the globe to compete in the Quality Foods Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition in Parksville from July 16 to August 15, 2010.  Great hotel rates and a prime seat on the sand are waiting for you!  Entry to the exhibition is by donation with a minimum suggested donation of $2 per person.

• Get up close to the Legacy of the 2010 Winter Games with Whistler Eco Tours. Take the four hour interpretive tour of the Whistler Sliding Centre and Whistler Olympic/Paralympic Park to view the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton event site and the 70 and 90-metre ski jumps.

• Princess Louisa Marine Provincial/Chatter Box Falls, Sunshine Coast has been voted the “most scenic natural anchorage” in the world. Accessible by boat or floatplane, this 65-hectare park offers a granite-walled gorge and an abundance of waterfalls, the most impressive being Chatter Box Falls which plunges 45 metres at the head of the inlet.

• Linger over these fantastic lazy, hazy days of summer aboard a house boat rental from Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations in Sicamous.  Shuswap and Mara Lakes are house boating paradise and only four hours from Vancouver!

• Sun Peaks Resort is fabulous in the winter but it is really special in summer too.  Alpine Meadow hikes and horseback riding, to simply lying by a pool and staring at the clouds. It’s a great getaway for a weekend or mid-week break.

• Salmon Arm is filled with early history of British Columbia.  Visit the R J Haney Museum & Heritage Park for a fun afternoon learning about natural history as well as the early days of Salmon Arm.

The Brand New BC Ferries Vacation Centre, Vancouver, BC

There’s a real buzz about town these days.  The afterglow of the spectacular 2010 Winter Games is fading but the excitement surrounding vacations throughout British Columbia has done anything but diminish!  With the opening of the brand new BC Ferries Vacation Centre, the best of land and sea itineraries is made more easily accessible.

Nearby neighbour, the new Vancouver Convention Centre

Located at a bright corner of distinction within downtown Vancouver- right at Burrard Street and Canada Place; the vibrant BC Ferries office is actually housed within the other new kid on the block, the dazzling new Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel.  This area truly boasts stellar company with Tourism Vancouver’s Visitor Info Centre and the absolutely gorgeous and relatively new Vancouver Convention Centre on the opposite corners. And literally within a few hundred feet from all is Vancouver’s cruise ship dock and the City’s original Trade and Convention Centre – itself a splendid site with its billowing sails.

This unique hub is now a treasure trove of upscale, elegant and sophisticated hotels (Fairmont Waterfront and the Pan Pacific hotels also grace the vicinity), where the people-watching from each hotel’s lobby lounge is outstanding.  As are the breath-taking views of Vancouver’s beloved downtown inner harbour and North Shore Mountains!

The Venue

The fun interactive vacation planner

Taking over 2,500 square feet at street level, BC Ferries’ new Vacation Centre includes an interactive, high definition 90 square foot media wall. Showcasing some of the most gorgeous visuals this province can deliver, the ‘wall’ works like a giant I-Pad or touch phone. The touch screen technology is mastered in seconds, delivering customers a brilliant way to discover more about BC’s coastal water routes and some really exciting holiday options.

Happy customers plan their BC Ferries getaway

Plan a BC Ferries Vacation to the Sunshine Coast, or over to Vancouver Island, then perhaps travel to the Cariboo, Chilcotin, Coast and then go right on up to Haida Gwaii.  Once you’ve determined where you’d like to go, simply walk over to one of several guest services desks where a highly knowledgeable and well trained BC Ferries travel agent will help you make the reservations.  It’s that simple.  Within this comfortable setting, you can do several things from reserve ferry space, book and pay for a combination ferry/resort/tour package – choosing from over 20 pre-planned getaways, pre-pay regular ferry travel, or receive valuable advice for a future holiday.  Some of the packaged vacations include golf getaways at Crown Isle Golf Resort in Courtenay, to winery tours on southern Vancouver Island, and soothing spa retreats at Painted Boat on the Sunshine Coast.  For the fishing enthusiast, consider Haida Gwaii and Prince Rupert.

I had a great chat with Janet Carson, Vice President of Marketing and Travel Services at the opening in mid-May.  Her enthusiasm for the launch of the Centre was felt by everyone who attended.  She shared “Our BC Ferries Vacation Centre focuses on unique travel packages for visitors and local residents, and will help our customers create unforgettable B.C. vacations.   And, our sales associates are pleased to provide their expertise to recommend products that will enhance the vacation experience!”

Gorgeous gifts in the retail gallery

Before you leave, be sure to check out the ship tracking and the gorgeous gift gallery. Presenting unique local artisans’ work, jewelry and clothing, as well as a vast array of  books from coastal destinations throughout British Columbia, there’s sure to be an item that either you’ll want for your own, or to give to a special someone… don’t forget a ferry vacation makes a great gift too!

On Board Decadence!

BC Ferries have more exciting news!  Beginning immediately, sweet tooth ferry travelers on the Swartz Bay – Tsawwassen route will find their cravings satiated with four utterly decadent treats created by Cakes Etc. of Victoria. The yummy lineup of goodies includes a rich Fudge Brownie , Raspberry Marble Cheesecake, Belgium White Chocolate Mousse Pyramids and what I know will be my personal favourite – a Chocolate Silk Dessert Square.  The move to bring these specialty items on board further complements BC Ferries dedication to delivering outstanding experiences on board their fleet. “We have successful partnerships with companies such as White Spot and Starbucks and we felt partnering on desserts made perfect sense as Cakes Etc. has wonderful products,” said Geoff Dickson, BC Ferries’ Vice President Catering and Retail Operations. “We believe we’ve hit the mark with these delicious treats so why not spoil yourself on your next trip with us.”

For more information on the exciting new ferry vacation packages, general routes and ferry schedules, please visit www.bcferries.com or, if you are in downtown Vancouver, drop by the Vacation Centre at 1010 Canada Place.

BC Ferries Vacation Centre is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00pm

*** Photo Credits: Homepage and top photo – BC Ferries, all others:  Kyle Hickey, CtoC Productions

Since beginning its ferry service to Vancouver Island in 1960, BC Ferries has grown into one of the largest ferry systems in the world, boasting a fleet of 36 vessels serving up to 47 ports of call on 25 routes throughout coastal British Columbia.

Vessels carry both vehicles and passengers and the newest – Coastal ships, Renaissance, Inspiration and Celebration – take guests to the next level of comfort and service. The Spirit of British Columbia and the Spirit of Vancouver Island measure 560-feet in length – two football fields back to back!

These larger ferries serve on major routes between mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island and feature a variety of food services, gift shops, ship-to-shore telephones, laptop hook-ups, comfortable seating lounges and outdoor seating areas, video games, preschool play areas and elevators.

While most Vancouver Island visitors arrive with BC Ferries, no matter how you get here, you’ll want to take the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of British Columbia’s coastal waterways. Possibilities range from day trips to beautiful destinations such as the northern and southern Gulf Islands to popular northern cruises that include the awe-inspiring Inside Passage (Port Hardy to Prince Rupert), the Queen Charlotte Islands and the Discovery Coast Passage, each providing access to the stunningly scenic northern British Columbia!

Please note: Reservations are available for a fee on major route sailings between Vancouver (Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay) and Vancouver Island (Swartz Bay, Duke Point or Departure Bay) and between Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast (Horseshoe Bay to Langdale).

For BC Ferries information, including schedules, fares, reservations and trip-planning tools, visit www.bcferries.com or call 1-888-BCFERRY (1-888-223-3779) toll-free throughout North America, or 250-386-3431 in Victoria. From your cell phone, call *BCF (*223) on Rogers or Telus Mobility networks.

Coastal Explorations

Discovery Coast – Experience the solitude of sheltered inlets surrounded by evergreen-covered islands and towering fjords where eagles soar, dolphins play and whales surface and plunge. Possible stops include the unique communities of McLoughlin Bay at Bella Bella and Bella Coola.

Prince Rupert to Port Hardy – Enjoy a leisurely summer day cruise through the world-renowned Inside Pass age, travelling through scenic inlets, islands and majestic Coastal mountains, all with the privacy of your own day or overnight cabin.

Need more ideas or information?

Call 1-888-BCFERRY (1-888-223-3779) or visit www.bcferries.com

Ferry Service from/to the U.S.

• Victoria Express, a seasonal passenger ferry service from Port Angeles, is celebrating its 20th anniversary during the 2010 sailing season. Victoria Express also connects Victoria with Friday Harbor on San Juan Island – the 2 1/2-hour sailing is an excellent daytrip with great wildlife viewing opportunities. Call 250-361-9144 or visit www.victoriaexpress.com (See ad page 15)

• Blackball Transport’s MV Coho – a year-round auto/passenger ferry between Victoria, B.C. and Port Angeles, WA with four sailings daily during the peak summer season.

For more information, call the office nearest you: 250-386-2202 (Victoria) or 360-457-4491 (Port Angeles) or visit

www.ferrytovictoria.com

• Clipper – high-speed passenger-only service from the Inner Harbour to Seattle. For schedules, visit www.clippervacations.com or call 800-888-2535.

• Washington State Ferries operates the Anacortes Ferry, which leaves from a terminal just south of Sidney, and serves the San Juan Islands and Anacortes, WA. For more information, see www.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries

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Mill Bay Crossing – Skip the drive over the Malahat and take the scenic water route from Brentwood Bay on the Saanich Peninsula to Mill Bay in the Cowichan Valley.

Swartz Bay to Mayne, Pender, Saturna and Galiano Islands – Renowned for their beauty, serenity and laid-back lifestyle, experience these islands individually or on a self-directed circle tour.

Swartz Bay (Sidney) to Salt Spring Island – Browse the galleries and markets of this island paradise. Return as you came or make it a circle trip by leaving Salt Spring via ferry from Vesuvius on the west side of the island and crossing to Crofton.

Nanaimo to Gabriola Island – While away the day at the awe-inspiring Malaspina Galleries, a series of caves and caverns carved into the sandstone by the surf.

Buckley Bay (Courtenay) to Denman and Hornby Islands – Beautiful beaches, kayaking, diving and artisan studios are just four of many good reasons to visit these islands.

Campbell River to Quadra Island – A 10-minute ride takes you to this fine spot to fish, hike, kayak and more. Carry on to Cortes Island, a tiny island with a lovely landscape of orchards, lagoons and beaches.

Port McNeill to Sointula – Visit this historic community just a short 25-minute ferry ride from Port McNeill.

Port McNeill to Alert Bay – Renowned for its First Nations culture, Alert Bay on Cormorant Island boasts the impressive U’mista Cultural Centre, First Nations-guided walking and adventure tours and more.

(Editor’s Note: With many of the ferries to the smaller islands, your ticket includes your return fare.)

For details call 1-888-BCFERRY (1-888-223-3779). From your cell phone, *BCF (*223) on Rogers or Telus Mobility networks or visit www.bcferries.com;

Beacon Avenue is Sidney’s main street, lined with colourful flower displays, benches, public art and a delightful array of diversions, from its book shops and fine art galleries to boutiques and restaurants. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to the end of Beacon and be rewarded with picturesque ocean views and more possibilities. The Port of Sidney Marina is a beautiful full-service facility attracting boaters and visitors in search of adventures such as whale watching, kayak rentals, harbour cruises, scuba diving and fishing charters. You’ll also find great family attractions, including Mineral World and Scratch Patch and the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre.

Other fine Sidney-area attractions include the Mary Winspear Centre, with a great line-up of live theatre performances and special events, Sidney Museum, the B.C. Aviation Museum and Sidney Spit Marine Park, accessible by a passenger ferry that departs from the dock at the foot of Beacon Avenue.

For information about Sidney and the Saanich Peninsula, call 250-656-0525. A Visitor Centre is located 2 km from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal at 10382 Pat Bay Hwy. (Highway 17). A second Visitor Centre is at A-2295 Ocean Ave. in Sidney and is open only to greet passengers arriving on Washington State Ferries from Anacortes.

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Highway 17 (the Pat Bay Highway) is the fastest route into Victoria, but sightseers will want to take one of the earlier exits to explore the lovely scenery along quieter roadways.

Peninsula highlights include Heritage Acres, a 12-hectare park with restored farm buildings, a museum and nature trails; Island View Beach, a popular sunbathing, beachcombing and bird-watching spot; the world-famous Butchart Gardens near Brentwood Bay; Victoria Butterfly Gardens; the Centre of the Universe at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory; and Elk and Beaver Lake Park. The Peninsula is also home to several fine golf courses, and wine lovers will want to explore the growing number of award-winning

wineries.

Overlooking Haro Strait with views of Mount Baker, Cordova Bay is a gorgeous neighbourhood with easy access to downtown Victoria. Several cosy bed and breakfasts are located here, plus two golf courses, dining and a charming collection of shops known as Mattick’s Farm.

For information about Sidney and the Saanich Peninsula, call 250-656-0525. A Visitor Centre is located 2 km from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal at 10382 Pat Bay Hwy. (Highway 17). A second Visitor Centre is at A-2295 Ocean Ave. in Sidney and is open only to greet passengers arriving on Washington State Ferries from Anacortes.

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Ideal for touring on foot, downtown Victoria’s impressive restored heritage buildings house shops, art galleries, restaurants and attractions, such as the Maritime Museum of BC in Bastion Square. The vibrant selection of shops are brimming with everything from international favourites to locally crafted specialties only available here, while world-class restaurants serve a delicious array of cuisine, from fresh seafood to exciting ethnic flavours.

Surrounding downtown are several beautiful neighbourhoods: James Bay is home to Fisherman’s Wharf and Emily Carr House, the birthplace of B.C.’s best-loved artist; in Rockland find heritage mansions, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and Craigdarroch Castle; Fairfield is a lovely residential neighbourhood with tree-lined streets and the charming Abkhazi Garden; and Beacon Hill Park is a peaceful oasis minutes from downtown.

Beyond the immediate downtown, Greater Victoria is a hub of arts and culture, boasting some of the finest art galleries in the country displaying the work of both local and international artists. As for entertainment, Victoria has it all – theatre, dance, opera, symphony and an incredible line-up of exciting annual festivals.

For information about Victoria and neighbouring communities, call 250-953-2033, see www.tourismvictoria.com or visit the Visitor Centre at the Inner Harbour at 812 Wharf St in Victoria.

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For information about Victoria and neighbouring communities, call 250-953-2033, see www.tourismvictoria.com or visit the Visitor Centre at the Inner Harbour at 812 Wharf St in Victoria.

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For details, call the West Shore Chamber of Commerce at 250-478-1130 or see www.westshore.bc.ca The West Shore Visitor Centre is at 2830 Aldwynd Rd.

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