After living for many years in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, we have our favourite spots where we like to eat. We moved away a few years ago, but still go to the same places when we return for a visit. In the last few years there have been some new places that have crept their way onto our list. Nori Japanese Restaurant Our north end go to place is Nori Japanese Restaurant for sushi. They still recognize us as regular customers even though we only get to go a few times a year when we visit the island. They have a very loyal following of local clientele, everyone is … [Read more...]
Montreal Tam Tams, A Free Event Of Music And Entertainment
The Tam Tams are perhaps not something that appears on a typical tourist attraction check list, but if you happen to be in Montreal on a Sunday during the summer months they are worth checking out. The Montreal Tam Tams started in the late 70's or early 80's. Students gathered at the edge of Mont Royal at Jeanne-Mance Park, near the George-Etienne Cartier Monument to practice African drumming. It became a regular Sunday event with an increasing number of drummers. The crowds got bigger as more people came to listen and dance to the beat. Small temporary vendors started to set up around the … [Read more...]
Wild Rhododendron Grove In Manning Park
Just off the Hope-Princeton Highway in Manning Provincial Park there is a natural grove of rhododendron plants. This species known as Pacific or Western Rhododendron is only found in two other areas of British Columbia. The other two locations are near Nanaimo and Shawnigan Lake, both located on Vancouver Island. It is thought that this particular strain survived the last ice age. We happened upon the Rhododendrons at the beginning of July, they were at the tail end of blooming. There was still a fair amount of colour, we can only imagine the sea of pink blossoms present during the … [Read more...]
Springtime In Vancouver
Nothing beats a warm sunny day in the city of Vancouver. Over the last week it has practically been like summer with highs of 20.C. The photos below are of just a small portion of downtown Vancouver. They were all taken with a pocket digital camera on a walk that took less than fifteen minutes. Along the way there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to take in the views while you enjoy a cold drink. We walked along the waterfront from Canada Place past the new Vancouver Convention Center and continued on along the walkway through Coal Harbour. From there we headed up a few blocks away from … [Read more...]
Chocolate Induced Coma At Montreal’s Juliette & Chocolat
You can get your cacao fix in several different forms at Montreal's Juliette & Chocolat. Their creations are made from high quality chocolate that is imported from several different countries. They offer a variety of brownies, crepes, sundaes, pastries and other heavenly desserts smothered in chocolate. If you really need a strong hit you can have a shot of rich drinking chocolate with or without alcohol. There are also food options on the menu such as savory crepes and creative salads. … [Read more...]
Lay In Bed While You Watch Jumbo Jets Take Off
Sit and soak in the luxurious bathtub or curl up in bed while you enjoy the views of jumbo jets taking off and landing. Does this sound like an advertisement you would see on a hotel brochure? It could be used by the Fairmont at the Vancouver Airport. This isn't a budget hotel, but the convenience of the location can not be beat. It is literally right inside of the Vancouver International Airport, situated directly above the U.S.A. departure terminal. The International check in area is also within easy reach. … [Read more...]
Montreal’s Atwater Market, A Foodie Heaven
Montreal's Atwater Market is located in the Saint-Henri district of the city, it has been an icon of the area since its opening in 1933. Year round there are a diverse mix of merchants and specialty shops. In the warmer months there are vendor stalls lining the outer sidewalks. They sell both local and imported fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers. … [Read more...]
Heffley Lake, An Escape From Kamloops
Heffley Lake is a small community along the #5 Yellowhead Highway, 44 kilometers northeast of Kamloops, British Columbia. The area offers fishing, swimming, canoeing, horseback riding and biking. There are a few B&B's, a ranch and camping in the area. A short distance away is the Sun Peaks Resort, it offers more accommodation and restaurants. The entire area is a refreshing break from the dry and barren landscape of Kamloops. We drove through at the beginning of October during the peak of the fall colours. … [Read more...]
Stage Your Own Bed In At The John Lennon Suite In Montreal
You might not be able to afford to stay in bed for a full week like John and Yoko did, but perhaps you can pack up your pajamas and spend one night in the suite where they staged the famous "bed in" for peace. On a recent trip to Montreal I gave my husband an incredible birthday surprise. We booked the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel for our stay in the city. Many of you might not be aware, (I wasn't myself) that this is the hotel where the bed in event took place. John Lennon and Yoko Ono stayed in a suite in the hotel from May 26 to June 2, 1969. It was also this very suite where the … [Read more...]
Artsy And Eclectic Town Of Nelson
A Beautiful Setting Provides Year Round Outdoor Activities Nelson is a small town nestled into the Selkirk Mountains. It's in a region of British Columbia known as the Kootenays. It is an attractive setting, not only surrounded by mountains but many lakes and rivers. Nelson itself sits on the west arm of the large Kootenay Lake. … [Read more...]