Go! Lifestyle and Travel Blog

Harrison Hot Springs is an easy weekend destination.  Located on the south end of Harrison Lake in the Fraser Valley, it is less than a two-hour drive east from Vancouver. The Lagoon at Harrison Hot Springs We stayed at the fabulous Harrison Hot Springs Resort, a place I have gone to with my family since I was a child, which has actually been around since 1886. Although many tourists come here in the summer to enjoy the sandy beach and water activities, it is really a year-round destination with something to do each season. Since it was fall, after we checked in we went for a walk on the trail that leads to the hot spring source to the west of the hotel. In the summer, you can hike the trails and view the waterfalls that wind up through the lush, green rainforest. The mythical Big Foot (Sasquatch as its called in the village) has been historically sited so beware!:) Lush forest and Streams Once we were back at the hotel, we enjoyed the hotel's hot springs pools

Pender Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands off the coast of B.C., Canada.  Known for rugged beauty, temperate climate and recreational activities, the two islands of North and South Pender are connected by a bridge.  Purple Starfish on Pender Island Beach How to Get There Pender Island can easily be accessed by ferry from Vancouver or Victoria (Tsawwassen or Swartz Bay terminals). Note that ferries only run a couple of times a day so plan accordingly. You can walk on or ride a bike, but I suggest taking a car so you are able to explore the island. The ride can take anywhere from 1-2.5 hours depending on if you take a direct ferry or the one that stops at all the Gulf Islands. Where to Stay Pender Island has a variety of B&B's and Airbnb accomodations. However, I will suggest two. Woods on Pender is becoming quite famous for its imaginative take on "glamping" (glamorous camping). Campers can choose from cabins, airstream trailers or large canvas

Fort Langley is known as both as a significant historical site, dating back to the Canadian Fur Trade, as well as an enjoyable day trip destination,  a short 45 minute drive from Vancouver, B.C. One great thing about Fort Langley is that you can park once (for free) and spend the rest of the day walking to various shops, restaurants and attractions. Breakfast Start the day out by visiting Wendel`s Bookstore and Cafe.   This independent bookstore offers a selection of bestsellers, non-fiction and children's books as well as delicious, hand-crafted food and drinks. The Avocado Benny is my favourite for breakfast. Warning that weekends are busy at the cafe so be prepared to wait or come before noon. Inside the Fort Fort Langley Tour The Fort Langley National Historic Site  recreates the buildings and activities of B.C.'s first settlement during the 1800's. The interactive tour will introduce you the fur trading activities of the Hudson's Bay Company and the l

Salt Spring Island is part of the Gulf Islands just off the coast of Southern B.C. Often compared to the Mediterranean because of its dryer climate, Salt Spring is known for its many vineyards and farms. A hub for creatives and artisans, locally made goods ranging for cheeses to pottery can be found around the island as well as the popular Saturday Market. How To Get  There: Salt Spring Island has three ferry terminals, which can be reached through Victoria or Vancouver. Ganges, accessed through Tsawwassen Ferry terminal , is the largest town on Salt Spring with the most stores and amenities. The ferry usually only runs a couple of times a day so you will probably have to stay overnight if you want time to see everything. Although you can walk or bike on to the ferry, if you want to see the whole island you will need your car. Where To Stay: The Salt Spring Inn is located right in the middle of Ganges. It's an older hotel that has clean and cozy guest rooms perfect for

Most people go to Maui to soak up the sun, unplug from life and relax. But let's face it - there is only so much time you can (or should) spend in a lounge chair by the pool.  Here are five ideas to keep you active but still in the sun! 1) Boogie Boarding - this is surfing's little brother. You can still catch the waves but it isn't nearly as difficult or requires as much balance. Paddle out a bit, lie on the board on your stomach and ride the wave into the shore. Wear a one-piece suit so you don't have to worry about your bottoms falling off!  You can go anywhere there are waves but it is safer to avoid the rocky beaches where you could scrape yourself pretty badly. D.T. Fleming Park has a big sandy beach, trees for shades and waves big enough to host surfer competitions. 2) Snorkeling - For years I was scared to do this, but I finally tried it on my last trip and it was amazing. The key is to use good snorkeling gear that doesn't fill up with water when yo

Living in the Vancouver area, I am no stranger to the charms and attractions of Whistler, BC, having grown up visiting frequently in both the Winter and Summer seasons. Recently, however, I had the chance to get away for the weekend with a friend for a girls' weekend. Here are some of the must-do's if you're planning your own girl's getaway. Scandinave Spa My friend and I had been wanting to try out this place for awhile. The Scandinave Spa  is located just a few minutes drive outside of Whistler, nestled in the forest in a beautiful, natural setting. The spa has three different stations (hot, cold, relax) and they suggest doing the routine several times. It cost around $80 to use the baths (and rent a robe) but you could easily spend a couple of hours. There's a Bistro offering healthy fare if you get hungry. Massages and packages are available - check out the hotels that offer deals with the spa. The spa rules are no talking and no cell phones so the vibe is

The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, has become world renowned for their unique and varied vineyards.  Using the Summerland Waterfront Resort Hotel as my base, for a two night getaway driving up from Vancouver, I was able to sample the wines at five of the local wineries. 1) Kettle Valley Winery Located in Naramata, a thirty minute drive from Summerland, this is a small farm based winery. The tasting room is in an unassuming garage but the staff is friendly as is owner Bob Ferguson. Kettle Valley is known for it's French barrel aged, dark, intense and well structured red wines. Try the Caboose, a tasty blend of Malbec and Petit Verdot grapes with the chocolate provided. 2) Laughing Stock Vineyards Ten minutes up the road, you will find the Laughing Stock Vineyards. Although the tasting room is located essentially in the basement of a large family home, it is very professionally run and they prefer you book your tasting by appointment. The knowledgable sommelier will

New York is such an iconic city - so many places to see and things to do! Last summer I had the opportunity to go to New York city for three days. These are the best 15 things I did: Day 1 Check into the 1)  Roosevelt Hotel .   Since the 1920's, this historic landmark has been an important player in New York nightlife. It's central location at Madison Ave and 45 St. makes it convenient to walk to the museums, 5th Avenue shopping and Times Square.  From there you can take a taxi or the subway to the Financial District. Once there you can walk to, and across the 2) Brooklyn Bridge - a must stop for photo ops. Also, within walking distance is the 3) National September 11 Memorial and Museum.   I did not go into the museum but I saw the memorial water falls and pools that are set where the twin towers used to be located. It is a moving experience to reflect on the peaceful and beautiful structures and contrast that with the act of violence that caused it to be built. I

Sure, you packed your t-shirts and shorts, even a sunhat and sunscreen, but you won't realize what you've forgotten until you reach the park. Once you are already in Disneyland, it's too late to turn back so you are forced to shell out money, at least double the cost, for things that you already have a home. Here's what to bring so you'll be prepared! A Warm Sweatshirt It can get cold in California at night. As well, there are many attractions that you'll want to see in Disneyland in the evening. There are fireworks and water shows like World of Color and Fantasia, as well as all the rides you'll want to do to take advantage of the lesser crowds at night. These will be more enjoyable if you are warm. A Rain Poncho You know the signs posted in front of the rides that say, "You May Get Wet"? Well, that means you will get wet and unless you want to spend the rest of the day walking around in clinging trousers and a soaked through t-sh

Mayne Island is one of the larger of the Gulf Islands that lie between the coast of southern B.C. and Vancouver Island. It can be reached by an hour long ferry ride from either the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, located just outside Vancouver. One of the best ways to see the natural beauty of the islands is by kayaking.  Exploring the small islands off of Bennett Bay in Mayne Island, the Belle Chain Tour serves as an excellent introduction to kayaking and the Gulf Islands. The Belle Chain tour begin off of Bennett Bay Beach. A guided tour can be booked through Bennett Bay Kayaking which provides the 2.5 hour tour for a cost of $66 a person including the rental cost of double kayaks. Bennett Bay Beach The tour begins from the beach of Bennett Bay located at the base of the Mayne Island Resort. Eagles and turkey vultures circle the air looking for the occasional dead carcass of a seal or porpoise that washes up on the shore. This is in contrast to the blue herons that prefer a s

Rain and Raccoons........... Galiano Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands off the coast of B.C. and an easy one hour ferry ride from the town of Tsawwassen, You can take your car if you will be touring the island, but many people walk on the ferry and take their bikes. Montague Harbour, a provincial park with a beautiful shell beach and amazing sunset views,  contains a campsite that has a few drive-in's for RV's and walk-in camp sites. Wheelbarrows are provided in the parking lot to carry your stuff up the steep, dirt paths. Note that electricity is only provided at the RV sites - something we found out when we attempted to blow up our air mattress with an electric pump! Bathroom facilities are outhouses and there are no showers.  As we set up camp, the ranger apologized for the raccoon problem (a den located in a tree right behind our site). The warning was justified as the little bandit managed to steal one unopened bag of chips, half a loaf of bread a