Qualicum-Where the Dog Salmon Run?

We are soon to be off to one of our favourite B&B's, Heritage Cottage in the superb town of Qualicum Beach. The name Qualicum means "where the dog salmon run". Catchy, but it does not have much to do with the beautiful town that has developed mid-island. It is one of the nicest towns on Vancouver Island. There are golf courses everywhere and lots of shops to visit. It is also close to the Coombs country market, my favourite little tourist trap! Don't miss it. Pictures do not do the Heritage Cottage B&B justice. The hospitality is great and the breakfasts even better. If you would like to read more, visit our travel magazine and read more about it. http://tourismmall.victoria.bc.ca/travelmagazine/2007june.htm
To learn more about Qualicum Beach, visit:http://tourismmall.victoria.bc.ca/qualicumbeach/index.html

Short Hop to Vancouver

I just completed a short visit to Vancouver to see Bruce Springsteen. I tend to forget just how beautiful Vancouver really is. The north shore mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the big harbour. It is a lovely city, but it still is a really big city with incredible traffic. Makes me appreciate why I live in Victoria. The shopping is also much better in Vancouver than Victoria (so says my wife). If I were going to recommend anything to my blog readers, it would be to spend your time on Vancouver Island and take a day trip to Vancouver. You may appreciate this suggestion.

Victoria's Chinatown

When you visit Victoria be sure to check out our fascinating China town. It is one of the oldest in North America. The picture to the right is the Chinese School located in the heart of Chinatown. There are lots of shops, restaurants and other stops of interest such as Dr. John the herbalist, the amazing alleys, the Gates to Chinatown and much more. Check it out, you will be glad you did. This tiny Chinese community is an amazing part of the history of Canadian Chinatowns because it is the first and the oldest surviving Chinatown in Canada. It was the largest Chinatown in Canada for fifty years (1858-1910), and the second largest for forty years (1911-1950).

A Mystical Place

If you are looking for a place that is like no other on earth, please be sure to visit Long Beach between Ucluelet and Tofino on the West side of Vancouver Island. It is about 5.5 hours from Victoria but well worth the time to get there. It is truly a mystical place. Miles of sandy beaches open to the wild pacific. Big surf, incredible winter storms, and all that a rain forest has to offer. Meares Island is the home of the first major evironmental stand against the destruction of old growth forests. You need to go there to see monster trees. They are spectacular. There is a natural hot springs just north of Tofino. Walk on miles of beaches. Check out tide pools. Kayak in heaven. Surf. See Orcas and Grey whales in their natural habitat. Soak up the incredible scenery. So much to see and do. This is my favourite place in the world. Find out why.

Read my article about this special place on our travel magazine:

Spring Has Sprung in Victoria

In Eastern Canada the weather has been miserable with major snow storms shutting down cities and highways. In Victoria we are indeed very lucky. Spring is actually a bit late this year. Some of our pink cherry trees start as early as December or January. This year we have had to wait until March. That is not a complaint, just an observation. Spring is coming on strong right now as you can see by the photos taken today in Finnerty Gardens at the University of Victoria. The leaves on the trees are start to come out and everything is in bud. We are so lucky to live here. Come for a visit and find out for yourself.

Spring is on the way

Actually, the signs of spring are a bit late this year. Usually, there are trees downtown with pink blossoms and the early ones usually start to appear in January. No sign of them yet, but they will be out soon. Rhodos are starting to bloom. If you have never been to Victoria in the spring, you owe it to yourself to arrange a spring trip. It is the "City of Gardens" and spring is the time to be here. Check it out.