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Attractions

Category: Ski Mountain
North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Skiers Plaza, North Vancouver, BC CA

A gondola ride up Whistler Blackcomb feels almost incomplete without an orchestral accompaniment of thundering brass and trembling strings, culminating with an explosive cymbal smash the moment you reach the peak. Beholding Whistler Blackcomb’s 8,100 acres of skiable terrain, complete with 200 trails, 12 alpine bowls, 39 lifts, and 34 feet of annual snowfall is utterly breathtaking. Whatever air remains in your lungs after the ride up is quickly snatched away by full throttle careening through wooded trails, alpine bowls, cliffside runs, and mogul heavy expanses, all covered beneath a heavy dusting of powder. Experienced riders will delight in exploring the numerous black trails and bowls, with special note to Symphony Architecture and the widely photographed Wind Lip. Beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboards won’t feel the sting of segregation at Blackcomb where green trails snake all the way down from the upper peaks. Even thrill seekers in need of helicopter-drop adrenaline rushes will find their needs accommodated. Until 2010, tourists have the special opportunity to check out the sliding center on Blackcomb Mountain that will host the luge, bobsled, and skeleton events for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

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Category: Hiking
North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Skiers Plaza, North Vancouver, BC CA

Early loggers thought “Whistler” was an appropriate name for a place where sharp and mysterious howls echoed nightly through the mountains. The mysterious culprits have been identified as plain marmots, yet a wholly mythical atmosphere still envelops Whistler’s magnificent backcountry. A short and scenic gondola ride up Whistler Mountain immerses hikers in an otherworldly peacefulness. Spongy moss and dark green, scraggly hemlocks border expansive meadows of gently swaying lupines and tiger lilies, while mineral rich streams trickle into still, alpine lakes that mirror the skies above. Make no mistake of such serenity; the journey in-between is wrought with sharp elevations, jagged rocks, and challenging hikes. The best months for backcountry trekking are May-October, when the snow recedes and permits safer exploration. Everyday at 11:30 on Whistler’s peak, trained volunteers offer free-guided hikes that orient hikers for the more challenging and ambitious hikes that will surely follow.

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Category: Nature Park
North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Alta Lake Road, North Vancouver, BC CA

The scenic location of Myrtle Phillips’ wildly popular, 1914 romantic getaway remains one of Whistler’s foremost attractions. Though Myrtle’s cabins are now rustic relics fighting the slow expanse of time, a powerful zeal for the outdoors still emanates from the thousands of park goers. Kelly-green pastures bordered by towering cottonwoods taper into Alta Lake—a cold, fresh expanse who’s placid waters offer the perfect venue for swimming, fishing, and boating. Parking is limited, but the park can be accessed on foot or bike via the Valley Trail. Taking this path provides a great side trip along the bank the River of Golden Dreams into the Emerald Forest Conservation area. Here, tourists are treated to a spectacular peppering of fir’s, maples, minks, otters, and, if they’re lucky, the occasional meandering bear.

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Category: Brewery
North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
4355 Blackcomb Way, North Vancouver, BC V0N CA

Concerning the delights of a frothy pint, Poe once remarked, “Who cares how time advances. I am drinking beer today.” This is wonderful advice for Whistler days that often necessitate lengthy, brew-filled sabbaticals from the outdoor excitement. Whistler’s High Mountain Brew House, situated among the quaint cobblestone walkways of Town Plaza, offers tourists a reprieve from more athletic pursuits, as well as an opportunity to sample the local flavor. Every Thursday and Saturday at 3 PM the local brewmaster conducts informative tours through the microbrewery. His congenial presentation is complemented further by a welcomed sampling of the handcrafted, woodland concoctions (Red Truck Ale, Big Wolf Bitter, and Grizzly Brown Lager to name a few). Come for the tour and you may end up lingering, for as the Czech quip “fine beer may be judged with one sip…but its better to be thoroughly sure.”

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Category: Lake
North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Lost Lake Way, North Vancouver, BC CA

If not actually “lost,” Lost Lake is without a doubt isolated. The lake is nestled within 30 km of serpentine trails that run the scenic gamut from sun bleached steppes, to towering coniferous groves, to lush, verdant wetlands of sinewy moss and hardshake. The meandering trails have even more meandering names—“Tin Pants,” “Gypsy Drum,” and “Donkey Punch” to name a few. The cold, crystalline surface of Lost Lake glistens a chilly aquamarine, though brazen swimmers still brave the frosty depths. On the east shore of the lake is Lost Lake Park, a dog friendly, relaxation haven for those craving a break from hiking. Those of a more refined nature may want to refrain from glancing east at the “clothing optional dock.” More than one elderly woman has been felled at the sight of Whistler’s more…ahem…”Bohemian wildlife.”

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Category: National Park
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Banff National Park, Alberta, Alberta CA

The number one spot in all of Alberta to experience the utmost of Canada’s outdoor wonders is definitely Banff National Park. Established in 1885 and considered Canada’s oldest national park, Banff is located about 70 miles from Calgary and is composed of over 2,500 square miles of mountains, glaciers, ice fields, dense forests and scenic alpine landscapes. Considered Alberta’s most visited tourist destination with an average of just under four million visitors a year, Banff has much to offer including the Upper Hot Springs, a 27 hole golf course and three unique ski resorts (Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Mountain Resort and Mount Norquay ski resort). Take a scenic hike through the Cory Pass Loop and gaze upon the wonders of the Canadian Rockies. Saddle up those horses and take a trot through the pristine mountain terrain. And for the animal lovers, make sure to bring a camera because one never knows when one of the 56 mammal species native to this area could emerge from the woods. Just make sure it’s not a Grizzly Bear or a Lynx – they can get pretty mean.

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Category: Park
Alberta, Canada
Lake Louise, Improvement District No. 9, AB CA

If a lake is ever named after a princess, it’s pretty obvious that there’s something special about that lake. Royalty just don’t slap their names on something without prior knowledge of quality (although Prince Albert might beg to differ). So the fact that Lake Louise – located in Banff National Park – is named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta (the 4th daughter of Queen Victoria) should set a pretty lofty standard. And Lake Louise meets those standards. With a gorgeous emerald hue in the water thanks to the presence of rock flour in the water, this glacier fed lake is a hot tourist spot thanks to its natural beauty and prime location near some of the best mountains and trails in the region including Saddleback Pass, Fairview Mountain and the dubiously named Devil’s Thumb. During the warm summer months, vacationers fill the lake with swimming, kayaking and canoeing while the winter months bring plenty of ice skaters and ice fishers. And with a few rustic homes and resorts nearby there’s plenty of places to eat, sleep or drink; however, don’t expect anything fit for a queen.

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Category: Natural History Museum
Alberta, Canada
Hwy 838 Midland Provincial Park, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0, Canada, Drumheller, , Canada

It doesn’t take much to convince me that dinosaurs are awesome. The second I saw Jurassic Park as a young lad I knew that much. However, I’ve never been more in awe of these prehistoric giants than when visiting the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology. Located about four miles from Drumheller and about 80 miles from Calgary, this museum is unique in that it’s actually located right in the middle of a primes fossil-bearing landscape. Named in honor of Joseph Burr Tyrrell – the geologist who discovered the first dinosaur fossil in the area way back in 1884 – the museum is entirely dedicated to the study of paleontology and holds the mission statement to “collect, conserve, research and interpret paleontological history with special reference to Alberta’s fossil heritage. With a collection of over 120,000 dinosaur fossils filling almost the entire 47,000 square feet of the museum, it truly is a place for the whole family. With such popular exhibits as the “Dinosaur Hall” with over 40 mounted dinosaur skeletons (including a T Rex!) and an exhibit covering the entire Ice Ages, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology picks up where Jurassic Park left off in making dinosaurs the coolest creatures in the world.

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Category: National Park
Alberta, Canada
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Alberta CA

The United States and Canada have been neighbors for a long time. Unlike my neighbors who can never manage to return the brown sugar when they borrow it, the United States and Canada seem to be on pretty friendly terms. Maybe that’s why the Waterton Lakes National Park is such a friendly place. Established in 1895 to symbolize the bonds of peace and friendship between Canada and America and actually serving as a border crossing check point during the summer, this World Heritage Site is great place to feel the love between two great countries. Oh yeah, it’s also gorgeous. Located in the southwest corner of Alberta and bordering the tip of Montana, Waterton contains over 200 square miles of picturesque mountains and wilderness more rugged than Grizzly Adam’s beard. Scale all 9,547 feet up to the peak of Mount Blakiston for an unforgettable view; grab the family or that special someone for a leisurely stroll through the Crypt Lake Trail; or just sit back and enjoy the clean, fresh mountain air. Come see why an average 350,000 visitors enjoy the beauty of Waterton Lakes National Park every year – maybe I’ll invite my neighbors to come with me next time!

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Category: Zoo
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
13315 Buena Vista Road (87th Avenue) , Edmonton, T5J 2R7 Canada
Visiting Details
NOTE: Admissions cost is $9.75 during the summer months (May to October) and $7.25 during the winter months (October to May.)

Question – do animals celebrate holidays? Yes, but apparently they only celebrate Christmas at the Valley Zoo. Located in the heart of Edmonton’s river valley, this zoo is open 364 days a year except on – yep – Christmas. I guess they think they need a day off? Opened to the public in 1959 to replace the previous Edmonton Zoo (Borden Park Zoo), the Valley Zoo is home and habitat to over 350 animals (exotic and native to the region) of over a hundred different species. The only accredited zoo in Northern Alberta, the Valley Zoo features such unique exhibits such as Carnivore Alley - home to foxes, tigers and wolves (oh my) - and the Birds of Prey exhibit - home to Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons and a few Snowy Owls. Other popular exhibits include the Makira outpost which provides a unique look into the mysterious life of lemurs and the Saito Center which houses the zoo’s more fragile animals like the South American Sea Lion.

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Category: Bay
Nova Scotia, Canada
Bay of Fundy, Kentville, NS CA

It’s one thing for a place to be known for its delicious sea food; it’s another for that same place to be famous for having the lowest tides in the world. Well, that’s the Bay of Fundy for ya! This bay - located on the Atlantic coast and lying in between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick – is chock full of quaint little towns with beautiful scenery, friendly people and perfect local flavor. Folklore claims that the incredibly low tides in the region are due to a giant whale splashing around in the waters; however, a little thing called science has determined that the tidal resonance is a result of a sheer coincidence of timing. Oceanography aside, there’s much to do at the Bay of Fundy. Most folks visit the Hopewell Cape – a provincial park where during moments of low tide visitors are allowed to walk on the recently drained ocean floor. Other great places to visit in the BoF are rather self-explanatory: the World’s Largest Axe (in Nackawic), the World’s Largest Covered Bridge (in Hartland) and – who could forget – the world famous Potato Chip Museum (where visitors can make their own delicious kettle chips).

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Category: Lighthouse
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
HWY 333, Halifax, NS CA

Light houses are – by their nature – photogenic. There’s something about a solitary structure standing against the back drop of a roaring sea that’s captivating and quite moving. So when I learned that Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse in Halifax is often considered the most photographed and filmed lighthouse in the world – well I had to see for myself. And believe me folks, it’s stunning. One of the most popular tourist spots in all of Nova Scotia, Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is a perfect place for a scenic, relaxing afternoon. It’s also a prime spot for budding photographers looking for a frame-worthy shot or for parents searching for the perfect background for this year

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Category: Fort / Fortress
Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, Canada
Fortress of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, CA

Want a window into the past, but don’t have a time machine? Well, the Fortress of Louisbourg should suffice. Located on Cape Breton Island, the Fortress of Louisbourg is the largest reconstructed 18th century French fortified town in all of North America, and is an eloquently designed tribute to the past. After walking through an interpretive center and taking a quick bus ride to the site (to clear the area of “historically inaccurate cars”), visitors are welcomed to the impressive site of 18th century Europe: faux historic buildings, ramparts, costumed guards, cannons, muskets barnyard animals and street vendors. Construction on the town began back in 1961 when the Government of Canada poured $25 million into a project with the goal of reconstructing roughly one quarter of the original town and fortifications as they were circa 1740 (before the town of Louisbourg first came under siege). The meticulous recreation of the town required intense amounts of research with over 750,000 pages of documents and over 500 maps and plans from archives in France, England, Scotland and the United States in which Canada heavily reviewed in order to nail the authenticity. Make sure to dedicate at least four hours to experience the entire site and don’t be afraid to ask for a free tour. History buffs – prepare ye-self for heaven!

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Category: Museum
Nova Scotia, Canada
Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0, Victoria; Subd. B, NS CA

He may not have invented the I-Phone or the Blackberry, but without Alexander Graham Bell the mere thought of sending email over the phone – let alone text messaging – would be impossible. So it’s only fitting an entire museum be dedicated to such a man who’s invention we use every single day. Located in Cape Breton Island overlooking the beautiful Baddeck Bay, the Alexander Graham Bell Museum chronicles and celebrates the life and career of Mr. Bell by showcasing the rich historical artifacts and documents donated by the Bell family during their time in Nova Scotia. With the purpose of communicating the story of Dr. Bell’s wide ranging interests and his world changing inventions (most of which occurred in Baddeck), the museum features numerous exhibits fun and fitting for the whole family. Learn how Bell was raised in the exhibit “Home” or check out the ever popular exhibit “Sound of Silence,” which tells the amazing tale of Dr. Bell’s work in teaching speech to the deaf. And the exhibit dubbed simply “Ideas” allows patrons a window into the vast number of experiments done by Dr. Bell and his associates throughout his life time. I-phones and Blackberries will be checked at the door though… just kidding.

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Category: National Park
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia CA

Away from the hustle and bustle of work, home and kids it can be refreshing to find a place where the daily stresses don’t matter. This describes Cape Breton Highlands National Park perfectly. Located at the northern section of Cape Breton Island, this park – the first National Park in the Atlantic provinces of Canada – covers an area of 950 km² and is full of quintessential gorgeous Nova Scotia mountain scenery and ocean views. Explore the western portion of the park and witness the wonders of the authentic Acadian village of Chéticamp located on the Gulf of Saint Lawrence; or venture over to the east side to enjoy the lovely beaches of Ingonish which feeds into the Atlantic Ocean. In between the borders of the park enjoy the epic mountains, the peaceful valleys, the dense green forests, the flowing waterfalls and the vast tundra like expanse known as the Cape Breton Highlands. And for those interested in a bit less of a wilderness excursion, make sure to bring golf clubs to play at the lush Highlands Links – rated as one of the top 100 courses in the world and the best public course in Canada by Golf Magazine.

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Category: Glass / Bottles
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Lot 15, PE CA

Over 25 000 recycled bottles ingeniously cemented together to create the Bottle Houses, a must-see tourist attraction situated in Cap-Egmont, Prince Edward Island, Canada. They were built by the late Édouard T. Arsenault. He gave birth to these houses after having received a postcard of a glass castle from his daughter in 1979, an attraction she had visited on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. That same summer, he started collecting bottles from his community, mostly from a local restaurant, community dance halls, friends, relatives and neighbours.

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Category: Children's Activity
Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Avonlea Village, Resort Mun. Stan.B. Hope R. Bayv. Cavend. N.Rust., PE CA

Avonlea Village has recreated the type of rural community where Anne lived (music, wagon rides, candy shop and animators in heritage buildings). Keep your eyes peeled in the Cavendish area, as Anne and Diana are often seen greeting tourists and performing small vignettes. In early July, the L.M. Montgomery Festival is in full swing with special events taking place that are tied to the author and her famous fictional character.

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Category: Children's Activity
Prince Edward Island, Canada
81 Victoria St E, Kensington, PE C0B CA

On a hillside in the town of Kensington, Prince Edward Island, stands a forbidding mansion. Local ledgend tells of a wealthy English man, Dr. Jack, descending on the small farming community in the early 1890's and creating his Tudor style home. Care was taken to recreate the winding streets of London in the old cellar to provide an atmosphere of home away from home. As the story goes, he opened a small hotel in his house, however many of the visitors were reportedly never heard from again. Several famous figures reportedly stayed with the Doctor for extended visits, the most notorious being Lizzy Borden... some say she still walks the halls! Come for a visit and see for yourself how the ledgend has grown. Maybe you'll even live to tell about it!

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Category: Historic House
Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Prince Edward Island National Park, Cavendish, Prince Edward Island Canada

Stop at Green Gables in Prince Edward Island National Park, where you will find preserved the gabled house that inspired the setting of Montgomery's story of the red-haired orphan. Allow lots of time to explore the house and grounds with the Haunted Woods, Lovers Lane, interpretive programs, films on L.M. Montgomery along with gift shops and a snack counter. Not to be missed in Cavendish is the Lucy Maud Montgomery's Cavendish Homestead where relatives of the author, John and Jennie Macneill, still reside and offer guided tours of the grounds.

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Category: Geological Formation
New Brunswick, Canada
Hopewell Rock, Alma, NB CA

At low tide, explore quiet coves with flowerpot-shaped rock formations bearing such curious names as 'Mother-in-Law', 'ET' and 'Lover's Arch'. Then, as the tide gently shifts, experience the wonder of nature as 100-billion tonnes of salt-water slowly fills the Bay of Fundy. These are the highest tides in the world. And they happen twice a day....every day. At high tide, paddle a kayak around these same sandstone pillars or visit our multi-media interpretive centre where you will learn about the fascinating geology and forces that crafted them. Discover the colourful Mi'kmaq legends created to explain this unique phenomenon of these extraordinary tides. And that's not all...in late July and early August, witness the awe-inspiring aerial dance performed by thousands of migrating shorebirds. The Hopewell Rocks is a place to pause…a place to appreciate a remarkable story interwoven through time, tide, and the intricacies of nature.

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Reviews(Average Rating: 95% for 1 review)

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LadyShadowcrossReviews: 6
Posts: 0
Kozy Kelowna!
09/06/2009
Rating
95%
Canada
From the bustling business district in Winnipeg to the serene waters of Vancouver Island. While touring cross-country, I fell in love with the city of Kelowna in British Columbia. A quiet town rolling with lush vineyards and orchards could be seen from a float plane ride, dotted with comfy bed & breakfast inns where you'll feel at home, and the center of town is teeming with shops, restaurants, bars, and of course...the theatre! This cozy sweet town offers a perfect platform to jumpstart a very much needed quiet vacation both fulfilling a romantic landscape for two or rugged rustic atmosphere for those family activities.
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