Accommodation In Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver is a good place to stay for just about any reason because of its' convenient access to almost everything.

Finding a place to stay when you come to Vancouver can be pretty tight so you definitely want to make sure to plan your accommodations as far in advance as possible.

There are certain times that are guaranteed not as easy as others to find a place to stay like year round pretty much any long weekend and the summer high season from May to September.

By starting early you will have many options including luxury, mid-range and cheap hotel rooms and suites, vacation rental properties, hostels, guest homes and bed and breakfast rooms.

The thing to do when you are planning where to stay is to have a bit of a budget in mind and decide on the kind of activities you would like to do. That way you can look for accommodations that are within a reasonable distance of the things you like to do and you won't have to travel far to enjoy them.

When you are downtown you are within a reasonable distance to many major attractions like Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, BC Place and GM Stadiums, The Cruise Ship Terminal, Science World, Harbour Centre Lookout, night life, theatre, all kinds of shopping and some of the best dining on the planet.

When you are downtown you are also ideally situated to get on the highway and head out of town for a day trip.

Head west up the Sea to Sky Highway all the way up to Whistler Ski Resort. The route will take you through scenic Oceanside towns and villages where you can stop to golf, fish or hike.

Head south; towards the seaside fishing village of Steveston you can buy the day's catch from local fishers right off the wharf; or stop along the way at a local farm for seasonal fruit and produce.

Head east out into the valley and you're into more farmland, the historical town of Fort Langley and the Harrison Lake Resort where they have the world championship sandcastle competition.

If the kind of activities you want to do include a lot of beach walks and sun-bathing look for beach side accommodations like vacation rental homes and rental apartments.

No matter where you plan to stay, Vancouver and the surrounding areas of the lower mainland have many fabulous places to offer. Just do yourself a favor and avoid disappointment by booking as far in advance as possible.

A Golf Vacation To Rival Hilton Head

Imagine an island golf destination that has been voted number one in its nation - not once, but twice in a row. Imagine more than 26 golf courses on that island. Imagine vistas of white, champagne, pink and red beaches; or ocean waters extending far, far beyond the horizon. Imagine a day of golf that leads gracefully into a night of fine seafood dining at a five-star golf resort.

The island isn’t Hilton Head, its Prince Edward Island…and the country is, of course, Canada.

A Prince Edward Island golf vacation offers ocean panoramas and courses created by renowned designers including Robinson, Hurdzan and Fry, Tom McBoom and others.

Crowbush Cove, boasting 18 holes over 6,901 yards, features nine water holes and eight holes near the famous dunes on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. World famous, it has been awarded a 5-star rating from Golf Digest and is listed among the “Sweet Sixteen” top courses worldwide.

From sunrise to sunset your choice of fairways for your PEI golf vacation comes with any number of backdrops including coastal dunes, breathtaking ocean views, and lush forests and rolling farmland. Wildlife abounds and you may well catch a peek at the endangered Piping Plover.

A vacation in the smallest of Canada’s provinces need not be limited to golf. Prince Edward Island teems with as much or as little activity as desired. From simple walks along miles and miles of beaches, to hikes along nature trails; from cycling tours to paddling or deep sea fishing, there is something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Shopping, arts, crafts, music festivals and the finest of seafood dining are also requisites for any Prince Edward Island vacation be it golf or otherwise.

And as varied as your choice of golf courses for the duration of your vacation are the accommodation options offered by the island. From campgrounds to bed and breakfast through hotels and the finest of five star resorts, your vacation is truly your own creation.

This summer, set a course for a golf vacation to rival that of Hilton Head. Make it a Prince Edward Island golf vacation.

Beach Vacation Begins On Prince Edward Island

If walking along miles and miles of sandy coastline is your idea of the perfect summer holiday, discover a Prince Edward Island beach vacation this summer. Not only will you discover colorful stretches of white, champagne, pink and red beaches by the mile and the warmest ocean waters this side of Virginia, but along the way you might just witness the most amazing sunset you've ever seen, iridescent as it shimmers on the water.

A beach vacation on Prince Edward Island delivers on its promise of relaxation. There will be plenty of moments to sit back, close your eyes and enjoy simple things - like the lapping of the waves on the shoreline. Get comfortable, settle in with some sunscreen and a favorite novel ... and while that afternoon away!

For the more adventurous and inquisitive a guided tour will be the perfect introduction to your beach vacation. Learn about the varied geology, flora and the fauna of the area. Prince Edward Island may be Canada's smallest island, but it's big on providing the perfect respite to rejuvenate the soul. No need for chicken soup when you can enjoy clam chowder or fresh seafood direct from the ocean every day.

No matter what your beach vacation 'must haves', Prince Edward Island can meet and exceed them. Perhaps you just need a moment's privacy between lovers to rekindle a romance as the waves roll gently onto the shore? Maybe you dream of a nature lover's treasure trove as seabirds soar high above? Your ideal could include clam-digging fun for the whole family .. or a solitary moment reflected in a tidal pool. All these departures from the everyday are possible on this small oasis of an island.

Discover a network of beaches that extends for miles across sand dunes, barrier islands and sand pits. Explore sandstone cliffs, wetlands and forest. See for yourself a diverse habitat that is home to a variety of plant and wildlife, including the endangered Piping Plover. Conjure up a rich ocean history that dates back over thousands of years. Remember(or discover!) the simple joy of camping on any of 10 oceanside campsites.

This summer, discover the Gentle Island. Discover a Prince Edward Island beach vacation.

Driving tips in Canada

Canadian highways are superb, with excellent, well-maintained, surfaces offering uncongested travel to most parts of the country; roads here certainly rival those of the USA. It's not unusual to travel for hours and not pass another vehicle in some of the more remote areas.

Road rules

Canada honours all valid foreign driving licences; therefore an international driving permit is not necessary. The minimum driving age is 16 but you need to be 25 to hire a car with most companies. Seatbelts for the driver and front-seat passengers must be worn, with infants strapped into a safety seat. Some provinces require that drivers switch on their headlights during the day.

The maximum limit for level of alcohol in the blood while driving is 0.8mg/ml and there are strict penalties for violators.

Speed limits vary from province to province, as a general guideline:

Urban areas: 50kph/31mph

Outside schools: 30kph/18mph

Rural roads/highways: 90 – 110kph/56 – 68mph.

Motorways and the road network

Highways mainly consist of two- to three-lane roads, narrowing to a wide, single lane in the countryside. The Trans-Canada Highway covers 8,000kms/5,000mls making it the longest highway in the world; while the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16), which runs through Canada's vast prairies, over the Rockies, and to the Pacific coast, is almost as long.

As in all major cities around the world, parking can be difficult in Canadian cities. Look for signs marked with a green 'P', indicating municipal parking, and avoid street parking as the car may be wheel-clamped or towed away if left in a restricted zone.

Costs, distances and times

Most of Canada's service stations are open 24 hours for fuel, with automobile maintenance and service available during business hours. Canadian cars use unleaded petrol, sold by the litre, with considerably cheaper prices than those encountered in Europe, but slightly more expensive than prices in the USA.

Typical driving distances:

Vancouver to Toronto: 4492kms/2790mls

Vancouver to Yellowknife: 2411kms/1498mls

Toronto to Montreal: 539kms/335mls.

Safety

Don't drive beyond your limits, as distances in Canada are deceptive. Stop every couple of hours to relax, and don't try to drive beyond 500 or 600kms in a day. The CAA provides reciprocal assistance to members of international auto clubs.

Fishing in Canada

If you would like to experience real adventure in fishing, then Canada is the perfect location for you. Canada has a wide area of rivers, ponds, freshwater lakes, saltwater and streams. Freshwater and saltwater fishing are the favorite pastimes of Canadians and tourists. Fish in Canada including wildlife are very abundant. Canada offers a lot of first-class fishing trips that will make the most out of your time and money. There would not be any reason that you might be disappointed.

Canada has the ideal water where the fish are abundant. There are also plenty of shops and establishments that sell fishing gear and tools for fishing. Fishing in Canada is divided in two groups. That is the Lake Water Fishing and the Salt Water Fishing. The two groups are totally different especially in Canada.

The most famous fishing in Canada is the Salmon Fishing, which is enjoying and rewarding. Salmon varieties that are abundant in Canada are the Coho, Sockeye Salmon, Chinook and the chum. Salmon are known for their size and beauty. Many fishing guides in Canada specialize in the adventure of Salmon Fishing.

Saltwater fishing is popular in the 3 coasts of Canada. They are the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans. This is a chance for shark and tuna fishing. A lot of big saltwater fish are caught only on deep seas and that is what the 3 coasts offer.

Canada is also known for fly fishing. Fly fishing, which is an older type of sport fishing, is about catching a fish using an artificial lure called a "fly.” Many resorts and establishments in Canada offer great packages on fly fishing.

Ice Fishing is also an option for you if you would like to experience fishing in Canada. There are also ice fishing guides that could assist you in your trip. They will ensure your safety and enjoyable experience in Canada. Ice fishing requires special gear, outfits and techniques that require the help of a skilled ice fishing guide. Many tourists who come to Canada for ice fishing can rent ice huts to keep them warm and away from wind.

For tourists who would like to experience ice fishing in Canada, it is always recommended that you come along with fishing guides that are specialized on each fishing type. It is also advised to bring a compass, cell phones and flashlights as safety device and for emergency purposes.

Vacation In Canada Is A Great Experience

Canada is a very popular tourist country with a great environment, wonderful people and certainly there are room for everyone. Beautiful landscapes and peaceful surroundings! If you decide to have your vacation in Canada, you have made an excellent decision.

Lets start with fishing. If you are looking for a place to stay while freshwater fishing in Canada, you have many options and anglers from all over the world look forward to freshwater fishing in Canada each year. All from the eastern shores of the Maritime Provinces to the vast wooded tract of coastline on the west shores of British Columbia, you will find fishing that is so abundant and unspoiled, that anglers from around the globe visit each year. Then they subsequently return year after year.

Many are looking for a weekend retreat that’s accessible with your family car, or perhaps the "trip of a lifetime", a visit to a remote northern lake accessible only by float plane, this province offers it all.

With the Canada mountain biking in British Columbia, the scenery of is splendid. There are actually places in the province where it is possible to do mountain biking 10 months of the year. In virtually every part of the province you will find bubbly local enthusiasm for Canada mountain biking, a willingness to share knowledge, and a host of premier trails to put to the test.

With the Rocky Mountaineer Vacations you have a provider of unique Canadian train trips and vacation packages across Canada. You can travel by train through the Canadian Rockies on board the award-winning Rocky Mountaineer train and discover Canada from coast to coast. You can also choose shorter trips for two days, for example from Vancouver over the Rocky Mountains to Calgary, Banff and Jasper. To cross the whole country you will have to spend ten days on board. It is indeed a big country.

A vacation in Canada could also include one of the big cities, for example Montreal. With its unique mix of old world charm, French joie de vivre and modern style, Montreal radiates a sophisticated glamour that is rare in North America. Famous for its innovative fashion, extensive arts community and delectable bistros, the city has plenty to offer any visitor. Why not spend an afternoon exploring the chic boutiques and sampling the famed cuisine, or retreat to the fine museums and the stunning Notre Dame Basilica. The history of the city is rooted in Old Montreal and the Old Port, where you can stroll the cobblestone streets and walk along the banks of the mighty St. Lawrence River.

In Alberta you have a wonderful attraction in Lake Louise, for many it is the sparkling turquoise lake itself. It is a beautiful, milky blue lake that rests at the foot of the Victoria Glacier, which rises majestically behind, capped by snow and ice all year around. The lake has become one of Canada’s best-loved sights and the most photographed scene in the Canadian Rockies.

If you go by the Rocky Mountaineer train, guests with an overnight stay in Lake Louise stay at 'The Diamond in the Wilderness' The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, located right on the shores of this legendary lake with breathtaking views.

Actually the entire area offers a host of leisure opportunities, including skiing, hiking, fishing, biking and simply relaxing. Also Moraine Lake, a short distance away, is perfect for a day trip. Most of the Rockies area affords incredible opportunity for sightseeing and photography.

PEI, A Great Holiday Destination And A Smart Real Estate Investment

PEI, in terms of a holiday destination, could be compared with Martha's

Vineyard. The island offers accomodations at quaint little inns and

there are many unique craft boutiques across the island. PEI has all the

attractions without the crowds and expense.As a result of PEI's

desirability as a holiday destination, and PEI was voted one of the Top 10

island destinations, waterfront and other PEI real estate available makes

for a great investment. Buy a lot and build your dream cottage or

summer home or choose from a catalog of recreational PEI real estate on the

market, either way you are assure of a great investment. Your property

may sit directly on the ocean or in a more protected inlet or river.

Look at any map of PEI and you will see that the reason PEI boasts so

much waterfront real estate is due to its jagged coastline, dotted with

bays and inlets. Your PEI real estate investment can work for you in two

ways.

Firstly your PEI waterfront recreational property will provide

accomodation to you and your family when you come to the island for your very

own PEI island vacation.

Secondly, the rest of the season you can rent your holiday paradise to

other vacationers. Typically rates charged per week are the equivalent

of a months mortgage - so you can see that you can look forward to

holidays without the cost of accommodation, while still building equity in

your PEI real estate investment. Later, you can liquidate that

investment to add to your retirement or pass along this very worthwhile real

estate to your children.

Access to the island is easy. Come by car and cross the Straits using

the Confederation Bridge or the Wood Islands ferry or if arriving from

farther afield choose a direct flight from Boston or Toronto to

Charlottetown Airport. International flight arrive at Halifax only 3 hours by

car from PEI - rent a car at the airport or use one of the regular

shuttle services.

So plan to visit PEI soon, and see why its called 'the Gentle

Island'.

Holiday Vacation In Whistler Ski Resort

Whistler/Blackcomb Holiday Ski Resort was not even in existence some 40 odd years ago. There was virtually nothing on this now world famous ski resort but blizzards caused by the moist Pacific air meeting the craggy mountain tops on what was then known as the London Mountain. Sometimes, one can see an occasional lonely skier using a rudimentary tow or hiking up the slopes of the mountain.

This resort was renamed Whistler Mountain in 1965, named after the hoary marmot or the whistle pig. Today, this holiday vacation resort is one of the most popular and celebrated holiday ski resorts in the world.

Whistler Ski Village

The Whistler Village is an attractive, all purpose built-in resort and is known for its fascinating skiing vacations. This Ski Resort is also known as Whistler Blackcomb because of the two mountain peaks stood side by side and has the highest vertical drop in the country, both a mile high. A breathtaking and heart stopping drop indeed.

Although always complimented upon, Whistler Resort has its cons too. One of which is its low elevation. At only 2214 ft, the resort comes under the influence of the Pacific seaboard and tends to attract more rain than other resorts. Although this also attracts more snow on the mountain's higher slopes, the prospect of going skiing in the wet is a dampener to the skiing vacation holiday mood.

For years, Whistler and Blackcomb were two entities and were fierce competitors until Intrawest, a major player in the ski resort industry and owner of Blackcomb bought over Whistler in 1997.

The two mountains are actually quite similar with each having more than a ski hundred trails many of which are long cruising runs through stunning pine forests. However, Whistler has more bowls such as The West Bowl, Symphony and Harmony while Blackcomb has glaciers like the Horstman. Blackcomb also have more couloirs such as the Couloir Extreme and Pakalolo.

Toward the bottom of the Extreme are two quad chairs, the Glacier Express and the Jersey Cream Express lies a magnificent collection of chutes and gullies which spreads across the mountain.

The Whistler Ski Holiday Resort also have an area for novice heliskiers. Intrepid heli-skiers can try it for a day before venturing into one of the remote heliskiing lodges for a whole week of heliskiing with Bell 210 or AStar helicopters. Then again, with such fantastic vertical drop in Whistler Ski Resort, who needs helicopters right?

Canadian Travel "musts" Include Pei Vacation

There are so many reasons for Canadians to travel over the summer months. But if you're in a 'vacation' state of mind this year, chart a course in a new direction. This summer, make it a PEI vacation.

Come for the fun. Come for the sun. Come for the miles and miles of beaches in the color of your choice from white to champagne to pink or red. Or come to Prince Edward Island for the golf, the seafood, the birding, the cycling, the clam digging or the antiquing.

A PEI vacation brings you the opportunity to sink your toes into the singing sand at Basin Head beach. It brings a moment's reflection in the tidal pools in any of seven Provincial Parks - or Prince Edward Island National Park, one of Canada's National Parks. It promises the opportunity to walk the shores hand in hand and fall in love all over again as the sun sets over the water. A PEI vacation offers a Canadian travel experience unlike any other.

If shopping is more your penchant, Summerside or Charlottetown are chockfull of artisan crafts including hand-stitched quilts, pottery bowls, intricate woodworking and woven tapestries. Traditional crafts studios dot Prince Edward Island, speaking to its history as the home of Confederation itself. With this much color and culture offering up a Canadian travel experience nothing short of breathtaking, take a moment to catch your breath in a seaside cafe lingering over the fresh colours, smells and tastes of the catch of the day.

Whether you're in need of an adventure, or craving a quiet moment's reflection, Prince Edward Island offers a complete and comprehensive Canadian vacation travel experience. From hotels and resorts to more modest bed and breakfasts or campsites, Prince Edward Island invites you to vacation on your terms.

So come for the fun. Come for the sun. Come for the golf and the beaches. Most of all come to Prince Edward Island this summer for the memories of a Canadian travel vacation. We want to show you good times unlike any other you've ever experienced.

Canada Travel Should Include A Visit To Prince Edward Island

If your vacation plans include travel any where in Canada this summer, consider a departure from the everyday and charter a course for the gentle pleasures of Prince Edward Island. Your Canada travel itinerary would not be complete without a stay here.

Once on the Island, marvel at miles and miles of beautiful white, champagne, pink or red sand beaches. On Prince Edward Island shorelines your eyes will soar as high as a seabird and beyond to the top of the red sandstone cliffs that overlook the ocean.

If fishing is your forte, Prince Edward Island has a wealth of opportunity for the duration of the summer months. Charter a deep sea fishing expedition with friends and you could well wind up with Tuna, marlin or even shark as your reward for a long day’s work, and well worth it. For something with less adventure, cast into the still waters beyond the bridge or off the end of a pier and Mackerel could soon find its way to the end of your line. For freshwater fishing, Brook or Rainbow trout could make fly-fishing in any one of PEI’s winding rivers the perfect day trip.

PEI offers not only Canada's birthplace, but also a spectacular seascape and equally stunning landscape, rich and resplendent in rolling dunes, wetlands, lush fertile farmer’s fields, and the sand and the high pitched cliffs. The diverse habitat of our special Island is home to boundless types of plant and wildlife, including the endangered Piping Plover.

Travel to the edge of Canada and from there, continue onwards across the marvel that is the Confederation Bridge and until you find yourself at the sapphire blue of the water’s edge, then dip your toes in the warmest ocean waters north of Virginia. This is everything a vacation on this Gentle Island was meant to be. Everything and more.

Explore Cavendish, the home of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved classic Anne of Green Gables, one of the Island’s main attractions. Hike or bike our green rolling hills. Then spend some time visiting craft shops in our quaint Island villages. Our pottery, woodworking, tapestries and quilts are as much a fabric of life on the Island as our rich history.

The perfect end to a perfect day should always include watching a magnificent Island sunset as it dips into the ocean. And the perfect night should remain at the water’s edge, drinking in the tranquility that abounds. Be sure, however, to savor far, far more than just the ambience. Prince Edward Island is renowned for its seafood as would be expected so take the time to linger over your lobsters, order tons of tuna steaks, or chow down on the fresh baked bread that is certain to accompany your bowl of clam chowder, served piping hot and rich with cream or dairy products from an island farm, and thickened with the natural agent that is the Prince Edward Island potato.

All of this awaits you and more on Canada’s east-coast jewel, The Gentle Island. All of this, and more.