http://RealAdventures.com/vacations/184934_articles-canada-other.htm Check out some of the recently updated travel & vacation listings on RealAdventures. Be inspired, go explore! en-us Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:51:03 GMT Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:51:03 GMT http://RealAdventures.com http://RealAdventures.com/vacations/184934_articles-canada-other.htm 100 100 http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024436_Sea-Kayaking-in-Style http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024436_Sea-Kayaking-in-Style Articles British Columbia Thu, 08 Jan 2004 00:01:00 The highlights of sea kayaking in British Columbia, including great food ... -
The highlights of sea kayaking in British Columbia, including great food ...


by Lucas Aykroyd

Hint Do not watch the very bad 1977 Bo Derek movie Orca before you take this sea kayaking trip off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island. It will only distract you from the true raw beauty of these waters and cedarladen shores.

Sea Kayak Adventures of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho has recently begun offering sixday tours of Queen Charlotte Strait, the lesserknown neighbor of Johnstone Strait, which features the world's highest concentration of killer whales. It's a chance to experience the British Columbia wilds without other groups of affluent tourists waving to you and local fishing boats tooting
their horns. One such tour was in late July.

Launching from the town of Port Hardy, the group of 16 (from as far away as Connecticut and New Mexico) packs a flotilla of stable twoperson kayaks after an orientation session and simple howtokayak lesson. Then it's out on the water, where a salty breeze assists our passage along the Vancouver Island coastline. Our three guides (Jorge, Jackie and owneroperator Terry
Prichard) marshal the less experienced kayakers ahead to the first "lunch beach" as bald eagles lurk above in the trees.

SKA's culinary instincts are impeccable. When was the last time you went camping and feasted on deli sandwiches, Tarragon chicken and lime cheesecake instead of baked beans? Not to mention the wine and cheese horsd'oeuvres that materialize shortly after final landing each day.

The pace of six to ten miles per day is relaxed enough to accommodate both teenage boys and retired couples. These waters are relatively sheltered, allowing you to concentrate on the rugged mountains of mainland B.C. in the distance and the outlandishly colorful sea anemones clustered on nearby rocks.

Even one foggy morning when someone tries out one of the guides' single kayaks and accidentally flips it, there is no danger. The guides race to her side, pull her out of the sea and bail out the water in mere minutes. Another day, we get a lesson in how to traverse a strong eddy quickly and efficiently.

As we navigate the perimeter of Nigei Island beneath sunny skies, we spot more wildlife. A minke whale's fin flashes above the surface, which is a rare sight. A shy doe trots away from the shore as the kayaks pull in, although her relatives can be heard sniffing around the tents at night. Sea lions, harbor seals and salmon also pop up from time to time.

Terry ensures the local history, geology and vegetation don't go overlooked. He incorporates nature walks into the morning routine and takes us through the ancient site of an Indian village where little remains but dry grass and gooseberries.

At night, his fellow guides not only cook and clean up but also join the rest of the group in campfire games and the infamous World RockSkipping Championships.

Naturally, as the end of the trip approaches, everyone is eager to spot a pod of orcas. They're not as numerous as in Johnstone Strait, so there are no guarantees. But just as we're about to turn into a channel and head back to Port Hardy, a shout goes up. And there they are! The orcas head north, their giant black fins emerging sometimes three abreast, blowing and breaching in a magnificent display that seems to last forever.

The sight of a baby black bear hunting hermit crabs near the shore minutes out of Port Hardy adds a nice closing touch. And back at "home base," connections to bus or air transportation for your return trip are easy to make.

SKA offers an ideal introduction to sea kayaking. Professional and personable, their guides ensure the journey is both enjoyable and safe.

And oh, those horsd'oeuvres!
Details & Reservations: Sea Kayaking in Style
RealAdventures | British Columbia Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024259_Canada-s-Interprovincial-Route http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024259_Canada-s-Interprovincial-Route Articles Quebec Sat, 07 Jul 2001 00:07:00 A tour of Canada's interprovincial cycling trail, located in the heart of the Upper Saint John River Valley. -
A tour of Canada's interprovincial cycling trail, located in the heart of the Upper Saint John River Valley.


By John M. Smith

Canada has an interprovincial cycling trail that is located in the heart of the Upper Saint John River Valley. The " Petit Temis Interprovincial Linear Park" links Rivieredu Loup (Quebec) and Edmunston (New Brunswick), and the 125 km. gravel trail takes the cyclist near several picturesque settlements located along the old railway line.

I recently had the opportunity to visit these two provinces and ride this magnificent trail, which is situated in an area of gently sloping hills and long valleys. Quebec Tourism helped me in this endeavor by providing me with accommodations in Cabano, a beautiful town located just off the Trans Canada Highway and on the shore of Lake Temiscouata. Cabano is right at the centre of the "Petit Temis Trail", and its former railway station became my base/residence. The "Auberge de la Gare" has been converted into an inn, with five rooms in addition to providing lodging, it also offers meals and tourist information many cyclists stop here for breakfast before beginning a day's ride. It so happened that proprietor Richard Belzile was bilingual, so he was a great help to me in providing information about the route.

The trail may be completed in either direction, but it is not level. The highest elevation is found near SaintHonore (almost 400 metres), so the cyclist will face a long, steady (but relatively "gentle") climb to this point. If you prefer to get this tougher section over with early, then I would recommend beginning your ride at RiviereduLoup. The trailhead can be found by taking 185 south of the city and following the signs to the access point at SaintAntonin (as the route has not yet been completed through Riviere duLoup itself). You will then climb for about 37 km. to SaintHonore and descend (for about 25 km.) into Cabano. The remainder of the trail (63 km.) is relatively level all the way to the New Brunswick border and to the southern terminus at Edmunston. As you arrive at Edmunston, you will find that a section of the rail line is still in place, so that the trail runs parallel to it (and has a very nice descent into the town!). You will also find a little section of paved trail as you end your ride. The Edmunston trailhead is located off Victoria St., near the marina and park.

The trail takes its name from its central feature, 40 km. long Lake Temiscouata. The Temiscouata Railway was popularly known as "Petit Temis". The history of the Temiscouata is presented in the "Musee du Temiscouata", in the village of NotreDame duLac.

The most scenic section of the ride is along Lake Temiscouata, from Cabano to Degalis. You will pass several beaches, particularly in the NotreDameduLac area. Another nice section of the route is in the SaintJacques area, cycling along the Madawaska River and by the New Brunswick Botanical Garden (stop and take a look at the beautiful floral displays here, with over 80,000 plants!). Yet another interesting ride (at SaintLouisdu Ha!Ha!) takes the cyclist right through a golf course! The trail is a birdwatcher's paradise, and also expect to see a lot of chipmunks as you cycle along. Other wildlife viewed could include rabbits, deer, and moose.

The trail would make a very nice two day ride, using Cabano as a stop along the route. If you plan to do a section of the trail as a loop, then you could ride the actual trail in one direction and the nearby Trans Canada Highway in the other (the road has a wide paved shoulder however, it also has lots of traffic and challenging hills!) the cyclist is never very far from the Trans Canada Highway, as the trail crosses it several times (by way of tunnels under the highway itself). It's also possible to get transported to/from Edmunston and then cycle one way for example, "le Cantonier" offers a transport all the way to the other end of the trail for $22.00 (contact le Cantonier at 116 rue Victoria, Edmunston, New Brunswick phone 5067357173). Since I was using Cabano as my base, I eventually rode the entire length of the trail in both directions!

The surface of the trail is a very hard packed gravel, which makes it accessible to all bicycles (not just for fat tire enthusiasts). I rode a section of the trail the morning after a rain, and the trail was still in excellent shape and an easy ride (not turned to mud!). The route is well signed (you will not get lost, and you will be kept informed about distances). Several "water stations" are found, offering cold well water (so that it's unnecessary to carry all your water). Many bike racks and picnic tables are located along the trail (and some of these rest stops even have access to beaches!) There are also several parking lots (for motor vehicles) at access points. Pedestrians and cyclists are found in abundance, but there are no motor vehicles allowed on this recreational trail (however, snowmobilers do use this route during the winter). Bikes may be rented at towns along the route.

The "Petit Temis Interprovincial Linear Park" is one of the sections of the Trans Canada Trail network that has been completed. It's also a demonstration of how two provinces can work together on a common goal. A commemorative archway indicates where the trail actually links the two provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick.
Details & Reservations: Canada's Interprovincial Route
RealAdventures | Quebec Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1023974_Vibrant-Victoria-British-Columbia http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1023974_Vibrant-Victoria-British-Columbia Articles British Columbia Tue, 27 Mar 2001 00:03:00 Situated on Vancouver Island, British Columbia's capital has a character and style all its own. -
Situated on Vancouver Island, British Columbia's capital has a character and style all its own.


Victoria is just as vibrantly colorful as the flower baskets adorning the Inner Harbor lampposts in its famous floral signature. Situated on Vancouver Island (the largest Pacific island in North America), 40 miles across the Strait of Georgia from the B.C. mainland, the capital city of the province of British Columbia was established by the Hudson&8217s Bay Company as Fort Victoria in 1843 in honor of the British queen. The fort officially became a city in 1862, and the varied combination of cultures that had already passed through and those that were gathering there gave the growing town its unique character and style. There were the Northwest Coast Indians, with their stunning totem art the fur traders of the Hudson&8217s Bay Company miners venturing to the gold fields (who became a large and raucous presence with the Klondike strike in 1897) the Royal Navy, which came for the lowpriced land the Englishmen who journeyed there because of the sunny climate and proceeded to create a British reproduction in the colonies (complete with cricket fields, English gardens and semicastles). All of those influences have mingled to produce today&8217s Victoria...a city of great natural beauty and graceful oldworld charm a place where horsedrawn carriages coexist with touring rigs that are bicyclistpropelled an urbane society which enjoys garden parties and hightea as well as kayaking and windsurfing. It has been said of Victoria that it is "more English than the English"...a stroll around town will reinforce this statement but it is also a product of the aboriginal people and all others who have taken part of Western Canada&8217s fascinating history.

An impressive focal point on the beautiful Inner Harbor is the B.C. Legislative Buildings (also called the Provincial Parliament Buildings). Completed in 1897 and opened in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria&8217s Diamond Jubilee, these ornate structures overlook the busy waterway and send a bright greeting to passersby with "Welcome to Victoria" written in flowers. At night the scene becomes totally enchanting as the 3,300 light bulbs which bedeck the buildings (and were part of the original architectural design) are lit, casting a glow over the area. These small globes were initially turned on in June 1887, and their first major replacement didn't take place until 1976...things were built to last in those days.

The other gracious anchor on the Inner Harbor is the Empress Hotel, built in 1908 and planned by the same architect who was responsible for the Parliament Buildings. This Grande Dame contains restaurants, tea rooms (with all of the appropriate ceremony), boutiques, an historical overview...and a lovely step back into another age. It is adjoined by the very modern Victoria Conference Center, which provides a striking counterpart in design that manages to blend pleasingly with its older companion. Located just across the street are the Royal British Columbia Museum the Carillon Tower (a gift from BC residents of Dutch descent, with 623 bells producing wonderful melodies) and Thunderbird Park, which contains several examples of the totem art which has been handed down from the aboriginal inhabitants as well as a carving shed in which traditional pole carving continues to take place. A glance through the magnificent and stately poles reveals the Empress, the Conference Center, and the Victoria skyline beyond....all the vibrant worlds merging!

On the other side of the Conference Center is Crystal Garden, a glass hall which opened in 1925 (and is another product of that very industrious architect who designed the Legislative Buildings and the Empress). It has been, at various times, the largest indoor swimming pool in the British Empire, a ballroom, an exhibit hall, and the site of W.W.II parachute training. Today it is a conservatory described as "a tropical paradise under glass". The exhibitions include hundreds of tropical plants, birds, the world's smallest monkeys, fruit bats, waterfall and fountains, and a special enclosure containing freeflying butterflies. The organization is actively involved in conservation and preservation, as well as breeding programs dedicated to returning endangered species to their natural habitats.
Details & Reservations: Vibrant Victoria, British Columbia
RealAdventures | British Columbia Articles

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