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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Review — This is not a paid post. My experience was compliments of Kootenay Rockies Tourism, Destination BC, and Emerald Lake Lodge. Views are my own. Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
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There’s a time and place for thrilling adventures, and for sitting in front of the fire place all day in a robe, sipping mulled wine. Emerald Lake Lodge, an exceptional year-round accessible resort in one of the world’s most beautiful wilderness settings, offers a home base for both.
I visited the Kootenay Rockies region in September, as the leaves began to change for the season. After a full day of heli-hiking in Revelstoke our group made our way to Yoho National Park, wherein lies the legendary Emerald Lake Lodge, founded at the turn of the last century during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Once accessible only by rail and horse-drawn coach, this lodge has stood the test of time, providing absolute luxury in the middle of a spectacular natural landscape.
Since the lodge is located in a National Park, guests first drive into a main parking lot off-site. There you can stow your vehicle while you walk over to a cabin and pick up a direct line telephone to call the lodge to pick you up. A shuttle arrives and drives you past parked tour buses and over the two lane bridge that connects the National Park to the lodge’s 13 acre peninsula in the heart of the jade-coloured lake.
Coming from our alpine trek, tired and rain-soaked, our group then checked in at the main lodge. Greeted by the warmth of the century-old fireplace, I sunk in for a bear-hug from one of the large leather arm chairs as I checked my email — the lodge being the only building on site that has Wi-Fi.
Accommodations range from lodge rooms, suites, and cabins, with a lodge room being one of four rooms in a single building. There are 85 units in total, situated in 24 chalet-style cabins. I was in a lodge room, with a private balcony and lake view, fireplace ready to light, and big comfy bed that I couldn’t wait to fall into after dinner. The rest of my group found their rooms and went out to the state of the art stainless steel hot tub, catching a rainbow falling across the lake in the process. I stayed in, showered, and lit a fire to warm up and reflect on the day.
When it was time for dinner I walked up to the main lodge, dodging chipmunks and black-billed magpies on the path, and met my colleagues for a drink. Built of hand-hewn timber, the lodge features a massive stone fireplace, sitting rooms, an elegant dining room, quiet reading rooms, games room, and conference facilities. The lounge, where we ordered some bold whiskey-based cocktails, features an oak bar salvaged from an 1890’s-era Yukon saloon.
Dinner featured bison and elk from Canadian Rocky Mountain Ranch, owned by the lodge’s parent company and located 30 miles southwest of Calgary, Alberta. Seasonal vegetables, local wines, and great service rounded out our candle-lit meal in the lodge. Surrounded by history, and mountainscapes viewable from grand windows and verandas, the warmth of Emerald Lake Lodge glows on even the cloudiest and coldest of days.
In the morning, after a buffet breakfast at the lodge, I walked down across the bridge and over to the boathouse where there is a trailhead that will lead you around the other side of the lake. While I stopped to take photos, tour buses of travellers visiting the national park came and went, like a tide of people with cameras and selfie sticks that flowed in and out every 15 minutes. I was handed a few cameras to capture this moment for a handful of couples who beamed with excitement about being in such a lovely place, and their happiness was infectious even though I was feeling rather wonderful already.
Our group eventually met up near the boat house, which also houses a great little gift shop, and some took out the bright red canoes that glow like ruby gems on Emerald Lake, while I opted for the hike around the lake.
In the winter, you can snowshoe and cross-country ski both of these routes. The walk features placards and signs with history and information about the area. You will also walk through an avalanche path, carved out each year by inevitable slides that prevent tress from growing and pressing the ground flat as a pancake in one single strip, very visible in the summer months as vegetation attempts to re-grow.
Yellow leaves, sandy stones, luscious green lake water illuminating even the greyest of days as the Rocky Mountains attempt to peer through the clouds, it all made for an amazing autumn stroll with my camera in hand. I can only imagine winter days where everything is covered in pillowy white powder, save for the evergreen tree tops surrounding the lodge. Sharp, harsh slopes of the Rockies peeking out from all around you, not realizing that they have you surrounded as they take turns revealing themselves in the late afternoon sunshine.
Enjoy the great outdoors in spring, summer, and fall in the greatness of Yoho National Park with all of its offerings, or spend your entire day on the pristine waters of Emerald Lake Lodge. In the winter — yes the Rocky Mountains do make for a fantastic winter getaway — Emerald Lake Lodge has packages for your snowy mountain escape including Christmas at Emerald Lake Lodge complete with a visit from Santa and dinner with all of the trimmings.
As mentioned, there is no Wi-Fi in the rooms (just in the lodge) and cell phone reception is spotty. But what it lacks in connectivity, Emerald Lake Lodge makes up for with its ample recreational opportunities and even more ways to relax and enjoy its stunning setting.
Squash, turnips, apples, beets, oh my! Shop for the very best of the season at your local winter farmers market, now with two locations in Vancouver.
Winter Farmers Markets in Vancouver
Where: Hastings Park Winter Farmers Market (Hastings Skatepark, Renfrew St) When: Sundays (November 8th to May 1st) from 10:00am to 2:00pm Details: Located between the Forum and the Agrodome at the PNE fairgrounds, Hastings Park Winter Market will feature 50+ vendors each week bringing Vancouverites a great selection of locally grown produce, meat, seafood and dairy, craft beer, wine and spirits, artisan prepared food and baked goods, handmade craft and food trucks. Closed for the holidays on December 27th.
Where: Nat Bailey Winter Farmers Market (30th Ave and Ontario St) When: Saturdays (November 7th to April 23rd) from 10:00am to 2:00pm Details: Voted the Best Place to be on a Rainy Saturday! Each week you can look forward to finding locally grown vegetables and fruit, meat and seafood from local ranchers and fishermen, artisan cheese and bread, herbs and seasonal nursery items, baked goods, prepared foods and artisanal craft. Closed for the holidays on December 26th.
BONUS Where: Holiday Market at the Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Drive) When: One day only! Saturday, December 12th, 2015 from 10:00am to 4:00pm Details: The annual showcase of seasonal food and fine craft takes place once a year in December at the Croatian Cultural Centre. Over 60 vendors who regularly sell at our summer markets bring out their holiday best at our only indoor venue. Pickup gifts for everyone on your list including VFM branded merchandise, market money and gift certificates.
Founded in 1995, Vancouver Farmers Markets has grown to become one of Canada’s leading farmers markets, with nine weekly markets, 425,000 shoppers per year, and annual sales of $8.17 million. For more information follow Vancouver Farmers Markets on Facebook and Twitter.
Canada is on the road to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ facing Honduras in a crucial match on Friday, November 13th, 2015 at BC Place. The team is calling on all Canadians to be the 12th man and rally together as we collectively build a sea of #CanadaRED support.
To help get ready for the match, and to get to know our national players, check out the recently released interview with Fraser Aird:
The Road to Russia
Canada are amongst the 12 CONCACAF nations in the hunt for a spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. The remaining nations have been split into three groups for the continent’s 2015-2016 semi-final stage. The top-two nations in each group will advance to the final round in 2017, from which three nations qualify for Russia 2018 and the fourth team advances to an intercontinental playoff.
In this round, Canada will play six matches, with both a home and away encounter against Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico. Matches will be played over three international windows, with the first two matches 13 November at home against Honduras and 17 November on the road against El Salvador. Canada then faces Mexico twice in March 2016 and El Salvador/Honduras again in September 2016.
Canada Men’s National Soccer Team vs Honduras
Support our national team on November 13th at BC Place. Tickets start at just $25 and groups of 10+ are eligible for discounts of up to 30% off regular priced tickets. Find purchase info and more details online.
Win a Prize Pack
Get on the Road to Russia with Canada! I have an awesome prize pack to give away thanks to Canada Soccer that includes: 4 tickets to the Canada vs Honduras match, 4 Canada Soccer scarves, and 4 mini soccer balls. Here’s how you can enter to win:
RT to enter to win #CanMNT tickets to support @CanadaSoccerEN #CanadaRED from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/U91t3
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Saturday, November 7, 2015. Follow Canada Soccer on Twitter and Facebook for more information.
The Halloween candy has been divided and the Christmas decorations are ready to be dusted off, but before we leap into a new holiday season, Canadians have a very important day to honour first. Remembrance Day, November 11th, is a day to remember the courage, service and sacrifice of thousands of men and women, and to honour them by never forgetting them.
Your city will most likely have a service or ceremony on November 11th, around its local cenotaph, and to make things easier I have rounded up a list of events that you can attend:
Remembrance Day Ceremonies Around Vancouver
BC Lions / Royal Canadian Legion Tribute to Veterans Where: BC Place (777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver) When: November 7th, 2015 at 4:00pm Details: Join a very special “Salute to Veterans & Military Valour” annual half-time show at BC Place on November 7, 2015. Event will include bands, military vehicles and hundreds of Veterans marching in Legion and military uniform.
Lest We Forget: New Westminster Cenotaph Where: Anvil Centre Program Room 417 (777 Columbia St, New Westminster) When: November 8th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm Details: Many Canadians sacrificed their lives for their country in World War I & II. The names of those killed, associated with New Westminster, appear on the engraved plates affixed to the City Hall Cenotaph. Explore the history of New Westminster’s Cenotaph. Who initiated it? Who designed it? Who built it? How were the names compiled? These are some of the questions that will be answered. Registration required (free, 18+ years).
National Aboriginal Veterans Day Where: Victory Square, West Hastings St between Cambie and Hamilton When: November 8th, 2015 at 10:15am Details: Aboriginal veterans will hold a ceremony at the Victory Square Cenotaph on November 8th, National Aboriginal Veterans Day. A march will start at Carnegie Centre at 10:15am and proceed to Victory Square. The official ceremony begins at 10:45am.
Surrey Remembers Where: Surrey Museum (17710 – 56A Ave, Surrey) When: November 11th, 2015 from 9:30am to 1:30pm Details: Bring your family to take part in the annual Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cloverdale Cenotaph next door to the Surrey Museum and the Surrey Archives. After the ceremony, warm up in the museum and enjoy activities, crafts, videos, demos, hot chocolate and more.
Generation to Generation Ceremony and Lighting of the Cauldron Where: Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver Convention Centre When: November 11th, 2015 at 8:30am Details: As the cauldron comes to life, a senior veteran will hand over Canada’s flag to a member of the next generation of veterans, acknowledging the continuing service and loyalty of Canadians from generation to generation. The cauldron will stay lit until 11:00am.
Ceremony and Parade at Victory Square Where: Victory Square, West Hastings St between Cambie and Hamilton When: November 11th, 2015 starting at 9:45am Details: The program begins with a 15 minute performance by the Vancouver Bach Youth Choir and Sarabande starting at 9:45am. At 10:00am veterans, military marching units and bands will be led to Victory Square by the Vancouver Flag Party. The cenotaph ceremony starts at 10:30am. A combined performance of “Sands of Kuwait” by the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Service Band and the Pipes and Drums of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada will be featured.
At 11:00am the Last Post will be sounded. There will be two minutes of silence, during which a 21-gun salute by the 15th Field Artillery Regiment will be heard from Portside Park. Rouse and Lament will follow. The Royal Canadian Air Force will conduct a fly-past moments later, weather permitting. The enduring “In Flanders Fields” will then be sung by the Bach Youth Choir and Sarabande followed by the traditional placing of wreaths at the cenotaph.
At 11:30am the Remembrance Day parade of veterans, brass bands, pipes and drums, Canadian Forces units and Cadets, will begin marching west on Hastings and take the salute while passing the reviewing stand. Veterans will continue on Hastings and disperse. The remainder of the parade turns north on Richards, east on Cordova, and south on Cambie and salute the Cenotaph while passing Victory Square.
“11”: A Community Music and History Project Where: Celebration Hall, Mountain View Cemetery (5455 Fraser St, Vancouver) When: November 11th, 2015 at 11:00am Details: A solo trumpet will call out 11 questions, and 11 stringed instruments will answer. Each instrument represents a specific fallen soldier or Veteran of the World Wars, and tells that individual’s story through sound and music. The performance will be 11 minutes long. There will be a display of historic photos and documents from the lives of each of the soldiers represented in the piece. All are welcome to this free public event.
Wreath Laying Ceremony in Delta Where: North Delta Social Heart Plaza (11415 84 Ave, Delta) When: November 11th from 10:45am to 11:45am Details: The Kennedy House Seniors’ Society and the Corporation of Delta, will host a Remembrance Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the North Delta Social Heart Plaza at 10:40 am. Following the ceremony, a public reception will be held at the North Delta Recreation Centre.
Remembrance Day Service at Richmond City Hall Where: Richmond City Hall (6911 No. 3 Rd, Richmond) When: November 11th, 2015 at 10:25am Details: The service will be streamed online. To access the live webcast, click on the Remembrance Day Ceremonies link under the news tab on the home page of richmond.ca. A military parade will start marching at 10:20am, the official ceremonies at the City Hall cenotaph will begin at 10:40am and there will be two minutes of silence at 11:00 am, which will be followed by wreath-laying. Following the service, a free public reception will be held inside the City Hall Galleria. This event is for all ages.
Remembrance Day Services on the North Shore Where/when: Victoria Park Cenotaph in North Vancouver at 10:30am. Where/when: Cates Park Service 11:00am Where/when: Parade and service on Marine Drive at 20th in West Vancouver from 10:30am to 12:00pm.
Royal Westminster Regiment Remembrance Day Indoor Memorial Service Where: The Armoury of The Royal Westminster Regiment (530 Queens Ave) When: November 11th, 2015 from 10:00am (doors at 9:00am) Details: A traditional memorial service to remember our fallen has been held in The Armoury since the end of World War I and has continued annually for almost a century. All veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Allied Forces, Cadets, military family and association members, Legion members, Scouts, Guides, Thunderbirds, Adventure Club, Community Service Groups, friends, family and the general public are invited inside the Armoury. Seating is limited and provided on a first come basis.
New this year, The Royal Westminster Regiment is pleased to announce an Open House at The Armoury on Monday, November 9th from 10:00am to 3:00pm featuring military displays and demonstrations. The Museum will also be open. Donations accepted at the door. This event is free and everyone is welcome.
Follow Canada Remembers on Facebook and Twitter for more information.
The first free family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration to take place in Downtown Vancouver in more than a decade will happen along Canada Place Way, between Howe and Burrard, on December 31, 2015.
Free Family Friendly New Year’s Eve
The Vancouver New Year’s Eve Celebration Society is organizing live music, entertainment, a countdown for families at 9:00pm with fireworks and a midnight countdown with fireworks. Musical guests confirmed so far include Current Swell, former PEAK Performance Project winner We Are the City, The Matinee and more.
The celebration is free to attend but you can purchase premium seating for the fireworks. Follow Vancouver New Year’s Eve Celebration Society on Twitter and Facebook for more information leading up to 2016.
