BC Travel Tuesday, with a Whistler spin, continues this week as I partner with backyardbc.com to help British Columbians get out and explore their home province.
backyardbc is a new travel website designed specifically for residents of British Columbia. Essentially a “be a tourist in your own backyard” program, participating hotels & resorts offer residents of BC exclusive rates and specials, designed to motivate BCers to travel more within the Province. Each offer has its own unique reservation code, and all bookings are done directly with our hotel and resort partners. Visit backyardbc online, on Twitter, or Facebook and see more of BC!
The winner of last week’s getaway to the Coast Whistler is Natalie (Comment January 17 at 11:09pm). We have 3 weeks left of Whistler accommodation giveaways and today’s prize is located in Creekside. Close to restaurants, the slopes, and the famous Southside Diner, there’s no shortage of things to do. Staying in and enjoying the snow-flanked hot tubs at your hotel is also a fine way to spend a chilly evening.
Evolution Whistler Creekside
Website, Twitter, Facebook, backyardbc listing
Location: 2020 London Lane, Whistler, BC
About: “Just a 2 minute walk from the Whistler Creekside Gondola, this modern mountain lodge offers trendy suites with chic design, as well as a full kitchen with high end appliances, dining area, living area with a cozy fireplace, private balconies and an in suite washer and dryer. The amenities are endless with an outdoor heated pool, two hot tubs, a sauna, eucalyptus steam room, fitness centre, a games room and a media room.”
Prize: 2 Nights accommodation in a 1 bedroom suite.
Value: $600
To enter to win, leave a comment on this post (1 entry) and/or post the following on Twitter (1 entry):
Gift certificates for hotel and resort stays will be sent directly to each weekly winner so they can arrange their visit personally with the property. Based on availability. Blackout dates for Evolution are February 17 to 25, March 9 to 17, May 18 to 20, December 21 to January 1, and all stat holiday weekends. Must be 19 years of age or older to enter and win. This week’s winner will be announced next Tuesday.
View all posts in the series by following or subscribing to my BCTravelTuesday tag. Open to residents of BC.
It was on this day, January 23, 1939 that the two lions on the South end of the Lions Gate Bridge were installed. The two regal figures were created by Charles Marega and were the last commissioned work for this prominent yet struggling Vancouver sculptor.
1939 – VPL Accession Number: 3036. Photographer: Leonard Frank
A letter from Charles Marega about the pieces:
“Thank God I have work now. I am modeling a Lion for Vancouver’s suspension bridge. I had much trouble to get the work. The engineer is from Montreal, and wanted the Lion to modeled in Montreal. But the president of the bridge committee, who is a long-standing friend of mine, and his wife a good friend of mamas, finally assigned the work to me. I would have preferred the Lions to be in bronze or stone – but it has to be cheap – so they will be done in concrete which annoys me, as I could otherwise have made both Lions from one model. However I have to content myself to get work at all.” – letter from Charles Marega dated August 1938 found under the Public Art Registry & in the posession of Marega researcher Peggy Imready.
Looking at some older photos of the lions (like the two directly below) it almost looks as though there are horns or hats on top of the lions’ heads. I haven’t been able to find any record of these and they don’t appear in the 1939 photo at the top of this post. Since both of the following photos were taken on the same day, perhaps decorating the lions is a tradition that is decades old.
1950’s – VPL Accession Number: 41405 & VPL Accession Number: 41406A by The Province Newspaper
Over the years the lions have been a sign of ‘quitting time’ for North Shore commuters, the focus of tourist photos, brought awareness to causes and campaigns through their mysterious get-ups, and provided support for our home teams.
The Lions Gate Bridge was completed in 1938 and was orinally just 2 lanes. It was tolled until the 1960’s although the toll revenue covered the bridge expenses by 1952.
Phineas & Ferb have taught me two things lately. The first is that the Disney cartoon featuring two inventive step-brothers, their friends, and their pet platypus (turned secret agent spy) is a huge hit with my nephews. The second is that I now know, Everything’s Better with Perry. This hit show is on the road and coming to Vancouver for just one weekend.
Disney’s Phineas & Ferb Best Live Tour Ever
Where Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver
Dates January 27 to January 29, 2012
Showtimes 7:00pm Friday, 12:00pm & 3:00pm Saturday, 1:00pm & 4:00pm Sunday
Tickets Available now for $20-75 from Ticketmaster
I spent the afternoon at the show in Everett yesterday on a press junket with writers and their children. I borrowed my nephew Cameron since, as he told me enthusiastically, he watches the Phineas & Ferb EVERY DAY! Having never seen the show myself, I was quickly brought up to speed thanks to watching the motion picture Phinaes & Ferb The Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension on the bus and going over a trivia booklet with 104 questions. I can now tell you why they went to Mount Rushmore, which one of them can communicate with dolphins, and why Dr. Doofenshmirtz wants to destroy all lawn gnomes in the Tri State area.
The plot of the live show revolves around the characters trying to put on a live show. As a result, the “show within a show” is lighthearted and entertaining. There is a lot of singing and dancing along with audience participation. My nephew, who is often too shy to speak, was engaged the entire time and shouting out responses when prompted. Kids who are already fans of the cartoon will enjoy hearing familiar tunes from the characters they love.
The show is funny for kids and adults alike, and it’s always interesting to see how Disney translates cartoon characters to live-action. The sets, as to be expected, were colourful and imaginative, and the lighting was dazzling. The cast was incredibly friendly (we were fortunate enough to meet them before the show) and they had an unimaginable amount of energy both on and off stage.
If you would like to see Disney’s Phineas & Ferb The Best Live Tour Ever when it comes to Vancouver, I have a 4-pack of tickets available to give away. Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment here naming a favourite character or song from the show (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw 1 winner on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 3:00pm. The winner will receive tickets to the 7:00pm performance on Friday, January 27, 2012.
Update The winner is Tanya!
The Bachelor is coming to Canada and not just on an extravagant date. The Bachelor Canada, from Force Four Entertainment and Citytv, was announced this morning.
The Bachelor Canada will have 9 episodes, with pre-production starting in the spring. Starting today, they are kicking off a nation-wide casting call for single ladies who would like to find love on reality television.
From this morning’s press release: “The Bachelor has long been a fan favourite on Citytv and we look forward to putting a Canadian spin on this thriving franchise,” said Claire Freeland, Director of Original Programming, Rogers Media, and Executive Producer of The Bachelor Canada. “Canada is brimming with eligible bachelors and bachelorettes and we’re excited to offer them the opportunity to embark on their own quest for love through this entertaining series.”
While the bachelor himself hasn’t yet been announced, ladies can fill out a form online in the meantime to throw their hat in the ring. The show is slated to start filming in the fall.
Follow The Bachelor Canada Twitter or Facebook for news and updates.
Related: Read my interview with The Bachelorette: Jillian Harris.
This Valentine’s Day you can escape the city and snuggle up at a beautiful riverside inn. Rowena’s Inn, at Pretty Estates, blew us away this summer when we visited and stayed in one of their signature log cabins along with Harrison River. It was one of the most romantic places we’ve been fortunate enough to visit and they’re offering up a Valentine’s package for you and your special someone.
Rowena’s Inn. Photo credit: John Bollwitt
Sweethearts can book the Valentine’s Weekend Package from February 9 to February 19, 2012 that includes a 2-night cabin stay, a bottle of bubbly from Domaine De Chaberton, a giftwrapped box of handmade chocolates and a welcome card containing $50 worth of “Romance Rewards” to be used at River’s Edge Restaurant. Chopped wood stacked by the fire, a dozen long-stem roses, and a fruit & cheese platter will await cabin guests as well. Breakfast is always included and a basket will appear at your door in the morning — filled to the brim with coffee, juice, and a two full breakfasts.
Rowena’s is right at Harrison Mills, around the mountain from Harrison Hot Springs and within a short drive from Hemlock Valley Resort for skiers, boarders, tubers, and snowshoers.
A variety of activities and services can be added-on to your Valentine’s experience such as in-cabin massages, Afternoon Tea, golfing at Sandpiper Golf Club (which is on the property), wine tastings, cooking classes, and adventures at Hemlock. When we stayed in the summer I booked us an eco-tour out of Harrison Hot Springs.
Afternoon Tea at the inn. Photo credit: John Bollwitt
The Valentine’s Weekend Package is $635 plus taxes and can be booked (over any 2-nights) from February 9 to February 19, 2012. We just fell in love with Rowena’s last summer and promised to return in the winter. A warning: there are no televisions in the cabins, just a roaring fireplace, a soaker tub, and tree-lined views. I haven’t booked our winter cabin stay yet but Pretty Estates is offering up the full Valentine’s Weekend Package to one of my readers — here’s how you can enter to win this dreamy getaway:
- Leave a comment here listing who you would like to share this experience with (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw one winner next Friday, January 27, 2012 at 12:00pm. You must be 19 years of age or older to enter and win. No blackout dates for the prize but reservations are based on availability.
Update The winner is @DouglasFGrant!
