Harrison Hot Springs Resort: Win a Getaway for Your Valentine

Comments 364 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Heart-shaped boxes of chocolates line store shelves and red roses are awaiting delivery. Valentine’s Day is almost here and what would be more fabulous than treating your special someone to a romantic getaway complete with spa treatments, dinner and dancing? Miss604 has teamed up with Harrison Hot Springs Resort to give away a romantic getaway for two that will absolutely thrill your Valentine!

Harrison Hot Springs Resort

From the gorgeous sandy beaches of Harrison Lake, the forested canopy of Sasquatch Provincial Park, to farm-gate shopping in nearby Agassiz, and the luxurious spa and hot springs pools at the resort. The Fraser Valley is such a lovely, romantic getaway destination, surrounded by natural beauty, the serenity of the countryside, and world-class dining. Those sunsets over the lake casting pink shadow on the nearby snow-capped mountains are the cherry on top.

Harrison Hot Springs Resort

I’m giving away a one-night couple’s stay* at Harrison Hot Springs Resort with dinner for two in The Copper Room, and a couples’ massage at the Healing Springs Spa. Here’s how you can enter to win:

[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win a @HarrisonResort getaway for your Valentine http://ow.ly/ehde30if5l7″ quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

Follow Harrison Hot Springs Resort on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more information. I will draw one lucky winner at 12:00pm on Monday, February 12, 2018.

*Redeemable for a reservation Sunday to Thursday, no holidays or long weekends, until September 1, 2018.

Update The winner is Katelyn Learned!

Save the Rio Theatre

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

In 2012 ago I wrote a post called “Save the Rio” and now, six years later, I’m doing it again. The historic little East Van theatre-that-could is up against a wall again and it needs your help:

Save the Rio Theatre

Dear Friends of the Rio,

The Rio Theatre needs your love!

As you may have heard, the Rio building has been listed for sale, and with zoning changes it is likely a developer will ultimately tear it down.

The business operators of the Rio are preparing an offer to buy the building. The deadline is February 6, 2018. We need your help fast! We need to collect as many signatures as possible to demonstrate the community’s support in saving the existing, historical, art-deco venue that we know and love.

The existing property owners have always been among our biggest allies — now is the time to let them know how much the Rio means to YOU in support of our offer being accepted.

While the City of Vancouver has made provisions that a developer would have to include a ‘movie theatre’ in a new building, this does not ensure the same size, or that it would have live performance space. And during construction, East Van would be left with a cavernous hole in the ground, staff would lose their livelihoods, and thousands of patrons and performers — like you — would lose a beloved cultural space. While the operators of the business currently have an eight year lease, there would likely be pressure from a new developer to shorten this term.

As the operators and management of the Rio Theatre, we do not want to see it destroyed. With your support, we have worked hard to transform the Rio from a venue on the verge of closure to a thriving, successful business. The Rio has emerged as one of Canada’s most successful live performance/single-screen venues, and leads the way as a model for all independent theatres.

And we are no strangers to overcoming adversity. In 2012, we won a very public battle against BC Liquor Control with our effort to change outdated liquor laws, ultimately resulting in modernization of liquor policy across the province.

The bottom line: We do not want the Rio’s future to be in the hands of a developer that doesn’t understand the cultural needs of our community. Although we are not opposed to sustainable development if it becomes necessary in the future, we want to ensure the spirit of The Rio survives. Given the current and immediate crisis of the numerous venues this city has lost – we need to take action.

We believe the best way to #SavetheRio is for the current proprietors of the business (with the help of a team of investors) to own the building, so that they may continue to function as a dedicated steward, ensuring the space continues to thrive and remain the cultural anchor of Commercial Drive.

We want to hear your voice! Sign this petition and say a few words of what the Rio means to you.

Also you can contact the following politicians and let them know how you feel:

Director of Development Services Development Review Branch, Andrea law [email protected]

Finally, many of you have asked about being a part of buying the building. For serious investors, contact me at [email protected]

As of February 1st, the appeal has 19,000 signatures – but more are needed. You can show your support here »

And spread the word! Use the tag #SaveTheRio on social media and follow the Rio on Facebook and Twitter for their latest updates.

Vancouver Olympic Cauldron Lighting to Cheer on Team Canada at the Pyeongchang Olympics

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

To cheer on Team Canada athletes and to honour and the 2018 host city Pyeongchang, South Korea, the Vancouver Convention Centre will light the iconic Vancouver Olympic Cauldron on Thursday, February 8th prior to the Opening Ceremony for the Olympic Games and

Vancouver Olympic Cauldron Lighting

The lighting will take place on Thursday, February 8, 2018 5:00pm to 7:00pm just ahead of the Pyeongchang Olmypics opening ceremony. There will be a brief celebration and remarks at 5:00pm by Honourable Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Ken Cretney, President and CEO, BC Pavilion Corporation; Brent Hayden, Olympic Medalist and World Champion.

Vancouver Olympic Cauldron Lighting

In addition, BC Pavilion Corporation (“PavCo”) will show support for Canada’s athletes competing in the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games by lighting its venues in Canada’s colours:

  • At the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Cauldron and facility district markers will glow red and white for the duration 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.*
  • BC Place will glow in red on select days and feature a unique “Medal Ceremony” animation during opening and closing days and when Team Canada wins a medal.*

*with the exception of scheduled illuminations for events and community organizations

The Cauldron will also be lit on March 17th at 5:00pm, prior to the Closing Ceremony, for the Paralympic Games.

Get to Know Troll Ski Resort with this Q&A

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt
Disclosure: Sponsored Post — Published in partnership with SnowSeekers Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

In search of long line, fresh powder, friendly locals, and epic Instagram-worthy sights and scenes? Then you need to #SkiNorthBC!

Photographer and writer Abby Cooper (@AbbyDells) set out for Northern BC with SnowSeekers’ #SkiNorthBC expedition this winter. She hit 6 different destinations and chronicled her journey. I wanted to find out more about what she experienced, discovered, and what anyone looking for a Northern BC adventure simply cannot miss.

Get to Know Troll Ski Resort with this Q&A

Abby’s first destination was Troll Ski Resort, found around the middle of the Barkerville Highway just outside of Quesnel.

Q1. What were your first impressions of Troll?
Abby: The lengthy runs towering over head sparked my curiosity, coated in white they just begged to be skied.

Troll Ski Resort Q&A with Abby Cooper and SnowSeekers
Photo by Abby Cooper

Q2. Who was your best local resource for info?
Abby: Owner of the Troll Ski Resort, Hildur, wasn’t shy about sharing some secrets and pointing us in the right direction on our hunt for powder. Her recommendation to check out the newly opened gladded run by the name of Wildcat did not disappoint, so much so that we spent at least half a day lapping this treasure!

Q3. What did you find most surprising?
Abby: I was thrilled to learn about the ongoing logging in the area to continue the growth of the resort and skiing opportunities. A true example of the community working together for a greater good which matches the vibe felt at Troll without a doubt.

Troll Ski Resort Q&A with Abby Cooper and SnowSeekers
Photo by Abby Cooper

Q4. What is a can’t-miss at this destination, any insider tips?
Abby: Coffee and a cupcake, the cafe at Troll has scrumptious baked goods and a delightfully long list of speciality coffees.

Q5. What was the most Instagram-worthy moment or place?
Abby: I can’t help but love the log cabin buildings surrounding the base. From the workshop to the first hut and main lodge everything is so mountain life picturesque!

Troll Ski Resort Q&A with Abby Cooper and SnowSeekers
Photo by Abby Cooper

Q6. What would make you go back again and again?
Abby: The friendly people make me want to go back just to connect with such lovely human beings again, but I’m not going to lie, the gladded trees are the most on mountain braggable feature, I could session those for a few days at a time!

Troll Ski Resort Q&A with Abby Cooper and SnowSeekers
Photo by Abby Cooper

You can read Abby’s full story about Troll Resort via SnowSeekers here »

If you go

  • Troll is found around the middle of the Barkerville Highway. On your way, you’ll go through the City of Quesnel. Learn more about what adventures can be found there »
  • Call Tourism Quesnel at (250) 992-8716
  • Troll, Quesnel, the District of Wells and Barkerville are destinations along the famed Barkerville Highway (aka Highway 26) – all within the Cariboo Regional District.
  • SnowSeekers has partnered with National Car rental to secure you a SnowSeekers’ preferred rate. Make a reservation online, or with an agent and in the Contract field enter XVC4SNO for a savings that could cover your ski pass cost every day.
  • Get inspired and learn more to what BC has in store for you this winter, search #ExploreBC on social media.

For more on skiing in Northern BC, set a bookmark to check out the #SkiNorthBC expedition page on a regular basis. More stories and videos will be coming out all season long.

Legends of Vancouver Tour: Self-Guided Walking Tour or Virtual Experience

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

I love walking tours, and I find they’re most often the best way to get to know a city — even if it’s your own. There is a new virtual, self-guided tour out there featuring places highlighted by one pretty amazing woman who once called Vancouver home.

E. Pauline Johnson (Takehionwake) documented and shared “Legends of Vancouver” over 100 years ago, telling famous tales of the Lions peaks and giving Lost Lagoon its name.

Lost Lagoon Fountain

Many of Pauline’s works are in the Public Domain and her book, “Legends of Vancouver” is available on iBooks, and for free on Kindle. Inspired by Pauline Johnson, you can now take the Legends of Vancouver Self-Guided Walking Tour.

Legends of Vancouver Tour

Stops of interest — that you can visit in person or online — include: The Pauline Johnson Memorial in Stanley Park (near Third Beach), The Two Sisters (view The Lions from Ferguson Point), Slhx̱i7lsh (known as Siwash Rock), The Lost Salmon-Run (on the Sea Wall), The Sea-serpent (at Brockton Point), Deadman’s Island, The Lost Lagoon, The Lure in Stanley Park (near the Seven Sisters), Deer Lake (Burnaby), Point Grey, The Recluse (Capilano Canyon), The Lost Island (Deep Cove), and The Deep Waters (Buntzen Lake).

This Vancouver walking guide visits some of the sites of those legends, and examines places of sacred meaning to local Indigenous People of the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Each may also have their own stories, that may differ from the legends documented in Pauline Johnson’s book.

Important woman in Vancouver history

On March 10, 1913, Vancouver mourned the death of Pauline Johnson by declaring the day a civic holiday. She was even commemorated on a postage stamp in 1961 — being the first indigenous-Canadian, first woman (other than the Queen), and author to ever be honoured in this manner. Take a walk through your Vancouver, guided by the words and stories of her Vancouver 100+ years ago.