The wettest city in Canada

Although Canada's wettest city is in BC, it is not Vancouver. It is Prince Rupert, BC. A port city on the northwestern coast of BC, just north of the mouth of the Skeena River. Now I am going to just go with what they say about it being the wettest city but personally have never experienced that. I say that because in the half dozen times or so that I have visited it has never rained. In fact it has been quite sunny. Sometimes cool but always sunny. Granted I was always there in the summer or late spring so perhaps that is why. Though according to my family who lived there for about year, it felt more like 10 years due to all the rain and overcast days. Which is why they moved to sunnier pastures approx 150 km/85 miles east to Terrace, BC. So with my visits to my family and a 5 month spell in the spring & summer of 2007 when I lived in Terrace I made a point of incorporating day trips to Prince Rupert. It's a great little picturesque town on the backdrop of some amazing scenery. Truthfully my favourite part is always the drive along The Yellowhead Hwy (Hwy 16) between the two towns. It's winds along the coast of the Skeena River on one side and Coast Mountains on the other. Although the drive is approximately 90 min it usually takes longer as I insist on stopping to take photos of the breathtaking scenery:

The Yellowhead Hwy enroute to Prince Rupert in August 2008.

We just crossed over this bridge and took a right and found this spot which is boat launch. The Skeena River has some great (salmon) fishing. This spot is not far from Terrace.

Shoe Tree "Hope for Lost Soles"

 just about 2 km outside of Prince Rupert. It is modelled after the first Shoe Tree near Port Hardy on Vancouver Island. And no, I haven't nailed my shoes here...yet.

Once in Prince Rupert, I almost always go to Cow Bay Village. This area, which is right on the water has some great shops, restaurants, art galleries, coffee shops, pubs and the like. Much of it is  built right over the water. You get the sense that you've stepped back into time with the restored heritage buildings and marine and rail themes - a testament to days gone by.

Another area that I enjoy is walking along the rail tracks along the harbour. Mariner's Park is another place that I like to wander around. Then

perhaps do some shopping downtown. There are some great trails around the city and outside too. And it's an accessible city: drive, bus, plane or ferry (from Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands.

   

Port of Prince Rupert

Old Rail Station

"Van-Can-tastic"

"Van-Can-tastic" is a (non)word I heard on the news today that was submitted by a viewer to describe the Winter Olympics that just finished up yesterday. I don't know who came up with it but I think it sums things up very well.

Although I had been looking forward to these days I really didn't know what to expect. Was my everyday life going to be disrupted? Was I going to be able to participate in any way other than watching the TV? Was I going to regret staying in town? Overall, every thing went smoothly and little disruption in my daily routine. I also made a point of visiting as much as I was able to in regards to the pavillions and free activities that were being offered downtown. I even made it downtown to watch the women's and men's gold hockey games! And no regrets for sticking around. I was so fortunate to experience some of history. And for anyone who wonders if the photos of the crowds on the streets were for real - -THEY WERE!! No photoshop tricks there. I have never seen anything like it. And the energy! The energy was, simply put, nothing short of amazing! So much pride. Canadian pride and the pride of all the other nations who were represented. It was magical. Yes, the games did start out shaky, however, our enthusiasm and collective pride brought a vibe that was contagious. YAY!! And 14 gold medals didn't hurt either.

I wish I could show you with my photos what it was like here in Vancouver but unfortunately my camera broke. Luckily, my best friend has taken even better pictures than what I would of had (having a 10x optical zoom compared to 3x makes a difference). Thank you Trina for allowing me to use them.

Large Canadian flag covering the scaffolding of a building undergoing renovations. I think it's a great way to cover a building!


















The Olympic Cauldron - our newest attraction!

Me, Trina & Shannon waiting in line at Russia House (it took over Science World during the games). The 2014 Winter Olympics will be held in Sochi, Russia. We got their early and only had to wait 2.5 hours to get it (believe me, 2.5 hours was a SHORT wait for some things).

Watching the Women's Gold Medal Hockey game at Robson Square. We just scored & the crowd is cheering!

Courtesy of Corina, owner of Moose's Down Under and friend to Trina's family, we got a table at her restaurant (which was packed) on Sunday to watch the Men's Gold Medal Hockey WIN!

The crowd cheering for Team Canada. What a hockey game!

There he is, the boy who scored the golden goal! Way to go Sidney Crosby!! And Luongo (Vancouver Canucks' best ever goalie), Perry, Toews, and all of Team Canada Men's Hockey Team!!

Let The Games Begin!

I just finished watching the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies (via TV) and am filled with awe pride for my country, city and athletes.

Living in Vancouver and watching over the years how the city has prepared has been interesting. Whether you are for, against or ambivilent about the games, you can't deny that a tale of history is emerging. This is the third Olympic games that have been held in Canada. I first watched the Montreal Summer games when I was but a child (and cried and cried watching the closing ceremonies because they were over, at least according to my dad). I remember watching a bit during the Calgary Winter games in 1988 but I was only 19 and had more important things to do (like shop). I was still proud though, that the games were in Canada. Now 22 years later (and only somewhat more mature) I am thrilled that my city and country is welcoming the best of the best in winter sports. I am even more thrilled that THIS WILL BE THE YEAR that Canada wins gold on home ground. The media campaigns have been stating this over & over and it's true. I saw it in the faces of Team Canada as they entered BC Place. You can feel it all over the city. My friends believe. I  BELIEVE!

Like it or not, the Olympics are here. It is a wonderful celebration of sport and sportsmanship. Kudos and best of luck to all the athletes. I couldn't do what they do. I don't have the discipline, the drive or the talent. They are to be celebrated!

GO TEAM CANADA!!

Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies.








photo from www.examiner.com

One a sad note, I'd like to extend my thoughts, prayers and condolences to the family, friends, teammates and country of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, who was killed in a practice luge run earlier today. May you find peace and your spirit live on.

Day Trippin' - Victoria

There is nothing like a day trip to break up the monotony of regular life. That's one of many features that I love about Vancouver and area. So many nearby places to experience: Harrison Hot Springs, Fort Langley, Whistler, The Gulf Islands, Victoria, Bowen Island. Heck, you can even cross the US border and go to Bellingham, WA! What a great way to spend a day off.

As much as I like the idea of those day trips mentioned above, I actually have only gone to two places. Yes, I admit...I am a day-trippin' freshman. One that is still in freshman year when I should have already graduated college! Well at least I know I have that option of a taking off to explore one of these locales.

In Victoria, BC lives a friend of mine, so naturally I make a point of visiting her a few times a year.  I love the idea of meeting a friend for lunch in another town.  I am not talking about crossing a street in Vancouver and meeting them in  Burnaby.  I mean going some distance just for lunch and maybe some shopping. When I worked in a travel agency, at time when discounted or free travel was a common perk, I loved flying from Thunder Bay in the early a.m. to spend the day shopping in Toronto only to return that same evening. It made me feel privledged, even if the flights were usually free. For me, visiting my friend in Victoria is same. I love how it sounds to say "I just spent the day in Victoria.". Funny how the mind can conjure up these ideas and associations. Silly? Perhaps, but I like it.

I'll leave you with a few pictures from my time "wandering" around Victoria BC:

(Top) A BC ferry returning from Vancouver Island as I head to it.

(Below) The marker for the start of the Trans-Canada Highway.

"Hip Hip Hooray"!

Internet surfing jewel

I just wanted to share this website with you. I have been perusing it for the past half an hour or so. It's proving to be a very handy one-stop site. World Travel Guide has information on just about every place on the earth. Countries, regions, cities, you name it. I was just reading about Macau (which is in Asia). It even has info on Bhutan, a country I intend to visit when I take my RTW (round-the-world) trip in a couple years. Another cool aspect of this site is the "Inspire Me" feature. Select from a drop-down menu your holiday type and when you want to go and a list of various places, near & far gives you ideas to visit. Want to know practical things about your fav destination? This site has it too and very easy to navigate through. World Travel Guide is now in my favourites list. Check it out!