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Colony Farm Habitat Enhancement Project, Port Coquitlam: A natural joy

Joseph Boltrukiewicz
Nov 13th, 2011
Colony Farm, a place of relaxation for many people in the Tri-City area of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, is a green, ecologically healthy area about 20 minutes from Vancouver. It's now in the process of an ecological upgrade.
A recent short stroll from my home to this beautiful area brought quite a surprise.

Last day to enter Ocean Village Resort Contest and 10 reasons why you should

Anja Konjicanin
Oct 24th, 2011

Photos courtesy of Ocean Village in Tofino, BC Facebook page

Today is the last day to enter the Ocean Village Beachfront Resort Contest.

Ocean Village
in Tofino is known for its "epic" storm-watching and gorgeous sunsets. Here are 10 more reasons why the Ocean Village Beach Resort is a wonderful place to stay, courtesy of the Trip Advisor community.

1. Magical scenery 

Enter to win the Ocean Village Resort Contest

Anja Konjicanin
Oct 11th, 2011

"People call them beehives, A-frames and Quonset huts; today they are sun magnets. What a beautiful day in Tofino. Can't wait for the sunset tonight! If you're not here you should ask yourself why...", Photos courtesy of Ocean Village in Tofino, BC, Facebook page

There are just two weeks left to win a three-day getaway to Ocean Village in Tofino, BC.

Surf. Golf. Explore. The ocean is your front yard.

Enter the Vancouver Observer's Ocean Village Resort Contest for your last chance to win a three-night stay for two in a studio cottage, which includes free rentals and a surf lesson for two in the stunning Ocean Village.

Spectacular views of the coast. Gorgeous natural landscapes.

Cleanse your mind in a quiet cottage.

Just two weeks left to enter.

Sign up here.



Spectacular beachfront comfort at Ocean Village Resort in Tofino, B.C.

Sponsored Content
Sep 21st, 2011

Tofino photo by Sander Jain

With high hopes, Jacob Barker and I headed from Vancouver to Ocean Village Resort, the most inexpensive beachfront lodging in Tofino, and eco-friendly to boot.

After entering the Ocean Village Resort grounds, the friendly manager, Shane, greeted us warmly and showed us to our cabin. We were situated at the edge of a white sandy beach, which was only partially visible in the cloudy night. But even with no moon, I could see the ocean curling, cresting, and breaking on the shore.

The one bedroom cabin was cozy. The kitchen was well stocked with gadgets and cutlery, including even a big pot for cooking crabs (a local delicacy). The dining area with its wooden table by the window seemed a perfect place for enjoying a meal. 

Travelling Elaho River Valley

Joseph Boltrukiewicz
May 27th, 2011

Heading up Sea-to-Sky Highway 99 north past Squamish, the first major intersection and left turnoff leads to Squamish River Valley and then, farther beyond, to Elaho River Valley.

Elaho is the right tributary of Squamish and both rivers join their forces after making their way through their own valleys, both quite spectacular. The pictures show an off-road experience from that ride.

Win a weekend adventure in Lytton, B.C.

Sponsored Content
May 18th, 2011

Whitewater Rafting BC: Power vs. Paddle Rafting, YouTube video by

Look what's waiting for you in Lytton, B.C.  A three hour car trip from Vancouver takes you to another world: high desert, hotter temperatures, First Nations ranches, unusually mesmerizing landscape. Consider an overnight trip at Kumsheen Rafting Resort and take a trip down the Thompson River.  In the video above, a professional whitewater rafting guide from Kumsheen Rafting Resort describes the difference between power and paddle options. Now go here, and enter to win.

Kumsheen Rafting Resort: whitewater thrills and stunning scenery

Sponsored Content
May 3rd, 2011

Rafting BC: Thompson and Fraser Rivers, YouTube video courtesy of Kumsheen Rafting Resort

"I remember the first time I went through the Jaws of Death. There were humongous waves. A big, beautiful green wave smothered the raft. I was overwhelmed by its power, its spell. And then I saw the late afternoon sun shining through it. There was a great charge of adrenaline," reflects Bernie Fandrich, retired owner and founder of Kumsheen Rafting Resort in Lytton, BC.

Often heralded as the rafting capital of Canada, the rushing rapids of the Frasher and Thompson Rivers, running through the town of Lytton, continue to seduce visitors to its mighty and mysterious thralls.  

Whether splashing through the heart-pumping Hells Gate rapid on the Fraser, or facing the thrill of the 18 rapids in the Devil's Gorge on the Thompson, Kumsheen provides an entertaining vacation the whole family can enjoy.

Vibrant as a Tofino tide pool, 2011 Pacific Rim Whale Festival begins

Linda Solomon
Mar 20th, 2011

In the summer of 2007, brothers Ryan and Bryson Robertson and good friend Hugh Patterson departed La Paz, Mexico and began a three-year sailing trip with the goal of circumnavigating  the globe. 

The three surfers intended to document the state of the oceans and beaches they found.  Hugh Patterson  told about a hundred people at the Pacific Rim Whale Festival that what they found changed his life: plastic.  Bits, chunks and plastic pieces floated in every kilometre of ocean they traversed. 

Plastic shoes, bags, and bottles coated the most remote beaches from Cocos Keeling  in the Indian Ocean thousands of miles from the mainland to familiar locations in BC.

And drink bottles everywhere. 

 "It was heartbreaking to see this," Patterson said. "I will never use another plastic bottle in my life.  We want to inspire every one we connect with to consider their personal impact on the oceans by taking more care in how they live on a day to day basis," he said.

Cortes Island, BC offers adventure, romance and pristine coastal wilderness

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Feb 28th, 2011

Scenic slideshow of Cortes Island, photos by Island Light Photography. Last photo of Hollyhock garden and lodge by Sandra Tassel.

I'm on my way to Cortes Island, skimming in the water taxi over the surface of a placid Georgia Straight, rounding Quadra Island and soaking in the sight of the mountains and the ocean and the big open view.  What a relief from the city.

Regent, the owner of Discovery Launch water taxi,  names the variety of drop dead gorgeous locations he loves on the island. He's explaining why Cortes is so special and unique, and he's talking about his love of the area, as he guides the boat over the shimmering water.  

Welcoming back whales at Pacific Rim Whale Festival

Anja Konjicanin
Feb 23rd, 2011

Photo by Sander Jain

Have you ever sat in a gently rocking boat and watched a pod of whales splash in the distance, flipping their tails and blowing fountains into the sky? What about 20,000? This March you can. But this is no ordinary whale watch. 

The whales are coming. Every Spring,  Pacific Rim Whale Festival celebrates the arrival of about 20, 000 grey whales on their northbound migration from Baja Peninsula. Thousands of eager spectators, locals and tourists alike, gather in Tofino, Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to celebrate these ocean giants' return.This year, the annual festival marks its 25th anniversary. March 19 to 27 kicks off official whale season. 

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