British Columbia
Situated on the epic 27,000 Kilometre long west coast of Canada, British Columbia offers breath-taking vistas from the imposing Kootenay Rocky Mountains in the south east to the awe inspiring rivers and lakes of the North as well as sunny beaches and cosmopolitan cities. Canada’s most stunning state has something for every type of visitor. Food and drink in British Columbia is as plentiful as the landscape is big – and this vast area covers 994,735 square kilometres which is the equivalent area to France Germany and the Netherlands!
A regular on the world’s top ten best cities to live Vancouver offers a wide array of treats and charms for all its guests and if there’s one thing Vancouverites are passionate about its their food and drink. Whilst on the go in Vancouver the easiest food option can be to grab a quick sandwich from the deli and continue on your exploration of the city. A must try for sandwiches and fine meats is Finch’s Tea and Coffee House a definite jewel in the crown for Vancouver and its sandwich lovers.
Having checked off many visitor attractions such as the Olympic Village, walked through the bustling markets and artisan boutiques in Granville Island, taken in the delights of Vancouver art gallery seen the spectacular sunset an Light house Park, you might feel the need for a well-deserved three course meal and a few drinks to round off the day.
Head to Top of Vancouver, a revolving restaurant which delivers 360 degree views of Vancouver and its surroundings. One revolution is made each hour there is ample opportunity to enjoy good food and drink against changing backdrop of coastal mountains and ocean views.
British Columbia accommodation is generally smart and good value – Aas would be expected for such a cosmopolitan city, Vancouver has no shortage of guest houses, from modern boutique hotels such as Loden, The Keefer and Shangri La Vancouver to the classic grand hotels such as the Fairmont Hotel and the Pan Pacific.
A two hour drive on the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver is Whistler – the site for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Come to Whistler for some outdoor pursuits such as skiing, snowboarding and mountaineering or if you prefer a more gentle ride, take the three hour train journey from Vancouver to Whistler as it winds up and around the mountains and canyons and grips the ocean coastline and enjoy the amazing views as you relax with a complimentary beverage and breakfast or afternoon tea depending on your time of travel.
There is an abundance of accommodation in Whistler for all needs, choose from exclusive hotels which cater to all your needs such as Aava Whistler Hotel or private townhouses which are fully equipped with all mod cons, to smaller chalets such as Blueberry Hill Home and charming bed and breakfasts. For food go to Alta Bistro to sample to local cuisine, Side cut for excellent steak and Rim Rock Café and Oyster Bar for Seafood.
If it’s wildlife you’re after visit the Kootenay Rockies and you’ll be sure to come across some grizzly bears, moose, elk and eagles to name but a few. You can also get the cowboy experience by checking into one of many Dude Ranches and getting the chance to take part in wrangling cattle or just opt for some horse-riding through the scenic wilderness of the Rockies.
Three Bars Ranch and Bull River Guest Ranch are excellent dude ranches. You can also get close to nature by camping. Top of the World Provincial Park offers a place to pitch your tent elevated high in the Rockies. Kootenay National Park provides four camping, Redstreak, Mcleod Meadows, Marble Canyon and Crook’s Meadow Group. For a top rated meal go to Cedar House restaurant.
For more information see My Destination British Columbia.
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