With so many Vancouver restaurants serving truly delicious food from all around the world, the city offers foodies the chance to take a global culinary journey without setting foot on a plane. Here, we look at prime spots to tuck into the best of Asia, Europe and North America, no packing required…
Read my list of Vancouver restaurants for outstanding international cuisine at yp.ca.
With its shimmering high-rises decked out in glass to maximize the stunning views of the water and mountains, Coal Harbour is a unique neighbourhood of high-end condos catering to successful professionals looking for a slice of the good life. Bordered by the financial district, the waterfront and Stanley Park, Coal Harbour is perfectly positioned at the intersection of work and play. It's not for the budget-conscious, but if you've got the money, here are five great reasons to call Coal Harbour home…
This article also appeared in the Vancouver Courier newspaper.
Representatives from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism met with travel media in Vancouver yesterday to showcase the many new developments in the archipelago nation.
Grand Bahama and Nassau are "the most popular and populous islands,†said Paul A. Strachan, director, Canada for the Bahamas Tourist Office, but the ministry is working to create more awareness of the Out Islands. That means a new niche marketing strategy, with various islands specializing in deep-sea diving, bird watching or fly fishing, for example…
Vancouverites surfed Australia's Gold Coast and watched the sun set over Sydney Harbour this weekend, all without getting on a plane. These were two of the 17 immersive experiences at Virtual Australia by Air New Zealand, a first-of-its-kind pop-up virtual reality exhibit presented as part of a three-year partnership between the airline and Tourism Australia…
Read the rest at PAXnewsWest.com
There may be no image of Hawaii’s Garden Isle more iconic than the 27-kilmometre stretch of rippling green cliffs along the island’s north shore. Kauai’s Napali Coast is a staple of postcards, travel guides and Instagram feeds. No visit to the island is complete without at least one look, but you can’t get there by car.
“There’s no road to get there,” says Peggy Sowl of Outfitters Kauai “You can’t see it unless you go out and do something fun.”
Here, we explore three ways to experience this very special place.
By Sea: Catamaran or Kayak
A sail along the Napali Coast is not for the faint of stomach, but it is an impressive way to get a close-up view of the cliffs – and the area’s rich ocean life. It’s not unusual for dolphins to play in the wake of the boat, or for huge sea turtles to paddle slowly by. From December to May, you can add humpback whales to the list, as they come to the area to mate and give birth each winter. If you’re adventurous, hop onto the netting at the front on the catamaran for a wild ride – but hold on tight and be prepared to come away with sore elbows from bouncing and sore cheeks from laughing.
If conditions are right, those looking for a challenge can take a guided kayak tour of the coast. Be warned, though, this is a tough paddle and should not be attempted on your own. Book a tour with an experienced local company to stay safe.
By Sky: Hop a Chopper
Seeing the Napali cliffs from above gives a real sense of their impressive scale. But the best part of a helicopter tour is the chance to see the deep green valleys behind the shoreline, complete with waterfalls at practically every turn. Rainbows, too, are a common sight, including double and even triple arches best seen, of course, on cloudy days.
“I’ve flown helicopters in every state west of Mississippi,” says Paul Mateo, chief pilot at Safari Helicopters. “Places people dream about. This is the best. If I didn’t have to concentrate on what I’m doing, I’d be crying like a baby.”
By Sole: Hike the Kalalau Trail
Ninety per cent of Kauai’s land is inaccessible by road, making hiking a prime activity for view-seekers across the island. Only one trail winds its way along the Napali Coast: the challenging 18-kilometre Kalalau Trail. A round-trip would be too much for one day, so those dedicated enough to hike the whole thing camp on the beach for at least one night. (Note: You’ll need a permit to hike past Hanakapiai Valley or to camp.)
Those who want to sample of the trail without having to carry camping gear can explore the first three kilometres, from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Beach. You’ll hit the first viewpoint after about half an hour of hiking. If you want support and guidance along the trail, connect with a local guide.
“All guides love showing off what we get to experience on a daily basis,” says Kelly Corbett, lead guide with Kayak Kauai, adding that guides ensure the trail is respected and minimize visitors’ impact on the land.
Originally published at FlightNetwork.com
I co-authored a report on this five-star Mexican resort with PAX Magazine’s Michael Pihach for the latest issue.
Just a 90-minute drive from Vancouver lies a resort town complete with a massive lake, scenic mountains, a provincial park and hot springs to boot. With less than 1,500 full-time residents, Harrison offers small-town living – and small-town real estate prices – with easy access to all the amenities of the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland. Here are five reasons this lakeside village is a great place to call home…
"May this be a very energetic, active and happy new year!â€
The Hong Kong Tourism Board's Karisa Lui offered those wishes for the Year of the Monkey as she welcomed members of the travel industry to a sumptuous celebratory banquet at Victoria Chinese Restaurant in Vancouver last night…
Stretching north-south between 16th and 1st Avenues and east-west between Granville and Ontario streets, the MLS-defined Cambie neighbourhood represents a huge chunk of central Vancouver real estate. From bustling Cambie Street to the sprawling Queen Elizabeth Park, this neighbourhood combines the benefits of well-connected city life with the joys of nature and some of the city's best recreational facilities.
This article also appeared in The Vancouver Courier
Vancouver wine lovers and industry insiders gathered this weekend for the annual Vancouver International Wine Festival, this year showcasing the wines of Italy.
On Saturday night (Feb. 27), festival sponsor Delta Air Lines hosted travel industry VIPs at the intimate Delta Air Lines Tasting Lounge for a guided tasting with Delta's Master Sommelier, Andrea Robinson…