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Local Expert: W. Ruth Kozak

Ruth is a historical fiction writer and travel journalist who has lived in  Vancouver, British Columbia, on the West Coast of Canada most of her life.  She has traveled to many places including Mexico, Central America, South America,...

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August 31, 2008
Local News

BIRD WATCHING: THE GEORGE C. REIFEL MIGRATORY BIRD



With Autumn approaching and the migratory birds making their way south, one of my favorite places to visit is the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary.  Located on Westham Island near the town of Ladner in Delta B.C., the sanctuary is a stop-over for hundreds of flocks of birds seeking refuge and feeding areas during their annual migration along the Pacific Coast. Built on the Fraser River with protective dykes, farm fields, waterways and wooded areas, this 300 hectares (850 acres) of wetlands is not only a haven for migratory flocks, but home year round to over 280 species of birds.

The sanctuary is an excellent place for bird-watching at any time of year. Many birds are year round residents: mallard ducks, Canada geese, sandhill cranes and numerous species of birds from humming birds to swallows, plus other wild life.

October to December is the best time to view the flocks.  A spectacular sight is the arrival of the lesser snow geese, with flocks numbering 30,000 - 80,0000, who are in flight from Wrangel Island, Russia. They start arriving early in October and winter at the sanctuary.  The fields around the area will be white with geese feeding on the grasses.

In Spring millions of Western sandpipers pass the Fraser River estuary and roost in ponds at the sanctuary.  It’s also an ideal time to see hawks, eagles, cormorants, ospreys and other fish-eating birds that are following the migratory salmon to the mouth of the river.

The sanctuary is open daily 9 - 4.  Washrooms and picnic facilities are available on site.  The dyke trails are wheelchair accessible.  You can view the birds from the trails, bird-blinds or from a two-storey observation tower.  Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars, but leave your pets and bikes at home.
Admission: $4. adults
                    $2. seniors 60+ and children 2 - 14.
Location: Westham Island, Delta B.C.
Accessible by car or bus #601 from downtown Vancouver.


                     
August 31, 2008
Local News

WHALE WATCHING


Whatever else you do while you’re visiting B.C. don’t miss a chance to go whale watching.  There are four different species of whales on the west coast.  Most popular are the Orcas (killer whales) often visible frolicking in the Strait of Georgia.
The Pacific Gray whales can be seen during their migration (March - April) along the west coast of Vancouver Island. Humpback whales have been making a come-back and are now one of the predominant species to watch from Tofino on Vancouver Island.
There’s also the Minke whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbour porpoises and Dall’s porpoises as well as Harbour and Stellar seals that frequent the waters around Georgia Straight and Vancouver Island.

You can take a whale watching tour from Steveston,  easily reached by car or public transit from downtown Vancouver.
Vancouver Whale Watch  Tel: 604-274-9565
Steveston Seabreeze Adventures   Tel: 604-272-7200
Lotus Land Tours Inc.   Tel: 604-684-4922 (offers hotel pickup)


Or take a ferry to Victoria.  From the inner harbor there are several whale watching tours leaving from the inner harbor including Prince of Whales 
Toll free: 1-888-383-4884 or local 250-383-4884

There are other whale watching adventures offered from various locations in B.C. including from Tofino on the west coast of the Island.
For information:  www.gonrthwest.com/BC/activities/whale/whale-watching.htm
August 24, 2008
Local News

A TREE-TOP ADVENTURE:

 Capilano Canyon & Suspension Bridge

There’s a lot to see and do at the Capilano Suspension Bridge -- not just the thrill of walking over the swaying bridge high over the white water of the Capilano River.  There are nature trails and Native carvings and many things to explore in the park.

As you enter, there is an interesting pictorial history of the Canyon and Suspension Bridge which dates to 1889.  You can browse among the totem poles and other carvings which are the legacy of the First Nations people.  Then step on to the bridge, swaying 230 feet above the floor of the Canyon.  At the midpoint of the span you are 450 feet looking down into the rushing stream far below.  Step off the bridge into the forest of cedar, Douglas Fir and hemlock.  These towering giants began growing long before the first European settlers ever stopped foot in North America.

Wander along the Cliffhanger Walk taking in the sweet scents of the forest and the quiet beauty at the canyon edge.  There are ponds teeming with trout and wild flowers blooming in mossy glades. Spend a pleasant hour or two wandering the paths and enjoying the views.  One of the biggest thrills I had on my visit was ascending the wooden steps to the Treetop adventure, built in 2003, where an elevated timber frame suspension bridge is strung between the tall cedars in a series of cable bridges suspended between platforms that reach as high as 10 stories giving you a unique birds-eye view of the forest below.

The Capilano Canyon Suspension Bridge park is one of Vancouver’s most popular tourist destinations.  The entrance fee is expensive.  But if you can afford it, it’s well worth the price.



ADMISSIONS:  $28.96 adult
                            $26.95 senior 65+
                            $22.75  Student  to 17+ w/I.D.
                            $9.00   Children 6 - 12
                             Under 6 Free.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is open every day except Dec. 25  from 9 a.m however
check the website for closing times as they vary according to the time of year.






August 24, 2008
Local News

TO MARKET, TO MARKET

EXPLORING THE FARMER'S MARKETS

There are three large indoor markets in the Greater Vancouver area as well as a number of summer-time outdoor markets that are well worth visiting.

The Granville Island Market, located on the south shore of False Creek, is a thriving warren of shops, artist's studios, restaurants, theatres and galleries.  This is not only a produce market where you can buy everything from fresh fish to cut herbs and bakery products, but there’s food stalls and hand-craft booths.  Enjoy an afternoon in the sun sitting outdoors with a lunch bought at one of the food booths while you take in the scenery of False Creek and listen to the music of a street performer. Watch the kayaks, sculls and sailboats cruise by.  Or enjoy a cold beer at the Granville Island Brewing co.  There’s entertainment for kids too, at the Kids Only market and the nearby water park.


Edible B.C. Culinary Experiences Corp. offers a Granville Island market Tour every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday at 8.30 a.m. The tour includes a focus on cuisine and history, sampling of foods, tips and preparation, recipes and other goodies.
Phone: 604-812-9660
events@edible-britishcolumbia.com
Buy your tickets in advance. $65 per person plus GST

Instead of bringing your car to the market, take #50 False Creek bus from downtown (Gastown).  There’s a bike trail along the south side of False Creek.  An Aquabus ferry runs from the foot of Horny St or from Science World.

Take the seabus across to the North Shore, visit the Londsale Farmers Market at the Quay. Shop here for fresh fish as well as home-grown veggies.  Enjoy the panoramic view of the Vancouver skyline from the quay before hopping back on the sea bus for your return trip to Waterfront Station.


The Westminster Quay Market is disappointing except for the historical views of the Fraser River where once steam driven paddle wheelers were the main form of transportation on the river.   Back in the 1800’s when there was gold rush fever, the river was a busy water-way taking thousands of miners up the Fraser.  It was here that Col. Richard Clement Moody and a party of Royal Engineers stepped ashore in 1858 to survey the site for the future city of New Westminster, the proposed capital of B.C.  There are still paddle wheelers docked here that take you on tours of the river. And there’s a Casino next to the market . You can get there by skytrain to the New Westminster Station.


During the summer months there are several outdoor farmer’s markets open until the end of October.  These are located at Trout Lake (Sat. 9- 2)  Riley Park Community Centre (Wed. 12-30 - 5.30) Kitsilano Community Centre (Sun. 10 -2) and Nelson
Granville Island Public Market
1669 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC, Canada
604/666-6477
Web Site
View the Place Guide
View on the Map
August 24, 2008
Local News

THE FRINGE FESTIVAL

COME TO THE FRINGE FESTIVAL!
If you’re coming to Vancouver in September, be sure to take in the Fringe Festival (September 3 - 14) held annually at various venues on Granville Island and elsewhere around town.  The Fringe has something to appeal to everyone, from zany to serious.  You can find programs for the events at any Blenz Coffee Shop or by logging on to www.vancouverfringe.com  You can buy tickets on line or at the Fringe festival box office located at 1494 Old Bridge Rd. on Granville Island.  A Frequent Fringers pass allows you to see 10 shows for $80 (these go o sale in person only from August 20) Memberships can be purchased on line for $5.  Tickets can also be purchased at the venues 50 minutes before show times.

MAINSTAGE VENUES:
Studio 16: 1565 W. 7th Ave
Granville Island theatres:
Waterfront Theatre:  1412 Cartwright St.
Playwrights Theatre Centre :1398 Cartwright St.
False Creek Gym:  1318 Cartwright St.
Performance Works :1218 Cartwright St.
Granville Island Stage: 1585 Johnston St.
Golish Fringe Bar & Coffee House, Festival box office & information:
1494 Old Bridge St.

BYOV (*Bring your own venue:  These enterprising entertainers have found their own venue space.)
Agro Cafe: 1363 Railspur Alley
Carousel Theatre: 1411 Cartwright St.
Origins Organic Coffee  Cartwright St.
Havana: 1212 Commercial Drive
Studio 320: 440 W. Hastings St.
Cambrian Hall: 215 E. 17th Ave
Stage Door Theatre: 3102 Main St.
Terraces on 7th: 1570 W. 7th Ave
Vancouver Japanese United Church: 4010 Victoria Dr. (at 23rd Ave)
IRMACS Centre at SFU: 888 University Dr., SFU Burnaby
The Vortex: 1204 Caledonia Ave, North Vancouver.
Granville Island Public Market
1669 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC, Canada
604/666-6477
Web Site
View the Place Guide
View on the Map
August 21, 2008
Local News

A GOURMET KAYAKING ADVENTURE


For beginners as well as seasoned kayakers, this adventure offered by Edible British Columbia Culinary Experiences is a unique opportunity to paddle the coast and sample some of B.C.’s home-grown produce and wines.  The trip departs from Nanaimo’s Departure Bay Ferry dock and for three days, two nights you’ll kayak to Pirates Cove where a base camp will be established.  The trip includes paddling along the shoreline of Valdez Island with a stop for lunch on Blackberry Point.  Enjoy the views of the surrounding islands of the strait of George and the occasional encounter with river otters and harbour seals as well as other wildlife. Delicious meals will be prepared by the guides and there’s plenty of free time allowed for exploring trails and beaches for swimming or relaxing.

The Tour provides professional guides, kayak instruction, tent and equipment and all food and wine.  There are still a few spaces available from Sept 19 -21.
Price: $749 CND per person + GST
2009 dates now available for bookings.
Max/Min Group size: 10/5


Edible British Columbia Culinary Experiences Corp:
PO Box 146-#565, 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver B.C.
604-812-6660
Fax: (1-866) 272-8777
email: events@edible-britishcolumbia.com
August 18, 2008
Local News

SEE THE MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY NOW!



If you haven’t visited the Museum of Anthropology at U.B.C. before, you’ve only got a couple of weeks left before it closes for a six month reno project.  The Museum, which opened in 1976, is closing on September 1 to March 1, 2009 , while 75 per cent of its space is renovated, doubling its size.

The museum building, designed by Arthur Erickson, was inspired by the post-and-beam architecture of the Northwest Coast First Nations people and houses an impressive collection of sculptures, totem poles and cultural artefacts.  Besides the First Nations collection there are more than 35,000 ethnological objects from all continents.

One of the most famous objects in the Museum is the yellow cedar sculpture The Raven and the First Men by Bill Reid, one of B.C.’s most renown First Nations artists.  The museum also displays other notable works by Bill Reid including a prototype of the Haida dugout canoe he carved for Expo 86. The Haida houses outside the museum were built by Bill Reid who also carved, along with  Douglas Cranmer, most of the totem poles surrounding them.  The Respect to Bill Reid Pole was carved by Haida artist Jim Hart.

The newly renovated museum space will feature more collections and exhibits and larger research facilities plus a lounge for people who come to visit artefacts that belong to their family.   The $55-million project is set to be fully completed by January 2010 in time for the Winter Olympics.

The MOA is open daily from 10 am - 5 pm.  The museum will host a closing party on Sept 1 from 1 pm to 4 pm.

Admission:  $9 adults; $7 students & seniors 65+; childrenunder 6 free; Family $25.  On Tuesday from 5 - 9 there is a flat rate of $5.
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