Travel and Getaways

Warm, rich, inviting rooms await at the Roosevelt Hotel in Seattle, Washington. The 151 smoke-free room hotel is centrally located in the downtown core of Seattle, close to premium shopping, the Seattle Space Needle and great restaurants.

The spacious guest rooms are bright and welcoming. The 19-th century decorated rooms have warm and relaxing colour palettes. Large windows and high-ceilings allow the natural light to steam in. Crisp white linens adorn the king size beds.

There is plenty of seating for guests too – with chaise lounge and high-back chairs. The rooms also have LDC TV’s, bar fridge and bar sinks.

The washrooms are a vintage theme with one inch tile floors, pedestal sink and fluffy white towels.

Services at the hotel include a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and a business centre. Also located at the hotel is a lobby bar and restaurant.

Standard rooms with valet parking starts at just $139 USD / night – making it one of the best value hotels in Seattle.

Nestled up against the beautiful pine-scented forests and along the shores of the Straight of Georgia is the peaceful community of Sechelt, BC. Located on the Sunshine Coast, a 40 minute ferry ride north of Vancouver, the beachside community is an ideal weekend getaway for many Vancouver residents.

The area is home to the Sechelt Nation, who took full advantage of the fishing and hunting the area offered for their people.

Today, Sechelt is home to more than 8,000 residents. It’s a haven for tourism from spring through fall – with outdoor activating including hiking, diving, kayaking and golf.

The town has a weekly farmers market, a selection of restaurants, museums, and local artisan shops.

The Ramada Plaza WeHo proudly flies rainbow flags during the 2012 LA Pride Festival.

In the heart of West Hollywood, on Santa Monica Blvd, is the iconic Ramada Plaza. The current hotel was built in the 1980’s by The Ramada and has embraced is original heritage of days gone by.

The 176 guest rooms, ranging from king beds to lofts, scream of eccentric palettes and influences from the art-deco era. There’s nothing fancy here; just a clean bed and depending on your guest room, a quiet place to stay. It is evident the hotel has tried to do their best to upkeep the property to Ramada standards without having to undergo major and costly renovations.

Years ago the site was home to the Tropicana Motor Lodge. It was a popular stop for travellers as they got to the end of the famous Route 66. The Tropicana was also well known for being a favourite spot for musicians including Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen Elvis Costello, Guns and Roses and the Beach Boys.

Today the hotel property is also home to a classic American dinner called Kitchen 24, a quick-serve hamburger restaurant, a Starbucks, UPS outlet and a Wells Fargo bank.

Guests also have access to a fitness centre, outdoor heated pool, and the business services centre. There is also same-day dry-cleaning and laundry services.

Sure, it’s not a five-star hotel and the rooms aren’t cheap, but the Ramada Plaza in WeHo gets the job done. And as a bonus, other than being in a great location, the Ramada Plaza offers complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel and the staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable.

The Sandman Suites in Abbotsford is pretty sweet! Imagine staying in a hotel where you have all the comforts of home – in-suite laundry, free wi-fi, kitchen with granite counter tops and dishwasher, private patio and flatscreen tv’s.

Located in the Fraser Valley, the hotel has 136 king guest suites located in the heart of Abbotsford. The spacious and fully contained contemporary decorated suites are comfortable and inviting. Guest rooms have comfortable king size beds and bathrooms have deep soaker tubs – ideal for a romantic getaway.

Rooms are an incredible value with suites starting from $134/night. Where else can you find high quality accommodation at such an affordable price? It’s worth taking a trip out to Abbotsford just to spend the night for the weekend – even if you never even leave the hotel!

Also located in the property is a Denny’s 24 hour restaurant and Moxie’s Classic Grill.

It has to be one of the most stunning 18 hole golf courses in all of Western Canada. It’s the Ridge Course at Predator Ridge near Vernon, BC. The natural elements of the modern course, coupled with breathtaking lake, mountain and Resort views are unparalleled.

The Ridge course opened in 2010 as part of the master planned development of Predator Ridge. The casual course is the original 27 hole course Predator Ridge course that was re-worked into what is now two beautiful true 18 hole courses.

When the course was redesigned, much of the natural rock and terrain was used, which brings out the true character of each hole. Essentially only the tee boxes have been man built.

Located at the top of the horseshoe shaped canyon, at the 5^th and 13^th tee boxes, is the Outlook Cabin. It’s a great stop to sit and enjoy a beverage and snack mid-play and it has the most spectacular views!

The course also passes through some of the residential areas at the Resort and past a natural pond stocked with trout and full of turtles.

The Ridge is one of the more expense courses in the Thompson Okanagan region, however, it’s well worth making it part of your summer golf getaway this summer!

The agricultural city of Armstrong, British Columbia is located at the north end of the Okanagan Valley and the southern tip of the Shuswap region.

This is the Victorian house I grew up in on Okanagan Street in Armstrong, BC, which my dad lovingly restored

Surrounded by the Spallmucheen, which means “beautiful valley” in the local Shuswap First Nations language, Armstrong’s commercial centre is home to 4,500 residents. The community was named after E. C. Heaton Armstrong, a baker from London, England, who helped develop the community and fund the Shuswap and Okanagan Railway in 1892.

Armstrong Elementary School; where I went to school

Throughout the community there are many historic buildings and landmarks including Armstrong Elementary School, built in 1921. The school remains today in full operation after extensive upgrades throughout the mid 1990’s.

The Village Cheese Company - the most amazing cheese curds!

The Armstrong name is well-known across Canada and the United States because of its award-winning cheese. Armstrong Cheese was originally founded in Armstrong, however after 100 years of operation, the plant was closed in 2004 after being purchased by Saputo Inc. Armstrong’s history of cheese making continues through a new venture, the Village Cheese Company.

Downtown Vancouver

Boasting an all-seaplane fleet of over 50 aircraft, Harbour Air and West Coast Air are the largest operator of their kind of the entire world! It’s the way to travel between urban cities on the west coast. It’s fast, easy and convenient.

Snow-capped peaks of the Coastal Mountains

A fleet of  DeHavilland DHC-3 turbine single Otters and Twin Otters operate scheduled flights between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.  They can be spotted taking off from downtown Vancouver at Burrard Inlet, at the South Terminal at Vancouver International Airport, Victoria’s inner harbor and Nanaimo harbor.

West Coast shoreline

If you’re visiting Vancouver, a scenic tour is a must-do activity. There are tours of the snow-capped peaks, rugged West Coast shorelines and past city landmarks – all postcard picture perfect moments.

Freighters are always found heading in and out of Vancouver

Flights on North America’s first carbon-neutral airline start from $66.09 per person (books of 10). Book online.

Vancouver, BC

From sipping tea in a formal dining room, to taking a tour of the historic and notable landmarks on a horse-drawn carriage, Victoria, B.C., is the best place to experience a taste of British heritage on the Pacific coast.

Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. It’s like stepping into a wonderful blend of Victorian heritage and modern culture. From the landmark Empress Hotel and the Provincial Legislature, to the Royal Victoria Museum and the inner-harbour, there is so much to see and do.

Year round there are beautiful flowers that fill the gardens, amazing restaurants to tempt the palette, and a fantastic array of contemporary art on display. You could easily spend a weekend in Victoria and never run out of things to do.

When you’re traveling, sometimes you’re in a hurry, or like to treat yourself. It’s not always about the destination – it’s about the journey getting there. This summer if you have travel plans between Victoria and Vancouver, HeliJet is offering mid-week one-way flights from $179 per person!

It’s an amazing experience from the time you arrive until you arrive at your destination. Plan to arrive about 20-30 minutes before your flight time. After you check-in you can enjoy complimentary snacks and refreshments including coffee, tea, oatmeal, cookies and yogurt.

When it’s time to board, the passengers are escorted to the aircraft. It’s perfectly normal to get one of the staff to get your photo taken with the helicopter – after all, you want to document that you flew on a helicopter!

The Sikorsky helicopter is comfortable and very spacious. The pilots will take you through a quick briefing and then you’re off on your 25-minute harbour-to-harbour scenic journey. Remember to bring your camera!

Even during inclement and most rough weather conditions, daily scheduled flights continue to operate – ensuring passengers arrive safely and on-time.

Summer is just around the corner and it wouldn’t be complete without Vancouver’s favourite amusement park, Playland at the PNE, which opens this Saturday, April 28, for another season of fun!

If you missed out on Atmosphere last summer, it’s back again this year, along with the corkscrew, wooden rollercoaster and the bumper cars!

There is a host of live concerts planned for throughout the summer too including Mariana’s Trench, Sarah McLachlan and Jann Arden.

The best deal on day tickets is by buying online or at a local 7-11. For the best summer fun value, season PlayPasses are on sale too!

Just 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver is the Capilano Suspension Bridge, an award-winning, destination attraction on the North Shore Mountains that gives visitors a true taste of the Pacific Northwest.

The original suspension bridge was built in 1889 and since then the bridge has seen millions of visitors cross over – well, not the original bridge which was made of hemp and cedar plans – it’s been modified and replaced with steel cable which is anchored in 13 tons of concrete on both sides of the canyon.

Recently the park opened up a new cantilevered and cable suspended bridge and walkway, anchored into the cliff wall, overlooking the Capilano River. The new Cliff Walk has special glass panels that allow visitors to look directly down at the canyon floor.

The park is filled with First Nations artwork, totem poles and the rich history of the Capilano area. The stories come to life through educational areas and special interactive zones located around the park.

On the west side of the canyon there is an entire overhead suspension bridge pathway through the treetops, taking visitors across some of the largest old-growth trees in the area.

There are free tours throughout the day. On the way out, stop by the gift shop for unique hand made Canadian gifts, snacks and souvenirs.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is located at 3735 Capilano Road in 
North Vancouver and is open 364 days per year (only closed on Christmas Day). Adults passes are $29.95, and BC residents can upgrade to a full year season pass for free with valid ID. The park is generally open from 9am – 5pm, but check their website because their hours change throughout the seasons.

Located just off the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb, on the edge of the Whistler village, is the most affordable, vibrant, and modern chic hotel in Whistler; the Aava Whistler Hotel.

Seasoned travellers will appreciate the fitness centre, outdoor pool and hot tub, Aveda toiletries, complimentary in-room wireless, iPod/iPhone docking stations, and Kohler rain showers and soaker tubs.

Rooms at the Aava Hotel Whistler range from queen bed with sofa all the way up to a two-bedroom deluxe suite. Rooms include mini fridges and some have gas burning fireplaces.

First-time resort visitors can book activities, spa treatments, and get information on dining, events and other going-ons at the resort through the 24-hour concierge desk. The Aava Whistler Hotel was the official host hotel for the 2012 WinterPRIDE Pride House and the delegates in the Mr. Gay Canada 2012 competition.

There is a White Spot Restaurant on the hotel property that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Hotel guests can access the restaurant by going through the tunnel located on the parkade level.

To make a reservation contact the Aava Whistler Hotel at 1-800-663-5644 or visit their website.

Heading out on a big trip can be stressful. Having to wake up early and hope you make it to the airport on time with all your luggage and documents ready to go. Take the stress out of the equation by arriving the night before and pampering yourself at the Fairmont YVR, located inside the Vancouver International Airport.

The Fairmont YVR is a 14 story, 392 room, sound-proof hotel boasting award-winning accommodations, spa, lounge and all the other amenities you would expect at a luxury hotel.

Upgrade your stay to the Fairmont Gold floor for even more privileges including complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and hors d’oeuvres.

If you’re arriving into Vancouver, refresh yourself before your meeting. Fairmont YVR has day-use rates so you can have a peaceful nap after your long journey and have a shower to freshen up.

Salt Spring Airoffers daily scheduled flights to/from Salt Spring Island. Their fleet of deHavilland Beaver float planes are based out of Ganges Harbour on Salt Spring Island and fly to Maple Bay on Vancouver Island, Vancouver International Airport, Vancouver downtown, and some of the larger Gulf Islands.

They also offer scenic tours of the Gulf Islands and offer packages including the Butchart Gardens in Victoria or a romantic picnic on a beach at sunset.  Scenic flight starts at $99 per person or $289 for the plane up to six passengers. It’s a great way to see the Pacific coastline from a birds eye view.

If you’re planning a trip to Salt Spring Island, Salt Spring Air is the fastest, most scenic and fun way to travel. Scheduled flight service starts from $89 per person per way. They even offer students 50% off on stand-by flights!

Booking can be made by calling 1.877.537.9880 or you can complete a booking request online.

The Jetside Bar located inside the Fairmont Hotel at Vancouver International Airport is now serving up traditional afternoon English tea service. Either before a trip, laying over, or arriving home, the floor-to-ceiling windows, over-stuffed chairs and large fireplaces are a great way to relax for an afternoon.

The signature handpicked loose-leaf Fairmont tea blends are the highlight of the tea service. There are nine distinctive blends to choose from:

• Fairmont Vancouver Airport “Jetsetter”
• Genmaicha Akaike
• Japan Sencha Fukujyu
• Cascade Peppermint
• Egyptian Chamomile
• Fairmont Breakfast
• Earl Grey
• Berry Berry
• Safari Masala Chai

After selecting your afternoon tea, served with a tea-timer so you know exactly when your tea is brewed to perfection. The first course is a fruit cleanser; a selection of fresh berries served in chilled Fairmont Berry Berry tea.

The main course includes four traditional tea sandwiches, fresh baked cranberry-lemon scones with Devonshire clotted cream and raspberry preserves, and four pastries.

To finish the tea service, there are four tea-infused cocktails to choose from – Tea Lani, Serenity Now, Sea Island Iced Tea and Beefy Tea. Each cocktail is $12.The English afternoon tea service is $36 per person and is available from 2:00-4:30pm.

Nestled in the Gulf Islands, between Vancouver and Vancouver Island is Salt Spring Island. It is one of the largest and most populated gulf islands. Over 10,000 people call Salt Spring Island home. It’s easy to see why. It’s full of natural beauty.

The island has a number of small villages with shops, restaurants and services – the largest village is Ganges. Visitors to Salt Spring can travel by BC Ferry or by float plane on Salt Spring Island air. There are a number of hotels and bed + breakfasts on the island.

For a quick weekend getaway there is lots to do – hiking, biking, beach combing, kayaking, and shopping at the many artisan boutique shops. Salt Spring Island also had an abundance of island made products including wine, cheese, coffee, produce and lamb.

Just because it’s winter and life is busy, doesn’t mean that there isn’t time to get away. Consider a staycation! A local weekend getaway can be fun and adventurous, especially when you get to explore new places you haven’t been to before.

Take for instance New Westminster. New Westminster is the original capital city of British Columbia. It has a rich history and the area has an assortment of antique & bridal shops, boutiques, restaurants, and work-wear supply stores.

Located right on the edge of the Fraser River is the Inn at the Quay. The 126 guest room property is the ideal location for a weekend of rest. The funky south-beach inspired décor is both unexpected for New West and also very inviting.

The guest rooms are clean, bright and spacious. Each room comes with fluffy bathrobes, crisp white linens, pillow-top mattresses, and free Wi-Fi. The bathroom features granite countertops and a rainfall showerhead – a nice treat to wash away unwanted stress. Best of all, most rooms have a great view of the mighty Fraser River.

In the evenings there are a number of restaurants within a few minutes walking distance, or if you choose to stay in, room service is available.

Head to the lobby living room on Tuesday nights for wines from around the world and Saturday’s for bubbly – oh, and they are free for anyone 19+ years to attend!

To get in your daily workout there is a boardwalk right in front of the hotel and there is an indoor fitness facility.

Overall, the property is a fun place to visit, even if it’s just for a quick getaway out of the city. It’s easy to get to by car (overnight underground parking), or by SkyTrain, an easy few minute walk from the New Westminster stop.

Guest rooms start at $104 CDN per night (winter season rate). Reservations can be made by calling their reservation hotline at 1-800-663-2001.

Katharine Hepburn with James Prideaux on the set of Mrs Delafield Wants to Mary, filmed in Vancouver, BC

In a 49-year span, Hollywood actress, Katharine Hepburn (May 12, 1907 – June 29, 2003), won four Oscar wins for Best Actress. For the leading lady, her 62 year career of film, stage and television, she was best known for her roles in both comedies and drama.

During her career, Katharine had the opportunity to travel to Vancouver, BC, staying at a number of the cities most chic and private hotels and accommodations.

The Emmy-nominated television movie featuring Katharine Hepburn, Mrs. Delafield Wants to Marry (1986), was filmed on location in Vancouver. According to her friend and writer, James Prideaux, it was Katharine’s idea to film the movie in Vancouver.

While in Vancouver Katharine dinned at many of the top restaurants and visited some of the local attractions.

Today guests of the Rosellen Suites at Stanley Park have the luxury of being able to stay in the very penthouse suite Katharine Hepburn once occupied during her many long-stay visits to Vancouver, BC.

The massive 1,900 square foot interior living space with wrap-around rooftop patio suite preserves the traditions of Hollywood’s golden era.

The master bedroom features a king size bed, desk, two full-length hallway closets, dual vanity sinks, glass shower and Jacuzzi soaker tub for two.

The suite boasts a spacious living room with real wood burning fire place, sitting room, wet bar, dining room, guest bedroom, office and kitchen – all furnished and styled with era appropriate fittings.

This is a great suite for hosting a retro-themed get-together, a weekend get-away with a family or close friends, or a relaxing weekend for two in the lap of disco-luxury!

Located just 10 minutes from the Kelowna International Airport is the Farfield Inn by Marriott, in Kelowna. The four-story, smoke free hotel features 126 guest rooms and 34 guest suites and two meeting rooms.

The air-conditioned rooms include luxury linens, thick mattresses, custom comforters and fluffy pillows. Rooms also have 32” flatscreen televisions with cable tv, mini fridges, ironing boards, and a work station. Travellers will also enjoy the free in-room WiFi service.

Hotel Amenities include a year-round heated outdoor pool with waterslide, outdoor hot tub, fitness centre, free hot / cold continental breakfast, Grab-n-Go breakfast, safe deposit boxes and a concierge desk.

The Farfield Inn in Kelowna is a great property if you are looking for a quality and affordable, quiet sleep with all the amenities expected. The staff are incredibly friendly and the property is very clean and well maintained.

For more information, or to make a booking for your next Okanagan getaway, visit their website.

Stunning views from the private luxury log cabins

On the shores of the Harrison River, about a 1.5 hour drive from downtown Vancouver is Rowena’s Inn, quite possibly the most romantic luxury resort getaways in the Fraser Valley.

Rowena's Inn

The Pretty family, well-known pioneers of BC’s timber, logging and natural resource industry, purchased the 160-acre estate located near Harrison Mills in January 1924. The first priorities for the new owners were to install running water and other basic living necessities into the two-story country farmhouse.

Pool, hot tub and views of the Harrison River

The property became a working dairy farm. In the 1950’s the farmhouse underwent major renovations.  The wrap-around veranda was enclosed to bring much needed space to the interior, a drawing room was added to the front corner and a pool was put in right in front of the house.

The house was maintained as is until the passing of Mr. Pretty in the 1990’s. At that time, his two remaining children, Betty Ann and her brother inherited the property and decided to turn their family home into a resort.

One of the five guest rooms in the Inn.

The home was renovated in 1994 and offered full-service accommodations. In 1998, golf course designer, Russ Olsen, completed work on the 18-hole natural forest golf course.

Family heirlooms, antiques and collectables located throughout the Inn

Today, the five-bedroom Inn offers visitors a chance to take a step back in time to appreciate the luxury of days gone by. The lovingly preserved home is filled with heirloom antiques and collectibles the family has acquired over the years and the décor is period appropriate.

Log cabins with king size bed, fireplace, patios and more.

The estate also offers four luxury log cabins, complete with heated slate floors, real wood-burning river-rock fire places, king size beds and two-person Jacuzzi tubs. The private cabins are the ultimate romantic accommodations.

The entire estate is open to the public. There is a full-service restaurant on-site open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a traditional English afternoon tea service is available in the Inn. The golf course is open early spring through late fall.

Private airstrip; just a 30 minute flight from downtown Vancouver.

Rowena’s Inn, named after Mr. Pretty’s wife, is open year round, and is the perfect getaway for a romantic birthday, anniversary or other special occasion.

For more information about Rowena’s Inn and to make reservations, visit the Rowena’s Inn website.