All posts tagged with: travel

When you travel to places like Atlanta, Georgia, there are just certain things you need to do. On my most recent trip to Atlanta there was one location I just had to get to, and that was Gallery 63, the famed auction house from Discovery Channel’s, Auction Kings.

About a 15-minute drive from Midtown, still inside the perimeter (ITP as the locals call it), Gallery 63 is tucked in behind a little white church, just off the main road. Standing out front, it’s almost exactly as you would expect it to be from the TV show.

As soon as you open up the doors the excitement of the treasure hunt begins. That’s part of what makes auctions so exciting – you never know what you’re going to find for sale. By taking a quick gander throughout the auction house you can tell that after being in the business for over 30 years, Gallery 63 has created reputation for gathering a great selection of authentic, vintage items, which are in good repair and are high quality.  It’s not your everyday auction house. You can find antiques, collectables, and rare items all going up for bid on the auction block.

Look close, you can see Delfino in the centre of the photo, right behind the yellow ladder.

Depending on the days of the week you visit, you might get a glimpse of some of the popular faces from the show. On the day I visited, Delfino Ramos was busy repairing and hanging a light fixture. Unfortunately, Paul and Cindy, the two I really wanted to meet, weren’t in.

The 12,000 sq ft famed auction house, located at 4577 Roswell Road, is open mid-week 9:00am to 4:00pm, and Saturday’s before auction days, 9:00am to 5:00pm.

A staycation in metro Vancouver doesn’t instantly mean getting a hotel room in downtown Vancouver. Hotels in the downtown core can be expensive, especially for the value / budget conscious person who wants to enjoy the local area.

In nearby New Westminter, the original capital city of British Columbia, the Inn at the Quay offers great value and is a good option for a staycation. It’s convieniently located just a few minutes walk from SkyTrain, so there’s no need to drive if you already live near public transit.

Recently renovated, the Inn at the Quay has a variety of room choices, most of which overlook the Fraser River. Rooms are comfortably decorated in vibrant colours. The beds are comfortable and the rooms are outfitted with 32” LCD TV’s, workstations, and complimentary WiFi.

Located inside the hotel is the Boathouse Restaurant. The menu options include lobster ravioli, prime rib, muscles, and salmon. There are fresh dinner features every night of locally sourced seafood.

Next door there is the New Westminster Quay, with shops and dining options. Saturday’s there is a farmers market with all kinds of local baked goods, vegetables, fruit, and hand-crafted products.

If you’re looking for a fun evenings of cocktails, consider checking out Drink Urban. They have a full menu of hand-crafted cocktails, martinis and seasonal drink features.

If you’re celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or just want an escape from your every day, consider a getaway to the Inn at the Quay.

Guest Room: ★★★★
Bedding: ★★★
Towels and Toiletries: ★★★
Restaurants / Amenities: ★★★★
Customer Service: ★★★★
Overall Experience: ★★★★

Perched high above the banks of the North Saskatchewan River and on the edge of downtown Edmonton, Alberta, is the distinctive Coast Edmonton House. The 45 story hotel boasts 299 guest rooms and a host of amenities for both corporate and leisure travellers.

At the time the property opened in 1971, it was the tallest building in Edmonton, standing at 121 metres (397 ft). Over the years the property has undergone multiple renovations in the guest rooms, public areas and most recently the conference centre.

All the rooms in the hotel are suites, complete with full kitchens, sitting areas and bedrooms. The suites are spacious and include private balconies. This Coast property has new beds, sheets, and eco-friendly towels – which all travellers appreciate. The hotel offers complimentary high-speed, wireless internet and local calling.

Guests at the hotel are welcome to use the pool, hot tub and gym, located on the mezzanine level. Also on the mezzanine level is a convenience store, perfect for picking up snacks and refreshments. Rutherford’s Restaurant & Lounge is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering standard American fare, and an assortment of beer and wine (cocktails and martinis are not available). Room service is a good in-hotel dining option and only has a nominal service charge.

Photo contributed by Matt Pruse.

If you’ve been on the road for a while, the hotel does have self-serve laundry facilities so you can have clean clothes to continue on your journey, and dry-cleaning available. This property is also pet-friendly.

Guest Room: ★★★

Bedding: ★★★★

Towels and Toiletries: ★★★★

Restaurants / Amenities: ★★★

Customer Service: ★★★★

Overall Experience: ★★★★

First opened on August 17, 1907, Seattle’s Pike Place Market has become the oldest continuously operated public farmers market in the United States. Full of fresh produce, seafood, handmade crafts and gifts, it’s an essential stop for any visit to Seattle.

Over 500 vendors call the Pike Place Market home. Spread across eight different buildings, small farmers, craftspeople, food vendors and merchants proudly display their goods for sale.

The Pike Place Market is located in Seattle’s central business district. It runs from Belltown in the north, and Elliot Bay and the waterfront to the south west.

The market is one of Seattle’s most popular visitor destinations. It’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon on a rainy afternoon.

If you’re visiting Seattle and looking for a comfortable place to stay, check out the nearby Roosevelt Hotel.

Along the shores of Lake Okanagan in the heart of downtown Kelowna, British Columbia, is the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort. The 390 guest-room property has been the flagship of the waterfront since it was constructed in the 1980’s, and today remains one of the premier properties in the city.

For years the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort has been referred to as ‘the only place to stay when you visit Kelowna’, but in the past few years, the hotel was beginning to show it’s age. In 2012, the hotel underwent a massive renovation, bringing the property back up to Delta standards.

The modern new rooms are warm and inviting. From large LCD TV’s, to workstations with connections for any kind of electronic device, the new rooms are a gadget-geeks dream. The bathrooms are outfitted with well-lit glass walk-in showers, high-end fixtures, fluffy towels, and premium toiletries. Although the room was spotlessly clean, there could have been greater care taken in ensuring the linens were pressed and tucked tightly with proper hospital folds; a miss for a premium hotel property. Rates start from $139CDN per night.

While the hotel is located on Lake Okanagan, home of the fabled Ogopogo, it is peculiar that the lobby water feature is of dolphins. It’s a nice water fountain, just an odd choice given that the Okanagan isn’t even near the ocean.

The Resort property is home to a 30,000 sq ft casino, restaurants, a pub, outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness centre, and spa.

Whether you are visiting the Okanagan on business, to see friends or family, or enjoying the skiing, golf and other outdoor activities the Valley has to offer, make the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort your home away from home.

• Guest Room: ★★★★
• Bedding: ★★★
• Towels and Toiletries: ★★★★★
• Restaurants / Amenities: ★★★★
• Customer Service: ★★★★★
• Overall Experience: ★★★★

Nestled in the quiet pine forests along the peaceful Harrison River is one of the most romantic getaways the Fraser Valley has to offer. Located two hours east of Vancouver, Pretty Estates Resort, quite possibly one of the best-kept secrets the areas has to offer, especially during the winter months.

The resort property is home to a lovingly resorted Victorian home and a small group of luxury log cabins.The log cabins are located adjacent to the fairways of the 18-hole golf course and overlook the Harrison River. Each log cabin offers the essential amenities for a romantic weekend getaway for two.

Inside guests are welcomed to a beautiful, warm wood-paneled walls and beam rafters reaching to the peak of the cabin’s roof. A river-rock wood-burning fireplace becomes the centerpiece of the cabins interior, perfect for a cozy night relaxing by the fire enjoying a bottle of wine.

A king size poster bed sits high above the wood floors. The crisps white sheets and fluffy duvet are warm and inviting.

Even the bathroom has been carefully designed for romance. A two-person jetted soaker tub sits above the heated slate floors. The wood beam detail continues to the vanity area, framing the mirrors. The slate and glass shower is bright and has a wonderful rainfall showerhead.

There’s no need to worry about fussing over the cooking either. Right on the property is a restaurant serving up all the classic Canadian favourites including roast beef and Yorkshire, prime rib, and salmon. During holiday’s the chef’s go to work putting out traditional seasonal meals such as roasted turkey dinner with all the fixings. The kitchen staff works hard to source items produced in the Fraser Valley and from BC like local herbs and greens, cheeses, seafood and wine.

In the morning, guests staying in the luxury cabins receive a basket full of breakfast treats and hot coffee. The morning breakfast changes throughout the year and can include potato hash browns, warm fresh baked muffins, and smoked thick cut bacon.

In addition to the log cabin accommodation, the resort also offers guests the option to stay in the original home of the Pretty family, one of BC’s founding entrepreneurial families that helped build the economy throughout the 20^th century. The home, which has been converted into an Inn, is filled with family history, beautiful antique furniture and wonderful collection of artwork from around the world.

While at the resort, guests are encouraged to make full use of the property. Early in the winter is the annual Eagle Festival. The area is home to the most concentrated group of bald eagles in the world. Over 1,000 people will come to the resort the third weekend in November to watch the birds soar overhead, roost in the trees and feast of the salmon from the river. The property is also home to an eagle nest, located in one of the tallest and largest Douglas Fir trees on the 18 hole golf course.

Sandpiper Golf Course is open year-round. Guests are welcome to walk along the pathways around the perfectly manicured course. At almost every angle, there are picture-perfect scenes, from the rugged snow covered mountainsides to the panoramic views of the Harrison Valley.

Getting to Sandpiper is easy. It’s located 2 hours east of Vancouver (25 minutes from Abbotsford) along the Lougheed highway. The resort welcomes overnight guests from February through December.  For romantic weekend vacation packages, visit their website.

It might be early in the ski season, but it’s definitely mid-winter ski conditions at Big White Ski Resort, located in the Thompson Okanagan. The resort has been blessed with over 150cm of snow and the base just keeps building!

It’s the snow! Not kidding you. In the winter the coastal precipitation cools as it comes inland, which falls as dry, powder snow. The abundance of snow is incredible. Over 750cm each year!

Variety is a good way to describe the 105 marked runs. From glades and powder filled bowls, to perfectly groomed cruisers and black-diamond chutes, there’s every kind of skiing and snowboarding your heart desires. The longest run stretches over 7km (4.5 mi)!

You won’t be waiting in line either like you do at other large ski resorts. There are 16 lifts including a six-person chairlift, five quad chairs and seven other types of ski lifts. The 60 acre TELUS Park has terrain features for beginners, all the way up to professional.

If you don’t ski – don’t panic! You have options. There are snow limo’s that can take you on a tour of the mountain so you can experience the entire resort. Or spend your day relaxing at the spa, having coffee overlooking the spectacular Monashee mountains, skate on Canada’s highest outdoor skating rink, or take a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride.

Once you’re off the slopes, the fun continues in the ski-in/ski-out village. There are almost 30 restaurants and bars on mountain for après-ski entertainment. From grab-and-go and casual dining, to small plates and thick steak dinners, chances are you won’t go hungry.

After dinner relax with a glass of Okanagan wine at the Kettle Valley Steak House or get a group of friends together at the Bull Wheel for drinks. As the night goes on, you’ll find a lot of the locals and younger crowd partying at Snowshoe Sam’s.

If you’re travelling as a couple, or a small group, there are 17,000 beds on mountain. While hotel rooms are obvious choice, there are plenty of other options including townhomes and luxury log cabins.

Big White Ski Resort is located 56km (23 mi) from Kelowna, BC. If you’re traveling from Vancouver there are a few options. Driving is pretty easy – take the Coquihalla (Highway #5) to Merritt and then the Connector to Kelowna (Highway 97C). It’s about a 4.5 hour drive in the winter. Just remember to drive slow. Another option is to jump aboard a charter bus line, like Destination Snow, where you can just relax and enjoy the time hanging out with friends and not have to worry about the driving part. Finally, the fastest option is aboard WestJet, offering multiple non-stop daily flights to Kelowna International Airport.

For more information and travel packages visit the Big White Ski Resort website.

Gay is the key word that bonds the two types of people who stay at the Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas, Texas. Half smell like Bengay, and the other half are amazingly fabulous.

Located in the Oak Lawn district, the Warwick Melrose is a popular choice for many seniors visiting Dallas. This is because they enjoy the history of the building and because it is central to many of the city museums and attractions.

But the hotel is also located smack-dab in the middle of the gaybourhood. It is the only hotel in the area, making it the best choice for gay men wanting to stay close to the bars and night clubs, just steps away.

It’s not just the seemingly odd blend of customer demographics that has this hotel property confused. Apparently their designs are too. Many of the rooms are decorated in a French Empire theme, but Dallas doesn’t have a history of French settlement or influence. The odd vintage theme no longer fits in with the cosmopolitan neighbourhood that has grown up around it.

The hotel also underwent a number of upgrades and renovations. Many of these updates were cosmetic and done without preserving the true history of the building or without attention to detail. Doors and doorjams were not sanded before being painted, cheap imitation fixtures were poorly installed, and the beautiful elevator, original to the building, hasn’t even been adjusted to come to rest even with the floor when it opens in the lobby.

As if that wasn’t enough, the hotel staff, who are super friendly, are certainly not the best trained in the tourism industry. While they mean well, they lack basic skills of customer service and essential knowledge of the local attractions. It’s probably best to bring your iPad with you to do your own research and mapping – at least the hotel offers free WiFi!

If you are hungry, there is a lovely looking lobby bar and restaurant on site. Again, bring your iPad because it’s super dark and you might not be able to read the menu. Then again, if you can’t read the menu, then you probably can’t read the dinner bill, so you’ll probably under pay for dinner… which could save you a few bucks!

In all fairness, if you are going to Dallas and are looking for a half-decent place to stay  that is inviting, offers a relatively safe environment and is easy on the pocket-book, the Warwick Melrose is a good choice. Just don’t go getting in an argument with one of the seniors over gay-marriage in the hotel lobby.

Guest Room: ★★★

Bedding: ★★★★

Towels and Toiletries: ★★

Restaurants / Amenities: ★★★

Customer Service: ★★

Overall Experience: ★★★

An entire city under one roof. That pretty much sums up the Gaylord Opryland Resort near Nashville, Tennessee. The Gaylord Opryland, now part of the Marriott portfolio of properties, is the largest non-casino hotel in continental U.S. It’s a fantastic year-round vacation destination, especially when visiting Music City.

Inside there are 2,881 guest rooms, including 174 suites and 757 rooms overlooking the atrium gardens. Each room is individually climate controlled and has complimentary high-speed wireless internet. The contemporary styled rooms are spacious and offer all the amenities you would expect from a high-end resort property.

There is over nine-acres of indoor atrium space filled with gardens, water features, shops, restaurants, lounges and activities. You could easily spend a week and never have to go outside. Start the day with coffee at a garden coffee shop, relax in the afternoon on an indoor riverboat ride, have a romantic dinner for two in an American steakhouse, and end the night off dancing at one of the many night clubs.

It’s so gigantic inside, you’ll need a map or a smartphone to get around! It’s well worth the stay when visiting Nashville!

Guest Room: ★★★★★

Bedding: ★★★★★

Towels and Toiletries: ★★★★★

Restaurants / Amenities: ★★★★★

Customer Service: ★★★★★

Overall Experience: ★★★★★

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A fun, vibrant, American city that is rich in history. It’s Chicago, Illinois, and if you’re never been, you have to put this city on your to-visit bucket list. From the roman-gothic architecture to the historic and modern landmarks, there are so many great things to do.

When arriving in Chicago by air (WestJet now offers daily flights from Canada), you land at O’Hare International Airport. It takes about 45 minutes to get downtown aboard the “L Train”. The L Train has been features in many popular movies, including The Fugitive, which was filmed and set in Chicago.

Once downtown the best place to start is the Magnificent Mile. There are blocks after blocks of shopping and sites to see. Located just off the Magnificent Mile are other landmarks including the Chicago Theatre and the Plaza of the Americas.

To get a true understanding of why they call it the Windy City, head over to the Navy Pier. You’ll be blown away (quite literally) by the wind coming off the lake, and because it’s a very cool visitor attraction. There is a long pedestrian walkway, boat tours, a massive vintage ferris wheel, and a giant indoor kids mall with restaurants, games, toy stores and souvenir shops.

It’s easy to get around on the L Train lines to explore the entire city. Outside of the downtown area there are a number of neighbourhoods, including Boystown, the gay area of the city. Just a few minutes further away is the world-famous Wrigley Field.

A trip to Victoria, BC is like taking a step back in time. All across the city there are signs of their proud Victorian history, including horse-drawn carriage rides, wonderful rose gardens, red double-decker busses, cobblestone walk-ways, brick and stone heritage buildings, beautiful and beautiful Victorian homes.

One such Victorian home, the Gatsby Mansion, has been converted to a lovely Inn. Located at Bellville Park, the traditional 19^th century home overlooks the Victoria harbour and captures all the charm and splendor of the era.

The outside remains true to its heritage with traditional English gardens, cobblestone pathways and ponds, and a white picket fence.

Inside there are elegant crystal chandeliers, stunning stained-glass windows, hand-crafted wooden handrails, and wonderful pieces of antique furniture. The Victorian-style rooms have modern conveniences including ensuite bathrooms, cable TV, coffee makers and twin or queen size beds. The largest suite offers a king size bed and overlooks the harbour.

On site there are two restaurants. Just down the street are the BC Legislature Buildings, Ogden Point, Beacon Hill Park and many other major visitor attractions.

Joan-E will be one of four drag queens hosting the Priscilla Queen of the Desert road trip to the Okanagan. Photo contributed.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert is an iconic movie about a group of drag queens that board a bus and go on an adventure through Australia’s outback. The Shooting Star Foundation, Good Life Vancouver and Walnut Beach have come together to create a tour package to the Okanagan for a memorable trip celebrating the movie in a uniquely local way.

The Okanagan is a vacation destination boasting award-winning wines, spectacular weather, spectacular scenery and locally sourced ingredients creating amazing meals by top-notch chefs.

The special trip, departing Vancouver at noon on Friday, October 19, will include Vancouver drag queen’s, Joan-E, Devanna DeMille, Iona Whipp, and Oddree Mayormaynot.

Throughout the three-day journey, there will be wine tastings, wine masters dinners, drag performances, and an auction featuring rare Okanagan wines. Accommodations are at the Walnut Beach resort. Wineries on the tour include Tinhorn Creek, Hester Creek, and Black Hills Winery – although many other Okanagan wineries will be represented.

Three-day packages including transportation, meals, accommodation and entertainment are $640, based on double-occupancy. For more information, or to book a package visit the event website.

When planning a weekend getaway, it’s nice to find accommodation that reasonably priced, offers all the amenities of home, and feels special. The Predator Ridge Lodge, located just outside of Vernon, in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, is just the kind of place you want to stay.

The Predator Ridge Lodge has studio, one and two bedroom suites overlooking the world-class 36-hole golf course starting from just $169 during the summer season!

A luxury one bedroom suite starts at $199, and it’s an amazing value. The suite includes a full kitchen with real wood cupboards, full-size fridge and stove, dishwasher, microwave and breakfast island.

The living room has a full-size couch with pullout queen size bed, flat screen TV, music system, and a gas fireplace.

Off the living room is a private balcony overlooking the Predator Ridge Course; perfect for watching the sun come up over the mountains and enjoying a cup of coffee in the early morning.

A comfortable queen or king size bed awaits in the bedroom, with fresh, crisp sheets, down duvets, and fluffy pillows. The wood paneling is rustic and calming.

Inside the ensuite are a full-size glass and tile shower and a jetted soaker bathtub big enough for two! If you look at the details, you’ll see the soap holder in the shower has the Predator Ridge logo! The bath products are by Aveda and the linens are premium quality.

Guests of Predator Ridge Lodge also have access to the Fitness Centre, which includes top-of-the-line weight-lifting machines, lap pool, hot tub and yoga studio.

This summer, if you need a weekend getaway, check out Predator Ridge Lodge!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Quietly tucked away on Ganges Harbour is Hastings House; an Essex style country cottage that has been lovingly been transformed into a quaint country getaway on Salt Spring Island.

The quiet and peaceful estate offers visitors the chance to enjoy country luxury in a relaxed setting. The original timber-framed buildings are all original but have been re-purposed into rustic, upscale accommodations filled with genuine antiques and artwork.

The original Hudson’s Bay Company trading post and the original staff accommodations have been converted into a honeymoon and In-Law’s suites. The original manor home has been converted into a fine-dining restaurant on the main level and upstairs hosts two large suites.

It’s a slower pace. Get up early in the morning to watch the sun rise over Ganges Harbour with a fresh cup of coffee and homemade muffins. Even if it’s a rainy weekend, it is the perfect place to wrap up in a blanket with a good novel and a cup of tea and listen to the rain dance on the rooftop.

On the estate grounds there are beautiful manicured gardens and lawns, an art walk trail full of surprises, and a small heard of lamb. If you are into history, there is a wonderful journal in the lounge about the original estate owners (yes, there was some sexy scandals that went down on Salt Spring that you have to learn about). There is also a full-service spa for those looking to enjoy a mani or pedi.

Ganges village is about a ten-minute walk from Hastings House. In the village there are restaurants, art galleries and boutique shops. To see more of the island there are bike, kayak and car rentals.

Getting to Hastings House from Vancouver is easy. You could take a BC Ferry to Victoria and then connect to the Gulf Islands, or to save yourself a ton of time and make it an adventure, Salt Spring Air flies all day from the downtown Vancouver harbor to Ganges. It’s about a 25-minute flight and worth every penny!

Hastings House Country Hotel on Salt Spring Island is an ideal getaway for young city, double-income-no-kids, and professional couple to get away for the weekend to relax and enjoy the peacefulness of country island life, or to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or even to propose to someone special.

It’s not a traditional resort with a 24-hour reception desk, so after dinner, grab a bottle of Salt Spring Island’s very own Gary Oak’s wine and settle in for an quiet and relaxing evening and enjoy the accommodations.

The accommodations are open year-round. To get special offers and to make a reservation, visit the Hastings House County House Hotel website.

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