Vancouver International Airport

Otherwise known as YVR, this is one beautiful airport. As soon as you enter, there is a nature theme, even sounds like the trickling of streams… that’s because there are actual streams winding their way through the space.

There’s stunning Indigenous art, and another great feature is the aquarium. It’s so well designed that as you come upon it, it looks a part of nature & you’re drawn to its relaxing flow. To many viewers’ delight, 2 scuba divers suddenly appeared in the tank to clean & check the fish.

There are so many things to see as you wander through to pick up someone from Arrivals or while you await your own flight.

Cartier, Burberry, convenience shops with snacks & amenities to make your trip better & many other stores line the corridors, along with quite a good selection of food. There are a couple of sit down restaurants, if you’re looking for a more civilized meal that takes a little more time, or there are spots like A&W, Subway, Salmon & Bannock (with a delicious fresh beet salad & also candied salmon on a bed of fresh lettuce for those of us with dairy & gluten intolerances or who want to eat a little healthier). Of course there’s also Starbucks.

The washrooms are always clean, with plenty of soap & sanitizer. There are water stations so that you can bring your own bottle to refill. There’s a play area & plenty of seating to watch the planes come & go. The only thing that is still lacking is the complete shortage of outlets to recharge phones, laptops, etc.

Vancouver International Airport was fabulous this trip. It’s beautiful, yes, but it was also efficient & very clean. Our luggage went straight from YVR to RAK & back with no issues… thank goodness.

We managed to get quite a bit of work done at the tables near the manmade little creek that meanders through the food court prior to boarding. We’re always there AT LEAST 3.5 hours before our flight because if you’ve ever driven from Abbotsford to Vancouver – anything can happen. This relaxing spot makes for a really nice start to a holiday.

The Best Western Plus Langley Inn

The Best Western can be found on Glover Road in Langley, not far from many restaurants, tons of shopping & lots of activities.

The Cascades Casino is just down the road, as is Willowbrook Mall. There are a few theatres & the very popular Fort Langley is about 10 minutes away.

You’re only about 40 minutes from Vancouver International Airport from here & about the same to get to BC Ferries.

There’s a Ricky’s Restaurant attached to this Inn, which is good because there’s no room service.

There’s a gym & an indoor pool, parking & in some rooms even allow pets. There are kitchenettes available.

The rooms are very clean & well appointed, with a desk area & flat screen TV. The service is friendly. We’ll give this Inn 4 tickets out of 5.

Cypress Mountain gondola & Eagle Coaster cart rides

In the Summer, the gondola provides unobstructed views of the gorgeous Cypress Bowl – mountains, forest… nature’s natural beauty.

The Eagle Coaster is a cart on tracks that’s fun for all ages & physical abilities – even young tots can experience the thrill while riding with an adult.

Cypress Mountain gondola & Eagle Coaster cart rides.

The Eagle Coaster is a cart on tracks that’s fun for all ages & physical abilities – even kids can experience the thrill while riding with an adult.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChkJWyaD2lP/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

FELIX JACK GUESTHOUSE

Mayne Island, British Columbia, Canada

This is a rare find & you should know – Felix Jack Guesthouse on Airbnb is usually fully booked, so don’t wait until the last minute! It’s a whole bungalow rental in an absolutely idyllic setting. You’ll be staying in a studio Queen suite + 1 bath + a spacious open concept kitchen & living area with a Queen sofa bed.

There’s a dedicated workspace & a common area with wifi that’s well suited for working, if you’re looking for an inspirational spot to do so.

The Felix Jack is lovingly owned & operated by husband & wife, Cheryl & Scott, Superhosts that are experienced & highly rated – they’re committed to providing great stays for all of their guests.

Cheryl says:

“Our Guesthouse is a centrally located, fully self-contained studio that is situated on 5 beautifully treed acres with ocean/sunset views of Active Pass. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway that offers peace, tranquility & privacy.”

It’s a few minute walk to the village where you can enjoy shopping & restaurants & then the beach.

“We are extremely close to amazing trails & tennis courts” says Cheryl. And an important tip “If you are walking on the ferry, please RESERVE your spot! I cannot express this enough!”

What Felix Jack offers:

Bay view

Garden view

Public or shared beach access

Kitchen

Wifi

There’s a lit path to the guest entrance & parking.

Mayne Island is surrounded with outdoor beauty including wild life such as deer, eagles, squirrels, ravens, raccoons & many species of birds + if you’re lucky… a pod of whales swimming through the pass!

Most things are within walking distance – groceries, liquor store, restaurants, galleries, library, bakery, park, beaches & tennis courts.

“Our art gallery/studio is located on the property & is open Thursday through Sunday but if you would like a private visit that is no problem, I open it up for anyone & you’ll find something for everyone. The art has been handcrafted by either me or my husband!” smiles Cheryl, proudly.

Getting around:

Felix Jack is a two minute drive from the ferry terminal. There is also a community bus available by donation. From the May Long Weekend, there’s a Farmers Market that runs Saturdays from 10-1 then runs every Saturday after that until Thanksgiving.

You’ll feel rejuvenated & relaxed after a visit to this perfect spot where you’ll daydream, nap or wander the days away. Many holidayers come back year after year… come see why!

http://www.airbnb.com/h/felixjackguesthouse

Your Superhosts, Cheryl & Scott
Light & bright studio Queen suite
Comfy, open concept living space
Everything you need in comfort
Go for long walks in nature
This view of Active Pass!
Mayne Island Brewing Co.

Hornby Island Eats, Canada

Here are a couple of really great places to eat while you’re on the Island:

Hornby Island Bakery & Pizzeria – super good pizza & baked goods. The owner Jon was super friendly, opening just for us, and chatted with us about his love for his craft. Fresh, thin crust and the toppings were A1.

Isla de Lerena Vineyard – amazing charcuterie, huge platter, and then delicious chicken florentine, trout meunière & slow braised boneless short ribs with a red and white wine. It was great to speak with the chef who clearly enjoys his work.

Trout meunière
Chicken Florentine
Braised short ribs
The girls at the vineyard
Wow. Charcuterie
Red and white wine
Aw hell ya, pizza
Baked goods – brownie, lemon blueberry lavender scone and Greek pizza scone
Fresh, thin crust, delicious
Owner Jon
Menu at Isla de Lerena
Isla de Lerena vineyard
Isla de Lerena vineyard

The rating above is based on a five ticket recommendation. We compare to hundreds of locations and activities during the last ten years.

The Greenheart of Beautiful British Columbia, Canada – Chilliwack – a photo gallery.

Once again, pictures are worth a thousand words… through the viewfinder: Jessica Peters.

Teapot Hill, Cultus Lake, British Columbia, Canada

Even in rainy weather, this is quite a beautiful hike. It is quite steep & takes a lot of energy so be sure to take water & a snack. It’s called Teapot Hill for a reason… how many spouted vessels will you find?

The rating above is based on a five ticket recommendation. We compare to hundreds of locations and activities during the last ten years.

Juniper Beach Provincial Park

JuniperBeachProvincialPark, PoisonIvy, explore, travel, CrazyCreekCampground, Revelstoke, rustic, camping, trailer, vacation, holiday, river, nature, BCParks photos by Deb VanLaerhoven

The rating above is based on a five ticket recommendation. We compare to hundreds of locations and activities during the last ten years.

Parliament Buildings, Victoria B.C., Canada

 

Home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, the Parliament Buildings are open to the public year-round. Visitors are welcome to join one of the regularly scheduled tours, stroll through the buildings on their own self guided tour, or even have a bite to eat in the Legislative Dining Room.  Free guided tours are available Monday through Friday throughout the year & 7 days a week during the summer. You might even run into some political figures there & get to chat with them.

This is a very beautiful property, where you can sit & enjoy looking around the sights while relaxing. Personally, I most enjoy seeing the Parliament Buildings at night when they’re all lit up by millions of white, glittering lights… what a photo op!