The best wines in the world seem to come from temperate, warm places like France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, South America and California. It sometimes comes as a surprise to people, then, that Canada—often associated with cold, harsh weather patterns—has a booming wine industry that has been producing world-class vintages for decades. Canadian wine has garnered the country international recognition as a producer of fine, award-winning vino. (continue...)
The land officially known as Canada since 1867 has a human history that can be traced back 10,000 years. The west coast of Canada, with a temperate environment and rich fishing waters, had a particularly dense concentration of Aboriginal societies. Their cultures are not only reflected in the ancient structures that have survived thousands of years, but in First Nations communities that still exist, many of which still practicing their traditional art and cultural celebrations. (continue...)
Vancouver Island is a land of dark blue seas, rugged coastlines, lush-green old growth forests, mountainous islands carving their silhouettes into distant shadows, the sight of rare orca whales leaping in arcs out of the water, and long stretches of white sandy beaches meeting the ocean. This abundance of natural beauty draws thousands of tourists annually to Vancouver Island. It's also what makes getting to, and around, Vancouver Island half of the adventure. (continue...)
Scattered in the Pacific Ocean just off of mainland B.C. are a multitude of islands with gem-like brilliance. Some have emerald rainforests, others polished communities, and all are surrounded by crystal waters. Each precious rock, from large to small, has its own story and its own rhythm, appealing to a variety of residents and visitors. (continue...)
Most people will shiver at the mere mention of the term Canadian Winter. Images of igloos and parkas accompanied by snowstorms and well below freezing temperatures usually prevail when one envisions January north of the 49th parallel, but those who think of Canadian winters as harsh and unforgiving probably haven't spent a winter on B.C.'s Vancouver Island, a destination known for its mild, even warm winter season. (continue...)
