In the Pacific Ocean, in British Columbia, the Queen Charlotte Islands are peaks of a submerged mountain chain. The seven largest islands of the 1,884 islands and islets in the archipelago are Langara, Graham, Moresby, Louise, Lyell, Burnaby and Kunghit. Just 2 km into the sea, the continental shelf falls away dramatically to the immense depths of the ocean, and this is Canada’s most active earthquake area. Photo by: marc_guitard

Naikoon Provincial Park, in the north-east of Graham Island, covers a range of diverse environments including sandy beaches and dunes, sphagnum bogs, ancient forests and rivers. The landscape was formed during the last Ice Age out of the deposits left by retreating glaciers. The main attraction here are the endless stretches of broad sandy beaches. On the north beach is Tow Hill, a 100 m outcrop of basalt columns which make a dramatic landmark. Also worth seeing is Rose Spit, an ecological reserve, where you can spot migrating birds travelling over the Pacific. Photo by: g d gustafsson

The Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site is in the south of the archipelago. The wilderness area of 138 islands stretching 90 km from north to south is only accessible by boat or charted aircraft. Mountains rise steeply to the west, and the coastline is dotted with stunning inlets, coves, bays and islands. This is great place to observe whales, bald eagles, nesting seabirds, black bears, river otters and sea lions. Photo by: Sam Beebe / Ecotrust

Rainforest and upland bog, salmon steams, estuaries and kelp beds sustain a rich diversity of life there.
When to go: April to November. Population: 4,935. Getting there: Fly to Vancouver or Prince Rupert to Sandspit, or take a ferry from Prince Rupert. You should know: This is a tranquil area with little development, so do not expect busy resort hotels with all the tourist comforts. Photo by: Yonn Yeth-Lachance

Photo by: Stef Olcen

Anthony Island is an Island in the province of British Columbia, located at latitude – longitude coordinates of N 52.1 and W -131.2167. One of the most southerly of the Queen Charlotte Islads , Anthony Island (known as SGang Gwaay by the Haida) holds rich culture.

Today, a columns are like giant arrows directing attention to the West Coast aboriginals’ life of yesteryear on Anthony Island, some 60 miles off the British Columbia coast.

On the southern tip of the island, the protected Ninstints village has been transformed into an open-air museum of sorts, with ten cedar dwellings offering the last links to a former world.

The park has the first historic traces of a European presence in the Americas, the ruins of a Norse settlement from the 11th century, with wooden and earth houses similar.

Quadra Island lies between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia and is the largest and most populous of the Discovery Islands. A short ferry ride from Cambell River takes you through whale- and dolphin-rich waters to this island of ancient temperate rainforest. Photo by: jenisthebest

With its rich woodland, diverse topography, and plentiful wildlife, Quadra Island has become a huge draw for outdoor enthusiasts. There is an extensive system of lakes and rivers for kayaking and canoeing and many paths and trails for hiking and mountain biking. Guided bird watching and fishing charters run during the summer months, as do seaborne whale and bear watching trips. Its lakes are home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including black-tailed deer, river otters, harbour seals, sea-lions, cormorants, snowy owls, the great blue heron and the rarely seen peregrine flacon. Photo by: bcshooter

Its remoteness at the top of the Strait of Georgia helps this island community retain an idyllic charm. Aboriginal and European people live side by side, and whilst tourism is growing it is not overwhelming. Photo by: GerryT

When to go: All year round although the ferries can get crowded in the May to August period. Population: 2,650. How to get there: By ferry from Campbell River or Cortes Island. Photo by: MT-FOTOS

You need lots of fingers to count the island in the rocky Alexander Archipelago, which stretches for 485 km, hugging the southeastern coast of Alaska – there are about 1,100 of them. Deep fjords and channels separate mainland and islands, which have inhospitable, irregular coasts. The whole area is densely forested with fir woods and temperate rain forest. Most part of the archipelago is protected from development and teems with wildlife. The main economic activities are tourism, fishing and logging. The largest islands are Admiralty, Baranof, Chichagof, Dall, Revillagigedo, Prince of Wales and Wrangell. Photo by: brookb_phx

People there are thinly throw in various directions throughout the vast area, with the main centres of population being Ketchikan on Revillagigedo and Sitka on Barnov, each with some 8,000 souls – the latter was once the capital of Russian America. The archipelago is traversed by heavy boat traffic along the Inside Passage, a sheltered route that follows a path between the mainland and coastal islands of British Columbia and the Alaska Panhandle. There is no point to pretending that Alaska is a tourist destination. There is no road access, so the only ways in are by sea or air, but those who make the effort will dive in the ultimate wilderness experience. Photo by: gabidra

Cannas are tropical and subtropical flowering plants with large, banana like leaves. They can be grown as annuals in cooler regions, where they add an instant touch of the tropics to gardens. It is a genus of approximately twenty species of flowering plants.

The cherry blossom is Japan’s unofficial national flower. There are many dozens of different cherry tree varieties, most of which bloom for just a couple of days in spring. The cherry trees is known as Sakura in Japanese.

Bleeding hearts usually reach 2′-3′ in height with a similar spread. The bleeding heart, which ranges from California to British Columbia, has several varieties of garden interest. The plants’ flowers are either pink or white, and they appear in April or May. 

Poppies are showy early-summer flowers with petals like crepe paper. They grow 2 to 4 feet tall and bloom in white and all shades of pink and red. These flaunt their gorgeous pinks, reds, oranges, or whites in May or June like silken swatches spread across some central Asian bazaar.

Ixora may be the most common cultivated in South Florida and ‘Nora Grant’. There are some 400 species in the genus Ixora, vary with leaf size, plant height, and flower size and flower color.

The Gulf Islands are a group of mountainous islands situated across the Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and the mainland of southern British Columbia. They are part of a larger archipelago that features the San Juan Islands just to the south in Washington State. By the way the easiest way to get to is Saltspring Island – also well known as Canada’s arts and crafts island. Its mellow pace, breathtaking landscapes have drawn artists from all over the world. It has recently become the haunt of several Hollywood film stars.

The next island is Bucolic Mayne Island with medley of rock bays, forested hills and once the agriculture hub of the area. Saturna Island is tucked away at the southern end of the island chain. This one is very rural, sparsely populated and difficult to reach.

The Pender Islands, also emerged as the ”Friendly Islands” have over 20 public ocean access spots to visit along its beaches and coves. The Penders are great hotbed for outdoor activities. Galiano Island (displayed in the picture above) has always enjoyed a reputation for being the most welcoming to visitors. The early settlers opened their homes to tourists as a way of earning a living.

As a group the Gulf Islands are still underdeveloped and many of the best lodges and restaurants are hidden away down forests tracks.

When to go: All year round, although the islands are little crowded in summer.

]]> http://www.wayfaring.info/2009/06/18/gulf-islands/feed/ 0 http://www.wayfaring.info/2009/06/10/innovative-knitting/ http://www.wayfaring.info/2009/06/10/innovative-knitting/#comments Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:29:55 +0000 misha http://www.wayfaring.info/?p=10224

Today there is a new form of urban graffiti in the world and it’s extremely interesting and enjoyably – urban knitting. I mean like sweater -wearing tree or all yarn covered corners with some of the best examples of knit/crochet graffiti.

The images display entitled ”tree cozy”. The impressive outfit was made by Carol Hummel and took her 500 hours from start to finish and stood for a 3 years outside clever land heights city hall until just recently.

Top left – a knitted handrail cover near Tullikamarinaukio Square, Finland, by Knit Sea. Top right – a tagged guard chain in Stockholm, left by the prolific Masquerade Crew. Bottom left – a mooring ring tagged in Stockholm, again by the Masquerade Crew. Bottom right – a grateful and warm lampost in Houston, Texas dressed by members of Knitta Please.

The picture display territorial knitting, an unauthorized project by Lauren Marsden. Her aim was to cover the signs of every street on which she has lived in Victoria, British Columbia, with knitted replicas.

Vancouver, British Columbia is a host city for the next Olympics Games, 2010. Despite of the fact that it is only 35 miles north of the U.S. border, Vancouver feels and looks different from any other big city in the United States or, for that matter, Canada. With its glass-and-steel towers, Vancouver could be in Asia.

There has been a lot of construction going on in Vancouver in preparation for the Games — and beyond. After the Winter Games, the 16-building Olympic Village, which will house about 2,800 athletes, is to be converted into a 730-unit luxury condominium complex called Millennium Water. About half the units have already been sold.

Most of the part of the peninsula is surrounded by a sea wall, which is ideal for walking, biking and jogging.

There are no freeways through the city. Those who want to head north to Whistler, where the Olympic skiing events will be held, can use the Lions Gate bridge, which spans the first narrows of the Burrard Inlet.

A statue of runner Harry Jerome stands against the Vancouver skyline.

No one knows for sure what Vancouver will be like after the Games!

The Desert Cultural Centre is designed to be a specific and sustainable response to the building’s unique context – the unusual Canadian desert found south of the Okanagan Valley in Osoyoos, British Columbia. Sited adjacent to a remnant of the Great Basin Desert, this interpretative centre is a part of larger 200-acre master plan that includes a winery, golf club and a resort hotel.

The building features outdoor and indoor exhibits that celebrate the culture and the history of the band and is designed to be an extension of the remarkable site, and reflects the brand’s role as stewards of the land. The desert landscape flows over the building’s green roof, held back by a rammed earth wall. The partially submerged buildings is sited very specifically to focus the visitor’s eye away from the encroaching development of Osoyoos to the west, with the height of the wall set to create a layered view of the desert rising up in the middle ground and the mountains in the distance.

In British Columbia is located Silver Star village, which is a small glamorous town sprawling cousin to the west. Sitting in the Okanagan Valley, Silver Star is one street village includes board sidewalks and Victorian storefronts that have a very cosy feel to them.

During the winter, Silver Star suggest 115 ski and snowboard trails, including 13 double-black-diamond runs. If you are rested in such a wonderful snow-world its advisable to hangout in Bagaboos Bakery, which is a lovely place with tables inside and out. There fresh European- style pastries and Dutch hot chocolate ordered at the counter make for a comfortable end-of-the-ski-day ritual.

The atmosphere in Silver Star is very delicate.There is no real grocery store in town, only three shops in which to buy souvenirs and experience little crazy night life. Many of the boutiques serve more than one purpose!

During the years the resort has becoming ski area with fantastic way of living. The village is very small as I mentioned and it’s easy to coordinate skiing with wall-climbing lessons.

As investment in the resort has increased, so have the housing prices, real estate agents say. An older two-bedroom condominium can still be found for 219,000 Canadian dollars, but some houses are starting to sell for a little more than 1 million dollars, and a three-bedroom condominium at the new Snow Bird Lodge, left, sold for 1.6 million.

Located on the West Coast of Vancouver Island in the heart of one of the most picturesque natural areas of the Pacific Northwest, situated on 70 secluded acres of pristine forest. No roads lead to Eagle Nook Resort. Water taxi transfer departs from Ucluelet, for a 45 minute scenic cruise thought the Broken Groups Islands. The marine wildlife excursion is a truly memorable experience. While coasting by islands with amazing rock outcroppings, gorgeous beaches, tiny inlets and majestic forests, all breathtaking – whether seen on a sunny day, through coastal mists you will be in touch with nature.

Enjoy a variety of wilderness adventure including salmon and halibut fishing, sea kayaking, hiking, caving, nature cruises to view bears, sea lions and whales and helicopter tours. Two- to seven-night packages include flights to Tofino from Seattle or Vancouver, transportation to the lodge, a nature cruise, meals, and all non guided activities.

Since their discovery in the late 1800s, visitors have travelled on horseback, by boat, and later by car, to benefit from the healing powers of Harrison Hot Springs and to stay in the renowned resort hotel overlooking Harrison Lake .
Rich in history and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa was a natural acquisition by Delaware North Companies in fall 2002. The company is pleased to have made the resort the latest member of its family of world-class park, resort and tourism properties.

“Harrison is a jewel waiting for a grand vision, experience, and the capital required to develop it sensitively and bring it to the level of an international resort destination,” says new General Manager Donald Ponniah.

Ponniah, most recently at the corporation’s Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite, CA, jumped at the chance to move to British Columbia . “BC is truly ’supernatural.’ When we’ve completed our renovation and restoration work, Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa will be a must-stay destination for its rich history, healing springs, scenic location and top caliber resort accommodations.”

According to Ponniah, the “new” vision for Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa encompasses a three to six-year $16 million development and renovation program including:

* A grand redesign to create an inspiring resort entrance and lobby overlooking magnificent Harrison Lake
* A stylish, new cafe restaurant with an outdoor patio reaching out to a new lakeside pathway
* Total $3 million expansion of the Healing Springs Spa and its luxurious services
* High-quality guest room and furnishing upgrades with a themed connection to the rugged alpine, evergreens and beautiful natural setting of Harrison Lake
* Renovations and improvements to the resort’s four hot springs-fed indoor and outdoor pools
* Attractive new shops, a renovated second-level Lakeside Cafe, and lounge and public areas with a welcoming new look
* A brand new public Interpretive Centre that celebrates history and tradition at the actual source of the hot springs , just a 10-minute hike along the lake

“When we’re completed,” Ponniah adds. “We believe Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa will be considered one of the finest resorts in North America.”

Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa is located in southwest British Columbia, Canada, 90 miles east of Vancouver . The resort features four hot springs-fed pools, hundreds of guest rooms, a world-class spa, restaurants, shops, convention and meeting rooms, and visitor facilities. Reservations: www.harrisonresort.com

Go party
If the après scene matters as much as the snow, Val d’Isère, France has no shortage of lively bars and restaurants to kick the night off. Provided your muscles aren’t aching too much after a day on the slopes, take a spin on the dancefloor in Le Graal or join the Brits in Dicks Tea Bar both churn out tunes until 0400.

Go with the kids
Following millions of dollars of investment, the picturesque town of Bansko in Bulgaria’s Pirin Mountains, is the place to go skiing in Eastern Europe. The modern ski area, connected to the historic old town by an eight-person gondola, has a dedicated children’s learning area with a magic carpet, while the main slopes are perfect for wobbly intermediates. Spend the evening sampling traditional cuisine (at a bargain price) in one of Bansko’s numerous mehanas (tavernas).
Another family-friendly resort is Sun Peaks in British Columbia, Canada. The compact, pedestrianised village is surrounded by intermediate, uncrowded slopes.
Go for style
Laax in Switzerland is fast becoming one of Europe’s most popular snowboarding destinations. The resort plays host to the Burton European Open Snowboarding Championships from 20-27 January.Young Swiss boarders look cool at the incredibly hip Riders Palace hotel- all colourful glass and exposed concrete, with playstations and DVDs in most rooms and DJs pumping out the latest beats in the stylish bar.
Switzerland also wins the prize for the most stylish mode of mountain transport. The futuristic Tschuggen Coaster in Arosa opens in December and is a cross between a mini funicular railway and a rollercoaster. The super-sleek cabins will whisk guests from the Tschuggen Grand Hotel up 500m (1,640ft) to the slopes.
Go east
Perhaps the most adventurous ski destination is Gulmarg , in the Pir Panjal mountains of Indian Kashmir. Skiing was established here by British army officers in 1927, but it was the addition of a modern gondola a couple of years ago which put Gulmarg on the winter map. Be prepared for bumpy truck rides and 1980s rental equipment, but also a huge vertical drop (1,700m (5,577ft) to the valley floor) and bottomless powder.
For après, take the postbus to Therme Vals, a beautifully designed spa crafted from local quartzite; soothe your aches in the 36°C (97°F) outdoor pool or dare to plunge into the ice pool, a distinctly chilly 14°C (57°F).