Planning a West Coast getaway or local staycation? The West Coast Traveller shares the local news, timely tidbits and and other information you need to know!
How to camp, Yukon-style
If a hiking and camping trip to the Yukon is on your bucket list, you’re not alone. But as a destination with fluctuating temperatures, variable terrain, abundant wildlife and wide-open spaces where other people could be few and far between, it pays to be prepared … This is where “know before you go” is essential.
To help prepare visitors, the team at Travel Yukon created a video filled with useful tips, tracks and travel to-dos.
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Tip-toe through West Coast tulips
Is there a more welcome sign of spring than the vast fields of tulips at Pacific Northwest farms? In Oregon, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival signals the arrival of spring in the Mt. Hood Territory March 18 to May 1. Hosted by the family-owned Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, explore the seemingly endless rows of tulips in numerous varieties and colours, and enjoy numerous fun activities, food carts and the Tulip Market.
Learn more at woodenshoe.com/events/tulip-fest/
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Adaptive mountain bikers take note: Dunbar summer series returns
The Dunbar adaptive mountain biking summer series returns to the Kootenays this summer. Athletes are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure their spot, wither you’re adding one race or the three-race series to your travel itineraries – July 17 at Fernie; July 20 at Panorama; and July 24 at Kicking Horse.
With podium events at each race, accumulated points count towards the BC Cup. Learn more at kootenayadaptive.com/adaptive-mountain-biking-race-series/
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Indigenous Tourism BC’s Brenda Baptiste awarded Order of British Columbia
Brenda Baptiste, chair of Indigenous Tourism British Columbia, has been awarded the Order of British Columbia for her dedication and commitment to the growth of Indigenous tourism in BC.
The highest form of recognition the Province can extend to its citizens, the award recognizes those who have served with the greatest distinction and excelled in any field benefiting the people of B.C. and beyond.
Indigenous cultural tourism provides key economic opportunities for BC’s Indigenous communities and is an important path to reconciliation through the sharing and celebrating of authentic Indigenous cultures and experiences, Indigenous Tourism BC noted in announcing the recognition.
“This is the culmination of the vision and hard work of the ITBC Board, staff and partners, and I am humbled and honoured to receive this recognition on everyone’s behalf,” Baptiste said. “I am so grateful for the incredible visionaries I have had the privilege of working with over the years; and celebrate the legacy that we have all created for generations of Indigenous people and the tourism industry as a whole in British Columbia.”
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Cross-Canada Filipino Restaurant Month kicks off in Calgary
The Philippine Department of Tourism and Philippine Consulate General in Calgary have announced Canada’s first-ever Filipino Restaurant Month, April 1 to 30.
Filipino food is integral to the country’s diverse culture with each region having its own unique and traditional recipes passed on through generations, from traditional Adobo dishes to unique Kamayan dining experiences.
With 11 participating restaurants in Calgary and 5 in Vancouver, in addition to others in Ottawa and Toronto, diners will be able to explore many different flavours of the 7,641 islands of the Philippines. Participating restaurants will feature Filipino prix fixe menus highlighting the unique variety of Filipino food, ingredients, chefs and restaurants throughout Canada. Learn more at facebook.com/FilipinoRestaurantMonthCA
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BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards celebrate industry excellence