Growing up in the Okanagan, we packed our family jeep full of ski gear and drove over an hour to get to Big White, Silver Star or Apex for a day of skiing, but Vancouver is lucky enough to have several spots much closer to home.  In fact, it’s just a quick trip across the Lions Gate Bridge to a mountain that certainly knows how to celebrate the holiday season – Grouse Mountain.  With skating, skiing, boarding, zip trecking, fine dining, sleigh rides and even Santa on the scene, its a must for the holiday season.  And this is just one of the spots the North Shore has to offer to get you and your family into the holiday spirit.

This winter we decided to take a staycation in North Vancouver in order to experience a night out without having to worry about the drive home, and the chance to explore a neighbourhood other than our own.  Until January 2, 2011 the Pinnacle Inn at the Pier is offering “A Christmas Rainforest Getaway”.  (starting at $339 and if booked before Dec. 4 it was $239).  Along with a night at the hotel,  there is entry to Capilano Suspension Bridge, Treetops Adventure and Canyon Lights, Guided Rainforest Eco Tour at Lynn Canyon and Capilano Canyon, $50.00 gift card for Park Royal Shopping Centre with 250 stores to choose from, a Bottle of Wine and a Rainforest Experience Experience Umbrella.  

The hotel opened just last winter and is still shiny and new, and it’s is conveniently located right near Lonsdale Quay, so we were able to wander about the shops.  My boyfriend even bought a hat and we got a bit of Christmas shopping out of the way.

Recently the Pinnacle brough on Chef Joel Green to lead the kitchen in the Pacific West Coast menu.  Our dinner included Oceanwise a delectable screwer scallops and prawns, Dungeness crab cakes and perfectly cooked duck for me and steak cooked as requested, very rare.  The servers are on their game here, friendly and knowlegeable.  The wine list has an assortment of BC and International labels and there’s many tasting cocktails, such as the mango mojito, if you just want a drink or two.

Too full for dessert we took a chocolate cake back to the room in case a craving hit us later.

Unfortunately as it was just prior to superbowl Sunday, I was forced to watch some football highlights, but they bored me right to sleep, and since the beds were so comfortable it didn’t take long. 

 In the morning we were up early and had a a substantial breakfast before checking out and heading back across the bridge where room service is not an option.  I definitely understand how many of the rich and famous chose to live in hotels rather than a private residence.

Since the holiday lights weren’t up yet on the Capilano Suspension Bridge, I waited until the following Monday until returning to check out both lights and to head up to Grouse Mountain for some winter fun. Playing tourist in my own town, I even took the seabus over from the downtown Vancouver waterfront to the Lonsdale Quay.  It’s hard to believe the trip costs just regular bus fair.  I met Jane from the North Shore, Cindy from Tourism BC and Cheryl, another travel writer and broadcaster at the Pinnacle and after a quick warm up coffee, we ventured up to Grouse for some zip trecking (I’ve copied the details for rates, etc from the website below). 

I managed to get some pictures and video with my Blackberry, but didn’t want to lug my camera along, so they’re a little bit distorted.  I highly recommend zipping in the winter.  Once you are bundled up it’s pretty cozy and these lines are have just the right amount of thrill factor.  As you can see from the video Jane and Cindy were definitely in the enjoyment zone!

Mountain Ziplines
Let Grouse Mountain take your breath away on the most unforgettable outdoor experience in the Lower Mainland! Start with the stunning trek around Blue Grouse Lake on the first few lines and then zip at top speeds of 80km/hr across the peaks of Grouse Mountain and Dam Mountain. Traverse the canyon and tell your friends. The lines will give you a unique perspective on the Blue Grouse Lake region of the mountain, combining heart pounding thrills with an exploration of BC’s breathtaking old-growth forests. Along the way you will learn about indigenous flora and fauna and its significance to First Nations people.

Cost & Times:

• $105 + tax including Skyride & dual-track, five-line Zip circuit
• $75 + tax for Grouse Mountain Members
• Tour duration is approximately 2 hours
• Monday – Friday 11am-3pm (departing every 2 hours) 
• Saturday & Sunday 11am-3pm (departing every 1 hour)
• Group Bookings are available with a minimum of 48hrs advance notice

We warmed up with dinner up the mountain, where fine dining, burgers and pizza and middle of the road fare are all options with the various dining areas.  Pictured above are the mussels, pork tacos, gumbo and steak salad from Altitudes Bistro.  I also made a note to get up to the Observatory for fine dining again sometime soon. 

The Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension  are on the way down from Grouse and with over 250,000 lights sprinkled through the Rainforest and across the bridge, its a not to miss experience.  Walking through the tree tops, decorating cookies, glass blowing and music from the Holiday band are added bonuses.  For the kids there are magical glowing reindeer are hiding in the Rainforest. See how many you can find and report back to Guest Services to be entered in a draw to win a very special prize.

After experiencing a night away at the Pinnacle, Grouse Mountain and the lights of the bridge, I’m right in the holiday spirit.  Now I just to get someone to help me to string up holiday lights!

Welcome Chocolate

Last fall, we spent my boyfriend’s late November birthday night at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa.  

Indoor Pool

Spa at the Delta

We checked into the hotel late afternoon and went immediately to the spa for a relaxing hour of pre-evening massage.  It’s a hectic time of year, and we both needed a little down time before transitioning into holiday mode.  Refreshed and rejunvinated we relaxed in our room before our dinner at the hotel’s Lure Restaurant. 

Lure is run by Executive Chef Craig Stoneman, who developed his culinary skills in England, worked at the King Ed in Toronto and has been with the Delta Victoria since its opening in 1992.  As luck would have it there was an early holiday party at Lure that night, and they had opted for a formal set menu that was therefore available, and we jumped at the chance to experience the tasting.  

The regular menu is filled with sumptuous dishes such as braised short rib papardelle, proscuitto wrapped trout, and five spice duck breast, and the tasting menu was even more impressive.  Chef Stoneman took us on a tour  from the sea to the farm, with seared tuna, scallop, duck and prime rib. At every course the flavours were spectacular, each increasing in intensity from the last.  

The kitchen threw in some extra treats for my boyfriend Casey’s birthday, which embarassed him, as he pretends to be shy.  Perfect. 

After a night in our comfortable bed, we were ready to make the trip a bit further north to one of my favourite Vancouver Island destinations, Cowichan Bay. 

This is one of the two Slow Food destination in BC (Naramata is the other) and is has two specialty shops you should not miss – True Grain Breads and Hilary’s Cheese.     

 Often you’ll catch some wildlife such as the sea lions that can be heard barking from miles away.  These incredible creatures sun themselves on the bay’s dock.  

We fantasized extensively about living island-life aboard one of the harbour’s floating homes, lost track of time and then had to grab a quick lunch before heading back to the ferry homeward bound. 

The Delta currently has a room rate of $99 until January, so escaping is more than reasonable.  Click here for details.

The Harrison Hotel Springs Resort has a history dating back to 1886 when the St. Alice Hotel and Bath House was built to accomodate travelers looking for the health benefits of the spa.  In 1920 a fire destroyed the original hotel and in 1925 the Harrison Hotel was built.  The hotel was the first resort-style hotel in Southwestern BC, accessible then solely by riverboat or train.      

The original building is still in existence, but in the 1950′s and 60′s, Harrison Hotel added the West Tower, West Wing and The Copper Room (dining). An East Tower was added in 1988, along with additional pools – 3 outdoor and 2 indoor mineral pools remain today. In 2001, the spa was added, giving resort guests a complete relaxation package, if they wish.     

This October (2010),  before arriving to the resort I had booked a Relaxation Massage to unwind for the drive from the city.  I left completely rejuvinated and ready for a swim and soak in the pools before dinner (spa brochure here).  There are three outdoor pools, some solely for adults, and an indoor pool and hot tub open late until 1 am for adults only, with children allowed in the day.       

Indoor hot tub

When you make a reservation, be sure to reserve a night of dining in The Copper Room.  While the food has been updated, the atmosphere has that super-club feel.  Think back to old black and white movies and dancing like your granparents may have done.  There’s always a couple or two who have watched their fair share of Dirty Dancing-type movies and can truly bust a move or two on the floor.     

The stars on the floor

Jumbo Scallops - Seared with Maple Miso Glaze, Sautéed Swiss Chard and Pancetta

Buffalo Mozz - Heirloom Tomatoes Drizzled with White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Crab and Smoked Halibut Cakes - Fennel Salad, Curried Carrot Fondant, Wasabi Remoulade

Salad - With 3 course

Pacific Halibut - Coated with Hazel Nut Crust, Served with Capers,

Rack of Lamb -Flavoured with Herb Parmigiano in a Tomato and Olive Fondue

Wild Pacific Salmon

Veal Chop - Simply on the Grill with King Oyster Mushrooms and Rosemary Madeira Jus

The hotel has 337 guest rooms, cottages, and suites in five distinct areas of the property.  Be sure to inquire as to the type of accomodation you will receive, as overlooking the pools can be noisy in the summer, and the older rooms are smaller.  On my last trip I had a double suite with an adjoining door, overlooking over the pools (quiet in the fall), as it was mid week and the resort was being generous. I think there was probably more square footage than my Vancouver city apartment.   One room is definitely adequate for two, although the suites are a great family option. Obviously I need to get some better room shots next time, as the one is off a web booking site.       

As for winter activities, there’s still much to do in addition to soaking in the hot tubs.  November and December are the perfect times to seek out some wildlife on the Fraser River, and I highly recommend BC Sportsfishing Group who also run Harrison Eco Tours. 

In October I suprised myself by actually enjoying a morning out Sturgeon Fishing. Our host was patient with my rather nil fishing skill set, and he could talk the lingo with the pros in the group. Although, mine got away, the others, including Miss 604 and seasoned fishermen Fishing with Rod  (video footage here) brought in a sturgeon for scanning and recording.  Of course we returned the majestic beasts back to the water to swim for another day.     

Eagle watching had just started in October as the birds were fishing on the dying salmon that have come to spawn in the Harrison River.  Harrison Mills and the Harrison River attract one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the world. Upwards of a 1000 Eagles have been counted in the Harrison Mill area at the height of the season. Starting in mid November and continuing through March these incredible raptors swarm here.  Travel by jet boat and then float leisurely down the Harrison river past this incredible natural phenomenon.  Seals are also present in significant number dining on the same bounty.    

The Eco Tour jet boats are covered, comfortable and heated so that regardless of the weather you can enjoy the tour.  

Winter Eagle Tour -length -2 hours from $75 a person For more information click here   

Morning on the Fraser River

Eagles

Harrison

Rods are out

Well. I tried. Mine got caught under a log and got away.

Miss 604 caught one!

Upside down and around about

Adam (almost) hauling one in - another tricky fish

Fellow Fishermen out for salmon

Glorious sunshine on the way back in

On the way in the sun broke and before heading back into town, we grabbed lunch at the hotel.  I’m already planning a trip for next weekend (stay tuned).  Romantic getaway (late birthday gift for me and my boyfriend combined) and MORE FISHING!  The eagles with be even more prevalent and this time I’m going to catch me a massive Sturgeon.

There are many winter packages available including US Thanksgiving, Girlfriend Spa and Family Chirstmas.

http://www.harrisonresort.com/VacationPackages.aspx

Mussels

Clubhouse

Burger

To Tour

Pike Place Market is a pleasant stroll from your hotel and is full of everything fresh from fish to flowers.  Don’t miss the show the fish monger puts on, or a chance to enjoy a drink and the view from many of the markets restaurants.  www.pikeplacemarket.org

Chocolate fans can head to the Chocolate Box near Pike Place market for the “Tour de Chocolat”.  Every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 8:30 am the 3 hour tour visits local chocolate shops.  $59 gets you a goodie bag to take home and chocolate samples at each stop. www.sschocolatebox.com or www.toursofseattle.com

Gray Line of Seattle culinary tours offers eight culinary tours this summer.  Meet at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel and join a chef from a Seattle hotspot.  Head to the market to pick up that day’s fresh ingredients and then back to the chef’s restaurant for a cooking demonstration and tasting. Participating restaurants include Crush, El Gaucho and Sky City at the Space Needle.  Try to catch Chef Jason Wilson of Crush on July 13 and 27, or August 24 and 31.  The tour is lasts four hours for US$100 a person and begin at 1 p.m. To book, call 800-426-7532 or visit www.graylineofseattle.com

Learn all about Washington Wines with a Washington Wine Cruise offered by Holland America and AAA Washington.  Attend seminars, lectures, tastings and dinners with chefs and winemakers from Washington’s best wineries.  Spring 2009 dates will soon be posted at www.hollandamerica.com

To Eat

Brunch – Veil – On Saturdays and Sundays locals head to the Queen Edward Hotel for the city’s best brunch at Veil.  Old favourites and fresh takes on standards. Start with a glass of meadow (champagne with lavender infused honey) and try the Belgian style waffles with banana and nutella, or the duck confit hash.  Those in a lunch mood might want the mini lamb burgers or the mac and cheese. – NOW CLOSED – WATCH FOR UPDATE

Lunch – Salumi – Open Tuesdays from 11-4 pm this is home to the original Mr. Batali (Mario’s father Amandino).  Charcuterie, sandwiches, pastas and soups drawn lines from the minute the place opens. Take home cured meats to enjoy later. www.salumicuredmeats.com

Dinner – Tilth – Chef Maria Hines uses fresh, seasonal and local ingredients to create the divine dishes at newcomer Tilth.  In a quaint and charming house with superb service you’ll enjoy one of the freshest meals in town.  Absolutely delicious.  Menu changes seasonally, but if the tuna with avocado and wasabi mayo is on the menu don’t miss it. http://tilthblog.wordpress.com

Tulio – You’ll find contemporary Italian food at this delightful spot in the Hotel Vintage Park.  The three beet salad, grilled calamari with lavender sausage and the Dungeness crab tortelli are superb.  If Tonia is on hand to serve, make sure she is yours.  www.tulio.com

Drinks – Vessel – Ex-Vancouverite Jamie Boudreau is the genius behind the cocktail menu at this downtown hotspot.  A gorgeous room and small plates round out the experience.  www.vesselseattle.com  UPDATE – Jamie is now at Tini Bigs

Bottleneck – This casual neighbourhood spot is a great place to grab a beer and a panini or a plate of nachos.  Servers are genuine.  Ask for Erin. www.bottlenecklounge.com

Special Events

Taste of Washington – Each year hundreds of wineries and dozens of restaurants get together for this grand tasting.  March 31, April 1 2012. (Spokane June)www.tastewashington.org

Woodinville Wine Country Wine Notes – On July 26 and 27 music, top Woodinville wineries and regional restaurants come together for a 2 day festival of taste. Held in King County at Marymoor Park. www.winenotesconcerts.com