R
ichmond OZone – BC Street – In addition to the main attractions in and around the Ozone in Richmond (concerts, ice sculpture competition, a ferris wheel, skating and the amazing olympic cranberry ring pictured to the left), BC Street is open next to city hall on the east side of the Ozone. Here you’ll find the seven regions of the province showcasing their best. If you’re planning some BC travel this summer, it’s a a great snapshot of what you’ll find in each region.
In the Cariboo Chilcotin, the exhibit celebrates their recent designation as the Forest Capital of Canada. Dream of owning a log home? Get all the info here, along with tastes of cariboo jerky, pepperoni, and their unique birch syrup that gives maple syrup a run for its money. I’m fantasizing of a trip out to the area’s Hills Health Ranch in 108 Mile Ranch where their spa, hiking and riding adventures seem like the perfect break from my far too busy life.
Al Richmond, Chair of the Cariboo Regional District and pictured on the right, is a great resource on the Cariboo region.
The Kootenay Rockies you can have your picture taken to look like you are heading down the hills on a mountain bike, and look over the Ktunaxa First Nations Interpretive Centre. Over in the South Okanagan-Similkameen you can sample some of the regions orchard fruit and plan your trip to the over 80 wineries of the region.
The Vancouver Coast & Mountains offers a glimpse into the region hosting the Olympics, with representatives from Tourism Harrison, Langley and White Rock available for a chat. Sample local cheese, honey, or hazelnuts and try out your golf swing on the simulator.
Comox Valley on Vancouver Island’s east coast is not to be missed. The area’s Mount Washington has some of the best snow in the country, and was chosen as the pre-training ground for many of the olympic athletes. The area is also known for its great produce, cheese, seafood and wine, along with all the outdoor activities to burn off these indulgences.
On the south coast of Vancouver Island, Sooke has a whale replica the kids will love, along with information on the forests of the areas great backpacking route, the West Coast Trail. Sooke Day is Friday, February 26, where they’ll be handing out 500o samples of the areas smoked salmon. Don’t miss the entering a spectacular get-away package at www.sooke2010.com.
The Tofino display , known for its surfing and oysters, shows off locally crafted arts and furniture from master carver Joe Martin, who’s known for his storyteller, and is usually in the booth ready with a tale or two.
On the way out treat yourself to a tasting of Inniskillin’s Icewine in the Icewine Gallery, where a ice-like tasting bar welcomes you and videos of Icewine production play. Costs are $5 for a 1/2 oz. sample, or $10 for three 1/2 oz. tastes. Open Monday to Friday, 3 – 11 p.m. and noon – 11 p.m., weekends. Cash and Visa accepted.
BC Street is open daily at the O Zone, from February 12 – 28, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, noon to 9 p.m. weekends.
