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Okanagan Valley & Victoria OKANAGAN VALLEY Gay travellers from all over the world are well aware of the Okanagan Valley’s world famous wineries, shimmering lakes and outstanding scenery. In the winter, the action moves up to Big White and Silver Star – Canada’s largest ski-in and ski-out villages. Experience the difference that 100 per cent natural snow makes as you carve and glide around the infamous ‘snow ghosts’ – powder-caked trees that are our signature feature. Silver Star’s colourful mid-mountain village is truly one of a kind! Stay in the luxurious Snowbird Lodge – located right on the slopes and steps away from bars, cafes and restaurants. Ski or board on three mountain faces – mild, immaculately groomed intermediate trails on the Vance Creek side, or wild, double-black diamond expert thrills on the Putnam Creek backside. At Big White, “it’s the snow” is the motto, with over 700 centimetres of dry Okanagan powder falling annually. Choose from 118 marked trails or carve first tracks in the five alpine bowls. Big White boasts room for 17,000 guests on virtually every budget. Many condominiums and luxury accommodations feature ‘hot tubs on the deck’ – the perfect way to soothe sore muscles after a day on the slopes. Big White and Silver Star both offer a variety of adventurous non-skiing activities as well. Bundle up under the heavy blankets and take a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Don a pair of snowshoes and take a tour with a naturalist. At Silver Star, you can combine a snowshoe trip to the Wild Horseman’s Cabin for a luxurious dinner, and take a horse-drawn sleigh ride back to the Village. Fancy cross-country skiing? It’s a great way to get some exercise and breathe in that crisp, invigorating alpine air. Silver Star features over 100 kilometres of track set trails, while Big White 25 kilometres of track-set trails are awaiting exploration. Nothing beats a snowmobile tour for a heart-pounding adrenaline rush! Snowmobiles are easy to operate and guided tours are available that will take you deep into the wilderness. The Okanagan, as it its known locally, is also home to a diverse GLBT community that operate a wide range of businesses and services throughout the region. Unlike larger urban centres, there are no obvious focal points such as a gay village, or bar scene, however, the Okanagan Rainbow Coalition proudly hosts the Annual Okanagan Pride Festival each June, and offer a current website with an calendar of events: www.gayokanagan.com.
VICTORIA
But there is another side to the city’s "tweed curtain" - Victoria is also a cosmopolitan island destination alive with world-class accommodation, sensuous spas, and decadent food and wine. The pulse of the city can be felt through its cultured arts and entertainment scene and its bustling shopping districts. As British Columbia’s capital city, Victoria is alive with culture. The rainbow flag is flown proudly in Victoria and is often sighted on the bumpers of passing cars. Victoria’s gay and lesbian community is integrated into the community at large, and many local businesses and organizations are gay and lesbian friendly. As a resort destination, Victoria provides a naturally relaxing experience for its visitors – mountain views, ocean air, lush rainforests and beautiful gardens abound. As the perfect complement, Victoria boasts numerous exquisite spa facilities that indulge the senses by incorporating these island elements into their treatments. Victoria also has a small, but active gay and lesbian scene. Many events and festivities take place throughout the year including the Annual Pride Parade and Festival in July, celebrating its 14th year in 2008. Getting to Victoria from Vancouver, BC, is easy. There are a variety of scenic options including car and passenger ferries, sightseeing coaches, helicopters, float planes and commercial airlines. For more information visit www.tourismvictoria.com/lgbt or call 1-800-663-3883 for accommodation reservations.
Top five things to do in Victoria 1. Dining Victoria boasts the second highest number of restaurants per capita in North America offering everything from casual cafes, to microbrew pubs to fine dining. Victoria’s hot, young chefs and the Island cuisine they create have garnered Victoria and Vancouver Island a prominent place on the culinary map. 2. Culinary Tourism Culinary tourism has taken root in Victoria and on Vancouver Island. Visit acclaimed wineries, cideries and farms. Sample the region's organic produce, artisan cheeses and locally-produced gourmet fare. Do so on your own or join a tour for a behind-the-scenes experience. The Ale Trail Victoria has several microbreweries – many of which produce less than 15,000 barrels annually. Victoria’s micro-brewed beers are local, authentic and unique. Most breweries are within walking distance of Victoria’s historical, vibrant downtown core and Inner Harbour. Follow the “Ale Trail” and visit one or all of Victoria’s world-class breweries. Island Vineyards Southern Vancouver Island is the second largest wine region in British Columbia - next to the Okanagan Valley. The majority of Vancouver Island’s wineries are located 45 minutes north of Victoria. The vineyards located here enjoy a unique location with ideal growing conditions on southern, sun-drenched slopes. The scenery surrounding Vancouver Island’s vineyards also warrants recognition. Rolling pastures framed by ocean and mountain views make a self-guided tour of the wineries a must for any wine enthusiast. 3. Golf Victoria and Vancouver Island's golf courses are a golfer’s paradise. With a climate that encourages golfing year-round, the region is home to many of Canada’s most beautiful and challenging courses. Experience the thrill of a Jack Nicklaus designed course complemented by rolling coastline and an ocean view. Or take in the splendour of the natural scenery, while playing on a course once challenged by Tiger Woods himself. 4. Cycling According to the Government of Canada (Statistics Canada 2001), Victoria is rated “Canada’s Fittest City” and the “Cycling Capital of Canada”. With the mildest climate in the country, Victoria is Canada’s destination for year-round outdoor adventure. Victoria provides easy access to miles of scenic trails and sites that incorporate old growth rain forests, ocean shores and mountains. Cycling, hiking, kayaking and golf are just a few of the activities regularly enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. 5. Whale-watching Whale-watching in Victoria & Vancouver Island is awesome! No other spectacle of nature compares to the sight of a killer whale breaching out of the deep blue water only 100 metres from your boat. Victoria and Vancouver Island are well known as the place to view migrating and resident whales in their natural surroundings. The area also provides a number of other wildlife-watching opportunities throughout the seasons. Getting to Victoria from Vancouver, BC is easy. There are a variety of scenic options including car and passenger ferries, sightseeing coaches, helicopters, float planes and commercial airlines.
www.tourismvancouver.com www.tourismvictoria.com www.gayvan.com |
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