lifestyles
Send me your questions, I'll find the answers! cheryl@kidfriendly.org A married boomer with a blended family ranging in ages from four to 20 years asks “where her gang can travel to within a four-hour drive from Vancouver? And… keep everyone happy!”
Q. A.
Sun Peaks Resort near Kamloops is a family-friendly paradise! Hiking, biking, swimming and golf, supervised kids’ programs to ‘teens only’ nights, coupled with a great range of accommodations to suit even the most discerning family’s tastes, and yummy restaurant options offering up everything from burgers and pizza to West Coast seafood, make this a perfect getaway. Check out www.sunpeaks.com for all the options.
A SPECIAL READER RESOURCE PROVIDED BY GLOBAL TV’S CHERYL MACKINNON AND
TRAVEL
BRENTWOOD BAY LODGE AND SPA
Island
paradise in our own backyard…
M
Travel & Lifestyles is a new weekly information report from Cheryl MacKinnon, Tourism British Columbia media award nominee for outstanding tourism promotion. Cheryl’s travel page will appear weekly Saturdays in The Vancouver Sun and Sundays in The Province and air on Global TV in B.C.
Send your questions to cheryl@kidfriendly.org
ARE WE
hether your summer holiday plans find you traveling the highways, waiting in ferry lines or boarding a flight for Grandma’s house, here are some tried and true tips for a smooth ride.
there yet? W ...AND OTHER FAMILY TRAVEL QUERIES
BEFORE LEAVING
Planning the trip should be half the fun, so invite your kids to participate regardless of their age. From the destination or hotel suggestions (if it’s a holiday) to choosing a restaurant or activity, giving children a voice helps them feel like they are part of the travel experience. And if your plans include the Island this summer, be sure to pick up a copy of Island Parent Magazine’s annual Family Summer Guide. President & Publisher, Paul Abra states “for the 6th year in a row, the Family Summer Guide is the indispens-
able guide to family fun and activities on Vancouver Island.” Brimming with possible adventures, resources and a calendar of family-style events, the guide is available at select Tourist Infocentres on the Island and throughout the Lower Mainland, including Richmond and Peace Arch. Or get a copy online at www.islandparent.ca. Packing the suitcases also offers k i d s a n o p p o r t u n i t y to b e involved – learning a new skill such as sorting and folding, or helping choose a favourite game or book to bring along, empowers little souls.
AND ONCE YOU’RE THERE
mm…summer on the West Coast. Time to kick back, explore a new place or return to the familiar. Either way, Victoria’s only fivestar oceanfront resort, Brentwood Bay Lodge and Spa, fits the bill. Located within the peaceful setting of Saanich Inlet, the contemporary West Coast Lodge offers 33 luxurious suites, each facing the waterfront. The simple yet casually-elegant atmosphere immediately allows you to escape city life. The setting is breath-taking and in a great twist of design, is enjoyed from almost every vantage point in the Lodge. So whether the weather is clear and sunny, or delivering a familiar drizzle, the visuals will definitely delight you. Easy to get to and within close proximity to many of the area’s most popular attractions and world-class golf, I recommend arriving by car in the event you decide to explore beyond the doors of the Lodge. The ferry ride over gets you started on the road to relaxation, then the 10 minute drive to the Lodge, which winds through a beautiful countryside, should have you primed for pampering – whether for a day or a week. If you’re looking for a great escape, with a dose of activity as well as some ‘R&R’, go no further than the marina dock. Special packages include a romantic water cruise across to The Butchart Gardens, scuba diving or a two hour eco-adventure cruise to a nearby rainforest park returning via kayak. Gaining a notable reputation for their spa services, the Lodge’s oceanfront setting truly offers one of the most tranquil environments in which to melt away any tension. The glass of wine served with decadent chocolates as you lounge after your treatment in a comfy robe and slippers, is the ultimate touch. The best part of this getaway could be the dining experience. In its first year of operation, the
Arbutus Grille & Wine Bar has been honoured by Enroute, Air Canada’s inflight magazine, as one of the top five “Best New Restaurants” and ‘Best New Wine List’ in Canada for 2004, with Brian Storen bestowed with Sommelier of the Year. With a strong philosophy of combining local, regional and seasonal produce with meats, seafood and wild game throughout each meal, Chef Alain Leger and his team create culinary delights for the most discerning palate. Chef Leger’s summer creation, the Haida Feast Dish, further celebrates this philosophy with a n a b u n d a n ce o f l o c a l l y sourced seafood, some of which is harvested right from the waters of the Saanich Inlet. The colourful selection includes B.C. Spot prawns, Quadra Island Mussels, candied salmon, B.C. smoked Albacore tuna, B.C. harvested oysters, wild smoked Spring salmon and Manila clams, all served on an extraordinary hand-carved platter, inspired by a three thousand year-old Haida feast dish, and brought to life by First Nation’s carver Derek Heaton. The lodge is family friendly – a great destination for kids six and older. Or perfect for an escape for two. Either way, you won’t be disappointed. Check out their summer spa specials and other enticing packages at www.brentwoodbaylodge.com.
✯
Don’t forget that your brood can be tired so if your trip includes a hotel, make sure it’s one that welcomes families. A dip in the pool, snacks with kid-appeal like hot dogs or pizza (it’s vacation time after all) and time to unwind all help to recharge ENJOY THE JOURNEY everyone for the next leg of fun. Reaching your destination is For a listing of kid friendly! B.C. exciting too so when possible, travel partners, visit the website explore along the way. Discover- at www.kidfriendly.org. ing new sites can become part of the adventure, while offering lasting family memories.
Special packages include a romantic water cruise across to The Butchart Gardens (above)
INSIDER’S ANGLE
Weekly Q&A with Tourism leaders & innovators
What is the Canada Select Star Rating? It is Canada’s only national accommodations rating system for bed and breakfasts, cottages, hotels, motels, inns, resorts, and fishing/hunting lodges. Canada Select status is granted after an in-depth review of a property. The designation is your highest assurance of what to expect in the hospitality experience.
WHAT'S NEXT: The Magic of the Yukon - It's Nothing Like You Imagine • The Airline That Could - interview with Air North’s Debra Ryan
summer seat sale
jul 24 • 7 nts from all inclusive • ocean view room
europe airfares round-trip $ london from 610 $ glasgow from 610
manzanillo
mayan riviera
manchester
Karmina Palace
bahia principe akumal
puerto vallarta holiday inn
cancun $
jul 16 • 7 nts from all inclusive • junior suite
exclusive! ®
earn your AIR MILES reward miles with exitnow.ca
$
jul 17 • 7 nts from all inclusive • junior suite
get a chance to
win an iPod® Photo
747 835
manzanillo (value $439)
+ book now for a $20 IGA gift certificate
south vacations
south vacations
Las Hadas
meliá turquesa
1284
$
1319
$
jul 24 • 7 nts from all inclusive • junior suite
varadero $
923
jul 17 • 7 nts from all inclusive • hotel room (no golf)
barceló solymar beach $ jul 23 • 7 nts from all inclusive • hotel room
visit our website for full details
book online at Departures are from Vancouver. All prices are per person and packages are based on double occupancy unless otherwise stated. Transportation taxes, related transportation fees, surcharges and any applicable GST are not included. Air only prices are available at presstime and prices may vary according to the travel dates. More restrictions may apply. All advertising products are with Transat Holidays (TH) or World of Vacations (WOV). Full Terms & Conditions see www.exitnow.ca. Ont. Reg. #50012280. This logo is a trademark of Exit Travel Inc.® Trademark of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by Loyalty Management Group Canada inc. and exitnow.ca. iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Apple is not a sponsor nor does it specifically endorse this promotion.
or call
1495
frankfurt
610 $ from 751 $ from 845
munich
$ from
amsterdam
$ from
845
www.exitnow.ca
1-877-672-3948
open 7 days/week 9 am to 9 pm EST
THE VANCOUVER SUN, SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2005
&
H11
WITH CHERYL MacKINNON
COASTAL LIFESTYLES!
THE PROVINCE
WITH CHERYL MacKINNON
lifestyles
D14 ❘
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2005
COASTAL LIFESTYLES!
Sun Peaks Resort near Kamloops is a family-friendly paradise! Hiking, biking, swimming and golf, supervised kids’ programs to ‘teens only’ nights, coupled with a great range of accommodations to suit even the most discerning family’s tastes, and yummy restaurant options offering up everything from burgers and pizza to West Coast seafood, make this a perfect getaway. Check out www.sunpeaks.com for all the options.
A.
Send me your questions, I'll find the answers! cheryl@kidfriendly.org A married boomer with a blended family ranging in ages from four to 20 years asks “where her gang can travel to within a four-hour drive from Vancouver? And… keep everyone happy!”
Q.
A SPECIAL READER RESOURCE PROVIDED BY GLOBAL TV’S CHERYL MACKINNON AND
&
BRENTWOOD BAY LODGE AND SPA
Island
paradise M
TRAVEL
in our own backyard…
Send your questions to cheryl@kidfriendly.org
mm…summer on the West Coast. Time to kick back, explore a new place or return to the familiar. Either way, Victoria’s only fivestar oceanfront resort, Brentwood Bay Lodge and Spa, fits the bill. Located within the peaceful setting of Saanich Inlet, the contemporary West Coast Lodge offers 33 luxurious suites, each facing the waterfront. The simple yet casually-elegant atmosphere immediately allows you to escape city life. The setting is breath-taking and in a great twist of design, is enjoyed from almost every vantage point in the Lodge. So whether the weather is clear and sunny, or delivering a familiar drizzle, the visuals will definitely delight you. Easy to get to and within close proximity to many of the area’s most popular attractions and world-class golf, I recommend arriving by car in the event you decide to explore beyond the doors of the Lodge. The ferry ride over gets you started on the road to relaxation, then the 10 minute drive to the Lodge, which winds through a beautiful countryside, should have you primed for pampering – whether for a day or a week. If you’re looking for a great escape, with a dose of activity as well as some ‘R&R’, go no further than the marina dock. Special packages include a roman-
tic water cruise across to The Butchart Gardens, scuba diving or a two hour eco-adventure cruise to a nearby rainforest park returning via kayak. Gaining a notable reputation for their spa services, the Lodge’s oceanfront setting truly offers one of the most tranquil environments in which to melt away any tension. The glass of wine served with decadent chocolates as you lounge after your treatment in a comfy robe and slippers, is the ultimate touch. The best part of this getaway could be the dining experience. In its first year of operation, the Arbutus Grille & Wine Bar has been honoured by Enroute, Air Canada’s inflight magazine, as one of the top five “Best New Restaurants” and ‘Best New Wine List’ in Canada for 2004, with Brian Storen bestowed
with Sommelier of the Year. With a strong philosophy of combining local, regional and seasonal produce with meats, seafood and wild game throughout each meal, Chef Alain Leger and his team create culinary delights for the most discerning palate. Chef Leger’s summer creation, the Haida Feast Dish, further celebrates this philosophy with an abundance of local lysourced seafood, some of which is harvested right from the waters of the Saanich Inlet. The colourful selection includes B.C. Spot prawns, Quadra Island Mussels, candied salmon, B.C. smoked Albacore tuna, B.C. harvested oysters, wild smoked Spring salmon and Manila clams, all served on an extraordinary hand-carved platter, inspired by a three thousand year-old Haida feast dish, and brought to life by First Nation’s carver Derek Heaton. The lodge is family friendly – a great destination for kids six and older. Or perfect for an escape for two. Either way, you won’t be disappointed. Check out their summer spa specials and other enticing packages at www.brentwoodbaylodge.com.
✯ INSIDER’S ANGLE
Weekly Q&A with Tourism leaders & innovators
What is the Canada Select Star Rating? It’s Canada’s only national accommodations rating system for bed and breakfasts, cottages, hotels, motels, inns, resorts, and fishing/hunting lodges.
WHAT'S NEXT: The Magic of the Yukon - It's Nothing Like You Imagine • The Airline That Could - interview with Air North’s Debra Ryan
summer seat sale
holiday inn jul 16 • 7 nts all inclusive • junior suite
exclusive!
Karmina Palace jul 17 • 7 nts all inclusive • junior suite
get a chance to
747
$
from
Las Hadas
meliá turquesa
europe airfares round-trip
1284
$
jul 24 • 7 nts from all inclusive • ocean view room
mayan riviera
835
$
from
manzanillo (value $439)
+ book now for a $20 IGA gift certificate
cancun
manzanillo
earn your AIR MILES® reward miles with exitnow.ca
win an iPod® Photo
south vacations
south vacations puerto vallarta
bahia principe akumal jul 24 • 7 nts all inclusive • junior suite
$
from
1319
varadero
923
$
jul 17 • 7 nts from all inclusive • hotel room (no golf)
barceló solymar beach jul 23 • 7 nts all inclusive • hotel room
visit our website for full details
book online at Departures are from Vancouver. All prices are per person and packages are based on double occupancy unless otherwise stated. Transportation taxes, related transportation fees, surcharges and any applicable GST are not included. Air only prices are available at press-time and prices may vary according to the travel dates. More restrictions may apply. All advertising products are with Transat Holidays (TH) or World of Vacations (WOV). Full Terms & Conditions see www.exitnow.ca. Ont. Reg. #50012280. This logo is a trademark of Exit Travel Inc.® Trademark of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by Loyalty Management Group Canada inc. and exitnow.ca. iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Apple is not a sponsor nor does it specifically endorse this promotion.
or call
1495
$
from
london
$ from
glasgow
$ from
manchester
$ from
amsterdam
$ from
frankfurt
$ from
munich
$ from
610 610 610 751 845 845
www.exitnow.ca
1-877-672-3948
open 7 days/week 9 am to 9 pm EST