lifestyles
with CHERYL MacKINNON
TRAVEL
&
Canadian Travel and Lifestyles Is it just me, or do you feel the tiptoe arrival of Spring too? I confess – I’m getting excited about the road trips calling to us from points around our stunning province, British Columbia. In this year of B.C.’s 150th birthday, it makes great sense to get out and celebrate our province’s tremendous heritage. From growing First Nation adventures, to the stories of early settlers up and down the coast and on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, there is so much to explore. A great site is www.hellobc.com, or visit your local Chamber of Commerce for provincial brochures available by region.
A SPECIAL REPORT PROVIDED BY GLOBAL TV'S CHERYL MACKINNON AND
A Luxurious Escape to Cathedral Mountain Lodge cabin will entertain your brood in ways often overlooked in our city lifestyles. With advance notice, the Management team and their superb staff can arrange meals for allergy sufferers, and while the cabins don’t allow pets inside, be sure your four-legged family member will love his or her spot on the safe and covered veranda.
Getting Here Fly into Calgary and make the 2.5 hour drive – it’s worth every single minute. The flight is fast and easy, no matter which airline you choose. Not only are the visuals simply stunning as you drive through Banff and Lake Louise, on route to Cathedral Mountain Lodge, the road trip is half the fun. ‘Photo ops’ abound so don’t forget the camera as we did. Mind you, a quick stop in Canmore, java and disposable camera in hand (surprise – the photos are fabulous, just as they were prior to digital), and you’re good to go. In the summer months, the drive from points around British Columbia will make for a dynamite family vacation. Celebrate our province’s 150th Anniversary by visiting smaller communities along the way, exploring the heritage and culture that has helped make this region so wonderful to visit or, better still? Live in, year round.
Travel & Lifestyles is a weekly information report from Cheryl MacKinnon, Founder of ‘kid friendly!’ family tourism and Tourism Industry of Canada 2006 Travel Media Award Finalist for outstanding tourism promotion of Canada. Watch Cheryl on Global TV Morning News every Wednesday at 8:50 a.m. in B.C.
WHEN YOU GO
www.cherylmackinnon.com
Reservations are being accepted now for the 2008 season which begins May 16 at the spectacular Cathedral Mountain Lodge. Plus, the property is offering special opening rates which start at just $160 per night. For enticing packages and general information, do visit on line at www.cathedralmountain.com or telephone toll free 1.866.619.6442. For route and general travel information, including the history of the Spiral Tunnels and the town of Field, please visit www.KootenayRockies.com. For flight information to Calgary or points within the Kootenays, please visit my site at www.cherylmackinnon.com.
Please contact me at
cherylmack@shaw.ca"
Insider’s Angle
A Weekly Profile with Tourism Leaders and Innovators
For those of us working in Canada’s tourism industry, we are fortunate to either know of, and/or work with Nancy Stibbard, CEO of the Capilano Group of Companies. There is a shared industry awe, and respect, of this dynamic woman’s energy and business savvy. The products owned and operating under her watchful eye range from Vancouver’s oldest visitor attraction - Capilano Suspension Bridge, to retail operations in Victoria, Moraine Lake and Banff. Nancy’s resort projects include Moraine Lake Lodge and Cathedral Mountain Lodge. Her latest project is a new resort at Tofino, opening 2009. Having received numerous honours within the tourism industry, one of the highlights is her induction to Canada’s Tourism Hall of Fame in September 2007. As a female entrepreneur within the tourism and hospitality industry of this grand country, Nancy Stibbard truly makes us proud.
Feel the Peace Tucked in amongst the heart-stirring beauty of the Canadian Rockies lies a perfect Lodge – yes, perfect. The setting for Cathedral Mountain Lodge definitely sets the tone. Towering rock walls and mountain peaks, to dramatic water falls (Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s second highest waterfall, just minutes away), to the roaring, glacierfed Kicking Horse river, slowing to a gentle run as it passes by the front doors of several of the property’s 29 cabins. Beautiful handcrafted log cabins boasting floorto-ceiling stone fireplaces, lots of windows, and each with a generous deck to reflect on life…and the sparkling views. Past the main lodge, rock gardens and old oak barrels overflow with wild flowers enticing you to wander down pathways towards the river. Adirondack chairs call from the water’s edge to come and sit awhile. Relax and drink in the sweet smells and sounds around you. The main lodge is gorgeous with its mountainstyled elegance reflected throughout the dining room to the patio and deck. An afternoon respite in front of the
outdoor fireplace gently prods one to linger longer…perhaps over a glass of wine with a specially prepared cheese tray. Heading into dinner, the menu choices and presentations won’t disappoint. In fact, one guest we chatted with was still enjoying the Chef’s mouth-watering surprises a week after arriving. After a deep, peaceful sleep, awakening to a picnic basket filled with breakfast goodies is especially enjoyable with your feet propped up on the veranda railing. Indeed, an escape to the peaceful tranquility of Cathedral Mountain Lodge is exactly what the doctor should order.
Bring the Kids? Yes, this Lodge and surrounding terrain deliver a great getaway for families with children eight years and older (some cabins have sleeping lofts). No computers or swimming pool here - the entertainment is pure and simple. Get outdoors exploring the abandoned railway trails, hike, bike, fish – it’s your call…or, play inside. Board games and cards, to reading together on the porch of your
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