Local Secrets, Big Finds - British ColumbiaLocal Secrets, Big Finds - British Columbia

Local Secrets, Big Finds - British Columbia

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Jacko Lake Photo Courtesy of Brian Chan.
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Lunch at Pagliacci's
Victoria

250.386.1662
Go "early" to this "kitschy, crowded little restaurant" that is considered by some to be "an institution in Victoria." Be sure to order the "bottomless soup and bread," which is "one of the best buys anywhere." As for the soup, it is "thick and hearty" and you can expect "a different creation every day." And if you're not into counting carbs, "the bread is legendary" for being "thick and chewy with coarse salt on the olive oil-brushed crust." But, be careful because "this bread is so addictive you will not stop eating it until you groan." Read more.

Moby Dick's Restaurant
White Rock

604.536.2424
If you like seafood at the source, then this British Columbia restaurant has "the best fish and chips in the province." Although the food is always great, you should "go on a great sunny day so that you can eat outdoors and enjoy the view of the ocean," while watching "people go by." If the weather doesn't cooperate and you do have to eat indoors, "the restaurant is full of interesting memorabilia and the people are extremely friendly." Read more.

The Free Vancouver International Jazz Festival Concert
North Vancouver

604.985.7474
The Free Vancouver International Jazz Festival Concert
This swaying bridge is one of Vancouver's most popular visitor attractions, but not so many people seem to know that part of the city's annual jazz festival takes place here, usually at the end of June and beginning of July. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a "fabulous location" and "the music is wonderful." The best part is that "it's free." At this "outdoor venue" where the "backdrop is the canyon and the huge cedars," there is a "lovely" patio that serves "wine and beer and great snacks." Even better, you get "free access to the suspension bridge," which "normally charges a hefty admission." Read more.

Shiro Sushi
Vancouver

604.874.0027
In a world-class Pacific coastal city like Vancouver, it's an understatement to say that "there are lots of sushi bars," but this little neighborhood restaurant stands out from the pack as "the hidden gem." There, you can trust the sushi chefs to consistently turn out "fantastic sushi at reasonable prices." The combination of authentic, Tokyo-style cuisine and the "cozy" atmosphere makes for a "friendly" dining experience you won't soon forget.

The World Championships of Sand Sculpture
Harrison Hot Springs

604.796.2244
In "late September" or "early October," head to Harrison Beach (near the famous Harrison Hot Springs Resort) for a sand castle competition like you've never seen before. Set on the beach in this "quaint little resort town" and surrounded by "so much gorgeous greenery to see," this is where the masters of the sand-sculpting craft come to show the world their stuff. Only experts can qualify to compete. The "castles are numerous and extremely detailed," and some have even set world records for size. Read more.

Brackendale Eagle Run
Brackendale

604.892.9244
In "December or January," you should flock there for "the most concentrated gathering" of bald eagles in North America, although you can see them as early as November and as late as February. Brackendale is a residential community with a thriving arts scene, and it "has the world record for a bald eagle count in a single valley." Each year in January, the art center sponsors the count "along a 10-mile stretch of the Squamish River" when "the eagles are there in the largest numbers." Read more.

Fishing at Jocko Lake
Kamloops

800.662.1994
Fishing at Jocko Lake
Escape the city and go fishing "when the lake is smooth as glass and the rainbow trout are hungry." Never crowded, "most locals don't know about this place," and you'll have plenty of room to cast "during the spring and fall when the fishing is heaviest." "During the warmer summer months," "local worms from the compost pile are most effective" in catching the "biggies lurking in the deeper water." Whether you prefer to fish offshore or in a boat, "catch and release is recommended, but if you should catch a smaller one, try it as a shore lunch and you'll be pleasantly surprised." Read more.

Dinner at the Dundarave Beach Concession Stand
West Vancouver

604.603.8372
During summer months, if you want to "enjoy your dinner on the beach" while watching "the cruise ships pass by," then Vera's burger stand at the pier can be considered the "most beautiful 'restaurant' in Vancouver." Make a picnic of it on the "warm sand" while "breathing the fresh ocean air and enjoying an excellent home-style burger." To some, this is the "perfect summer evening," especially when paired with an "after-dinner stroll along the seawall." Read more.

Floating Down the River Channel Connecting Okanagan and Skaha Lake
Penticton

800.663.5052
When summer brings Penticton's "reliable, hot, sunny weather," it's time to "slather on the sunscreen" and spend the day "floating down the River Channel." All you need to get down the channel is a bathing suit and a flotation device. On site, "there is a little kiosk that rents out inner tubes for a nominal fee," or you can "pump up any that you bring." Once in the water, you can expect a "relaxing (or wild--if you're with kids) float for one and a half hours to the next stop off." And if all this doesn't float your boat, "it costs nothing to park your car nearby" and just "people watch." Read more.

Parade of Lost Souls
Vancouver

604.879.8611
Get ready for "wild costumes," "fire," and "pagan drumming" at this torch-lit procession of "happy people." The "participation of the neighborhood" makes for a "totally unique Halloween experience." The parade borrows from many traditions--not just Halloween--including the Day of the Dead and All Saints Day. Many who attend the festivities say they "have never seen anything like it," so be sure to take part in an event that is "truly an original." Read more.