Chefs for Oceans: Vancouver Chef Ned Bell Cycles Across Canada for Sustainable Seafood

Chef Ned Bell of Vancouver is no stranger to spending hours on a bicycle. On his 40th birthday in 2013, he took off on a 4-day, 900-kilometer bike ride across Vancouver Island. It was all about increasing the awareness of our food system.

But that's a spin around the block compared to the adventure he's beginning July 1, 2014. The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver and YEW seafood + bar Executive Chef is off on a three-month, cross-Canada journey on his two-wheeler. As the founder of Chefs for Oceans, he's pedaling across the country to support sustainable seafood -- and healthy lakes, rivers and oceans. 

The trip begins July 1 in St. John's, Newfoundland and ends September 11 in Vancouver, BC. Chef Bell will pedal between 140km and 200km each day, and the 7,453km coast-to-coast trip will take 10 weeks to complete. Stopping in major cities along the way, Chef Bell hopes to raise awareness for sustainable seafood through interviews, events and appearances. 

Chef Bell, the father of two sons (Max is pictured above, second from the right), hopes to create a movement that allows Canadians to easily and readily access sustainable seafood. He's also donating a portion of net funds raised from his ride to the Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise program, Sea Choice and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS). Bell is co-founder of the National Sustainable Seafood Day (NSSD) and member of the Chefs Table Society of BC. 

The Chefs for Oceans ride has numerous backers and sponsors, but there's room for more. Individuals and businesses can support the ride by making a donation, signing the NSSD petition, showing up at one of his events this summer or even riding alongside him when he passes through your city. To donate and get up-to-date details of Chef Bell's most amazing bike ride, go to www.chefsforoceans.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @nedbell, hashtag #chefsforoceans.

Quebec Winter Carnival stars in Belinda Jones' latest romance novel, 'Winter Wonderland'

Author Belinda Jones and friend.

Having attended the Carnival de Quebec (Quebec Winter Carnival) as an invited journalist back in 2004, it was fun to read that a British born novelist hosted during the 2012 Carnival has written a romance novel about it!  Belinda Jones' Winter Wonderland is "a story that plunges readers into the magic of the Winter Carnival." It was launched across Canada on December 12, 2012 and will be distributed in a dozen or more countries, including the United States and United Kingdom (it's already available in the UK).

The folks at Quebec City Tourism, Tourisme Quebec and Quebec Winter Carnival must be thrilled to now have their very own romance novel! According to author Jones, who has written ten bestselling romantic comedy novels set in exotic locales around the world, the carnival was a source of inspiration. "Far and away the most inspirational destination for me was Quebec during the Winter Carnival," said Jones, who has been based in the US for the past ten years. "It is such a magical time to visit this fairytale city, I truly felt as if I had stepped into a snow globe!"

Winter Wonderland is the story of Krista Carter, a travel journalist who roams the globe searching for exciting and original travel ideas to share with her readers. When she lands in Quebec City on assignment, she discovers an enchanting world of ice palaces, snow sculptures, parades, ice canoe races, sugar shacks and friendly Quebecers. And naturally, there's a man -- a French Canadian dogsled driver named Jacques. Winter Wonderland is available at Amazon and select bookstores across Canada.

The 59th edition of Carnaval de Quebec is February 1-17, 2013 in Quebec City. Bonhomme and his buddies have put together 18 days of activities and events for the entire family, combining "glam and tradition." A full calendar of events will be posted online in January.

British Columbia's Whistler Blackcomb on track for a record breaking snow base

Whistler Blackcomb | Dec. 2, 2012 | Photo by John Champion, Coast Mountain Photography

The ski gods must be smilin' down on BC's Whistler Blackcomb. Although the slopes have only been open to the public for a little more than two weeks, they've already received 337 cm (11.1 feet) of snow, with up to 33 cm (1.1 feet) forecast to fall during the next four days. 

According to Whistler Blackcomb SVP of Sales & Marketing Stuart Rempel, the mountain is on track for another record setting year. "With a snow base of 185 cm (6.1 feet), that's the highest snow base for this time of year compared to the last ten," said Rempel. That figure is also 50 cm (1.6 feet) more snow than what the base was a year ago at this time. 

On Saturday, Dec. 8, Whistler Blackcomb is planning to open Blackcomb Mountain's alpine for the first time this season (weather permitting). If so, there will be 5,280 vertical feet (mile high!) and 6,000+ acres of skiable terrain.

There are numerous Deals & Packages for guests booking before Dec. 21, 2012. The 5th Night Free Package includes loding rates starting at $110CDN per person, per night, plus a fifth night of lodging free and Fresh Tracks tickets. Must be booked before January 31, 2013.

For more information about the area, go to Tourism Whistler.

Vancouver Aquarium's Scuba Claus goes diving in December to swim amidst the sealife

Santa goes diving among the sea stars. Photo courtesy Vancouver Aquarium.

If you've never seen Santa Claus underwater, he's making regular appearances at the Vancouver Aquarium this December. Each weekend through Christmas, Scuba Claus joins the halibut, rockfish, sturgeon and sea stars of the Georgia Strait at 12:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Between December 21-24, he'll be diving daily at 12:30 PM.

The aquarium's special winter feature is Luminescence: A Celebration of Aquatic Light, which runs through January 22, 2013. Through special exhibits and shows, you'll find out more about the world of fluorescent and bioluminescent light in the ocean. Jelly Swarm is a special light installation designed by Tangible Intervention with origami artist Joseph Wu. It features nearly a hundred jellies all aglow with LED lights. Visitors may control the lighting using a touch screen, creating patterns of light through the swarm of jellies on high. Glowing in the Deep includes Eel-lectric Lights where visitors can experience "eel energy" in action.

The Vancouver Aquarium is all about kids, and the 20-minute holiday film The Polar Express 4-D Experience includes the rumble of the train, falling snow and even the scent of hot chocolate as travelers make their way to the North Pole. The Craft Corner is a spot to make clothespin anglerfish or an anglerfish hat. Family Programs in the Underwater Arctic Gallery will explain how people and aquatic creatures live in darkness.

Autumn in Quebec: Exploring the great outdoors of the Outaouais

Autumn color in the Outaouais. Photos by Sue Frause.

The Outaouais (pronounced utawa) is a region in western Quebec, located on the north side of the Ottawa River across from Canada's capital of Ottawa. Gatineau is the main city, the fourth largest in Quebec. I first visited the Outaouais in autumn, a beautiful time of year to experience the area. 

Omega Park is home to buffalo, wapiti, black bears, red deer, wolves, Alpine ibex and wild boar.

This fellow was particularly curious and seemed to know where the food was located.

Plenty of room to roam on the park's walking path and hiking trails. 

Lunch in nearby Papineauville at La table de Pierre Delahaye, in a house built in 1880.

Overnight at Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello, a log chateau built in 1930.

A hike in Gatineau Park on the Mount King trail with views out to Ottawa-Gatineau.

Before heading off to Ottawa, lunch at the Moorside Tea Room, located in the heart of Gatineau Park at the Mackenzie King Estate. The estate was the summer house of Canada's 10th Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King.

Mackenzie King Estate includes 231 hectares of landscaped green space, along with gardens and ruins such as this.

Colorful heritage gardens were still in bloom at the end of September.

Victoria's Turkey Head Walkway in Oak Bay: Funny name, nice views

It's been a few years since I've spent any time in Victoria's Oak Bay neighborhood. The last time I was there, an aquarium called Sealand of the Pacific was one of the attractions, complete with a killer whale.  It closed in 1991, following much controversy surrounding the treatment of the whales and the death of an orca trainer --- all that remains is a sculpture of an orca that crowns the welcome sign to Oak Bay Marina. Owned by the Oak Bay Marine Group, it includes a marina and a water-view restaurant that is appropriately named Marina Restaurant.

Also located here is the quirkily named Turkey Head Walkway, a good spot for water views and boat activity (no dogs allowed), and one of many recreational spots in Oak Bay. In the bottom photo is the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, which is under construction and has a planned opening date of May 2012. It will be a resort hotel and spa with private residences, replacing the hotel of the same name that was a landmark in Oak Bay for 80+ years. The new Oak Bay Beach Hotel will include the Dining Room, Kate's Cafe, Snug Pub and the David Foster Foundation Theatre.

Photos by Sue Frause

Christmas Is Here: Victoria, BC launches a special holiday website

Tourism Victoria has come up with a link on its website just for the holidays. Simply called Christmas Is Here, it's the place to go for all things Christmas. The seasonally-themed site provides an online list of Christmas events in and around Victoria -- and they even provide a fun Top 5 Things To Do list.

If you're looking to spend a night or two, book your room online, with nightly rates starting at $50 CAD. Victoria is beautiful during the holidays, with all the lights, music and seasonal events filling the streets and the capital city's various venues.

New this year is the outdoor ice rink at Centennial Square. It was unveiled during the city's annual Christmas tree lighting on Nov. 26, and will be open through Jan. 2, 2012. Hours are Monday-Wednesday, 12-5; Thursday-Saturday, 12-8; Saturday, 11-5, Sunday, 11-5; and 1-3 on holidays. Admissions is $2 -- limited skate rentals are available.

A place I've enjoyed during spring and summer is on my list to visit during the holidays. The Butchart Gardens and its Magic of Christmas opens on Dec. 1, 2011. That day marks the beginning of the 25th season of these festive Christmas displays. To mark the silver anniversary, garden goers born in 1987 will receive complimentary admission from Dec. 1-15, 2011 (bring your ID). Regardless of your age, the gardens will be aglow with tens of thousands of colored lights, including the Twelve Days of Christmas display tucked throughout the gardens. Holiday performances featuring traditional carols and music will be performed in the Piazza daily from 5-9 PM. The Butchart Gardens Light Up Ceremony is Thursday, Dec. 1 at 5 PM and includes free rides on the Rose Carousel. There's also ice skating (and really good food!).

BC Parliament Buildings and Queen Victoria in Victoria, BC
Photo by Sue Frause

Alpha Adventures' First Annual Sunshine Coast Paddle Board Festival

If you're not familiar with the sport called SUP, it's making a big splash among water sports folks. SUP, or Stand Up Paddleboard, even has its own magazine. And British Columbia's Sunshine Coast, a natural spot for SUP, is hosting the First Annual Sunshine Coast Paddle Board Festival on Sunday, July 24 at Porpoise Bay Provincial Park in Sechelt.

Alpha Adventures is sponsoring the one-day event that includes SUP demos, clinics and two races. Representatives from Naish and Amundson paddleboards will be on site for people interested in this unique water workout.sport.

• 9:00 AM - Festival Begins
• 9:30 AM- SUP Fitness Clinic
• 10:00 AM - Basic Paddle Strokes Clinic
• 11:00 AM - Advanced Paddle Strokes Clinic
• 1:30 PM - Short Course Race - Kids HULA lesson
• 2:30 PM - Long Course Race
  
• 3:45 PM - Awards Ceremony and Prize Draw
• 4:00 PM - Festival Ends

All proceeds go to the Sunshine Coast Marine Rescue Society, which supports the Coast Guard Auxillary

Pictured Above: Sunshine on the water at Halfmoon Bay on BC's Sunshine Coast
Photo by Sue Frause


Kayaking with Alpha Adventures' Jamie Mani - Sechelt Inlet - Sue Frause Photos

Polka on Down in Saskatchewan on a Horsehair Dance Floor

I've never been to Manitou Beach, nor have I danced on a horsehair dance floor! So all the more reason to return to Saskatchewan and stop in at Danceland. Described as the Home of the World Famous Dance Floor Built on Horsehair, Danceland was constructed in 1928. At one time, there were three dance halls on Manitou Beach open seven days a week.

Today, it's just Danceland, the 5,000-sq.ft. dance hall located next to Manitou Springs Hotel & Mineral Spa, Canada's largest indoor mineral spa. Manitou Beach is a resort village on the shores of Little Manitou Lake, approximately 100 km east of Saskatoon and 5 km north of Watrous. Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area, Canada's oldest bird sanctuary, is about 30 minutes away.

Danceland is open year-round, featuring dancing seven nights a week, with Spring Polkafest May 6-8. The three-day event features a Sunday Polka Mass at 11 AM, followed by brunch and dancing. Motorhome parking on site.

Adventuress: Wilderness Adventures for Women in BC

I've always been a big fan of the Oceanside region of Vancouver Island, located on the east side of the island. Several summers ago, I met up with certified kayak guide and instructor Jan Kretz in Parksville. As the founder of Adventuress: Wilderness Adventures for Women, I wasn't surprised to see that her front yard was filled with kayaks!

Jan purchased her kayaks in 2003 and has been conducting all women paddles ever since. OK, she says she "will take guys," but for the most part her business is geared toward women. And she's no stranger to running a business. With a degree in tourism and recreation, she's done everything from running a bike shop in Florida to being in the business services management field.

But being out on the open seas is what really speaks to her. The combination of beautiful nature and meeting people has made Adventuress the perfect fit. "Kayaking is my path and my passion," says Jan.

Open year-round, the Adventuress paddling calendar is loaded with kayak adventures. The trip menu lists day tours, including full moon and sunset paddles; multi-day trips; and even "transformative journeys."

Among the two-day trips are Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, August 16-17 and Girls & Guys Just Wanna Have Fun, August 6-7. The cost for each is $259. Other adventures include trips to the Gulf Islands, Broken Group Islands, Johnstone Strait and Desolation Sound.

All tours include kayak and gear, basic instruction and safety orientation. Prices start at $49 for a 2.5 hour introductory lesson and paddle, and custom tours are available in addition to the scheduled tours.

Certified kayak guide and Adventuress owner Jan Kretz
Photo by Sue Frause

Canadians in 2010 Mongol Rally: 16,000km adventure in Europe and Asia

In July, when returning from my eight-day culinary road trip in Alberta, I flew home on Horizon Air from Calgary to Seattle. Seated next to me was a Canadian. So, how'd I know? Ah, maybe it was the way he pronounced certain words, or his friendly Canuck demeanor.

Turns out it was Jared Leischner, a 25-year-old from Red Deer, Alberta. Obviously, he was flying to Seattle, since that was where our plane was going. But from there he was continuing on to England, where on July 24, 2010 he and friends Bret Romanko and Chris Bibby were setting out from London on a 16,000km journey. As part of the 2010 Mongol Rally, they would be traveling in a 998ccNissan Micra east through Europe and Asia, "through terrain ranging from gridlock traffic to barren wastelands."

The reason? Jared says on his website that the over-the-top trip "is in an effort to raise a boat load of money for charity and have the adventure of a lifetime." Calling their trio Team Genghis Khanada, they hope to reach the Mongolian finish line in one of the toughest adventure races known to man. There are 357 teams competing in the race.

The two charities Team Genghis Khanada is raising money for are Mercy Corp Mongolia and the Christina Noble Children's Foundation.

Team Genghis Khanada has a blog and a Facebook page where you can follow their adventures. The blog entry from July 31, 2010 was posted from Croatia:

While Croatia is fairly stable today, the common sight of vacant homes riddled with bullet holes on the road to Zagreb emphasizes the recent conflict as the Croats forced the resident Serbs out of the country.

And the latest Facebook entry was by Jared on August 4, 2010:

We are currently awaiting a commercial ferry to Russia in Trabzon, Turkey. One team left on a boat last but waiting for three days inside the fenced customs compound. We should have better luck though, no doubt. Blogs should be up when we get to Russia...and they will be grrrrreat!

You can follow the teams with Live Tracking on the 2010 Mongol Rally 2010 website.

Oh, I asked him if his mom was nervous back home in Red Deer. Well, you know the answer to that. I reassured him that was our job. Good luck, guys!

Jared Leischner en route from Calgary to Seattle
Photo by Sue Frause