Downtown Vancouver

Vancouver, world spotlight for the 2010 Winter Olympics, is transformed for 2010. The Sea to Sky highway improvement project has upgraded and improved the roadways, the new Canada Line Rapid Transit system is complete with 16 new stations, including the Airport. New venues have been built, others have been upgraded and improved, all with a goal of providing lasting legacies for the region. Plan a visit now to see and experience this spectacular city at its best.

Winter in Vancouver, and nearby Whistler Winter Resort, means Alpine, Nordic and heli-skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, dog sledding and snowboarding right outside the city. Dominating the 2010 Winter Season will be the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in February and March. The Paralympic games are an exciting option for last minute planners, the crowds are reduced and tickets are more readily available.

Visitor's Tip: In conjunction with the Olympics, Vancouver will showcase a myriad of the worlds most talented entertainers and events. Montreal's Cirque Eloize troupe will perform Rain in March. Unlike any circus performance you will ever experience, this is a must see. The Museum of Vancouver features the installation Ed Pien: Tracing Night, a unique maze of crinkled paper and fantasy figures designed to elicit a gamut of impressions. This amazing display runs into April.

The City of North Vancouver will host its premier WinterFest event this year. The winter celebration will be held at Lonsdale Quay Market the last half of February. A family event, come enjoy arts, crafts, performances and children's events. Large video screens will be set up for viewing of the Olympic games, making a great alternative to enjoy the community spirit of the events.

Head to the city of Burnaby for more Olympic-related fun at the Villager Scavenger Hunt. Answers to questions related to the first Winter Olympics held in Chamonix, France will be hidden all over the village site for everyone to find. Come take part in the challenge through the middle of March and see if there are rewards for the successful.

The Flying Canucks will perform the first weekend in March at the Metropolis at Metrotown. This is an amazing aerial acrobatic skiing, snowboarding, and freestyle show done on trampolines. The maneuvers and acrobatics are synchronized with a terrific soundtrack and leave audiences in awe. See what Athletes can really do when they are not limited by competition.

Vancouver topped the list to host the Olympics, it is polished and primed and ready for you to visit as well. Don't miss the energy and excitement the world brings to town. Plan a special trip - whether it's a vacation or stopover, Vancouver is delightful and Best Western is here to add to the hospitality.

Butchart Gardens
Victoria, BC

Vancouver Island's extensive beauty ranges from old-growth forests, mountains and lakes to marshes, beaches, ocean coastlines. Tranquil and relatively unpopulated, park lands make up the majority of the island. Home to nearly 7,000 species, including over 200 migratory birds and 33 land mammals. Amazing diversity, forming one of the most breathtaking islands in the world.

As the world learned in the 2010 Winter Olympics, the Vancouver Island region is also home to well know celebrities like, professional basketball star Steve Nash, singer Nelly Furtado and jazz singer Diana Krall. Proud of their heritage, like all Canadians, visitors are welcomed by friendly, helpful locals, offering the best to all visitors.

Tofino's long sandy beaches and mudflats make ideal springtime stops for migratory birds, hundreds of thousands of them. Tofino marks spring 2010 with the 7th Annual Shorebird Festival in May. Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day in Tofino with scholars and experts on the native shorebirds. Featuring guided and interpretive walks, festival goers are treated to the incredible sight of colorful shorebirds flocking, seemingly dancing in harmony along the coastlines.

July finds Tofino celebrating the Pacific Rim Summer Festival. Site of the 20th annual event, is Tofino, Ucluelet, and the Pacific Rim National Park. A showcase for multi-cultural concerts and performers, performed and venues throughout the areas. See unique and talented performers at your favorite location.

Nanaimo, may surprise many with its world-class scuba diving. The Strait of Georgian is one of the best temperate diving locations in the world. With three artificial reefs created from scuttled navy ships, and easy, walk-in access divers flock to Nanaimo to enjoy and discover the underwater sights.

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is a popular tourist destination. A mild climate, it is a perfect place to visit all year long. Famous sites like the Inner Harbour and Butchart Gardens draw throngs of visitors, and Victoria has a full schedule of events to add to any itinerary. Athletes converge in June for the New Balance Victoria International Triathlon, one of the five events of the Subaru West Coast Triathlon Series.

The Victoria triathlon is a low key and popular event including a kid's run, workshops and a festival feel. Participants can choose levels ranging from the half triathlon, relay, or lower distance sprint events. A beautiful course around stunning Elk Lake, makes this a spectacular event, come enjoy the 15th anniversary of the triathlon in 2010.

Victoria hosts, JazzFest International 2010 over 10 days in June and July. George Benson, one of the worlds best jazz musicians, will open this year's JazzFest. Performances in venues throughout Victoria, like the Royal Theatre, showcase more than 300 musicians and draws audiences from across the globe. Amazing music in amazing places, a must do for music lovers.

Best Western Hotels on Vancouver Island are ready for your visit. With convenient locations and affordable rates, make Best Western Hotels your choice for your discovery of Vancouver Island.

Okanogan Vineyard

Eastern British Columbia, dominated by the Thompson Okanagan region and the Kootenay Rockies, is a pristine outdoor wonderland. Anchored by the larger cities, Kamloops and Kelowna, centers of Britsh Columbia's wine and orchard country. Winter skiing, spring and summer golf, and outstanding outdoor recreation, are found throughout Eastern BC.

Home to Mount Robson, the Canadian rockies highest peak,& the mountain backdrop envelops the vistas and provides habitat abundant wildlife. Look no further, if pristine wilderness is your desire, Mount Robson Provincial Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, collecting the headwaters of the Fraser River for its flow to the Pacific.

The BC Open Gold Panning Championships and Family Fun Days is reason enough to load up the car for a family trip. The 21st - 23rd of May, the schedule includes pancake breakfasts, barbecues and evening music, mixed with the panning events and competitions. Held in Cherryville, less than 60 km from Vernon, where there are two pet friendly Best Western Hotels to welcome you.

Merritt, south of Kamloops, hosts the 6th Annual International Indian Finals Rodeo in May as well. With nightly entertainment and the richest Indian rodeo purse, this is one of the top rodeos of the year.

Another nice family event is the 8th Annual Children's Festival in Penticton, BC. The 2010 festival features four special circus acts, including the National School for Acrobatics from Taiwan. Additional shows, workshops for the kids in drama, dance and science make a full weekend for the family. Best Western Hotels convenient locations in and around the area make the perfect home away from home. Affordable rates make Best Western a smart choice for these family get-a-ways.

Put North Okanagans largest street fair on the calendar for Saturday June 19th. Held in Vernon, downtown is alive with blocks of arts, crafts, street cafes and entertainment. Visit the two entertainment stages for music and cultural performances and make sure the kids find the children's activities, including pony rides and a rock climbing wall. Don't miss this event, it is one of the top two festivals in the Okanagan region.

Best Western Hotels along the Okanagan Wine Route make it convenient to spend a long weekend enjoying the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival. April 30th through May 9th, there are over 100 wine tasting and culinary events scheduled through the region. Start in the south in Osoyoos, or the north in Salmon Arm and spend as much time as you want in between relaxing at Best Western Hotels and enjoying the wineries.

Eastern British Columbia comes alive in spring and summer, the ideal time to get out and see the region. From hiking, biking and golf, to simply enjoying a glass of local wine or the fun of a family festival, British Columbia is awaits your visit.

Northern British Columbia

Northern British Columbia and Canada's Yukon Territory, vast in size, nearly twice the size of the United Kingdom, is filled with seemingly unlimited wilderness to discover. Magnificent mountains and rushing rivers traverse the land, guarding idyllic lakes and pastoral valleys. The rugged coastline is dotted with ancient archipelagos, providing habitat sanctuaries for the abundant wildlife.

British Columbia's vast lands are protected by nature reserves, national and provincial parks, making Northern British Columbia and the Yukon a wonderland for wilderness adventures and enthusiasts. Unmatched fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting and kayaking, from the challenging back country wilderness to easy walking trails, BC invites all ages and experience levels for adventure.

Prince George, a cultural and arts center for the region, hosts enjoyable and entertaining community events for residents and visitors. Prince George's Farmers Market is held through the summer from May through October, every Saturday. A terrific place to peruse the best local and regional arts and crafts, along with the produce and food.

Prince George's summer festivals make a great family get a way. The Prince George Native Friendship Centre hosts the Annual Traditional Pow Wow each summer. The festival showcases northwestern native culture, food, dancing and music, and is held at Carrie Jane Gray Park. Fort St John celebrates Canada Day on July 1st with a good old fashioned parade and full day of festivities.

Dawson Creek close to the province line of Alberta, sits at milepost 0 of the Alaskan Highway. Motorcycle riders and fans, join the 9th Annual Thunder Run from Dawson Creek to Fort St John on May 7th. Terrific spring weather to enjoy a pancake breakfast and thunder run up the Alaskan Highway, the event raises money for the local Women's Resource Centre.

The Prince Rupert 2010, 32nd Annual Seafest is June 10th -13th. One of the area's premier events, this event is chockablock with activities and special events. Family entertainment shows, Seniors Tea, parades, soapbox derby and music just for starters. Join in 3-on-3 basketball, arm wrestling, or chili cook-off competitions, or relax and enjoy canoe racing, a sail-past or flypast and various other waterfront events. Join in Prince Rupert's proud summer tradition.

Prince Rupert and Terrace are the starting line and finish for the Skeena River Relay. Athletes gather your friends and get ready for this a 140 kilometre relay through the beautiful BC northland. Ten runner teams are suggested, however, a minimum of five will be allowed on a team, and four segments of the race must be completed by women on the mixed teams. June 5, 2010 is the date for this event.

Best Western Hotels in Northern British Columbia and Whitehorse, Yukon are ready to welcome travelers along their adventures through the region. With warm hospitality, hot showers and clean rooms, Best Western Hotels are a welcome sight. With convenient locations in the places you want to go and affordable rates, book now to discover British Columbia.