FUN FACTS ABOUT BRITISH COLUMBIA
ARE YOU THE CURIOUS SORT WANTING TO KNOW INTERESTING AND UNUSUAL FACTS WHEN EXPLORING A REGION?
You will already know that British Columbia (BC) is Canada’s westernmost province and one of North America’s most mountainous regions… but did you know…
• British Columbia has the longest frost-free periods in Canada due mostly to mild temperatures related with its maritime climate, with flowers often blooming as early as February.
• Considered one of the youngest cities in the world, Vancouver was incorporated in 1886 – sharing an anniversary with Mercedes-Benz and Coca-Cola! Also known as ‘Hollywood North’, Vancouver has become the third largest North American film and TV production centre with only LA and New York making more films.
VANCOUVER PARKS – 450 BEACH CRESCENT – GEORGE WAINBORN PARK
GEORGE WAINBORN PARK …. YALETOWN …. AND THE OCEAN BEYOND
This beautiful 2.49 hectare park was announced Vancouver’s newest jewel of waterfront parks. The George Wainborn Park is located downtown, off Pacific Boulevard at the foot of Richards Street and boasts formal and informal spaces, expansive lawns, a dramatic water feature and spectacular views of False Creek and the city. The park is named for Vancouver’s longest serving Park Board Commissioner, George Wainborn. George Wainborn contributed to the City’s parks and recreation system for 33 years between 1956 and 1990. Among his many accomplishments he was a leader in the creation of Stanley Park’s Miniature Railway, played a key role in starting the Carol Ships program, and initiated lighting of the magnificent grove of elm trees on Beach Avenue at Bidwell each Christmas season. A recipient of the Freedom of the City in 1991 and Order of Canada in 1999, he died in September 2003. George Wainborn Park opened in 2004 at a cost of $5.1 million.
In July 2006 a 40 foot tall wind sculpture entitled “Khenko” was installed at the bottom of the park. It was designed and built by artist Doug Taylor and was a gift from Concord Pacific Group Inc. dedicated to British Columbia’s former Lieutenant Governor, David Lam. “Khenko” is a Coast Salish word for “heron” and the sculpture celebrates the return of this bird species to the once industrialized False Creek.
ROAD 13 VINEYARDS – BC WINERIES & VINEYARDS
THE MOTTO OF ROAD 13 “IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DIRT”
ABOUT ROAD 13
The site was originally operated by a partnership between three field engineers who were kicked out of Russia by the communists after the revolution. After irrigation canal water became available inthe early 1920s, they planted tree fruits and ground crops.
The land was next sold to Tim Robin, one of the largest growers in the area, who continued to farm it as an apple and peach orchard.
The property was sold in a derelict state to Hungarian Arpad Pallay in 1961. Arpad (deceased in 2004) planted apples, cherries and ground crops. He was the first farmer in the lower valley to circumvent the growers’ co-op and took his fruit direct to Vancouver. As a juicy side, his daughter Kate married the son of the fruit inspector who has always trying to catch Arpad selling his fruit outside the co-op!
Peter and Helga Serwo purchased the winery site in 1985. Coming to the Okanagan Valley in the late 1960s from Germany, where they worked as building contractors and grape growers. They continued these callings in Canada and were responsible for a good chunk of the early Golden Mile plantings including the original Tinhorn Creek site. Pam and Mick Luckhurst purchased the land in 2003, when Peter and Helga wanted to slow down after 50 years of viticulture.
OSOYOOS – OKANAGAN VALLY – BRITISH COLUMBIA – 2011
OSOYOOS – AN OASIS IN THE DESERT
Osoyoos makes an amazing getaway from a busy city life, all within a 4-hour mountain drive from Vancouver. A popular summer family destination for years, this small town in recent years has emerged as a major draw for wine lovers, golfers, cultural travelers, outdoor adventurers and skiers. You can enjoy a wide array of watersports, go fishing in nearby lakes, hike the hills, golf, enjoy many of the wonderful vineyards and so much more!
We stayed in the Safari Beach Resort which is just ideal for families providing a private sandy beach to relax on and for the kids to play. The Resort offers beautiful views of the spectacular Osoyoos Lake, vineyards and surrounding mountains. In the evening the owners start a fire on the beach for the kids offering marshmellows, story telling and a relaxed evening for the parents. The owners are truly wonderful and helpful in everything.
An amazing place to visit is Satary Stables which offers trail rides, a petting zoo, farm tours, an overnight sleep in a teepee, bed & breakfast, horse boarding, arena riding, birthday parties and so much more!! What an amazing place to visit if you have children or just want to go horseback riding and enjoy the beautiful views of the Valley & Anarchist Mountain. The owners are kind with beautiful hearts that love their animals and their land. This season was the first for a petting zoo at Satary Stables and Jack (a two week old and a very handsome donkey) is the newest addition to the family. The owners put all their attention on the children that come and visit the petting zoo and spend a lot of time showing them around and teaching as much as they can. While we toured the farm we couldn’t believe how much all the animals loved their owners. It is an awesome place to visit that offers so much for everyone.
