As the seasons pass, so does control of them. In this case, we're talking about The Four Seasons hotel chain. Bill Gates (you, um, know him from Windows and stuff) will take control of the Four Seasons hotel chain after his investment firm agreed to acquire a stake from Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s Kingdom…
Those of us who live up here in the Pacific Northwest of North America are very lucky, in many ways. The weather, the diversity (especially of our residents) and the history that is constantly being discovered and enjoyed. As with many other countries, Canada has a population that can be considered as First Nation. In…
As if the relationship between Canada and the USA isn't convoluted enough, did you know that 50% of all Canadian citizens live south of essentially the 45th Parallel. Canada is one of the largest countries by land in the world, but its population of only 38 million is about ten times less than the United…
In 1986, Vancouver hosted the World's Fair. An event like that is a big deal not only for the hosting city, but also for the brands that sponsor and appear in the fair. McDonald's was no exception: behold the McBarge. The 57-metre, two-storey glass-and-metal barge was used as a floating McDonald’s restaurant during the world’s…
We're not sure if Sylvia Plath ever stayed at Sylvia's Restaurant and Lounge in Vancouver, but we're sure she would have felt at home. The Sylvia Hotel is a designated heritage building - there aren't too many of those in Vancouver - ideally located on English Bay, beside Stanley Park and just 5 minutes from…
We jest . . . but only somewhat. Is this a castle? Perhaps not. Is it a jail? It once was.
Now known as the Royal Crown Castle Bar and Grill, it's a rather nice pub in New Westminster on the outskirts of Vancouver, Canada. With inspiring views over the Fraser River, a delightful staff, good…
The Pacific Northwest in the United States is rather beautiful, especially if you don't have a problem with rain. It rains a lot here. Spring, summer and parts of autumn are lovely, as well, but rain is a defining term for this part of the world. And, as we know, rain fills the land and…
All apologies to Ella Fitzgerald. England is surrounded by water. And, as you might imagine, there are rivers and streams that course through the country. Some are tiny and some are navigable. Even better, some are big enough to accommodate boats. And even better than that, some of these boats have beds and kitchens and…
Un poco loco = a little crazy Covid-19 Are you tired of sitting around the house, but am not sure when or if you can travel? One option, of course, is just to bite your tongue, suck it up, etc. Vancouver? Toronto? New York? Another idea - sensible and not expensive - is to treat…
How would you like to wing across the entire country of Canada in eight minutes? Eight minutes, you ask? Yes, it's true and doesn't require supersonic aircraft. Sounds great, doesn't it? And you can also do the same in Las Vegas and Reykjavik, Iceland. But, how can this be you might ask? A 52-foot spherical…
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Our town, Vancouver, has many things: many shops, many sights, many people and . . . many restaurants, some of which come and go. But, one mainstay - and for good reason - is The Templeton. Situated on Vancouver's slightly crazy Granville Street, The Templeton diner has been here for decades, serving absolutely delicious diner…
Spring, winter, summer or fall, British Columbia, Canada, is always a relaxing and sometimes awe-inspiring destination. From the mountains to the oceans to the cities, BC will keep you busy with things to do. While you're there, try the Josie Hotel in Rossland. Located slopeside at RED Mountain Resort, The Josie Hotel unearths Rossland ’s…
Granville Island is a de rigueur activity when you visit Vancouver. There are dozens of boutique shops, selling things like bespoke art, vodka and ... brooms.
The main draw - and in many ways you will draw deep breaths - is the Market. There are dozens of food stalls, but the main attraction is the…
Our home town, Vancouver, in addition to being one of the most livable cities in the world, also has some rather fabulous places to stay if you're just visiting. Executive Hotels and Resorts are based here and have some delectable properties for your choosing. Whether zipping through the mountains of Squamish and Whistler, prowling through…
G Adventures, based here in Vancouver, Canada has a long history of showing intrepid, curious travelers the world, but with a conscience. This is something that we all need. Learn more. Here is their story.... Changing the world through travel: that’s been our goal since 1990. Sure, call us dreamers (wouldn’t be the first time),…
Matouring is very happy to partner with G Adventures. Not only are they a well-established adventure travel company, but they also happen to be in our backyard here in Vancouver, Canada. A little about them.... "We’ve been the leaders in small group adventure travel for 30 years. How’d we get here? By redefining the way…
Evan Burgess passed away on October 17, 2018. Born with a congenital heart defect, doctors didn’t expect him to live past the age of two. With the able assistance of Royal Brompton in the UK and Vancouver General Hospital in Vancouver, Evan lived to age 24, enjoying every minute of his life: one would never know that…
Looking for a new place to live? Interested in tolerance, low crime and healthcare for all? Then Canada may be the place for you. For info, Canada is a country in the northern part of North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic…
In Bali beauty and blessings are an industry. Hotels advertise “meditation area” on road signs, shoppers visit Reborn Gifts, graffiti is simply “KARMA” spray-painted in capitals. Its allure is obvious and since 2006’s book Eat, Pray Love, the island’s come under increasing pressure from tourism: international visitors rose from 4.8 million in 2006 to 6.5…