03 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

2018 BC Health Care Awards Recipients Revealed

VANCOUVER – Recipients of the 12th annual BC Health Care Awards were announced today at a gala luncheon in Vancouver. Twelve Gold Apple and six Award of Merit recipients were honoured.

Presented by the Health Employers Association of British Columbia (HEABC), the awards recognize British Columbians who are providing outstanding care and support. Awards are given in 11 categories to projects improving delivery through innovative and collaborative approaches and to people making a positive impact and inspiring those around them.

“BC’s medical professionals – including support staff – genuinely care about delivering quality care to British Columbians,” said Michael McMillan, HEABC’s President and CEO. “The BCHC Awards are an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the individual and team contributions made by these individuals.”

New this year – Dianna Mah-Jones Award of Excellence in Person-Centred Care

Named in honour of Dianna Mah-Jones, this award is for a team or project that makes use of leading practices to improve care for patients, residents or clients by focusing on the needs of the person rather than the needs of the system or service. Dianna Mah-Jones, an occupational therapist at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, was tragically killed, along with her husband Richard Jones, just three months after being named Provincial HC Hero at the 2017 awards. Our hope is that this ward will help to keep her memory and legacy alive by recognizing others who strive to deliver care that is respectful of the needs, values and preferences of individuals.

2018 Gold Apple winners

Provincial HC Hero & HC Hero – Provincial Health Services Authority

Glenn Braithwaite – District Supervisor, Emergency Coordinator, BCEHS

Glenn Jay Braithwaite is a Paramedic and District Supervisor at BC Ambulance Service, recognized for providing exceptional emergency response and for his clinical leadership abilities. He’s received several professional accolades for his heroic actions, and his outstanding commitment to patients, colleagues and the broader community.

Provincial HC Hero & HC Hero – Island Health

Dr. Ramm Hering – Physician Lead, Primary Care Substance Use, Island Health

By passionately and effectively advocating for improved services for patients dealing with substance use and addiction, Dr. Hering has inspired his colleagues to work together to develop new programs and create an efficient, client-centred system of addiction services.

HC Hero – Affiliate

Dr. David Agulnik- Emergency Physician, St. Paul’s Hospital

HC Hero – Fraser Health

Mits Miyata – Pharmacy Manager, Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services

HC Hero – Interior Health

Lynda Martyn – Registered Speech-Language Pathologist, Coordinator Kelowna Cleft Lip/Palate Clinic

HC Hero – Northern Health

Debbie Strang – Health Services Administrator, Quesnel

HC Hero – Provincial Health Services Authority

Dr. Faisal Khosa – Associate Professor, Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital

Dianna Mah-Jones Award of Excellence in Person-Centred Care

International Seating Symposium – Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, Provincial Health Services Authority

The International Seating Symposium has created an international forum that fosters an exchange of ideas and a network of consumers, rehabilitation therapists, physicians, designers, and manufacturers of positioning and mobility equipment. This has inspired improvements in rehabilitation equipment and technology that have improved mobility, comfort and quality of life for people with disabilities.

Dianna Mah-Jones Award of Excellence in Person-Centred Care

Residential Care for Me: Megamorphosis – Seniors Care and Palliative Services, Providence

The goal of Residential Care for Me: Megamorphosis is to change the residential care culture from an institutional to a social model of care, and improve quality of life for residents by rapidly testing and implementing changes that focus on emotional connections, allow residents to direct each moment, and create the feeling of home.

Top Innovation

SNIFF: C. Difficile Canine Scent Detection Program – Vancouver Coastal Health

An innovative and dedicated team of people and a growing roster of pups known as the C. Difficile Scent Detection Program is pioneering a cost-effective method to improve and enhance C. Difficile surveillance and improve infection control and prevention practices.

Workplace Health Innovation

VGH Emergency Department Healthy Workplace Initiative – Vancouver Coastal Health

Vancouver General Hospital’s emergency department formed a multi-disciplinary team with the goal of working together to improve workplace health and safety, leading to an improved working climate where staff report feeling engaged and better able to provide the type of quality care that emergency patients deserve.

Collaborative Solutions

Improving Indigenous Cancer Journeys: A Road Map – BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, BC Cancer (Provincial Health Services Authority), First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC

The Indigenous Cancer Strategy is a collaborative strategy that will improve indigenous cancer outcomes by addressing all steps of the cancer journey, from prevention and treatment, through to survivorship and end-of-life care.

This year’s Awards of Merit recipients are:

Dianna Mah-Jones Award of Excellence in Person-Centred Care

• Resources and Needs Review – Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Island Health

Top Innovation

• Symphony QuickCall – Workforce Management Solutions, Provincial Health Services Authority

• Fall-unteers: A Volunteer-Based Falls Prevention Strategy in Residential Care – Holy Family Hospital Residential Care, Providence

Workplace Health Innovation

• Reducing Workplace Injuries through Leading Practices – Menno Place

Collaborative Solutions

• Regional Strategy for Reducing Ambulance Turnaround Times – BC Emergency Health Services, Provincial Health Services Authority, Fraser Health

• Vancouver Shared Care Team – Doctors of BC, Providence, Vancouver Coastal Health

Since the awards launched in 2007, more than 200 Gold Apples and Awards of Merit have been awarded to health employees who are improving BC’s healthcare system and patient care.

The 2018 BCHC Awards are generously supported by Great-West Life, Healthcare Benefit Trust, and Pacific Blue Cross.

Visit BCHealthCareAwards.ca,to learn more about the 2018 awards winners.

The Health Employers Association of British Columbia (HEABC) is the accredited bargaining agent for most publicly funded health employers in the province, representing denominational, proprietary and affiliate health employers, as well as the province’s six health authorities. HEABC coordinates the labour relations interests of 250 publicly funded healthcare employers and negotiates five major provincial agreements covering more than 120,000 unionized employees.

Media contact

Roy Thorpe-Dorward

HEABC Communications

604.767.2307 or Roy.Thorpe-Dorward@heabc.bc.ca

Source by Roy Thorpe Doward

02 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Banksy’s Influences – Who Inspired Banksy?

Banksy is a pseudo-name for a well-known British graffiti artist. He is believed to be born around 1974 in Yate, South Gloucestershire. He was first involved in graffiti during the great Bristol aerosol boom on the late 1980s. The style of his artwork is mostly satirical piece on topics such as culture, ethnic, and politics. Technique wise, the way he combines both stencil and graffiti is very similar to a French artist Blek Le Rat. His art that appear in cities around the world was first born out of Bristol underground scene involving musicians and artists. His prints are popular with celebrity and singer Christina Aguilera and actor Brad Pitt.

When it started, Blek Le Rat took inspiration from New York’s graffiti scenes. It is from this scene that he created his own style by continuously painting stenciled rats around the streets in Paris before going nationwide to Lyon, Marseille and Toulouse.

Banksy has also recognized Blek Le Rat influences in his artwork while also being a big fan of Blek’s work. In one of his quote, Banksy said “Every time I think I’ve painted something slightly original, I find out that Blek Le Rat has done it as well, only twenty years earlier.”

On the other hand, Prou admitted that he sees Banksy as a son of his movement in addition to crediting Blanksy for raising his profile while providing him with increased publication that resulted in increased commercial success. In his interview with Sunday Times, Prou said “I consider him like my descendant. He took some ideas. But he changed them. And he took the movement to a huge level all over the world.”

What other’s do not really know is that there is another person whom inspired Banksy to first take out his stencils and spray paints in the dead of night. Known as the Godfather of Street Art, Richard Hambleton made his first mark in the 1970s painting chalk outlines with red blood across North America cities. His most famous piece, the Shadowman and Marlboro Man collections are among some of his pieces that have the clearest links to Banksy.

He was born in Vancouer, Canada in june 1954. He earned his bachelor in 1975 from Emily Carr School of Art. Recognize as the Founder and Co-Director of “Pumps” Center for Alternative Art in Vancouver. He is now working and living in New York City. Richard Hambleton is the surviving member of group who, together among Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, had a great success coming out of New York City art scene during the 1980s. A lot of his work is similar to graffiti art, however, Hambleton considered his work as public art.

He is the person who influenced Xavier Prou (Blek Le Rat). When ask, Prou said that he really like Richard Hambleton. Richard was the first artist from NYC to export his work all over the world in the 80s. His work has been so widespread in Europe it could be found in London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, and many other cities.

Source by Mike Hackney

02 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Cities in Canada

Cities in Canada are some leading travel attraction. Such is the attraction of Canada that it has become an irresistible travel destination. Canada cities such as Toronto and Montreal are some major travel attraction for the reason that they are bejeweled during all festivals. In addition to travel attraction, cities in Canada offer excellent quality of life. Cultural activities happening in various cities of Canada are not only attractive but also give ample space for arts and aesthetics.

Travel attractions in Canada such as beaches and hill stations attract travelers from around the globe. Stanley Park on the other hand is spread in more than 1,000 acre in the city limits of Vancouver. Wild animals such as cedars, hemlocks, and many others are common spotting of the park. Some leading cities in Canada which get mention in travelogues are as follows:

Toronto
One of the leading city of Canada, Toronto is a center of commercial activities in Canada. Facing-off against New York State, far across the slate-gray waters of Lake Ontario, Toronto walks the line between American cultural osmosis and staunch northern independence. A large chunk of population in Toronto comprises of Indians who migrated to the city to earn their livelihood. The city is known for its multi-culturalism.

European, Latin American, Asian and Caribbean immigration makes the city a unique boiling pot of cultures and people. This is a literary, artistic, musical town and its Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) provides a cultural Indian summer.

Ottawa
The capital of Canada and a municipality within the Province of Ontario, Ottawa is a leading center of administration and political activities. Ottawa is located in the Ottawa Valley in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario. The city got its name from the same name which flows nearby. The historic city Ottawa has a number of museums which include Bytown Museum, Canada Agriculture Museum, Canada Aviation Museum, Canada Science and Technology Museum, Canadian Museum of Civilization, Canadian Museum of Nature, Canadian Ski Museum, Canadian War Museum and many others.

Vancouver
Named for British Captain George Vancouver, who explored the area in the 1790s, Vancouver is a leading industrial city of Canada. A coastal city located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver is ranked one of the most livable cities in the world. However, the city is considered an expensive one and has high cost of living. Forbes has ranked Vancouver as the tenth cleanest city in the world.

Victoria
The capital city of British Columbia, Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. There are three parts of Victoria; the Outer Harbor, used by deep sea ships, the Inner and Upper Harbors, used by coastal and industrial traffic. Victoria is known for various cultural extravaganzas including of film festivals and fine dine. Night clubs, theaters, restaurants and pubs are clustered in Victoria and offer extensive fun time to travelers. Canada Day fireworks displays, Symphony Splash, and other music fiesta are some popular events in Victoria.

Source by Nancy Pelosi

01 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

An Overview of Canada's Economy

Canada, the second largest country in the world, has a huge amount of natural resources and one of the best economies in the world. Constantly growing manufacturing, mining and service sectors has turned the Canadian nation from a rural economy to industrial and urban one.

Around 70% of Canadians are involved in the service industry which makes it the leading industry sector of Canadian economy. Oil and logging industries dominate in the primary sector because Canada has the second largest oil resource in the world after Saudi Arabia and the vast majority of the forests. Sub sectors of the forest industry are solid wood product manufacturing, pulp and paper product manufacturing, and forestry and logging. This sector employs more than 200,000 Canadians and brings more than $ 20 billion a year to the Canada's economy. Oil and gas sector attracts approximately $ 80 billion. Also, the automotive industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the country. Due to NAFTA agreement Canada is one of the largest exporters of automobile equipment and goods.

Canada is not accidentally in G8. Let's see a few more points of its economy.

World Trade Organization.

Canada is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since January 1, 1995 because international trade is one of the main parts of the Canadian economy. Canada's economic growth depends on the access to global markets for different goods and services. The USA, China, European Union and many other countries are trade partners of Canada but most products are exported to the USA, which makes it main trade partner of Canada.

Canadian GDP and NAFTA.

Both GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and GDP per Capita have been growing since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was signed by the governments of Canada, Mexico, and the United States creating a trade bloc in North America. The agreement was signed by leaders of mentioned countries, and took effect on January 1, 1994. Since that time the Canadian GDP has grown incredibly and continues to grow. In 2009 GDP went down because of the global crisis but in 2010 the drop was compensated and in 2011 and 2012 GDP has been constantly growing.

Banking system.

During the global financial crisis at the end of the last decade the Canada's banks were relatively stable. While US banks were collapsing Canada did not have any bank failures. Therefore its banks system was rated as the most sound in the world. There are six largest Canada's banks which are in the list of the best banks in the world: Royal Bank of Canada, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), TD Bank Financial Group, the bank of Nova Scotia, bank of Montreal and National Bank of Canada.

Public Debt.

Public debt of Canada is constantly growing. At the beginning of the previous decade it was roughly $ 500 billion and at the end of 2012 it was more than $ 600 billion which is around $ 17,000 per citizen. For comparison, every US citizen owes more than $ 52,000. Comparing to the USA Canada's public debt is much lower, but anyway it always grows.

Investors.

Investors play a very important role in the economic growth of any country. Therefore Canada has Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) with more than twenty countries: Russian Federation, Poland, Egypt, Thailand, Venezuela etc. Such agreement obligates both countries to respect foreign investors and investment. In addition, on September 9th 2012, Leaders of Canada and China signed FIPA. As Prime Minister Stephen Harper told a new trade agreement between Canada and China had the potential to create thousands of jobs and strengthen important trading ties between the two countries.

Canadian healthcare.

This field has a few problems. Firstly, it is a lack of physicians and nurses. Patients can wait for a visit of the doctor more than a month. This can cost somebody a life. The second problem is the cost of the medical care. Of course, all serious cases are covered by Medical insurance and generally health of Canadians is protected, but people can pay that Medical insurance organization more than 40% of their budget every month.

Unemployment Insurance.

It is important to highlight because during the global crisis which started at the end of 2007 a lot of people around the globe lost their jobs. 240,000 Canadian workers lost jobs during just the first two months of 2009.

Over the last 30 years employment insurance (EI) of Canada had several changes. Canadian government has made a few different cuts of EI since 1980s. Duration of benefits, amount of money paid and qualification periods have been cut during this period of time. In 2008 the government created several employment insurance pilot programs which influenced positively the Canadian economy and increased the citizen's income. Under such pilot program people can have part time job while they are on claim without a deduction from their benefits.

Canada Pension Plan.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is also a strong part of Canadian economy. Canada Pension Plan, CPP Investment Board, Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) are all programs to provide secure and wealthy lives for retired people.

In conclusion it is worth to say that globalization made all more connected and the growth of Canadian economy mostly depends on the growth or failure of its neighbor economy, the US, which currently has a recession. However, as the Prime Minister Stephen Harper told, once: Canada will emerge from the global recession before any other country and in a stronger economic position than ever. Actually, we can agree with him since Canada has the potential to do so.

Source by Andrew Yurievich Dar

19 Feb
Vancouver Tours Blog

The Regional Cuisines of Chinese Cooking (Part 2 of 4)

Szechuan: the western cuisine

Szechuan, the largest province in China, lies in a vast, densely populated, and fertile basin surrounded by mountains. Its principal connection eastwards is through the spectacular deep, narrow gorges cut by the Yangtze River. For centuries, due to its geography, the Yangtze River was the province's only means of communication with the outside world. Szechuan, in literal Chinese translation, means "Four Streams" and refers to the four main tributaries of the Yangtze River, which flows through the province.

With its sub-tropical, warm, and humid climate providing fertile soil, crops can be grown almost all year round, making Szechuan one of the most prosperous and economically self-sufficient regions of China. This area has been viewed by many as China in a microcosm and is often perceived as a country within a country. The Chinese call the Szechuan basin, "Tien Fu Chih Kuo", which literally means "Heaven on Earth."

Rice is grown in the summer, harvested in the late fall, and replaced by wheat to be harvested in the spring. Fruit, bamboo groves and vegetables grow in abundance, as well as edible mushrooms and fungi, such as wood ears and the silver fungi. Spices grow plentiful here too, particularly chilies and the famous Szechuan peppercorns.

Szechuan food is best known for being hot, and spicy. Chilies, which are indigenous to the region, are used in great quantities in dishes, and are the most striking feature of Szechuan cuisine. The use of chilies comes from a popular regional belief that eating spicy food induces profuse perspiration that keeps the body cool, which in turn helps expel the toxins in the body and keeps one healthy. Another is that the "heat" from chilies and spicy food stimulate one's palate to be able to indulge the different tantalizing flavors presented in Szechuan cuisine.

Spiciness is not the only distinguishing feature of Szechuan cuisine. It utilizes the different textures of wide varieties of ingredients to produce chewy and crunchy dishes. Pungent flavored vegetables such as onions, garlic, and green onions are used frequently. It also takes advantage of the aromatic, nutty flavor of cashews, walnuts, pine nuts, and sesame seeds by incorporating them into dishes. The peppers lend an immediate fiery, numbingly hot, sensation to the food. But once this initial phase passes, an array of flavor of sweet, sour, salty, and bitterness asserts itself. Sesame paste is often the principal ingredients in sauces, although the use of sauces in Szechuan cuisine is not common, as the many dishes are fried and tend to be drier. Szechuan is also known for its food preservation techniques, because the warm, humid climate makes it difficult to keep food fresh. Salting, drying, smoking and pickling are popular methods used by households.

A neighboring province of Yunnan, is worth mentioning here. It lies in the far southwest, a mountainous and secluded region, and served as a cultural bridge between China, India, and Burma. With it being geographically isolated from the rest of China, Yunnan developed over the years as a highly distinctive cuisine of its own. Its best known delicacy is the ham, which many consider the best in the world. It is also noted for its game, such as rabbit and venison, and it is the origin of exotic menu items such as bear's paws, snakes, snails, and slugs.

Next, in part 3 of the 4 part series, we will cover Shanghai (Chekiang-Kiangsu): the eastern cuisine.

Source by Helen Fan

19 Feb
Vancouver Tours Blog

Cruising Alaska Before Glaciers Are Gone and Prices Go Higher

Have you ever thought about a once in a lifetime cruise to Alaska? Did you know that an Alaskan itinerary is most often the itinerary that first time cruisers choose? 2010 may be the best time for you to do it take that Alaskan cruise. Due to a high head tax charged to the cruise lines per passenger, many cruise lines are pulling ships out of Alaska. The fewer ships that sail, the higher prices will go – don't wait until 2011!

Because 2010 itineraries and ship are already released, you have a great choice for cruising Alaska this year. Several cruise lines have already pulled ships out of the Alaska itinerary and several more will be taking even more ships out next year. You generally will not many sale prices on these cruises either, especially since there are fewer ships each year doing this itinerary

The Alaskan cruise season begins in May and ends in September. Best pricing is found in May and at the end of the cruise season. Pricing increases dramatically in July and August, because it is vacation time from school. The buggiest time to travel? July. (Just take bug spray!)

There are also two basic itineraries – the Inside Passage, which generally starts and returns in Seattle and a North / Southbound which travels between Vancouver and Anchorage (Whittier) or Seward. A Northbound itinerary from Vancouver to Anchorage is also usually less expensive than a Southbound starting in Anchorage but expensive is usually more expensive than round-trip air to / from Seattle. How to determine which one is for you?

If your primary interest is wildlife, a North / South bound cruise that you can add a few days onto to visit Denali National Park may be perfect for you to see wildlife other than whales and birds. Princess offers some of the best cruise tours add ons for this itinerary and own their own lodges at Denali Park. Most ships on this itinerary also visit Glacier Bay National Park. Since only two ships per day are allowed in Glacier Bay, you may not be able to visit this spectacular place on all cruises.

What ports will you stop at? Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway are the usual stops. Some ships go to Misty Fjords National Park (most inside passage cruises).

What is there to do in each of these ports?

Ketchikan : There are many tours that delve in Native American culture, such as Totem Poles, Lumberjack Villages and Native Villages. There is also a Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary, Jeep and Canoe Safaris, a Zip Line Excursion, Sportfishing and Dining and More.

Juneau : The Mendenhall Glacier is located here, so you will have many excursions taking that fantastic site in. There is also Gold Panning, another Zip line, a Dog Sled Camp, Whales and Rainforest Trails and more.

Seward : Here you will find a Sealife Center with Puffins, Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruises and Kayaking, more Dog Sled tours, River Kayaking and Kenai Fjords National Park Cruises.

Kodiak : There are plenty of wildlife tour options in this port.

If you can afford a balcony cabin, this is the cruise to get one. While cruising in the Glacier areas, you will be able to sit on your balcony and see the sights instead of having to leave your cabin to go to an upper deck to see the views with hundreds of other passengers. The time to book an Alaskan cruise for best stateroom availability is January and February. Don't wait, book today.

Source by Neil Maley

18 Feb
Vancouver Tours Blog

Scenic Drives of North America

My wife and I just returned from a vacation in the Canadian Rockies; in particular, Banff and Jasper National Parks, where they promote the Icefields Highway as one of the most spectacular drives in North America and the world. Their proclamation made me think of the best scenic drives that I have taken in North America.

Here is a description of five of my favorite scenic drives in North America, followed by a list of several others.

I invite you to send your thoughts and comments, whether you agree or disagree. If you have a favorite scenic drive that I did not mention, then I would love to hear about it. Here goes:

1) Big Sur, Highway 1

Many people consider the 100 mile drive through Big Sur the greatest drive in the world. The Big Sur road, too spectacular to be called a highway, is the crown jewel of the famed Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), many sections of which qualify for outstanding scenic status. Every mile allows you to experience the ocean crashing against the bottom of the cliffs a couple hundred feet below you or, on the other side of the road, the bright green fields of grass. If you cannot travel in both directions, then I recommend starting the drive from the north end; you will be next to the ocean for the entire drive. The northern end of Big Sur, between Carmel and Carmel Highlands and 2.5 hours south of San Francisco, has one of my two favorite traffic signs: it shows the snakey line, indicating curvy road ahead, with the text "Next 84 miles." The road passes Point Lobos (one of California's best state parks), Carmel Highlands, and soon crosses the Bixby Creek bridge, one of California's most photographed spots. Many people consider the view from Rocky Point restaurant, a little further south, as the greatest sunset in the world. In between here and Cambria, the southern end of Big Sur, you will pass Nepenthe (another world class viewing spot), Hearst Castle (the most expensive home in the US), and countless breathtaking photographic opportunities. The entire shoreline of Big Sur is a National Marine Sanctuary (sea otter refuge). The fog in the middle of the summer surprises most visitors. The temperature rarely rises above 70 degrees and most often is around 55. The best weather occurs between November and April, when you can see migrating whales from the road.

2. The Overseas (Florida Keys) Highway, US 1

This drive is outstanding if only for the fact that it extends 100 miles into the Florida Straits, between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The Keys Highway leaves the Florida peninsula just outside the Everglades, an hour south of Miami, and immediately takes you through the city and island of Key Largo. The road then continues 100 miles to the southernmost point in the continental United States, Key West, only 90 miles from Cuba. You seem to spend half the drive over water and half the drive on several small islands, with names such as Duck Key and Pine Key (or Big Pine Key and Little Pine Key). One of the highlights of the drive is crossing the seven mile bridge, featured in the movie "True Lies," and inevitably wondering if hurricanes can suddenly appear out of the blue (ocean) like their tornado cousins. Otherwise, the drive is so soothing and calming. Unlike Big Sur, you almost must drive this road in both directions, so you might as well take at least a week. Don't forget to try the conch fritters and key lime pie!

3) Tioga Road, highway 120

At 9,945 feet, Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park's eastern entrance, is California's highest automobile pass. You cannot enter this area of ​​the park during the winter and should be able to see snow in places during the middle of summer. This year, the campground at Tuolumne Meadows, less than 5 miles west of Tioga Pass, did not open until July or August due to extra winter snow. Tuolumne Meadows is a beautiful alpine wonderland with wildflowers during the spring and summer. Tioga Road passes Tenaya Lake and Yosemite Creek along the 40 mile drive into Yosemite Valley. By far, the most spectacular scenery, however, is between Tuolumne Meadows and highway 395, near Mono Lake.

4) Trail Ridge Road, highway 34

Trail Ridge Road offers a convenient way to experience Arctic tundra conditions without traveling to Northern Canada or upper Alaska. This road, in Rocky Mountains National Park, is above 11,000 feet for at least 10 miles, reaching a peak of 12,183 feet near the Alpine Visitor Center at Fall River Pass. The road crosses the Continental Divide four miles west of here at Milner Pass. I like to enter at the Fall River Ranger Station entrance, near Estes Park. Almost immediately, you will come to Sheep Lakes and, hopefully, see some bighorn sheep.

5) Teton Park Road, Grand Teton National Park, US 29

The Tetons are different from other mountain ranges, because they rise straight out of the ground and have no foothills to diminish the view. From the southern boundary of Yellowstone National Park, take US 29, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway into Grand Teton National Park. You will go past Jackson Lake and Colter Bay Visitor Center. Take Teton Park Road at Jackson Lake Junction. A special side trip is the turn off to Signal Mountain with a vast panorama of the entire park. The three tetons (Grand, Middle, and South) dominate the view as you drive south. In addition to the craggy, steep mountains, you may see moose, elk, coyotes, or deer.

Here are some lesser-known scenic drives that represent the beauty of North America:

Canada

Icefields Highway (Alberta)

North Vancouver to Whistler (British Columbia)

United States

Skyline Drive (nicer than the Blue Ridge Parkway)

highway 101 through Northern California and Southern Oregon

drive around Crater Lake, Oregon

Chain of Craters Road and Crater Rim Drive in Volcanoes NP, Hawaii

highway 462, Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Natzhez Trace trail (Columbus, TN to Natchez, MS)

Wolf Creek Pass, highway 160, Colorado (best continental divide crossing)

Durango to Silverton (Southwest Colorado)

Million Dollar Road outside Ouray, Colorado

drive around Lake Tahoe, California / Nevada border

US 1 along the Maine coast (and highway 3 into Acadia Nat'l Park)

Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts

Kancamagus Highway (highway 112), New Hampshire (Conway to Lincoln)

highway 82, J. Davis Memorial highway (Tifton, GA to Columbus, MS)

highway 191 around Moab, Utah and Arches National Park

Portuguese Bend, California

Interstate Highways (here are some particularly scenic portions):

I-10 west of New Orleans (through swampland)

I-15 Arizona (beautiful canyons)

I-24 Western Kentucky (beautiful landscape)

I-25 Cheyenne to Denver (incredible sunsets and scenery)

I-80 Truckee, CA to Reno, NV (Donner Pass)

I-84 Columbia Gorge, Oregon

I-90 Missoula to Billings (city dwellers should try this one)

I hope this inspires you to drive on some of the scenic roads and byways in North America on your next vacation.

Source by Charles McCool

18 Feb
Vancouver Tours Blog

Alaska Cruises With Celebrity Cruises

There is nothing more breathtaking than sitting on your balcony, traveling through glacier filled waters with snow topped mountains cascading throughout the landscape before you. Celebrity Cruises can offer you this and so much more should you choose to travel to Alaska with them. There are dozens of different itineraries to choose from, depending on where you would like to depart from and if you are looking for a simple cruise or a cruise tour that includes a little bit more.

With Celebrity Cruises, you have 5 ports of departure including Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver and Seward, Alaska. These ports of departure are pretty standard between all the cruise lines which send travellers to Alaska; it is your choice. Many people like to combine their departure city into their vacation and do a little land exploring before departing to sea.

You also have the choice of cruises lasting anywhere between 7 to 18 nights. This is important to weigh carefully. If you have never been on a cruise before, you may not be wise to spend 18 days on a ship if you are not 100% certain you will enjoy the experience. Start off slow in the case with 7 days to get your feet wet so to speak.

Yet another choice you are able to make with Celebrity Cruises on their Alaska cruises includes the ship you wish to travel on. They have three ships to choose from, each of which offers different levels of amenities and services to better accommodate your stay. The names of the ships currently operating in Alaska are Celebrity Mercury, Celebrity Infinity and Celebrity Millennium.

Lastly, you have the option to book what is known as a cruise tour with Celebrity Cruises. What this means is that you are not only booking the passage from your port of departure but you are also booking guided tours of Alaska for each of your daily port stops. If you are not interested in booking a package deal like this than you of course have the option to book on shore excursions with the local tourist companies. Popular Alaska cruise tour activities include guided tours through glacier fields, the Denali National Park, ice climbing, kayaking, bear watching, dog sled racing, helicopter flights over the glaciers and so much more.

An Alaska cruise with Celebrity Cruises is one of the most popular routes on offer today. More and more people of all ages are beginning to see what Alaska offers is so unique they want to experience it for themselves. On any one of their cruises you have the opportunity to visit Anchorage, the capital city of Alaska and so many other cities of importance as well.

No matter where you choose to depart from Celebrity Cruises offers top of the line amenities, extraordinary tours and itineraries. Get away from traveling from bus station to train and let Celebrity Cruises take you through Alaska in their luxurious ships. You will experience culture and history like you have never seen before. Alaska will leave a lasting impression on you and Celebrity Cruises is sure to be your cruise line of choice as you travel throughout other parts of the world.

Source by J. David Rogers

17 Feb
Vancouver Tours Blog

Eckhart Tolle and What Shaped Him

Eckhart Tolle was originally born Ulrich Leonard Tolle on February 16, 1948 in a small area near Dortland, Germany. He lived with his father in Spain from the age 13-19. During those years Tolle refused to go to school, complaining that the environment there was too "hostile". Instead he studied literature, astronomy, and languages ​​at home, on his own. When he was about fifteen, he studied seriously five books given him by a German mystic, Joseph Anton Schneiderfranken. He credits those with touching him deeply. Eventually, Tolle moved to the United Kingdom. He received a graduation diploma from the University of London and studied but did not complete his doctorate at the University of Cambridge. His studies focused on literature, languages, and this time, philosophy.

Long periods of suicidal depression plagued Eckhart Tolle until, at about age 29, he experienced an inner transformation. He would spend the next ten years trying to formulate a philosophy around his experience. Tolle has credited the New Testament, the Bhagavad Gita, the Tao Te Ching, and the Teachings of Buddha with helping him become enlightened. His conclusion is that most religions have become so complicated they are more divisive than unifying.

In 1995, Eckhart Tolle moved to Vancouver, Canada, where he has remained. He travels extensively, giving retreats and seminars as well as lectures. He has conducted at least one retreat at Findhorn in Scotland. In 2005, he wrote and published The Power of Now. Unsure of its potential popularity, he had only 3000 copies printed which he hand-distributed to stores in Vancouver. By 2009 his book had been on the New York Times Best Sellers list for 62 weeks. Since then he has written further books explaining his philosophy. He has also founded Eckhart Teachings, a company that handles his products, including CD's, DVD's and picture books for children as well as adults. He has more recently started an Internet site with monthly meditation groups.

Eckhart Tolle believes he has the solution to curb the violent tendencies that plague our world. He teaches that if we can move away from the tyranny of the ego and mind's control of our consciousness, we can be free to live in the present and enjoy our lives and each other to the fullest extent. He has a growing following, included the very influential Oprah Winfrey. It remains to be seen if his eclectic world philosophy will have a lasting influence on the planet about which he cares.

Source by Jenn Lawlor

17 Feb
Vancouver Tours Blog

Eckhart Tolle and What Shaped Him

Eckhart Tolle was originally born Ulrich Leonard Tolle on February 16, 1948 in a small area near Dortland, Germany. He lived with his father in Spain from the age 13-19. During those years Tolle refused to go to school, complaining that the environment there was too "hostile". Instead he studied literature, astronomy, and languages ​​at home, on his own. When he was about fifteen, he studied seriously five books given him by a German mystic, Joseph Anton Schneiderfranken. He credits those with touching him deeply. Eventually, Tolle moved to the United Kingdom. He received a graduation diploma from the University of London and studied but did not complete his doctorate at the University of Cambridge. His studies focused on literature, languages, and this time, philosophy.

Long periods of suicidal depression plagued Eckhart Tolle until, at about age 29, he experienced an inner transformation. He would spend the next ten years trying to formulate a philosophy around his experience. Tolle has credited the New Testament, the Bhagavad Gita, the Tao Te Ching, and the Teachings of Buddha with helping him become enlightened. His conclusion is that most religions have become so complicated they are more divisive than unifying.

In 1995, Eckhart Tolle moved to Vancouver, Canada, where he has remained. He travels extensively, giving retreats and seminars as well as lectures. He has conducted at least one retreat at Findhorn in Scotland. In 2005, he wrote and published The Power of Now. Unsure of its potential popularity, he had only 3000 copies printed which he hand-distributed to stores in Vancouver. By 2009 his book had been on the New York Times Best Sellers list for 62 weeks. Since then he has written further books explaining his philosophy. He has also founded Eckhart Teachings, a company that handles his products, including CD's, DVD's and picture books for children as well as adults. He has more recently started an Internet site with monthly meditation groups.

Eckhart Tolle believes he has the solution to curb the violent tendencies that plague our world. He teaches that if we can move away from the tyranny of the ego and mind's control of our consciousness, we can be free to live in the present and enjoy our lives and each other to the fullest extent. He has a growing following, included the very influential Oprah Winfrey. It remains to be seen if his eclectic world philosophy will have a lasting influence on the planet about which he cares.

Source by Jenn Lawlor

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