24 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Three Ways to Travel Without Traveling

What do you love most about travel? I love the feeling of freedom from my day-to-day routine, freedom from pressures, and mostly freedom from stress! Plus, the adventure of seeing new sights, meeting new people, and immersing myself in another culture.

So how do you get that without actually traveling? My favorite way is to read a great book. It can be an old favorite, or a new adventure, but it has to pull me right in and keep me there so snuggly that I can’t even think about anything else! My whole body says, “Aaahh.” Then I get excited about what’s going to happen next. The atmosphere and adventure of another time and place can work its magic to make me feel I’ve left my own home and flown off to some great new experience.

My most recent favorite book for that type of “travel without travel” is Adventures of a World-Traveling Scientist by Stanley Randolf. Imagine discovering secrets of unusual cultures, weird animal species, new perspectives (like “following your Soul Voice”), and scary moments just around the corner! From China to Rarotonga, I felt very-well-traveled, like an aristocrat from earlier lore.

Then there is foreign film with subtitles in your first language. You may find yourself thinking differently about life after watching something that takes place in another land. But I still prefer the books!

Another way to travel without traveling is through finding new cultures right at home! Or nearby, if you can get to a larger city. Most towns have at least one ethnic restaurant that will not only serve new-to-you food, but will delight you with a unique atmosphere or artwork and music, and possibly even entertainment native to the owner’s original culture.

Still, books are the best to me, because I don’t have to eat the unfamiliar cuisine if it sounds really awful, but I can pretend I’m still open to it. And with a good imagination, books can make you fly away to lands unknown with a joyful freedom of heart and soul!

Imagine yourself where you want to be. The beach in Hawaii? The Taj Majal? The Great Pyramids in Egypt? No matter where you long to go, if you read about it, you will have a greater feeling of being there than with video, though that may help. Simply think about not just how it would look to you, but how it would smell, sound, feel emotionally, and even feel physically when your feet hit the sand, or your hand touches a very old stone. It can become very real and truly turn into a “mini-vacation.”

Source by Debbie A. Johnson

24 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Shopping In Canada – Part 2

CONSUMER RIGHTS AND SERVICES

Smart shoppers always check a store’s refund policy before buying an item. Policies vary, some stores will refund money on unwanted items, others offer store vouchers, and many will not exchange or refund sale merchandise. Reputable stores will take back defective merchandise within 28 days as long as it is accompanied by the original bill. As credit card fraud increases, it is wise to be cautious about buying by telephone using cards.

COMPLETELY CANADIAN

Products made in Canada offer shoppers a wide variety of choice. Although most specialty items are on sale across the country, many goods are less expensive in their province of origin. Hand knitted sweaters and pottery are particularly good value in Atlantic Canada, as is the much-praised Seagull pewter made in Nova Scotia. The Prairie provinces and Alberta specialize in cowboy attire; tooled belts, vests, cowboy hats, and boots. Farther west, British Columbian artisans produce elaborate carvings, jewelry, from locally mined stone, is also reasonable here.

Local specialties from Quebec and Ontario include maple syrup and sugar-related products. Quebec artisans make beautiful wood carvings too. In Ontario, native basketwork is good as a lasting souvenir.

For those who need an extra suitcase to carry their finds home, the renowned Tilley travel cases and products are made and sold locally throughout Ontario. Native carvings can be found across Canada, especially in the far north. Genuine Inuit carvings are inspected and stamped by the federal government.

A sticker featuring an igloo marks a true piece; it will also be signed by the artist. Since the 1950s, the Inuit have been producing prints of traditional scenes, which are popular, as is native jewelry. Beautifully handmade parka jackets, embroidered panels, and soft deer hide moccasins make excellent gifts.

Contemporary Canadian art features highly in gift shops and galleries countrywide. Photographs and prints are recommended for the budget conscious shopper. Recordings of Canadian music are freely available: Europeans will be pleased to find that tapes and CDs are at least 50 percent cheaper in Canada. Modern sportswear and outerwear is both durable and beautifully designed. Camping, hiking, and boating equipment are fine buys, as is fishing tackle. With such a strong tradition of outdoor life, a wide range of products is usually available at well below European prices.

DEPARTMENT STORES

The bay is the major middle range department store chain across the country. Canadian department stores have suffered financially during the last years of the 20th century. They are changing to meet the competition of US chains, such as Wal-Mart and discount stores, and membership stores including Costco and Price Club. Chains such as Sears and Zeller’s occupy the middle to lower end of the market place. Canadian Tire sells everything from auto parts to sporting goods and has become a national institution.

MALLS AND SHOPPING CENTERS

Suburbia may not offer the most culture in Canada, but some of the malls are fine destinations in themselves. The renowned modernist Eaton Centre in Toronto is enclosed by a glass and steel arched roof, with a wonderful sculpted flock of geese soaring over shoppers. Over 42 million visitors annually enjoy this showcase of modern architecture, though it has been derided as “brutalism” by conservative Torontonians. Canada has the world’s largest mall, the West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alberta. Over 800 stores, more than 100 restaurants, 34 movie theaters, a huge water park, an amusement park, a theme hotel, a mini-golf course, an ice rink, and a zoo with dolphins are just some of the sights that draw Canadians and visitors alike to this retail paradise.

Exclusive stores are largely found in the country’s retail capital, Toronto. Bloor Street and Yorkville Avenue are lined with status brands known the world over, such as Tiffany, Holt Renfrew, Ralph Lauren, and Gucci. Both Vancouver and Montreal have their own selection of world-class luxury stores. Montreal is notable as the fur capital of the country; good department stores will stock a selection of winter and summer furs at very reasonable prices. For those unable to travel to the north, Inuit art features highly in craft shops here.

Source by Mamta Dhingra

23 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Famous Living Walls

Living walls are often used to enhance the appearance of a building and provide a dramatic facade. Here are a few examples of some famous green walls from around the world.

1. Van Gough Wall – The National Gallery – London

The National Gallery in London's Trafalgar Square delighted tourists in 2011 with a Van Gogh inspired green wall. 'A Wheatfield with Cypresses' was re-created with vertical planting. Excitingly, once the plants grew and became more established, the picture became more visible. The wall incorporated over 8000 plants and was located immediately outside the gallery itself. It took only three days to install, and remained in place throughout the summer months.

2. Musee du Quai Branly – Paris

Installed in 2005, this vertical garden wall covers 4 stories and 8600 square ft of wall, in fact, the entire north west wall. It's prominent location (on the banks of the Seine close to the Eiffel Tower), makes this example one of the most famous (and most photographed) living walls in the world.

3. Semiahmoo Library Green Wall – Vancouver

The Semiahmoo library in Vancouver, Canada, is the largest of its type in North America. It covers 3000 square feet and contains over 10,000 plants, including perennials, shrubs and even small trees. The design company aimed to encourage 'bees, butterflies and hummingbirds' to the area. The wall was installed in 2010 and continues to flourish and delight.

4. Caxia Forum – Madrid

Installed on the side of an old power station, the vertical garden wall of the Caxia Forum is four stories high and contains 15,000 plants. Now a modern art gallery and museum, the building contrasts the green of the wall with the rusted iron on the surrounding roof, to provide a dramatic landscape in this cultural Spanish hotspot.

5. Crystal Cruises Living Wall

Amazingly, living walls have now made their way onto the high seas, in the form of a green wall on board a cruise ship. The wall measures 37.7 ft by 7.9 ft with its design incorporating, quite fittingly, a map of the world.

6. Hampton Court Flower Show & Chelsea Flower Show

In recent years, green walls and vertical gardens have become a regular feature of the main horticultural shows, including Chelsea and Hampton Court. Many show gardens feature living walls heavily. As a rule, once they have appeared at Chelsea, it's only a matter of time before they start appearing in back gardens across the land.

Source by Armando Raish

23 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

5 Best Things To Do In Anchorage

Besides, there is no shortage of captivating, family-friendly attractions and notable dining spots either. Here, we have listed some of the finest Anchorage attractions for you to explore.

Anchorage is among the busiest air hubs in the state of Alaska. And thus, if you wish to bask in its cultural magnificence, and unparalleled outdoors but don’t want to end up broke, book flight tickets to Anchorage in advance as airlines increase airfares to Anchorage as the travel dates approach.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

This cultural center is a great place to learn and adore the native traditions and customs of the region’s outsized past and affluent present. The heritage center is mainly divided into three parts – a gallery that exhibits native artifacts, a performance and event hall that features cultural dances and other performances, and seven traditional dwellings that demonstrate culture and lifestyle of some of the native tribes.

Anchorage Zoo

A premier family-based attraction, the Anchorage zoo is known for its collection of native animals of the Northern Climate. Various zoo exhibits feature Polar Bear, Moose, Musk Oxen and other wildlife. Anchorage zoo is also praised for doing a commendable task of rescuing and sheltering injured animals and those who cannot live on their own.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail stretches for about 11 miles from near the Anchorage’s oldest house, the Oscar Anderson House to the Kincaid Park. The trail is scenic, and along with walking, it’s also popular among skiers and bikers. No matter how you cover this popular trail, the panoramic views of the city and mountains and wildlife viewing opportunities will spellbind you.

Chugach State Park

Sprawled in 700 square miles, Chugach State Park is among the largest state parks in the United States. The extensive park consists of snow-crowned mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers that enable visitors to indulge in great outdoors like camping, hiking, and skiing. Bears, wolves, moose and other wildlife can also be spotted during the excursion of this world-known park.

Anchorage Market & Festival

When Anchorage Market and Festival was first organized in 1992, it was no bigger than a regular weekly market anywhere else in the world. With just about two dozen vendors, the market was held on Saturdays only. Over the years, it has gained a lot of popularity. Now more than 300 vendors at downtown Anchorage offer a variety of products on Saturdays and Sundays. Spend at least a couple of hours here and browse through the hundreds of shops and stalls that sell clothes, artifacts, souvenirs and more. You can also enjoy a wide selection of local delicacies available at the food stalls at the market.

If you are in Anchorage with your family, some of these attractions and activities may cost you hundreds of dollars. You can plan your trip beforehand and book cheap flights to Anchorage to make your trip budget-friendly. Booking roundtrip flight tickets to Anchorage is a credible way of saving money on airfares.

Source by Robert Dev

23 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Explore Baltimore!

Watching the 2008 Olympics and seeing Michael Phelps take home a record 8 gold medals, probably made you wonder which great city was lucky enough to produce such an amazing sporting hero! Well the answer to your thoughts is Baltimore, hence his nickname "The Baltimore Bullet".

The independent city of Baltimore is the largest city in the American state of Maryland. It is regarded as a "city of neighborhoods" with over 300 identified districts in the area.

This vibrant city, located on an idyllic harbor, is continuously growing and expanding, with new attractions and activities emerging all the time. Built on tradition and civic pride, Baltimore maintains its maritime heritage, which is evident through the historical buildings that line the city's streets.

Baltimore is a fairly large city, so the best way to explore it is with a hire car. There are several locations within and around the city from which you can pick up your rental car, then it is up to you where and what you want to explore first.

To get you started, here are a few ideas of the best places to go:

1. Inner Harbor

Known as the "crown jewel" of Baltimore, the scenic and waterfront district of Inner Harbor is the must-see hot spot of the region. Home to dozens of retail stores, restaurants, cafes, bars and attractions, you are sure to be entertained from the moment you get here. The street entertainers will also help with this, with one around every corner.

Get on the harbor in a paddle boat or cruise boat and discover the cultural and festival atmosphere from a new and different perspective. The fun and festive atmosphere hangs in the area and will get you into the spirit of fun and celebration in no time at all!

2. National Aquarium: Baltimore

For your ultimate marine experience, a trip to the National Aquarium of Baltimore is in order. There isn't a great deal of parking here, but you will easily find a space to park your rental car, just down the road at one of the downtown garages. Once you enter the aquarium, the best way to go about the tour is start of small and work your way up.

Start by exploring the sample of marine life from the local waters and gradually make your way to the monsters of the deep, the sharks, rays and other large creatures.

Apart from the exquisite marine animals, you should also take some time to experience the other exhibitions that the aquarium prides itself on. Embark on the adventure of a lifetime in the new 4-D Immersion Theater, experience Australia's most unique at "Animal Planet Australia" and take some time out to watch the cute and clever dolphins at play.

Whichever tickles your fancy, you are sure to find it here!

3. Fell's Point

The historic waterfront community of Fell's Point is a long-time favorite for those young and young at heart. This heritage-rich area of ​​Baltimore is home to a quaint collection of stores and boutiques, offering an abundance of antiques and souvenirs.

There is also a charming collection of pubs, restaurants and nightclubs, which will help make your visit here a memorable one.

The attractions and activities that Fell's Point offers are almost endless. Be brave and take a ghost tour or visit the maritime museum to gain a clearer understanding of the city's history. A walking tour will broaden your understanding even further and taking a spin on a boat on the harbor will be a fun and exhilarating experience. Fell's Point is the ideal place to discover the days gone by of the amazing city of Baltimore.

4. Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry is a historic point of interest, most famously known for its role in the "Battle of Baltimore". This seemingly unbreakable fort was built by Frenchman, Jean Foncin and was hereafter named after James McHenry. This fort defended the Baltimore Harbor in times of war and stopped a British advance into the city. It remains a National Monument and Historic Shrine, open to the public all year round.

This is definitely one site that you should add to your Baltimore itinerary!

5. The Baltimore Heritage Walk

Discover four centuries of American history and take the Baltimore Heritage Walk. This 5 kilometer walking tour connects 20 historic sites and museums. It spans across four of Baltimore's neighborhoods, including Inner Harbor, Little Italy, Historic Jonestown and the city center. Highlights of the tour would have to the USS Constellation Museum, World Trade Center and the Civil War Museum. You may choose to take a guided tour or a self-guided walk.

Make sure you find good parking and your time limit is not restricted. This will give you the opportunity to explore the trail to its fullest and take in all that is has to offer!

The city of Baltimore is the highlight of the state of Maryland. Be sure to put it at the top of your list for your next driving holiday and you will not be sorry that you did!

Source by Chrissy Barton

22 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

What Is the Best Time to Visit Istanbul?

If you are planning to visit Turkey these summer vacations, then it will be one of the best trips of your life. The beautiful sights, interesting culture, shopping, fun, natural sunshine, luxurious hotels and perfect weather, Istanbul can give you what you want. Turkey being one of the most beautiful places in the world remains hot and cold throughout the year. If you want to enjoy Istanbul Private Tours, it is important to keep weather condition in mind.

When is the best time to book that trip to Istanbul?
• From October to March it is pretty cold, but that's nothing compared to eastern Turkey. Snow may fall from January to March, but actually never lasts long. People usually remain puzzled and ask Why to hire Istanbul Private Tours? These tours offer ample of benefits to the visitors such as luxurious stay, complete protection, guidance and a lot of enjoyment, fun, and entertainment during the trip.

• There are times when you can sit outside in shirt in December and the next day, the wind blowing may bring it down. So wear a coat, hat, and umbrella, because if it rains in this city, you believe that the world is running out. Temperature: 0 ° C to 14 ° C. Now you don't have to ask yourself Why to hire Istanbul Private Tours while hanging out as they offer deluxe services along with complete guidance and protection to foreign visitors.

• Autumn (September / October) is a splendid time in Istanbul. Not being too hot or too cold really is the best summer. But still, prepare for both: warm days and cold days; because autumn is also the time of surprises. Watch the fishermen on the Galata Bridge, make a boat trip and join all the happy people on the streets, terraces and cafes. Temperature: 15º C to 25º C.

• The rain in Istanbul may be short-lived and very ugly, depending on the season. If you're unlucky encounter heavy rains, take your time to look at the water floating through the streets, choking the sidewalks, the streets of the coast and some basements.

• Spring usually starts in May and attracts the first waves of tourists. Although you will not be able to – say -go to bathe the Princes' Islands, have all the advantages of summer – long days, warm nights, sitting on the outside, with wonderful views without the possibility of a downpour surprises you – and. No crazy heat Temperature: 12º C to 25º C.

• If it is summer in this city, you better leave. The combination of traffic, people, heat and you will have a mess. Please, please do not visit Istanbul in July or August, because you'll be jumping from one air conditioner to another.

• If you wish to travel to Turkey in the summer, adhere to traditional vacation cities such as Antalya, Side, Kemer, etc, where you can escape the heat by jumping into the pool. Leave Istanbul to the few people who did not have a chance to escape. Temperature: 25º C to 30º C.

Enjoy your trip!

Source by Garcia Robinson

22 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Banff – Lake Louise: Stunning Beauty and Nature At Its Best in the Canadian Rockies

For the first time ever, my husband and I are going to go skiing in the majestic Rocky Mountains: in March of 2006 we are going to go to stay a week in Banff, Alberta and we are also going to explore Lake Louise, the turquoise jewel of the Canadian Rockies. As we have never been to this region, I have started to do some research and contacted the official visitor information website for the communities of Banff and Lake Louise in Banff National Park.

I had a chance to speak with Quintin Winks, Manager of Media Relations for
Banff Lake Louise Tourism, who was able to provide me with excellent background information about the Banff / Lake Louise Region.

1. Please provide us with some general information about Banff / Lake Louise. Where is it located, what is the weather like?

Banff is located within Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies of Western Alberta. The town of Banff is famous for its spectacular setting, but it is more than just a pretty place. As Canada's first incorporated municipality in a national park, Banff is a very special community. It is environmentally-conscious, balanced, rich with character and culture and a friendly and open community. The elevation of Banff townsite is 1,383 m (4,537 feet), the highest town in Canada. The elevation of Lake Louise is 1,536 m (5,039 feet), the highest permanent settlement in Canada.

Summer (July – August):
The summer season usually has low humidity, warm temperatures and daylight hours lasting until 11:00 pm at the height of the summer equinox.

Autumn (Sept – Oct):
Fall sees diminishing daylight hours and warm days with cooling evening winds.

Winter (Nov – March):
Although it can and does snow at any time of the year, the first snows generally begin to fall in November. The average temperature during the winter months is around -12º C (6º F); However it is not unusual to have a two-week cold snap during December or January where temperatures plummet into the -30 degree C / F range. Fortunately Banff and areas west and south, regularly receive a welcome weather phenomenon called Chinooks, warm winds that produce spring-like temperatures in a matter of hours.

Spring (April – June):
Rain and warming temperatures begin to melt winter away from the valleys in April, however snow does not leave the mountain passes until mid-summer. While the average precipitation is relatively low during this time, snowmelt pushes the rivers to their crests.

2. How can one get to Banff / Lake Louise and what is the best way of getting around locally?

Located in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, the town of Banff is located inside the boundaries of Banff National Park. It is situated 128 kilometers (80 miles) west of Calgary, 401 kilometers (250 miles) southwest of Edmonton and 850 kilometers (530 miles) east of Vancouver. Commercial airlines service each of these three Canadian cities, and buses to Banff and Lake Louise run year round.

Banff is easily accessed by bus or car using the Trans-Canada Highway. Calgary to Banff driving time is about 2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Speed ​​limits inside the national park are 90km / hour.

The closest major airport is the Calgary International Airport. Scheduled van and motorcoach shuttle services connect Banff with Calgary Airport. Departures are limited (usually 3 or 4 per day).

3. What are some of the major sights in and around Banff / Lake Louise?

Banff is famous first and foremost for its spectacular natural scenery, but also for its museums, national historic sites and heritage buildings.

Architectural and heritage guidelines ensure the town retains its mountain culture and charm. Banff also has three historic sites (Cave & Basin, Banff Park Museum and Bankhead) and numerous heritage buildings, one of the best performing art schools in the country (The Banff Center), top-notch art galleries (The Walter Phillips Gallery and Canada House Gallery among others) and a world-renown museum specializing in the art and history of the Canadian Rockies (the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies).

Wildlife is also abundant within Banff National Park and many visitors return home with memorable photographs of species that make use of the park.

From bridge to biking, there is so much to do in the Banff area including airplane tours, barbecues, billiards, boat tours, bowling, dogsledding, downhill and cross-country skiing, fishing, golf, hiking, snowshoeing, nature tours, horseback riding , carriage and sleigh rides, mountaineering and climbing, hiking, hot springs and spas, museums and art galleries, gondolas, snocoach tours, sightseeing, whitewater rafting, kayaking and float trips.

4. Please tell us about the skiing opportunities in Banff / Lake Louise and other winter activities on offer in your area.

Three outstanding ski resorts, Ski Banff @ Norquay , Sunshine Village and Lake Louise provide more than 7,700 acres and 240 trails offering countless options to skiers and snowboarders of any ability. From wide-open bowls and tree-lined glades covered with fresh dry champagne powder, to meticulous groomed slopes and state-of-the-art snowmaking, visitors enjoy unspoiled scenery, short lift lines, and guaranteed friendly local hospitality. The last major snowstorm through this area was less than one week ago and the snow conditions are powder, powder, powder. More snow is forecast in the coming days.

There are over 80km of cross-country trails within a short drive of the Banff townsite alone. The vast network of track-set and untracked trails, and telemark slopes throughout Banff National Park calls nordic skiers of all abilities. The Banff National Park Service keeps up to date trail conditions and weather forecasts.

Banff also offers guided snow-shoeing tours, ice walks, dog sledding and ice climbing, not to mention heli-skiing.

5. What about activities during the summer time?

Ride through a pine forest hearing only hoof beats, zoom down waterslides, or come face to face with a grizzly bear while exploring an interpretive museum. Banff Lake Louise offers something for everyone.

Enjoy the spectacular views from the Brewster Gondola, explore the Columbia Icefield from aboard the enormous snocoach, rent a bike and ride around the park or get up early and enjoy a bird walk in the spring. There's also guided tours through Johnston Canyon, nature walks, a skateboard park and several fine patios for enjoying a cool refreshment after hours of exploration in the summer sun. That's just the tip of the iceberg.

6. Banff / Lake Louise's history is connected to the expansion of railways across Canada. Please give us a brief historical overview of the area.
1883

The railway passes through the Banff area and reaches Laggan Station (Lake Louise). Three railway workers, Frank McCabe, Tom McCardell, and William McCardell, stake claim to the natural hot springs on the side of Sulfur Mountain.

– 1884: Lord Steven, a former CPR director, christens the area "Banff" after his birthplace, Banffshire, Scotland.

– 1885: The federal government sets aside a 26 km² reserve surrounding the hot springs discovered two years earlier. Two years later, that area is increased to 670 sq. km. The Canadian Pacific Railway Company and the federal government cooperate in promoting the area as an international resort and spa as a way to support the new railway and ease the financial pressures on Confederation.

– 1888: The Canadian Pacific Railway Company builds the area's first large tourist accommodation, The Banff Springs Hotel.

– 1911: Automobile access to Banff is made possible by the construction of the Banff / Calgary Coach Road.

1917: The park's area is increased to 7 125 km². The Canadian government passes the first National Parks Act.

– 1930: Rocky Mountains Park is renamed Banff National Park and its size becomes fixed at 6641 km².

1933: The Banff Center for Continuing Education is founded.

– 1985: Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks along with four adjacent provincial parks are declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

– 1990: Through a joint agreement between the local citizens and the federal and provincial governments, the town of Banff becomes the only incorporated municipality within a Canadian national park.

7. Our readers would like to find out about the festivals and special events in Banff / Lake Louise.

Festivals and special events are many in Banff and Lake Louise. The most immediate two are Ice Magic and Winterfest. Ice Magic involves artists from all over the world converging on Lake Louise and carving 300 kilogram blocks of ice into spectacular sculptures (January 27-29). Winterfest is a series of fun activities. The most up-to-date information on all festivals and special events can be found at http://www.banfflakelouise.com/

8. What about restaurants and entertainment in Banff / Lake Louise?

With inventive panache, chefs relentlessly reach new culinary heights. Recipes change according to the seasons and make use of the freshest local ingredients. During the fall and winter, this means game, squash and legumes, while spring features asparagus and mushrooms and summer highlights edible flowers and fresh fruits.

The town has a wide variety of tourism-related businesses including over 118 restaurants with food to suit every palette. There's Indian cuisine, sushi, Korean, Chinese, Western, Pasta, Thai, Greek and just about every other variation.

Banff is also home to The Banff Center. This institution is host to many forms of entertainment, including art galleries and installations, theater productions and concerts ranging in variety from string quartets, blues, jazz, ethnic and rock 'n' roll. There is something happening virtually every week of the year. Banff also has a cinema, bowling lanes, water slides and indoor pool and billiards hall. There's an indoor rock-climbing wall, skating rink, tennis courts and myriad other things to do for entertainment regardless of the weather.

9. What are some of the shopping opportunities in Banff / Lake Louise?

Enjoy strolling alongside locals and world-travelers as you discover a cosmopolitan collection of galleries, boutiques and cafés. Shops range from internationally recognized clothiers or independently-owned establishments to Canada's oldest department store.

10. What type of accommodations options are available in Banff / Lake Louise?

From five-star elegance to the cozy comfort of cabins or chalets, Banff Lake Louise has more than 100 hotels, motels, condominiums resorts, lodges and bed & breakfasts that will make you feel at home whatever your tastes.

11. What are some of the major events and big news stories coming up in 2006 and beyond in Banff / Lake Louise?

Banff looks poised to host a skins golf game this summer that will attract some of the biggest names in golf.

Also big in the news is the commencement of Banff Refreshing, a sidewalk expansion program and greening that will make downtown Banff much more pedestrian friendly and reduce the amount of traffic using the downtown core.

The first phase of the Trans-Canada Highway twinning project will also swing into high gear this summer, making transit through Banff National Park faster and safer than ever. Of note with this project are state-of-the-art wildlife crossing structures to keep animals off the highway.

Passing of a recent lighting bylaw means that Banff's night sky will become more and more clear as time passes.

Thank you, Quintin, for your time to provide us with more information about the beautiful Banff / Lake Louise area. We look forward to exploring your area first-hand in March!

For further information about Banff / Lake Louise please contact:

Banff Lake Louise Tourism

PO Box 1298, Banff, Alberta, T1L 1B3, Canada

Phone: 403-762-8421 Fax: 403-762-8163

Email: info@banfflakelouise.com

Web: http://www.BanffLakeLouise.com

Source by Susanne Pacher

22 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Is Your City on the Bed Bug List?

Are you wondering if bed bugs are a real problem in the city you live in? There is, in fact, a list that shows where the biggest number of such incidents occur.

A leading report ranked the Top 10 Bed Bug Cities in a Global News report, a ranking of metro areas based on the number of treatments the pest control company performed.

The Top 10 cities are:

  1. Toronto
  2. Winnipeg
  3. Vancouver
  4. Ottawa
  5. St. John's
  6. Edmonton
  7. Halifax
  8. Sudbury
  9. Scarborough, Ont.
  10. Calgary

To protect your home and avoid becoming part of this growing statistic, here are tips to ensure your home does not require pest treatment.

A growing concern

Whereas 10 years ago bedbugs were almost unheard of, there is now a significant number of occurrences happening in all developed nations including Canada, the US and Europe.

These pests are starting to become a real challenge, and are not limited by geography. In the United States, both large and mid-sized cities are included in the top 50 list.

What this means is that no matter where you live, you are not exempt from needing to be on the watch for these pests. As any pest control professional in Canada can attest, incidents are now common.

Contrary to intuition, it's a myth that bed bugs are evidence of poor hygiene or cleanliness. No matter how clean the environment is, they can survive as long as their food source, your blood, is available. To illustrate how little the cleanliness of a home matters, these critters have been found everywhere from million-dollar homes to public housing.

These pests are also good travelers. They can latch onto luggage, purses and other items during travel. And they not only reside in bedrooms, as their name implies. Bed bugs have been found at movie theaters, in public transportation, offices and libraries.

Tips to detect bed bugs

It's important to be on the watch for signs of these pests. Spotting them early on can make it possible to avoid a larger infestation.

They can be difficult to spot because fully grown, they are only the size of an apple seed. Besides seeing the bugs themselves, it is also possible to note the small dark stains they leave on bedding and sheets.

One necessary action is to inspect your home regularly, especially around the bed. Decreasing clutter can help as it will give the bugs fewer places to hide and make it more likely that you will spot the signs of their presence.

A couple more tips: when washing your bedding, dry linens on high heat; Any time you bring new furniture into the home, make sure to inspect it thoroughly.

Another important time to be vigilant is when staying at hotels. Survey hotel rooms while traveling by examining the mattress, box spring and other furniture. Store your luggage away from the wall and examine your luggage while repacking. When arriving home after travels, place clothing in the dryer on the highest setting.

If you suspect an infestation, it's best to call a pest control company for bed bug removal, as soon as possible.

Source by Sameer Thawer

21 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Guide For Home Sellers

Real Estate Survival Guide for Sellers

What is your need to sell?

What are your goals for the next 5 to 10 years?

What are the pros and cons of selling your house? Make a list for both options.

Can you afford to sell and buy a home?

What is your home equity?

What is the housing market like? Research this.

Would remodeling your home make you stay in it?

Can you rent your home? For how much?

What are your selling expenses?

How much will it cost to get your home ready to sell? List the projects and contractor, building supply expenses in detail.

Can you adjust the projects so they are affordable?

Look to remodel with green products for top dollar.

Can you afford the 7 to 10% of the selling price will go to realtor fees, taxes and other costs:

Capital gains tax, mortgage penalties, new mortgage costs for new home.

Marketing, staging, moving, home inspector expenses

Increased cost of living in a new neighborhood

Getting ready for the selling process

How fast do you want to sell your home?

What are your homes strong selling points? Market these.

How much money do you want to make from the sale?

Find the best realtor match by asking friends and family. Interview at least 3 realtors.

What are the pros and cons of selling your house yourself

Learn how to sell the house yourself. Realize it might be best to hire an attorney or realtor when buying and / or selling a home.

For a faster home sale consider an auction

Would you consider a home swapping opportunity?

Can you sell your home during the spring and fall peak seasons?

If you do hire an agent or lawyer make sure you know the fees up front and what you are signing.

Setting a price for your home

Research the comparable homes in your area by the square footage, age, condition, lot size, number of beds and bathrooms of your home. You can easily do this online.

Check out the many online "Homes for Sale" sites to check out what the going price is in your neighborhood. The local and official MLS is a good place to start.

Ask for a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) report from your realtor

What is the new construction and foreclosures market in your neighborhood

What is the average cost per square foot in your neighborhood

It is a buyers or sellers' market?

Use the FMV to price your home. Consider pricing it low to encourage more interest from more parties.

Marketing and advertising your home for sale

List on the MSL, in local newspaper classifieds, real estate magazines, Craigslist.

Develop your own website for the house including many photos and a virtual tour showing each room in detail.

Buy "For Sale" signs

Send an email to family, friends, coworkers, agents and brokers.

Prepare and stage the home .

Stage the home yourself or have a professional do it.

Consider replacing outdated window treatments and lighting fixtures

Take a good look at the curb appeal, make repairs and paint the inside of the home neutral colors.

Clean up the clutter in your home

Consider having a yard sale.

Open houses and appointments

Be ready to show the home at any time, keep it neat and clean

Make sure the house is available when to realtors when you are not home

Schedule a major open house with food and refreshments for buyers and a separate one for realtors and brokers.

When the offers start coming in

When an offer comes in notice the proposed offer price, pre-approval letter, contingencies, earnest money amount, proposed closing date and offer expiry date.

Plan ahead to have multiple offers and what to do with this situation

When someone offers a low ball offer be ready for it and keep emotions in check

Make counte -roffers and negotiate

Realize each offer can be negotiated

If an offer comes in which is contingent on the buyers selling their home ask them to remove the sale of contingency.

If you can't comprise or budge with an offer consider options that won't cost you like offering to pay for some closing costs, etc.

Offer to leave appliances, lighting and window fixtures.

If the comps say so make a full price counter offer

Make sure and set a closing date for the house you are selling and a move in date for the one you are buying.

If a buyer is having trouble qualifying for a mortgage you might offer seller financing, mortgage assumption or lease to own or lease to own.

Escrow Time

If there are any repairs to be made before closing set all appointments for them and follow through

Clean and prepare the home for the appraisal and home inspections.

An escrow officer will need to be hired who can do a title search, record documents processes, prepare closing statements, order payoff records for your mortgage, prepare and record documents and hold and disburse funds.

Get ready for the final walk around and inspection.

Sign the final documents and move out

Make several copies of all documents for records, taxes, etc.

Source by Tom Morehouse

21 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Children And Rodent Poison

Using rodent, rat or mouse poison in your home is a very serious matter to consider, especially if you have children or pets. Each year over 10,000 kids are poisoned by rodenticides. Rodenticides, commonly known as rat or mouse poison, is meant to kill rodents. Some work with one dose while others take multiple doses to be effective.

Children, especially those under 6, can become poisoned unintentionally because they put just about everything they see in their mouths. Some formulations of rodent poison come in green pellet shapes or blocks that can resemble candy or food to a child. Also small children learn by putting things in their mouths. "Infants explore everything with their mouths," says Dr. Carla Fry, a registered psychologist in Vancouver. "Sucking and chewing on things is how they learn about their environment.". Having a two-year old I can attest to the truth in this. My wife and I are constantly telling her to take this or that out of her mouth.

Rodent poison comes in three main different types: 1. anticoagulants that cause the mouse or rat eating it to bleed to death. This works by blocking vitamin K in the animal ingesting it. Vitamin K enables coagulation of blood, without it you bleed out. This poison kills in one to two weeks and can work in one dose or may take multiple doses. 2. Zinc phosphide when ingested mixes with stomach acid and creates phosphine gas that kills rather quickly, 1-3 days. 3. Calciferols, better known as vitamin D. In small doses vitamin D is a good thing, in large overdoses of this vitamin it is lethal. It creates an over abundance of calcium in the blood stream that cause heart attacks and kidney failure.

In order for rodent poison to be most effective it is usually placed in open areas, like the floor where small children have easy access to it. While I'm on the subject of children eating rat poison I should also warn about pets also being susceptible to poisoning. Each year 1000s of pets die because of eating rodent poison or because of secondary poisoning.

I personally try my best not to use rat or mouse poison when treating a home that has children or pets in it. At the very least if I have to use a rodenticide, I'll place it in an inaccessible place like the attic.

First off if someone has a rodent problem in their home or business it's because the rats or mice are getting in from the outside. I mean mice just don't pop out of the thin air into your house. They are known to be able to get in through openings as small as a dime. The first course of action to solve your rodent problem should be to seal any access points they are getting in at and set traps. The last course of action should be to put down rat poison.

When combatting a mouse, rat, or rodent problem your best course of action is to have a local, reputable, licensed pest control company handle it. Especially if you have children.

Source by Jon Cook

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