CLOSET CANUCK

Opus Montreal : Ooh la la!

2007-09-12T05:11:00.001-07:00

I'm off to Montreal next week and so looking forward to spending one of the five nights at the new Opus Montreal.

Formerly the Hotel Godin, one of Montreal's premier boutique hotels, it has been purchased by Trilogy Properties Corp. They're the folks who own the highly acclaimed Opus Hotel in Vancouver, along with Adara Whistler Hotel.

The 1914 Art Nouveau style hotel features the Opus Bar, a stylish lounge serving up cool cocktails and tasty tapas, with live music from the city's best DJ's. A restaurant is scheduled to open in 2008.

Opus Montreal blends modern design with a nod to history. With 136 guestrooms done up in sleek minimalist style, there is no shortage of luxurious comfort.

Amenities include French or English morning newspapers, Frette' bathrobes, l'Occitane bath products and twice daily maid service.

Located on the corner of Sherbrooke and St. Laurent, the hotel is steps from the entertainment district and minutes from Vieux Montreal and Le Plateau Mont-Royal.

To celebrate the opening, book online through the hotel's website and you'll receive a ten percent discount plus complimentary parking.

Early morning at the Bonsecours Market. Photo by Sue Frause.

Canadian Country Music Awards

2007-09-11T08:28:00.001-07:00

I tuned into the CBC last night to watch the Canadian Country Music Awards hosted by Paul Brandt.

Held at Brandt Centre (no relation to Paul) in Regina, Saskatchewan, the big winner of the evening was Emerson Drive.

The group snagged three awards, including Single of the Year for Moments.

It's the first single by a Canadian band to hit No. 1 on the Billboard country chart.

Other winners were Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Female Artist of the Year and Brad Johner, Male Artist of the Year.

The most unusual award was the Kraft Cheez Whiz Fans Choice Award that went to Terri Clark.

She's received it seven times in 11 years.

Hotel Saskatchewan no doubt played host to country music stars attending the awards ceremonies in Regina. Photo by Sue Frause.

Vancouver's COAST Restaurant goes Indian

2007-09-10T06:15:00.001-07:00

Yaletown's COAST Restaurant is featuring authentic Indian cuisine September 12-23.

"At COAST, we love to expose our guests to exotic tastes from around the world," says Executive Chef Jeremy Atkins. "With Indian cuisine, you have the freedom to experiment with different spices and flavor combinations to really create that wow factor for guests."

Here are some of the menu items. Pair with a local BC wine and you'll be transported to an exotic place and taste.

Indian Ocean Tiger Prawns with green curry, slivered mango and chilled panna
Black Widow Gewurztraminer 2006, Naramata Bench

Fire-Grilled Jack Fish & Summer Vegetable Kabobs with cumin scented basmati rice and roasted cashew butter
Winchester Cellars Sharp Rock Chardonnay 2005, Victoria

Chai Kheer Rice Pudding with chilled coconut sabayon
Mission Hill Late Harvest Riesling 2005, Okanagan Valley

COAST Restaurant is located at 1257 Hamilton Street in Yaletown. Call 604.685.5010 for reservations.

Granville Island Hotel sunrise. Sue Frause photo.

Whistler website has snow scoops

2007-09-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

Whistler Blackcomb has a new website with information about the athletes, their secret spots, adventure and travel.

Untrackedlines.com includes athlete blogs, photos and movie teasers. You'l also find out what's happening in and around Whistler and the ski and snowboard world.

Athletes include Sarah Burke, Leanne Pelosi, Priscilla Leevac, Mark Abma, Justin Lamorureux, Ian McIntosh, Den Treadway and Mikey Rencz.

As the snow season ramps up, they'll be posting updates and photos of their best "pow" day, best Sushi Village moment, best wipe out, best friends and other tales from the cold terrain.

A contest is also part of the website. Three Sticks of Bacon and a Helicopter could result in a great trip for two to Whistler.

The grand prize includes round-trip airfare to Whistler from anywhere in North America; Star Limo transfers; Whistler Blackcomb lift tickets; a day of heli skiing or riding with Whistler Hili-Skiing; accommodation at the Holiday Inn and more.

Travel journalists and members of Tourism Whistler pose with Ullr, the Norse God of Snow. That's me in the green.

Race Rocks Lighthouse

2007-09-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

Race Rocks Lighthouse is located on the southernmost point of Vancouver Island. Photo by Sue Frause.

A yummy cookbook, indeed!

2007-09-08T14:42:00.001-07:00

That's my friend Sylvia.

She owns Fairholme Manor in Victoria, BC and wrote a cookbook.

That's why she's on the cover and I'm not.

OK, I did edit the cookbook, which is the most appetizing array of yummy recipes for breakfasts and brunches, accompanied by fabulous photos.

A lot of people asked me if editing the cookbook meant I had to make all the recipes.

Nope.

I merely played with the words to make sure it all made sense. I also wrote all the copy for the jacket and the foreword to the book that begins

As a travel writer, I sleep around a lot.

It was a fun gig!

You can order the book from Fairholme Manor's website, or if you're in western Canada it's available in many kitchen shops and bookstores.

On Whidbey Island, stop by Moonraker Books in Langley.

It makes the perfect hostess gift!

Canada and our changing climate

2007-09-08T10:14:00.001-07:00

Canada took a stand on the climate at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Sydney, Australia.

Read more about their pledge to stop human activity from causing dangerous changes in the climate in The Montreal Gazette.

Ottawa Parliament Building. Photo by Sue Frause.

Falling for Whistler is easy to do

2007-09-07T08:50:00.002-07:00

I love Whistler in the fall.

And now until October 31, BC's premier mountain resort is offering a Fall Dine & Unwind program featuring regional cuisine and prix-fixe menus at participating restaurants.

Afterwards, rejuvenate with specials on spa and wellness treatments, such as the divine Royal Balinese Treament at the Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa. The two hours of bliss is reduced from $290 to $189.

The Whistler Farmers' Market is open Sundays through Oct. 7 for local produce, jams, honey, baked goods and arts and crafts.

Save up to 25 per cent on multi-day, multi-course golf vacation packages and the Whistler Mountain Biking package.

Hiking Whistler Mountain is free!

Go mid-week and avoid the border back-up. And book online, it's easy.

A view from Fairmont Chateau Whistler, which has packages starting at $139. Photo by Sue Frause.

Ending up in the wrong place. Uff da!

2007-09-05T07:02:00.002-07:00

A friend in Montreal sent me this funny news item about lost Norwegians. Knowing that I'm a card carrying member of the Daughters of Norway, he didn't want me to be led astray next time I go abroad.

RODEZ, France, Sept 5, 2007 (AFP) - A spelling mistake on the Internet led to a surprise trip to remote southern France for three Norwegian tourists who thought they were going to a Greek island, airport officials said Wednesday.

The family group from Torp-Sandefjord thought they had booked a flight to the island of Rhodes but instead the journey from Oslo took them via London to Rodez, capital of the mountainous Aveyron department.

According to airport authorities at Rodez some 10 tourists make the same mistake every year.

Photo courtesy Hotel du Lion d'Or.

Take the train to avoid border waits

2007-09-04T12:03:00.002-07:00

The headline in today's Seattle P-I doesn't bode well for travelers to and from Canada:

Wait at Canadian border going from bad to brutal

It sounds like it's going to be bad news for a couple of years.

Being a big BC fan, I'm not going to let a little traffic congestion keep me at home.

As always, I love taking the train to Vancouver, BC. And whether you live in Seattle, Edmonds, Everett, Mount Vernon or Bellingham -- traveling on Amtrak is a good alternative.

The downside between now and the end of the year is that the Talgo train is still in the repair shop.

What does that mean?

It's the old Superliner equipment and certain services and amenities have been added or changed.

Current Services and Amenities

* The Superliner Coach features upper and lower level seating.
* The Sightseer Lounge offers casual seating for sightseeing and socializing along with light meals, snacks and beverages for purchase.

Services Temporarily Suspended

* Sit-down dining car meal service
* Business Class
* On-board movies

The best part about going Business Class is getting off at the station in Vancouver, BC first -- meaning you go through Customs and Immigration first.

That doesn't happen on the Superliner so the wait will be longer depending when you are allowed to get off the train.

Make reservations in advance by booking online or calling Amtrak. I blew it the last time I was traveling between Canada and the US.

I waited too long to book the train back to Seattle from Vancouver. When I called, it was sold out and I had to take the bus home.

Not a good thing.

Amtrak arrives at Bellingham. Sue Frause photo.

Moving Beyond - Vancouver textile show

2007-09-03T09:43:00.002-07:00

Vancouver, BC's Surface Design Association presents its first juried exhibition, Moving Beyond.

The show runs Sept. 6-27, 2007.

Venues include five locations in Gastown and Granville Island: Urbanity, Button Button, SAWA Tea & Craft, Textile Content Studio and Mooncruise.

The exhibition showcases diverse, original and innovative textile art by BC members of the SDA.

Participating in the exhibition are Angelika Werth, Anne Marie Andrishak, Brigitte Rice, Cher Cartwright, Hanna Haapasalo, Jane Kenyon, Jennifer Love, Julia Manitius, Kaija Rautiainen, Kate Barber, Kristin Rohr, Melissa Bienvenue Woods and Yvonne Wakabayashi.

A roving reception will be held Friday, Sept. 6, from 6-9 PM at the five venues.

The #50 False Creek bus runs frequently between Gastown and Granville Island.

GST refunds eliminated in Canada

2007-08-28T14:46:00.001-07:00

Somehow, I missed the fact that refunds for Canada's GST or value-added tax that applied to a majority of goods and services was eliminated on April 1, 2007.

The Visitor Rebate Program provided GST relief for goods exported from Canada by non-residents, short-term accommodation (hotels) and certain tour packages for visitors. Some property and services taxes used in the convention arena were also eliminated.

It all has to do with the Canadian government's package of "specific spending restraint measures" announced on September 25, 2006.

In this statement from the Tourism Industry Association of Canada released on Oct. 18, 2006 it's clear that TIAC is not happy about the cost-cutting decisions:

Eliminating the GST/HST Visitor Rebate Program will put Canadian jobs, economic growth and tax revenues at risk. That's the message the federal government got today from the VRP (Visitor Rebate Program) Coalition, a broad-based business group formed to fight the planned measure, announced last month as part of a wide-ranging series of spending cuts.

"Canada's competitiveness as a tourism destination is at stake," said Randy Williams, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), which is leading the multi-stakeholder initiative. "While other countries are going out of their way to attract visitors, Canada is essentially rolling up the welcome mat. All of our major competitors have visitor rebate programs and a number of them have, in fact, been expanding those programs and making them easier to access."

Visitors will no longer receive a six percent savings on goods and accommodations in BC and other provicnes. That loss, along with the US and Canadian dollars almost being at par, could play a factor in the ongoing decline of Americans crossing the border into Canada.

The press release concluded with these final thoughts:

The industry is already struggling with a substantial decline in visitation from the United States, Canada's primary international tourism market, which was 28% lower in 2005 than in 2000. Factors include a stronger Canadian dollar, rising fuel prices, an underfunded national tourism marketing effort, and confusion about border documentation requirements under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Now, by canceling the GST/HST exemption for convention, group and tour business, the government is effectively revoking tourism's status as an export industry.

"The Canadian tourism industry is working hard to reposition itself in a market that has changed radically in recent years," said Mr. Williams. "Canceling the Visitor Rebate Program is an additional blow that could prevent it from doing that. The federal government is kicking the industry while it's down."

What a shame.

With the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games only a few years away, the Canadian suits need to rethink this action.

And soon.

The Vancouver skyline overlooking Coal Harbour from Stanley Park's Seawall Park. Photo by Sue Frause.

USA Today lists top travel changes

2007-08-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

Used to be I read USA Today only when I was on the road.

These days, I subscribe to their daily e-travel alerts, which land in my mail box and are generally a fun, newsy read.

Today's alert is titled:

Top 25 Changes in the way we travel

No surprise that the number one big change is online booking.

The rest of the list of innovations and annoyances includes everything from TSA airport security and e-tickets to flying beds and the end of supersonic travel.

Planning a trip to NYC. Photo by Sue Frause.

Discover Victoria's Chinatown on foot

2007-08-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite ways to see a city is by going on a walking tour.

But the tours are only as good as the guides, and John Adams of Discover the Past in Victoria is one of the best.

The historian knows his stuff, but also presents it in an entertaining and engaging way.

His walking tour menu includes ghostly walks, neighbourhood walks and Chinatown.

I went on the 90-minute Chinatown tour and learned a lot about this provincial capital.

Did you know that Victoria's Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in Canada?

And if you do take the tour, make sure you save time to have lunch at one of the restaurants in Chinatown.

John will steer you in the right direction.

John Adams gives walking tours of Chinatown.
Photo by Sue Frause.

Up, up and away and other fears

2007-08-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

I went on my first hot air balloon ride four years ago while visiting Sonoma Valley, California.

I was admittedly nervous about it.

The only other time I went ballooning was in the Seattle area for our anniversary. I was relieved when it was canceled due to bad weather.

So how did I fare during my Sonoma balloon debut?

"Are you OK?" asked the Aerostat pilot, Dave Kinsella.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said unconvincingly.

"If you want to change places with somebody, go ahead," he said.

I gingerly switched positions with another one of the 16 balloon riders on board, putting me closer to the pilot and farther away from the outer edge of the mammoth basket we were riding in.

So when I read in today's papers that two people died in a hot air balloon crash, I wondered if that would prevent me from going up, up and away again.

Right now, I'm not sure.

But I hope not.

I still recall the acres of vineyards awash in autumnal colors that spread out below us like a carpet.

Three other balloons dotted the pale blue sky as the cars and houses and people grew smaller below.

It was magical.

A hot air balloon in Sonoma. Sue Frause photo.

Praise the Lord and shoot the sign

2007-08-24T17:23:00.000-07:00

I take pictures of fun/funny signs when I'm on the road.

There they are, in a neat little file in my iPhoto program on my iMac.

Some of the best ones are church signs.

A friend sent me this link to a website that has some real choice ones.

The next time you're on the road and see a good sign, shoot it.

With your camera.

Check the pastors' names! Sue Frause photo.

Crossing the border can be a nightmare

2007-08-23T10:56:00.001-07:00

Something better be done at the US-Canadian border between Washington and British Columbia before the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

Even though the requirement of having a passport has been delayed by the U.S. House of Representatives until June 2009 at the earliest, they need to ramp up the process of getting people across the border in a timely fashion.

I had a pretty hellish experience traveling from Vancouver to Seattle recently.

Usually, I take Amtrak between Vancouver and Everett, Washington. But on this particular occasion, the train was sold out.

Note: Amtrak has two trains a day between Seattle and Vancouver. It leaves Seattle at 7:40 AM and Vancouver, BC at 6 PM.

My only options were to fly to Seattle for around $250 one way -- or take the bus.

Long story short: I got on the inappropriately named Quick Shuttle in Vancouver at 8 AM. I was in downtown Seattle at 2:45 PM.

That's almost seven hours!

My journey began at the main train/bus station in Vancouver; continued on to Canada Place for the cruise ship passengers; the downtown Holiday Inn; Vancouver International Airport; Campbell River Store (not to be confused with Campbell River on Vancouver Island) and the border crossing at Sumas where we spent nearly two hours.

There were a slough of buses lined up to go through US Customs and Border Protection. After all, it's cruise ship season, and many people were headed to SeaTac for their flights home.

When we finally were instructed to get off the bus, there were only two agents on duty. All our bags had to be removed along with our carry-on items.

Why are passengers on buses scrutinized more than those traveling by train or personal vehicles?

With bus friends Adrian and Lucca.

The only plus-side of this very long day was sitting next to a charming fellow by the name of Adrian Ostropolsky. He and his partner Lucca were on holiday in Canada and the US from their home in Barcelona.

We had a good laugh about our hellish trip.

I've read that tourism by Americans to Canada is down -- I'm not surprised.

But I don't think it's as much about the weak dollar as it is about the long border lines.

Our government needs to figure out a better way of keeping us "secure."

Right now, many "children of a common mother" are finding it easier to travel on their own side of the border.

I love Canada -- it's my second home.

Long lines and all.

Sumas border crossing. Sue Frause photo.

A new stage in town - For eats, not theater

2007-08-21T01:34:00.000-07:00

I'd just spent four hours on a bus from Courtenay to Victoria on Vancouver Island, so when my innkeeper friend Sylvia Main picked me up I was ready for a table, chair, food and wine.

We went to a new restaurant in the Fernwood neighborhood of this capital city.

Stage is owned by George and Linda Szasz, the same couple that has Paprika Bistro. Located near The Belfry Theatre, it specializes in small plates and wine.

It tasted mighty fine.

Stage in Victoria. Photo by Sue Frause.

Go green with Fairmont

2007-08-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is making green the color for summer.

Now through September 3, overnight guests with hybrid vehicles can park for free at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel and her sister properties The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, The Fairmont Waterfront, The Fairmont Empress in Victoria and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Guests will enjoy an average savings of $60 USD on a two-night stay, making it a true economic advantage.

Vitamin V : Get a daily dose for free

2007-08-02T08:05:00.001-07:00

If you're a fan of Vancouver like me, keep up with what's going on in this cool Canadian city by subscribing to the online vitamin v.

The online lifestyle magazine arrives in your mailbox Monday-Friday with news about health and beauty, fashion and decor, arts and culture, dining and nightlife and travel and leisure.

And it's free!

Coal Harbour, Vancouver. Sue Frause photo.

Mama's milk and ciggy lighters

2007-07-30T17:05:00.001-07:00

Effective August 4, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow most types of cigarette lighters in carry-on luggage.

The ban has been lifted on disposable butane lighters, such as Bics, and refillable lighters, such as Zippos.

Torch lighters, which have a hotter flame, will continue to be banned.

The TSA is also modifying the rules associated with carrying breast milk through security checkpoints.

Mothers flying with, and now without, their child will be permitted to bring breast milk in quantities greater than three ounces as long as it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint.

A controversial poster at The Quebec Museum of Folk Culture in Trois-Rivieres.
Photo by Sue Frause.

Hastings House on Saltspring Island

2007-07-27T13:39:00.001-07:00

Hastings House Country House Hotel is a luxurious, small country resort, spa and restaurant on Salt Spring Island. It's situated on 22 acres of waterfront property overlooking Ganges Harbour in British Columbia's Gulf Islands. Photos by Sue Frause.

Find the lowest fare out there

2007-07-27T12:50:00.001-07:00

Farecast.com is the first airfare prediction website.

They help with that bothersome question, "Buy now or wait?"

Farecast offers airfare predictions from more than 75 U.S. departure cities to top domestic destinations.

It's not Orbitz, Travelocity or Expedia. Here's what they do:

Tell travelers if fares are rising or dropping. Based on their predictions, they provide a recommendation to buy now or buy later.

Help travelers buy directly through the airlines' websites.

I have yet to try it, but next time I'm in the market for purchasing an airline ticket, I'll go to their website.

Vagablonds-R-Us!

2007-07-27T09:11:00.001-07:00

I write for a website that's all about luxury travel, food, wine and shopping.

It's called Vagablond and it's a whole lotta fun!

Check it out sometime.

Music in a Chinese garden

2007-07-17T07:26:00.002-07:00

Vancouver's Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden hosts outdoor musical performances on Friday nights throughout the summer.

Now in its 14th season, this year's series includes classical, world, fusion, Asian, Gypsy jazz and African music.

All shows begin at 7:30 PM (doors open at 7 PM). Tickets are $15CAD.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is located in Chinatown at 578 Carrall St. The entrance is in the lane off Carrall between Pender and Keefer. Look for the discreet doorway along the wall. Open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Sue Frause photo.