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In and around BELLINGHAM, WA:
Activities and Attractions:
Sea Kayaking, Hiking, Golfing, Sailing, Mountain Biking, Cycling.. There is an extensive Park and Trail system throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County. The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington State extends from the Canadian border to the northern boundary of Mt. Rainier National Park. An amazing 62% (3.63 million people) of the State of Washington's population lives within a 70-mile drive of the Forest. Vancouver, British Columbia metro area is also within easy reach of the northern part of the Forest with a drive of approximately one hour on easy road access making an easy day trip. Mount Baker is the northernmost of the Cascade volcanoes. Besides skiing and snowboarding one can climb Mt. Baker and the climb is a 2 day trip, and is often done as a ski trip in May or June. You can take skis right to the summit, although the last 100 m to the summit is very steep. It has warm spring snow, however in winter months; the slope can be quite icy. Mount Baker is the third highest mountain in the state of Washington, after Rainier and Mount Adams. It gets a lot of precipitation, and has twelve glaciers. The summit crater is entirely filled with ice, providing a large summit plateau. Mt. Baker has steamed since the 1800's and has actually erupted several times in the last century. The small summit knob is known as Grant Peak; its elevation has been charted in the sub peaks by only 5m lower as USGS maps do not give a precise measure. SSE of the summit, beyond Summit Crater, is Sherman Peak, and to the SW is Colfax Peak. (Name status: Official)
Shopping and Dining:
Historic Fairhaven and downtown Bellingham have a multitude of shops including local art galleries, unique gift shops, gourmet grocers, a thriving Farmer's Market, candy shops, bakeries, bagelries, bookstores, espresso and coffee shops, floral shops, food co-op and so much more. The many various restaurants with savory smells and delicious dishes satisfy the most discriminating diner.
Transportation:
Bellingham is the portal to the Alaskan Ferry System and Amtrak Railway as well as being situated at the north end of alongside Interstate 5. There is easy access to the San Juan Islands (Friday Harbor) and it's a very short trip to Seattle, Vancouver BC, Anacortes, La Conner, the north Cascades accessed from Burlington at Hwy #20. Airports close by are Bellingham Airport, Sea-Tac Airport, Abbotsford Airport (in Canada) and Vancouver International Airport. Whatcom Tranportation Authority, or WTA has a wonderful service for the disabled. WTA Specialized Transportation is a public transportation service that operates within 0.75 miles of WTA fixed route service. Specialized Transportation is provided to people who are unable to use the fixed route transit system because of a disability.
We provide curb-to-curb service. This means we come to your location and take you to your destination. If you need extra assistance from the driver between your door and the vehicle, please make this request when calling in your trip reservation'. Equally their extensive route encompasses all corners of the county including; Blaine, Sumas, Ferndale, Birch Bay, Lynden, Everson, Mt. Vernon. Something called the County Connector will allow for a seamless transition between Whatcom, Snohomish, Skagit and even Island Counties. Whatcom County also has a great ferry system which takes you to Lummi Island and a little tourist ferry called the Plover Ferry from Blaine to the tip of the Semiahmoo Spit. A link to WTA: http://www.ridewta.com/main.php
Education and the Arts:
Western Washington University: In its first 100 years, WWU grew from a small teachers college to a university that is one of the best regional public universities in the Northwest. The campus is beautiful, activities abound, the staff is friendly and helpful, and faculty members are excellent teachers and scholars. All of this adds up to an outstanding college experience at a modest price." - WWU President Karen W. Morse.
Bellingham Technical College: "The education we provide is about more than technology and the skills to use it. We are a community of students, faculty, and staff engaged in a purposeful pursuit of learning. One of the things that make us so successful at what we do is that we help each other." -President Gerald Pumphrey
Whatcom Community College: "Our goal is to offer a wide range of educational opportunities for the residents of Whatcom County at locations and times convenient to you, our students. We are committed to recognizing individual student experiences and preferences and to assisting each of you in accomplishing your educational goals in ways most meaningful to you."-President Harold G. Heiner
St. Josephs Hospital in Bellingham: St. Joseph Hospital was recently named one of the nation's 100 Top Hospitals.
The award recognizes hospitals that have achieved excellence in quality of care, operational
efficiency, financial performance, and adaptation to the environment. St. Joseph Hospital Community Cancer
Center in Bellingham.
St. Joseph Hospital
St. Joseph Medical Group
The Cardiovascular Center at St. Joseph Hospital
Northwest Regional Laboratory
St. Joseph Hospital Foundation
Madrona Medical Group: Madrona Medical Group was formed in 1995 from existing, independent groups of physicians practicing in Whatcom County, in part as a response to a rapidly changing healthcare delivery system.
Since 1979 Allied Arts of Whatcom County has provided extensive opportunities for working artists, craftspeople and performers to interact directly with members of the community. Through festivals, gallery exhibits for local artists and sending artists into the schools, Allied Arts has helped the community to experience a wide variety of art forms and presentations. The Mount Baker Theatres is a registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation in the State of Washington. Mount Baker Theatre employs individuals to perform the tasks necessary to carry out its mission (see below). It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Mount Baker Theatre organization exists: A) To provide arts, entertainment, and social interaction, which through a wide variety of programs, results in personal enrichment, enjoyment and a sense of community for diverse audiences in the region, and: B) To preserve the restored historic Mount Baker Theatre as a home for local performing arts organizations, film, a venue for
touring performers, and community events. The Whatcom Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to enhancing the cultural and artistic life of our community, and offers people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to experience live symphonic music in Bellingham.
In and around CHILLIWACK, BC:
About the City of Chilliwack:
Chilliwack, British Columbia is a community of approximately 70,000 people, located 100 kilometers east of the City of Vancouver. There is a corporate commitment to efficiency, accountability and service for both current and prospective residents and businesses, as well as an active and thriving agricultural, commercial and industrial economy. Chilliwack offer's a lifestyle that includes the benefits of; natural surroundings, both a rural and urban setting and family oriented neighborhoods.
Activities and Attractions: A few of the most popular activities and attractions near Chilliwack are 'Hells Gate Airtram' (With the help of man's creativity, an aerial tramway takes you on a spectacular ride high above the location where pages of history have been written. From Simon Fraser's death defying voyage to the great Fraser Canyon battle during the Gold Rush and finally, the devastating slide that occurred during the construction of the Canadian National Railway. You will stand in the midst of it all after a gentle 500 ft descent from highway level to river level on board the tramway) 'Minter Gardens' (There are eleven 'theme gardens'. Gently winding pathways progressively link each unique garden. Victorian topiary ladies, a giant floral peacock, a floral flag, a living maze, aviaries, and beautiful waterfalls and ponds await around every bend. Also featured is a rare collection of Penjing Rock Bonsai. The Trillium Restaurant and Conservatory is wonderful to rest and refresh as you walk throughout the gardens). Also, for the kids (big and small) there is 'Dinotown' a fantastic theme park, the 'Trans- Canada Waterslides' and 'Cultus Lake Waterslides', 'Giggle Ridge Mini Golf', and ecotourism abounds as there are many beautiful glacier lakes, hiking, exploring Harrison Hot Springs at Harrison Lake.
Shopping and Dining: Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner for two or need to feed a hungry family, looking for a caterer or just have to have fast food, Chilliwack has something to fit every need and culinary taste. Family style restaurants abound in Chilliwack but you can also find everything from wild to mild with an eclectic selection of restaurants in Chilliwack.
Transportation: Because Chilliwack is situated alongside the Trans Canada Hwy #1, transportation via car is easy. Also, by Train, Plane, Bus, and Bike. The City of Chilliwack public transit service also has an extensive route network throughout the community.
Education and the Arts: The University College of the Fraser Valley provides a superb learning experience for students and an interactive working environment for both faculty and staff. The students of UCFV have the opportunity to experience; excellence in teaching and research development, a supportive, professional and respectful learning environment, an innovative, distinctive and comprehensive programming schedule, direction for personal and career development, and the benefit of local, national and international partnerships. 'B.C. unveils high-security crime research lab at UCFV…Criminal justice partners, police, academics and Sun Microsystems Canada are joining forces at the new Sun Centre of Excellence, housed in the Centre for Criminal Justice Research at UCFV, to conduct crime research'.
In and around INDEX, WA:
Activities and Attractions: Surrounded by the Cascade Mountain range in Snohomish County and situated in the center of the Skykomish River valley this community has a lot of recreational opportunities. One has the opportunity to enjoy excellent camping, fishing, tours of the State Fish Hatchery, and hiking experiences. Wallace Falls State Park is located nine miles west of Index, or two miles North of Gold Bar, with a 7-mile loop trail leading to the spectacular 265-foot waterfall and panoramic views of the Skykomish River Valley. The last stop in Snohomish County on your way east on the Stevens Pass Greenway is the tiny town of Index. Nestled deep in the heart of the Cascade Mountains with the Skykomish River on one side and Mt. Index on the other, this picturesque town is a great base camp for any Cascade mountain adventure including whitewater rafting, rock climbing, steelhead fishing, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and hiking. Hikers and snowmobiles will find some truly amazing country roads. Lake Serene is a somewhat strenuous hike of seven miles. The elevation is 1950 feet and the best time to hike it are June to late October. The trailhead is within ½ mile of the Bonny Sky Lodge. It is a moderate hike to a deep blue lake (apparently they paint the bottom every year) with vertical spires of Mt. Index. It is a magnificent place worthy of a side trip to Bridal Veil Falls along the way. And for the considerably less energetic, Wallace Falls State Park also offers a more leisurely hike with the same beauty and a similar taste of what nature has to offer. Dogs are ok and it is day use only. Also kayaking and simply floating on a tube at the base of Sunset Falls can cool you down in the heat of the summer. Snohomish County Tourism is a good contact for further information as is the Sultan Chamber of Commerce.
Shopping and Dining: Besides the usual fast food joints, several of the charming little towns along hwy #2 have restaurants that offer wonderful home cooking such as the Mt. Index Café. For something a little spicier, there is a very nice Indian restaurant in Monroe called Tandoori Fire Cuisine. The Gold Bar Grocery is recommended for all the groceries you may need during your trip.
Transportation: The Greyhound bus runs along Hwy#2 and the roads are all easily accessible by car. Remember to bring chains in winter if you are planning to cross Steven’s Pass to go skiing or to visit Leavenworth in the Winter.
In and around the NORTHERN OREGON COAST:
Activities and Attractions: A day-trip north from Portland, Oregon provides the perfect blend of breathtaking views and family attractions. From Astoria to Cannon Beach, visitors will find incredible activities and truly stunning coastal scenery, as they wind their way through the beach communities that make up the northern Oregon Coast. One particular notable vacation rental along this coast is The Dunes Beach House, situated between Cannon Beach and Astoria (closest to Seaside, Oregon). Also note that this special part of the country marks the end of the famous Lewis and Clark Trail. An appealing and pleasant drive down Highway 101 from Astoria, the northern Oregon coast offers a number of destination favorites. Astoria, located next to the mouth of the Columbia River and just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, is rich in history and tradition, and a terrific family adventure spot is Seaside, with its 1.6 mile activity-filled promenade, and of course, the upscale and ever special Cannon Beach, known for having one of the world's largest natural monoliths, Haystack Rock. Historic Lighthouses in the area are; Heceta Head in Lincoln County, Tillamook Rock in Tillamook County, Yaquina Head/Bay in Newport (a short day trip). Also are the following attractions all within a twenty minute drive; Captain George Flavel House in Astoria, Coaster Theatre Playhouse in Cannon Beach, Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, Fort Clatsop National Memorial in Astoria, Fun Land Arcade in Seaside, Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Clatsop County Heritage Museum in Astoria, Seaside Aquarium in Seaside, The Seaside Factory Outlet Center in Seaside OR, The Seaside Museum & Historical Society in Seaside, Tillamook Air Museum in Tillamook, as well as the Tillamook Cheese Factory and the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum, Uppertown Firefighter's Museum, in Astoria, and the Wanderland Rainforest in Nehalem OR. The beaches, of course, are incredible and a few to see are Arcadia, Del Rey State Recreation Site, Ocean Beach State Recreation Site and Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site. The local State Parks are also are incredible; Bob Straub State Park, Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, Cape Lookout State Park, Ecola State Park, Fort Stevens State Park, Hug Point State Recreation Site, Manhattan Beach State Recreation, Nehalem Bay State Park and so many more.
Shopping and Dining: A night out or lunch while shopping on the Northern Oregon Coast presents a wide array of options. From fine dining and dinner shows to hot dogs and corn dogs in Seaside while enjoying the family entertainment, your palettes and spirits will feel more than satisfied when the day is through. No craving is too great for the northern Oregon Coastal restaurants, nor is any creation beyond the imagination of the talented chefs at the Cannon Beach Culinary School. 'We are dedicated to providing the right environment to increase cooking skills while having fun. Learn new techniques, try out the right tools for the tasks, and compare the difference quality, seasonal ingredients can make. Whether you are a fun seeker or skill seeker, novice or "foodie", child or adult, there is a class for you'. With your appetite more than appeased and your soul more than satisfied, you’ll find that an evening out on the Northern Oregon Coast is just what you needed…and more.
Transportation: Easy access via bicycle or automobile to Pacific Coast Hwy 101.
Education and the Arts: The Cannon Beach Arts Association (CBAA) is located in Cannon Beach on the scenic north Oregon coast. A nonprofit organization since 1985, the CBAA was founded with the intention of enhancing the vitality of the arts in Cannon Beach and the surrounding area.
In and around WHISTLER, BC:
"Whistler is just like everything you've ever heard about it"!
Our Whistler Accommodations are slope-side for the ultimate in ski-in/ski-out experience or easy ski slope access with privacy, an incredible view of Alta Lake and serenity and peace in the mountain air! One, two, three, four and five bedroom homes and suites with full kitchens, private balconies, fireplace (in some cases there are two!) and BBQ's in every suite. A year-round heated outdoor pool and two large hot tubs (the larger homes with private tubs) for 'après ski' after a day on the slopes. All are family friendly and accessible to the Whistler Kids ski program.
Attractions and Activities: Après Ski in Whistler/Blackcomb is amazing. Fine dining, a great nightlife where everything is within walking distance. During the day you may choose to enjoy a Spa and Wellness retreat or shop for Canadian treasures and top of the line ski gear before you stop at an outdoor coffee shop to enjoy a latte or Chai Tea. Many of the restaurants have large heated outdoor patios for full outdoor enjoyment as you take in the mountain air and watch the bustling Whistler Village ebb and flow. People watching, while sipping your favorite beverage and munching on your favorite appetizer, is a Whistler tradition.
Whistler/Blackcomb Winter Activities: Besides the obvious...snowboarding and downhill skiing…the Lost Lake cross-country trail system offers over 32 kilometers of groomed and track set trails that meander through Lost Lake Park and through the Chateau Whistler and Nicklaus North golf courses. A cozy log hut perched on the shores of Lost Lake offers a sheltered stop along the way. There is also an extensive network of snowshoe trails. Tobogganing is a favorite for the little ones.
Whistler/Blackcomb Summer Activities: Rock climbing in nearby Squamish...'Whenever we drove by the Chief we used to make a point of stopping and asking the kids to count all the rock climbers they could see. The view of Howe Sound is unbeatable. On a clear day you see the glaciers on the surrounding Coast Mountains'. Mountain biking in Whistler offers over 200km of lift-serviced gravity fed, adrenaline fueled trails and there is something for every level of rider. There are trails which are gentle and lightly banked through the Coastal forest, and some tighter and twisty trails which are perfect for intermediate bike riders. For the more daring bike group there are steep rock faces, gnarly, root strewn lines, drop offs of all descriptions and more. The mountain bike park has huge banked corners, rhythm sections; table tops, and doubles - the closest thing to flying on two wheels. Hiking is a favorite activity and many companies such as Alpine Adventures offer a variety of unique hiking adventures such as The Mountain Top BBQ...'Join us for our special Mountain Top BBQ. Dine on our mouth-watering BBQ chicken and roast beef, fresh corn on the cob, oven baked biscuits and select desserts. Enjoy your meal while listening to live entertainment, surrounded by beautiful mountain views. (See Dine in the Alpine.) Go river-rafting in Whistler on one of four popular rivers; Squamish River, Green River, Birkenhead River and the Elaho Squamish River. Other activities that may appeal to your adventurous side are; Hummer, Helicopter and Jet Boat Tours, Fishing, Horseback Riding at Blackcomb Trail Rides and Whistler Stables, Mini Golf, Bear Viewing and Ecology Tours, Bungee jumping and a new form of thrill seeking called Zipping (As with all such activities, the secret to enjoying the trip is trusting your equipment. But while Ziptrek owner Dave Udow assures us the cables can 'carry the weight of a car, it is still not natural to step out at such heights. The tour package lasts about two-and-a-half hours as you ride on a series of cable and suspension bridges over Fitzsimmons Creek. The five ziplines span more than 2,400ft (that's equivalent to half a mile). You start with a short introductory line to build you up and the tour proper involves two 300ft lines and others of 800ft and 1,000ft' Zipping through the air Bradley Ashton - Friday, January 23, 2004. The guides offer an eco tour of the surrounding land, so that you are sure to have fun while learning about the wildlife and nature, too!
'You’ll find a wide range of activities to sample, from the tranquility of a quiet forest hike to the heart stopping leaps and plunges in the mountain bike park. From fishing to swimming to sailing to golf to tennis to cycling, from rustic campground to five star hotels, from deli delights to fine , worldly cuisine. Whistler is the vacation you’ve dreamed of and then some.' - Ken Melamed, Whistler Mayor
Dining and Shopping: Cafe culture is live and well in Whistler with many small shops that offer the European flavor. Like everything else in Whistler, you can have the meals brought to your place. Everything from small parties to conferences can be easily managed. Coffee or a frappuccino? Esquires and Starbucks lead the battle in Whistler, but there's more! Whistler Dining is a world class experience. Some of North America's finest restaurants and wine lists are at home in Whistler BC. Dine in the mountains! Whistler Restaurants and dining are part of the Whistler experience. Shop for everything from fine furs to key chains and baseball caps. All budgets are accommodated.
The Arts: Adele Gallery...Thanks to the inspiring scenery around Whistler, many of the artworks feature wildlife and wilderness themes. Black Tusk Gallery...The Black Tusk Gallery features native artworks from the Northwest coast. Plaza Galleries...The Plaza Galleries feature a variety of fine artworks. In addition to sculptures by Bill Mack, there are paintings by Picasso and Hollywood legends Anthony Quinn, Tony Curtis and Red Skeleton. West Coast Art Gallery...Bill MacGillivary founded the West Coast Art Gallery to show off the works of favorite Canadian and international artists. Jade sculptures, original oil and acrylic paintings and signed limited edition prints are available. The Whistler Village Art Gallery...This gallery is most noted for their extensive collection of British Columbia jade sculptures. There are also paintings and glass works by Canadian and international artists.
In and around Costa Rica
For those times when you might want to experience something other than the Pacific Northwest
Activities and Attractions: Each year, over 200,000 people visit Monteverde, Costa Rica, despite the fact that it's four hours from San Jose, with the last hour and a half on steep, unpaved roads. Monteverde's Cloud Forest Reserve was one of Costa Rica's first principled ecotourism destinations, but now it is in danger of being loved to death. Monteverde has been an inspiration to many other areas in Costa Rica which now provide less crowded alternatives, and can take some of the pressure off Montverde’s still beautiful forests. Eco-Tourism is big in Costa-Rica as is 'sustainable tourism' as the balanced interaction of three basic factors within the tourism industry: 1- Proper stewardship of natural and cultural resources; 2- Improvement of the quality of life of the local communities; and 3- Economic success that can contribute to other programs of national development.
Education and the Arts: The University of Costa Rica Rainforest Adventure is truly unique among study abroad programs. The campus itself is a cultural and social center for the country. With 30,000 of the brightest and most educated Costa Rican students and the academic and support facilities to meet their needs. This campus, as well as the surrounding town, provides the richest and most vital cultural experience you will find in Costa Rica.
Each year, over 200,000 people visit Monteverde, Costa Rica, despite the fact that it's four hours from San Jose, with the last hour and a half on steep, unpaved roads. Monteverde's Cloud Forest Reserve was one of Costa Rica's first principled ecotourism destinations, but now it is in danger of being loved to death. Monteverde has been an inspiration to many other areas in Costa Rica which now provide less crowded alternatives, and can take some of the pressure off Monteverde's still beautiful forests.
We define sustainable tourism as the balanced interaction of three basic factors within the tourism industry:
1- Proper stewardship of our natural and cultural resources; 2- Improvement of the quality of life of the local communities; and 3- Economic success that can contribute to other programs of national development. (Please contact info@sustainable-tourism.co.cr for more information on Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica).
To our Clients...More will be added to this site at a later date...keep checking back!
-Lori Pobuta
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