TOURISM BC – STORY IDEAS, October 2008
10-08-2008
Fresh Story Ideas from British Columbia
- One Vancouver Gallery Proves a Showcase for First Nations Art
- Revel in Walnut and Wine in BC’s Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
- In the Kootenay Rockies, Take in a Head Banger Tour – minus the Heavy Metal
- A Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Retreat urges you to do, well, Absolutely Nothing
- Touring About in BC’s Thompson Okanagan Proves an Adventure
- Vancouver Island Worships Pearls from the Sea
One Vancouver Gallery Proves a Showcase for First Nations Art: In British Columbia, Aboriginal artists have long made their mark by creating great works depicting their heritage; broad strokes and deep etches emblazoned on woven canvasses, celebrated in vivid sculptures and imprinted within wooden structures. And while many are carving a niche on an international level, it was the Vancouver opening of the much anticipated Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art in summer 2008 which showcased the artist's influence within the community. Situated amid the city’s bustling downtown, the gallery celebrates Reid’s skill as a master Haida artist, goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer and spokesman. Indeed, the space sits as a showcase to Reid – considered to be one of Canada’s most influential First Nations voices. And these voices will resonate as BC’s Aboriginal culture moves front and centre when Canada readies to welcome the world; the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games mark the first time in history that Indigenous peoples have been recognized as official partners in hosting the Games. To add to the 2010 experience, the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art has plans for an exhibition featuring historical and contemporary Aboriginal textiles by artists of the Northwest Coast. While Reid’s work can be viewed throughout Vancouver’s city scapes, make that first stop a gaze through the gallery…and delve into the rich artistic history of Bill Reid. www.billreidgallery.ca
Revel in Walnut and Wine in BC’s Vancouver, Coast & Mountains: In Langley, just east of Vancouver, one family-owned operation is working on its latest progressive pairing. Walnut and wine, anyone? Welcome to Vista D’oro Farms. This September saw the unveiling of Vista Doro’s farm-gate winery, a new addition to the bountiful culinary agritourism destination nestled amid pastoral surrounds. Sound like a celebration? More like an opportunity to pop the cork on their first vintages of Gewürztraminer and Pink, and twist the caps off their Pinot Noir and Pinot Noix (the latter a blend of Pinot Noir from north and central Okanagan with the winery’s own home-grown Fraser Valley green walnuts macerated in brandy). To add more to the mix, their much anticipated D’oro, a walnut-fortified wine, will ready for a sniff and swirl in November. Mirroring Vista D’oro’s commitment to utilizing only the highest quality of locally infused products, this vintage will be crafted from a unique family recipe which dates back to the 1700s, courtesy of friend and co-winemaker Jerome Dudicourt. Produced in small batches, D’oro echoes the destination’s dedication to farm-fresh, seasonal and progressive products. For infinite pairing opportunities – like a little cheese and Green Walnut and Grappa artisanal preserve with your walnut wine - head for the comfort of the country and revel in walnut and wine. www.vistadoro.com
In the Kootenay Rockies, Take in a Head Banger Tour – minus the Heavy Metal: Think a memorable head banging experience automatically equals relentless baselines and squealing guitars? Perhaps it’s time to change your perspective and head to the Kootenay Rockies. Here, amid rugged mountainous terrain, bighorn sheep are boss. And come late fall, they take to a less conventional stage during one of their most, um, active times of the year. In November, the area’s Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep gather in the upper Windermere Valley for their annual rut – a mesmerizing and somewhat jarring experience also referred to as head banging. With rams (males) and ewe (females) separated for much of the year, dominant males will duke it out, battering their magnificent coiled horns. All to impres
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