WHISTLER BC AT A GLANCE

From above the tree tops to the depths of the fresh falling snow, Whistler, B.C. is a haven for skiers and snowboarders looking for a complete selection of adventure. This magical winter wonderland, filled with remnants of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, is the ultimate ski destination located on Canada's west coast.

EXPLORING VANCOUVER'S TOP ATTRACTIONS

When visiting Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the major attractions range from Granville Island Public Market to the many sights of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. And making your way to other well-known sights throughout Vancouver's beautiful landscape is a great way to explore all that the city offers its visitors.

Transportation

Walking through Stanley Park or discovering sea life at the Vancouver Aquarium will take you all day to get from one attraction to the next, but with a day pass from the Big Bus or Big Pink Sightseeing bus—a dollar from every ticket purchases goes to PINK Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation—hoping on and off the buses provides easy and timely transportation around Vancouver. Each bus includes a commentary about the city pointing out historical facts and sights throughout. The buses run within 10 minutes of each other so after hopping off, waiting times are kept to a minimum so you can enjoy all that Vancouver has to offer during daily hours.

Or, if you feel like a bit more adventure and physical exercise, a bike rental is a great option. ezeeRiders Bike Rentals offer a moderate bike inventory on the corner of Robson and Denman streets near Stanely Park. Self-rental makes it easy to choose a bike and get riding around the city stopping at each sight mapped out prior to your start. Cycle BC is another company renting bikes in Vancouver. Inside their rental office, the staff offers map and routes through the city to help plan your city tour. Vancouver is very bike-friendly so many of the streets have designated bike lanes to protect riders. 

 Must-See Attractions

Capilano Suspension Bridge—Eco-walks along the bridge will have you souring above treetops, along granite cliffs and over sprawling canyons as the suspension bridge has visitors walking 450 feet across and 250 feet above the ground. This attraction offers visitors an appreciation for Vancouver's natural beauty.

Granville Island Public Market—Located on Granville Island, this famous local public market sells everything from freshly prepared food and snacks to local produce and raw seafood. Honey, breads, pastries and flowers are also being sold among the numerous vendors occupying the indoor market. Grab a bite to eat and sit outside on ledges and benches outlining the dock and listen to live music or other artistic performances. Be careful of the fearless seagulls flying low as they are ready to steal your food right from your plate. Stroll the beaches of the island after exhausting the public market or shop at the many small boutique shops lining the streets of Granville Island.

Stanely Park—Right in downtown, this park offers a greener side of Vancouver. There are no sky-rise buildings or traffic in this quiet park. Instead, it offers recreational facilities and natural attractions such as bird watching. A 13.7-mile seawall allows for walking and jogging throughout the day offering a peaceful break from the busy city.

Vancouver Aquarium—This is Canada's largest aquarium  home to 800 different aquatic species. It's located in Stanely Park and offers Whale Shows and Sea Otter feedings for visitors to become acquainted with Vancouver's sealife. 

Grouse Mountain—Head to the top of this mountain, a 15 minute Super Skyride from downtown, and go on trail hikes, zipline through the mountains or enjoy winter activities such as snowshoeing or skiing or summer activities depending on the time of your visit. The adventures at the top of this mountain provide a fun natural experience for everyone. 

Classical Chinese Garden—This is the first Chinese Garden constructed outside of China. WIth flowers and plants native to the country, this garden offers a beautifully tailored landscape. The serenity and peace felt inside the garden is produced through authentic techniques and rock formations. Admission includes a guided tour and a cup of Chinese tea to enjoy during your walk.

Olympic Attractions

The Vancouver Convention Center is the location of the 2010 Winter Games' Olympic Cauldron. The torch reflects blue and green spotlights at night and during special events in the city, the flame of the torch is lit. Richmond Olympic Oval, the facility that hosted the 2010 speed skating events, has since turned into a public ice rink with a track and other fitness facilities on site. And with delicious dining right next door to the Olympic Oval on Richmond Street, stop in one of the many restaurants for a bite to eat.

Among the large sky-rise building spotting the city, you can find natural beauty, fun activities, historical landmarks and a greener landscape throughout. Vancouver is the ultimate destination to explore your inner adventure, while taking in the culture and customs of one of Canada's largest cities. 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Tourism Vancouver, we were given the opportunity to explore all of Vancouver's local attractions, but the words, thoughts and opinions remain my own.

LUXURIOUS VILLAGE STAY: The Westin Whistler Resort and Spa

Located in the heart of Whistler Village surrounded by aprés-ski and various retail stores, as well as being just steps from the gondolas at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, The Westin Whistler Resort and Spa is a top ski resort hotel when planning a trip to Whistler, BC on Canada's west coast. The large residentially-designed hotel provides its guests with a luxurious, spacious and accommodating place to stay and unwind while on vacation.

The two-tower hotel has the style of a Swiss chalet. With accents of cedar wood, a sloping roof and eaves angled in the front, The Westin Whistler Resort and Spa gives off a European-Alpine feel on the mountainside of Blackcomb. And with its close proximity to numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs, the hotel is walking distance to Whistler's best-known entertainment and other world-renowned attractions such as Olympic Plaza with an outdoor skating rink among numerous ski equipment stores and souvenir shops.

It's also just a fews steps from the entrance to the Whistler Gondola at the base-area of Blackcomb or a short 10-minute ride to the base of Whistler Mountain. For a hassle free ski-in ski-out experience, the hotel offers a ski valet to all guests. This is one service that is well worth it.

While the hotel's suites accommodate any size party, all 419 of them are equipped with a kitchenette, a rock-faced fireplace and flat screen TV. The rooms offer bright views with floor-to-ceiling windows—which in some rooms lead to an outside balcony or patio—of Whistler's natural habitat; sprawling valleys, vast mountains, deep forests, the quant village or golf course are each available upon request. Warm, earthy tones decorate the rooms, which gives the feeling of both serenity and comfort.

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The Westin Whistler Resort and Spa provides an extra comfortable night's sleep in their signature Heavenly Beds featured in every room. Better than described, the beds will have you feelings like you're among the clouds and not wanting to leave come the morning.

The hotel's heated indoor/outdoor pool is a great places to relax your mind and body after a long active day. Also, the hotel features both indoor and outdoor hot tubs offering extra room to unwind and soothe your muscles. Or the saunas and steam rooms located in the men's and women's changing areas are another option to help you relax and rejuvenate your body.

Avello Spa located inside the hotel offers massage services and other great healing treatments on an appointment basis. The indoor/outdoor pool is also another feature to help you enjoy your stay, while the fitness center, equipped with cardio machines and free-style weights, will help you get your day's workout in.

While standard rooms also called deluxe studios, don't offer free wifi, the hotel lobby offers the Internet free of charge. There are many comfortable chairs, couches or autumns to rest and surf the web. Or upgrade to the next room class, one-bedroom suites or larger, and Internet access is a provided amenity.

The lobby area is also a great place to sit with a book or a drink and warm up next to the large fireplace. Sit with your feet rested on the ledge of the fire after a cold day outside.

Not only is The Westin Whistler Resort and Spa a popular winter accommodation, the hotel offers an array of events, activities and packages throughout the rest of the year. Tucked away in Whistler Village with everything you need within walking distance, the hotel is the perfect destination to make you feel at home with a touch of luxury while vacationing in Whistler.

Disclosure: Thanks to The Westin Whistler Resort and Spa, we had the opportunity to stay in this ski resort and experience Whistler, BC, but all thoughts and opinions remain our own. Visit The Westin's website to learn more about the resort or to book a reservation.

SCENES FROM BAJA, MEXICO

As I hiked the mountains, sailed on the Sea of Cortez and discovered the tropical vegetation that covered the desert, Loreto in Baja California Sur, Mexico is made up of acres of natural landscapes and preserved beauty. The town, which is comprised of less than 12,000 residents, is a hidden gem from the rest of the world. With a blank canvas, Loreto is the source for discovery and adventure. These photos just touch upon the breathtaking views that awaits travelers.

Diclaimer: Thanks to the Villa del Palmar for inviting me to discover Loreto. The photos, words and opinions are entirely my own.

A MOUNTAIN RESORT: The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth

Located at the basin of the Eastern Sierra Mountains and just steps from an array of activities, The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth is an upscale accommodation in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. with various amenities to suit the needs of many travelers. The resort is situated across the street from The Village at Mammoth, a pedestrian village filled with cafes, restaurants, shops and outdoor seating around campfires, and just a short ride to Mammoth Mountain by gondola or public transportation.

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The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth offers its guests a centrally located home away from home. With three types of suites to choose from— deluxe suite, one bedroom or two bedroom suite—each features a kitchenette equipped with cooking essentials and flatware, a fireplace and both a dining and living area to settle into and relax. The suites provide residential comforts with many of the same amenities of home.

The deluxe suite is essential for one or two people with a king sized bed and a sleep-sofa. The spacious bathroom gives guests a spa-like experience with an oversized shower and modern fixtures. The kitchenette has just enough room to fix small meals for two, but it would be best to keep it simple since counter space is minimal. Resembling a mountain lodge with warm accents, the interior of the suite is decorated in natural hues and has spectacular views of Mammoth Mountain to one side or The Village on the other. Relax in a padded over-sized window seat (an added feature in many of the suites) or warm up in a comfortable chair in front of the fire.

   

The one and two bedroom suites are a little more spacious. Each with separate bedrooms, these style suites can accommodate larger parties allowing more room for guests to settle in and relax. An LCD TV is positioned in each of the bedrooms as well as having one in the main living room area. The one and two bedroom suites each are equipped with one large bathroom, which must be shared by all yet provides ample room to make up for it. Each suite has a full-sized kitchen, stocked with an array of utensils and cookware to prepare meals. The floor-to-ceiling windows brighten up the suites and make for great natural sunlight and amazing views. Cleverly decorated, the one and two bedroom suites provide families and larger groups a comfortable place to stay after a long day exploring Mammoth Mountain.

An outside heated pool and two hot tubs are some of the luxurious amenities at the resort. It also has a workout room with state-of-the-art fitness equipment for different people’s workout needs. The Westin also has a Kids Club Room for children to gather in the afternoon and participate in various activities between 4-9 p.m., which change daily so check with the front desk.

During the winter season, complimentary ski valet is available. This allows hotel attendants to store guests' skis or snowboards with the resort, rather than inside their suites leaving less clutter and stress. It’s as easy as dropping them off at the ski valet at the end of the day and picking them up as needed. The resort also rents high-end ski or snowboard equipment and demos to its guests. Just make reservations and, while there, guests can purchase lift tickets and book ski lessons throughout the winter season.

While the resort is located across from great dining, shopping and entertainment, The Westin provides its guests with a free local shuttle service to get to the base of Mammoth Mountain, Old Town Mammoth Lakes (where additional restaurants, shops and bars line the streets) or to and from the airport. It departs every 30 minutes, but before setting out, it’s best to call the front desk to check the shuttle’s schedule. Public bus transportation is also available at a fair price outside the entrance to The Westin at The Village. But to get to the top of Mammoth Mountain, take the gondola and enjoy a scenic ride high above the Eastern Sierra Mountains. The ride is breathtaking and unforgettable. The gondola's entrance is within walking distance from the resort and anyone can purchase a ticket to ride (skiers and snowboarders enjoy a free ride with a valid lift ticket).

With exceptional customer service, hospitality and all the comforts of home, The Westin Monache, Mammoth is worth a stay. The resort is an upscale mountain lodge centrally located to the popular The Village of Mammoth where guests can completely relax and thoroughly enjoy all year long. 

Disclosure: Thanks to The Westin Monache, Mammoth, we had the opportunity to stay in this resort, but all thoughts and opinions remain our own. Visit The Westin's website to learn more about the resort or to book a reservation.