Day 7 - Sun Peaks to Jasper

A very early start today, with the bus wheels rolling by 7.00 am.  Arose at 5.00 am.  Drove through some beautiful countryside which was very green and overlooked by very high snow-capped mountains.  Saw many deer grazing by the roadside, a black bear slipping back into the bushes, and a rare sight - a moose in the wilds of the national park walking across the road.

The plains are irrigated to produce beef and dairy cattle, sheep, potatoes, and a great deal of ginseng which is mostly exported to China.  

The main source of income for Canada is derived from lumber (particularly cedar and other softwoods).       Tourism is important to the economy.

The village at Jasper last night at dusk

This guy was very relaxed until our bus load of tourists came for morning tea and disturbed his peace

Mount Robson on the edge of Jasper National Park, the highest in this range.

Typical scene all around Jasper village.

Another scene in Jasper.

The mountains are fascinatingly grand and beautiful.

A pub in Jasper.

Look under the bombshell sign for the mystery shopper in Jasper!

Day 6 - Whistler to Sun Peaks.

Another long day travelling by bus, we arrived at Sun Peaks at 4.00 pm.  

This is a gold rush area from the 1850s.  The town of Lillooet had 20,000 people at its peak but now has only a population of about 2,000.

Our tour group consists of 80 Aussies - 40 in each of two buses.  Each bus has a Scenic guide - ours is excellent.  You probably all know that Scenic is an Australian company with an excellent reputation.

The Whistler Chateau where we stayed for two nights.  Service does not come any better than this.

Avalanche trails down the mountain, where vegetation is decimated.

Lunch stop at Lillooet

View from our window at Sun Peaks Grand Hotel

Day 5 - At the famous Whistler Ski Resort.

There was a blizzard here all day yesterday which brought fresh snow, and today we were blessed with bright sunshine and a clear blue sky.  It is strange to see tulips and daffodils blooming in the village and the high peaks above covered in fresh snow.  We hit the snow in a Snow Cat to the top of the mountain (6000 ft).  Although the season has just finished, we enjoyed a steep hair- raising trip to the top of Blackcomb Mountain. The camera set on automatic did not do justice to the beauty of this area, which has stunning views overlooking the village of Whistler and its lake which is nestled between two mountain ranges. Only manual shots from now on! 

Our driver was Australian from Tasmania who has worked here for more than 8 years.  Many youngish Aussies and English work here year-round, enjoying the opportunity to combine work with the pleasure of winter sports.

So far we have been able to avoid the worst of North America's culinary offerings although "fries" and coleslaw/pickle seem to come with most dishes (even a lunchtime sandwich).  Breakfasts and dinners in our hotels have been excellent.  

Hotel where we are staying - the "Fairmont Chateau Whistler"

Snow Cat to the top of the mountain.

There are dozens of ski runs on Blackcomb Mountain.

The Crystal restaurant near the top, closed now for the season.

Snowed heavily yesterday, hence the snow on the trees.

One of the many Ski lifts to the top.

Ski trails looked eerie with no skiers.

The scenery was superb.

Judy in her element! (Window Shopping)

More of the slopes seen from the Snow Cat on the way down.

Day 4 - Victoria to Whistler

Up early and in the bus for our trip to Whistler. They are crazy here about ice hockey.  The finals are being played and the whole country stops - a bit like the AFL finals.

Bus through Vancouver Island then on the ferry for 90 minutes and then 3 hours to Whistler.  Just arrived - more info tomorrow.

The largest hockey stick in the world !!!

Great scenery, misty rain most of the day.

A waterfall on the way to Whistler.

This area is much nicer than these photos are showing.  Must be the operator.

Great ski resort with plenty of snow still on the upper slopes which we will see tomorrow.

Went to this Irish Pub to get in some training for our visit to Karen and Steven in June !!

The Whistler village which would be a great place in the middle of winter.

Went to a lecture on black bears around Whistler which was very interesting and informative.  This is a photo taken by the presenter himself, of momma bear and her two cubs poised for flight up the closest tree.

Day 3 - Victoria

Off to the waterfront this morning, quaint little shops on pontoons all selling lunch to the tourists. We took a tourist boat back to the main harbour, brushed off the snow and ice then went shopping.  Much colder here in Victoria than we expected!
Tonight a walking tour of old Chinatown before a meal at a Chinese restaurant in the original village of Victoria.  Tomorrow we head to Howe Sound then Whistler.




The architecture and historic buildings are well preserved and add to the cultural experience.

Not too many tourists and an easy stroll through the streets near the waterfront.

All restaurants on pontoons at Fishermans Wharf, good spot for lunch.

Small tourist boat took us back to the causeway in front of our hotel.

Permanent housing on the waterways.

Tourist ships large and small enter the cluttered inner harbour at downtown Victoria.

Day 2 - Seattle and Vancouver Island

Arrived in Seattle airport after flying over magnificent countryside to the south of the city, with houses on the waterfront in lush green surrounds.  At the hotel somewhat jet lagged we managed to stay awake until 8pm, dinner, bed.  Then wide awake at 11pm and then every hour until 5.30am. The alarm on the phone was not working as the time would not change from Melbourne time !

Took the fast catamaran to Victoria on Vancouver Island.  Bad weather slowed the trip by 1 hour but not raining at Victoria and warm sunshine around the waterfront.

Met the other members of the Scenic tour tonight - some nice people so should be in for a pleasant experience.  100% Australians in our group and from all over Australia - about  90 people in total who will be with us for the next 3 weeks.

Tomorrow the tour attends the Butchart Gardens which we have seen previously, and so another day at leisure in Victoria for us.

Just arrived at our Hotel, a novel idea to have a fire at the entrance to welcome the guests.

Hotel over the water on a pier near the departure terminal, nice inside !

Seattle Aquarium on the waterfront 

The catamaran to Victoria.

The needle observation tower in Seattle

Float plane for joy rides in Seattle

Parliament House in Victoria

Our hotel in Victoria - Fairmont Hotel

Tiny tourist boats in Victoria Harbour.  Very cute.

Musician and tourist boat for hire.

Day 1 - LA Airport

Coming in to land at LAX, midnight Melbourne time.  Now waiting for Seattle flight.