Jomar and I decided to do what most tourists do when they visit British Columbia - go to Whistler. I decided to pay Landsea Tours for bus transportation going to and from Whistler. It will be a day trip.
It's our first "vacation" trip EVER as a married couple (not counting going back to the Philippines).
On the way to Whistler Village
We started the day by walking to Park Inn & Suites by Radisson. It's the closest hotel to our place and is our designated pick-up point. We arrived an hour early and had breakfast at Tim Hortons across the street.
Tim Hortons breakfast
Our bus arrived with Mickey is our tour guide and bus driver for the day. It's a full bus. We picked up more tourists around Downtown, Vancouver. Then, we started our journey.
Empty bus (for now)
We were rewarded with a beautiful view of Howe Sound as the bus driver through the Sea to Sky Highway. My photos did not give justice to the beautiful view, so here's a short video and a glimpse of what's outside the window (with background narration from Mickey).
Watch in 4K Quality (if possible)
Shannon Falls and Stawamus Chief
On the way to Whistler, we stopped by for like 20 minutes at Shannon Falls. It is the 3rd tallest waterfall in British Columbia. While on the bus, we saw Stawamus Chief. It is the second biggest granite monolith in North America (at least, that's what Mickey said).
Shannon Falls
Stawamus Chief
Squamish Adventure Centre
After a 10-minute drive, we made a quick stop at the Squamish Adventure Centre. It's a cool looking building and usually a starting point for hikers and adventure seekers.
It's my first to see a taxidermy bear.
Tantalus Lookout
The last stop before we get to Whistler Village is Tantalus Lookout. It gave a magnificent view of the Tantalus Range. It's the peak of summer, and the mountain peaks are covered in snow and glacier.
Tantalus Mountain Range
4-hours at Whistler Village
We arrived at Whistler Village 5 minutes before 1 in the afternoon. Jomar and I decided to start our "tour" at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre.
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
I learned so much about first nations while in here. Their way of life and the different nations like the Squamish and Lil'wat. I'm an immigrant, and I have a lot of respect for Canada and the first nation. I wish the same respect is given to the "first nation" of the Philippines. We had lunch at SLCC in Thunderbird Cafe. The salmon chowder is so delicious. I highly recommend it.
Salmon Chowder
Upper Village and Fitzsimmons Trail
After an hour at Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, we walked around the Upper Village, admiring the magnificent mountains and beautiful hotel. We were reading the maps to make sure we're going the right way through Fitzsimmons Trail to the Village Centre.
Village Centre
We walked around the Village Centre to see many hotels and shops. We started at Mountain Square walked to Village Square. Then, to Village Common. We crossed a "bridge" to Village North.
Village North
We took pictures of the Town Plaza and Gazebo before heading to the Olympic Plaza, where the Olympic rings are. We walked to the Market Place and admired the shops. We end up at Florence Petersen Park and just sat there under the trees enjoying all the sounds.
Town Plaza and Gazebo
Olympic Plaza
Looking up from Peterson Park
We went to the Whistler Museum and thoroughly enjoyed the history of Whistler and the 2010 Winter Olympics. Heading back to the Village Centre, we stopped by Inukshuk Statue to have our photos taken.
Our time is almost up, and we decided to line up at COWS to buy ice cream. We, then, waited at the Whistler Bus Loop for Mickey and our bus.
My only regret is that I forgot to buy a fridge magnet and keychain.
Going back to Vancouver
On our way down to Greater Metro Vancouver, we stopped by Porteau Cove, which is located in Howe Sound. It was beautiful. I don't think any of my photos or videos did justice to the water, mountain, and islands that can be seen from Porteau Cove.
After taking a nap, we're back in Metro Vancouver. We had a great time. Landsea Tours and Mickey are fantastic!
Jomar and I will have our Philippine Catholic wedding in July. To enlighten those who want to have their Sacrament of Holy Matrimony in the beautiful and historic Manila Cathedral, I will share with you how much it cost. Why did we pick Manila Cathedral? I want to say that because it's historic and beautiful. But honestly, it's because Manila Cathedral has relevant information on their website for a couple like us living and already legally married abroad. Ms. Donna also responds to our emails and calls promptly. The bonus is it's historic and beautiful. According to one of my Ninang, " ang haba ng walk down the aisle mo ." I didn't think of that. I'm not sure if I like it. LOL. They also have a dashboard where you complete the forms, and it lists what you need to submit and when. It's pretty impressive. Wedding Preparation Step 1. Reserve a wedding date The first thing you do is go to their ...
Lonely Planet: Ultimate Travel List The 500 Best Places on the Planet... Ranked Second Edition published on August 2020 First Edition published on August 2015 Below is a list of places I visited that's part of the second edition and a short excerpt on why it's included on the list. 87. Be soaked in water and mini rainbows at Niagara Falls Jomar and I visited the Niagara Falls October 2022. "CANADA // Niagara might not be the highest waterfall in the world, nor the widest, but it's undoubtedly the world's most well known. In terms of volume, it's one of the greats - thousands of bathtubs of water plummet over the brink every second." - Page 86 Niagara Falls 89. Behold Buddha's mega monument of Borobudur We visited Borobudur last June 2013. INDONESIA // The monument's tiered quadrant of bell-like stupas has survived erupt...
Every Christmas our family will have secret Santa. On top of whoever I get for that year, I also give each member of the family a Christmas gift. This year, I was busy with work and moving out of our family home that I didn't have time to think and plan what to give them. Instead, I end up giving them gift cards which I don't really like because it seems impersonal. Hand-Written Cards So together with the gift cards, I wrote a Christmas letter to my parents, three siblings, and Jomar. Therese received a gift card from Sephora and I remember writing how proud I am of the woman she has become and I have no doubt that she will be an amazing lawyer some day. Meanwhile, Hovey received a VISA gift card to buy whatever it is he needs and I told him in my card that he is the most hardworking person I know and whatever career or line of work he decides to do, he will be great. Christmas Cards from UNICEF Lastly, for Alyanna I got a gift card from EB Games so she could final...
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