Fall in love with British Columbia, Canada — a magical new experience in a winter wonderland

Winter is here — the perfect season to enjoy a variety of snow activities. British Columbia in Canada is enveloped in an atmosphere of “fiery red hearths and snowy white landscapes.” Whether you’re snowshoeing through the woods, riding a snowmobile, strolling leisurely, or speeding through the thrill, you can explore mountain scenery and immerse yourself in the vibrant winter season.

Aside from the warm Christmas spirit, British Columbia’s winter also brings a range of surprising deals on outdoor festive events and fun attractions related to Christmas and New Year's celebrations, as the “2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics” officially kick off. For a touch of romantic Christmas ambiance, take the Karaoke Christmas Lights Trolley from Canada Place in the evening for a ride through Stanley Park. Wind through forest trails decked with millions of twinkling Christmas lights, while the rich aromas of chocolate and popcorn waft through the air.

The beloved Santa Claus awaits visitors at Grouse Mountain for a breakfast feast and a sleigh ride through snowy forests, offering a serene taste of Christmas beauty. Meanwhile, Vancouver Aquarium features a scuba-diving Santa who gets up close with children in a colorful underwater world.

This year, the ski resort town of Whistler has received record snowfall, allowing Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain to open their slopes earlier than usual. Sports enthusiasts and first-time snow adventurers alike can try skiing and snowboarding in Whistler, along with the Coca-Cola Tube Park’s snow tubing, featuring eight different difficulty levels for a uniquely thrilling ride.

Whistler also introduces an exclusive gourmet tour this winter — a “Luxury Gastronomy Tour” where you can sample meals at four of Whistler’s top-tier restaurants in one evening. Start with the hidden wine cellar at Bearfoot Bistro and enjoy appetizers prepared by “Canada’s 2008 Chef of the Year,” then head to Hy’s Steakhouse for starters like delicious grilled tuna or braised beef tenderloin. Next, walk to the highly acclaimed Quattro Italian Restaurant for the main course, and finish with dessert and Canadian ice wine at Mountain Club.

Alternatively, you can opt for the “Mystery Delights Tour,” which includes smoked salmon appetizers from Elements Restaurant, shrimp salad from Bavaria for the starter, slow-roasted lamb ribs for six hours at Kypriaki Norte as the main course, and a strawberry platter dessert at FireRock Lounge. Light eaters can begin with rich buttery rolls at Monk’s Grill, then choose from lunch salads, soups, and sandwiches at the Cultural Centre, and end with desserts at Fifty Two 80 Bistro. All dining options start from just CAD $69.99.

For a relaxed trip through British Columbia, Lion Travel offers the “Multi-Castle” tour, letting you experience the thrill of gliding over snow at Silver Star Resort in Vernon, BC, along with visits to national park natural attractions. Comfort Travel presents the “White Canada Double Castle Super Value 10-Day Tour” starting from CAD $49,500, while other options include CAA Travel’s “Vancouver 5-Day 2-Night Boutique Tour” from CAD $36,000, and Phoenix Travel’s “Vancouver 5-Day 2-Night with EVA Air Holiday” starting from CAD $35,200. For more travel info, visit the official Chinese tourism website of British Columbia.

Travel Information about British Columbia, Canada
Whistler Winter Activities: http://www.whistler.com/activities/winter
Whistler Food Tours: http://www.whistlertastingtours.com/
Vancouver Christmas Celebrations: http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/events/

Extended Reading: Kusatsu International Ski Resort in Gunma (provided by Tripass Attractions)