Planning a West Coast getaway or local staycation? The West Coast Traveller shares the local news, timely tidbits and and other information you need to know!
Fernie Alpine celebrates 60 years
Fernie Alpine Resort celebrates its 60th anniversary April 2 and 3, followed by Fernival, April 9 and 10.
Everyone is invited to join fun – a weekend full of retro events, outfits, live music, dancing and of course, some awesome powder!
Highlights include Saturday’s Ski Ballet competition, while Sunday brings an old-school mogul bash. Beverage gardens and music round out the festivities, plus retro outfits, of course! There’s even prizes for the best outfits and looks.
The 60th anniversary promises plenty of fun April 2 and 3, with a weekend full of retro events, outfits, live music and of course, awesome powder! Photo by Mark Eleven Photography / Courtesy Fernie Alpine Resort
“As March is usually our snowiest month, we invite you to keep your powder skis ready, your sunblock handy, spring carving skis set to go and most importantly, enjoy our spring weekend events. Celebrate our ski and ride community, and 60 years of snow loving fun!” Matt Mosteller said in announcing the resort’s season extension to April 17.
“We are grateful and thankful to all who have shared their passion for skiing with us for 60 years! A special shout out to all of our team, friends and family who live in Fernie and don’t forget to thank the Griz as well.”
Coming up April 9 and 10, Fernival features live music from Stage Fright and Live Wire on Saturday and local band Hark Raving Sirens on Sunday, with both performances in the Plaza and free for all ages. The annual Powder, Pedal, Paddle event is also tentatively scheduled for Sunday.
Visit skifernie.com for more details.
***
Washington’s Skagit Valley Tulip Festival returns April 1 to 30.
Washington is a-wash in spring blooms
Easily one of the most colourful events of the season, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival returns April 1 to 30, with millions of tulips bursting into bloom.
Designed as a driving tour, with no one “site” to enter, the fields of tulips are scattered throughout the Skagit Valley as are the many events and activities that comprise the festival and showcase Skagit Valley agriculture.
Plan your visit at www.tulipfestival.org
For more on Washington state tulip festivals, check out WCT On the Fly: March 15, 2022
***
Hop down the Bunny trail at Butchart Gardens
On Vancouver Island, The Butchart Gardens welcomes the return of its Easter Bunny Hunt April 15 to 18.
Children 17 years and younger will receive a map at the Admission Gate or Information Centre to mark the location of 12 bunnies hiding throughout The Gardens. Completed maps may be turned in at the Information Centre for an Easter treat. Children may also enter a draw for an Easter basket. Admission to The Gardens is required.
Learn more at butchartgardens.com
***
New Jasper Hotel
Jasper’s first new hotel since 1983 underway
The Forest Park Hotel, a new wilderness-inspired space in Jasper – and the first hotel in the community since 1983 – is in the works.
Located at the edge of town, surrounded by stunning mountains and thick coniferous forests, the 88-room hotel will provide the ideal basecamp for visitors looking to immerse themselves in nature while staying close to the town’s vibrant downtown shopping and culinary offerings.
Connected to the former Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre, the two hotels will become one, creating a year-round, resort-style getaway. The new addition will open to guests in June.
“Jasper is an incredibly beautiful place, visited by guests from around the globe. The soon-to-be-completed Forest Park Hotel, featuring contemporary, nature-inspired design, will provide guests with a relaxing escape when visiting such a beloved Canadian national park,” said Stu Back, Chief Operating Officer, Banff Jasper Collection by Pursuit.
The Forest Park Hotel will complement Pursuit’s current portfolio of hotels and iconic experiences in Jasper National Park, including the Columbia Icefield Adventure, Columbia Icefield Skywalk, Glacier View Lodge at the Columbia Icefield, dining and boat tour adventures at Maligne Lake and the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen near Jasper.
Plan your adventures throughout the West Coast at westcoasttraveller.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thewestcoasttraveller. And for the top West Coast Travel stories of the week delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our weekly Armchair Traveller newsletter!
Staircase and viewing platform now open at Nanaimo’s Ammonite Falls